Treatment of acute non-displaced scaphoid fracture of wrist with syringe needle-guided percutaneous cannulated headless hollow compression screw internal fixation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy of needle-guided percutaneous cannulated compression screw fixation in the treatment of acute non-displaced scaphoid fracture of wrist.@*METHODS@#The clinic data of twenty-eight patients with acute non-displaced scaphoid fracture from January 2014 to January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the intraoperative method of placement of cannulated screw, they were divided into Guide group(16 patients)and Conventional group(12 patients). There were 13 males and 3 females in Guide group, aged from 20 to 60 years old with an average of(31.42±9.71)years old;5 patients were classified as type A2, 3 patients were classified as type B1 and 8 patients were classified as type B2 according to Herbert classification;they were treated with percutaneous cannulated compression screw fixation under the guidance of needle. There were 11 males and 1 female in Conventional group, aged from 23 to 61 years old with an average of(30.51±7.52)years old;5 patients were classified as type A2, 2 patients were classified as type B1 and 5 patients were classified as type B2 according to Herbert classification;they were treated with conventional percutaneous cannulated compression screw fixation. The operation time, screw angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid and wrist function score were assessed and compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#A total of 28 patients were followed up from 20 to 45 months with an average of (33.00±8.72) months. None of patients had intraoperative complication and incision infection. These patients returned to work gradually 2 weeks after operation, and all fractures healed within 12 weeks. The operation time in the Guide group was significantly less than that in the Conventinal group(P<0.05). Screw angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid in the Guide group was significantly smaller than that in the Conventional group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Mayo wrist function scores at the last follow-up between the two groups(P>0.05). During the follow-up period, none of the 28 patients showed internal fixation displacement, arthritis, scaphoid necrosis and other complications.@*CONCLUSION@#In the treatment of acute non-displaced scaphoid fractures, the operation time of needle-guided percutaneous cannulated headless compression screw fixation is significantly shorter than that of conventional percutaneous screw fixation, and the screw axis is easier to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid.

Accidental ingestion of a three-way (air-water-spray) syringe tip during dental procedure recovered by gastroscopy: casereport / Ingestión accidental de la punta de una jeringa de tres vías (aire-agua-rociador) durante procedimiento recuperado por gastroscopia: reporte de caso

Abstract The ingestion or aspiration of dental material or instruments is one of the most feared complications in clinical dental practice, it can occur in both children and adults. The mouth is a moist, dark, small area; where the involuntary movements of the patient during the procedures and the small dimensions of the materials and instruments turn dental care into a challenge. A swallowed or aspirated foreign body during dental treatment can result in serious complications and even death, these depend largely on the shape, size and anatomical pathway through which it passes. This article describes an uncommon complication of which there is only one report in the literature worldwide, the ingestion of the tip of a triple syringe during a routine dental procedure that was recovered by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It also highlights the importance of knowing the protocols for handling aspirated or swallowed foreign bodies where a fast and adequate approach during the first minutes can make the difference between life and death.

Positividade ao hiv e fatores associados em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento / Positividad al vih y factores asociados en un centro de consejería y pruebas / Hiv positivity and associated factors in a counseling and testing center

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados à positividade ao Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) em usuários de um Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA). Método: Estudo transversal com 5.229 usuários que realizaram o teste rápido para HIV, registrados no Sistema de Informação do CTA. As análises bivariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas utilizando-se a regressão logística binária, com apresentação do OddsRatio, intervalo de confiança de 95% e p-valor <0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de infecção pelo HIV foi de 5,0% (259), com maior acometimento da população mais jovem (p=0,010). Observou-se maior positividade entre as pessoas vivendo com HIV/Aids (91,3%; p<0,001) e homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) (20%; p<0,001). Nas análises multivariadas verificou-se maior associação à infecção pelo HIV no modelo 2 que inclui, as variáveis sociodemográficas e comportamentais, como: o recorte populacional de HSH, o compartilhamento de seringas, a orientação sexual HSH, ter infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) nos últimos 12 meses, parceiro soropositivo para HIV e uso irregular ou não uso do preservativo nos últimos 12 meses com parceiro fixo. Conclusão: A vulnerabilidade ao HIV foi mais associada aos fatores relacionados ao compartilhamento de seringas e ao comportamento sexual, especialmente os HSH e as parcerias fixas.

