极外侧腰椎间融合术治疗轻度腰椎滑脱症

[目的]比较极外侧腰椎间融合术(XLIF)侧方椎体螺钉固定与双侧椎弓钉固定治疗MeyerdingⅠ度和Ⅱ度腰椎滑脱症的临床疗效。[方法]回顾性分析2012年1月～2017年12月,应用XILF手术治疗MeyerdingⅠ度和Ⅱ度腰椎滑脱症患者54例。其中XLIF辅助侧方椎体螺钉固定(LF) 30例,XLIF辅助双侧椎弓根螺钉固定(BPS) 24例。比较两组患者的临床资料。[结果] LF组手术时间、切口总长度、术中失血量、术中透视次数和住院时间均显著优于BPS组(P0.05)。随访12～23个月,平均(16.02±3.25)个月。随时间推移,两组患者疼痛明显减轻,功能改善良好。末次随访时两组患者的腰痛VAS和腿痛VAS评分均较术前显著减少(P0.05),而JOA评分显著增加(P0.05);相同时间点,两组的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。影像评估方面,BPS组的滑脱复位率显著大于LF组(P0.05)。两组患者术后DH、FH和LL均较术前显著增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),末次随访时,BPS组DH大于LF组(P0.05),其余相应时间点,两组间的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时,LF组融合率为80.00%,BPS组为83.33%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论] XLIF手术是治疗轻度腰椎滑脱症安全有效的微创术式。侧方椎体螺钉固定及双侧椎弓根螺钉固定的影像学及临床疗效相似。     

椎间融合器结合椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗腰椎滑脱症22例

目的:探讨应用椎间融合器(Cage)与椎弓根螺钉内固定术联合治疗腰椎滑脱症的临床效果.方法:对22例腰椎滑脱症患者采用椎间融合器植入加椎弓根内固定的手术治疗,术前与术后均对患者采用视觉疼痛评分(visual analogue pain score,VAS),腰功能评分(low back outcome score,LBOS).结果:22例患者随访6～36个月,平均18.5个月.术前VAS和LBOS评分分别为6.8±1.7分和21.4±7.6分,随访时分别为2.1±0.7分(P＜0.05)和46.5±1.7分(P＜0.05).术后经x线检查,17例解剖复位,5例近解剖复位,内固定无松动、Cage无移位.结论:椎间融合器与椎弓根螺钉联合应用治疗腰椎滑脱症是一种安全有效的治疗方法.     

后路减压椎弓根螺钉内固定复位联合椎间融合器植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症的体会

目的探讨后路减压椎弓根螺钉内固定复位联合椎间融合器植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症的效果。方法对42例腰椎滑脱症患者予以后路减压椎弓根螺钉内固定复位联合椎间融合器植骨融合术,对其临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 42例患者术后切口均I期愈合,植骨于3～12个月内均获骨性融合。未发生Cage融合器移位或沉陷及椎弓根钉棒松动、移位、断裂、滑脱复发等并发症。术后3个月及术后12个月腰、腿痛VAS评分均优于术前,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后12个月复查,I度及Ⅱ度滑脱均完全复位,1例Ⅲ度滑脱复位改善明显。末次随访依据邹德威评分标准评定疗效。本组优31例,良10例,可1例。优良率为97.62%。结论后路减压椎弓根螺钉内固定复位联合椎间融合器植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症,内固定稳定可靠,复位准确,椎体间融合良好,效果理想。     

XLIF联合Wiltse入路单侧椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎不稳

目的探讨极外侧椎间融合术(XLIF)联合Wiltse入路单侧椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎不稳的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2017年12月南部战区总医院采用XLIF联合Wiltse入路单侧椎弓根螺钉固定治疗的46例腰椎不稳患者的临床资料,观察手术时间、术中出血量和并发症发生情况,术后至少随访2年,对比手术前后患者腰痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)及日本骨科学会(JOA)评分的变化。结果所有患者均成功完成手术,XLIF+置钉平均操作时间(69.6±14.1)min,平均术中出血量(38.8±8.5)mL。患者获随访24～36个月,平均随访时间(28.5±3.2)个月。术后3 d和末次随访时患者腰痛VAS评分、ODI和JOA评分均较术前改善,手术前后比较,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。末次随访时41例患者(89%)手术节段获骨性融合,随访期间无翻修病例。结论 XLIF治疗腰椎不稳微创、有效;术中不变换体位置入单侧椎弓根螺钉方便可行,能够提供可靠的椎间稳定性。     

