Open Exploration and Reduction of Paediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture with Pink, Pulseless Hand in Resource-Limited Settings.

Background: Supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) are common paediatric injuries, with high risk of vascular compromise. Some patients present with a 'pink, pulseless hand', caused by occlusion of brachial artery flow but with collateral circulation preserving distal perfusion. Management of these patients remains controversial, especially when resources may be limited for prolonged hospitalisation and serial monitoring by skilled staff. The aim of this study is to present the intraoperative findings, surgical procedures done and outcomes at 6 weeks for patients with paediatric supracondylar fractures with a pink pulseless hand. Methods: We retrospectively identified 13 patients who presented to a public hospital between January 2019 and May 2023 with a displaced SHF and pink, pulseless hand. All patients underwent an open reduction with an anterior approach allowing for exploration, protection and repair of neurovascular structures. Distal flow was restored in the brachial artery either with topical lidocaine application, thrombectomy or artery reconstruction. Results: Out of 13 patients, all had intact median nerves and 10 had intact arteries (69%), of which seven were interposed at the fracture site and four were in vasospasm. Of the three patients with true arterial injury (23%), two had a crushed artery and one had thrombosis of the artery. Peripheral pulses were restored within an hour of fracture open reduction in all patients. At final follow-up, a mean 6 weeks postoperatively, all patients had recovered without neurovascular deficit, compartment syndrome or Volkmann ischemic contracture. Conclusions: In resource-limited settings, we recommend performing open exploration and reduction for patients with SHFs with pink, pulseless hand. This approach prevents iatrogenic neurovascular injury during closed reduction attempts, allows for immediate repair of a brachial artery injury and avoids unnecessary hospitalisation and serial monitoring. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Artifact reduction in photoacoustic images by generating virtual dense array sensor from hemispheric sparse array sensor using deep learning.

PURPOSE: Vascular distribution is important information for diagnosing diseases and supporting surgery. Photoacoustic imaging is a technology that can image blood vessels noninvasively and with high resolution. In photoacoustic imaging, a hemispherical array sensor is especially suitable for measuring blood vessels running in various directions. However, as a hemispherical array sensor, a sparse array sensor is often used due to technical and cost issues, which causes artifacts in photoacoustic images. Therefore, in this study, we reduce these artifacts using deep learning technology to generate signals of virtual dense array sensors. METHODS: Generating 2D virtual array sensor signals using a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) requires huge computational costs and is impractical. Therefore, we installed virtual sensors between the real sensors along the spiral pattern in three different directions and used a 2D CNN to generate signals of the virtual sensors in each direction. Then we reconstructed a photoacoustic image using the signals from both the real sensors and the virtual sensors. RESULTS: We evaluated the proposed method using simulation data and human palm measurement data. We found that these artifacts were significantly reduced in the images reconstructed using the proposed method, while the artifacts were strong in the images obtained only from the real sensor signals. CONCLUSION: Using the proposed method, we were able to significantly reduce artifacts, and as a result, it became possible to recognize deep blood vessels. In addition, the processing time of the proposed method was sufficiently applicable to clinical measurement.

Evaluación de las relaciones entre la rama palmar profunda de la arteria ulnar y el ramo profundo del nervio ulnar en la región palmar / Evaluation of the relationship between the deep palmar branch of ulnar artery and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve in the palmar region

RESUMEN: Nos motivó esta presentación los hallazgos observados en la sala de disección sobre las relaciones de la rama palmar profunda de la arteria ulnar y el ramo profundo del nervio ulnar, las diferentes disposiciones de esta rama, el cruzamiento, cuando existe, entre ambos elementos y las pocas referencias sobre el tema, todo con miras a favorecer el abordaje profundo de la palma de la mano y contribuir al conocimiento del área en donde se practican las neurotomías del ramo profundo del nervio ulnar y/ o sus ramas.

SUMMARY: We are motivated by the findings observed in the dissection room on the relationship between the deep palmar branch of ulnar artery and the deep branch of ulnar nerve, the different dispositions of this branch, the crossing, when it exists, between both elements and the few references on the subject, all with a view to favoring the deep approach to the palm and contributing to the knowledge of the area where neurotomies of the deep branch of ulnar nerve and/or its branches are performed.

Disposición infrecuente de la arteria digital palmar propia radial del índice / Uncommon disposition of the index radial properpalmar digital artery

RESUMEN: Se presentan 3 casos de variación de origen de la arteria digital palmar propia radial del índice, dos de los cuales tienen su origen en la rama palmar superficial de la arteria radial, no detalladas previamente en la literatura, junto a variaciones vasculares en uno de ellos, mientras que en el tercero, su origen en la arteria digital palmar propia ulnar del pulgar, es fuente de controversia. Esto es discutida en la presente comunicación. Se describen anastomosis vasculares entre la arteria ulnar superficial, la rama palmar superficial de la arteria radial, la primera arteria interósea dorsal y la arteria digital palmar propia radial del índice, como circuitos anastomóticos alternativos.