resumen Objetivo: analizar los factores sociodemográficos y comportamentales asociados a la positividad al Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) en usuarios de un Centro de Consejería y Pruebas. Método: estudio transversal con 5.229 usuarios que realizaron la prueba rápida para VIH, registrados en el Sistema de Información del Centro. Los análisis bivariados y multivariados fueron realizados utilizando la regresión logística binaria, con presentación del OddsRatio, intervalo de confianza de 95% y p-valor <0,05. Resultados: la prevalencia de infección por el VIH fue de 5,0% (259), con mayor acometimiento de la población más joven (p=0,010). Se observó mayor positividad entre las personas viviendo con VIH/sida (91,3%; p<0,001) y hombres que hacen sexo con hombres (HSH) (20%; p<0,001). En los análisis multivariados se verificó mayor asociacióna la infección por el VIH en el modelo 2 que incluye las variables sociodemográficas y comportamentales como: el recorte poblacional de HSH, el compartir jeringas, la orientación sexual HSH, tener enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) en los últimos 12 meses, compañero seropositivo para VIHy uso irregular o la falta del uso de preservativo en los últimos 12 meses con compañero fijo. Conclusión: la vulnerabilidad al VIH fue más asociada a los factores relacionados al compartir jeringas y al comportamiento sexual, especialmente los HSH y los compañeros fijos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positivity in users of a Counseling and Testing Center (CTC). Method: Across-sectional study with 5,229 users who performed the rapid HIV test, registered in the CTC's Information System. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using binary logistic regression, presenting OddsRatio, 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was 5.0% (259), with greater involvement of the younger population (p=0.010). Greater positivity was observed among people living with HIV/AIDS(91.3%; p <0.001) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (20%; p<0.001). In multivariate analyzes, there was a greater association with HIV infection in model 2, which includes sociodemographic and behavioral variables, such as: the populational cut of MSM, needle sharing, MSM sexual orientation, having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the last 12 months, HIV-positive partner and irregular or no condom use in the last 12 months with a steady partner. Results: Conclusion: Vulnerability to HIV was more associated with factors related to needle sharing and sexual behavior, especially MSM and steady partnerships.

Comparación de dos tipos de recipientes para analizar gases en sangre y otras mediciones relacionadas contra jeringas con heparinato de litio liofilizado / Comparison of two types of containers to analyze blood gases and other related measurements against syringes with lyophilized lithium heparinate / Comparação de dois tipos de recipientes para analisar gases em sangue e outras medições relacionadas contra seringas com heparinato de lítio liofilizado

El estudio de gases en sangre involucra pruebas relacionadas con el equilibrio ácido-base y estado de oxigenación (pH, pO2, SO2, pCO2, HCO3 -). Además, en los equipos multiparamétricos se realizan otras determinaciones (mediciones relacionadas) como: Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, glucosa y lactato. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar los resultados de medición de dos tipos de recipientes (tipo 2: jeringa preparada en el laboratorio con heparinato de Na+ líquido diluido y tipo 3: microtubo con heparinato de Li líquido) contra el recipiente recomendado por el CLSI en su guía 46-A2 (tipo 1: jeringa con heparinato de Li liofilizado balanceado con zinc). El análisis se hizo desde un punto de vista estadístico y clínico para establecer la posibilidad de usar indistintamente estos tres tipos de recipientes. Se analizaron un total de 254 muestras. Para evaluar la aceptación clínica de los resultados se tomó como estándar de calidad la variabilidad biológica. No se encontraron diferencias clínicamente significativas en los analitos del recipiente tipo 2 respecto del tipo 1, excepto para Ca2+. Se rechazaron desde el punto de vista clínico varios analitos del recipiente tipo 3. En conclusión, el uso del recipiente tipo 3 fue inapropiado. Sin embargo, el recipiente tipo 2 sería apto para el análisis de este tipo de muestras.

