应用人工全髋关节置换术重建骨性融合的髋关节功能

[目的]评价人工全髋关节置换术重建骨性融合的髋关节的临床和影像学结果。[方法]本组32例(36髋)髋关节骨性融合的患者行人工全髋关节置换术。其中男性18例,女性14例,手术时平均年龄36.5岁。自发性骨性融合20髋,手术融合16髋。平均融合时间为18年7个月;术前16例主诉周围关节疼痛;27例严重跛行和畸形。随访时间平均6年11个月(4～10年);对其临床及放射线影像学结果进行分析。[结果]手术切口均一期愈合,无切口感染,髋关节Harris评分由术前的(52.7±9.2)分提高到术后的(85.1±8.1)分;平均髋关节活动范围:伸直0°位、屈曲86°±10.1°、外旋25°±6.2°、内旋20.1°±5.3°、外展29.7°±6.3°和内收21.3°±5.1°。X线影像学表现:髋臼侧骨溶解5例,髋臼假体松动1例,股骨柄松动1例,异位骨化形成10例。[结论]人工全髋关节置换术重建骨性融合的髋关节,可以缓解周围关节疼痛、增加髋关节的活动度、改善平衡下肢长度和矫正髋关节畸形,从而提高患者生活质量。     

人工全髋关节置换在骨性强直髋治疗中的临床及放射学评估

目的:对人工全髋关节置换(THA)在骨性强直髋治疗中的临床及放射学效果进行评估。方法:自2003年1月至2009年8月,20例(30髋)骨性强直的髋关节患者采用THA治疗,其中男12例,女8例;平均年龄36岁。术后临床随访根据Harris评分、患者疼痛缓解满意度、肢体长度差异、髋关节活动范围以及髋关节外展肌力进行评价。X线影像学随访包括对髋臼及股骨柄假体周围骨溶解、假体松动、透光线及异位骨化进行评价。术后平均随访时间为4年。结果:Harris评分由术前的平均(40.75±6.52)分提高至术后平均(86.40±5.42)分;邻近受累关节疼痛完全缓解13例,部分缓解7例;13例外展肌力量恢复满意,跛行症状明显缓解,肢体短缩下降至小于0.5cm;髋关节活动范围较术前显著改善。放射学评估发现2例髋关节周围异位骨化,1例股骨假体周围透光线,无关节假体脱位及翻修的病例。结论:近期随访发现THA在治疗骨性强直的髋关节中可以获得满意的临床疗效,矫正髋关节畸形,恢复髋关节功能,减轻患髋邻近关节的疼痛,改善患者的生活质量。     

严重髋关节融合强直畸形的全髋关节置换术

目的探讨采用全髋关节置换术(THA)治疗严重髋关节融合强直畸形的手术方法及临床疗效。方法对48例(57髋)严重髋关节融合强直畸形分次行单侧THA,均采用外侧切口,通过对股骨颈2次截骨后,根据骨盆倾向头侧还是尾侧进行髋臼成形,正确定位臼杯的外展角,根据患侧屈曲畸形情况进行股骨柄和髋臼前倾角的调整。结果术后48例均获随访平均28.5(12~36)个月,1例一侧假体下沉4 mm,1例出现假体周围骨折,1例出现股骨近端劈裂,1例出现坐骨神经的牵拉伤。末次随访时,Harris评分从术前平均16.3分提高到85.6分;髋关节活动度由术前0°提高至术后平均152.5°,其中平均屈髋91.4°;髋关节屈曲畸形程度由术前平均25.6°改善至术后平均5.1°。术后患者髋痛基本消失,术侧步态基本恢复正常,无严重并发症发生。结论严重髋关节融合强直屈髋畸形的THA不能按常规的方式处理,显露出真臼底和根据术前患肢的内旋或外旋程度把握好准确的前倾角、外展角是手术成功的关键。     