SUMMARY: We present 3 cases of variation of origin of the index radial proper palmar digital artery, two of which have their origin in the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, not previously detailed in the literature, together with vascular variations in one of them, while in the third, its origin in the palmar proper ulnar digital artery of thumb, is a source of controversy. This is discussed in this communication. Vascular anastomoses between the superficial ulnar artery, the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, the first dorsal interosseous artery, and the radial index palmar digital artery are described as alternative anastomotic circuits.

Aspectos morfológicos del arco palmar superficial en individuos adultos mayores / Morphological aspects of the surface palmar arch in old adult individuals

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en el análisis de la posición del arco palmar superficial en la palma de la mano, con identificación del origen, forma de disposición, anastomosis presentes y terminación del mismo, proporcionando la experiencia propia y comparándola con los referentes del área, sin llevar adelante una comparación de clasificaciones, sino por el contrario, buscando analizar la información desde un punto de vista clínico-quirúrgico, demostrando la importancia del conocimiento de la anatomía real del arco palmar superficial al momento de abordar la anatomía vascular de la mano en todo tipo de situaciones patológicas.

SUMMARY: The objective of this work consists in the analysis of the position of the superficial palmar arch in the palm of the hand, with identification of the origin, form of disposition, present anastomosis and termination of the same, providing the own experience and comparing it with the referents of the area, without carrying out a comparison of classifications, but on the contrary, seeking to analyze the information from a clinical-surgical point of view, demonstrating the importance of knowledge of the real anatomy of the superficial palmar arch when addressing the vascular anatomy of the hand in all kinds of pathological situations.

Arco palmar superficial: redefiniendo un clásico / Superficial palmar arch: redefining a classic

El arco palmar superficial (APS) resulta de la unión de la arteria ulnar y la rama palmar superficial de la arteria radial. Por su convexidad nacen las arterias digitales comunes. Esta descripción es la única que distintos autores han tomado como válida, por lo que se espera encontrarla durante la disección con mayor frecuencia. Esto no ha sido verificado en nuestra experiencia. Nos proponemos llevar a cabo una revisión de la descripción del APS poniéndolo en contraposición con las disecciones realizadas. Se disecaron y analizaron 61 manos cadavéricas. Estudio del arco palmar superficial: Variante clásica del APS: 23 casos (37,7 %). Variante no clásica del APS: 15 casos (24,6 %). Tipo A: 13 casos (86,7 %). Anastomosis entre arterias ulnar y metacarpiana dorsal del primer espacio. Tipo B: 2 casos (13,3 %). Anastomosis entre arterias ulnar y satélite del nervio mediano. Ausencia del arco: 23 casos (37,7 %) Tipo A: 19 casos (82,6 %). La arteria ulnar es la única estructura en el plano del APS. Tipo B: 3 casos (13 %). La arteria ulnar y la rama palmar superficial de la arteria radial están en el plano del APS sin anastomosarse entre sí. Tipo C: 1 caso (4,4 %). La arteria ulnar y la satélite del nervio mediano están en el plano del APS sin anastomosarse. Estudio de la quinta arteria digital palmar común: La quinta arteria digital palmar común se originó de las distintas variantes en 41 casos (67,2 %). Recomendamos al momento de la disección considerar que: la variante clásica no es la más frecuente de hallar; la ausencia del arco se verifica en el mismo porcentaje que la variante clásica; incluso cuando se comprueba la presencia del APS, el porcentaje de la variante no clásica es contundente; la quinta arteria digital palmar común es una rama colateral constante del APS.

The superficial palmar arch (SPA) is formed by the union of the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. From its convexity four branches emerge, known as the common palmar digital arteries. We propose to carry out a review of the description of the SPA in contrast to the dissections carried out. Sixty-one hands were dissected and studied. Analysis of the SPA: Classic variant of the SPA: 23 cases (37.7 %). Nonclassic variant of the SPA: 15 cases (24.6 %). Type A: 13 cases (86.7 %). Anastomosis between the ulnar artery and the first dorsal metacarpal artery. Type B: 2 cases (13.3 %). Anastomosis between the ulnar artery and the satellite artery of the median nerve. Absence of the arch: 23 cases (37.7 %) Type A: 19 cases (82.6 %). The ulnar artery is the only one present in the plane of the SPA. Type B: 3 cases (13 %). The ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery are in the plane of the superficial palmar arch, there is no anastomosis between them. Type C: 1 case (4.4 %). The ulnar artery and the satellite artery for the median nerve are in the plane of the SPA, there is no anastomosis between them. Analysis of the fifth common palmar digital artery: The fifth common palmar digital artery originates from the different variants in 41 cases (67.2 %). Based on the results, we recommend at the time of dissecting consider that: The classic variant is not the most frequent to find. The absence of the arch is verified in the same percentage rate as the classic variant. Even when the SPA is present, the percentage rate of the non-classic variant is significant. The fifth common palmar digital artery is a constant collateral branch of the superficial palmar arch.

