Evaluation of the Implementation of Low-Low Hospital Beds With Respect to Fall Frequency and Patient Harms: A Retrospective Analysis.

AIM: To identify whether the introduction of low-low hospital beds resulted in changes in the incidence, associated patient harms and event characteristics of bed-related falls where implemented. DESIGN: This retrospective quality improvement study covered 36 months: 18 months pre-intervention and 18 months post-intervention. METHODS: Our analysis incorporated patient fall data from a hospital in upstate New York. Pre-/post-intervention data covered 18 months on either side of introduction at the units of implementation. Data were sourced from contemporaneously recorded incident reports and the organisation's business intelligence records. Analysis addressed the incidence rate, frequency, patient harm classification and recurrence of bed-related falls, as well as Morse Fall Scale risk classification, patient age, gender and other individualised risk factors. Lastly, we reviewed the presence of individualised interventions, staff assistance during the event, patient census and staffing ratios. Chi-square goodness of fit tests were employed to compare the distribution, and Brunner-Munzel tests the stochastic equality, of the pre- and post-implementation categorical and continuous data. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the incidence rate of bed-related falls, patient harms or in the need for medical intervention following implementation of the low-low hospital beds. Neither were there any significant differences in the proportion of events resulting in detectable harm or the need for medical intervention post-implementation. The total number of bed-involved falls substantively increased following implementation of the low-low beds, as did the number of events resulting in detectable harms and medical intervention. Among these, substantive increases were noted among events resulting in minor temporary harm and patients referred for diagnostic imaging. The number of events involved patients experiencing recurrent falls of any kind increased significantly post-implementation. CONCLUSION: We found that the introduction of low-low hospital beds preceded no change in the incidence of bed-related falls, associated patient harms or the need for post-event medical intervention where implemented. While data limitations precluded definitive determination with respect to certain event characteristics, several post-implementation changes, including substantive increases in the number of falls occurring during ingress and egress, may suggest a potential for relationship worthy of future study. IMPLICATIONS AND IMPACT: Low-low hospital beds are purported to help reduce the occurrence and severity of bed-related falls, both serious problems in inpatient settings. This study describes null outcomes following an implementation of such beds, with implications for adoption in similar settings. REPORTING METHOD: We adhered to the relevant Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines, specifically following the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence standards. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public involvement in the design or conduct of the study. Nurses and medical staff were involved in intervention implementation, data collection and the conception, design and conduct of the study.

Dose-reducing fluoroscopic system decreases patient but not occupational radiation exposure in chronic total occlusion intervention.

AIMS: Several novel low-dose fluoroscopic systems (LDS) developed recently, but real practice information of the net benefit for the patient and professionals is scarce. We evaluated separately patient and operator radiation exposure during percutaneous interventions of chronic total occlusions (CTO). METHODS: A total of 116 consecutive CTOs were analyzed (60 in LDS and 56 in standard-dose fluoroscopic system [SDS]). Digital dosimetry of patient and occupational (operator and scatter dose) exposure was prospectively recorded. RESULTS: Biometrics, demographics, CTO variables, and operators were distributed evenly. Patient radiation exposure was effectively decreased in LDS (dose area product [DAP] by 36%, Air Kerma [AK] by 47%). However, occupational data showed no statistical differences between LDS and SDS. The LDS uses less radiation amount but with higher energy (due to additional filtration) compared to SDS, therefore increasing the scatter dose. When comparing the C-arm scatter dose to the DAP we found higher scatter dose with the LDS (0.0139 mSv/gray (Gy)*cm2 vs. 0.0082 mSv/Gy*cm2, p < .001). This was confirmed in a larger dataset comprising 5,221 coronary procedures. CONCLUSIONS: LDS was safer for patients reducing DAP and AK compared to SDS. However, occupational doses were not lower and scatter dose higher. Radiological protection measures must be kept maximized even in LDS.

