Laser irradiation and balloon dilatation in experimental transluminal angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) is being currently used in patients with coronary artery disease. Laser irradiation (LI) has been effective in vaporizing atherosclerotic plaques. The purpose of this work was twofold: to compare PTA and LI techniques in the recanalization of experimental obstructive arterial lesions, and to evaluate the possibility of reducing the failures and local complications and increasing the success rate of PTA by the combined use of LI. Atherosclerotic iliac stenoses were induced in 27 rabbits; lesions were evaluated angiographically before and after intervention and were studied histologically and by electron microscopy. Argon-ion LI delivered through microlens-tip optic fibers reduced the stenotic area from 64.2 +/- 21.8% to 40.3 +/- 10.7% (n = 10, P less than .01) and PTA from 60.7 +/- 15.9% to 30.4 +/- 7.7% (n = 9, P less than .01). However, percentage reduction was higher in PTA-treated stenoses (48.4 +/- 10.1% vs 34.5 +/- 13.5%, P less than .0125). In eight more rabbits, low power LI (4.55 +/- 1.25 J) was delivered after PTA in dilated segments. Post-PTA LI further decreased stenoses (from 31.2 +/- 7.8% to 29.1 +/- 8.1%, P less than .0125); laser-irradiated segments showed diffuse carbonization of the disrupted intimal layer. The normalized transtenotic pressure gradient decreased significantly in all groups: LI reduced the gradient from .40 +/- .25 to .17 +/- .07 (P = .005); PTA from .37 +/- .14 to .11 +/- .04 (P = .001); LI after PTA from .40 +/- .16 to .12 +/- .06 (P = .001). Thus, LI is effective (less than PTA) in relieving experimental atherosclerotic stenoses and seems useful when combined with PTA.     

CURRENT STATUS OF DOUBLE BALLOON ENDOSCOPY

Yamamoto and colleagues have developed a novel insertion method of the endoscope, the ‘double balloon method’ for enteroscopy and, recently, a specialized system for the ‘double balloon method’ has been commercialized by Fujinon. The double balloon endoscopy enables visualization of the entire small bowel and also allows for interventional therapy in the small intestine. This method could be used either from the oral or anal approach. Observation of an affected area with controlled movement of the endoscope enables interventions, including biopsies, hemostasis, balloon dilatation, stent placement, polypectomy, and endoscopic mucosal resection. The procedure is safe and useful, and it provides high diagnostic yields and therapeutic capabilities.     

下前牙桩核冠三维有限元模型的建立

目的：建立桩核冠修复后的下颌中切牙及其牙周支持组织的三维有限元模型。方法：利用薄层CT技术、UG软件与ALGOR软件相结合，对层厚为0．2mm的CT断层影像进行分析处理。结果：模型共有单元45153个，节点27763个，可以根据要求任意旋转、缩放、透视、剖开，进行多种方式观察；并可以按照不同研究目的，对模型进行修改和调整，来模拟不同程度牙槽骨吸收、联冠修复以及各种约束和加载条件下前牙的力学反应。结论：利用薄层CT扫描技术、UG自由曲面功能以及ALGOR软件相结合建立的三维有限元模型，能较精确地模拟临床口腔实际情况，为进一步研究下颌前牙不同牙周情况下的修复奠定了良好的基础。     

额、枕部直接冲击导致中脑损伤的力学机制研究

目的分析额、枕部直接冲击造成中脑应力响应,探讨颅脑直接冲击导致脑干损伤的力学机制。方法构建头颅三维有限元模型,模拟计算额、枕部直接冲击损伤,分析中脑上、下交界面节点应力分布,总结中脑应力响应。结果中脑-间脑界面在冲击初始阶段,2ms即出现应力增高,中脑-桥脑界面应力升高开始于冲击后期(10ms),两交界面节点应力在冲击时程中均持续升高,额部冲击比枕部冲击在中-间脑界面造成的应力峰值高。结论中脑在颅脑直接冲击伤的致伤机制中占有突出地位,中脑的应力改变可解释脑震荡的意识障碍及部分原发脑干伤的临床表现。     