Blood gas analysis involves tests related to the acid-base balance and oxygenation state (pH, pO2, SO2, pCO2, HCO3 -). In multiparametric equipment, some ion and metabolite (related measurements) are performed: Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca²+, glucose and lactate. The objective of this study was to compare two types of containers (type 2: syringe prepared in the laboratory with diluted liquid sodium heparinate and type 3: microtube with liquid lithium heparinate) against the container recommended by CLSI in its guide 46-A2 (type 1: syringe with lyophilized lithium heparinate balanced with inc). The analysis was made from a statistical and clinical point of view to establish the possibility of indiscriminately using these three types of containers. A total of 254 samples were analyzed. To establish the clinical acceptance of the results, the biological variability quality standard was used. No clinically significant differences were found in the analytes of the type 2 container compared to type 1, except for Ca+. Several analytes of the type 3 container were rejected from the clinical point of view. In conclusion, the use of the type 3 container is inappropriate; however, the type 2 container would be suitable for the analysis of this type of samples.

O estudo de gases em sangue envolve testes relacionados com o equilíbrio ácido-base e estado de oxigenação (pH, pO2, SO2, pCO2, HCO3 -). Além disso, nos equipamentos multiparâmetros, outras determinações (medições relacionadas) como: Na+ , K+, Cl-, Ca2+, glicose e lactato são realizadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os resultados de medição de dois tipos de recipientes (tipo 2: seringa preparada no laboratório com heparinato de Na+ líquido diluído e tipo 3: microtubo com heparinato de Li líquido) contra o recipiente recomendado pelo CLSI em seu guia 46-A2 (tipo 1: seringa com heparinato de Li liofilizado equilibrado com zinco). A análise foi feita do ponto de vista estatístico e clínico, para estabelecer a possibilidade de utilização indiscriminada desses três tipos de recipientes. Um total de 254 amostras foram analisadas. Para avaliar a aceitação clínica dos resultados, a variabilidade biológica foi tomada como padrão de qualidade. Não foram encontradas diferenças clinicamente significativas nos analitos do recipiente tipo 2 em relação ao tipo 1, exceto para Ca²+. Vários analitos do recipiente tipo 3 foram rejeitados do ponto de vista clínico. Em conclusão, o uso do contêiner tipo 3 foi inadequado. No entanto, o recipiente tipo 2 seria apto para a análise deste tipo de amostras.

Study on Testing Methods of Pen-injector's Dosing Accuracy / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#An accuracy test method is proposed to reduce the amount of reagents used in the test and reduce the cost of spot checks and self-tests.@*METHODS@#According to the requirements of dose accuracy test in standard atmospheric conditions in ISO 11608-1:2014, dose accuracy test is carried out for the same batch of reusable pen injector samples by using the test method proposed in this paper and the test method in relevant foreign research, and the data measured by the two methods are processed.@*RESULTS@#After experimental testing and analysis, the data measured by the two methods did not exceed the dose accuracy limit specified in the ISO standard. There was no significant difference between the two methods when the dose of 60 U and 30 U were tested, but there was significant difference when the dose of 1 U was tested.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both methods can be used to evaluate dose accuracy, however, the method proposed in this paper can reduce the usage of drugs by 2/3, so it can reduce cost of supervised test.

Prevention of infection from contrast agents

Until now, automatic contrast agent injector syringes licensed for consecutive one-time use have been employed with a number of patients. In 2016, regulation of automatic injector syringes ensured their single use, and reuse was strictly limited by law. However, this regulation creates the social problems of rising medical costs and resource waste. Many doctors are not significantly concerned about infection from contrast agent injection because the needle and connection lines on the patient side are set up for single use, the connections between syringes and contrast agents are reusable, and there are no reports of excessive infection. However, infection can nevertheless occur with injection of contrast agents. We should therefore implement the correct and safe use of contrast agents and take precautions against infection. To prevent infection due to contrast agents, syringes and connection lines for injection of such agents should be used once per patient, or multi-use licensed products should be used. In the latter case, reverse flow prevention filters must be used on the patient's side.

