Coronary angiographic morphology in myocardial infarction: a link between the pathogenesis of unstable angina and myocardial infarction

It has previously been shown that analysis of coronary morphology can separate unstable from stable angina. An eccentric stenosis with a narrow neck or irregular borders, or both, is very common in patients who present with acute unstable angina, whereas it is rare in patients with stable angina. To extend these observations to myocardial infarction, the coronary morphology of 41 patients with acute or recent infarction and nontotally occluded infarct vessels was studied. For all patients, 27 (66%) of 41 infarct vessels contained this eccentric narrowing, whereas only 2 (11%) of 18 noninfarct vessels with narrowing of 50 to less than 100% had this lesion (p less than 0.001). In addition, a separate group of patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent intracoronary streptokinase infusion were also analyzed in similar fashion. Fourteen (61%) of 23 infarct vessels contained this lesion after streptokinase infusion compared with 1 (9%) of 11 noninfarct vessels with narrowing of 50 to less than 100% (p less than 0.01). Therefore, an eccentric coronary stenosis with a narrow neck or irregular borders, or both, is the most common morphologic feature on angiography in both acute and recent infarction as well as unstable angina. This lesion probably represents either a disrupted atherosclerotic plaque or a partially occlusive or lysed thrombus, or both. The predominance of this morphology in both unstable angina and acute infarction suggests a possible link between these two conditions. Unstable angina and myocardial infarction may form a continuous spectrum with the clinical outcome dependent on the subsequent change in coronary supply relative to myocardial demand.     

Two-dimensional echocardiographic monitoring during percutaneous endomyocardial biopsy

The use of two-dimensional echocardiography in four successive views was assessed to determine the optimal view for localizing a transvenous percutaneous bioptome in 23 consecutive patients undergoing right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The biopsy catheter tip was viewed in 21 (91%) of the 23 patients. The apical four chamber view allowed visualization of the bioptome head in 19 patients (83%), the subcostal view in 8 (34%) and the long-axis view in 4 (17%). The parasternal short-axis view was not helpful in any patient. Biplane fluoroscopy was not reliable in localizing the bioptome head against the interventricular septum and did not identify inadvertent septal perforation in one patient. Echocardiography also can be used to immediately identify possible complications.     

Post-aggression suicide under the influence of new psychoactive substances AMB–FUBINACA and U-47700

The objective of the present study was the development and validation of the method for determining AMB-FUBINACA and its metabolite - AMB-FUBINACA O-desmethyl acid – in blood samples, followed by verification of the method in toxicological judicial and forensic medicine practice employing the example of post-aggression suicide. Most likely in consequence of development of adverse effects resulting in psychotic symptoms, a male being under the influence of the synthetic cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA and the new synthetic opioid U-47700, mortally wounded his female partner and subsequently committed suicide. Identification and determination of the afore-mentioned xenobiotics in blood samples collected from the male and female victims were performed employing high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The analytes were isolated from blood samples using the solid phase extraction (SPE) method. The blood samples collected from the male and female demonstrated respectively 110 and 196 ng/mL of AMB-FUBINACA O-desmethyl acid metabolite, 1935 and 357 ng/mL of U-47700, 250 and 200 ng/mL of N-desmethyl-U-47700, as well as 410 and 200 ng/mL of N,N-didesmethyl-U-47700. The concentration values of new psychoactive substances (NPS’s) in blood samples originating from the male and female were within the ranges encountered in cases of poisoning, including these resulting in death. Nevertheless, the evident signs of exsanguination proof that the woman was alive when she sustained lethal injuries. The presented cases illustrate the difficult to be anticipated effect exerted on the users by NPS’s.     