An Arterial Vaginal Bleed Resulting from Short-Term Pessary Use: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Pessaries are commonly used for the management of pelvic organ prolapse. Complications are rare, with major complications usually related to long-term use and neglect. Complications related to short-term pessary use, as well as complications requiring surgical intervention, are even less common. CASE: We present the case of a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with acute, arterial vaginal bleeding requiring surgical intervention 3 weeks after being fitted for a pessary for management of pelvic organ prolapse. CONCLUSION: Severe, short-term complications are rare, but can occur with pessary management of pelvic organ prolapse. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe an acute arterial hemorrhage requiring surgical intervention following short-term placement of a vaginal pessary.

Multicentre clinical simulation evaluation of the ISO 80369-6 neuraxial non-Luer connector.

To avoid potentially fatal wrong-route neuraxial drug errors, international standard ISO 80369-6 specifying a non-Luer neuraxial connector design was published in 2016. We describe usability studies used in development of the design. Thirty-eight doctors and 17 nurses performed simulated procedures on manikins, using devices fitted with Luer connectors or draft ISO 80369-6 'non-Luer' connectors. The procedures included spinal anaesthesia; intrathecal chemotherapy; lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid collection and pressure measurement; epidural catheter placement with bolus injection and critical care use. Participants attempted cross connection between neuraxial connectors and a range of other medical device connectors, including those from the ISO 80369 small-bore connector series. Video recording analysis was used for all assessments. Participants subjectively assessed performance of the draft non-Luer connector, including suitability for routine clinical use. Participants performed 198 procedures. The connector achieved easy, leak-free connections. The willingness of participants to use the non-Luer connectors were: spinal anaesthesia 100%; intrathecal chemotherapy 88%; lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid collection and pressure measurement 93%; epidural catheter placement with bolus injection 78%; critical care use 100%. Concerns raised were generally device related, rather than connector related. Most cross-connection attempts failed, even using above clinical forces and, when successful, were judged of low clinical risk potential; the exception was a malaligned connection between the non-Luer slip and female Luer connectors. This led to revision of the dimensional tolerances of the non-Luer connector to reduce this risk, before publication of the final specification in 2016. We conclude that the ISO 80369-6 neuraxial non-Luer connector is suitable for clinical use.

Intra-operative temperature monitoring with cutaneous zero-heat- flux-thermometry in comparison with oesophageal temperature: A prospective study in the paediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of thermal homeostasis is of crucial importance in the anesthetized pediatric patient. Gold-standard methods for central core temperature measurement are however inappropriately invasive and impractical in daily practice. The SpotOn sensor uses zero-heat-flux thermometry technology and claims to bypass the invasiveness of classical methods and still accurately display central core temperatures. Up to date no formal analysis of this method in children has taken place. AIMS: The primary objective was to assess the accuracy in comparison with esophageal temperature; the secondary objective concerned the safety of the SpotOn sensor in the pediatric patients. METHODS: Fifty-four children aged 1-12 years with an American Society of Anesthesiology classification I or II scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia for a minimum of 30 minutes were included. Exclusion criteria included: fragile forehead skin, procedures impeding proper SpotOn placement, thoracoscopic or gastroesophageal procedures, coagulopathy, hemodynamic instability, or vasoactive medication use. After sevoflurane induction, an esophageal temperature probe was placed in the lower third of the esophagus, and a SpotOn sensor on the lateral forehead. Temperatures were recorded in pairs per 1 minute intervals. Temperatures were subjected to bias analysis with 0.5°C as the a priori established clinical significance cutoff. RESULTS: Bland-Altman analysis revealed the two methods differed on average 0.14°C (95% limits of agreement: -0.39 to 0.66), with 89.5% of the differences being under 0.5°C. No significant differences could be found between the two methods for the established 0.5°C cutoff. Linear regression analysis determined the following linear regression equation: 0.837x + 5.86 (R2  = 0.738). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.81-0.84). No complications were observed with the use of the SpotOn sensor. CONCLUSION: SpotOn revealed itself as accurate as an esophageal temperature probe when estimating central core temperatures under ideal conditions and over a narrow range of temperatures. No adverse effects were observed with the use of the SpotOn sensor.

Cardiac implanted electronic devices and MRI safety in 2018-the state of play.