Cantidad de descarte de materiales endodónticos contenidos en jeringas dispensadoras: un informe técnico / Discarded quantity of endodontic materials contained within dispenser syringes: a technical report

La presente comunicación tiene como objetivo informar sobre la cantidad de material que se pierde junto con las puntas dispensadoras descartables durante el uso de materiales endodónticos contenidos en jeringas y comprobar si esa cantidad es significativa en comparación con el contenido total original (15 g). Se procedió a pesar en una balanza de precisión 12 puntas dispensadoras descartables vacías, pertenecientes a dos materiales de uso endodóntico: 2Seal EasyMix (VDW) y Activa BioActive-Base/Liner (PulpDent Corp.). La sumatoria del peso (masa) en las 12 puntas pertenecientes a cada uno de los materiales ensayados fue considerada como peso total de las puntas vacías. Posteriormente, las puntas se llenaron completamente con los materiales, se almacenaron durante 48 horas para permitir el fraguado y finalmente se las pesó nuevamente. La diferencia entre el peso de las 12 puntas vacías y llenas fue considerada como la cantidad de material remanente que se descarta con ellas. La diferencia entre los totales de masa contenida en las puntas llenas de cada material y el contenido original de las jeringas representó la proporción de material que se descarta sin haber sido utilizado. Cuando el porcentaje de material descartado fue menor o igual al 20%, el resultado se consideró aceptable. Se observó que la proporción de ambos materiales fue mayor al 20% (2Seal EasyMix=44,36%; Activa BioActive-Base/Liner=36,87%). Se concluyó que el empleo de materiales endodónticos contenidos en jeringas dispensadoras produce la pérdida de una importante proporción de material durante los procedimientos operatorios (AU)

In order to inform about the amount of material that is lost along with the disposable dispensing tips during the use of endodontic materials contained in deliver syringes and check if that amount is significant compared to the total original content (15 g) of them. 12 empty disposable dispensing tips belonging to two endodontic materials: 2Seal EasyMix (VDW) and ActivaBioactive Base/liner (PulpDent Corp.), were weighed on a precision scale. The sum of the weight (mass) of each of the 12 tips belonging to each of the materials tested was considered as the total weight of the empty tips. Subsequently, the tips were completely filled with the materials, stored for 48 hours to allow them to set and finally weighed again. The difference between the weight of the 12 empty and full tips was considered as the amount of material remaining within them that is discarded. The difference between the total mass contained in 12 filled tips of each material and the original syringe content represented the proportion of material discarded without being used. It was considered that if the % of discarded material was ≤20% this would be considered acceptable. It was observed that the proportion of both materials was >20% (2Seal EasyMix = 44.36%; ActivaBioactive Base/liner = 36.87%). The use of endodontic materials contained in dispensing syringes causes the loss of a significant proportion of material during the operative procedures (AU)

