膨胀式脊柱椎弓根螺钉固定的生物力学研究

目的:测试膨胀式椎弓根螺钉(expansivepediclescrew,EPS)的骨-器械界面强度及耐疲劳强度,评价EPS的脊柱后路固定强度。方法:100个新鲜小牛腰椎随机分成A、B、C三组,以USS,Tenor,CDH螺钉为对照螺钉,分别对EPS进行最大旋出力矩实验、轴向拔出实验和翻修实验,记录最大旋出力矩(Tmax)、最大轴向拔出力(Fmax)和翻修后最大轴向拔出力。并在超高分子聚乙烯材料上对螺钉进行150万次的周期载荷疲劳实验。结果:EPS的Tmax、Famx显著大于三种对照螺钉(P<0.01)。EPS翻修时的Fmax亦显著高于对照螺钉(P<0.05)。150万次周期载荷疲劳实验完成后,四种螺钉均未出现疲劳折断现象。结论:EPS较目前常使用的非膨胀椎弓根螺钉有更好的脊柱固定作用及翻修性能,其耐疲劳强度与其它三种螺钉相当。     

通用型脊柱内固定系统椎弓根螺钉的生物力学测试

目的测试自行设计的通用型脊柱内固定系统(generalspinesystem,GSS)椎弓根螺钉以及SOCON和CCD螺钉置入正常成人椎体标本的最大轴向拔出力及最大旋入力矩,评价GSS螺钉对椎弓根的锚固作用。方法将27个正常成人腰椎椎体标本随机分为3组,每组9个椎体(18侧椎弓根),分别置入GSS、SOCON和CCD椎弓根螺钉,行螺钉拔出试验,测试并记录螺钉的最大旋入力矩和最大轴向拔出力。结果三组螺钉的最大旋入力矩分别为(1.83±0.27)Nm、(2.09±0.51)Nm和(1.66±0.34)Nm,最大轴向拔出力分别为(1131.0±255.4)N、(1034.0±262.3)N和(886.1±152.9)N。GSS螺钉最大轴向拔出力最大,且与CCD螺钉相比差异有非常显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论GSS螺钉具有很强的椎弓根锚固作用。     

新型Y型椎弓根螺钉在骨质疏松人工骨模块下的生物力学研究

目的评价新型设计的Y型椎弓根螺钉(Y type pedicle screw,YPS)在骨质疏松人工骨模块(简称"模块")中的生物力学稳定性。方法将模块随机分成3组(n=20),用手钻垂直钻入模块中,制备直径3.0 mm、深30.0 mm的钉道。分别将YPS、膨胀式椎弓根螺钉(expansive pedicle screw,EPS)、中空骨水泥椎弓根螺钉(bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw,CICPS)打入已制备好钉道的各组模块中。12 h后行X线检查,并在E10000万能材料试验机上分别对YPS组、EPS组、CICPS组进行生物力学稳定测试,记录最大轴向拔出力、最大旋出力和周期抗屈最大载荷。结果 X线片观察示,YPS组主钉和中芯钉均被周围的聚氨酯材料包绕,中芯钉从主螺钉的中下1/3穿出后,与主钉形成15°夹角,插入的中芯钉最低点与主螺钉位于同水平线上;EPS组螺钉尖端明显膨胀,形成爪型结构;CICPS组骨水泥主要分布于螺钉前部,在骨小梁中弥散,形成稳固的"螺钉-骨水泥-骨小梁"复合体。生物力学检测示,YPS、EPS、CICPS组的最大轴向拔出力分别为(98.43±8.26)、(77.41±11.41)、(186.43±23.23)N,最大旋出力矩分别为(1.42±0.33)、(0.96±0.37)、(2.27±0.39)N/m,周期抗屈试验的最大载荷分别为(67.49±3.02)、(66.03±2.88)、(143.48±4.73)N。CICPS组各指标均明显高于YPS组和EPS组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);YPS组最大轴向拔出力和最大旋出力矩显著高于EPS组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但YPS组和EPS组间比较最大载荷差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论相比于EPS,YPS能有效提升其在模块中的最大轴向拔出力和最大旋出力,为骨质疏松条件下的螺钉设计和不同固定方式选择提供了新思路。     

膨胀式椎弓根螺钉抗旋出性能的生物力学测试

目的:测试并比较自行设计的膨胀式椎弓根螺钉(Expansive Pedicle Screw,EPS)与USS,Tenor,CDH椎弓根螺钉植入椎体后的最大旋出力矩及旋出180°时能量吸收值,评价EPS螺钉脊柱固定稳定性.方法:30个新鲜小牛腰椎随机分成3组,每组10个椎体(20侧椎弓根),每组均随机在一侧拧入EPS螺钉,对侧分别拧入USS、Tenor,CDH螺钉,旋出螺钉,测试并记录最大旋出扭力矩及旋出180°时能量吸收值.结果:EPS,USS,Tenor,CDH螺钉的最大旋出力矩分别为(3.570±0.914)Nm,(1.607±0.300)Nm,(2.257±0.372)Nm,(2.371±0.348)Nm;能量吸收值分别为(8.277±2.108)J,(3.230±0.559)J,(4.475±0.602)J,(4.441±0.457)J.EPS螺钉的最大旋出力矩及能量吸收值显著大于其它三种螺钉(P值均小于0.01).结论:EPS螺钉较目前使用的USS,Tenor,CDH非膨胀椎弓根螺钉有更好的固定稳定性.     

