Bioinspired multiscale adaptive suction on complex dry surfaces enhanced by regulated water secretion.

Suction is a highly evolved biological adhesion strategy for soft-body organisms to achieve strong grasping on various objects. Biological suckers can adaptively attach to dry complex surfaces such as rocks and shells, which are extremely challenging for current artificial suction cups. Although the adaptive suction of biological suckers is believed to be the result of their soft body's mechanical deformation, some studies imply that in-sucker mucus secretion may be another critical factor in helping attach to complex surfaces, thanks to its high viscosity. Inspired by the combined action of biological suckers' soft bodies and mucus secretion, we propose a multiscale suction mechanism which successfully achieves strong adaptive suction on dry complex surfaces which are both highly curved and rough, such as a stone. The proposed multiscale suction mechanism is an organic combination of mechanical conformation and regulated water seal. Multilayer soft materials first generate a rough mechanical conformation to the substrate, reducing leaking apertures to micrometres (~10 µm). The remaining micron-sized apertures are then sealed by regulated water secretion from an artificial fluidic system based on the physical model, thereby the suction cup achieves long suction longevity on complex surfaces but minimal overflow. We discuss its physical principles and demonstrate its practical application as a robotic gripper on a wide range of complex dry surfaces. We believe the presented multiscale adaptive suction mechanism is a powerful unique adaptive suction strategy which may be instrumental in the development of versatile soft adhesion.

Evidence for high-performance suction feeding in the Pennsylvanian stem-group holocephalan Iniopera.

The Carboniferous (358.9 to 298.9 Ma) saw the emergence of marine ecosystems dominated by modern vertebrate groups, including abundant stem-group holocephalans (chimaeras and relatives). Compared with the handful of anatomically conservative holocephalan genera alive today-demersal durophages all-these animals were astonishingly morphologically diverse, and bizarre anatomies in groups such as iniopterygians hint at specialized ecological roles foreshadowing those of the later, suction-feeding neopterygians. However, flattened fossils usually obscure these animals' functional morphologies and how they fitted into these important early ecosystems. Here, we use three-dimensional (3D) methods to show that the musculoskeletal anatomy of the uniquely 3D-preserved iniopterygian Iniopera can be best interpreted as being similar to that of living holocephalans rather than elasmobranchs but that it was mechanically unsuited to durophagy. Rather, Iniopera had a small, anteriorly oriented mouth aperture, expandable pharynx, and strong muscular links among the pectoral girdle, neurocranium, and ventral pharynx consistent with high-performance suction feeding, something exhibited by no living holocephalan and never clearly characterized in any of the extinct members of the holocephalan stem-group. Remarkably, in adapting a distinctly holocephalan anatomy to suction feeding, Iniopera is more comparable to modern tetrapod suction feeders than to the more closely related high-performance suction-feeding elasmobranchs. This raises questions about the assumed role of durophagy in the evolution of holocephalans' distinctive anatomy and offers a rare glimpse into the breadth of ecological niches filled by holocephalans in a pre-neopterygian world.

Percutaneous mechanical aspiration in patients with right-sided infective endocarditis: An analysis of the national inpatient sample database-2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: Given the challenges of conventional therapies in managing right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE), percutaneous mechanical aspiration (PMA) of vegetations has emerged as a novel treatment option. Data on trends, characteristics, and outcomes of PMA, however, have largely been limited to case reports and case series. AIMS: The aim of the current investigation was to provide a descriptive analysis of PMA in the United States and to profile the frequency of PMA with a temporal analysis and the patient cohort. METHODS: The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes were used to identify patients with RSIE in the national (nationwide) inpatient sample (NIS) database between 2016 and 2020. The clinical characteristics and temporal trends of RSIE hospitalizations in patients who underwent PMA was profiled. RESULTS: An estimated 117,955 RSIE-related hospital admissions in the United States over the 5-year study period were estimated and 1675 of them included PMA. Remarkably, the rate of PMA for RSIE increased 4.7-fold from 2016 (0.56%) to 2020 (2.62%). Patients identified with RSIE who had undergone PMA were young (medial age 36.5 years) and had few comorbid conditions (median Charlson Comorbidity Index, 0.6). Of note, 36.1% of patients had a history of hepatitis C infection, while only 9.9% of patients had a cardiovascular implantable electronic device. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant (61.8%) pathogen. Concomitant transvenous lead extraction and cardiac valve surgery during the PMA hospitalization were performed in 18.2% and 8.4% of admissions, respectively. The median hospital stay was 19.0 days, with 6.0% in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The marked increase in the number of PMA procedures in the United States suggests that this novel treatment option has been embraced as a useful tool in select cases of RSIE. More work is needed to better define indications for the procedure and its efficacy and safety.

