Creating a custom fabricated neoprene orthosis for optimal thumb positioning.

Neoprene orthoses are used extensively in treating conditions of the hand when flexibility and support are sought. Devices such as these may be prefabricated from Neoprene alone or may include a thermoplastic or metal stay. Neoprene devices can also be custom fabricated by a practitioner in a time effective manner and at low cost. The custom fabricated orthosis described in this article is designed to support the thumb in a position of palmar abduction and opposition while maintaining CMC extension and an adequately open web space to prevent soft tissue contracture.

The use of neoprene as a scar management modality.

PURPOSE: Scar formation is one of the most functionally and cosmetically debilitating results of thermal injuries. Burn team members continuously search for new, cost effective, ways to prevent and treat hypertrophic scar formation. This study is a retrospective review of one facility's use of neoprene based products as an adjunct to, or in place of, traditional scar management techniques. METHODS: Records of all patients treated with neoprene patches or neoprene splints from March 2008 through April 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Vancouver Scar Scores (VSS) were collected, photographs were reviewed and any documented problems reported by the patients were noted. RESULTS: Mean VSS scores were significantly lower at follow-up (5.3, SD 2.8) than at initial appointment (11.7, SD 1.4) with an estimated mean difference of 6.3 (P=0.0001). A 95% confidence interval for this mean difference is 3.9-8.7. CONCLUSIONS: In the reviewed cases, the use of neoprene inserts or splints resulted in a statistically significant reduction in hypertrophic scars with no secondary complications.

Artelastocarpin and carpelastofuran, two new flavones, and cytotoxicities of prenyl flavonoids from Artocarpus elasticus against three cancer cell lines.

Further study of one of the fractions from the wood of Artocarpus elasticus furnished two new prenylated flavonoids artelastocarpin and carpelastofuran as well as ethyl 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate. The two flavonoids and the prenylated flavonoids artelastin, artelastochromene, artelasticin, artocarpesin, and cyclocommunin isolated earlier from this species were tested for cytotoxicity in vitro against three human cell lines. All seven flavonoids were active, the cytotoxic effect varying from strong to moderate and with artelastin showing the most potent activity.

Chronology of histological changes after band ligation of esophageal varices in humans.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: While the histological effects of endoscopic sclerotherapy in humans have been extensively described, the effects of endoscopic ligation have been reported in only two cases. The purpose of this study was to reconstruct the chronological sequence of histological changes after ligation of esophageal varices. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Autopsy specimens from six patients who received ligation of varices from nine hours to 22 months ante-mortem were evaluated for gross and microscopic changes. RESULTS: Early after ligation, the appearance was that of a polyp with its base compressed by the band. Variceal thrombosis was seen on day 2. Varying degrees of ischemic necrosis of the polyp were present on days 0-5. If the bands did not remain in situ for two days (premature loss), necrosis of the polyp and dilated variceal vessels were seen. On day 22, superficial ulcers were observed. After complete healing, fibrosis was seen in the submucosa. CONCLUSIONS: The changes seen in the present study are similar to those described in animals. The delay in ulcer healing, compared with the gross changes reported during follow-up endoscopic examinations, may be related to the severity of the underlying illness and the compromised immune status of patients in the present series.

A preliminary investigation of the neoprene tube finger extension splint.

Neoprene tube finger extension splints were analyzed to determine the production, amounts, and directions of force magnitude on the proximal interphalangeal joint during the flexing of the tube up to angles of 80 degrees. The tubes were examined in their empty form, with a human digit inserted into the tube, and with portions of the tube on the volar and dorsal surfaces removed. Upward forces ranged from less than 100 g to 225 g in the empty tubes. Upon insertion of a human digit into the tubes, forces increased from 125 g at 10 degrees to 650 g at 80 degrees flexion. Removal of a 2-cm square portion on the dorsal surface over the PIP joint did not significantly affect the tube's ability to lift upward demonstrating little or no downward pressure in the device. The tube had little or no upward force following removal of a 2-cm square encompassing the angle of the device on the volar surface. Positive effectiveness of the tubes were examined in case reports.

[Surgical experience with 50 transplantations of neoprene-occluded segmental pancreas. Technique and postoperative complications]. / Expérience chirurgicale lors de 50 transplantations de pancréas segmentaire injecté de néoprène. Technique et complications post-opératoires.

UNLABELLED: Since the beginning of our pancreas transplantation program in November, 1987, 50 patients have received a segmental intraperitoneal neoprene-occluded pancreas graft and a contralateral kidney graft. The aim of this study is to present our surgical technique and the postoperative complications encountered. Operation in the donor: subtotal pancreatectomy is performed. A venous patch is preserved at the end of the splenic vein. The splenic artery is removed with a patch taken from the end of the celiac trunk and the origin of the common hepatic artery, even in case of right (n = 1) or left (n = 4) hepatic artery. The canal is injected with neoprene (2 to 3 cc) ex vivo and the pancreatic parenchyma is recut after stappling. Operation in the recipient: the transplant is inserted in an extraperitoneal location, between the bladder and the pubic arch, then anastomosed to the external iliac vessels. RESULTS: All pancreas grafts functioned immediately. All patients but 3 are alive at present. Seven pancreas transplants were lost postoperatively due to venous thrombosis (n = 3), hemorrhage (n = 3) and death at D27 (n = 1). Many patients developed peripancreatic fluid collections and/or fistulae (the most frequent complication, probably due to the extraperitoneal site of transplantation). The actuarial survival rate of the patients, kidneys and pancreas after 2 years is 96%, 92% and 80%, respectively.

[Occlusion of the pancreatic duct]. / Primenenie okkliuzii pankreaticheskogo protoka.

Results of the treatment of 81 patients by occlusion of the pancreatic duct are presented. Good nearest and long-term results are noted in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The results obtained show good prospects in using the method of occlusion.