Use of a double balloon enteroscope facilitates caecal intubation after incomplete colonoscopy with a standard colonoscope

BACKGROUND: Caecal intubation is a necessary step in the complete endoscopic evaluation of the colon. Studies have estimated that experienced colonoscopists may fail to reach the caecum in up to 10% of cases. AIMS: To evaluate the utility of the double balloon enteroscope used for complete examination of the colon in patients with incomplete standard colonoscopy. PATIENTS: Twenty consecutive patients with incomplete colonoscopies within the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. Mean age of 66 years (S.D.+/-12 years, range 46-84), 16 men. METHODS: Prospective single-centre case series on the caecal intubation rate using standard double balloon enteroscope technique in patients with previous incomplete conventional colonoscopy. RESULTS: Use of the standard double balloon enteroscope technique permitted complete colonoscopy to be achieved in 95% of the patients (19/20). Seven patients (35%) had significant pathology beyond the extent of the prior incomplete colonoscopy. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection, polypectomy or biopsy. The mean time to reach the caecum was 28 min (S.D.+/-20 min, range 6-90 min). The sedation was similar to conventional colonoscopy. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The double balloon enteroscope technology and technique can be used to complete examination of the colon in patients who were referred because of incomplete standard colonoscopy.     

Voice prosthesis insertion after endoscopic balloon-catheter dilatation in case of a stenotic hypopharyngo-oesophageal junction

Stenosis of the hypopharyngo-oesophageal junction can be a rare complication of laryngectomy and/or partial pharyngectomy and makes the insertion of voice prosthesis extremely difficult. This study describes the authors’ experiences gained by endoscopic balloon-catheter dilatation of hypopharyngo-oesophageal stenoses prior to implantation of voice prostheses in four cases. In two patients a single balloon-catheter dilatation resulted in wide enough pharyngo-oesophageal lumen on the long run. The average prosthesis wearing-times were 6.8 months in case 1 and 4.6 months in case 2, corresponding to the published literature data. In case 3, repeated dilatation of the pharyngo-oesophageal transition had proved to be unsuccessful despite taking every effort with the endoscopic balloon-catheter method. Having excised the stenotic segment, reconstruction with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) was indicated. Eighteen months later, a repeated restenosis was observed and a free jejunal flap needed to be performed as a final solution. In case 4, the insertion was carried out into a previously dilated jejunal free flap, which became gradually ischemic and stenotic since the major head-and neck procedure was carried out that resulted in prosthesis rejection after just 1 week. The authors emphasize that correct indication of pedicled and free flaps in head and neck reconstruction is a prerequisite from the aspect of prevention of pharyngo-oesophageal strictures. Endoscopic balloon-catheter dilatation is a safe and established method for dilatating hypopharyngo-oesophageal stenoses of different origin. The procedure provides maximum patient benefit with minimal trauma and morbidity; moreover, facilitates insertion of voice prostheses. However, a single balloon-catheter dilatation cannot always result in wide enough oesophageal lumen on the long run (case 3). Insertion of a voice prosthesis into a previously dilated ischemic jejunal segment is challenging and avoidable due to risks of complications.     

