In situ saphenous vein bypass grafts: angiographic evaluation and interventional repair of complications

In situ saphenous vein grafts are being used with increasing frequency for bypass procedures involving the femoral and popliteal arteries. Complications of these procedures include anastomotic stenoses and persistent arteriovenous fistulae that may result in failure of the graft. Balloon angioplasty and embolotherapy with detachable balloons were employed successfully in three or four recent cases of patients with complications from in situ grafts. Tailored angiography is essential for evaluating in situ grafts, and interventional techniques are extremely useful for managing complications.     

Disinfection and sterilisation: the duties and responsibilities of dentists and dental hygienists.

Disinfection and sterilisation have received a considerable amount of attention due to the spread of AIDS in the past few years. There appears to be a low risk of occupational transmission of HIV, but this is not the case with other transmissible diseases. There are about 40 infection hazards for the patient and dental personnel in the dental surgery. Disinfection and cleaning are important in disease containment and cross-infection control, and all members of the dental team must bear responsibility for this. Disinfection of hands, surfaces, instruments, impression materials, radiographic units and suction systems are discussed. In addition, sterilisation and hygiene management of the reception area are considered. The duties and responsibilities of the dental team are emphasised.     

Metacarpophalangeal pattern (MCPP) profile analysis in a family with triphalangeal thumb.

Triphalangeal thumb (TPT) is a rare congenital disorder characterised by a long, finger-like thumb with three phalanges instead of two. It can occur as an isolated defect, in association with other abnormalities of the hands and feet, or as a part of a syndrome. Sporadic cases have been described, but it is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. In order to examine skeletal morphology in different phenotypic variations of this disorder, we performed metacarpophalangeal pattern profile analysis in one kindred with this disorder. A characteristic profile occurred in all affected people, based on the individual lengthening or shortening of the thumb bones. Comparison of the affected and unaffected people from this family with people with a different genetic background suggests that the described profile is specific for TPT and could be used as a helpful diagnostic tool in syndromes which include TPT.