Traditionally, the presence of cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs) was a contra-indication to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Professional groups from around the world are releasing updated guidelines for the imaging of MR-conditional and legacy CIEDs, reflecting increasing evidence that this can be performed safely when strict protocols are followed. KEY POINTS: • The presence of a pacemaker or automatic implanted cardioverter defibrillator is no longer an absolute contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging. • Strict protocols enable diagnostic quality images to be obtained with minimal risk. • Close collaboration among radiologists, cardiologists and device manufacturer representatives is required.

EUS-guided reverse bevel fine-needle biopsy sampling and open tip fine-needle aspiration in solid pancreatic lesions - a prospective, comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: Different diagnostic entities can present as solid pancreatic lesions (SPL). This study aimed to explore the utility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided reverse bevel fine-needle biopsy sampling (EUS-FNB) in SPLs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2012-2015, consecutive patients with SPLs were prospectively included in a tertiary center setting and subjected to dual needle sampling with a 22 gauge reverse bevel biopsy needle and a conventional 25 gauge open tip aspiration needle (EUS-FNA). The outcome measures were the diagnostic accuracy of sampling, calculated for each modality separately and for the modalities combined (EUS-FNA + FNB), and the adverse event rate related to sampling. RESULTS: In 68 unique study subjects, the most common diagnostic entities were pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, PNET, (34%), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC, (32%), pancreatitis (15%) and metastasis (6%). The overall diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB was not significantly different from that of EUS-FNA, (69% vs. 78%, p = .31). EUS-FNA + FNB, compared with EUS-FNA alone, had a higher sensitivity for tumors other than PDAC (89% vs. 69%, p = .02) but not for PDACs (95% vs. 85%, p = .5). No adverse event was recorded after the study dual-needle sampling procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition performed with a 22 gauge reverse bevel biopsy needle is safe but not superior to conventional fine-needle aspiration performed with a 25 gauge open tip needle in diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions. However, the performance of both these modalities may facilitate the diagnostic work-up in selected patients, such as cases suspicious for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and metastases. NCT02360839.

Troubleshooting Interstim Sacral Neuromodulation Generators to Recover Function.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is being used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with growing popularity among clinicians in multiple specialties. As this therapy becomes more common in the USA and Europe, urologists will encounter more patients implanted with SNM generators. RECENT FINDINGS: Over time, it has recently been understood that up to 53% will develop pain at the implant site as reported by Groen et al. (J Urol 186:954, 2011) and 3-38% will lose effective stimulation as reported by Al-zahrani et al. (J Urol 185:981, 2011) and White et al. (Urology 73:731, 2009). There is a paucity of troubleshooting methodology in the literature, apart from revision surgery, to salvage the SNM generator. In fact, it has been suggested that one contemporary series' failure rate is lower than some historic series because of the ability to reprogram devices as reported by Siegel et al. (J Urol 199:229, 2018). Standard algorithms for such reprogramming efforts are lacking in the literature and may salvage some patients otherwise destined for surgical revision or addition of multimodal therapy to achieve acceptable symptom control. It is possible to troubleshoot and thereby salvage many SNM generators, saving patients from surgical revision in many cases and increasing the number of patients with persistent benefit from SNM. The algorithms presented in this manuscript represent a systematic strategy for reprogramming and troubleshooting SNM generators.

EXPLORING MEDICAL DEVICES: THE USE OF RISK ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND THEIR LINK WITH TRAINING IN HOSPITALS.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the risk assessment tools and criteria used to assess the risk of medical devices in hospitals, and to explore the link between the risk of a medical device and how those risks impact or alter the training of staff. METHODS: Within a broader questionnaire on implementation of a national guideline, we collected quantitative data regarding the types of risk assessment tools used in hospitals and the training of healthcare staff. RESULTS: The response rate for the questionnaire was 81 percent; a total of sixty-five of eighty Dutch hospitals. All hospitals use a risk assessment tool and the biggest cluster (40 percent) use a tool developed internally. The criteria used to assess risk most often are: the function of the device (92 percent), the severity of adverse events (88 percent) and the frequency of use (77 percent). Forty-seven of fifty-six hospitals (84 percent) base their training on the risk associated with a medical device. For medium- and high-risk devices, the main method is practical training. As risk increases, the amount and type of training and examination increases. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch hospitals use a wide range of tools to assess the risk of medical devices. These tools are often based on the same criteria: the function of the device, the potential severity of adverse events, and the frequency of use. Furthermore, these tools are used to determine the amount and type of training required for staff. If the risk of a device is higher, then the training and examination is more extensive.

