个体化三维打印导航模板辅助下颈椎椎弓根置钉的实验研究

[目的]探讨一种基于三维打印成型技术制备个体化下颈椎椎弓根螺钉导航模板的可行性,并对该方法辅助置钉的准确性进行评估。[方法]选取10具成人尸体的颈椎标本,行CT扫描后将原始数据导入Mimics软件,对C3⁷节段行选择性重建,设计与其椎板和棘突相贴合的阴模,利用三维打印技术成型。基于目标椎体三维模型,直视下徒手将阴模制成具有双侧椎弓根螺钉钉道的导航模板,并在其辅助下于各椎体标本置入双侧椎弓根螺钉。术后再次行CT扫描评估螺钉位置。[结果]剔除骨性结构不完整的标本后,共制作62个下颈椎导航模板,辅助置入椎弓根螺钉124枚。CT扫描轴位图像显示121枚螺钉完全位于椎弓根内,3枚部分穿破椎弓根壁;矢状位图像提示除1枚螺钉误入椎间孔外,余钉位准确。[结论]本研究结果表明,基于CT图像,使用Mimics软件能够精确重建下颈椎各节段椎体及其附属结构,并建立其对应阴模。利用三维打印模型所设计的个体化导航模板,辅助置钉准确性高、操作简单,为下颈椎椎弓根螺钉的精确置入提供了一种可供选择的新方法。     

三维打印个体化导航模板在枕骨髁螺钉固定技术中的应用研究

【摘要】 目的：探讨一种基于三维打印技术制备个体化枕骨髁螺钉导航模板的可行性,并对该方法辅助置钉的准确性和安全性进行评估。方法：选取20具成人尸体的枕颈部标本,将其CT扫描数据导入Mimics软件,对枕骨至枢椎水平行选择性三维重建,观察并测量枕骨髁相关解剖结构以确定置钉参数。在计算机三维模型上虚拟枕骨髁螺钉钉道及其导向通道,设计与枕骨后部结构相贴合的阴模,将阴模与导向通道整合后利用三维打印技术成型,制作出枕骨髁模型及对应的个体化导航模板。然后导航模板辅助下分别于模型和尸体标本置入双侧枕骨髁螺钉,并通过解剖观察及CT扫描评估置钉准确性。结果：枕骨髁的大体形态及毗邻解剖结构个体差异较大,虚拟置钉后测得置钉轴位内倾角、矢状位倾角和进钉点至寰枕关节面的垂直距离分别为30.2°±6.3°、8.1°±2.6°和3.69±0.42mm。根据置钉参数设计并打印出20个枕骨髁模型及对应的个体化导航模板,在其辅助下成功置入双侧枕骨髁螺钉共40枚,置钉耗时（60.1±9.3）s。术后解剖观察及CT扫描提示所有螺钉均准确置入枕骨髁内。结论：使用Mimics软件能够根据CT扫描结果利用三维打印技术制作出个体化枕骨髁螺钉导航模板,辅助置钉准确性高,操作简单,为枕骨髁螺钉的精确置入提供了新思路。     

数字化导航模板在颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入中的应用

目的 :评价个体化导航模板辅助颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入的准确性和安全性。方法 :2010年8月~2013年8月,对25例需要行颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定的患者术前行64排螺旋CT连续扫描,计算机重建颈椎三维模型、设计颈椎椎弓根的最佳进钉通道,获取每个颈椎椎板的解剖形态,设计与颈椎椎板吻合的反向模板,并模拟螺钉的最佳进钉通道,形成单侧定位导向孔的导航模板。利用3D打印技术打印颈椎模型和导航模块,通过术前模拟置钉测量出每个椎弓根的螺钉通道长度及椎弓根宽度,术中采用导航模板辅助置入椎弓根螺钉,术后行CT扫描评价螺钉位置,记录有无与螺钉置入相关的并发症。结果:利用导航模板辅助置入颈椎椎弓根螺钉共164枚,其中152枚完全在椎弓根内,4枚螺钉穿破椎弓根内侧皮质,8枚螺钉穿破椎弓根外侧皮质,无椎弓根上方、下方穿破的螺钉,未发现与置钉相关的椎动脉、神经根和颈髓等损伤的症状。结论:个体化导航模板辅助颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入可以提高置钉的准确率,增加颈椎手术的安全性。     