Descripción anatómica del arco venoso dorsal de la mano en una muestra de población de Bucaramanga, Colombia / Anatomical description of the dorsal venous arch of the hand in a population sample of Bucaramanga, Colombia

Se estudió el arco venoso dorsal de la mano (AVD) en una muestra de la población de Bucaramanga en 54 mujeres y 50 hombres. Las variables estudiadas en el AVD fueron: número de venas que lo forman, número de venas que recorren su interior, presencia de una vena que forme su parte lateral y medial, conformación cerrada o discontinua del AVD, si la vena metacarpiana del primer dedo se unía al AVD y contribuía a la formación de la vena cefálica, si la vena metacarpiana del quinto dedo se unía al AVD y contribuía a la formación de la vena basílica. También se revisó la concordancia entre la vena que escogían dos observadores independientes, como la más adecuada para venopunción. La comparación con los textos clásicos de anatomía evidenció concordancia en que cerca de la cabeza de los metacarpianos se forman venas metacarpianas dorsales, pero, no siempre estas venas se unen de forma completa para formar un "arco venoso cerrado" como lo describen los esquemas de la mayoría de los autores. Sólo un 41,8 % fueron AVD cerrados. Las venas metacarpianas del primer y del quinto dedo se unieron al AVD en un 44,23 % y un 89,42 % respectivamente. Este dato, sumado al hecho de que en el primer y quinto dedos pueden existir más de una vena que drene su sangre, las cuales no siempre se unen al AVD, ayudan a explicar la razón de porqué en otros estudios se describe ausencia de venas cefálica o basílica o presencia de varias venas cefálicas que permiten la formación de ciertos patrones de la fosa cubital. Se encontró concordancia del 78,85 % en cuanto a la vena escogida para posible venopunción y en el análisis bivariado, hubo asociación estadística de esta concordancia al cruzarla con el número de venas que recorren el interior del AVD.

The dorsal venous arch of the hand (AVD) was studied in a sample of the Bucaramanga population of 54 women and 50 men. The variables studied in the AVD were: Number of veins that form it, number of veins that run through its interior, presence of a vein that forms its lateral and medial part, closed or discontinuous conformation of the AVD, if the metacarpal vein of the first finger joined the AVD and contributed to the formation of the cephalic vein, if the metacarpal vein of the fifth finger joined the ADL and contributed to the formation of the basilic vein. The concordance between the vein chosen by two independent observers was also reviewed, as the most suitable for venipuncture. The comparison with the classic anatomy texts showed concordance in which dorsal metacarpal veins are formed near the metacarpal head, but these veins do not always unite completely to form a "closed venous arch" as described in metacarpal diagrams by most authors. Only 41.8 % were closed AVD. The metacarpal veins of the first and fifth toes joined the AVD in 44.23 % and 89.42 % respectively. This fact, in addition that in the first and fifth fingers, there may be more than one vein draining the blood, which do not always bind to the AVD, helps explain the reason other studies describe absence of cephalic veins, basilica or presence of several cephalic veins that allow the formation of certain patterns of the cubital fossa. There was 78.85 % agreement regarding the vein chosen for possible venipuncture and in the bivariate analysis, there was a statistical association of this concordance when crossing it with the number of veins that run through the interior of the AVD.

Two HEmostasis Methods After TransradIal Catheterization: THEMATIC - protocol for a randomized clinical trial / Dos métodos de hemostasia luego de un cateterismo transradial: THEMATIC - protocolo de ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Dois métodos de hemostasia após cateterismo transradial: THEMATIC - protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract OBJECTIVE Randomized clinical trial protocol to evaluate the incidence of radial artery occlusion with two different arterial compression devices after transradial procedures. METHODS Barbeau's test will be performed in adults scheduled to undergo transradial interventional procedures. Those with A, B, or C plethysmographic patterns will be selected. At the end of the procedure, patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive patent haemostasis with TR Band™ device or conventional haemostasis with an elastic adhesive bandage. The primary outcome is the incidence of radial artery occlusion. Secondary outcomes are Barbeau's test curve change, additional time to achieve haemostasis, incidence of bleeding at the puncture site, pain severity, development of arteriovenous fistula, radial pseudo aneurysm, any access-site complication requiring vascular surgery intervention and costs between the two devices. DISCUSSION The results of this trial should provide valuable additional information on the best approach for haemostasis after transradial percutaneous cardiovascular interventions.

