Assessment of the Behaviors of an In Vitro Brain Model On-Chip under Shockwave Impacts.

Herein we report the assessment of the effects of shockwave (SW) impacts on adult rat hippocampal progenitor cell (AHPC) neurospheres (NSs), which are used as in vitro brain models, for enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The assessment has been achieved by using culture dishes and a new microchip. The microchip allows the chemicals released from the brain models cultured inside the cell culture chamber under SW impacts to diffuse to the nanosensors in adjacent sensor chambers through built-in diffusion barriers, which are used to prevent the cells from entering the sensor chambers, thereby mitigating the biofouling issues of the sensor surface. Experiments showed the negative impact of the SW on the viability, proliferation, and differentiation of the cells within the NSs. A qPCR gene expression analysis was performed and appeared to confirm some of the immunocytochemistry (ICC) results. Finally, we demonstrated that the microchip can be used to monitor lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released from the AHPC-NSs subjected to SW impacts. As expected, LDH levels changed when AHPC-NSs were injured by SW impacts, verifying this chip can be used for assessing the degrees of injuries to AHPC-NSs by monitoring LDH levels. Taken together, these results suggest the feasibility of using the chip to better understand the interactions between SW impacts and in vitro brain models, paving the way for potentially establishing in vitro TBI models on a chip.

Cardiac shockwave therapy in addition to coronary bypass surgery improves myocardial function in ischaemic heart failure: the CAST-HF trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In chronic ischaemic heart failure, revascularisation strategies control symptoms but are less effective in improving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this trial is to investigate the safety of cardiac shockwave therapy (SWT) as a novel treatment option and its efficacy in increasing cardiac function by inducing angiogenesis and regeneration in hibernating myocardium. METHODS: In this single-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled trial (cardiac shockwave therapy for ischemic heart failure, CAST-HF; NCT03859466) patients with LVEF ≤40% requiring surgical revascularisation were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo direct cardiac SWT or sham treatment in addition to coronary bypass surgery. The primary efficacy endpoint was the improvement in LVEF measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging from baseline to 360 days. RESULTS: Overall, 63 patients were randomized, out of which 30 patients of the SWT group and 28 patients of the Sham group attained 1-year follow-up of the primary endpoint. Greater improvement in LVEF was observed in the SWT group (Δ from baseline to 360 days: SWT 11.3%, SD 8.8; Sham 6.3%, SD 7.4, P = .0146). Secondary endpoints included the 6-minute walking test, where patients randomized in the SWT group showed a greater Δ from baseline to 360 days (127.5 m, SD 110.6) than patients in the Sham group (43.6 m, SD 172.1) (P = .028) and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score on day 360, which was 11.0 points (SD 19.1) for the SWT group and 17.3 points (SD 15.1) for the Sham group (P = .15). Two patients in the treatment group died for non-device-related reasons. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the CAST-HF trial indicates that direct cardiac SWT, in addition to coronary bypass surgery improves LVEF and physical capacity in patients with ischaemic heart failure.

The dynamic response of human lungs due to underwater shock wave exposure.

Since the 19th century, underwater explosions have posed a significant threat to service members. While there have been attempts to establish injury criteria for the most vulnerable organs, namely the lungs, existing criteria are highly variable due to insufficient human data and the corresponding inability to understand the underlying injury mechanisms. This study presents an experimental characterization of isolated human lung dynamics during simulated exposure to underwater shock waves. We found that the large acoustic impedance at the surface of the lung severely attenuated transmission of the shock wave into the lungs. However, the shock wave initiated large bulk pressure-volume cycles that are distinct from the response of the solid organs under similar loading. These pressure-volume cycles are due to compression of the contained gas, which we modeled with the Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The extent of these lung dynamics was dependent on physical confinement, which in real underwater blast conditions is influenced by factors such as rib cage properties and donned equipment. Findings demonstrate a potential causal mechanism for implosion injuries, which has significant implications for the understanding of primary blast lung injury due to underwater blast exposures.

Sharp Rise in Cosmic Ray Irradiation of Organisms on Earth Caused by a Nearby SN Shockwave Passage.