数字化“定点-定向”双导航模板辅助椎弓根螺钉置钉治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的评价数字化"定点-定向"双导航模板辅助椎弓根螺钉置钉治疗寰枢椎不稳的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2013年9月—2016年12月收治的24例采用数字化"定点-定向"双导航模板辅助行颈椎后路椎弓根螺钉置钉的寰枢椎不稳患者的临床资料。术前CT扫描获取数据经Mimics 10.0软件三维重建后进行寰枢椎后路椎弓根螺钉置钉理想钉道的计算机辅助规划,并根据寰枢椎后方骨性结构表面数据设计个性化"定点-定向"双导航模板。在3D打印机上制作"定点-定向"双导航模板,高温消毒后应用于临床手术辅助置钉。术后根据颈椎X线和CT检查结果评价椎弓根螺钉的位置,并观察植骨融合情况及颈椎稳定性。采用颈部和/或枕骨下疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分评估患者的临床疗效。结果应用数字化双导航模板为24例患者置入椎弓根螺钉,22例行寰枢椎后路椎弓根螺钉固定,2例行寰枢椎后路椎弓根螺钉并椎板螺钉固定。共置入寰椎椎弓根螺钉48枚,枢椎椎弓根螺钉46枚,枢椎椎板螺钉2枚。术后CT检查示所有螺钉均未穿破钉道骨皮质。所有患者随访6个月,大部分患者颈部疼痛明显缓解,VAS评分由术前(7.78±1.12)分降至术后(2.48±0.55)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术前肌力下降者术后均不同程度恢复。所有患者均未发生神经、血管损伤等置钉相关并发症。结论数字化"定点-定向"双导航模板不仅能够提高手术置钉的准确性和安全性,还能针对不同类型的寰枢椎不稳提供更合理的置钉方式。     

个体化导航模板辅助腰椎椎弓根螺钉置钉准确性实验研究

目的:探讨个体化导航模板辅助腰椎椎弓根螺钉置入的准确性.方法:根据10具尸体腰椎(L1～L4)标本术前CT资料,利用逆向工程原理及快速成型技术设计制造出个体化导航模板,在尸体标本上进行个体化导航模板辅助腰椎椎弓根螺钉的置入手术,术后行CT断层扫描评价螺钉在椎弓根及椎体内的位置.结果:共应用40个个体化导航模板,辅助置入腰椎椎弓根螺钉80枚.CT扫描发现所有螺钉进钉点准确,进钉方向适当:全部螺钉均准确置入相应椎弓根及椎体内,无穿破椎弓根皮质及椎体前方的螺钉.结论:个体化导航模板辅助腰椎椎弓根螺钉置钉准确性高,操作简单,为腰椎椎弓根螺钉的准确置入提供了一种新的可供选择的方法.     

3D导航模板在治疗寰枢椎骨折辅助置钉中的应用

目的探讨3D打印个体化导航模板辅助寰枢椎螺钉置入的安全性、准确性。方法回顾性分析我院自2015年7月至2016年1月应用3D打印技术辅助寰枢椎螺钉置入的24例患者,其中男13例,女11例;年龄38~78岁,平均年龄(59.35±4.02)岁。通过计算机在三维模型上进行模拟手术置钉,最后通过逆向工程软件设计3D导航模板。将置钉前后患者的CT数据配对拟合,测量理想钉道与实际螺钉的进钉点及进钉角度,并对置钉的安全性进行评估。结果所有患者手术顺利完成,没有发生神经损伤加重、血管损伤等并发症。寰椎和枢椎术前设计与术后CT的螺钉进钉点的三维坐标比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。比较寰椎和枢椎模拟置钉和手术置钉的内倾角(螺钉与矢状面的夹角)和头倾角(螺钉与上中板面的夹角),差异无统计学意义(P0.05),模拟置钉和手术置钉组比较,置钉合格率差异无统计学意义(P0.05),理想钉道与实际螺钉进钉点、钉道方向的差异无统计学意义。结论利用3D打印技术制作的螺钉导航模板辅助寰枢椎后路螺钉置钉,提高了置钉的安全性和准确性,理论上可降低椎动脉和脊髓损伤的风险。     

个体化3D打印导板在寰枢椎椎弓根置钉中的初步应用

目的评估个体化3D打印导板辅助寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术在临床应用中的安全性及准确性。方法枢椎齿状突Ⅱ型骨折行后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术病人3例,根据寰枢椎后方骨性结构数据设计个体化导板,术中根据导板确定进针点,磨钻磨除进针点骨皮质,根据导板方向建立钉道,根据术前测量选择并拧入合适长度螺钉。术后通过观察螺钉在CT横断面和矢状面的位置来评估螺钉置入的安全性。结果术后CT检查显示共置入寰椎椎弓根螺钉6枚,枢椎椎弓根螺钉6枚,12枚螺钉均为0级螺钉。结论个体化3D打印导板能辅助寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉置钉技术,提高临床手术置钉的准确率和安全性,减少神经血管损伤。     

