联合入路双钢板固定治疗陈旧性Schatzker Ⅳ型胫骨平台骨折

目的:探讨膝前正中联合内后纵行入路双锁定钢板固定治疗陈旧性SchatzkerⅣ型胫骨平台骨折的临床疗效。方法:自2013年7月至2015年7月,采用膝前正中联合内后侧纵行手术入路、重建锁定钢板固定后内侧骨块及解剖锁定钢板固定内前侧骨块治疗15例陈旧性胫骨平台骨折患者,男9例,女6例;年龄21~61岁,平均49.2岁;左侧8例,右侧7例。均为SchatzkerⅣ型。受伤至手术时间21~65 d,平均26.5 d。术前主要症状体征为膝关节肿胀、疼痛、畸形及活动受限,X线及CT检查确定骨折类型。通过X线片比较术后即刻及末次随访胫骨平台内翻角、股胫角及后倾角等形态学变化,采用美国特种外科医院(Hospital for Special Surgery,HSS)膝关节评分评价临床疗效。结果:术后2例发生切口并发症,经处理愈合;1例继发创伤性关节炎。15例患者均获随访,时间13~24个月,平均16.6个月。无感染、下肢深静脉血栓、内固定松动断裂、骨折再移位及关节面塌陷等并发症发生。骨折愈合时间3~8个月,平均6.07个月。胫骨平台内翻角、股胫角及后倾角,术后即刻分别为(86.81±1.67)°、(168.00±3.29)°及(10.20±1.47)°,末次随访分别为(86.47±1.67)°、(168.53±3.03)°及(10.54±1.21)°,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);HSS膝关节评分:疼痛26.33±3.86,功能20.00±1.79,活动度16.00±1.55,肌力8.67±0.94,屈曲畸形8.53±1.67,稳定性9.33±0.94,总分88.86±8.92;优10例,良4例,中1例。结论:膝前正中联合后内侧入路、双锁定钢板固定治疗陈旧性SchatzkerⅣ型胫骨平台骨折,具有显露充分、复位固定可靠及便于膝关节早期功能锻炼等优点,术后近期疗效满意。     

后外侧联合后内侧入路治疗胫骨平台后柱骨折的临床研究

目的观察后外侧联合后内侧入路治疗胫骨平台后柱骨折手术方法及临床疗效。方法对13例胫骨平台后柱骨折采用后外侧联合后内侧入路切开复位内固定术进行治疗。比较术后即刻、12个月的胫骨平台内翻角(TPA)、胫骨平台后倾角(PA)。采用HSS膝关节评分及膝关节活动度(ROM)评价术后疗效。结果本组均获12~20个月随访,骨折全部愈合,术后12个月HSS膝关节评分73~92分,平均(82.4±6.8)分,ROM平均为(121.6±1.2)°。术后即刻与12个月TPA、PA度数差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论后内侧联合后外侧入路可治疗广泛而复杂的胫骨平台后柱骨折,采用双切口对于后内侧和后外侧骨折复位和固定都较充分,对软组织创伤较小,利于关节功能恢复。     

前后联合入路双钢板固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折

目的 探讨前后联合入路双钢板固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的效果.方法 应用前后联合入路、前外侧和后内侧钢板联合固定治疗24例复杂胫骨平台骨折.结果 24例均获随访,时间12～24(13.6±3.04)个月.骨折均获愈合,时间为3～4.5(3.3±0.6)个月.术后即刻X线片示23例解剖复位,1例复位不完全.术后1.5、3、6、12个月X线片与术后即刻X线片对比无变化.术后3个月开始负重,完全负重时间4～5(4.4±0.3)个月.术后12个月膝关节屈曲85～135(124±10.9)°,伸膝为-3～5(1.8±2.1)°.术后12个月膝关节Aks评分为64～94(87.5±6.9)分.切口无感染和裂开,内固定无松动及断裂.结论 前后联合入路双钢板固定治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折效果满意.     

联合入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折

目的:探讨后内侧倒"L"形辅助前外侧联合入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的早期临床疗效。方法:自2011年3月至2014年6月,采用后内侧倒"L"形辅助前外侧联合入路手术治疗SchatzkerⅣ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ型胫骨平台骨折34例,其中男23例,女11例;年龄18~67岁,平均34.9岁;左侧19例,右侧15例。按Schatzker分型:Ⅳ型11例,Ⅴ型15例,Ⅵ型8例。按三柱分型:双柱骨折23例,三柱骨折11例。记录X线愈合时间、膝关节活动度,测量并记录患者术后即刻、6、12个月胫骨平台内翻角(TPA)及后倾角(PA),术后3、6、12个月采用美国特种外科医院评分系统(HSS)评定膝关节功能。结果:28例患者获得随访,时间8~39个月,平均(21.6±8.7)个月。骨折全部愈合,X线愈合时间12~24周,平均(14.5±3.6)周;膝关节活动度105°~135°,平均(121.5±5.5)°。术后即刻、6、12个月胫骨平台内翻角分别为(84.3±1.8)°,(85.1±1.3)°和(85.6±1.6)°;后倾角分别为(7.8±1.6)°,(7.8±1.3)°和(7.7±2.3)°;术后即刻、6、12个月胫骨平台内翻角及后倾角比较差异均无统计学意义。术后3、6、12个月HSS膝关节功能评分为71.4±1.4,76.7±1.7和81.6±1.2;术后3、6、12个月HSS膝关节功能评分比较差异均无统计学意义。1例早期膝关节僵硬,经积极功能锻炼,术后1年膝关节伸直受限范围6°;1例术后前外侧伤口裂开,经换药后愈合,未发生深部感染;4例天气变化时出现疼痛。末次随访,无膝关节不稳、膝关节外翻、内固定松动及断裂发生。结论:后内侧倒"L"形辅助前外侧联合入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折,能够充分显露手术区域,直视下精准复位骨折,同时对塌陷平台进行足量植骨,从而恢复了关节面的平整性,固定牢靠,利于早期功能锻炼,并发症少,临床疗效满意。     