髋关节骨性强直患者行人工全髋关节置换术中髋臼假体定位及其准确性研究

目的探讨髋关节骨性强直行人工全髋关节置换术(total hip arthroplasty,THA)中髋臼假体定位方法及其准确性。方法 2009年1月-2013年3月采用THA治疗33例(49髋)髋关节骨性强直患者,其中男25例,女8例;年龄18~69岁,平均35.8岁。左髋10例,右髋7例,双髋16例。其中强直性脊柱炎18例,结核6例,创伤6例,骨性关节炎2例,化脓性感染1例。病程7~15年,平均10.8年。术中采用髋臼周围骨性标志(闭孔上缘、髋臼切迹等)及软组织标志(髋臼横韧带等)定位髋臼假体位置。术后摄髋关节或骨盆正位X线片,测量髋臼假体前倾角、外展角及上下、内外髋臼偏移度,并以前倾角15°、外展角45°、上下及内外髋臼偏移度为0作为参考值,评价髋关节骨性强直患者髋臼假体位置的准确性。结果术中、术后均无血管神经损伤、骨折、脱位、感染等严重并发症发生。患者均获随访,随访时间13~63个月,平均30.3个月。末次随访时患者髋臼假体前倾角、外展角分别为(13.904±4.034)、(42.898±7.474)°,与参考值比较差异均无统计学意义(t=1.386,P=0.178;t=1.969,P=0.055)。内外及上下髋臼偏移度分别为(2.530±2.261)、(3.886±3.334)mm,与参考值比较差异均有统计学意义(t=7.830,P=0.000;t=8.159,P=0.000);其中5 mm 29髋,5~10 mm 18髋,10 mm 2髋,贴合率达59.2%。结论对于丧失正常解剖结构的骨性强直髋关节,THA术中充分利用残留及永久性解剖结构进行髋臼假体定位是比较准确的。     

髋关节发育不良人工全髋关节置换术中髋臼中心重建

目的探讨髋关节发育不良(developmental dysplasia of hip,DDH)的人工全髋关节置换(total hiparthroplasty,THA)术中髋臼中心重建方法及疗效。方法 2004年1月-2010年1月,对29例(32髋)DDH患者行THA。男6例(6髋),女23例(26髋);年龄45～67岁,平均50.6岁。左侧22髋,右侧10髋。DDH按照Crowe分型标准:Ⅰ型12髋,Ⅱ型20髋。患者双下肢不等长,相差1.9～4.4 cm。髋关节Harris评分为(50.7±8.6)分。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合;1例1髋发生髋关节后脱位。29例均获随访,随访时间2年～4年6个月,平均2.3年。术后下肢延长0.5～5.8 cm,平均2.5 cm。术后1年髋关节Harris评分为(87.7±5.9)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=21.77,P=0.00)。X线片检查示,术后1例1髋髋臼杯假体松动,1例1髋髋臼杯假体外移且外展角过大;其余患者随访期间无髋臼杯及股骨假体松动和下沉。术后1年髋臼中心水平位置、髋臼中心与泪滴连线垂直距离、髋臼垂直外展角、股骨偏心距均较术前显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论对DDH行THA时重建髋臼中心能有效延长患者肢体,提高关节功能,降低关节置换失败率。     

强直性脊柱炎髋关节骨性强直的功能重建

目的探讨强直性脊柱炎合并双侧髋关节骨性强直时的全髋关节置换方法及其注意事项。方法对17例24～52岁强直性脊柱炎患者骨性强直的34侧髋关节行Zweimüller非骨水泥型全髋关节置换手术。髋关节强直在屈曲0°～100°(平均37°),其中超过90°强直者3例6髋。术前需助行器者7例。生活不能完全自理者9例。所有患者均在一次性经口腔(10例)或鼻腔(7例)气管插管麻醉下完成双侧手术。3例患者后期行脊柱后凸畸形矫正术。结果患者髋关节活动度由术前的0°改善为术后复查时的屈伸平均77°(55°～120°),屈伸、收展、内外旋总活动度平均为150°(105°～230°)。术中有1例因股骨颈截骨造成髋臼后壁缺损,经修补后恢复。术后近期无神经血管损伤、关节脱位、感染等并发症发生,随访18～47个月无假体松动、移位。除2例3髋长时间行走有轻微疼痛外,其余患者无疼痛,患者的生活质量明显提高,1例患者仍需助行器。结论手术技术熟练者可一次顺利完成强直性脊柱炎双髋骨性强直的双侧髋关节置换术,采用Watson-Jones入路可在完成骨性强直的髋关节置换的同时完成髋关节前方的软组织松解;术中注意神经、血管的保护可顺利完成90°以上屈曲骨性强直畸形髋关节的置换;术后康复的重点是锻炼患者的肌力和肌肉活动的协调性;采用自体血回输可以     

一期双侧Tri-lock柄THA治疗强直性脊柱炎髋关节强直

[目的]探讨一期Tri-Lock骨保留型股骨柄假体全髋关节置换术(total hip arthroplasty, THA)治疗强直性脊柱炎(ankylosing spondylitis, AS)累及双侧髋关节骨性强直的临床疗效。[方法]本院关节外科于2010年12～2018年12月治疗一期采用Tri-lock柄行THA的12例(24髋)强直性脊柱炎累及双侧髋关节骨性强直患者,其中男9例,女3例;年龄19～37岁,平均(28.32±6.43)岁。病程6～21年,平均(12.30±3.50)年。术中股骨颈均采用二次截骨,术后骨盆正位及双侧髋关节侧位X线片,评价人工髋关节假体位置,Engh标准评价骨-假体界面稳定性,Harris评分标准评价髋关节功能。[结果]均获随访13个月～7年,平均(5.60±2.20)年。术后12例(24髋) Harris评分(91.50±3.10)分,与术前相比,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后1例发生坐骨神经麻痹,经屈髋屈膝位对症处理后治愈,其余患者均无骨折、血管神经损伤、髋关节脱位、感染、假体松动、深静脉血栓、肺部感染等并发症发生。[结论]一期Tri-Lock骨保留型股骨柄假体THA治疗强直性脊柱炎累及双侧髋关节强直,可有效改善双侧髋关节活动度,重建髋关节功能,提高患者生活质量。     