个性化导航模板辅助儿童颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入与徒手置入准确性的对比研究

目的 :探讨个性化导航模板辅助儿童颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入的可行性及准确性,并与徒手置钉进行对比。方法:选取儿童尸体4具,男女各2具,年龄6~9岁。随机分为2组,均行颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入术。徒手置钉组(A组)行徒手置钉;个性化导航模板辅助下置钉组(B组)依据颈椎CT扫描资料,利用计算机辅助及快速成型技术设计并制作出相应颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入个性化导航模板,行该模板辅助下置钉。置钉后行颈椎CT扫描评价两种置钉方法的置钉成功率及优级率并行统计分析。结果:A组共置入28枚螺钉,寰椎置入4枚螺钉,其中良级3枚、差级1枚;枢椎置入4枚螺钉,其中优级2枚、良级2枚;下颈椎(C3~C7)置入20枚螺钉,其中优级9枚、良级5枚、差级6枚。B组共置入28枚螺钉,寰椎置入4枚螺钉,其中良级2枚、差级2枚;枢椎置入4枚螺钉,其中优级3枚、良级1枚;下颈椎置入20枚螺钉,其中优级16枚、良级3枚、差级1枚。两组上颈椎的置钉成功率及优级率因样本数太少未进行统计学比较;两组下颈椎置钉的成功率及优级率均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论 :个性化导航模板辅助儿童下颈椎椎弓根螺钉置入术具有较好的置钉成功率,该方法操作简单、易于掌握,充分体现了儿童置钉个性化原则。     

3D打印导航模板引导双侧下颈椎前路椎弓根螺钉置钉的可行性

目的 :通过3D打印技术及骨科数字化技术制作下颈椎前路椎弓根螺钉置钉导航模板,观察模板辅助下置钉的准确性。方法:选取正常成人颈椎湿性标本10具(男、女各5具),将椎前软组织剔除,采用64排薄层CT扫描后获取其DICOM格式数据,导入Mimics软件后三维建模并为颈前路椎弓根螺钉选取理想钉道,设计建立螺钉导航模板后导出其STL数据,通过3D打印机快速打印成型。在导航导板引导下进行下颈椎前路椎弓根螺钉置钉,通过X线及CT评价螺钉的准确性。结果:10具尸体分别于C3~T1每节段置入2枚螺钉,共计120枚,根据螺钉的位置将其分为4级:0级,螺钉完全在椎弓根内,共115枚;1级,螺钉穿破椎弓根皮质,穿出部分小于螺钉直径的25%,1枚;2级,螺钉穿破椎弓根皮质,穿出部分为螺钉直径的25%~50%,3枚;3级,螺钉穿出椎弓根部分大于螺钉直径的50%,1枚。5枚穿破椎弓根皮质者2枚穿破椎弓根内侧皮质,3枚穿破外侧皮质,总体准确性为95.8%。结论:在湿性尸体颈椎标本上应用3D打印及骨科数字化技术制作的导航模板辅助行下颈椎前路椎弓根螺钉置钉的准确性高,为临床应用提供了依据。     

新型单椎单侧椎弓根导向模板辅助下颈椎椎弓根个体化置钉

目的探讨新型单椎单侧椎弓根导向模板辅助下颈椎椎弓根个体化置钉的准确性。方法对需要行颈椎后路椎弓根内固定治疗的22例下颈椎患者术前行CT扫描,根据CT扫描资料,利用逆向工程原理及快速成型技术,采用Mimics 16.0和Imageware 12.0软件,制作颈椎三维模型,并设计出个体化的新型单椎单侧椎弓根导向模板,辅助颈椎椎弓根置钉。术后复查颈椎CT评价椎弓根螺钉的位置,按照Lee et al的评定方法将螺钉在椎弓根内的位置分为4级:0级,螺钉完全位于椎弓根内;1级,穿破椎弓根的部分螺钉直径的25%;2级,螺钉直径的25%~50%穿破椎弓根;3级,穿破椎弓根的部分螺钉直径的50%。0级和1级认为置钉满意,2级和3级认为螺钉误置。结果 22例均获得随访,时间6~36个月。22例患者共置入椎弓根螺钉113枚,改为侧块螺钉固定3枚。术后复查CT提示椎弓根螺钉位置107枚为0级,4枚为1级,2枚为2级。仅2例发生误置,置钉准确率达98.2%。其中1级和2级共6枚椎弓根螺钉均穿破椎弓根外侧壁,无椎弓根内侧壁及上、下壁穿破情况。对螺钉穿破外侧壁的患者行椎动脉MRA检查,未见椎动脉损伤。患者均未出现螺钉误置导致的脊髓、神经损伤并发症。结论新型单椎单侧椎弓根导向模板辅助下颈椎椎弓根个体化置钉准确性高,相关并发症少,为下颈椎椎弓根的置入提供了一种新的方法。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.