骨密度对膨胀式椎弓根螺钉固定强度影响的力学研究北大核心CSCD

目的评价不同骨质疏松条件下膨胀式椎弓根螺钉(expansive pedicle screw,EPS)的稳定性,为其应用于合并有骨质疏松症的患者脊柱手术提供力学理论基础。方法取新鲜尸体脊柱(T12～L5)标本,根据骨密度检测结果,按临床骨质疏松程度诊断标准分成骨质正常、骨量减少、骨质疏松和重度骨质疏松4个水平,每个水平各2具标本12个椎体。于每个椎体两侧椎弓根分别植入普通椎弓根螺钉(conventional pedicle screw,CPS;CPS组)和EPS(EPS组)。采用AG-IS万能材料试验机,以5 mm/min匀速加载进行螺钉轴向拔出试验,测定最大拔出力、刚度和能量吸收值。结果两组随骨密度水平下降,最大拔出力及刚度均逐渐下降(P<0.05);CPS组能量吸收值逐渐下降(P<0.05),EPS组能量吸收值除正常骨质与骨量减少间比较、骨质疏松与重度疏松间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)外,其余各密度水平间比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。同一骨密度水平EPS组最大拔出力均显著高于CPS组(P<0.05);除正常骨质水平外,同一骨密度水平EPS组刚度均显著高于CPS组(P<0.05);除骨量减少水平外,同一骨密度水平两组能量吸收值比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。骨质疏松水平EPS组最大拔出力、刚度、能量吸收值与骨量减少水平CPS组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);但重度骨质疏松水平EPS组以上指标均显著低于骨量减少水平CPS组(P<0.05)。结论与CPS相比,EPS能明显提高固定强度,尤其对于骨量减少或骨质疏松患者。     

聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯强化对骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉固定的生物力学作用

目的探讨聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯 (polymethylmethacrylate,PMMA)骨水泥强化椎弓根螺钉的方法和评价 PMMA强化骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉后的生物力学性质。方法 6具新鲜老年女性胸腰段骨质疏松脊柱标本 (T10～ L5),使用双能 X线骨密度吸收仪测试每个椎体的骨密度,随机取 16个椎体 (32侧椎弓根 ),一侧椎弓根拧入 CCD螺钉,测量最大旋入力偶矩后拔出螺钉作为正常对照组,用 PMMA骨水泥强化椎弓根螺钉作为修复固定组,行螺钉拔出试验;另一侧经导孔直接强化椎弓根螺钉后拔出作为强化固定组,记录三组螺钉的最大轴向拔出力。结果椎体平均骨密度为 (0.445± 0.019)g/cm2;螺钉最大旋入力偶矩为（ 0.525± 0.104） Nm;正常对照组螺钉最大轴向拔出力为 (271.5± 57.3)N;修复固定组为 (765.9± 130.7)N;强化固定组为 (845.7± 105.0)N。 PMMA骨水泥强化或修复骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉后最大抗压力明显高于强化前,差异有非常显著性意义 (P< 0.01)。结论 PMMA骨水泥强化骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉能显著增加螺钉在椎体内的稳固性。     

通用型脊柱内固定系统椎弓根螺钉翻修作用的生物力学研究

目的测试自行设计的通用型脊柱内固定系统(generalspinesystem,GSS)椎弓根螺钉以及SOCON、TSRH和Diapason螺钉置入椎体的拔出力及旋入力矩,评价GSS螺钉的翻修作用。方法将36个正常成人腰椎椎体标本随机分为三组,每组12个椎体(24侧椎弓根)。各组标本每个椎体的每侧椎弓根均先拧入CCD螺钉(直径6.0mm,长45mm),行螺钉拔出试验,测试并记录螺钉的最大旋入力矩和最大轴向拔出力。然后各组标本每个椎体均随机选择一侧椎弓根经原钉道拧入GSS螺钉(直径6.5mm,长45mm);第一组另一侧拧入SOCON螺钉(直径7.0mm,长45mm),第二组另一侧拧入TSRH螺钉(直径7.0mm,长45mm),第三组另一侧拧入Diapason螺钉(直径6.7mm,长45mm)。分别测试螺钉最大旋入力矩及最大轴向拔出力。结果第一组GSS螺钉最大轴向拔出力为CCD螺钉的114%,SOCON螺钉为CCD螺钉的108%;GSS螺钉最大轴向拔出力大于SOCON螺钉,差异无显著性(P>0.05);GSS螺钉最大旋入力矩小于SOCON螺钉,差异无显著性(P>0.05)。第二组GSS螺钉最大轴向拔出力为CCD螺钉的127%,TSRH螺钉为CCD螺钉的64%;GSS螺钉最大轴向拔出力大于TSRH螺钉,差异有显著性(P<0.01);GSS螺钉最大旋入力矩大于TSRH螺钉,差异有显著性(P<0.01)。第三组GSS螺钉最大轴向拔出力为CCD螺钉的122%,Diapason螺钉为CCD螺钉的8     

