关节镜下经肩胛冈入路切除冈盂切迹囊肿28例随访1年结果北大核心CSCD

目的 探讨关节镜下经肩胛冈入路切除冈盂切迹囊肿的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2014年6月~2020年6月28例冈盂切迹囊肿手术和随访资料,其中4例单纯冈盂切迹囊肿,21例合并肩关节上盂唇前后部(superior labrum anterior and posterior, SLAP)损伤,1例合并后盂唇损伤,2例合并前下盂唇损伤。关节镜下经肩胛冈入路(冈上肌和冈下肌间隙)完全切除囊肿,并处理合并肩关节病变如SLAP损伤、肩袖损伤等。随访期1年,通过Constant-Murley评分、改良美国加州大学(UCLA)肩关节评分和肌力评分评估肩关节功能,行MRI明确囊肿是否复发。结果 28例术后无严重并发症,临床症状均较术前明显改善,术后1年Constant-Murley评分、改良UCLA评分均较术前明显提高[(48.5±7.0)分vs.(95.6±3.4)分,t=-35.804,P=0.000;(17.0±8.3)分vs.(32.3±3.7)分,t=-9.371,P=0.000],7例冈下肌萎缩者肩外旋肌力较术前显著提高[(5.4±3.5)kg vs.(10.7±2.9)kg,t=-2.937,P=0.026]。术后1年复查MRI均未见囊肿复发。结论 关节镜下经肩胛冈入路完全切除冈盂切迹囊肿、处理合并肩关节损伤,可改善临床症状,避免囊肿复发。     

关节镜下修复类风湿关节炎病人肩袖损伤的疗效分析

目的 探讨关节镜下修复类风湿关节炎病人肩袖损伤的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年3月至2018年7月的17例（20肩）类风湿关节炎病人的病例资料,均行关节镜下肩袖修复术,其中肩袖部分撕裂6例（7肩）,完全撕裂11例（13肩）。收集并比较病人术前及术后1年的疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分。分析病人术前、术后6个月及1年的Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分和美国加利福尼亚大学洛杉矶分校（University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA）肩关节评分。分析病人术前、术后1年的外展、外旋、内旋等肩关节活动度。结果 17例病人术后均随访1年以上。本组术后6个月和1年的UCLA评分分别为（27.15±2.85）分、（30.55±2.11）分,Constant-Murley评分分别为（73.20±4.07）分、（83.35±3.84）分,与术前相比逐步提升,各个时间点的评分比较,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。静息和活动状态下的VAS评分由术前的（5.95±2.37）分、（7.35±2.13）分改善至术后的（2.20±1.23）分和（2.40±1.43）分,术前肩关节外展、外旋及内旋活动度由术前的77.30°±18.20°、37.25°±10.03°、35.25°±12.74°改善至术后的131.80°±20.22°、47.85°±7.66°和59.40°±12.12°,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。无论是肩袖完全撕裂还是部分撕裂的类风湿关节炎病人,通过关节镜下肩袖修复术后,病人动、静态疼痛及内旋活动度恢复良好;但在肩袖完全撕裂的病人中,术后外展活动度及病人满意度均未见明显改善（P均＞0.05）。结论 关节镜下修复类风湿关节炎病人肩袖损伤能较好地缓解病人疼痛,对于肩袖部分撕裂的病人也能较好地改善肩关节的活动度和术后满意度。     

肩关节镜下锚钉固定位置与跨度对治疗复发性肩关节前脱位预后的影响

目的 评估肩关节镜下锚钉内固定术治疗复发性肩关节前脱位的临床疗效,并探讨锚钉固定位置、跨度对临床疗效的影响。方法 2013年1月至2016年6月,前瞻性纳入47例复发性肩关节前脱位病人,关节镜下使用3枚Lupine锚钉固定撕裂的盂唇。术后第2日常规复查肩关节三维CT,以表盘上的时间刻度描述锚钉位点及跨度。采用数字分级法（numerical rating scale, NRS）评估病人的疼痛程度;使用美国肩肘外科医师学会（American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, ASES）评分及Constant-Murley评分评估手术前后关节功能。使用丹麦健康与医疗管理局（Danish Health and Medicine Authority）满意度评分表评估病人满意度。分析锚钉固定位置、跨度等因素与Constant-Murley评分的关系。结果 47例病人术后未出现明显并发症,术后的NRS评分、ASES评分、Constant-Murley评分均较术前显著改善,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。病人满意度评分为（8.2±1.3）分。锚钉跨度越大,Constant-Murley评分越低（F=21.714,P＜0.001）;锚定位置越高（越接近12点钟位置）,Constant-Murley评分越低（F=13.752,P=0.006）。结论 锚钉固定前下盂唇可有效改善病人肩关节功能,有利于肩关节稳定性重建,且锚钉固定的位置及跨度与肩关节术后稳定性相关。     

关节镜下双Endobutton钢板结合经皮克氏针髓内固定治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的疗效分析