Percutaneous pulmonary aspiration thrombectomy in an adolescent fontan patient using a large-bore system.

We describe the safe and effective percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy in an 18-year-old female with a Fontan circulation using the FlowTriever® device (Inari Medical®, Irvine, US). Aspiration thrombectomy of both pulmonary arteries was performed using 24 and 16 F FlowTriever® catheters retrieving large amounts of thrombus material resulting in near total angiographic recanalization.

Super-mini PCNL (SMP) with suction versus standard PCNL for the management of renal calculi of 1.5 cm-3 cm: a randomized controlled study from a university teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of super-mini PCNL (SMP, 14 Fr) when compared to standard PCNL (sPCNL, 24-30 Fr) in the management of renal calculi of size ranging from 1.5 to 3 cm. METHODS: From February 2021 to January 2022, a total of 100 patients were randomized to either SMP group or sPCNL group in a 1:1 ratio (50 in each group) using computer-generated simple randomization. Demographic data, stone characteristics, operative times, perioperative complications, blood transfusions, postoperative drop in haemoglobin, postoperative pain, duration of hospital stay and stone-free rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean stone volume (2.41 cm2 vs 2.61 cm2) and stone-free rates (98% vs 94%, p = 0.14) were similar in both the SMP and sPCNL groups, respectively. The SMP group had significantly longer mean operative times (51.62 ± 10.17 min vs 35.6 ± 6.8 min, p = 0.03). Intraoperative calyceal injury (1/50 vs 7/50, p = 0.42) and mean postoperative drop in haemoglobin (0.8 ± 0.7 g/dl vs 1.2 ± 0.81, p = 0.21) were lower in the SMP group, but not statistically significant. SMP group showed significantly lower mean postoperative pain VAS scores (5.4 ± 0.7 vs 5.9 ± 0.9, p = 0.03) and mean duration of hospital stay (28.38 ± 3.6 h vs 39.84 ± 3.7 h, p = 0.0001). Complications up to Clavien grade 2 were comparable, with grade ≥ 3 complications higher in the standard group, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Super-mini PCNL is equally effective as standard PCNL in treating renal calculi up to 3 cm, with significantly reduced postoperative pain and duration of hospital stay and lower risk of Clavien grade ≥ 3 complications, although with higher operative times.

Image-based non-invasive assessment of suction blister wounds for clinical safety and efficacy.

Recognising the need for objective imaging-based technologies to assess wound healing in clinical studies, the suction blister wound model offers an easily accessible wound model that creates reproducible epidermal wounds that heal without scarring. This study provides a comprehensive methodology for implementing and evaluating photography-based imaging techniques utilising the suction blister wound model. Our method encompasses a protocol for capturing consistent, high-quality photographs and procedures for quantifying these images via a visual wound healing score and a computer-assisted colour analysis of wound exudation and wound redness. We employed this methodology on 16 suction blister wounds used as controls in a clinical phase-1 trial. Our method enabled us to discern and quantify subtle differences between individual wounds concerning healing progress, erythema and wound exudation. The wound healing score exhibited a high inter-rater agreement. There was a robust correlation between the spectrophotometer-measured erythema index and photography-based wound redness, as well as between dressing protein content and photography-based dressing yellowness. In conclusion, this study equips researchers conducting clinical wound studies with reproducible methods that may support future wound research and aid in the development of new treatments.

