Endobronchial Valve Treatment Does Not Cause Significant Nickel Deposition in Lung Tissue.

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using endobronchial valves (EBVs) is a treatment option for patients with severe emphysema. These EBVs are made out of a nitinol mesh covered by a silicone layer. Nitinol is an alloy of nickel and titanium and is commonly used in implantable medical devices because of its biocompatibility and memory-shape properties. However, there are some concerns that nickel ions can be released from nitinol-containing devices which might cause adverse health effects, especially in patients with a known nickel hypersensitivity. In vitro, it was found that EBV release significant amounts of nickel in the first hours. Our aim was to assess the nickel concentration in lung tissue from a patient who previously underwent EBV treatment but, due to treatment failure, underwent lung volume reduction surgery and to compare this to a reference sample. We found no significant difference in the median nickel concentration between the EBV-treated patient and the non-EBV-treated patient (0.270 vs. 0.328 µg/g, respectively, p = 0.693) and these concentrations were also comparable to previously published nickel concentrations in human lung tissue samples not having any medically implanted devices in the lung. Our results suggest that there is no significant long-term nickel deposition in lung tissue after EBV treatment.

Neuronavigated foraminoplasty, shunt removal, and endoscopic third ventriculostomy in a 54-year-old patient with third shunt malfunction episode: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: The application of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus in shunt malfunction represents a paradigm shift, as it allows hydrocephalus to be transformed from a chronic condition treated with an artificial device to a curable disease. METHODS: We present a 54-year-old male with a diagnosis of idiopathic Sylvian aqueduct stenosis treated with shunt. The patient presented to our institution with symptoms of shunt malfunction and an increase in ventricular size on imaging, which was his third episode throughout his life. Through a right precoronal approach, with prior informed consent from the patient, we performed foraminoplasty, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, and finally removal of the shunt system. CONCLUSION: ETV shows promise as a viable treatment option for shunt malfunction in noncommunicating obstructive hydrocephalic patients. Its potential to avoid VPS-related complications, preserve physiological CSF circulation, and provide an alternative drainage pathway warrants further investigation.

Sutureless transconjunctival insertion of eyelid gold weight.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical intervention for paralytic lagophthalmos has been gold weight implant through supratarsal crease incision for decades. The aim of this study is to propose a modified novel minimally invasive approach that can be described as sutureless and transconjunctival placement of eyelid weights. METHOD: Unilateral eyelid gold weights were implanted in six patients due to paralytic lagophthalmos secondary to peripheral facial nerve palsy. The patients were followed for an average of 6 months. RESULTS: Functional and aesthetically desired results were obtained in all six patients with suture-free transconjunctival placement of the eyelid weight. The patients did not experience any discomfort and avoided the burden of suture removal after the surgery. No complications developed in six patients during the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Sutureless transconjunctival insertion of eyelid weight without external incision and suturing is practical, relatively easy and fast to perform. It preserves attachment of the levator muscle to the tarsus and presents functional results similar to conventional method. Fixing the implant with sutures to the tarsal plate is not needed. Sutureless of this method avoids external wound care, burden of suture removal for both surgeons and patients, and hence, suture related complications are eliminated.

Subsidence following cervical discectomy and implant-to-bone ratio.

BACKGROUND: Implant subsidence is an undesirable effect after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We investigated the relation between the rate of implant subsidence and the ratio of the implant surface area to the surface area of the adjacent bone. METHODS: We operated 170 disc spaces in a group of 104 patients. Two types of implants were used: 1) PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages and 2) titanium-coated (TC) PEEK cages. Patients were randomised to receive a specific implant using a randomisation table. All implants had a surface area of 1.61 cm2. Based on computed tomography images, bone surface areas were calculated for vertebral bodies immediately adjacent to the interbody implants. The implant-to-bone surface ratio was then calculated for each disc space. Implant subsidence was assessed over 12 months of follow-up, and associations between implant subsidence, the type of implant, and the implant-to-bone surface ratio were investigated. RESULTS: Twelve months after the surgery, computed tomography was performed on 86 patients (144 disc spaces). Furthermore, in 166 disc spaces and 102 patients, conventional radiographs were obtained. Subsidence was observed in 21% of the examined intervertebral spaces, and it was more frequently associated with higher values of bone surface area and lower values of the implant-to-bone surface ratio. The type of implant (PEEK vs TC-PEEK cages) did not significantly influence the rate of implant subsidence. CONCLUSIONS: Implant subsidence was significantly related to the value of a coefficient representing the ratio of the implant's surface area to the bone surface area of the adjacent vertebral bodies, with subsidence occurring significantly more rarely for coefficient values ≥ 0.37.