利用股骨头结构性植骨人工全髋关节置换治疗Crowe Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型髋关节发育不良

目的探讨人工全髋关节置换(total hip arthroplasty,THA)治疗Crowe Ⅱ、Ⅲ型髋关节发育不良(developmental dysplasia of the hip,DDH)时采用自体股骨头结构性植骨的效果。方法2001年1月-2004年1月,收治23例29髋DDH继发骨性关节炎患者。男3例3髋,女20例26髋;年龄43～65岁,平均52岁。单髋17例,双髋6例。Crowe分型:Ⅱ型17例20髋,Ⅲ型6例9髋。单侧患者双下肢不等长为(2.9±0.8)cm,术前Harris评分为(43.6±13.8)分。术中3例4髋采用标准THA,其余患者在关节置换同时采用自体股骨头结构性植骨重建髋臼旋转中心。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无手术相关并发症发生。患者均获随访,随访时间4～7年,平均5.6年。术后12个月X线片示植骨块均已愈合。末次随访时单侧患者双下肢不等长为(0.9±0.2)cm,Harris评分为(86.3±6.4)分,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。X线片示髋臼和股骨假体无移位,未见植骨块有明显移位和吸收塌陷征象。结论CroweⅡ、Ⅲ型DDH行THA时采用自体股骨头结构性植骨有利于恢复髋臼旋转中心,提供良好髋臼固定,并增加骨盆骨量。     

髋臼内陷技术行全髋关节置换术治疗髋关节发育不良的疗效

目的探讨髋臼内陷技术行生物型全髋关节置换术(THA)治疗髋关节发育不良(DDH)的疗效。方法采用髋臼内陷技术行THA治疗39例DDH患者(39髋)。记录双下肢长度差异、髋关节中心内移距离、臼杯内突率、髋关节中心高度、臼杯覆盖率、Harris髋关节评分(HHS)、臼杯松动、骨长入等。结果患者均获得随访,时间2～5(3. 4±1. 5)年。末次随访时HHS由术前32～55(43. 3±15. 5)分提高到82～98(91. 2±11. 8)分;双下肢长度差异由术前1～5(3. 1±1. 1) cm下降到术后0～2(0. 6±0. 3) cm。术后髋关节中心高度2～3(2. 4±0. 8) cm,髋关节中心内移1～4(2. 5±0. 9) cm,臼杯内突率21%～64%(42. 3%±12. 5%),臼杯覆盖率81%～100%(96. 7%±5. 2%)。至末次随访,假体均获得骨长入性固定,未发生臼杯松动。结论采用髋臼内陷技术行THA治疗DDH,疗效满意。     

髋臼有限加深法THA治疗成人股骨颈骨折、严重股骨头缺血性坏死及髋关节骨性关节炎

目的探讨髋臼有限加深法全髋关节置换术(THA)结合软组织松解、骨创治疗仪治疗成人股骨颈骨折、严重股骨头缺血性坏死及髋关节骨性关节炎的近期疗效。方法回顾性分析自2007-01—2013-06采用髋臼有限加深、非骨水泥假体THA结合软组织松解、骨创治疗仪治疗20例股骨颈骨折、6例严重股骨头缺血性坏死塌陷并髋关节骨性关节炎、12例髋关节骨性关节炎的临床资料。结果本组术中出血量50~300 ml,平均120 ml;手术时间100~180 min,平均120 min。2例术后1个月出现患肢深静脉血栓形成,经溶栓、抗凝等治疗痊愈。术后38例均获得平均2.5(0.5~5)年随访,所有患者均无假体松动、脱位、感染并发症发生。双下肢基本等长,患髋疼痛完全消失,关节活动功能满意。髋关节功能Harris评分由术前(15.16±1.12)分恢复至末次随访时(92.42±1.08)分。结论髋臼有限加深法THA结合软组织松解、骨创治疗仪治疗成人股骨颈骨折、股骨头缺血性坏死、髋关节骨性关节炎明显提高了髋臼假体的稳定性,可预防髋臼包容不佳导致髋臼假体不稳,近期疗效优良。     

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.     

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.