Comparison of Outcomes between Stent Retriever Combined with Contact Aspiration and Contact Aspiration Alone in Patients without Hyperdense Artery Sign/Susceptibility Vessel Sign.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between hyperdense artery sign (HAS)/susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) and thrombus composition and evaluate the effect of HAS/SVS status on the association between first-line thrombectomy techniques and outcomes in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2018 to June 2021, 103 consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation LVO (75 [63.1%] men; median age, 66 years) who underwent thrombectomy and for whom the removed clot was available for histological analyses were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of HAS and SVS was assessed on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and susceptibility-weighted imaging, respectively. Association of first-line thrombectomy techniques (stent retriever [SR] combined with contact aspiration [CA] vs CA alone) with outcomes was assessed according to HAS/SVS status. RESULTS: Among the included patients, 55 (53.4%) were HAS/SVS-negative, and 69 (67.0%) underwent first-line SR + CA. Higher relative densities of fibrin/platelets (0.56 vs 0.51; P < .001) and lower relative densities of erythrocytes (0.32 vs 0.42; P < .001) were observed in HAS/SVS-negative patients compared with HAS/SVS-positive patients. First-line SR + CA was associated with reduced odds of distal embolization (adjusted odds ratio, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.83; P = .027) and a more favorable 90-day functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 5.29; 95% CI, 1.06-26.34; P = .042) in HAS/SVS-negative patients and a longer recanalization time (53 vs 25 minutes; P = .025) and higher risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (24.2% vs 0%; P = .044) in HAS/SVS-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of HAS/SVS may indicate a higher density of fibrin/platelets in the thrombus, and first-line SR + CA yielded superior functional outcomes than CA alone in patients with acute LVO without HAS/SVS.

Infectious mass debulking in lead-associated endocarditis with a percutaneous aspiration system.

AIMS: Debulking of infective mass to reduce the burden if infective material is a fundamental principle in the surgical management of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of this principle in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction in the context of bloodstream infection (BSI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed an observational single-centre study on patients that underwent transvenous lead extraction due to a BSI, with or without lead-associated vegetations, in combination with a percutaneous aspiration system during the study period 2015-22. One hundred thirty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. In patients with an active BSI at the time of intervention, the use of a percutaneous aspiration system had a significant impact on survival (log-rank: P = 0.0082), while for patients with a suppressed BSI at the time of intervention, the use of a percutaneous aspiration system had no significant impact on survival (log-rank: P = 0.25). CONCLUSION: A reduction of the infective burden by percutaneous debulking of lead vegetations might improve survival in patients with an active BSI.

Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy Using the AcoStream Thrombus Aspiration System for Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to summarize our experience in treating acute superior mesenteric artery embolism (SMAE) by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT). METHODS: Between January 2023 and October 2023, 18 patients presenting with acute mesenteric ischemia were admitted to our center, including 11 cases of SMAE, 3 cases of superior mesenteric artery thrombosis, and 4 cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients (4 males and 4 females; range, 51-79 years; mean, 62.50 ± 9.67 years) who underwent treatment of acute SMAE using the AcoStream system. The patients had no obvious evidence of intestinal necrosis as shown by peritoneal puncture or computed tomography. Thrombectomy was performed on the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using an 8F AcoStream thrombus aspiration system (Acotec, China). The demographics, risk factors, therapeutic effect, complications, mortality, and follow-up of the study population were assessed. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. After 1-3 passes (2.38 ± 0.92) and aspiration thrombectomy, complete thrombus removal was achieved in 7 (87.50%) patients. One patient received an adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis due to partial thrombus removal. Thrombolysis was conducted for 2 days, resulting in complete resolution of the thrombus. The other 7 patients did not receive adjunctive endovascular intervention due to complete thrombus removal and no residual stenosis. No distal embolization or device-related complications were noted during the procedure. After the procedure, sufficient clinical improvement was seen in 6 patients within 1-2 days. Two patients showed no significant improvement of their symptoms. Laparotomy was performed on day 1 and day 2 after thrombectomy in patients 3 and 7, respectively. Intestinal necrosis was diagnosed operatively and intestinal resection was performed. All patients were discharged 6-15 days (9.50 ± 3.07) after admission without perioperative complication or death. The mean follow-up period was 5.00 ± 3.30 months (range, 1-10 months), and the follow-up rate was 100%. During the follow-up, all patients remained symptom-free. Computed tomography angiography images showed good flow in the trunk and branches of the SMA in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: PMT using the AcoStream system is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique for acute SMAE. Early application of PMT can achieve immediate revascularization of the SMA and have the potential advantage of avoiding laparotomy or reducing the extension of enterectomy, as it could theoretically restore intestinal perfusion in less time than open revascularization. If the symptoms do not improve after PMT, exploratory laparotomy should be scheduled as soon as possible. Further studies are necessary on this field to confirm these findings.

