Quality in Clinical Practice

This paper reports the proceedings of the discussion panel assigned to look at clinical aspects of quality in emergency medicine. One of the seven stated objectives of the Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference on quality in emergency medicine was to educate emergency physicians regarding quality measures and quality improvement as essential aspects of the practice of emergency medicine. Another topic of interest was a discussion of the value of information technology in facilitating quality care in the clinical practice of emergency medicine. It is important to note that this is not intended to be a comprehensive review of this extensive topic, but instead is designed to report the discussion that occurred at this session of the consensus conference.     

An experimental collagen-impregnated dacron graft: Potential for endothelial seeding

This study evaluates the potential for endothelial seeding of a collagen-impregnated Dacron graft with or without surface modifiers (fibronectin, heparin) to attach and retain these cells during flow. Human umbilical endothelial cells were harvested, cultured, labeled with Indium111-oxine and seeded onto 30 mm X 4 mm diameter grafts. Six graft surfaces were studied: 1) a collagen-impregnated Dacron graft, HemashieldR (C); 2) C + fibronectin (C + F); 3) C + heparin (C + H); 4) C + F + H; 5) HytrelR + F (Hyt + F); and 6) Hyt + F + H. Radioactive loss determined the percentage attachment and then percentage retention of labeled inoculum after a one-hour in vitro perfusion. Scanning electron and light microscopy demonstrated the endothelium on the graft surface following perfusion. Fibronectin-coated grafts had a significantly higher percentage attachment than those without fibronectin (ANOVA, P less than 0.05). However, the percentage retention following perfusion was similar for all Dacron grafts and statistically inferior to the HytrelR grafts studied (ANOVA, P less than 0.05). SEM evaluation of the C + F + H graft surface was qualitatively the most impressive Dacron surface for seeding, yet was inferior to the HytrelR graft. We conclude that fibronectin benefits the initial attachment of endothelium to collagen-coated Dacron rivaling the HytrelR surface. Fibronectin does not improve percentage retention of the HemashieldR surface during perfusion, therefore, some of its initial benefit is lost.     

Infantile Digital Fibroma Treated With Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Infantile digital fibroma (IDF) is a rare benign fibrous tumor of childhood that frequently recurs despite local excision. Conservative, nonsurgical management may result in regression and/or joint deformity. OBJECTIVE: To describe the histologic features of IDF and discuss a case excised using Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS: Case report and review of the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features. RESULTS: Characteristic inclusion bodies of actin were identified with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and rapid actin immunostain. The tumor was debulked and the majority was removed after one stage of MMS, except where the deep margin approached the joint space. The defect healed by secondary intention. At 2 years the patient had no recurrence or functional joint deformity. CONCLUSION: MMS is a surgical treatment option for IDF.     

The effect of optical design on micromanipulator spot size using CO2 laser irradiation

Objective: The study goal was to compare the laser spot size created using reflective and refractive micromanipulators with a CO₂ laser and to determine the sensitivity of spot size to laser power. Study Design and Setting: A CO₂ laser and operating microscope (400-mm focal length) was coupled to either a reflective (Cassegrain-like) or refractive micromanipulator. Laser spot size was determined by measuring the region of ablation created by laser irradiation of wood (dry tongue depressors), exposed photographic film, and agar gel using optical micrometry. Laser power varied from 0.5 to 20 W with pulse durations of 0.1 and 0.5 second. Results: The reflective micromanipulator demonstrated overall smaller spot sizes for a given laser power and lower incremental change in spot size with increasing power. The reflective design demonstrated less sensitivity to increases in laser power. Conclusions: Micromanipulator optical design can result in significant differences in laser spot size. The reflective device used in this study demonstrated less sensitivity to increasing laser power. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126:593-597.)     

成人成骨细胞与珊瑚羟基磷灰石的体外生物相容性

目的：研究成人骨髓成骨细胞与珊瑚羟基磷灰石（carolline hydroxyapatite,CHA)在体外培养条件下的生物相容性。方法：抽取健康成人骨髓组织，置于含体积分数为10％胎牛血清的DMEM培养基中培养，传代后改用含地塞米松、β-甘油磷酸钠和维生素C的条件培养基培养，分为CHA复合细胞组和单纯细胞组，不同时间用倒置相关显微镜，HE染色光镜及扫描电镜观察，MTT法进行细胞增殖测定，并进行细胞微量蛋白含量和碱性磷酸酶的定量检测，结果：成人骨髓成骨细胞体外培养时复合或不复合CHA均生长良好，表现出典型成骨细胞的形态特征和生物学特性，CHA利于细胞的贴附，生长与增殖，并对细胞的功能无不良影响，结论：CHA是较理想的骨组织工程支架材料，成骨细胞复合CHA用于骨缺损的修复，具有广阔的临床应用前景。     

Endoscopic pterygopalatine space surgery

Although lesions of the pterygopalatine space are uncommon, there are instances in which this relatively inaccessible region must be entered for biopsy or excision of masses. Traditional open approaches to the pterygopalatine space, involving external or intraoral incisions, provide limited visualization and carry associated morbidities. The evolution and advancement of endoscopic sinus surgical technique in recent years has led to its application to anatomic areas outside the strict limits of the sinonasal cavities. Such minimally invasive approaches are safe, effective, and spare unnecessary discomfort to the patient. This article describes the authors' method for performing an endoscopic approach to the pterygopalatine space.     

外伤性延迟性脾破裂的诊断和治疗（附21例报告）

目的探讨外伤性延迟性脾破裂的发病规律、临床特点、诊断和治疗方法。方法结合国内外资料及本组病例进行回顾性分析。结果明确诊断16例，误诊为肝破裂2例，宫外孕破裂2例，脾肿瘤1例。21例均手术治疗，行脾切除14例，其中保留副脾2例；脾切除加自体脾组织网膜内移植术3例；脾缝合修补术3例；脾部分切除术1例。死亡1例，原因有就诊晚、失血性休克。结论本病由于腹腔内出血与受伤时间间隔长，容易误诊。诊断除依靠病史、临床表现外，应及时进行腹腔穿刺、B超及CT检查。治疗以脾切除为主，可根据病情、脾破裂的程度以及是否有合并伤等情况采取保脾手术。