Comparative Echogenicity of an Epidural Catheter and 2 New Catheters Designed for Ultrasound‐Guided Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Visualization of the catheter during ultrasound‐guided continuous nerve block performance may be difficult but is an essential skill for regional anesthesiologists. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate 2 newer catheters designed for enhanced echogenicity and compare them to a widely used catheter not purposely designed for ultrasound guidance. Outcomes were the numbers of first‐place rankings among all 3 catheters and scores on individual echogenicity criteria as assessed by 2 blinded reviewers. Catheters designed for echogenicity are not superior to an older regional anesthesia catheter, and results suggest that catheter preference for ultrasound‐guided placement may be subjective.     

Guided Endodontics Modified for Treating Molars by Using an Intracoronal Guide Technique

The aim of this case report was to show the concept of guided endodontics in a maxillary first molar with limited interocclusal space. Guided endodontics involves merging cone-beam computed tomographic imaging and a surface scan of the tooth in order to create a guide to perform a drill path into the seemingly obliterated root canal. In the molar region, the interocclusal space is often too small to accommodate the guide, bur, and handpiece at once, and, therefore, a modified approach is presented. A 52-year-old man was referred because the dentist had failed to localize the distobuccal root canal of a maxillary molar (#3) associated with apical pathosis. After reopening and rubber dam placement, a glide path was established for both the palatal first mesiobuccal root canal and the second mesiobuccal using a size 10 hand file and coronal flaring. Further instrumentation to the working length was achieved by reciprocating file size 25. All 3 canals were temporarily filled with calcium hydroxide. For the distobuccal root canal, guided endodontics was chosen in order to avoid further impairment of the tooth because negotiation of the canal failed even with the use of the operating microscope. Following the merged data obtained from the cone-beam computed tomographic and surface scans, a translucent SICAT Optiguide (SICAT, Bonn, Germany) was constructed containing a sleeve representing the proper direction of a drill path in order to reach the distobuccal root canal. The access cavity was temporarily filled with a composite material made for light-curing. Before light curing, the Optiguide was replaced on the teeth, and a steel pin was pressed through the sleeve and the composite whereby the proper drill path direction was transferred into the composite. After polymerization and removal of the Optiguide and pin from the composite base sleeve, the guided drilling could be performed. This case report is the first on guided access preparation in a molar with pulp canal obliteration and limited interocclusal space. The demand for more interocclusal space was solved by transforming the virtual drill path into a composite-based intracoronal guide. The use of digital technology was essential.     

引导性反馈在内科模拟教学中的应用分析

目的探讨引导性反馈在内科模拟教学中的应用价值。方法此次研究所纳入的内科实习生均自2017年1月—2019年1月份进入本院,抽选量为80例。以随机数字表法完成分组,将应用常规内科模拟教学的40例内科实习生设立为参照组,将联合引导性反馈的40例患者设立为观察组。两组均由同组教师进行授课教学,教学后进行考核。经考核成绩分析和发放教学满意度问卷,比对两组实习生的教学情况。结果观察组的操作技巧、人文关怀、应急能力、理论知识分值更高,与参照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组的教学满意度更高,与参照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在内科模拟教学中开展引导性反馈,可强化学生对学习的反思,使学生教学积极性得到提高,有效提高学生教学成绩,改善教学质量。     

Guided biopsy of osseous pathologies in the jaw bone using a 3D-printed,tooth-supported drilling template

Suspicious radiological findings in the jaw bone require histopathological examination for the confirmation of a diagnosis. As pathologies in this region are difficult to reach or are in close proximity to relevant anatomical structures, e.g. tooth roots or nerves, they often represent a challenge. Such factors may adversely affect the predictability of the surgical outcome of a biopsy of the osseous tissues. This technical note introduces a novel method for performing a digitally planned, guided biopsy. For this purpose, a cone beam computed tomography scan and an intraoral scan are superimposed using specific planning software. The resulting three-dimensionally printed, tooth-supported drilling template is designed for a trephine biopsy. It allows a precise, minimally invasive approach, with an exact three-dimensional determination of the biopsy location prior to surgery. The risk of devitalization of the neighbouring teeth or possible damage to the nerve structures can be minimized. Furthermore, a small access flap can be sufficient. In summary, the method of bone biopsy presented here allows high precision and greater predictability for biopsy sampling and is minimally invasive for the patient.