Prekallikrein-Kallikrein conversion rate as a predictor of contrast material catastrophies

An in vitro is described that attempts to detect patients with a potential for adverse systemic reactions to contrast material. This test involves measuring the rate of conversion of prekallikrein to kallikrein under certain standard conditions. In a preliminary retrospective study, the test could be used to identify such patients with a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 82%, and a predictive value of 79%.     

Radiologically guided balloon dilation of gastrointestinal strictures. Part I. Technique and factors influencing procedural success

Radiologically guided balloon catheters were used to dilate 94 gastrointestinal strictures in 92 patients over a 6-year period. Fifty strictures were esophageal and 44 nonesophageal (22 gastroenterostomies, 11 antral-pyloric strictures, four colorectal strictures, four enteroenterostomies, and three miscellaneous strictures). Factors influencing the success of stricture intubation included patient age, stricture location (esophageal vs. nonesophageal and proximal vs. distal esophageal), and association with a surgical anastomosis. Malignancy was associated with greater postdilation irregularity and a smaller increase in stricture diameter, as measured radiographically. Procedural failures occurred in 8% of cases (2% of esophageal and 30% of nonesophageal lesions). Two small, asymptomatic mucosal tears were seen after dilation (one esophageal and one colonic); no other procedural complications occurred. Following successful dilation, 16 patients (17%; six with esophageal and ten with non-esophageal strictures) had recurrence of symptoms during short-term (30-day) follow-up.     

Keine Doppelzulassung als Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin und Anästhesiologie

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Removal of silicone breast implants and review of literature

Silicone breast implants have a finite life span and may need changing over the lifetime of the patient. The experience with removing first- and second-generation implants is frustrating, because thick capsules often form, in association with rupture and spread of the silicone gel into the surrounding tissue. Different techniques have been employed to try and avoid an unnecessarily large incision, yet still control the dissection so that entire capsule and contained silicone can be removed en bloc. The authors describe a technique that facilitates atraumatic removal using an effective and time-saving vacuum principle.     

New universal precaution aspiration tray

A new tray has been designed for use during procedures involving needles and other sharp objects. The tray includes a foam adhesive pad, marked into 10 sections, into which the sharp objects can be placed point first. After the procedure, the objects can be safely withdrawn by their handles and then discarded. The tray has been used in more than 250 procedures.     

Unzulässige Vermischung von Werbung und Funktion bei einer Arztsoftware

Zusammenfassung  1. Der Anforderungskatalog der Kassen?rztlichen Bundesvereinigung an Datenbanken und Software für Vertragsarztpraxen als Grundlage für eine wirtschaftliche Verordnungsweise bewegt sich in dem ihm vom Gesetz vorgegebenen Rahmen. 2. Eine doppelt belegte Funktionstaste einer Arztsoftware zur Verordnung von Arzneimitteln, die bei Eingabe des Codes für die diagnostische Erkrankung die ?ffnung eines Werbefensters mit einem Verordnungsvorschlag für das beworbene Medikament ausl?st, vermischt in unzul?ssiger Weise Werbung und Funktion.