斜外侧腰椎间融合联合后路经皮椎弓根钉内固定治疗腰椎滑脱症的疗效分析

目的 观察斜外侧腰椎间融合联合后路经皮椎弓根钉内固定治疗退行性腰椎滑脱症的临床疗效和脊柱-骨盆矢状面参数变化情况。方法 回顾性分析自2017-07—2021-05采用斜外侧腰椎间融合联合后路经皮椎弓根钉内固定治疗的25例退行性腰椎滑脱症,比较手术前后疼痛VAS评分及ODI指数,手术前后矢状面轴向距离（SVA）、骨盆入射角（PI）、骨盆倾斜角（PT）、骶骨倾斜角（SS）,手术前后椎间隙高度（DH）、椎间孔高度（FH）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、融合节段前凸角（FSL）。结果 25例均获得随访,随访时间12～15个月,中位时间12个月。末次随访时4例出现融合器下沉（0级3例,Ⅰ级1例）,1例邻近节段退行性改变。末次随访时3例仍存在Meyerding Ⅰ度滑脱,22例腰椎滑脱被矫正。术后第3天疼痛VAS评分、ODI指数较术前降低,术后1个月、末次随访时持续降低（P<0.05）。术后第3天SVA较术前减小,末次随访时较术后第3天减小（P<0.05）。术后第3天DH、FH较术前增加,而术后3个月DH、FH较术后第3天减小,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;末次随访时DH、FH与术后3...     

改良内窥镜下行后路腰椎间融合和经皮椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎退变性疾患

目的探讨改良内窥镜下后路腰椎管减压、椎间融合和经皮椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎退变性疾病的可行性和有效性.方法2006年2月～2007年3月应用自制直径2.6cm工作通道在METRx内窥镜下行后路腰椎管减压、椎间植骨加融合器置入、经皮椎弓根螺钉固定治疗12例患者,男7例,女5例,年龄38～72岁,平均51.2岁.腰椎管狭窄症5例,Ⅰ度腰椎滑脱症4例,腰椎间盘突出症术后复发3例.随访观察治疗效果.结果手术时间150～260 min,平均175min.术中失血量50～300 ml,平均150ml.术后住院时间7～16 d,平均12d.1例发生硬膜外血肿,行内窥镜下翻修手术.手术切口均一期愈合.随访3～15个月,平均6.3个月.ODI评分术前为46.32±10.14分,术后1个月及末次随访时分别为21.75±8.59分和11.06±5.27分,与术前比较均有显著性差异(P＜0.01).VAS评分术前为7.12±1.06分,术后1个月及末次随访时分别为3.45±1.28分和1.29±0.77分,与术前比较均有显著性差异(P＜0.01).末次随访时采用改良Macnab标准评价临床效果,本组优5例,良6例,可1例.结论改良内窥镜下后路腰椎管减压、椎间融合和经皮椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎退变性疾病可获得良好的近期临床效果,是一种安全有效的微创手术方法.     

扩大PLIF治疗腰椎退行性疾病疗效分析

目的探讨扩大腰椎后路椎间融合术(posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF)、cage椎间融合器结合椎弓根钉内固定治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析我院2008年2月～2010年11月采用扩大PLIF、cage椎间融合器结合椎弓根钉内固定治疗腰椎退行性疾病66例患者的临床资料,其中男性19例,女性47例,平均年龄51(35～82)岁;腰椎间盘突出症21例,腰椎滑脱13例,腰椎管狭窄症32例,行单节段融合48例,行双节段融合18例。通过术前、术后及末次随访时X线片对比,对融合率、对JOA评分及椎间高度变化进行评估。结果本组66例均获随访,随访时间平均18(12～27)个月。所有患者症状消失或显著改善,无术后并发症发生。63例发生椎间融合,融合率达95.5%,其余3例未获得融合。术前、术后1周及术后12月以上末次随访时JOA评分分别为(13.4±3.2)分、(21.2±3.5)分及(23.3±3.8)分,融合节段椎间隙平均高度分别为(7.6±2.8)mm、(11.0±1.6)mm及(10.3±1.5)mm,术后1周及术后末次随访JOA评分、融合节段椎间隙平均高度与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),而术后不同时点间JOA评分、椎间隙平均高度比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论扩大PLIF避免了过度牵拉可能造成神经根和硬膜囊的损伤,cage椎间融合器加椎弓根钉内固定行椎间融合治疗腰椎退行性疾病,可有效恢复椎间高度,提高融合率,是一种有效的治疗方法。     