椎体间纤维性融合重建兔脊柱稳定性的初步探索

目的:研究椎体间纤维性融合后脊柱节段的稳定性,探讨椎体间纤维性融合在治疗脊柱节段失稳中的可行性。方法:将18只6月龄新西兰白兔随机分为两组,均摘除L4/5椎间盘髓核,A组在椎间植入环状聚乳酸-聚羟基乙酸(poly L-lactic-co-glycolic-acid,PLGA)可吸收支架;B组单纯髓核摘除。于术前、术后4周、12周行X线检查,运用Image J软件测量椎间盘高度指数(DHI)并计算其百分数(%DHI),分别于术后4周、8周、12周处死3只动物,行组织病理及免疫组化观察。结果:1只动物死亡,17只实验动物术后存活至预期时间,未补充实验动物。12周时,侧位X线片示两组椎间高度较术前均有下降,两组椎间高度的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A、B两组屈伸活动度与术前相比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。X线片显示A组手术节段椎体无明显移位及反向成角,B组1只兔子出现前屈位腰椎后凸曲度增加,手术节段椎间隙变窄并邻近软骨终板钙化。细胞组织学观察:术后4周时A组见新生血管及纤维组织生成,有少量类软骨细胞出现,未观察到PLGA支架结构;B组见较多纤维细胞生成。术后8周时,A组出现软骨细胞,纤维组织排列不规则,并见少量的胶原纤维及成纤维细胞;B组纤维组织进一步增生,形成瘢痕样组织。术后12周时,A组大量的胶原纤维、软骨组织交互长入,排列杂乱无序,此时的胶原纤维较8周时增多;B组仍为纤维细胞和瘢痕组织,且Ⅰ型胶原表达高于Ⅱ型胶原。结论:椎体间植入PLGA并利用其与椎体骨髓血的诱导成骨作用短期内可以形成椎间纤维融合;短期内观察椎间纤维融合能够维持一定的脊柱节段稳定性并保留部分生理活动功能,但中远期效果有待进一步观察。     

Assessment of adhesion formation to intra-abdominal polypropylene mesh and polytetrafluoroethylene mesh

BACKGROUND: The development of intra-abdominal adhesions, bowel obstruction, and enterocutaneous fistulas are potentially severe complications related to the intraperitoneal placement of prosthetic biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of adhesion formation to polypropylene mesh and two types of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh when placed intraperitoneally in a rabbit model that simulates laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. A 10-cm midline incision was performed for intra-abdominal access and a 2 cm x 2 cm piece of mesh (n = 60) was sewn to an intact peritoneum on each side of the midline. Two types of ePTFE mesh (Dual Mesh and modified Dual Mesh, W.L. Gore & Assoc., Flagstaff, AZ) and polypropylene mesh were compared. The rate of adhesion formation was evaluated by direct visualization using microlaparoscopy (2-mm endoscope/trocar) at 7 days, 3 weeks, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks after mesh implantation. Adhesions to the prosthetic mesh were scored for extent (%) using the Modified Diamond Scale (0 = 0%, 1 50%). At necropsy the mesh was excised en bloc with the anterior abdominal wall for histological evaluation of mesothelial layer growth. RESULTS: The mean adhesion score for the polypropylene mesh was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than Dual Mesh at 9 weeks and 16 weeks and modified Dual Mesh at 7 days, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks. Fifty-five percent (n = 11) of the polypropylene mesh had adhesions to small intestine or omentum at necropsy compared to 30% (n = 6) of the Dual Mesh and 20% (n = 4) of the modified Dual Mesh. There was a significantly greater percentage (P < 0.003) of ePTFE mesh mesothelialized at explant (modified Dual Mesh 44.2%; Dual Mesh 55.8%) compared to the polypropylene mesh (12.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Serial microlaparoscopic evaluation of intraperitoneally implanted polypropylene mesh and ePTFE mesh in a rabbit model revealed a progression of adhesions to polypropylene mesh over a 16 week period. The pore size of mesh is critical in the development and maintenance of abdominal adhesions and tissue ingrowth. The macroporous polypropylene mesh promoted adhesion formation, while the microporous nature of the visceral side of the ePTFE served as a barrier to adhesions.     

A new bioabsorbable sleeve for lung staple-line reinforcement (FOREseal™): report of a three-center phase II clinical trial

Objective: To investigate on the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a new bioabsorbable material for lung staple-line reinforcement. Methods: This prospective open trial included 66 patients (mean age of 56 ± 17 years) who underwent various types of lung resection using staplers with knitted calcium alginate sleeves for buttressing (FOREseal™, Laboratoires Brothier, Nanterre, France) at three academic centers: 29 lobectomies, 22 emphysema surgeries, 15 wedge resections or lung biopsies. Intraoperative air leakage was assessed at a mean respiratory peak pressure of 30 cmH₂O, and rated as grade 1, 2, or 3. Persistent air leakage in the postoperative course, as well as any relevant event, was assessed daily. The follow-up period was of 6 months. Results: No technical problem linked to the device occurred. Hemostasis of the cutting edges was completed in all patients. Fifty-six percent of the patients had no intraoperative air leak and 27.3% had grade 1 leaks. Mean postoperative air leaks and thoracic drainage times were 1.9 ± 2.3 days and 6 ± 5.3 days, respectively. In-hospital mortality was nil. There was no empyema. Mean hospital stay was 9.1 ± 6.6 days. At follow-up, one patient underwent lung transplantation, and pathology of the explanted specimen showed the absence of device-related foreign-body inflammation. One patient complained from metalloptysis, and another one, with a metastatic invasive aspergillosis, developed an infectious recurrence that required reoperation. Conclusions: FOREseal is an ergonomic, safe, and promising new material instead of nonabsorbable materials and xenomaterials for staple-line reinforcement. A randomized comparative study is now in progress.     