Resumen OBJETIVO Protocolo de ensayo clínico randomizado para evaluar la incidencia de oclusión de la arteria radial con dos dispositivos de compresión arterial después de pasar por procedimientos transradiales. MÉTODO Se realizará el test de Barbeau en adultos que están esperando una intervención transradial. Se seleccionarán aquellos con padrones pletismográficos A, B o C. Al final del procedimiento, se dividirán a los pacientes de forma aleatoria (1:1) para recibir la hemostasia patente con dispositivo TR Band™ o hemostasia convencional con vendaje elástico adhesivo. El resultado primario es la incidencia de oclusión de la arteria radial. Los resultados secundarios son la alteración de la curva del test de Barbeau, tiempo adicional para alcanzar la hemostasia, incidencia de sangrado en el local de la punción, intensidad del dolor, desarrollo de una fístula arteriovenosa, pseudoaneurisma, cualquier complicación en el lugar de acceso que necesite intervención quirúrgica vascular y costos entre ambos dispositivos. DISCUSIÓN Los resultados de este estudio deben proporcionar informaciones adicionales valiosas sobre un mejor enfoque para la hemostasia luego de intervenciones cardiovasculares percutáneas transradiales.

Resumo OBJETIVO Protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado para avaliar a incidência de oclusão da artéria radial com dois dispositivos diferentes de compressão arterial após procedimentos transradiais. MÉTODOS O teste de Barbeau será realizado em adultos que serão submetidos a procedimentos de intervenção transradial previamente agendados. Aqueles com padrões pletismográficos A, B ou C serão selecionados. No final do procedimento, os pacientes serão distribuídos aleatoriamente (1:1) para receber hemostasia patente com dispositivo TR Band™ ou hemostasia convencional com bandagem elástica adesiva. O desfecho primário é a incidência da oclusão da artéria radial. Os desfechos secundários são alteração da curva do teste de Barbeau, tempo adicional para atingir a hemostasia, incidência de sangramento no local da punção, intensidade da dor, desenvolvimento de fístula arteriovenosa, pseudoaneurisma, qualquer complicação no local de acesso que necessite intervenção cirúrgica vascular e custos entre os dois dispositivos. DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo devem fornecer informações adicionais valiosas sobre a melhor abordagem para a hemostasia após intervenções cardiovasculares percutâneas transradiais.

Arco palmar: correlato anátomo-quirúrgico en trauma / Palmar arch: anatomical and surgical correlation in trauma

La irrigación de la palma de la mano es proporcionada por arcos arteriales (superficial y profundo) que están conformados más frecuentemente por las arterias ulnar y radial estableciendo un patrón descrita como clásico. Se describen variaciones anatómicas en la conformación de ambos arcos, más frecuentemente en el arco palmar superficial; pudiendo ser los mismos completos o incompletos. Es objetivode este trabajo, la descripción anatómica de los arcos palmares, de sus diferentes patrones y variaciones de conformación, y sus implicancias clínico-quirúrgicas. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, observacional y morfométrico de las arterias que participan en la formación de los arcos palmares; se utilizaron 100 preparaciones cadavéricas fijadas en solución de formol, de la Tercera Cátedra de Anatomía - Facultad de Medicina- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se realizó además un análisis retrospectivo de casos con lesiones de la/sarteria/s principal/es que conforman los arcos palmares, en el Servicio de Emergencias del Hospital de Morón, entre 2015-2016. La arteria radial conforma el arco arterial profundo con la arteria cubito palmar más frecuentemente en el 100 % de los casos. El arco arterial superficial es el más variable. Fue completo en el 56 % y la presentación más frecuente (83 %) es aquella que se conforma por la anastomosis de la arteria ulnar y la arteria radiopalmar. El resto de las anastomosis son: entre arteria ulnar y arteria mediana (9 %),entre rama profunda de arteria radial y arteria ulnar (5 %); triple anastomosis entre arteria ulnar, arteria mediana y arteria radiopalmar (2 %), y anastomosis entre la arteria mediana y la arteria radiopalmar, sinparticipación de la arteria ulnar (1 %). El resto de la muestra (44 %) se lo puede denominar como incompleto. Los subtipos B1a y B1b fueron los más encontrados. Se describen dos casos clínicos, uno con sección completa de la arteria radial a nivel de la muñeca y el otro con sección completa de arteria ulnar con compromiso del nervio ulnar. Resulta esencial un correcto conocimiento de los arcos palmares para un adecuado abordaje quirúrgico de la mano. La importancia de la presencia o ausencia, así como de las distintas variaciones de los arcos arteriales palmares radica en su aplicación clínica quirúrgica como punto departida en el tratamiento del trauma como de otras patologías en las que existe compromiso de estos vasos.