Negative pressure is not necessary for using fine-needle aspiration biopsy to diagnose suspected thyroid nodules: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can be used to diagnose thyroid cancer and other tumors. Although FNAB without negative pressure (FNAB−P) reduces the risk of blood contamination, FNAB with negative pressure (FNAB+P) increases the sensitivity of the biopsy results. Therefore, we performed a randomized study of FNAB with or without negative pressure to identify the better diagnostic method. METHODS: Between March 2016 and February 2017, 172 consecutive patients were enrolled to investigate >0.5 cm nodules with indeterminate or suspicious malignant features. Patients were randomly assigned to the FNAB+P group (a 50 mL syringe was used to provide negative pressure) or to the FNAB−P group (passive collection of blood in the needle's hub). The 2 methods' diagnostic adequacy and quality were evaluated using an objective scoring system. The study's protocol was registered with the World Health Organization Clinical Research Information Service (http://cris.nih.go.kr/cris, KCT0001857). RESULTS: The patients were randomly assigned to the FNAB+P group (n = 86) or the FNAB−P group (n = 86). There were no significant intergroup differences in nodule position, size, age, consistency, calcification, BRAF mutation, or pathology. Evaluation of diagnostic adequacy parameters revealed no significant differences in background blood/clot (P = 0.728), amount of cellular material (P = 0.052), degree of cellular degeneration (P = 0.622), degree of cellular trauma (P = 0.979), or retention of appropriate architecture (P = 0.487). Furthermore, there was no significant intergroup difference in the diagnostic quality (P = 0.634). CONCLUSION: This prospective randomized study failed to detect significant differences in the diagnostic adequacy and quality of FNAB with or without negative pressure. Therefore, the examiner may select whichever FNAB method they prefer.

Clinical time and postoperative sensitivity after use of bulk-fill (syringe and capsule) vs. incremental filling composites: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract The objectives of this double-blind randomized clinical trial were to compare (a) the clinical times and (b) the occurrence and severity of postoperative sensitivity, of posterior restoration that used a universal adhesive, in a self-etch or selective enamel-etching technique, along with incremental or bulk-fill composites (presented in syringes or capsules). A total of 295 posterior restorations were placed according to the following groups: SETB - self-etch/bulk-fill in syringe; SETC - self-etch/bulk-fill in capsules; SETI - self-etch/incremental; SEEB - selective enamel-etching/bulk-fill in syringe; SEEC - selective enamel-etching/bulk-fill in capsules; and SEEI - selective enamel-etching/incremental. Clinical time was assessed by a reason (s/mm3) between the total volume of resin inserted and the total time required to perform the restorations. Postoperative sensitivity was evaluated using two scales (Numeric Rating Scale and Visual Analogue Scale). Mean clinical time results, analyzed by Wald's Chi-square, showed significant statistical differences among all groups (p<0.001), indicating that the restorative strategy affected the time required for the restoration. A generalized estimating equation model statistical analysis, performed to compare postoperative sensitivity, showed that neither the restorative technique, the adhesive strategy nor the presentation mode of the bulk-fill composite affected the overall risk of postoperative sensitivity (4.06 [2.22-6.81]). The use of bulk-fill composite, presented in capsules or syringes, is less time consuming and does not increase the risk or intensity of postoperative sensitivity relative to the traditional incremental technique.

Effectiveness of Autologous Fat Graft in Treating Fecal Incontinence

PURPOSE: The most common risk factor for fecal incontinence (FI) is obstetric injury. FI affects 1.4%–18% of adults. Most patients are unaware when they are young, when symptoms appear suddenly and worsen with aging. Autologous fat graft is widely used in cosmetic surgical field and may substitute for injectable bulky agents in treating FI. Authors have done fat graft for past several years. This article reports the effectiveness of the fat graft in treating FI and discusses satisfaction with the procedure. METHODS: Fat was harvested from both lateral thighs using 10-mL Luer-loc syringe. Pure fat was extracted from harvests and mixed with fat, oil, and tumescent through refinement. Fats were injected into upper border of posterior ano-rectal ring, submucosa of anal canal and intersphincteric space. Thirty-five patients with FI were treated with this method from July 2016 to February 2017 in Busan Hangun Hospital. They were 13 male (mean age, 60.8 years) and 22 female patients (mean age, 63.3 years). The Wexner score was checked before procedure. We evaluated outcome in outpatients by asking the patients. For 19 patients we checked the Wexner score after procedure. RESULTS: Symptom improved in 29 (82.9%), and not improved in 6 (17.1%). In 2 of 6 patients, they felt better than before procedure, although not satisfied. No improvement in 4. Mean Wexner score was 9.7 before procedure. There were no serious complications such as inflammation or fat embolism. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat graft can be an effective alternative treatment for FI. It is safe and easy to perform, and cost effective.