The work considers the modelling of nearby supernova (SN) effects on Earth's biosphere via cosmic rays (CRs) accelerated by shockwaves. The rise of the radiation background on Earth resulted from the external irradiation by CR high-energy particles and internal radiation in organisms by the decay of cosmogenic 14C is evaluated. We have taken into account that the CR flux near Earth goes up steeply when the shockwave crosses the Solar System, while in previous works the CR transport was considered as purely diffusive. Our simulations demonstrate a high rise of the external ionization of the environments at Earth's surface by atmospheric cascade particles that penetrate the first 70-100 m of water depth. Also, the cosmogenic 14C decay is able to irradiate the entire biosphere and deep ocean organisms. We analyzed the probable increase in mutation rate and estimated the distance between Earth and an SN, where the lethal effects of irradiation are possible. Our simulations demonstrate that for SN energy of around 1051 erg the lethal distance could be ∼18 pc.

Long-term experiences with high-energy shock wave therapy in the management chronic phase Peyronie's disease using two different electromagnetic lithotripters.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy represents one option for the non-surgical management of Peyronie's disease. Despite promising results, several questions are still pending. We want to present the long-term results of a retrospective study using high-energy extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated retrospectively 110 patients treated between 1996 and 2020 at the Department of Urology, SLK Kliniken Heilbronn for chronic phase Peyronie's disease using two electromagnetic lithotripters (Siemens Lithostar Plus Overhead Module, Siemens Lithoskop) applying high-energy shock waves under local anesthesia and sonographic or fluoroscopic control. A standardized questionnaire focused on the change in pain, curvature, sexual function and the need of penile surgery. RESULTS: In 85 of the 110 patients (mean age 54 years) we had sufficient data for evaluation. The median follow-up was 228 (6-288) months. There were no significant complications. Pain reduction was achieved in all patients, 65 (76%) patients were free of pain. Improvement of penile curvature was achieved in 43 patients (51%) ranging from 25% improvement (deflected angle < 30°) to 95% (angle 30-60°). 59 patients (69%) reported problems with sexual intercourse, 40 of those (68%) reported improvement. Only 9 (10.5%) patients underwent surgical correction. We did not observe any significant differences between both electromagnetic devices with stable long-term results. CONCLUSIONS: High-energy shock wave therapy delivered by two standard electromagnetic lithotripters is safe and efficient providing stable long-term results. In cases with significant plaque formation, the concept of high-energy ESWT should be considered in future studies.

Cavitation-induced pressure saturation: a mechanism governing bubble nucleation density in histotripsy.

Objective.Histotripsy is a noninvasive focused ultrasound therapy that mechanically disintegrates tissue by acoustic cavitation clouds. In this study, we investigate a mechanism limiting the density of bubbles that can nucleate during a histotripsy pulse. In this mechanism, the pressure generated by the initial bubble expansion effectively negates the incident pressure in the vicinity of the bubble. From this effect, the immediately adjacent tissue is prevented from experiencing the transient tension to nucleate bubbles. Approach.A Keller-Miksis-type single-bubble model was employed to evaluate the dependency of this effect on ultrasound pressure amplitude and frequency, viscoelastic medium properties, bubble nucleus size, and transducer geometric focusing. This model was further combined with a spatial propagation model to predict the peak negative pressure field as a function of position from a cavitating bubble.Main results. The single-bubble model showed the peak negative pressure near the bubble surface is limited to the inertial cavitation threshold. The predicted bubble density increased with increasing frequency, tissue viscosity, and transducer focusing angle. The simulated results were consistent with the trends observed experimentally in prior studies, including changes in density with ultrasound frequency and transducerF-number.Significance.The efficacy of the therapy is dependent on several factors, including the density of bubbles nucleated within the cavitation cloud formed at the focus. These results provide insight into controlling the density of nucleated bubbles during histotripsy and the therapeutic efficacy.

Meningeal Damage and Interface Astroglial Scarring in the Rat Brain Exposed to a Laser-Induced Shock Wave(s).

