3D打印截骨导板在胫骨横向骨搬移术中的应用

目的评价应用3D打印截骨导板的胫骨横向骨搬移术的临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年10月收治的19例Wagner 4级糖尿病足患者,采取3D打印截骨导板胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗。其中男10例,女9例,左足9例,右足10例,年龄45～72岁,平均(55.58±7.24)岁。记录手术时间、术中出血量、足部皮温、视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale, VAS)、糖尿病足创面愈合、保肢率以及并发症的发生情况。结果 19例患者手术均顺利完成,手术时间(40.05±3.94)min,术中失血量(35.00±5.77)mL;所有患者获得随访,随访时间6～24个月,平均(15.26±3.43)个月;所有患者糖尿病足创面顺利愈合,未出现并发症;与术前相比较,术后足部皮温显著升高(P0.05)、术后VAS评分显著降低(P0.05)。结论应用3D打印截骨导板辅助的胫骨横向骨搬移术近期临床疗效满意,且使得手术操作简易化、准确化。     

胫骨横向骨搬移技术治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效

目的探讨胫骨横向骨搬移技术治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效。方法选取2018年8月至2019年11月在我院诊断为糖尿病足的患者21例,男性8例,女性13例,左足12例,右足9例,年龄为51～60岁,平均年龄(55.3±2.3)岁,糖尿病足年程0.5～1.9年,平均(1.6±0.8)年;Wagner分级:3级16例,4级5例;所有患者入院后予以控制血糖、抗感染、控制心衰等合并症、创面换药等治疗,一般情况好转后均采用胫骨横向骨搬移术进行治疗,术后第5天开始牵拉搬运胫骨截骨块(1 mm/d),14 d后逆向搬运;总搬运时间28～35 d。结果术后随访中1例伤口感染加重采取截肢术,剩余20例患者术后均得到随访,随访时间(10.2±1.02)个月;术后溃疡愈合率95.2%(20/21),愈合时间平均(19.3±2.5)周;术后2个月随访,患者动脉血管造影显示下肢表浅动脉较前有所增粗,侧支循环增多;所有患者术后患肢疼痛、麻木症状均消失。结论胫骨横向骨搬移技术能有效提高糖尿病足溃疡的治愈率,降低截肢率。     

经皮微创胫骨截骨横向骨搬移术治疗糖尿病足

[目的]探讨应用经皮微创胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效。[方法]选取2015年6月~2016年10月按Wagner诊断标准确诊为患有Ⅲ~Ⅳ期糖尿病足的糖尿病患者23例23足,采取胫骨横向骨搬移手术治疗;记录手术时间、术中失血量、术后并发症,通过观察糖尿病足创面愈合率、1年后保肢率评价疗效,比较手术前后足部皮温、VAS评分、Barthel指数评分,部分患足手术前后DSA评估血运。[结果]所有患者手术顺利,手术时间(45.92±6.03)min,术中失血量(30.12±4.15)ml,1例WagnerⅢ期患者截肢,1例WagnerⅣ期患者死于心衰。21例患者获得随访,随访时间12~19个月,平均(14.51±0.32)个月;WagnerⅢ期创面愈合率及1年后保肢率均为92.86%,WagnerⅣ期创面愈合率及1年后保肢率均为88.89%,两分期创面愈合率及1年后保肢率均无明显差异(P0.05);与术前相比较,术后足部皮温显著升高(P0.05)、术后VAS评分显著降低(P0.05)、术后Barthel指数评分显著升高(P0.05)。有9例患者进行了手术前后患足DSA检查,结果显示所有患者的搬移骨块周围形成了较多的毛细血管,足部动脉增粗清晰显示,血流明显加快。[结论]胫骨横向骨搬移术能促进糖尿病足创面的愈合,避免或延长患足的截肢率。     

胫骨横向骨搬移微循环再生术治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效研究

目的研究分析应用胫骨横向骨搬移微循环再生技术治疗Wagner 2～4级糖尿病足的临床疗效。方法本研究选取2017年6月至2019年6月本院收治的Wagner 2～4级糖尿病足患者共12例作为研究对象,对其应用胫骨横向骨搬移微循环再生技术进行治疗。于术后6个月观察并记录12例患者的VAS评分、患足皮温、10g尼龙线检查数值、踝肱指数、双下肢CTA(下肢动脉计算机体层血管成像)及创面愈合情况。于术后同时进行不良反应评价,以感染、切口皮肤坏死情况、外固定架松动、溃疡复发情况来判断并发症情况。结果 12例患者的足部溃疡均完全愈合,无截肢病例。骨搬运开始后7天,患足溃疡创面逐渐出现新鲜肉芽,1个月后可观察到创面面积逐渐减小。12例患足溃疡创面愈合时间14～19周,平均(15.93±1.12)周。术后患者下肢均行CTA检查,结果显示,下肢动脉逐渐开放,搬运窗周围的侧支动脉较治疗前明显增多,足背动脉显著增粗且清晰可见。12例患者治疗后的VAS评分明显小于治疗前,且治疗后的踝肱指数、10g尼龙线检查数值及患足皮温均明显大于治疗前(P0.05)。结论采用胫骨横向骨搬移微循环再生术治疗糖尿病足可获得比较满意的治疗效果,对患者的创伤较小,操作简便,但本研究纳入病例数量较少,今后还需进一步增加研究病例样本数量来证明此技术的有效性、可靠性。     