Suctioning in the management of bronchiolitis: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis accounts for a considerable number of Emergency Department (ED) visits by infants each year and is the leading cause of respiratory infection in children 2 years of age and younger. Suctioning remains one of the main supportive treatments, but suctioning practices of nasal aspiration and deep suctioning vary among practitioners in bronchiolitis management. Our objective was to explore associations between suction type and respiratory distress, oxygen saturation, and markers of respiratory compromise such as airway escalation, disposition, ED length of stay (LOS), and outpatient outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study on infants (aged 2-23 months) in a pediatric ED with bronchiolitis from September 2022 to April 2023. Infants with tracheostomies, muscular weakness, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation were excluded. Infants were grouped into nasal aspiration, deep suctioning, or combination groups. Mean differences in respiratory scores (primary outcome) and oxygen saturation were measured at three timepoints: pre-suction, 30 and 60 min post-suction. Escalation to airway adjuncts, disposition, and ED LOS were also recorded. Discharged families were contacted for phone call interviews. RESULTS: Of 121 enrolled infants (nasal aspiration n = 31, deep suctioning n = 68, combination n = 22), 48% (n = 58) were discharged, and 90% (n = 52) completed the study call. There was no interaction between suction type and timepoint (p = 0.63) and no effect between suction type and respiratory score (p = 0.38). However, timepoint did have an effect on respiratory score between 0 and 30 min post-suction (p = 0.01) and between 0 and 60 min post-suction (p < 0.001). Admitted infants received more deep suctioning or a combination of suctioning compared to those discharged (p = 0.005). Suction type had no effect on oxygen saturation, airway adjunct escalation, length of stay, or outpatient outcomes (p > 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in respiratory scores or outpatient outcomes between suction types. Deep suctioning may not be needed in all infants with bronchiolitis.

Simple aspiration for spontaneous pneumothorax in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is a widespread clinical entity, and methods of managing adult SP remain controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to further determine the clinical efficacy and safety of simple aspiration (SA) in comparison to intercostal tube drainage (ITD) during the management of adult SP. METHODS: EMBASE, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials via Ovid SP were searched (to June 2023) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) that reported outcomes of interest after comparing SA with ITD for the management of adult SP. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 1447 citations, of which 10 RCTs enrolling 1044 subjects were included. Compared with the ITD group, the SA group had a significantly lower the initial success rate of the procedure for the management of SP (OR 0.63, 95% CI [0.47-0.86]; P = 0.004). Moreover, SA was associated with a decreased duration of hospitalization (mean difference-2.05 days, 95% CI [-2.66 - -1.44]; P < 0.001) and a decreased need for operation (P = 0.03). For frequently reported adverse events such as subcutaneous emphysema (P = 0.32), bleeding (P = 0.0.26) and wound infection (P = 0.07), no significant difference between the SA and ITD groups was found. There was no significant difference for other outcomes. Subgroup analysis found that there was no significant difference between SA and ITD in terms of the initial success rate, 1-week success rate or any type of adverse event for PSP patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the management of adult SP, the use of SA decreased the initial success rate but also decreased the duration of hospitalization and the need for operation compared with ITD. The incidence of adverse events did not differ between the two approaches. The research plan was registered at PROSPERO, and the registration number was CRD42023436770.

Negative pressure suction test: An intraoperative airway maneuver to assess effectiveness of surgical correction of tracheobronchomalacia.