The irrigation of the palm is provided by arterial arches (shallow and deep) that are made more frequently by the ulnar or radial arteries described as setting a classic pattern. Anatomical variations are described in shaping both arches, most often in the superficial palmar arch; may be the same complete or incomplete. The objective of this work is the anatomical description of the palmar arches, their different patterns and variations in conformation, and their clinical and surgical implications. A descriptive, observational and morphometric study of the arteries involved in the formation of the palmar arches was done in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. One hundred 1(00) cadaveric preparations fixed in formalin solution, of the Third Chair of Anatomy were used. A retrospective analysis of cases with lesions / s artery /main / s that make the palmar arches in the Emergency Hospital of Moron, between 2015-2016 s was alsocarried out. Most frequently the radial artery forms the deep palmar arch with the deep palmar branch ofthe ulnar artery. Superficial palmar arch is the most variable. It was complete in 56 % and the most common presentation (83 %) is one that is formed by the anastomosis of the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The rest of the anastomosis are between ulnar artery and median artery(9%), between deep branch of radial artery and ulnar artery (5 %); triple anastomosis between ulnar artery,median artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (2 %), and anastomosis between the median artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery without participation of the ulnar artery (1%). The rest of the sample (44 %) can be termed as incomplete. The B1a and B1b subtypes were the mostfound. Two cases, one entire section of the radial artery at the wrist and the other with complete section ofulnar artery with involvement of the ulnar nerve are described. It is essential to a proper understanding ofthe palmar arches for a suitable surgical approach to hand. The importance of the presence or absence, aswell as different variations of palmar arterial arch lies in its clinical application as surgical starting point in the treatment of trauma and other diseases in which there is engagement of arteries.

Bilateral triad of persistent median artery, a bifid median nerve and high origin of its palmar cutaneous branch: a case report and clinical implications / Tríada bilateral correspondiente a arteria mediana persistente, nervio mediano bífido y origen alto de la rama cutánea palmar: reporte de caso e implicancias clínicas

We report the association of a persistent median artery, a bifid median nerve with a rare very high origin palmar cutaneous branch, presenting bilaterally in the upper limb of a 75-year-old female cadaver. The persistent median nerve with a bifid median nerve has been reported in patients presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome. Reports of this neurovascular anomaly occurring in association with a high origin palmar cutaneous branch however, are few. This subset of patients is at risk of inadvertent nerve transection during forearm and wrist surgery. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution sonography (HRS) can be used to screen this triad. MRI can reveal if the patient's disability is associated with a persistent median nerve, a bifid median nerve. HRS can help identify a palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve that arises in an unexpected high forearm location. Such knowledge will help surgeons in selecting the most appropriate surgical procedure, and help avoid inadvertent injury to cutaneous nerves arising in unexpected locations. In patients presenting with a bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hand surgeons should consider very high on the list of differential diagnosis a persistent median artery with a concomitant bifid median nerve, with a high suspicion of a possible bilateral occurrence of a bilaterally high arising palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.

En este estudio se presenta la disposición bilateral de una arteria mediana persistente, un nervio mediano bífido con ramo cutáneo palmar de origen alto, en los miembros superiores de un cadáver de sexo femenino de 75 años de edad. Clínicamente se asocia la presencia del nervio mediano bífido en pacientes con síndrome de túnel carpiano. Sin embargo, son escasos los informes de esta anomalía neurovascular en asociación con un ramo cutáneo palmar del nervio mediano de origen alto. Este subconjunto de pacientes podría sufrir de transección del nervio durante la cirugía de antebrazo y de la muñeca. Se recomienda utilizar la imagen preoperatoria de resonancia magnética (RM) y sonografía de alta resolución (SAR) para detectar esta tríada. La RM puede revelar si la discapacidad del paciente se asocia con un nervio mediano persistente, un nervio mediano bífido. SAR puede ayudar a identificar un ramo cutáneo palmar del nervio mediano que surge en una situación alta del antebrazo en forma inesperada. Tal conocimiento ayudará a los cirujanos en la selección del procedimiento quirúrgico más apropiado, y a evitar una lesión inadvertida de nervios cutáneos que surgen en lugares inesperados. En los pacientes que presentan un síndrome del túnel carpiano bilateral, los cirujanos de mano deben considerar como prioridad en la lista de diagnóstico diferencial una arteria mediana persistente con un nervio mediano bífido concomitante, con una alta sospecha de una posible aparición bilateral de un ramo cutáneo palmar bilateral alto que surja del nervio mediano.