目的 探讨关节镜下双Endobutton钢板结合经皮克氏针髓内固定治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我科2020年9月至2022年1月经关节镜下双Endobutton钢板结合经皮克氏针髓内固定手术治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的13例病人的临床结果。男8例,女5例;平均年龄为37.6岁（21~53岁）。Neer ⅡA型11例,Neer ⅡB型2例。通过收集术前及末次随访时病人的Constant-Murley评分、疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分、肩关节前屈和外展活动度评价病人术后肩关节功能恢复情况,通过术后随访X线片了解骨折愈合时间。结果 13例病人均获得随访,平均随访时间为6.5个月（4~9个月）。术前病人的Constant-Murley评分、VAS评分、前屈活动度、外展活动度分别为（40.30±5.75）分、（4.69±1.25）分、70.77°±6.41°、64.23°±7.60°,末次随访时分别为（96.00±5.96）分、（0.23±0.60）分、169.23°±11.52°、163.77°±12.40°,末次随访时的数据较术前均有明显改善,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。所有病人骨折均愈合,平均愈合时间为4.6个月（3~8个月）。结论 关节镜下双Endobutton钢板结合经皮克氏针髓内固定治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折疗效满意,同时具有微创、不需要二次手术取出内固定等优点,可以作为治疗Neer Ⅱ锁骨远端骨折的选择方案。     

关节镜下缝线桥技术治疗老年肩关节脱位合并冈上肌止点撕脱骨折

目的 探讨关节镜下缝线桥技术治疗老年肩关节脱位合并冈上肌止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析21例肩关节脱位合并冈上肌止点撕脱骨折老年病人的病例资料,其中男13例,女8例,年龄为（53.7±2.3）岁,受伤至手术时间为（2.8±1.3） d,均采用关节镜下缝线桥技术固定治疗冈上肌止点撕脱骨折。采用改良Constant-Murley评分、上肢功能障碍评分量表（Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand, DASH）评分、Rowe评分评价肩关节功能;采用测角仪评估病人术后的运动范围（前倾、外展、外旋）。术后复查X线评估骨折愈合情况。结果 本组21例随访（23.4±7.1）个月,未见骨折不愈合及肩袖再撕裂病人,2例（9.5%）由于肩关节僵硬进行了松解,1例有一次创伤性再脱位（4.8%）。患侧Constant-Murley评分为84.3%±11.2%,DASH评分为（12.7±7.3）分,Rowe评分为（81.8±9.2）分,与健侧相比,评分差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。运动范围方面,患侧和健侧在前屈、外展和内旋时的角度比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）,但两者主动外旋时的角度比较,差异有统计学意义（t=-8.904,P=0.018）。结论 关节镜下缝线桥技术治疗老年肩关节脱位合并冈上肌止点撕脱骨折可获得良好的功能效果,复发脱位率低。     

关节镜下部分修复术治疗70岁以上糖尿病病人巨大肩袖损伤的2年随访结果

目的 评估关节镜下部分修复术治疗70岁以上糖尿病病人巨大肩袖损伤的临床治疗效果。方法 回顾性分析2016年1月至2018年6月在我院接受关节镜下部分修复术治疗的40例70岁以上2型糖尿病合并巨大肩袖损伤病人的临床资料,其中男16例,女24例;年龄为（72.05±2.01）岁（70~78岁）;均仅修复肩胛下肌腱上部和冈下肌腱,恢复肩关节前方和后方的肩袖线缆附着。收集术前及末次随访时的肩关节疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分、活动度、美国加利福尼亚大学洛杉矶分校（University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA）肩关节评分、Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分以及不良事件发生情况。结果 本组随访（2.53±0.75）年（2~4年）。末次随访时的VAS评分、Constant-Murley评分、UCLA评分分别为（0.72+0.68）分、（72.98+10.17）分、（30.48+1.66）分,被动前举、主动前举、被动外展、主动外展活动度分别为158.70°±5.82°、139.90°±4.12°、147.60°±12.02°、131.90°±19.89°,较术前均有显著改善,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。根据UCLA评分,33例为优良,7例为可,总体满意率为82.5%。结论 利用带线锚钉关节镜下部分修复老年糖尿病病人巨大肩袖损伤可以明显改善肩关节功能,获得良好的临床效果。     

肩胛下肌强化缝合术治疗伴有严重盂唇损伤的复发性肩关节脱位

目的:探讨肩胛下肌强化缝合术治疗伴有严重盂唇损伤的复发性肩关节脱位的方法和临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2019年3月至2020年8月行肩胛下肌强化缝合术(arthroscopic subscapularis augmentation,ASA)治疗伴有严重盂唇损伤的复发性肩关节脱位的患者16例,其中男10例,女6例;年龄18~50(29.06±10.54)岁;左肩4例,右肩12例。在手术前后采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),美国肩肘外科协会(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons,ASES)评分及肩关节功能Rowe评分对肩关节功能和稳定性进行评估。结果:16例患者均获随访,时间12~29(18.75±7.26)个月。VAS由术前的(5.25±1.13)分降至末次随访的(1.37±0.65)分;ASES评分由术前的(59.44±9.93)分增加至末次随访的(90.88±4.00)分;肩关节Rowe 评分由术前的(51.56±8.89)分增加至末次随访的(92.19±7.06)分(P<0.05)。随访期间未见肩关节脱位,所有患者术后未出现切口感染、血管神经损伤等临床并发症。结论:肩胛下肌强化缝合术是治疗伴有严重盂唇损伤的复发性肩关节脱位的有效方法,并且患者的外旋功能几乎不受影响。     