Comparison between mesh fixation and non-fixation in patients undergoing total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The most important advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair include less postoperative pain, good cosmetic results, and early return to daily activities. Different methods and mesh types are used in inguinal hernia repair. AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications and recurrence rates in patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with and without mesh fixation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 183 patients who underwent total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair in the general surgery clinic between January 2012 and January 2015 patients operated due to inguinoscrotal hernia and those lost to follow-up were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients in whom 3D (Bard 3D Max) mesh was used and fixed with symphysis pubis absorbable tucker, while group 2 included patients without mesh fixation. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 statistical package software. The differences were considered statistically significant if the P value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: In the study, 178 patients were included. The median age was 48 years. Of all patients, 98 had right-sided, 72 left-sided, and eight bilateral hernias. The mean follow-up duration was 45 months. The demographic data between the groups were similar. Operation time was 51.82 ± 18.87 min in group 1 and 52 ± 19.92 in group 2 (P = 0.089). No statistically significant difference was found between both groups in terms of the development of early and late complications. Intraoperative complications, port-site hernia, and mortality were not seen in any patient. CONCLUSION: TEP seems to be a safe and effective surgical approach in inguinal hernia treatment with acceptable operation times and postoperative results. It was determined that not performing mesh fixation in the TEP application did not cause a statistical increase in morbidity and recurrence rates.

Probiotics and mucositis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an updated perspective on the use of probiotics as adjuvant treatment strategy for patients suffering from or at risk of developing mucositis. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies suggest that oral and intestinal microbiota could be relevant to mucositis development and treatment, but no clear high-risk pattern has been identified and no single probiotic formulation has emerged from human clinical trials for strong recommendation. Promising results from available clinical trials suggest their use in patients with peri-implant mucositis or at risk of anticancer treatment-related oral or intestinal mucositis. In general, a positive effects of Lactobacillus species is becoming consistent, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri, in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis and Lactobacillus brevi CD2 in the prevention of chemoradiotherapy-related oral mucositis. However, several limitations still need to be addressed by future research. Nonetheless, their use appears to be safe. Therefore, decision to consider the use of probiotics ultimately depends on the preference of the clinicians. SUMMARY: In the ongoing era of 'precision medicine', efforts should be directed toward the identification of high-risk patient populations which could benefit most from targeted interventions with probiotics enabling an improvement of clinical outcomes and quality of life in a cost-effective manner.

Hypersensitivity to biomedical implants: Prevention and diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: There has been growing interest in the potential for adverse immunologic reactions to metals in biomedical devices and increasing referrals for the evaluation and management of metal hypersensitivity reactions reported in orthopedic, cardiac, gynecologic, and dental implant devices. However, there are few studies that give evidence-based recommendations on how to evaluate this issue in our practices. METHODS: We reviewed reasonable evidence and expert opinion on biomedical device hypersensitivity and published guidelines on pre- and postimplantation evaluation of delayed hypersensitivity reactions in patients suspected of possible metal hypersensitivity to biomedical devices. RESULTS: There is consensus that routine preimplantation evaluation in individuals with no history of adverse cutaneous reactions to metals or a history of implant-related adverse events is not necessary. However, patients with a history of metal hypersensitivity of a magnitude sufficient to cause concern for the patient or health care provider may benefit from evaluation by patch testing (PT) before device implantation. Patients after implantation and with chronic unexplained implant failure or with dermatitis may benefit from patch test evaluation after other causes, such as infection and biomechanical issues, are ruled out. However, a positive metal patch test result does not prove symptom causality, and the decision regarding implant revision can only be made after a thorough discussion among the patient, the allergist or dermatologist, and the orthopedic surgeon. CONCLUSION: Consensus guidelines for the evaluation of hypersensitivity to biomedical devices can be used by the practicing physician while awaiting for the results of further investigations.

In Vitro Assessment of Electric Currents Increasing the Effectiveness of Vancomycin Against Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms.

Biofilms are communities of bacteria that can cause infections which are resistant to the immune system and antimicrobial treatments, posing a significant threat for patients with implantable and indwelling medical devices. The purpose of our research was to determine if utilizing specific parameters for electric currents in conjunction with antibiotics could effectively treat a highly resistant biofilm. Our study evaluated the impact of 16 µg/mL of vancomycin with or without 22 or 333 µA of direct electric current (DC) generated by stainless steel electrodes against 24-, 48-, and 72-h-old Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms formed on titanium coupons. An increase in effectiveness of vancomycin was observed with the combination of 333 µA of electric current against 48-h-old biofilms (P value = 0.01) as well as in combination with 22 µA of electric current against 72-h-old biofilms (P value = 0.04); 333 µA of electric current showed the most significant impact on the effectiveness of vancomycin against S. epidermidis biofilms demonstrating a bioelectric effect previously not observed against this strain of bacteria.