Effects of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on venous vascular reactivity

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a type of therapy used primarily for analgesia, but also presents changes in the cardiovascular system responses; its effects are dependent upon application parameters. Alterations to the cardiovascular system suggest that TENS may modify venous vascular response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of TENS at different frequencies (10 and 100 Hz) on venous vascular reactivity in healthy subjects. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were randomized into three groups: placebo (n=10), low-frequency TENS (10 Hz, n=9) and high-frequency TENS (100 Hz, n=10). TENS was applied for 30 min in the nervous plexus trajectory from the superior member (from cervical to dorsal region of the fist) at low (10 Hz/200 μs) and high frequency (100 Hz/200 μs) with its intensity adjusted below the motor threshold and intensified every 5 min, intending to avoid accommodation. Venous vascular reactivity in response to phenylephrine, acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium-independent) was assessed by the dorsal hand vein technique. The phenylephrine effective dose to achieve 70% vasoconstriction was reduced 53% (P<0.01) using low-frequency TENS (10 Hz), while in high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz), a 47% increased dose was needed (P<0.01). The endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and independent (sodium nitroprusside) responses were not modified by TENS, which modifies venous responsiveness, and increases the low-frequency sensitivity of α1-adrenergic receptors and shows high-frequency opposite effects. These changes represent an important vascular effect caused by TENS with implications for hemodynamics, inflammation and analgesia.

Resultados del tratamiento con revascularización distal y ligadura intermedia, de la isquemia de mano después de acceso vascular para hemodiálisis / Distal revascularization-interval ligation for ischemic steal syndrome after hemodialysis access: experience in 23 patients

Background: The creation of vascular accesses for hemodialysis can cause distal ischemia and steal syndromes. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of the technique of distal revascularization-interval ligation to alleviate distal ischemia and preserve vascular access. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records, identifying 23 patients (13 women, aged between 24 and 79 years), with distal ischemia secondary to a vascular access for hemodialysis, that were treated with distal revascularization-interval liga-tion. Patient characteristics and outcome of the surgical procedure were recorded. Results: Fourteen patients were diabetic and 15 had high blood pressure. All had the vascular access in the elbow, 20 were done with vein and three were prosthetic. Steal appeared in a lapse ranging from hours to six years after performing the procedure. In 14 patients it appeared before 12 months. Revascularization was performed between 1 day and three months after the appearance of the steal syndrome. Seventeen patients (74 percent) had a substantial relief of ischemic symptoms, with healing of ulcers and digital amputations. Three patients died soon after the procedure (13 percent). In two the pain persisted, requiring a banding of the access, that finally became thrombosed. One patient required a distal forearm amputation. Thirteen patients (56 percent) had a late death after the procedure. After revascularization, the vascular accesses were used for a mean of two years. Conclusions: Revascularization-interval ligation relieves distal ischemia and maintains the patency of the vascular access for hemodialysis. Patients with steal syndrome secondary to vascular access are of high risk.

Objetivo: Investigar la efectividad de la técnica de revascularización distal y ligadura intermedia (RDLI) en aliviar la isquemia y preservar el acceso arteriovenoso. Material y Métodos: Una revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas (1990-2010), identificó 26 pacientes con robo. Se excluyen 3, que se sometieron a ligadura del acceso; 23 fueron tratados con RDLI. Se obtuvo información demográfica, comorbilidades, antecedentes del acceso, morbimortalidad y respuesta al tratamiento. Resultados: De los 23 pacientes, 13 eran mujeres y 10 hombres, con edad promedio de 59 años (24-79 años). Catorce (61 por ciento) eran diabéticos y quince (65 por ciento) hipertensos. Todos con acceso en pliegue del codo, 20 con vena y 3 protésicos. La latencia en aparición del robo ocurrió antes de 12 meses, en 14 pacientes (78 por ciento); con rango desde horas a 6,5 años. La revascularización se realizó en tiempo variable entre 1 día y 13 meses; sólo 8 pacientes antes de los 30 días. El 74 por ciento de los pacientes (17), tuvo mejoría sustancial o completa de manifestaciones isquémicas, cicatrizando úlceras y amputaciones digitales. Tres fallecieron precozmente; en 2 pacientes, persistió el dolor, requiriendo banding del acceso, que finalmente se trombosó; un paciente debió ser amputado del antebrazo distal, pese a revascularización, al no ceder cuadro infeccioso. La mortalidad operatoria fue de 13 por ciento, correspondiendo a 3 pacientes muy deteriorados con isquemia severa. La mortalidad tardía fue de 56,5 por ciento (13 pacientes). El tiempo promedio de uso del acceso fue de 2 años, post revascularización. Conclusión: La RDLI es el procedimiento de elección en el tratamiento del robo, ya que elimina efectivamente la isquemia y mantiene en uso el acceso. Los pacientes con robo, especialmente diabéticos, representan un grupo de alto riesgo y mortalidad.