[Legal framework for E­health products on the European market]. / Medizinprodukterechtliche Rahmenbedingungen für E­Health-Produkte im europäischen Wirtschaftsraum.

Legitimately categorizing software in the healthcare sector is complex. According to European medical devices law, software can be considered a medical device. The decisive factor is whether the software is used for directly controlling a therapeutic or diagnostic medical device or as stand-alone software that achieves specific medical purposes, as they are described in the legal definition of a medical device. A contribution of the software to diagnosis or therapy can be sufficient for the categorization; it does not have to provide the complete diagnosis or the complete therapy itself.This principle will continue to be the same with the new Regulation on Medical Devices (EU) 2017/745, even though the classification rules have been more closely and more specifically tailored to software and more stringent requirements for essential safety and performance requirements have to be met.

Effects of Mini-Volume Priming During Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Clinical Outcomes in Low-Bodyweight Neonates: Less Transfusion and Postoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

Mixing of autologous blood with priming volume has relatively significant effects on blood composition, especially in low-bodyweight neonates. In an effort to reduce these effects, mini-volume priming (MP) has been applied in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The present study was designed to examine the effect of MP on clinical outcomes of low-bodyweight neonates undergoing open heart surgery.We retrospectively reviewed medical records of low-bodyweight (2.5 kg or less) neonates who underwent open heart surgery in our center from January 2000 to December 2014. A total of 64 patients were included. MP was introduced in 2007, and became a routine protocol in 2009. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics included age, bodyweight, RACHS-1, priming volume, CPB time, and aortic cross-clamp time, transfusion, and hematocrit during CPB. Clinical outcomes included 30-day mortality, postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, open sternum status, prolonged mechanical ventilation care (>7 days), and acute renal failure. MP was utilized in 39 patients and conventional priming (CP) was used in 25 patients. The priming volume decreased to 126.0 mL in the MP group compared with 321.6 mL in the CP group. Transfusion volume during CPB was 87.3 mL in the MP group versus 226.8 mL in the CP group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Hematocrit at the end of the CPB and maximal decrease of hematocrit during CPB were not significantly different between the two groups. The 30-day mortality rate was 12.8% in the MP group versus 20.0% in the CP group. Postoperative ECMO support was performed in 5.1% of patients in the MP group versus 17.4% of patients in the CP group. Open sternum status was required in 20.8% of patients in the MP group versus 10.3% of patients in the CP group, and prolonged ventilator care was required in 54.2% of patients in the MP group versus 38.5% of patients in the CP group. However, no statistical significance was measured in any of the clinical outcome measures. Larger priming volume and higher RACHS-1 were significant risk factors of postoperative ECMO support in univariate and multivariate analysis. The results of the present study suggest that MP may be beneficial in avoiding transfusion without having a significant effect on the hematocrit. Clinical outcomes did not differ between the two groups. However, larger priming volume was a significant risk factor for postoperative ECMO support with RACHS-1 category.

Five-year experience with mini-volume priming in infants ≤5 kg: safety of significantly smaller transfusion volumes.