改良前外侧入路锁定钢板内固定治疗孤立性后外侧胫骨平台骨折疗效分析

目的探讨改良前外侧入路锁定钢板内固定治疗孤立性后外侧胫骨平台骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-01—2018-04采用改良前外侧入路锁定钢板内固定治疗的23例孤立性后外侧胫骨平台骨折。末次随访时采用HSS评分标准评价膝关节功能。结果 23例均获得随访,随访时间平均15.4(12～23)个月。骨折均骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间平均12(10～16)周。术后骨折复位情况根据Rasmussen评分标准评定:优17例,良6例。术后1年随访时均未见明显关节面复位丢失。术后即刻X线片测量胫骨平台内翻角为(87.3±0.5)°,术后1年为(87.7±1.2)°。术后即刻X线片测量胫骨平台后倾角为(7.3±0.7)°,术后1年为(7.5±1.2)°。术后1年随访时膝关节活动度平均125.5°(105°～135°)。末次随访时膝关节功能HSS评分:优12例,良9例,可2例。结论采用改良前外侧入路锁定钢板内固定治疗孤立性后外侧胫骨平台骨折可清晰地显露骨折部位并完成有效固定,较好地维持膝关节稳定性,有利于患者术后早期功能锻炼。     

波及后髁的胫骨平台骨折手术入路选择

目的以胫骨平台三柱分型理论为指导,设计波及后髁胫骨平台骨折的手术入路并观察术后疗效。方法自2011-01—2013-09以三柱分型理论为指导对17例波及后髁的胫骨平台骨折设计相应的手术入路进行内固定,单纯后柱骨折以及后柱骨折+内侧柱骨折设计膝关节后方倒L形入路,外侧柱+后柱骨折以及外侧柱+内侧柱+后柱骨折设计膝关节后方倒L形入路+前外侧入路。术后定期摄膝关节X线片观察骨折愈合情况并测量胫骨平台的内翻角及后倾角,以膝关节Rasmussen功能评分对术后疗效进行评估。结果17例术后均获平均13.7(12~17)个月随访。骨折临床愈合时间为3~8个月,平均5.6个月。术后即刻胫骨平台内翻角为(86.27±0.35)°,术后1年为(86.39±0.32)°,差异无统计学意义(t=-0.911,P=0.376);术后即刻胫骨平台后倾角为(9.15±0.34)°,术后1年胫骨平台后倾角为(9.17±0.34)°,差异无统计学意义(t=0.557,P=0.585)。术后1年膝关节功能Rasmussen评分:优9例,良7例,可1例,优良率94.1%。结论胫骨平台三柱分型理论对设计波及后髁的胫骨平台骨折手术入路有指导意义,但该理论在设计胫骨平台后髁合并外侧髁骨折手术入路时可能需要进一步明确骨折亚型。     

后侧正中入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折

目的探讨后侧正中入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后外侧骨折的手术方法与临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-11—2018-03采用后侧正中入路钢板内固定治疗的18例胫骨平台后外侧骨折,术后采用Rasmussen骨折复位解剖学评分标准来评价骨折复位质量,采用美国特种外科医院(HSS)评分评价膝关节功能,同时观察并记录术后并发症的发生情况。结果 18例均获得随访,随访时间10～36(17.8±0.6)个月。术后Rasmussen复位评分15～18(16.9±0.4)分;末次随访时HSS膝关节功能评分平均80～96(90.7±3.8)分。术后有1例出现膝后切口浅表感染,未发现神经血管损伤病例。有2例膝关节屈伸活动度受限,经锻炼后明显好转。结论后侧正中入路能很好地显露整个胫骨平台后柱,有利于解剖复位骨折端并置入内固定物,未发生明显并发症,膝关节功能优良,可获得良好的近期疗效。     