Fractures in bone tumour prosthesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present narrative review is to report the different aspects related to the fractures around tumour prosthetic implants in terms of technical and medical issues. METHODS: A non systematic literature review on the topic was performed. RESULTS: Given the increased rate of limb salvage procedures and megaprostheses implanted for bone tumours, the increased number of osteoporotic periprosthetic fractures, and the burden of revision arthroplasty, the number of surgeries using endoprosthetic implants is likely to increase in the near future. Surgeons will face more frequently the complications related to tumour endoprosthetic implant. Endoprosthetic reconstruction has a higher risk of intra-operative and post-operative complications compared to conventional prosthetic replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Very rare reports and recommendations are available in literature regarding the treatment of periprosthetic fractures after megaprosthesis, and there is currently no consensus about which should be the standard management for periprosthetic fractures in this population of patients.

Relationship between delayed reactions to dermal fillers and biofilms: facts and considerations.

BACKGROUND: Delayed reactions associated with dermal fillers have often been attributed to hypersensitivity reactions; however, the evolving literature suggests that biofilms may represent an underrecognized cause and a difficult diagnosis to establish. As implanted devices become more popular, biofilms present an increasing risk to patients. OBJECTIVE: The mechanism of action for biofilm formation, diagnostic challenges, and methods to recognize biofilms will be reviewed. These are increasingly important for physicians who implant these devices and for those who see patients with implanted devices. METHODS: We review the relevant literature and explore some of these issues. CONCLUSION: Preventative measures may decrease delayed reactions and biofilm formation after injection of dermal fillers. Infection through biofilms should be considered and carefully evaluated to ensure timely treatment.

Biomedical implant capsule formation: lessons learned and the road ahead.

Clinicians and investigators have been implanting biomedical devices into patients and experimental animals for centuries. There is a characteristic complex inflammatory response to the presence of the biomedical device with diverse cell signaling, followed by migration of fibroblasts to the implant surface and the eventual walling off of the implant in a collagen capsule. If the device is to interact with the surrounding tissues, the collagen envelope will eventually incapacitate the device or myofibroblasts can cause capsular contracture with resulting distortion, migration, or firmness. This review analyzes the various tactics used in the past to modify or control capsule formation with suggestions for future investigative approaches.

[Comparative analysis of the early postoperative period in patients with postoperative ventral hernias after different nonstrain hernioplastic techniques application].

The article presents the research of the early postoperative period in 64 patients with postoperative ventral hernias who underwent the operation by two different ways. The method of patch applied on the hernial orifice was used in 30 cases. In these cases prosthesis contacted with hypoderm. The modified way of Toskin-Zhebrovskiy was carried out in 34 patients. In these cases the prosthesis was isolated from hypoderm using the hernia bag flap. It was shown, that the frequency of seromas formation was significantly less in comparison with standard method of nonstrain hernioplasty in early postoperative period. Given method allowed shortening the terms of inpatient treatment on 3 days.

Endobronchial valve-induced pneumatocele: a case report.

We report a 75-year old female patient with advanced emphysema. After endoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (EBV), a huge pneumatocele has occured and resolved spontaneously within a few weeks. Albeit rare, pneumatoceles should be considered in patients with relapsing dyspnoe after EBV treatment.

Apnea management during WATCHMAN device deployment with apneic oxygenation: A case report of three cases.

WATCHMAN is a percutaneous left atrial appendage closure device that is implanted in patients who are unsuitable for anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation. During WATCHMAN implantation, inducing apnea in the patient is preferable to allow stable deployment. We present three cases in which apneic oxygenation was employed to maintain oxygenation during apnea, and oxygen reserve index (ORiTM) was measured to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Oxygen was administered continuously via the endotracheal tube during apnea. During all four apneic events in three patients (mean duration of 356 seconds), the ORi values maintained above 0.24, which is generally considered the threshold of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) > 100 mmHg. Transcutaneous oxygen saturation and PaO2 remained above 99% and 300 mmHg, respectively. There were no respiratory or circulatory complications during or after the surgery.

Outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis for the planovalgus foot.

Chronic pain and gait disturbance are possible complications of subtalar arthroereisis. Despite literature indicating a considerably high rate of such complications, subtalar arthroereisis continues to be commonly performed for children with pes planus. The goals of this study are to identify common presenting features and an approach to the treatment of foot pain after subtalar arthroereisis. This case report includes six feet in which subtalar implants were used to treat flatfoot deformities in children. After failing conservative management for chronic postoperative pain, all patients had their implants removed resulting in relief of pain. The expedited removal of subtalar implants in cases of chronic foot pain after arthroereisis is encouraged. The authors do not recommend the use of subtalar arthroereisis in pes planus given its potential complications and literature review indicating a paucity of cases with improved function and activity level as a result of the procedure.