肱二头肌长头腱切除或保留对老年退变性肩袖修补术后肩关节功能的影响

目的 比较肱二头肌长头腱切除或保留对老年退变性肩袖修补术后肩关节功能的影响。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月至2021年12月在我院接受肩袖修补手术治疗的老年退变性肩袖损伤病人54例。其中33例接受肱二头肌长头腱切除的病人归为腱切除组,21例肱二头肌长头腱保留者归为腱保留组。收集术前、术后3个月及末次随访时的疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分、肩关节Constant-Murley评分、简明肩关节功能测试（SST）评分。结果 腱切除组和腱保留组术前的VAS评分、Constant-Murley评分、SST评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。两组病人术后3个月及末次随访VAS评分、Constant-Murley评分、SST评分均较术前明显改善,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。腱切除组术后3个月及末次随访Constant-Murley评分分别为（74.64±4.43）分、（86.33±3.42）分,均高于腱保留组的（71.24±3.82）分、（84.19±3.06）分,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但其差异未达到Constant-Murley评分最小临床意义变化值。两组间的VAS评分、SST评分在术后3个月和末次随访时的数值比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 损伤不明显的肱二头肌长头腱保留或切除对老年退变性肩袖修补后短期肩关节功能均未表现出显著优越性,故在老年退变性肩袖修补同时切除损伤不明显的肱二头肌长头腱尚无明确依据。     

肩关节镜下Double-pulley双排锚钉技术治疗IdebergⅠ型肩胛盂骨折

目的：评估肩关节镜下Double-pulley双排锚钉技术治疗IdebergⅠ型肩胛盂骨折的临床疗效。方法：收集2017年7月至2019年3月收治的8例接受肩关节镜下Double-pulley双排锚钉技术治疗的IdebergⅠ型肩胛盂骨折患者,男7例,女1例;左肩5例,右肩3例;年龄22~56岁,受伤至手术时间3~10 d。术前和术后拍摄肩关节X线片和行CT检查评估骨折严重程度和骨折愈合情况。运动功能评价采用美国肩肘外科（American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons,ASES）评分和Constant-Murley评分。结果：所有患者获得随访,时间12~24个月,骨折愈合时间3~5个月。患者均未出现手术部位感染,术后肩关节CT显示骨折复位满意,未出现移位。肩关节运动功能恢复好,术后末次随访ASES评分85~97分,均较术前提高;Constant-Murley评分83~96分,均较术前提高。结论：肩关节镜下采用Double-pulley双排锚钉技术可以有效固定IdebergⅠ型肩胛盂骨折,对软组织损伤小,关节功能恢复好。     

关节镜下无结缝线桥固定术与传统打结缝线桥固定术治疗大肩袖撕裂的对比研究

目的 比较关节镜下传统打结缝线桥固定术与无结缝线桥固定术治疗大肩袖撕裂的临床疗效。方法 选取2021年1月至2022年12月我院收治的213例大肩袖撕裂病人,以随机数字表法分组,对照组106例采用传统打结缝线桥固定术,研究组107例采用无结缝线桥固定术。对比两组手术时间、疼痛程度、肩关节活动度、肩关节功能评分、影像学相关指标、生活质量评分、再撕裂率及并发症情况。结果 研究组手术时间短于对照组［（74.85±5.22） min vs. （83.45±5.32） min］,并发症发生率较对照组更低（2.80% vs. 10.38%）,再撕裂率较对照组显著降低（0.93% vs. 7.55%,P＜0.05）。两组术后各观察时间点的疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分较同组术前均降低,外旋活动度、前屈活动度、美国加州大学肩关节评分系统（UCLA）、美国肩肘外科协会（ASES）评分系统、Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分、健康生活调查量表（SF-36）评分较同组术前均升高,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。组间比较,术后7天、3个月、6个月时研究组的VAS评分显著低于对照组,术后6个月UCLA、ASES、Constant-Murley评分及外旋活动度、前屈活动度显著高于对照组,术后12个月的SF-36各维度评分显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 应用关节镜下传统打结缝线桥固定与无结缝线桥固定术治疗大肩袖撕裂,均可取得良好疗效;但无结缝线桥固定术能显著缩短手术时间,更能减轻病人术后疼痛,促进肩关节功能恢复,并降低肩袖再撕裂发生率,减少并发症发生率。     

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.