Investigation of the Neuropathic Pain Caused by Syringomyelia Associated with Chiari I Malformation

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the syrinx morphology and neuropathic pain caused by syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformation. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Neuropathic pain caused by syringomyelia is refractory and markedly impairs the patient. METHODS: We examined 24 patients with neuropathic pain caused by syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformation. We statistically analyzed the illness duration and age at surgery between patients with and without neuropathic pain. Additionally, we classified the morphology of the syringes into deviated (D), enlarged (E), central (C), and bulkhead (B) types using T2-weighted axial imaging. Moreover, we investigated the correlation between syrinx morphology and neuropathic pain. A Mann–Whitney U-test was performed to compare between the presence or absence of neuropathic pain and the presence or absence of type D syringes. RESULTS: The median age at surgery was 27.5 years, and the median illness duration was 24 months. Among the 24 patients, 11 had preoperative neuropathic pain, one of which was free of neuropathic pain during the final follow-up period. Among patients with neuropathic pain, the syringes’ preoperative morphology was type D in nine patients and types E and C in one patient each. No patient exhibited type B morphology. Among patients without neuropathic pain, the preoperative morphology of the syringes was type D in three patients, type E in seven patients, and types C and B in two patients each. For types D and E, a correlation between neuropathic pain and syrinx morphology was observed. Moreover, type D was associated with significant neuropathic pain in both preoperative and postoperative states. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a correlation between the morphological features of the syringes and the occurrence of neuropathic pain in patients with syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformation.

Standard Recipes for the Preparation of Thickened Barium Liquids Used in the Diagnosis of Dysphagia

Barium sulfate is commonly used to prepare contrast media for videofluorograpy. The flow characteristics of thickened liquids formulated for oropharyngeal imaging are known to be greatly affected by the addition of barium. In this study, thickened barium liquids were prepared by mixing a commercial xanthan gum (XG)-based thickener (Visco-up®) at different concentrations (0.1%–3.0%) with barium powder (Baritop HD®), and differences in the viscosity between thickened non-barium and thickened barium liquids were investigated. In addition, the thickness levels of thickened barium liquids, which are based on the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) and International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) guidelines, were classified by measuring the viscosity (NDD) and gravity flow through a syringe (IDDSI) with 0.1%–3.0% thickener concentrations. The apparent viscosity (η(a),₅₀) values of thickened barium liquids were much higher than those of thickened non-barium liquids, indicating that the addition of barium to the XG-based thickener resulted in further thickening. Standard recipes for preparing thickened barium liquids with desirable thickness levels were also established, showing the different thickener concentrations corresponding to the different NDD and IDDSI levels.

Single Dose Topical Application of Clotrimazole for the Treatment of Otomycosis: Is This Enough?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of filling the external auditory meatus with 1% clotrimazole at a single visit for the treatment of otomycosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 40 patients who were referred to our clinic with complaints of ear itching, pain, and fullness, and were diagnosed with unilateral otomycosis. After cleaning the mycotic hyphae from the external auditory meatus, the ear canal was filled with 1% clotrimazole, using an intravenous catheter and syringe. The patients received follow-up examinations on post-treatment days 7, 15, and 45. RESULTS: The follow-up otomicroscopic examinations revealed that 95% of the ear canals were entirely clean and that all symptoms had resolved. The post-treatment scores of pain, aural fullness and itching were significantly lower than the pre-treatment scores (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Filling the external auditory meatus with 1% clotrimazole at a single visit is an easy, efficient, and cost-effective treatment for otomycosis. Additionally, high patient compliance makes this treatment superior to long-term topical therapy.

