Differences in aerodynamic characteristics of new and dysfunctional Provox®2 voice prostheses in vivo

Tracheoesophageal voice prostheses need to be replaced due to increased airflow resistance or retrograde leakage of fluid into the trachea as a consequence of biofilm formation. Previous in vitro studies show a change of aerodynamic features of biofilm covered voice prostheses after removal of the prostheses out of the patient. To assess these changes in an in situ situation, aerodynamic characteristics were measured within 45 patients at the beginning and at the end of the wearing process of the Provox 2 voice prosthesis. As a consequence, the influence of biofilm formation on aerodynamic characteristics can be evaluated. In the majority of cases, leakage through the prosthesis was the reason for replacement. No differences were found in the total flow, volume range and intratracheal pressure (ITP) of the voice prostheses measured. The airflow resistance of biofilm covered prostheses was significantly reduced compared to new clean prostheses. However, no correlation was found between the extent of biofilm and the different aerodynamic features measured. Biofilm formation on the Provox 2 is responsible for both reduction in airflow resistance and leakage through the prosthesis by deterioration of the silicone rubber material.     

The use of axial-pattern cutaneous and musculocutaneous flap transposition in the reconstruction of deep burns

From June 1979 to July 1987, 84 acute burned patients with localized deep wounds involving tendon, nerve, vessel, bone and joint were treated by utilising 26 types of island axial-pattern cutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps. All flaps survived completely with a primary healing rate of 91.4%. All patients were divided into 'urgent' (within 48 hours), 'early' (within 2 weeks), or 'infected' groups according to the time interval between the burn injury and the surgery conducted. The primary healing rates for each groups were 100%, 94%, and 86% respectively. No significant differences exist between the axial-pattern cutaneous flap and musculo-cutaneous groups. The measures for minimizing infection including thorough debridement, groups. The measures for minimizing infection including thorough debridement, avoiding of circulatory compromises of the flaps, effectively postoperative drainage, and the use of antibiotics were discussed. Four types of newly developed axial-pattern cutaneous flaps as well as a super-long latissimus dorsi-external oblique abdominis-rectus abdominis combined musculocutaneous flaps were presented.     

52例针灸结合刺络放血治疗骨性膝关节炎临床观察及护理

[目的]观察针灸结合刺络放血法治疗骨性膝关节炎的临床疗效和护理效果.[方法]对52例骨性膝关节炎病人采用针灸结合刺络放血治疗,并给予活动与功能锻炼指导,将治疗前和治疗20 d后病人疼痛程度、晨僵、肿胀、日常步行活动能力以及疼痛缓解时间进行分级评分比较.[结果]治疗前后各项指标的差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).[结论]针灸配合刺络放血法结合活动指导及功能锻炼治疗骨性膝关节炎,能够快速缓解病人关节疼痛、肿胀、晨僵,改善步行能力,从而提高生活质量.