椎弓根外侧壁破坏对脊柱椎弓根钉内固定生物力学强度的影响

目的探讨椎弓根螺钉内固定术中椎弓根外侧壁穿破后,向内侧重新定向后打入矫正螺钉(redirectionally correctly placed pedicle screw,RS)对脊柱内固定的生物力学影响。方法 6只市售家猪,体重95~105 kg,雌雄不限。取其新鲜腰椎标本30个(L1~5椎体各6个)。每个椎体标本一侧椎弓根打入最佳位置的椎弓根螺钉(optimu m placed pedicle screw,OS);对侧在椎弓根和椎体连接处破坏椎弓根外侧壁,然后拧入RS螺钉。分别测量每个椎弓根钉最大拧入扭矩、锁紧扭矩、螺钉松动力和轴向拔出力。结果 OS螺钉和RS螺钉的最大拧入扭矩分别为(111.4±8.2)N·cm和(78.9±6.4)N·cm,差异有统计学意义(Z=3.038,P=0.002);OS螺钉和RS螺钉的锁紧扭矩分别为(86.3±7.7)N·cm和(59.7±5.3)N·cm,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.802,P=0.005)。OS螺钉和RS螺钉的螺钉松动力分别为(76.3±6.2)N和(53.0±5.8)N,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.861,P=0.004);OS螺钉和RS螺钉的轴向拔出力分别为(343.0±12.6)N和(287.0±10.5)N,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.964,P=0.003)。结论与OS相比,椎弓根外侧壁破坏后RS在最大拧入扭矩、锁紧扭矩、螺钉松动力和轴向拔出力方面均显著降低,强化螺钉可能是较好的补救方法。     

膨胀式脊柱内固定系统椎弓根螺钉翻修作用的生物力学研究

目的：评价自行设计的膨胀式脊柱同定系统（expansive spinal fixation system，ESFS）的椎弓根螺钉对椎弓根螺钉固定失败后的翻修作用。方法：将30个深低温冰冻的正常成人腰椎体标本随机分为A、B、C三组．每组10个椎体（20侧椎弓根）。各组标本每个椎体的两侧椎弓根均先拧入直径6．0mm、长45mm的CD-Ⅱ螺钉．行螺钉拔出试验，记录螺钉的最大旋入力矩和最大轴向拔出力。然后将CD-Ⅱ螺钉拔出，各组标本每一椎体随机经一侧椎弓根原钉道拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的ESFS螺钉；A组另一侧椎弓根拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的CD-Ⅱ螺钉，B组另一侧拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的TSRH螺钉．C组另一侧拧入直径7．0mm、长45mm的GSS螺钉。分别测试螺钉最大旋入力矩和最大轴向拔出力。结果：A、B、C三组的ESFS螺钉最大轴向拔出力分别为6mm CD-Ⅱ螺钉的113％、110％和112％，而直径7．0mm、长45mm的CD-Ⅱ螺钉、TSRH螺钉和GSS螺钉的最大轴向拔出力分别只有6mm CD-Ⅱ螺钉的80％、82％和88％，各组ESFS螺钉最大轴向拔出力明显高于其它三种螺钉。差异有显著性（P〈0．01）。各组各螺钉最大旋入力矩之间差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。结论：ESFS螺钉具有很好的椎弓根锚固作用及翻修作用。     

L_5、S_1前路经椎弓根螺钉固定的生物力学研究

目的探讨L5、S1前路经椎弓根螺钉固定生物力学特性。方法 7具完整新鲜尸体腰骶段(L5、S1)脊柱标本,双能X线骨密度测量后排除严重骨质疏松者,分解成两个独立完整椎体(L5、S1)。每个椎体植入前路椎弓根螺钉(ATPS)、后路椎弓根螺钉(PTPS)和椎体螺钉(TVS),对置入的3种螺钉进行旋入扭矩和抗拔出力试验,比较3种螺钉固定方式的最大扭矩和轴向拔出力。结果 L5、S1的平均最大扭矩:ATPS为(1.25±0.01)N·m,PTPS为(1.35±0.01)N·m,TVS为(0.40±0.01)N·m;ATPS和PTPS之间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),ATPS、PTPS与TVS间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。L5、S1的平均最大拔出力:ATPS为(1 630±65)N,PTPS为(1 730±60)N,TVS为(680±50)N;ATPS和PTPS之间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),ATPS、PTPS与TVS之间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。螺钉旋入最大扭矩与螺钉拔出力呈正相关性。结论 L5、S1ATPS和L5、S1PTPS两种固定的平均最大扭矩和平均最大拔出强度差异并不明显,但均大于TVS固定。L5、S1ATPS固定有较好的生物力学优势。     

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.