Sequential intrathecal injection of fentanyl and hyperbaric bupivacaine at different rates: does it make a difference? A randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that sequential intrathecal injection of fentanyl and hyperbaric bupivacaine for cesarean section (CS) anesthesia provides a superior anesthetic effect than use of bupivacaine alone, and prolongs postoperative analgesia. Herein, we investigated whether rapid intrathecal injection of fentanyl followed by slow injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine affects the duration of postoperative analgesia, the effectiveness of anesthesia, and hemodynamic status. METHODS: Fifty-six parturients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, aged 18–40 years, and scheduled to undergo elective CS were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 28 patients each. The normal sequential group received sequential intrathecal injections of fentanyl and hyperbaric bupivacaine at the same rate, each with a 5 ml syringe. The rapid sequential group received a rapid intrathecal injection of fentanyl with an insulin syringe, followed by a slow injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine with a 5 ml syringe. The onset of sensory block, the timing of the first rescue analgesia, the doses of rescue analgesics, the degree of postoperative pain, the onset and duration of motor block, the incidence and duration of hypotension, and spinal anesthesia-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: While both approaches had comparable spinal anesthesia-related complications, incidence and duration of hypotension, and doses of ephedrine, the rapid sequential group exhibited a more rapid onset of sensory block, a higher sensory level, and more prolonged postoperative analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid sequential injection of fentanyl and hyperbaric bupivacaine produced superior anesthesia and more prolonged postoperative analgesia than sequential injections of both at the same rate.

Accuracy assessment of a PION TCI pump based on international standards

BACKGROUND: Inaccuracies associated with target-controlled infusion (TCI) delivery systems are attributable to both software and hardware issues, as well as pharmacokinetic variability. However, little is known about the inaccuracy of the syringe pump operating in TCI mode. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the TCI pump based on international standards.METHODS: A test apparatus for accuracy evaluation of a syringe pump (PION TCI®, Bionet Co. Ltd.) was designed to apply the gravimetric method. Pump accuracy was evaluated in terms of deviation defined by the following equation: infusion rate deviation (%) = (Rate(mea) − Rate(est)) / Rate(est) × 100, where Rate(mea) is the infusion rate (ml/h) as measured by the gravimetric system, and Rate(est) is the infusion rate (ml/h) as estimated by the pump. An infusion rate representing TCI mode was determined from previous clinical trial data which evaluated the predictive performance of the pharmacokinetic model. The PION TCI pump used in that clinical trial was used to evaluate accuracy of the syringe pump. The distribution of infusion rates obtained from the clinical trial was calculated, and the median value of the distribution was determined as the representative value.RESULTS: The representative infusion rate representing TCI mode was 31 ml/h, at which the infusion rate deviation was 4.5 ± 1.6%.CONCLUSIONS: The inaccuracy of the syringe pump contributing to TCI system inaccuracy is insignificant.

The survey on the infection control of noncritical instruments used in dental treatment

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the dentist's awareness and the actual status of infection control of noncritical dental instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 dental clinics in Daejeon, South Chungcheong, North Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces were surveyed. The questionnaire was delivered to the dentists belonging to those clinics, and the awareness and the practice of infection control were examined. The microbial contamination on the surface of five noncritical instruments (impression gun, light curing unit, 3-way syringe, shade guide, and dental floss dispenser) used by them was measured with an ATP luminometer. Correlation analysis between the awareness and the actual state of infection control was conducted. RESULTS: Awareness and frequency of infection control was highest in the 3-way syringe. Surface disinfection using disinfectant was most frequent in all instruments. 3-way syringes and shade guides were less contaminated than impression guns, light curing units, and dental floss dispensers. CONCLUSION: 3-way syringes had a significant correlation between user awareness of infection control and surface contamination, and the higher awareness, the lower the contamination measurement was shown.