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) has evolved greatly over the past decade, with select pediatric institutions establishing dedicated surgery and anesthesia teams to navigate the complexities and challenges of surgical airway repairs. Although anesthetic techniques have evolved internally over many years to improve patient safety and outcomes, many of these methods remain undescribed in literature. TECHNIQUE: In this article, we describe the intraoperative negative pressure suction test. This simulates the negative pressure seen in awake and spontaneously breathing patients, including the higher pressures seen during coughing which induce airway collapse in patients with TBM. Also known as the Munoz maneuver in surgical literature, this test has been performed on over 300 patients since 2015. DISCUSSION: The negative pressure suction test allows for controlled intraoperative assessment of surgical airway repairs, replaces the need for risky intraoperative wake-up tests, increases the chances of a successful surgical repair, and improves anesthetic management for emergence and extubation. We provide a guide on how to perform the test and videos demonstrating its efficacy in intraoperative airway evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: As surgeries to repair TBM become more prevalent in other pediatric institutions, we believe that pediatric patients and anesthesia providers will benefit from the insights and methods described here.

The necessity of suction drainage when intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid is used during primary total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Suction drainages are commonly used after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures; however, their use is somewhat controversial. Recently, some reports have claimed that the administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) may prevent postoperative bleeding following TKAs. Although numerous studies have reported regarding different dosages, timings of administration, or drain clamping times for intravenous and intra-articular TXA injections (IA-TXAs), few have examined whether suction drainage is necessary when TXA is administered. In this study, we compared using suction drainage without TXA administration and IA-TXA without suction drainage and aimed to examine the need for suction drainage during IA-TXA. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 217 patients who had received TKA for osteoarthritis; 104 were placed on suction drainage after TKA without TXA (Group A), whereas the remaining 113 received IA-TXA immediately after surgery without suction drainage (Group B). Our clinical evaluation included assessments of the need for transfusion, presence of postoperative complications, incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and changes in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and D-dimer levels. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in terms of postoperative complications and preoperative Hb, Hct, or D-dimer levels between the two groups. Although the prevalence of DVT was significantly higher in Group B (p < 0.05), all cases were asymptomatic. Hb and Hct levels were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days postoperatively (p < 0.05), although none of the cases required blood transfusions. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B at 1 and 3 days postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suction drainage might not be necessary when IA-TXA is administered after TKA procedures.

Long-Term Effects and Prognosis Following Suction Blister Epidermal Grafting in Vitiligo Patients.

BACKGROUND: Suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) is currently one of the most prevalent surgical methods for stable vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term outcomes of vitiligo patients who underwent SBEG and to explore risk factors associated with postoperative relapse. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent SBEG in our department between January 2016 and December 2022. Treatment outcomes, including repigmentation rate, adverse events, and postoperative relapse, were surveyed via telephone interview or out-=patient visit. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the potential risk factors for postoperative relapse. Statistical significance was assumed at P < .05. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients were included with a repigmentation rate of 96% (243/253) after grafting. Common adverse events included cobblestone-like appearance (73.1%, 185/253) in the donor site, perigraft halo (46.2%, 117/253), and cobblestone-like appearance (26.1%, 66/253) in the recipient site. Postoperative relapse occurred in 20.1% of patients over a mean time of 29.7 months after grafting. Nonsegmental type of vitiligo and coexistence of autoimmune diseases were risk factors for postoperative relapse. CONCLUSION: SBEG is an effective surgical treatment for vitiligo with high repigmentation rate and good safety profile. Nonsegmental vitiligo and comorbid autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of postoperative relapse.

Adverse events related to suction electrocautery devices in adenotonsillectomy: Analysis of the MAUDE database.