Volúmetro com câmaras comunicantes: apresentação de um protótipo de dimensões reduzidas desenvolvido para a avaliação objetiva do volume de mão / Volumeter with communicating chambers: presentation of a prototype with reduced dimensions developed for objective assessment of hand volume

A volumetria tradicional por deslocamento de água, que utiliza o princípio do transbordamento de Arquimedes, é considerada o padrão-ouro da avaliação do volume de membros, porém tem seu uso rotineiro prescindido por apresentar uma série de desvantagens: o método é embaraçoso ao paciente, pouco prático e desprovido de higiene, além de consumir muito tempo do examinador. Este artigo apresenta o protótipo de um aparelho inédito que utiliza o princípio dos vasos comunicantes de Pascal para a avaliação direta do volume de mão.

Traditional water displacement volumetry, based on Archimedes' principle of buoyancy, is considered the gold-standard for limb volume measurement. However, the routine use of this technique is associated with a series of disadvantages: the method is cumbersome to the patient, messy and unhygienic, and it takes a great amount of the examiner's time. This article presents the prototype of a new piece of equipment designed according to Pascal's principle of communicating vases for the direct evaluation of hand volume.

Analysis and clinical importance of superficial arterial palmar irrigation and its variants over 86 cases / Análisis e importancia clínica de la irrigación arterial palmar superficial y sus variaciones sobre 86 casos

The classic description of the hand's superficial palmar arch is based on the anastomosis among the ulnar and radiopalmar arteries, a branch of the radial artery. However, the arch formation is highly variable regarding the size of the arteries that make it up and due to the existence of branches coming from other arteries and adding up as tributary to it. The objective of this paper is to classify these possible varieties, to define the formation of the arch, the reasons for its variable arrangement and the importance of its clinical and surgical applications. 86 formalized hands were dissected at 40 percent. There is prevalence concerning the size of the ulnar artery, with or without an arch. The anatomic knowledge of the variability in the arch formation becomes important in the application of surgical techniques that can help treating pathologies of the hand.

La descripción clásica del arco palmar superficial de la mano se basa en la anastomosis entre las arterias ulnar y radiopalmar, rama de la arteria radial. Igualmente, la formacion del arco es altamente variable desde el punto de vista del tamaño de las arterias que lo conforman y a la existencia de ramas provenientes de otras arterias y que se suman a las anteriores como tributarias del arco. El objetivo de este trabajo fue clasificar estas posibles variaciones, para definir la formacion del arco, las razones de su composicion variable y la importancia de sus aplicaciones clínicas y quirúrgicas. Fueron disecadas 86 manos, formolizadas al 40 por ciento. Existía prevalencia de la arteria ulnar respecto a su tamaño, con o sin la formación de arco. El conocimiento anatómico de la variabilidad de la formación del arco palmar superficial es de fundamental importancia en la aplicación de técnicas quirúrgicas que pueden ayudar en el tratamiento de diversas patologías de la mano.

Comparative anatomical description of forearm and hand arteries of cebus libidinosus / Descripción anatómica comparativa de las arterias del antebrazo y de la mano del cebus libidinosus

Recent data justify the insertion of Cebus on behavioral and evolutionary studies in relation to the human specie, reason why researches on behavior, memory, use of tools and encephalic index demonstrate that Cebus and chimpanzees are similar. Comparative anatomical studies between Cebus and chimpanzees based on anatomical data corroborate these data on evolutionary convergence associated to muscles, nerves and vessels of the thoracic members; however, the anatomy of the forearm and hand vessels has not yet been investigated in last years. The forearm and hand arteries of Cebus are identical to other here studied primates; however, the paknaris arch, which is only one in Cebus and baboons, and princeps pollicis artery, which originated from the paknaris arch, are the main differences found for the arterial model of Cebus and for other primates. The vascularization model is identical to others primates and humans, but the hand vessels are different and more similar to baboons.