Reducing the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming volume in congenital cardiac surgery is important because it is associated with fewer transfusions. This retrospective study was designed to compare safety and transfusion volumes between the mini-volume priming (MP) and conventional priming (CP) methods. Between 2007 and 2012, congenital heart surgery using CPB was performed on 480 infants (≤5 kg): the MP method was used in 331 infants (MP group, 69.0%), and the CP method was used in 149 infants (CP group, 31.0%). In the MP group, narrow-caliber (3/16″) tubing was used, and the pump heads were vertically aligned to shorten the tubing lengths. The smallest possible oxygenators and hemofilters were used, and vacuum drainage was applied. Ultrafiltration was vigorously applied during CPB to avoid excessive hemodilution. The mean age and body weight of the patients were 48 ± 41 (0-306) days and 3.8 ± 0.8 (1.3-5.0) kg, respectively. The total priming and transfusion volumes during CPB were lower in the MP group than in the CP group (141 ± 24 mL vs. 292 ± 50 mL, P < 0.001, and 82 ± 40 mL vs. 162 ± 82 mL, P < 0.001, respectively). In the MP group, the smallest priming volume was 110 mL. However, there was no significant difference in the lowest hematocrit level during CPB between the two groups (22 ± 3% vs. 22 ± 3%, P = 0.724). The incidence of postoperative neurological complications was not significantly different between the MP and CP groups (1.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.509). After adjustment for the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, body surface area, and age, MP was not an independent risk factor of postoperative neurological complications or early mortality (P = 0.213 and P = 0.467, respectively). The MP method reduced the priming volume to approximately 140 mL without increasing the risk of morbidity or mortality in infants ≤5 kg. The total transfusion volume during CPB was reduced by 50% without compromising hematocrit levels. We recommend the use of mini-volume priming, which is a safe and effective method for reducing transfusion volumes.

The potential for the Farman entrainer to be used with a pediatric t-piece: a bench study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the limits of performance of the Farman Entrainer used with the t-piece for pediatric anesthesia in areas with limited oxygen supplies. METHODS: Bench tests were conducted with different system configurations, normal and 'emergency situation' ventilation patterns were replicated to reproduce a range of circumstances the anesthetist may encounter. RESULTS: We found that Fi0(2) rises and flow decreases with increasing CPAP, but probably within safe limits. A one way valve is essential to avoid high concentration of volatile agent. Very high ventilation rates reduce flow significantly. Increasing oxygen input from an oxygen concentrator increases the flow output but does not increase Fi0(2). CONCLUSION: The basic characteristics of the system are within normally accepted parameters for t-piece anesthesia, safety in practice requires to be demonstrated by a clinical study.

Nasal cannula and face mask gas flow rates when connecting to the Y-piece of the anesthesia circuit.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the delivered gas flows via nasal cannulas and face masks and the set gas flow and the breathing circuit pressure when connecting to the Y-adapter of the anesthesia breathing circuit and using the oxygen blender on the anesthesia machine, relevant to surgery when there is concern for causing a fire. The flow rates that are delivered at various flow rates and circuit pressures have not been previously studied. DESIGN: Laboratory investigation. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: The gas flows from each of 3 anesthesia machines from the same manufacturer were systematically increased from 1 to 15 L/min with changes to the adjustable pressure limiting valve to maintain 0-40 cm water pressure in the breathing circuit for nasal cannula testing and at 20-30 cm water circuit pressure for face masks. MEASUREMENTS: The delivered gas flows to the cannula were determined using a float-ball flowmeter for combinations of set gas flows and circuit pressures after connecting the cannula tubing to the Y-piece of the anesthesia circuit via a tracheal tube adapter. Decreasing the supply tubing length on the delivered flow rates was evaluated. MAIN RESULTS: There was a highly linear relationship between the anesthesia circuit pressure and the delivered nasal cannula flow rates, with 0 flow observed when the APL valve was fully open (i.e., 0 cm water). However, even under maximum conditions (40 cm water and 15 L/min), the delivered nasal cannula flow rate was 3.5 L/min. Shortening the 6.5-ft cannula tubing increased the flow at 20 and 30 cm water by approximately 0.12 L/min/ft. The estimated FiO2 assuming a minute ventilation of 5 L/min and 30% FiO2 ranged from 21.7% to 27.0% at nasal cannula flow rates of 0.5 to 4.0 L/min. When using a face mask and the APL fully closed, delivered flow rates were 0.25 L/min less than the set flow rate between 1 and 3 L/min and equal to the set flow rate between 4 and 8 L/min. CONCLUSIONS: When using a nasal cannula adapted to the Y-piece of the anesthesia circuit, the delivery system is linearly dependent on the pressure in the circuit and uninfluenced by the flow rate set on the anesthesia machine. However, only modest flow rates (≤ 3.5 L/min) and a limited increase in the inspired FiO2 are possible when using this delivery method. When using a face mask and the anesthesia circuit, flow rates close to the set flow rate are possible with the APL valve fully closed. Patients scheduled for sedation for head and neck procedures with increased fire risk who require more than a marginal increase in the FiO2 to maintain an acceptable pulse oximetry saturation may need general anesthesia with tracheal intubation.