OBJECTIVE: To identify adverse events (AEs) related to suction electrocautery use during adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was searched using the terms "suction cautery," "suction electrocautery," "suction Bovie," and "suction coagulator" from January 2014 to December 2023. RESULTS: 165 AE reports were gathered from the MAUDE database medical device reports (MDRs). 36 met inclusion criteria. Patient injuries were found in 22 (61.1 %) reports and device malfunction events were found in 14 (38.9 %) reports. All patient injuries were thermal burns (N = 22, 100 %). Location of burn injuries included the lip (N = 6, 27.3 %), oral commissure (N = 5, 22.7 %), and tongue (N = 4, 18.2 %). The most common cause of an AE was inadequate device insulation (N = 7, 19.4 %). CONCLUSION: The suction electrocautery apparatus may malfunction and cause patient burn injuries. Device failures mainly result from inadequate device insulation, coagulation problems, and detachment of device components. Surgeons must be aware of these potential complications and counsel parents and patients regarding AEs.

Experimental study of a new technique for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: intelligent pressure-controlled minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: To test the reliability and safety of a newly invented technique for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy, intelligent pressure-controlled minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (IPC-MPCNL). METHODS: Eighteen kidneys of nine female pigs were randomly divided into three groups. Those in Groups A and B underwent IPC-MPCNL through the new system composed of a pressure-measuring MPCNL suctioning sheath and an irrigation and suctioning platform with pressure feedback control. The infusion flow rate was 500 ml/min in Group A and 750 ml/min in Group B. Those in Group C underwent MPCNL at an infusion flow rate of 500 ml/min. The renal pelvic pressure (RPP) monitored by a ureteral catheter and that monitored by the pressure-measuring sheath in Groups A and B were compared. The RPP in Group C was monitored by a ureteral catheter. RESULTS: The RPP measured by the pressure-measuring sheath and that measured by the ureteral catheter in Group A was - 5.59 ± 1.95 mmHg and 4.46 ± 2.08 mmHg, respectively. The RPP measured by the pressure-measuring sheath and that measured by the ureteral catheter in Group B was - 4.00 ± 2.01 mmHg and 5.92 ± 2.05 mmHg, respectively. Hence, the RPPs measured by the pressure-measuring sheath in Groups A and B were consistent with those measured by the ureteral catheter. The RPP in Group C was 27.75 ± 5.98 mmHg (large fluctuations). CONCLUSIONS: IPC-MPCNL can be used to accurately monitor the RPP and maintain it within a preset safe range via suction. The new technique and the new system are safe and reliable.

Establishing an animal model for peritoneal catheter malfunction caused by omental wrapping using negative pressure suction: in vitro and in vivo exploration.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to establish a simplified and effective animal model of catheter malfunction caused by omental wrapped using negative pressure suction. METHOD: The peritoneal dialysis catheter outlet was linked to a negative-pressure (0-75mmHg) suction pump to intensify the negative pressure. Different negative pressures were tested for model construction in vitro. In vivo, a model of peritoneal catheter malfunction caused by omental wrapped was constructed in five beagles after catheter placement. Catheter drainage conditions and related complications were monitored before and after the model establishment. RESULTS: In the vitro experiment, the overall success rate of constructed models was 90% (36/40). The total malfunction rate was higher in 62.5 mmHg (10/10) and 75 mmHg (10/10) than in 12.5 mmHg (8/10) and 37.5 mmHg (8/10). The outflow velocity of dialysate at 62.5 mmHg was significantly lower than that at 12.5 mmHg and 37.5 mmHg, without a statistically significant difference compared to 75 mmHg. In the in vivo experiment, catheter outflow velocity increased, and residual fluid volume decreased after omental wrapped (99.6 ± 6.7 ml/min vs. 32.6 ± 4.6 ml/min at initial five minutes, p < 0.0001; 69.2 ± 16.3 ml vs. 581.0 ± 109.4 ml, p < 0.001). And the outflow velocity was finally below 2 ml/min. No severe related complications (such as infection, organ damage, or bleeding) were observed through laparoscopic examination and dialysate tests seven days post-operation. CONCLUSION: Utilizing negative pressure suction to increase negative pressure around catheter tip is a simple, safe, and effective method for establishing an animal model of omental wrapped leading to catheter malfunction.

