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Pleural Adhesions (pleural + adhesion)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	75%

Selected Abstracts

Adhesive, Flexible, and Robust Polysaccharide Nanosheets Integrated for Tissue-Defect Repair

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 16 2009
Toshinori Fujie
Abstract Recent developments in nanotechnology have led to a method for producing free-standing polymer nanosheets as a macromolecular organization. Compared with bulk films, the large aspect ratio of such nanosheets leads to unique physical properties, such as transparency, noncovalent adhesion, and high flexibility. Here, a biomedical application of polymer nanosheets consisting of biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharides is reported. Micro-scratch and bulge tests indicate that the nanosheets with a thickness of tens of nanometers have sufficient physical adhesiveness and mechanical strength for clinical use. A nanosheet of 75,nm thickness, a critical load of 9.1,×,104,N m,1, and an elastic modulus of 9.6,GPa is used for the minimally invasive repair of a visceral pleural defect in beagle dogs without any pleural adhesion caused by wound repair. For the first time, clinical benefits of sheet-type nano-biomaterials based on molecular organization are demonstrated, suggesting that novel therapeutic tools for overlapping tissue wounds will be possible without the need for conventional surgical interventions. [source]

Low doses of silver nitrate induce pleurodesis with a limited systemic response

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 6 2009
Evaldo MARCHI
ABSTRACT Background and objective: Both talc and 0.5% silver nitrate have been shown to induce effective pleurodesis. However, acute adverse systemic inflammatory effects have been described with both agents. The aim of this study was to assess in rabbits the systemic effects associated with a new technique of pleurodesis using repeated low doses of 0.1% silver nitrate. Methods: Rabbits were injected intrapleurally through a chest tube with 0.1% silver nitrate at 0, 24 and 48 h. Other groups received a single injection of 0.5% silver nitrate or 400 mg/kg of talc. Blood samples were collected at 24, 48 and 72 h, and at 7 days, and cytological and biochemical measurements were performed. After 28 days, the presence of macroscopic pleural adhesions and microscopic pleural fibrosis in the pleural cavity were evaluated. Results: Both talc and 0.5% silver nitrate caused significant increases in blood neutrophils, serum LDH, IL-8, transforming growth factor-, and CRP in comparison with control at almost all time points, whereas sequential doses of 0.1% silver nitrate only increased LDH and CRP in the first 24 h and transforming growth factor-, at all time points. All groups showed efficient pleurodesis, with no differences in pleural adhesions or fibrosis. Conclusions: Sequential doses of 0.1% silver nitrate produced efficient pleurodesis in rabbits, with a low systemic inflammatory response in comparison with 400 mg/kg of talc or 0.5% silver nitrate. [source]

Robotics in cardiac surgery: the Istanbul experience

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 2 2006
Ertan Sagbas
Abstract Background Robots are sensor-based tools capable of performing precise, accurate and versatile actions. Initially designed to spare humans from risky tasks, robots have progressed into revolutionary tools for surgeons. Tele-operated robots, such as the da VinciÔ (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA), have allowed cardiac procedures to start benefiting from robotics as an enhancement to traditional minimally invasive surgery. Methods The aim of this text was to discuss our experience with the da Vinci system during a 12 month period in which 61 cardiac patients were operated on. There were 59 coronary bypass patients (CABG) and two atrial septal defect (ASD) closures. Results Two patients (3.3%) had to be converted to median sternotomy because of pleural adhesions. There were no procedure- or device-related complications. Conclusion Our experience suggests that robotics can be integrated into routine cardiac surgical practice. Systematic training, team dedication and proper patient selection are important factors that determine the success of a robotic surgery programme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]