[Is routine implant removal after trauma surgery sensible?]. / Ist eine routinemäßige Implantatentfernung nach unfallchirurgischen Eingriffen sinnvoll?

We present a literature review about implant removal after operative extremity and spine fracture treatment. The indication for implant removal procedures has become less frequent in recent years, but is still more common in Europe than for example in North America. The time required to perform a implant removal can easily exceed the planned amount. Implant removal can result in significant complications like soft tissue damage, fractures, infections, and other problems. Not only because of these problems, the decision on whether or not to remove the implant should be made with great care. Therefore good communication with the patient and thorough information about risks and benefits are essential.

[The application of antiadhesive means in prevention of peritoneal commissures].

The article presents our experience with using antiadhesive means "Seprafilm", "Interceed" and "Adept" in patients with abdominal adhesive disease. "Seprafilm" was applied in 18 patients, among them 13 underwent laparoscopic and 5 open adhesiolysis. Liquid antiadhesive barrier "Adept" was used in 53 patients (in 33--laparoscopically and in 20--by laparotomy). "Interceed" mesh was used in 16 patients in open adhesiolysis. The combination of laparoscopy and antiadhesive barrier allows receiving good results by minimization of the operative trauma and influencing the process of adhesion formation. During laparoscopic interventions the application of liquid antiadhesive means is technically more convenient.

Patient perspectives on mesh-related complications after hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: To explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of patients with mesh-related complications after hernia repair. The rate of long-term mesh-related complications requiring procedural intervention after abdominal core surgery, including hernia repair, is unknown. Determining this rate is challenging due to its anticipated low chance of occuring and historically poor systematic long-term follow-up in patients' hernia repair. The lived experience of these patients is also not well understood. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to identify patients who have experienced mesh-related complications after hernia repair, and semistructured interviews were conducted. Descriptive thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report common patterns across the data set related to the patient experience of mesh-related complications. RESULTS: Eight patients who had undergone a hernia repair with mesh and had at least 1 mesh-related complication after their repair requiring operation, an additional procedure, or medical treatment were included in the study and completed semistructured interviews over the phone. Five domains emerged from the interviews: indicators of mesh-related complications, knowledge of potential surgical complications, relationship/satisfcation with surgeon and/or surgical team, psychosocial impact of hernia repair and mesh-related complications, and function. CONCLUSION: Despite the widespread use of mesh in abdominal wall operations, little is known regarding the patient experience of mesh-related complications. The themes identified in the present study provide insight into the patient experience of mesh-related complications and can inform the future development of a patient-reported outcome measure to determine the true incidence of mesh-related complications and the impact of these complications on quality of life.

Late Implant Failure in Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (M6-C, Spinal Kinetics) Causing Radiculopathy and Myelopathy. / Spätes Versagen einer zervikalen Bandscheibenprothese (M6-C, Spinal Kinetics) mit Radikulomyelopathie.

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is an approved surgical treatment option in selected patients with cervical spinal disc degeneration. Even though CDA is a standard procedure since 20 years, there is a lack of information about long term performance. The published reoperation rates after CDA are low and comparable to anterior cervical fusion. The authors describe a severe failure and dysfunction with a partial core dislocation of a cervical prosthesis into the spinal canal (M6-C, Spinal Kinetics, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Six years after implantation of a cTDR (cervical Total Disk Replacement) of the M6 type at C4/5 level, a 52 year-old women presented herself with new clinical signs of cervical myelopathy and radicular pain. Complete posterior dislocation of the central core of the implant into the spinal canal was identified as a cause. The failed device was removed completely and an ACCF (anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion) was performed. Intraoperatively, rupture of the posterior portion of the mesh tissue with posterior dislocation of the whole prosthesis core was detected. This is the second described case of a severe implant failure with core dislocation in this type of cTDR device. Even though there are thousands of successful implantations and middle term outcomes, it seems to be necessary to continue with long term radiological follow up to exclude similar failure in this type of prosthesis.

Biomechanics of pressure ulcer in body tissues interacting with external forces during locomotion.

Forces acting on the body via various external surfaces during locomotion are needed to support the body under gravity, control posture, and overcome inertia. Examples include the forces acting on the body via the seating surfaces during wheelchair propulsion, the forces acting on the plantar foot tissues via the insole during gait, and the forces acting on the residual-limb tissues via the prosthetic socket during various movement activities. Excessive exposure to unwarranted stresses at the body-support interfaces could lead to tissue breakdowns commonly known as pressure ulcers, often presented as deep-tissue injuries around bony prominences or as surface damage on the skin. In this article, we review the literature that describes how the involved tissues respond to epidermal loading, taking into account both experimental and computational findings from in vivo and in vitro studies. In particular, we discuss related literature about internal tissue deformation and stresses, microcirculatory responses, and histological, cellular, and molecular observations.