Development of a Safe Syringe Disposal System Moving towards Automated Syringe Data Collection / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: An automatic needle destroyer (ANDY) was developed to prevent needlestick injuries, and usability tests were conducted in several hospitals. The addition of extra features to the ANDY is in progress, such as data collection and automatic identification of used syringes. Thus, this report describes how the ANDY can be used to track the data of used syringes. METHODS: The motor torque required for barrel separation differs according to syringe diameters. By monitoring the electric current which is consumed for the motor torque, the type of syringe can be identified. Twelve prototypes were produced, and five usability tests were conducted in hospitals. RESULTS: After use, a syringe is inserted into the proposed device, and the needle portion is then cut and separated from the syringe body (barrel) and discarded. The needles are collected in a sharps container for hygienic disposal, and the barrel is dropped into a general medical waste container. CONCLUSIONS: The ANDY can be used to track the syringe used for each patient. The barcode can be read while the syringe rotates in the main body of the ANDY with a built-in omnidirectional scanner. Collection of information during syringe disposal can facilitate stock management. This system could also be extended to other types of consumable medical devices, although it would still be a challenge to differentiate each medical device.

Testicular Fine-Needle Aspiration for Sperm Retrieval in Azoospermia: A Small Step toward the Technical Standardization

PURPOSE: The aim was to describe our preliminary experience performing testicular fine-needle aspiration (TEFNA) with a larger needle in infertile patients with obstructive azoospermia, and to provide a systematic literature review of the different testicular sperm aspiration techniques, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected data between March 2017 and June 2018. All men underwent bilateral TEFNA under analgo-sedation, using a larger disposable 18-gauge butterfly needle with 60 mL Luer-Lock syringe attached to it. RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients were enrolled. Median operative time was 16 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 12–30 minutes). No intraoperative complications occurred. Two/thirty patients (6.7%) reported postoperative adverse events: 1 patient had prolonged orchialgia, 1 patient presented scrotal hematoma. Successful sperm retrieval was found in 28/30 cases (93.3%). Median sperm concentration was 0.05 ×106/mL (IQR: 0.001–0.1 ×106/mL). Median total sperm motility was 10% (IQR: 0%–15%). In 20/30 men (66.7%) sperm retrieved was used for fresh intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle, in 8/30 (26.7%) sperm cryopreservation was necessary, because on the day of sperm retrieval the female resulted not responder to ovarian stimulation. In this cases mean number of 3 (IQR: 1–4) bio system straws was cryopreserved. CONCLUSIONS: TEFNA with 18-gauge needle proved to be a feasible, safe and effective treatment, even if future prospective studies will be addressed to clarify what type of azoospermia benefits from this procedure, and if a larger needle permits to improve Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) outcomes.

Efficiency of Air Bubble Removal in Preparation of Low-Profile Angioplasty Balloon Catheter: Bench-Top Comparison of Six Methods / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Complete removal of air bubbles from balloons for neurovascular angioplasty is cumbersome. We compared the preparation difficulty, air removal efficiency, and air collection pattern of six different balloon catheter preparation methods to propose a better preparation method for both initial and second balloon uses, especially for small-profile angioplasty balloon catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 neurovascular angioplasty balloon catheters with nominal diameters of 2 mm were prepared to test six different preparation methods: the instruction for use method (method A), simplified method using a syringe (method B) and four newly devised preparation methods using inflating devices (methods C–F). Serial radiographs were obtained while the balloons were gradually inflated. We measured the time for each preparation and the bubble number, analyzed their distribution in the balloon, and calculated the contrast filling ratio (contrast filling area/total balloon area) for initial and second ballooning. The whole process was repeated three times. RESULTS: The preparation time varied widely (11.5 seconds [method D] to 73.3 seconds [method A]). On initial inflation, the contrast filling ratio at 8 atm was the highest (100%) with methods A and F. On second inflation, the ratio was again highest with method A (99.5%), followed by method F (99.2%). Initial ballooning tended to show a uniform pattern of single bubble in the distal segment of the balloon; in contrast, second ballooning showed varying patterns in which the bubbles were multiple and randomly distributed. CONCLUSION: None of the six methods were able to completely exclude air bubbles from the balloon catheters including the second ballooning; however, the method of repeating aspiration with high-volume inflating device (method F) could be a practical option considering the simplicity and efficiency of preparation.