Surgical technology international
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The degenerative processes in an aging spine have been defined traditionally only by our knowledge of the biology of disc and facet degeneration, as well as interpretation of post-mortem cryosections by forensic anatomist Wolfgang Rauschning, M. D. In this chapter, visualization of in-vivo patho-anatomy in a degenerating disc and spinal segment is demonstrated at surgery using the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System (Y. ⋯ Visualization and treatment of pathologic findings inside (annular tears) and outside the disc in Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP), synovial cysts, foraminal stenosis, central stenosis, spondylolisthesis, is demonstrated. The endoscopic foraminal approach to the spine and disc is a technique that provides access to patho-anatomy in the lumbar spine not usually feasible with traditional surgical methods. Favorable surgical results allow for continued evolution of the endoscopic method, concomitant with the continued evolution of endoscopic spinal surgery.
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The exclusive charge-coupled device (CCD) camera system for the endoscope and electronic fiberscopes are in widespread use. However, both are usually stationary in an office or examination room, and a wheeled cart is needed for mobility. The total costs of the CCD camera system and electronic fiberscopy system are at least US Dollars 10,000 and US Dollars 30,000, respectively. ⋯ The new system (a mini-DV video camera and an adaptor) costs only US Dollars 1,000. Therefore, the system is both cost-effective and useful for the outpatient clinic or casualty setting, or on house calls for the purpose of patient education. In the future, the authors plan to introduce the clinical application of a high-vision camera and an infrared camera as medical instruments for clinical and research situations.
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With increased life expectancy and an aging population, many patients suffering from progressive lumbar spinal stenosis with symptomatic neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) have been limited to a choice between nonsurgical therapies or a more traumatic decompressive surgical procedure, with or without lumbar fusion. The interspinous process decompression (IPD) system, the X-STOP implant, was developed to provide a minimally invasive alternative therapeutic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The X-STOP IPD system, surgical indications, operative techniques, and the potential complications and their avoidance are described and discussed herein.
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Review
Prevention of perioperative hypothermia with forced-air warming systems and upper-body blankets.
Forced-air warming is known as an effective procedure in prevention and treatment of perioperative hypothermia. Hypothermia is associated with disturbances of coagulation, raises postoperative oxygen consumption by shivering, increases cardiac morbidity, leads to a higher incidence of wound infection, and prolongs hospital stay. Additionally, preoperative local warming reduces the incidence of wound infection after clean surgery. ⋯ The covered area is approximately 0.35 m2, or approximately 15%-20% of body surface. The heat balance in this area can be changed by 46.1W to 55.0W by forced-air warming systems with upper body blankets. Depending on the surgical procedure and resulting fluid demand, forced-air warming with upper-body blankets-in combination with insulation and fluid warming-is an effective method to prevent perioperative hypothermia.
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An Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in core temperature below 35 degrees C. The well-described deleterious effects of accidental hypothermia on outcome in multiple-trauma patients contrast the beneficial effect of controlled hypothermia on organ function during ischemia in elective surgery. Experimental studies have shown that induced hypothermia during hemorrhagic shock might have beneficial effects on outcome. ⋯ Together with this immunosuppressive profile, coagulopathy and bleeding might limit the use of induced hypothermia after multiple trauma and elective surgery. The purpose of this Chapter is to highlight current knowledge regarding the interaction of hypothermia and posttraumatic immune reactivity. A better understanding of these mechanisms would assist the introduction of preventive and therapeutic strategies into clinical practice.