A systems theory-based safety assessment of pre-treatment patient-specific quality assurance for intensity-modulated treatments in a single-vendor environment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) has been integral to intensity-modulated treatments, its value is debated. A systems approach to safety is essential for understanding complex systems like radiation oncology but is often overlooked in PSQA research. This study aims to elucidate PSQA's fundamental value and identify opportunities for enhancing safety in intensity-modulated treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, causal scenarios that could lead to patient harm were identified using a prospective safety assessment technique developed for complex systems. Second, PSQA's ability to mitigate these scenarios was evaluated using standard stability and control principles. The analysis also included safeguards related to PSQA, such as daily linac QA, equipment commissioning, and equipment design. RESULTS: Ten causal scenarios were identified, highlighting well-known issues like flawed algorithms, data corruption, and hardware errors. Mitigation is achieved through advanced dose calculation and optimization algorithms, software and data integration, and preconfigured beam data, which improve decision-making and system state determination. Modern linac control systems enhance all aspects of system stability and control. Commissioning, daily linac QA, and PSQA are effective in enhancing the determination of system states only when feedback is non-overlapping and unambiguous. CONCLUSION: Given equipment improvement and related safeguards, the feedback generated from PSQA has diminished in value. To better complement other safeguards, PSQA should evolve to provide automated, unambiguous detection of any potential catastrophic treatment deviations prior to treatment. This evolution would allow physicists to focus on more critical aspects of patient care in radiation oncology.

Experience-based Modifications of the Bed Band ReAlised through Co-dEsign (EMBRACE).

BACKGROUND: Upper body limitations are a common disability in neurological conditions including stroke and multiple sclerosis. Care of patients with upper body limitations while in bed involves positioning techniques to maximise comfort and independence. The Bed Band is a nurse-led innovation to support people with limited mobility to maintain a comfortable position in bed, thereby promoting comfort and independence with activities of daily living. AIM: To co-design and implement adaptations to the Bed Band prototype with recommendations for user instructions towards enhanced product design and future development. METHODS: A co-design approach involving collaboration between academic and industry partners. Expert stakeholders provided feedback on the Bed Band via an online focus group before healthy volunteers tested the product in a healthcare simulation suite. Data were thematically analysed and findings sense checked by expert stakeholders who then prioritised adaptations to the Bed Band using a modified Delphi technique. RESULTS: Three themes resulted from the analysis: (1) reaction to the Bed Band; (2) potential risks and mitigation; and (3) product adaptations. Simplicity was a strength of the innovation which easily enabled positional support. Adaptations to the Bed Band informed the development of an enhanced prototype for testing in future studies. CONCLUSION: Co-design of the Bed Band prototype involving experts and healthy volunteers enabled early identification of potential risks with recommendations to mitigate them and priority adaptations. Further studies are required in hospital patients and community populations with upper mobility issues to determine the efficacy of the Bed Band and optimal duration of use.

Towards cost saving in surgery without compromising safety: stapleless laparoscopic splenectomy in a developing country-a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has been steadily growing in popularity. Control of splenic hilar vessels is the most delicate step during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). In the earlier eras of LS, hilar vessels were controlled using clips and/or ligation. Laparoscopic staples were later introduced and have arguably led to an increase in popularity of LS. They do not abolish potential complications of splenectomy and theoretically represent an added operative cost.In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of stapleless LS (using knots, haemostatic devices and clips) compared with the now more conventional stapled LS. METHODS: A pilot randomised prospective study was conducted in a university hospital between September 2018 and April 2020. It included 40 patients randomly assigned to two equal groups: (1) 20 patients: stapleless LS and (2) 20 patients: LS using laparoscopic staples.We compared operative time, intra and postoperative complications and postoperative recovery. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups across all comparative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both techniques are comparable in terms of safety and operative time. In terms of cost efficiency, we recommend more comprehensive analyses of hospital costs.

Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality due to a fall while using an abdominal roller: A report of two cases.

Background: In recent years, various home-use health devices have gained popularity. The abdominal roller is one of these. Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality is known to occur even with relatively minor injuries, but there are few reports of such injuries caused by a roller. Case Presentation: Two cases of spinal cord injuries caused by a roller are reported. In both cases, injuries occurred during the standing rollout by a patient in an inebriated state, and the patients were rushed to an emergency department. Conclusion: Because the use of abdominal rollers may result in extremely serious disabilities, it is necessary to emphasize the appropriate use of such equipment.

Recreational windsurfing-related acute injuries: a narrative review. Part 2: injury prevention and a proposal for a set of potential prevention strategies with a holistic approach.

Objective: The purpose of this review was to identify existing prevention strategies for recreational windsurfing-related acute injuries and provide clinicians with a practical overview of current evidence supporting proposed potential prevention strategies. Methods: A literature search was conducted through March 8, 2023, using relevant keywords with Boolean operators, such as "windsurfing" AND "injury prevention" and "windsurfing" AND "exercise interventions," from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Only peer-reviewed English-articles were included. Results: Existing prevention strategies, right-of-way rules, a new proposed set of eight potential primary to tertiary prevention strategies for windsurfing-related acute injuries, and proposed definitions of injury prevention levels equivalent to Haddon's matrix were identified and tabled. Conclusions: The proposed potential prevention strategies may facilitate clinicians in preventing recreational windsurfing-related acute injuries. Injury prevention for recreational windsurfing is under-researched. Future studies should focus on large prospective clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of prevention strategies for recreational windsurfing-related injuries.

Objectif: Le but de cette étude était d'identifier les stratégies de prévention existantes pour les blessures aiguës liées à la pratique récréative de la planche à voile et de fournir aux cliniciens une vue d'ensemble pratique des preuves actuelles soutenant les stratégies de prévention potentielles proposées. Méthodologie: Une recherche documentaire a été effectuée jusqu'au 8 mars 2023, en utilisant des mots clés pertinents avec des opérateurs booléens, tels que "windsurfing" AND "injury prevention" (planche à voile ET prévention des blessures) et "windsurfing" AND "exercise interventions ¼ (planche à voile ET prescriptions d'exercices) à partir des bases de données PubMed et Google Scholar. Seuls les articles en anglais examinés par des pairs ont été retenus. Résultats: Les stratégies de prévention existantes, les règles de droit de passage, un nouvel ensemble proposé de huit stratégies potentielles de prévention primaire à tertiaire pour les blessures aiguës liées à la pratique de la planche à voile, et les définitions proposées des niveaux de prévention des blessures équivalentes à la matrice de Haddon ont été déterminés et présentés. Conclusions: Les stratégies de prévention potentielles proposées peuvent aider les cliniciens à prévenir les blessures aiguës liées à la pratique récréative de la planche à voile. La prévention des blessures liées à la pratique récréative de la planche à voile n'est pas suffisamment étudiée. Les études futures devraient se pencher sur de vastes essais cliniques prospectifs évaluant l'efficacité des stratégies de prévention des blessures liées à la pratique récréative de la planche à voile.

Impact of monoplane to biplane angiography upgrade on diagnostic angiography procedures: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

The radiation dose during digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination is determined on the basis of many factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-area product, air kerma, and fluoroscopy time on monoplane and biplane DSA of the cerebral arteries. Our results show that biplane angiography offered lower DAP, cumulative air kerma at the reference point and fluoroscopy time despite comparable procedure time.. Further research in this area and personnel training warrant the improvement of the radiosafety of angiographic interventional procedures and further development of angiographic technology.