Percutaneous extraction of urinary calculi: use of the intercostal approach

The authors achieved successful percutaneous extraction of urinary calculi via an intercostal approach in 24 patients. In one patient, a large hydrothorax developed and thoracentesis was required; 2 patients had moderate and 6 minimal pleural fluid collections which did not require treatment. No patient had pneumothorax. Intercostal puncture provides direct access to the upper and middle poles of the kidney when they lie above the twelfth rib and subcostal angulation is not feasible. Such an approach is advantageous for stones in the ureter, as well as renal stones which are inaccessible from the lower pole. Fluoroscopy should be performed when planning the puncture in order to avoid the lung, and a working sheath is recommended.     

Biological effects of non-ionizing radiations: Cellular properties and interactions

The Lauriston Taylor lectures honor the founder of the National Committee on Radiation Protection and Measurement soon to be followed by the corresponding international organization. These standard setting bodies had a vast influence on proper recognition of radiation hazards. The 10th Taylor lecture is the first to deal with nonionizing radiations and may be, therefore, of particular interest to the bioengineer. During early history biophysics and bioengineering were primarily concerned with ionizing radiation bioeffects and electrophysiology. The nonionizing part of the radiation field and electrophysiology are closely related. Biomedical observation, biophysical and bioengineering efforts in the nonionizing radiation field are defined and complement each other. Topics concentrate on the relevant biophysical and bioengineering efforts of the author and his colleagues. They include: electrical properties of biological systems; established electrical field interactions (excitation, macromolecular responses and cellular responses); problems of dosimetry (macroscopic and microscopic considerations); conclusions about relative merits of various research approaches. Editor’s Note: By special permission from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD, 20814, Mr. W. Roger Ney, Executive Secretary. Presented April 2, 1986 in the Auditorium of the National Academy of Sciences Building, Washington, DC.