单肺通气前通气侧肺前列腺素E_1超声雾化对气体交换的影响

目的观察单肺通气(OLV)前右侧肺前列腺素E1(PGE1)超声雾化对OLV期间肺内分流率(Qs/Qt)及动脉氧合的影响。方法择期行左胸食管癌根治术患者60例,随机均分为两组:在OLV前对右侧肺雾化吸入PGE10.2μg/kg(P组)和等量生理盐水(C组)。记录雾化吸入前(T1)、OLV 10min(T2)、OLV 15 min(T3)、OLV 30 min(T4)、OLV 60 min(T5)和OLV 120 min(T6)时的氧合指数及血流动力学指标。结果两组患者PaO2在OLV开始后均呈直线下降,其中C组在T4时降至最低点;T2~T4时P组PaO2明显高于C组(P0.05),且PaO2的最低值延迟至T5时出现。T2~T4时P组Qs/Qt明显低于C组(P0.05)。两组不同时点血流动力学差异无统计学意义。结论 OLV前右侧肺雾化吸入0.2μg/kg PGE1能减少肺内分流,改善氧合。     

肺泡征募对单肺通气时氧合和肺内分流的影响

目的探讨肺泡征募(ARS)通气方式对单肺通气(OLV)时氧合和肺内分流的影响。方法择期行食管癌根治术患者24例随机分为观察组和对照组。全麻诱导后插入右双腔支气管导管,开胸后行OLV。观察组ARS于开胸后15min进行。记录动脉血压、HR和SpO2,并在侧卧后双肺通气(TLV)15min、OLV15min、OLV40min行动脉血气分析,以简化肺内分流公式计算肺内分流率(Qs/Qt)值。结果TLV15min和OLV15min时,观察组和对照组的SpO2、SaO2、PaO2、Qs/Qt和PaCO2差异无显著意义(P>0.05)。OLV40minARS观察组较对照组PaO2显著增加(P<0.05),Qs/Qt明显降低(P<0.05)。结论ARS通气方式在麻醉状态下OLV时可改善肺内氧合,降低肺内分流。     

不同浓度布比卡因胸段硬膜外阻滞对单肺通气期间动脉氧合的影响

目的观察不同浓度布比卡因胸段硬膜外阻滞对单肺通气(OLV)期间动脉氧合的影响。方法择期行经左胸食管癌根治术患者120例,年龄50~65岁,随机数字表法均分为四组:A、B、C组采用静脉全麻复合硬膜外阻滞,硬膜外分别给予0.5%、0.25%、0.125%布比卡因,D组为单纯静脉全麻,每组30例。A、B、C三组患者诱导前硬膜外注入5ml相应浓度布比卡因,术中以3~5ml/h持续硬膜外泵入。分别于OLV前(T0)、OLV 15min(T1)、OLV 30min(T2)抽取桡动脉血和混合静脉血行血气分析。结果 T1、T2时A组Qs/Qt明显高于其他三组(P0.05),PaO2明显低于其他三组(P0.05)。T0~T2时A、B组SBP、DBP均明显低于D组(P0.05)。与D组比较,A、B、C组术中阿片类药物和丙泊酚的用量均明显减少(P0.05)。结论静脉全麻复合0.125%和0.25%布比卡因胸段硬膜外阻滞在OLV期间不会增加肺内分流和降低动脉氧合。     

单肺通气期间体位对血液氧合的影响

目的比较单肺通气(OLV)期间不同体位对血液氧合及肺内分流的影响。方法15例择期开胸食管癌根治术病人,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,于仰卧位双肺通气(TLV)(T1)、仰卧位OLV 30 min(T2),侧卧位开胸前OLV 30 min(T3)分别进行动静脉血气分析,并计算肺内分流率(Qs/Qt)。结果T2与T1比较,动脉血氧分压(PaO2)、混合静脉血氧分压(P-VO2)、动脉血氧饱和度(SaO2)、混合静脉血氧饱和度(S-VO2)和静脉血氧饱和度(CvO2)明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高(P<0.01),动脉血氧含量(CaO2)明显下降(P<0.05)。T2与T1相比,PaO2明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高(P<0.01),SaO2明显下降(P<0.05),P-VO2、S-VO2、CaO2和CvO2无明显变化。T2与T3比较,PaO2和S-VO2明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高(P<0.01)。P-VO2、SaO2和CvO2明显降低(P<0.05)。结论T3较T2能明显改善血液氧合,减少肺内分流。     