椎弓根螺钉联合椎间植骨融合器治疗腰椎滑脱症的远期疗效分析

[目的]探讨椎弓根螺钉系统联合椎间植骨融合器治疗峡部不连性腰椎滑脱症的远期疗效。[方法]自1996年10月~2002年10月本组收治峡部不连性腰椎滑脱症105例,随访资料齐全者86例。所有患者均行椎弓根螺钉系统复位滑脱,椎间植骨融合器行椎间融合固定。62例患者中1枚融合器从后斜向前呈45°植入,24例为2枚融合器从后向前垂直植入。随访测定固定节段的椎体间有无移位、滑脱有无复发,比较术前、术后2周及随访时固定椎间隙高度与近端第2椎间隙高度比值的变化。[结果]随访2~8年,平均35个月。根据NaKai评分标准,本组优56例,良13例,可17例,优良率为80.23%。Ⅰ度腰椎滑脱19例术后全部解剖复位;Ⅱ度腰椎滑脱51例中5例遗留Ⅰ度滑脱;Ⅲ度腰椎滑脱16例中4例留有Ⅰ度滑脱。末次随访时使用1枚融合器或2枚融合器所固定的椎间隙高度与近端第2椎间隙高度的比值与术后2周时的比值相比有所减低,滑脱无复发。[结论]椎弓根螺钉加椎间植骨融合器治疗腰椎滑脱症手术疗效满意,显著提高融合率,预防神经根管狭窄、神经卡压的发生,减少术后断钉和滑脱复发等问题。     

腰椎滑脱术后失败病例后路再手术的疗效

目的:探讨个体化腰椎后入路手术治疗腰椎滑脱术后失败病例的疗效。方法:回顾分析2004年1月至2007年11月再手术治疗的12例腰椎滑脱术后失败病例的临床资料,单纯腰椎不稳2例,单纯腰椎管狭窄1例,腰椎不稳伴腰椎管狭窄4例,腰椎间盘突出1例,明显植骨未融合4例;内置物失败包括椎弓根内固定松动5例,椎弓根螺钉断裂3例(其中2例合并椎间融合器突入椎管),单纯椎间融合器突入椎管1例。再手术时采用双侧椎弓根螺钉系统内固定加双侧cage椎体间植骨融合术5例,双侧椎弓根螺钉系统内固定加单枚cage椎体间植骨融合术3例,单侧椎弓根螺钉系统内固定加单侧cage椎体间植骨融合术2例,单纯椎板间开窗减压术1例,另1例更换cage椎体间融合,而保留原有的椎弓根内固定系统。对所有患者进行定期随访,通过影像学检查与Oswestry功能障碍指数综合评价再手术的疗效。结果:所有患者均顺利完成手术,术中1例硬膜囊撕裂,术后发生脑脊液漏,经抬高床脚,术后5d脑脊液漏愈合,无脊髓神经损伤等严重并发症发生。随访1.5～4年,平均2.7年。椎间植骨均达骨性融合,椎间融合器无移位;未见椎弓根螺钉固定系统松动或断裂;腰椎滑脱无加重或复发。Oswestry功能障碍指数末次随访时为21.9%±3.0%,与术前81.8%±2.5%比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:腰椎滑脱术后失败因素复杂,应根据具体病因个体化选择手术方法,后路手术是治疗这类疾病的有效方法之一。     

成人腰椎峡部裂型滑脱症的微创治疗

目的 探讨成人腰椎峡部裂型滑脱症的微创外科治疗方法与临床效果.方法 成人峡部裂型腰椎滑脱症患者21例,男12例,女9例;年龄29～73岁,平均51.7岁;L4.5滑脱7例,L5S1滑脱14例;双侧峡部裂19例,单侧2例.根据Meyerding分级:Ⅰ度滑脱13例,Ⅱ度滑脱7例,Ⅲ度滑脱1例.患者全麻,经后路双侧旁中央26 mm切口,在内镜辅助下行单侧或双侧椎管减压、椎间植骨cage融合、新型Sextant-R经皮椎弓根螺钉系统复位与内固定.结果 平均手术时间170 min,平均出血量160 ml,平均卧床时间7.5 d,平均住院时间19 d.20例患者获得随访,随访时间4～32个月,平均12.5个月.术后1年随访17例,患者VAS腰痛评分从术前平均(6.0±2.6)分降至(2.9±2.5)分;VAS腿痛评分从术前平均(6.7±3.3)分降至(2.8±1.6)分;Oswestry功能指数从术前平均44.3%降至27.1%;Nakai分级优良率90%.矢状面X线片腰椎滑脱率从术前35.5%±2.5%降至8.3%±7.5%,滑脱椎的腰前凸角从术前平均11.5°±1.7°增至16.8°±9.5°,椎间隙平均高度从术前(5.4±2.5)mm增至(9.1±3.0)mm.根据Lenke动态X线片评估标准:13例(76%)椎间骨性融合、2例(12%)椎间部分骨性融合、2例(12%)椎间无明显骨性融合.3例发生并发症.结论 内镜辅助下后路腰椎管减压、椎间植骨cage融合及经皮椎弓根螺钉系统复位与内固定治疗成人峡部裂型腰椎滑脱症手术创伤小,近期临床疗效好.     

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.     

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.