Causes of death from the randomized CoreValve US Pivotal High-Risk Trial

Objective

Explore causes and timing of death from the CoreValve US Pivotal High-Risk Trial.

New onset postoperative atrial fibrillation and early anticoagulation after cardiac surgery

Objectives. New onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery is associated with increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Compliance with anticoagulation treatment is prerequisite for successful outcome after POAF. We hypothesized that a disciplined anticoagulation protocol initiated instantly after POAF secures a long-term outcome. Design. A total of 519 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received anticoagulation using warfarin whenever POAF lasted longer than five min. Postoperative outcome including mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke were compared with patients on sinus rhythm (non-POAF). Results. Mean age of the study cohort was 64.3?±?9.0 years and median follow-up time was 76 months. There were 177 (34%) POAF and 342 (66%) non-POAF patients. At discharge, 144 (81%) POAF patients complied with warfarin, while 82 (24%) non-POAF patients received warfarin for non-rhythm causes (p?p?=?.03). After adjustment for comorbidities, major adverse clinical events (MACE)- including a combination of late cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and late atrial fibrillation- was independently associated with POAF (OR 2.73, 95%CI 1.69-4.45, p?Conclusions. POAF after cardiac surgery was associated with high risk of MACE. Early anticoagulation may be justified in POAF patients to secure a long-term outcome after cardiac surgery.     

The association between out of hours burn centre admission and in-hospital outcomes in patients with severe burns

IntroductionPatients with severe burns (≥20 % total body surface area [TBSA]) have specific and time sensitive needs on arrival to the burn centre. Burn care systems in Australia and New Zealand are organised differently during weekday business hours compared to overnight and weekends. The aims of this study were to compare the profile of adult patients with severe burns admitted during business hours with patients admitted out of hours and to quantify the association between time of admission and in-hospital outcomes in the Australian and New Zealand context.MethodsData were extracted from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand for adults (≥18 years) with severe burns admitted to Australian or New Zealand burn centres between July 2016 and June 2020. Differences in patient profiles, clinical management, and in-hospital outcomes were investigated. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to quantify associations between time of admission and in-hospital outcomes of interest.ResultsWe found 623 patients eligible for inclusion. Most patients were admitted out of hours (69.2 %), their median age was 42 years, and most were male (78 %). The median size burn was 30 % TBSA and 32 % of patients had an inhalation injury. A greater proportion of patients admitted out of hours had alcohol and/or drugs involved with injury compared to patients admitted during business hours. No other differences between groups were observed. Patients in both groups had similar odds of dying in hospital (Odds Ratio [OR], 95 % Confidence Interval [95 %CI] 1.49 [0.64, 3.48]), developing acute kidney injury within 72 h (OR, 95 %CI 0.58 [0.32, 1.07]), or sepsis (OR, 95 %CI 1.04 [0.46, 2.35]). No association was found between time of admission and hospital (%, 95 %CI 1.00 [0.82, 1.23]) nor intensive care length of stay (%, 95 %CI 0.97 [0.73, 1.27]).DiscussionIn this first Australian and/or New Zealand study to explore the association between time of admission and burn patient in-hospital outcomes, out of hours admission was not associated with patient outcomes of interest.ConclusionThese findings support current models of care in Australian and New Zealand burn centres, however further investigation is required. Nonetheless, given most severe burns patients arrive out of hours to burn the centre, it is plausible that out of hours availability of senior burn clinicians will improve patient care and safety resilience within burn care systems.     

Bilateral Total Joint Arthroplasty : The Early Results from the New Zealand National Joint Registry

This study evaluated the mortality rate, major complications, and early outcomes of single anesthetic bilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty compared with unilateral and staged procedures. A total of 37 828 total hip and knee arthroplasties were evaluated with 6-month Oxford 12 scores. Major complications and mortality rates were recorded. Analysis of variance tables were used for statistical analysis. The single anesthetic bilateral group were significantly younger (P < .001), with their age-adjusted postoperative Oxford 12 scores significantly better (P < .001) than the other 2 groups. The surgeons involved, in general, performed more than 25 total knee and hip arthroplasties per year. There was 1 death within the first 6 months occurring in the staged bilateral group and was unrelated to the surgery. The complication rate as reported by patients was low in all groups, and there was no significant difference. The results show that, in selected patients, single anesthetic bilateral total knee or hip arthroplasty is a safe, low-risk procedure with very good patient-generated outcome scores at 6 months when performed by an experienced surgeon.