Los datos recientes justifican la inserción de Cebus en los estudios sobre la evolución y el comportamiento en relación con la especie humana ya que, investigaciones sobre su comportamiento, memoria, uso de herramientas y índice encefálico han demostrado que los chimpancés y Cebus son similares en estos aspectos. Por otra parte, estudios anatómicos comparados de los Cebus y chimpancés sobre los datos anatómicos corroboran estos hechos sobre la convergencia evolutiva asociada a los músculos, nervios y vasos de los miembros torácicos, pero la anatomía de las arterias del antebrazo y mano no se ha investigado. En el antebrazo y mano de los Cebus las arterias son idénticas a otros primates estudiados aquí, pero el arco palmar es sólo uno en los Cebus y babuinos y, la arteria principal del pulgar se origina a partir del arco palmar. Éstas son las principales diferencias encontradas para el modelo arterial de Cebus y de otros primates a excepción de los babuinos. El modelo general de la vascularización del Cebus es idéntico al de otros primates y seres humanos, pero las características particulares de algunas arterias son diferentes a éstos últimos y más similares a babuinos.

Intervenção coronariana percutânea primária pelo acesso transulnar: segurança e eficácia / Primary percutaneous coronary intervention through transulnar approach: safety and effectiveness

O acesso transradial é seguro e eficaz na realização de procedimentos coronários. Porém, seu uso pode estar comprometido em casos de variações anatômicas da artéria radial, espasmo e negatividade do teste de Allen. O acesso transulnar surge como uma alternativa viável em substituição à abordagem transradial. Reportamos o caso de um paciente submetido à angioplastia primária pela via ulnar com sucesso, sem complicações isquêmicas da mão, a despeito de oclusão prévia da artéria radial correspondente.

The transradial approach is safe and effective for coronary procedures. However, its use may be compromised in cases of variations in radial artery anatomy, spasms, and negative Allen's test. The transulnar approach emerges as a viable alternative to transradial approach. We report on a patient who underwent primary angioplasty via ulnar artery without ischemic hand complications despite prior occlusion of the ipsilateral radial artery.

Bradykinin or acetylcholine as vasodilators to test endothelial venous function in healthy subjects

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of endothelial function has been performed in the arterial bed, but recently evaluation within the venous system has also been explored. Endothelial function studies employ different drugs that act as endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response inductors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the endothelium-dependent venous vasodilator response mediated by either acetylcholine or bradykinin in healthy volunteers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Changes in vein diameter after phenylephrine-induced venoconstriction were measured to compare venodilation induced by acetylcholine or bradykinin (linear variable differential transformer dorsal hand vein technique). We studied 23 healthy volunteers; 31 percent were male, and the subject had a mean age of 33 ± 8 years and a mean body mass index of 23 ± 2 kg/m². The maximum endothelium-dependent venodilation was similar for both drugs (p = 0.13), as well as the mean responses for each dose of both drugs (r = 0.96). The maximum responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin also had good agreement. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between acetylcholine and bradykinin as venodilators in this endothelial venous function investigation.

Estudio Anatómico de los Arcos Palmares: Diámetro y Presentación / Anatomic Study of the Palmar Archs: Diameter and Presentation

Las arterias más importantes de la mano son la radial y ulnar, las que forman los arcos palmares superficial y profundo. La descripción detallada de las características anatómicas de los arcos palmares ha contribuido al desarrollo de nuevas técnicas microquirurgicas en la mano. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron establecer el patrón arterial de la mano, así como determinar el diámetro luminal de las arterias que contribuyen a la formación de los arcos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, utilizándose 25 manos de cadáveres embalsamados. Se seccionaron las arterias en diferentes puntos para su tinción y observación al microscopio de luz. El arco palmar superficial completo fue observado en 14 (56%) muestras y en 11 (44%) se presentó de manera incompleta. El arco palmar profundo completo se encontró en 20 muestras (80%) y sólo en 5 (20%) fue incompleto. La presentación de los arcos arteriales palmares es muy compleja y variada, encontrándose siempre, al menos uno de los arcos completo.

The radial artery and unlar artery are the most important arteries of the hand, they form a superficial and deep palmar arches. The detailed description of the anatomic characteristics of the palmar arches have contributed to develop new microsurgical techniques for the hand. The aim of this study was to establish the arterial pattern in the hand, and also to determine the luminal diameter of the arteries that contributes to palmar arches. It was a descriptive study. We used 25 hands of embalmed cadavers. We cut the arteries in differents points and after that they were stained and observed in optical microscope. The complete superficial palmar arch was found in 14 (56%) samples and 11 (44%) samples it was incomplete. The complete deep palmar arch was found in 20 (80%) samples and 5 (20%) it was incomplete. The presentation of the palmar arches is complex and variable, but always exist one complete arch (deep or superficial).