小剂量乌拉地尔对单肺通气期间动脉氧合及血流动力学的影响

目的 观察小剂量乌拉地尔对单肺通气(OLV)期间动脉氧合及血流动力学的影响.方法 择期行食管癌根治术患者100例,随机均分为两组,分别在OLV期间持续静脉输注乌拉地尔4 μg· kg-1 ·min-1(U组)和等容量生理盐水(C组).记录两组双肺通气20 min(T0)、OLV 20 min (T1)、30 min(T2)、45 min(T3)、60min(T4)时的氧合指标及血流动力学指标.结果 与T0时比较,T1～T4时两组患者PaO2均明显降低,Qs/Qt明显升高(P＜0.01).与T1时比较,T3、T4时U组患者PaO2显著升高,Qs/Qt显著降低(P＜0.05) ;T4时C组患者PaO2明显升高,Qs/Qt明显降低(P＜0.05).与C组比较,T3、T4时U组患者PaO2明显升高,Qs/Qt明显降低(P＜0.05).两组各时点MAP、HR差异无统计学意义.结论 小剂量乌拉地尔可改善OLV期间动脉氧合,减少肺内分流,但对血流动力学无明显影响.     

允许性高碳酸血症在新生儿胸腔镜先天性膈疝修补术中的应用

目的探讨允许性高碳酸血症(PHC)在新生儿胸腔镜先天性膈疝修补术中的应用效果。方法择期行胸腔镜先天性膈疝修补术的新生儿60例,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,男37例,女23例,出生1~28d。随机均分为PHC组(P组)和对照组(C组)。两组患儿气管插管完成后先双肺通气(TLV),左侧膈疝取右侧卧位,右侧膈疝取左侧卧位,手术开始,待手术侧人工气胸(压力为6mm Hg)建立后,由术者在镜下手术操作同时用钝性胸腔镜器械(如钝头分离钳等)适当推移压迫术侧肺,使之萎陷,以实施对侧单肺通气(OLV),便于术野暴露。P组OLV初设VT6ml/kg、RR 30~40次/分、I∶E 1∶1.5~2、PEEP 4~5cm H2O、FiO2100%、新鲜气流量2L/min、Pmax 30cm H2O,术中根据气道压和动脉血气分析结果,调整RR、PEEP,维持PaCO280mm Hg。C组OLV初设VT10ml/kg,其它呼吸参数同P组,调整RR、PEEP,维持PaCO235~45mm Hg。分别于TLV 30min(T0)、OLV 30min(T1)、OLV 60min(T2)、OLV 90min(T3)、恢复TLV 15min(T4)动脉采血并即行血气分析,术后继续相同模式机械通气,术后2h记录有无气胸发生,记录术毕至撤离呼吸机时间和术后住院时间。结果 T1~T3时P组患儿动脉血pH值明显低于C组,PaCO2明显高于C组(P0.05)。T1~T4时两组患儿PaO2差异无统计学意义。P组气胸发生率(13.3%)明显低于C组(36.7%)(P0.05)。两组患儿术毕至撤离呼吸机时间和术后住院时间差异均无统计学意义。结论PHC(PaCO280mm Hg)通气用于新生儿胸腔镜先天性膈疝修补术可明显降低气胸发生率,且对术中PaO2、术后机械通气时间和术后住院时间均无明显影响。     

乌司他丁对原位肝移植术中肺氧合功能的影响

目的观察乌司他丁(UTI)对原位肝移植术(OLT)围术期肺氧合功能及肺内分流的影响。方法20例择期行OLT患者,随机分为两组。UTI组(U组,n=10):切皮后将UTI100万单位加入100ml生理盐水中,持续静脉输注1h,之后每4小时重复一次;对照组(C组,n=10):以等容量生理盐水代替。分别于麻醉后切皮前(T1)、无肝前期120min(T2)、无肝期30min(T3)、新肝期5min(T4)、60min(T5)和术毕(T6)抽取桡动脉和肺动脉血作血气分析,记录不同时段的PaO2、PaCO2和心脏指数(CI)。根据公式计算肺泡-动脉氧分压差(PA-aDO2)、肺内分流率(Q.s/.Qt)、氧供指数(DO2I)和氧耗指数(.VO2I)。术中连续监测心输出量(CO)、混合静脉血氧饱和度(SV-O2)、中心温度、桡动脉压、肺动脉压(PAP)、ECG、CVP、PETCO2、SpO2,维持中心温度不低于35·5℃。结果两组T1时PA-aDO2与.Qs/Q.t均高于正常值。与T1时相比,T2时各指标差异无显著意义;T3时PaO2增高(P<0·05,P<0·01),U组PA-aDO2降低(P<0·05);T4时PaCO2增高(P<0·01);T5时U组CI增高(P<0·05);T6时C组CI增高(P<0·05),U组PaO2、CI、DO2I、V.O2I均增高(P<0·05,P<0·01),U组PA-aDO2降低(P<0·05)。T6时,与C组相比,U组Q.s/Q.t、PA-aDO2和V.O2I差异有显著意义(P<0·05)。结论OLT术前和术中有明显的肺氧合功能障碍,UTI可改善OLT中肺的氧合功能。     