传统单骨瓣弧形切口与改良双骨瓣直切口胫骨横向骨搬移治疗Wagner 3/4级糖尿病足的对比研究

目的探讨传统单骨瓣弧形切口与改良双骨瓣直切口胫骨横向骨搬移治疗Wagner 3/4级糖尿病足的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析北京市隆福医院2016年1月至2019年6月收治的Wagner 3/4级糖尿病足患者的临床资料及随访数据,共238例,其中采用传统单骨瓣弧形切口胫骨横向骨搬移治疗患者82例(传统截骨组),男61例,女21例,年龄42～86岁,平均(68.7±7.8)岁,体重指数(body mass index, BMI)25～31 kg/m~2,平均(27.2±1.7)kg/m~2,术前足背皮肤温度(29.5±1.98)℃,疼痛视觉模拟评分(7.40±0.36)分,踝肱指数(0.31±0.51),经皮氧分压(28.4±2.14)mm Hg;采用改良双骨瓣直切口胫骨横向骨搬移治疗患者156例(改良截骨组),男117例,女39例,年龄49～89岁,平均(69.2±9.2)岁,体重指数24～33 kg/m~2,平均(26.3±2.1)kg/m~2;术前足背皮肤温度(28.9±0.87)℃,疼痛视觉模拟评分(6.90±0.48)分,踝肱指数(0.29±0.73),经皮氧分压(29.1±1.93)mm Hg。所有病例均有6个月以上的随访资料,分别收集手术时间、术后并发症、术前及术后6个月足部皮温、VAS评分及踝肱指数、经皮氧分压进行比较。结果传统截骨组平均手术时间(48.7±5.6)min,改良截骨组平均手术时间(27.5±2.89)min,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(t=0.168 7,P=0.001 3);传统截骨组出现搬运区切口感染7例(8.6%),搬运区骨髓炎2例(2.4%),搬运区骨折3例(3.6%),深静脉血栓形成1例(1.2%),总并发症13例(15.8%);改良截骨组出现搬运区切口感染1例(0.64%),总并发症1例(0.64%);两组患者术后6个月的疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale, VAS),踝肱指数,经皮氧分压,足踝部皮温数据对比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论传统单骨瓣弧形切口与改良双骨瓣直切口胫骨横向骨搬移治疗Wagner 3/4级糖尿病足具有相近的临床疗效,但改良双骨瓣直切口胫骨横向骨搬移手术时间更短,术后并发症更少,值得推广。     

股-股动脉旁路移植联合胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗下肢动脉硬化闭塞症或合并糖尿病足北大核心CSCD

目的探讨股-股动脉旁路移植联合胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗下肢动脉硬化闭塞症(arteriosclerosis obliterans,ASO)或合并糖尿病足的临床疗效。方法 2014年3月—2016年6月,采用股-股动脉旁路移植联合胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗9例下肢ASO或合并糖尿病足男性患者;年龄63～82岁,平均74.2岁。ASO病程1.5～22.0个月,平均10.5个月。均为单侧髂动脉严重闭塞,左侧5例、右侧4例;合并股浅和/或膝下动脉病变7例。单纯ASO 7例,合并糖尿病足2例(Wagner分级均为4级);ASO Fontaine分期均为Ⅳ期。术前均有静息痛,踝肱指数为0.24±0.12。股-股动脉旁路移植术中7例采用人工血管、2例采用自体大隐静脉。术后第8天开始向外骨搬移,每天延长1 mm,每6小时1次,2～3周后再向内搬移,整个疗程共10～14周。结果 1例胫骨横向骨搬移切口部分皮肤坏死,经换药后愈合,针道口无明显并发症;其余患者无切口并发症。胫骨横向骨搬移后足部创面肉芽组织生长快,2～3周后创面明显缩小。9例患者均获随访,随访时间12～32个月,平均19个月。术后2个月踝肱指数为0.67±0.09,较术前显著提高,差异有统计学意义(t=17.510,P=0.032)。患足溃疡创面均愈合,愈合时间6.7～9.4周,平均7.7周。随访期间彩超或CT检查示移植血管通畅。术后12～14周去除外固定延长器。1例术后14个月因突发心肌梗死死亡,无切口淋巴漏。术后1年股-股动脉旁路通畅率达100%。术后4～6个月胫骨横向骨搬移段均与胫骨愈合。末次随访时显效率达100%。结论股-股动脉旁路移植联合胫骨横向骨搬移术是治疗下肢ASO或合并糖尿病足的有效方法。     

应用Ilizarov技术胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗合并全身性炎症反应综合征的重度糖尿病足