复杂过伸型胫骨平台骨折的形态特征及手术策略

目的探讨复杂过伸型胫骨平台骨折的形态特征、手术策略及临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2017年10月至2019年1月治疗27例复杂过伸型胫骨平台骨折患者资料,男19例,女8例;年龄23~68岁,平均43.4岁。根据胫骨平台骨折Schatzker分型:Ⅳ型8例,Ⅴ型5例,Ⅵ型14例;三柱理论分型:双柱骨折8例,三柱骨折19例。双髁骨折采用内侧和前外侧入路,内侧Tomofix锁定钢板固定,前外侧"L"型锁定钢板固定;胫骨内髁骨折采用扩大内侧入路,分别于前内侧"T"型钢板固定和内后侧锁定钢板固定;合并胫骨前缘骨折患者采用改良前正中入路,胫骨前缘采用水平带状钢板固定。修复合并软组织或骨损伤。术后和终末随访通过X线片及CT扫描评估骨折愈合、复位情况。采用Rasmussen放射学标准评估胫骨平台骨折复位情况,采用美国特种外科医院(hospital for special surgery,HSS)评分评估术后12个月膝关节功能。结果27例患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间为130~350 min,平均165 min。27例患者均获得随访,随访时间12~24个月,平均15.8个月。所有骨折均获得骨性愈合,骨折临床愈合时间10~18周,平均13.5周。术后12个月Rasmussen胫骨平台骨折复位放射学评分为13~18分,平均16.7分,其中优19例,良8例,优良率为100%(27/27)。术后12个月HSS膝关节评分82~98分,平均93.2分,其中优22例,良4例,可1例,优良率96.2%(26/27)。结论复杂过伸型胫骨平台骨折常出现胫骨双髁骨折、胫骨内侧髁或胫骨前缘骨折,根据不同的骨折位置选择手术入路和固定方式,同时修复韧带软组织结构,重建膝关节稳定性,可取得满意的疗效。     

内侧加前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台三柱骨折

目的:探讨运用胫骨平台三柱分型,联合内侧加前外侧入路钢板内固定方法治疗复杂胫骨平台骨折的疗效。方法:2010年3月至2012年3月,采用内侧加前外侧入路,应用"T"形、"L"形钢板或桡骨远端"T"形钢板内固定治疗涉及胫骨平台三柱骨折,共20例。其中男13例,女7例;年龄29~52岁,平均39.4岁;受伤至手术时间8~12 d,平均9 d。末次随访按照美国特种外科医院膝关节功能评分方法评定疗效及测量胫骨平台的内翻角、后倾角、股胫角。结果:患者平均手术时间2.11 h,术中出血量平均452 ml,平均住院时间22.3 d,20例术后均获随访,时间12~20个月,平均14.6个月。骨折愈合时间3~8个月,平均6.1个月。20例胫骨平台内翻角、后倾角、股胫角术后3 d分别为(86.1±2.7)°、(10.7±1.6)°、(168.0±4.7)°,术后1年分别为(84.1±3.2)°、(13.7±1.9)°、(170.0±5.8)°,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。末次随访按照美国特种外科医院膝关节功能评分方法评定疗效:优11例,良6例,中2例,差1例。术后无神经及血管损伤,术后1例出现局部感染,1例发生切口皮缘部分坏死,均经保守治疗痊愈。4例术后出现小腿内下方感觉麻木,无螺钉松动、断裂及内固定失效等其他并发症发生。结论:采用内侧加前外侧入路治疗胫骨平台三柱骨折能够术中不更换体位,术后获得更优良的解剖复位和更坚强的固定,有利于膝关节早期功能的锻炼。     

胫骨内侧平台大块劈裂骨折手术方式和疗效分析

目的 :探讨经内侧入路保护内侧结构,两个不同方向内固定治疗以内侧大块劈裂为主的胫骨平台骨折的可行性和有效性。方法:自2010年1月至2016年1月采用膝内侧切口保护内侧软组织结构,不同方向固定胫骨内侧骨折块治疗涉及大块劈裂的胫骨内侧平台骨折患者21例,男17例,女4例;年龄27~63(39.2±3.2)岁。术前影像学检查(X线或CT)确诊,取膝关节内侧切口入路,保护膝内侧结构同时行内侧和内后侧钢板支撑内固定术;合并外侧平台骨折予外侧或外后侧切口复位固定。术后即刻根据Rasmussen放射学评分标准评价骨折复位情况,术后1年随访时根据美国特种外科医院(Hospital for Special Surgery,HSS)膝关节评分系统评定疗效。术后通过X线及临床检查判断骨折愈合时间,记录并发症及相应转归。结果:术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,未见明显并发症。21例患者术后均获随访,时间10~24(17.2±1.7)个月。骨折均愈合,愈合时间为9~16(11.1±3.2)周。术后骨折复位Rasmussen放射学评分1~18(16.7±1.5)分;优16例,良3例,可2例。末次随访时HSS膝关节评分60~100(87.3±6.7)分;优18例,良2例,可1例。结论:对于大块劈裂的胫骨内侧平台骨折,内侧切口、充分保护膝内侧结构、两个不同方向支撑钢板固定方法可行,近期疗效满意。     

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 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.     

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.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

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.