肺复张策略对健侧肺氧合及顺应性的影响

目的 评价肺复张策略(lung recruitment maneuvers,LRM)对健侧肺氧合及顺应性的影响. 方法 ASA分级Ⅱ级择期行胸腔镜辅助下肺切除术患者40例,采用随机数字表法分为对照组(C组)和实验组(L组),每组20例.C组术中常规单肺通气(one lung ventilation,OLV),L组OLV 20 min后进行1次LRM,两组均在OLV结束关闭胸腔前进行1次肺复张.分别于患者麻醉前(T0),OLV后20 min(T1),LRM后15 min(T2)、30 min(T3)、45 min(T4)及OLV结束(T5)时,采集患者生命体征数据并采集动脉血样本进行血气分析,根据公式计算肺顺应性(dynamic compliance,Cdyn). 结果 与C组相比,L组PaO2在T2[(150±11) mmHg比(204±21) mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa]、T3[(154±12) mmHg比(176±14) mmHg]、T5[(442±20) mmHg比(473±15) mmHg]时点均升高(P＜0.05),Cdyn在T2[(21±3) ml/cmH2O比(25±3) ml/cmH2O,1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa]和T5[(26±3) ml/cmH2O比(31±5)ml/cmH2O)]时点提高(P＜0.05). 结论 LRM可以有效改善OLV期间氧合及Cdyn,单次LRM提高PaO2有效时间为30 min,在15 min左右PaO2改善最为明显.     

不同吸入氧浓度对糖尿病合并微血管病变患者围术期肺功能的影响

目的评价机械通气中不同吸入氧浓度(fraction of inspired oxygen,FiO 2)对糖尿病合并微血管病变患者围术期肺功能的影响,为临床提供参考。方法择期行腔镜胃癌根治术的糖尿病合并微血管病变患者60例,采用随机数字表法分为三组(n=20):A组FiO 2为35%,B组为50%,C组为75%。分别于麻醉诱导前(T0)、气腹后30 min(T1)、气腹后60 min(T2)、关气腹后10 min(T3)记录患者生命体征:心率(heart rate,HR)、收缩压(systolic blood pressure,SBP)、舒张压(diastolic blood pressure,DBP)、脉氧饱和度(pulse oxygen saturation,SPO 2),并抽取动脉血行血气分析,计算氧合指数(oxygenation index,OI)、肺内分流率(intrapulmonary shunt rate,Qs/Qt);在手术结束后记录三组患者的达气管拔管指征时间、麻醉恢复室(postanesthesia care unit,PACU)停留时间、术后7 d内肺部并发症(低氧血症、肺炎、呼吸衰竭)发生率。结果与C组比较,A、B组术后达气管拔管指征时间明显较短(P<0.05),A、B组术后达气管拔管指征时间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);在SPO 2水平上,A、B、C三组在T0时比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),A组在T1~T3各时间点较B、C组降低(P<0.05),B组在T1~T3各时间点与C组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与B组比较,A、C组在T1~T3各时间点OI明显降低(P<0.05),A、B、C各组T1~T3时间点OI低于T0时间点(P<0.05);T0时三组Qs/Qt比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),与C组比较,A、B组在T1~T3各时间点的Qs/Qt明显减少(P<0.05),A、B、C各组T0时Qs/Qt低于T1~T3(P<0.05)。结论对行腹腔镜胃癌根治术的糖尿病合并微血管病变患者来说,机械通气中吸入50%氧浓度对其围术期肺功能影响较小。     

长时间CO2气腹和Trendelenburg体位对中老年患者直肠癌根治术中脑氧饱和度的影响

目的评估腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术中长时间CO2气腹和Trendelenburg体位对中老年患者脑氧饱和度(rSO2)的影响。方法选择拟行腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术患者38例,男19例,女19例,年龄45~80岁,BMI 18~25kg/m2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。根据年龄分为两组:45~64岁为中年组(M组),65~80岁为老年组(O组)。两组均常规全麻插管,记录诱导结束后10 min(T0)、Trendelenburg体位后30 min(T1)、1 h(T2)和2 h(T3)的HR、MAP、PETCO2、PaCO2、PaO2、rSO2等。采用Pearson检验分析rSO2与年龄的相关性。记录术后3 d内急性脑卒中和术后谵妄(POD)等神经系统相关不良反应的发生情况。结果与T0时比较,T1-T3时两组rSO2均明显升高(P<0.05)。T0时M组rSO2明显高于O组(P<0.05)。不同时点两组HR、MAP、PETCO2、PaCO2、PaO2差异无统计学意义。T0时rSO2与年龄呈明显负相关(r=-0.650,P<0.05)。T1、T2时rSO2与年龄未见明显相关性。T3时rSO2和年龄之间呈明显正相关(r=0.488,P<0.05)。两组术后无一例急性脑卒中和POD等神经系统相关不良反应发生。结论在需要Trendelenburg体位的腹腔镜手术中,尤其对于老年患者,应该加强rSO2监测,避免脑氧供氧需失衡带来的神经系统并发症。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.