A Novel Intubation Technique: Bougie Introduction Via Ducanto Suction Catheter.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is a defining skill that demands mastery by emergency physicians. Airway emergencies pose considerable morbidity and mortality risks. Familiarity with, and mastery of, a variety of airway management approaches and equipment can prove invaluable for management of anatomically and physiologically difficult airways. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old woman presented to a level II trauma after a motor vehicle collision. Emergency medical services reported left-sided injuries, including diminished breath sounds. She arrived in extremis with dyspnea and hypoxia refractory to supplemental oxygen. A portable chest x-ray study showed a considerable traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Initial attempts at intubation via video laryngoscopy were unsuccessful. Difficulties were attributed to anatomic variation, possibly due to the traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, and hematemesis. The airway was repositioned after removal of a cervical collar and suction-assisted laryngoscopy airway decontamination was performed under video guidance. During airway decontamination, the tip of a DuCanto suction catheter (SSCOR) became located at the level of the vocal cords, prompting the decision to control the airway via utilization of the DuCanto suction catheter and a bougie. The suction tubing was disconnected, a bougie was inserted through the catheter, and the DuCanto was subsequently removed and replaced with a cuffed endotracheal tube. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Airway emergencies are imminent life threats. Familiarity with a variety of tools and techniques allows for definitive airway management via primary, back-up, and contingency plans to secure anatomically or physiologically difficult airway.

A "Dry Tap" in Prosthetic Joint Infection Workup of Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Not Reassuring.

BACKGROUND: Synovial fluid analysis is important in diagnosing prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The rate of culture-positive PJI in patients who have a dry tap of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not well described. METHODS: We reviewed all image-guided THA aspirations, performed from 2014 to 2021 at a single academic institution. Aspirations were categorized as successful (≥ 0.5 mL) or unsuccessful (< 0.5 mL, "dry tap"). We analyzed culture data on all repeat aspirations and revision surgeries performed within 90 days of the initial dry tap. RESULTS: We reviewed 275 consecutive attempted THA aspirations of which 100 (36.4%) resulted in a dry tap. The dry tap cohort had a significantly higher percentage of fluoroscopic-guided aspirations (64%) and fewer ultrasound-guided aspirations (36%) compared to the successful aspiration cohort (48.9% fluoroscopic, 53.1% ultrasound, P = .0061). Of the 100 patients who have dry taps, 48 underwent revision surgery within 90 days of the initial dry tap, and 15 resulted in 2 or more positive cultures. The rate of PJI defined by MusculoSkeletal Infection Society major criteria in the dry tap cohort was 16.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Attempted aspiration of a THA resulted in a dry tap 36.4% of the time. Of those patients who had a dry tap, 16.0% were subsequently found to have PJI based on MusculoSkeletal Infection Society major criteria. Therefore, a "dry tap" does not exclude the diagnosis of infection and should not be considered reassuring for the absence of PJI.

Enough is enough: how many rectal suction biopsies do you need to diagnose Hirschsprung's disease?

PURPOSE: Rectal suction biopsy (RSB) is the gold standard for diagnosing Hirschsprung's disease (HD) in infants. Despite being a common procedure, no standard exists on the number of biopsy specimens and their respective level within the rectum. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of epidemiological and pathological data of patients who underwent RSB at our institution between January 2011 and May 2022. During RSB we obtain 4 specimens: at 1 cm, 3 cm and 5 cm above the dentate line, besides one specimen at the dentate line. We used a logistic regression model for statistical analysis and included control variables (e.g. underlying disease, weight at first biopsy, gestational age). RESULTS: A total of 92 patients underwent 115 biopsies, with an average of 3.77 specimens per session. Of the specimens taken at 1 cm above the dentate line 73.9% were conclusive, at 3 cm 75.9% and at 5 cm 79.2%. Specimens taken at the dentate line were squamous or transitional epithelia in 31.5% and therefore of no use for HD diagnostics. The specimen at 3 cm shows the highest discriminative power whether the biopsy session was diagnostic (p-value < 1%). CONCLUSIONS: We propose that a total of three specimens, namely one at 1 cm, one at 3 cm and one at 5 cm above the dentate line, is enough to diagnose or exclude HD.