The Rigiflex TTS: A New Method to Dilate Benign Esophageal Stenosis

Abstract: This paper dicusses the use of esophageal dilatation with a Rigiflex TTS balloon. This method was used 45 times on 11 patients affected by anastomotic or a severe grade peptic esophageal stenosis. Fluoroscopic guidance was used in 36 procedures (80%) without effecting the mean duration of the treatment (12 minutes). The results were considered satisfactory when these goals had been achieved: a) dilatation of the stenosis over 15 mm; b) a dysphagia free-time of more than 6 months. A satisfactory result was achieved in 10 patients (90.9%), without deaths and major complications. 5 patients received 1 dilatation and the other 5 needed, 3-3-4-7–11 procedures respectively to obtain a satisfactory result. On these basis we consider that its great efficacy, security and tolerability depend on the following characteristics of the Rigiflex TTS balloon: 1) “radial” dilatation; 2) the possibility of introducing the balloon through the operative channel of the fiberscope; 3) direct visualization of the stenosis during dilatation. The following disadvantages with this method are: the absence of a tactile sensation of dilatation and the elevated cost of the instrument. We conclude that the Rigiflex TTS balloon is an important alternative to guide-wire techniques, especially for the treatment of severe esophageal strictures.     

Synthesis and antiviral activity of 2-[α-nitro-β-aminovinyl]-hydroquinone and -p-benzoquinone

Translated from Khimiko-farmatsevitcheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 35–37, April, 1991.     

Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of N-[1-(5-R-Oxy-2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl)ethyl]-N-hydroxyureas

Two benzofuran derivatives — analogs of 5-lipoxygenase antagonist zileuton — have been synthesized and tested. It is established that both compounds possess antiinflammatory activity. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 39, No. 12, pp. 17–20, December, 2005.     

Anulus fibrosus in bulging intervertebral disks

In this investigation the association of radial tears of the anulus fibrosus and bulging of the intervertebral disk was studied. An index of disk bulging was measured in sagittal anatomic sections in 149 lumbar disks from 31 cadavers. The indexes of disk bulging were correlated with stages of disk development and the presence of an annular tear. The largest disk-bulging indexes were always associated with radial tears of the anulus. Eighty-four percent of the disks with radial tears had disk-bulging indexes greater than 2.5 mm. Most normal adult disks had an index of less than 2.5 mm. The results challenge the concept that the anulus fibrosus is intact in bulging disks, although ruptured in herniated disks.     

Possibilities and limitations of predicting bioavailability of combination drugs using one of the components

Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 18–21, April, 1995.