可吸收球囊椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的实验研究

[目的]探讨结合短节段椎弓根螺钉系统撑开复位内固定的可吸收球囊椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的生物力学性能变化。[方法]采集6具新鲜固定湿润成人尸体胸腰椎标本，制成T11-L1，L2～4、L1～3节段标本10个，用自由落体撞击试验造成中间椎体爆裂型骨折，行APF椎弓根螺钉撑开复位，经椎弓根于伤椎椎体内置入可吸收高分子材料-DL-乳酸与ε-己内酯（70：30）的共聚物（PDLLA-CL）制作的可吸收球囊，注入自固化磷酸钙骨水泥行可吸收球囊椎体成形术。分别于骨折前、骨折撑开复位椎体成形术后，用万能材料试验机测定中间椎体在前屈、后伸、侧屈状态下应力-应变、轴向刚度变化及扭转应力下刚度的变化。[结果]伤椎经可吸收球囊椎体成形术治疗后，抗压强度均有所增加，前屈为8％，后伸15％，侧屈9．8％，其中以后伸时增加显著（P〈0．05）。治疗后的轴向刚度普遍得到提高，与骨折前相比，前屈增加11％，后伸增加8％，侧屈增加3％。治疗后椎体在扭转应力下刚度小于骨折前，但两者差异不明显（P〉0．05）。[结论]（1）结合短节段椎弓根螺钉系统撑开复位内固定的可吸收球囊椎体成形术，有助于伤椎的重建，术后脊柱的生物力学特性接近骨折前水平；（2）可吸收球囊椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折，在避免骨水泥渗漏可能导致的潜在危险之前提下，从本质上恢复胸腰椎爆裂型骨折伤椎椎体结构的完整性，恢复其高度，从而恢复和维持脊柱的生理弧度，防止继发性脊柱后凸畸形变引起的迟发性腰背痛及脊髓、神经损伤，以从根本上解决单纯用经椎弓根内固定器治疗胸腰椎爆裂型骨折遗留的并发症，为临床治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折提供了一个新的方法。     

EFFECTS OF LOCALLY ADMINISTERED ARGATROBAN ON RESTENOSIS AFTER BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY: EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL STUDY

1. This study was undertaken to evaluate the preventive effects of locally administered argatroban, a competitive inhibitor of thrombin-induced platelet activation, on restenosis after balloon angioplasty. 2. A hydrogel-coated balloon catheter was immersed three times in argatroban/saline solution (1 mg/mL) for 60 s, inflated to a pressure of 606 kPa and left in the rabbit common carotid artery for 1 min. The same procedure was performed, without drug, as a control. The pharmacokinetics of delivered argatroban in the arterial wall were assessed using [¹⁴C]-argatroban. Platelet deposition 2h after balloon injury was quantified by fluorescence studies using antiplatelet antibody. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation 3 days after balloon injury was assessed by immunohistochemical staining for proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In a clinical study, we divided 50 elective patients into two groups: argatroban and control. 3. In the experimental study, the mean quantities of argatroban at 0, 2 and 6 h after deflation wer. 24.63, 0.49 and 0.11 nmol/g wet weight of artery, respectively. Argatroban was undetected 24 h after deflation. Two hours after deflation, argatroban-treated arteries showed less platelet adhesion than saline-treated controls. The mean number of PCNA-positive cells was 16.9 and 43.8% in the argatroban and control groups, respectively (P < 0.01). In the clinical study, the mean late gain loss was 8.2 and 27.3% in the argatroban and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean late restenosis rate was 11.1 and 41.4% in the argatroban and control groups, respectively (P<0.05). 4. These data suggest that blood coagulation plays a significant role in VSMC proliferation after balloon injury and that locally administered argatroban using hydrogel-coated balloon catheter may prevent post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplast. restenosis.     

孔边裂纹J积分失效评定曲线

计算了单边椭圆缺口试件（ＳＥＮＣＰ）高应变区裂纹的Ｊ积分失效评定曲线（ＦＡＣ），考察了影响ＦＡＣ的几种因素。结果表明：在外加载荷与塑性屈服载荷之比（Ｌｒ）１．０时，用Ｒ６通用失效评定曲线进行结构高应变区裂纹断裂评定与疲劳剩余寿命估算是安全的。     

消化性溃疡中医辨证分型与胃液微量元素 前列腺素E_2及IgG的关系

为了探讨消化性溃疡中医辨证分型与胃液生化、免疫成分的关系,笔者将胃镜确诊的65例患者进行辨证分型,并同步检测其胃液常量元素、微量元素、前列腺素E_2-(PGE_2)、IgG等指标。结果发现,肝胃不和型胃液镁、铜、锌含量低于正常值,IgG高于正常值;脾虚胃热型胃液钠、铜、锌、PGE_2、IgG低于正常值,而钙含量高于正常值;脾胃虚寒型铜、锌、PGE_2低于正常值,而IgG无差异。说明消化性溃疡辨证分型有其客观生化、免疫基础。