目的探讨应用Ilizarov技术胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗合并全身性炎症反应综合征(systemic inflammatory response syndrome,SIRS)的重度糖尿病足(Wagner 3~5级)的临床疗效。方法 2014年8月—2017年12月,采用Ilizarov技术胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗合并SIRS的重度糖尿病足患者33例。其中男27例,女6例;年龄34~79岁,平均60.6岁。均患2型糖尿病,糖尿病病程1~28年,平均10年。糖尿病足病程1~12个月,平均2.7个月。根据Wagner分级,3级8例,4级23例,5级2例。术后观察患足创面愈合情况,并计算保肢率。评估体温、心率、呼吸频率、白细胞计数、红细胞沉降率和C反应蛋白浓度变化。测量足背皮肤温度;行疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)评价患足疼痛改善情况。结果术后33例患者均获随访,随访时间3~30个月,平均14.1个月。足部溃疡全部愈合,愈合时间3~12个月,平均5.3个月;保肢率100%。术后体温、心率、呼吸频率、白细胞计数、红细胞沉降率和C反应蛋白浓度均较术前显著下降(P0.05)。术后1个月患足皮温为(32.64±2.17)℃,较术前的(31.28±1.99)℃显著改善(t=0.05,P=0.00);但与健侧皮温(32.46±2.10)℃比较差异无统计学意义(t=2.04,P=0.41)。术后1个月VAS评分为(2.4±0.7)分,较术前的(4.3±0.8)分显著改善(t=3.10,P=0.00)。结论 Ilizarov技术胫骨横向骨搬移术能有效治疗合并SIRS的重度糖尿病足,可促进患足溃疡愈合,避免截肢。     

胫骨横向骨搬移联合封闭引流治疗糖尿病足溃疡

[目的]探讨胫骨横向骨搬移术联合封闭引流技术(vacuum sealing drainage, VSD)治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效。[方法] 2017年4月～2019年6月本院收治糖尿病足患者45例,其中,23例行胫骨横向骨搬移术联合封闭式负压引流技术治疗(VSD组),22例单纯行胫骨横向骨搬移术治疗(非VSD组);对比两种方法的临床疗效。[结果]两组下地行走时间、完全负重活动时间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。VSD组的溃疡创面愈合时间显著早于非VSD组(P0.05)。与术前相比较,两组患者术后1、3个月及末次随访时VAS评分、踝肱指数和患足皮肤温度均较术前明显改善(P0.05)。术后1、3个月,VSD组踝肱指数和患足皮肤温度显著优于非VSD组(P0.05)。术后3个月血管彩超显示两组患者小腿动脉开放,侧支循环较术前明显增多,足背动脉增粗清晰。[结论]胫骨横向骨搬移术联合封闭式负压引流技术治疗糖尿病足可加快溃疡创面愈合,提升治疗效果。     

改良胫骨横向骨搬运术结合万古霉素磷酸钙骨水泥局部填充覆盖治疗糖尿病足疗效分析

目的 探讨改良胫骨横向骨搬运术结合万古霉素磷酸钙骨水泥局部填充覆盖治疗糖尿病足（diabetic foot,DF）的临床疗效。方法 回顾分析2019年10月—2021年12月采用改良胫骨横向骨搬运术结合万古霉素磷酸钙骨水泥局部填充覆盖治疗的22例DF患者临床资料。其中男13例,女9例;年龄41～74岁,平均61.3岁。糖尿病病程8～30年,平均12.5年;DF病程10～42 d,平均28.2 d。Wagner分级：3级2例、4级20例。患者双下肢均行CT血管造影检查,患肢血管有不同程度狭窄,血运较差。术前患足皮温为（28.27±0.91）°C,踝肱指数（ankle brachial index,ABI）为0.42±0.11,疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）为（7.7±0.6）分。术前DF溃疡范围为2.5 cm×2.0 cm～3.5 cm×3.0 cm。术前及术后3个月记录并比较患足皮温、ABI、VAS评分及皮肤创面愈合情况。结果 术后患者均获随访,随访时间3～18个月,平均10.5个月。1例Wagner 4级患者术后感染未见明显好转,并有进一步恶化趋势,最终于术后22 d行左侧小腿截肢术。余...     

胫骨横向骨搬运术治疗Wagner 3、4期糖尿病足的临床观察

目的观察采用胫骨横向骨搬运术治疗Wagner 3、4期糖尿病足并肢端坏疽的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-03—2016-12采用胫骨横向骨搬运术治疗的3例Wagner 3、4期糖尿病足并肢端坏疽,在患侧胫骨内侧中段平坦处开一2 cm×8 cm矩形骨窗,安装外固定架,每天1 mm的速度分16次向外牵拉,共向外牵拉21 d,维持原位3 d后复查X线片并开始反方向同等速度牵拉直至骨窗恢复原位。结果 3例均获得随访,随访时间分别为8、17、24个月。骨搬运术后1周创面新鲜肉芽组织增生,术后4周创面明显变浅并缩小。术后12周时3例糖尿病足坏疽创面全部愈合,均未截肢,创面愈合时间分别为7、10、5周。结论胫骨横向骨搬术治疗Wagner 3、4期糖尿病足可达到患肢血管再生、改善患肢血运、促进糖尿病足坏疽创面愈合、缓解并治愈糖尿病足并保肢的目的。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.