In the past decade, signature clinical neuropathology of blast-induced traumatic brain injury has been under intense debate, but interface astroglial scarring (IAS) seems to be convincing. In this study, we examined whether IAS could be replicated in the rat brain exposed to a laser-induced shock wave(s) (LISW[s]), a tool that can produce a pure shock wave (primary mechanism) without dynamic pressure (tertiary mechanism). Under certain conditions, we observed astroglial scarring in the subpial glial plate (SGP), gray-white matter junctions (GM-WM), ventricular wall (VW), and regions surrounding cortical blood vessels, accurately reproducing clinical IAS. We also observed shock wave impulse-dependent meningeal damage (dural microhemorrhage) in vivo by transcranial near-infrared (NIR) reflectance imaging. Importantly, there were significant correlations between the degree of dural microhemorrhage and the extent of astroglial scarring more than 7 days post-exposure, suggesting an association of meningeal damage with astroglial scarring. The results demonstrated that the primary mechanism alone caused the IAS and meningeal damage, both of which are attributable to acoustic impedance mismatching at multi-layered tissue boundaries. The time course of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity depended not only on the LISW conditions but also on the regions. In the SGP, significant increases in GFAP immunoreactivity were observed at 3 days post-exposure, whereas in the GM-WM and VW, GFAP immunoreactivity was not significantly increased before 28 days post-exposure, suggesting different pathological mechanisms. With the high-impulse single exposure or the multiple exposure (low impulse), fibrotic reaction or fibrotic scar formation was observed, in addition to astroglial scarring, in the cortical surface region. Although there are some limitations, this seems to be the first report on the shock-wave-induced IAS rodent model. The model may be useful to explore potential therapeutic approaches for IAS.

Efficacy of focused shockwave therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy for symptoms and function in patients with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four outpatients with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: a focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy group and a control group. The focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy group received conservative treatment in addition to focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy with an energy flux density ranging from 0.01 to 0.15 mJ/mm2, a frequency of 4-5 Hz, and 1500 pulses per session once a week for a total of 3 sessions. The control group received only conservative treatment, which comprised gliding exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome, a night wrist splint, and lifestyle modification. The Thai version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (T-BCTQ), a nerve conduction study, and ultrasonography of the median nerve cross-sectional area were performed before treatment and at 3 and 6 weeks after baseline. RESULTS: The T-BCTQ symptom and function scores had significantly decreased in both groups, favouring focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy at all time-points. In addition, distal sensory and motor latency were significantly different between the groups at 3 weeks from baseline. CONCLUSION: Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy plus conservative treatment effectively provided short-term improvement in symptoms, hand function, and nerve conduction in patients with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome compared with conservative treatment alone.

Innovaciones tecnológicas en la litotricia de ondas de choque / Technological innovations in shock wave lithotripsy

Introducción Desde 1980, la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (SWL) ha sido empleada en el tratamiento de las litiasis urinarias, ofreciendo alternativas no invasivas a las técnicas quirúrgicas. Aunque limitada por tamaño y ubicación de las piedras, su efectividad se ve afectada por varios factores. A pesar de la evolución de técnicas quirúrgicas, la SWL podría mantener su relevancia con nuevos avances. Nuestro objetivo es revisar la bibliografía existente para recopilar los mayores avances hasta la fecha en el tratamiento extracorpóreo de la litiasis. Material y métodos Se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica no sistemática, entre los años 2017 a 2023 para obtener 26 artículos sobre 3 tipos de innovación tecnológica en litotricia extracorpórea: Burst Wave Lithotripsy (BWL), Histotripsy y Microbubble Lithotripsy (ML). Resultados La BWL emplea ondas sinusoidales ultrasónicas de menor y mayor frecuencia que la SWL tradicional. Su mecanismo de acción genera una fragmentación de mayor calidad (finos fragmentos) en lugar de generar fuerzas tensionales como en la SWL tradicional que generan líneas de fractura que dan lugar a fragmentos de mayor tamaño. Resultados en cerdos y humanos han mostrado fragmentación efectiva con buen perfil de seguridad. Basada en la tecnología de ultrasonido focalizado de alta intensidad (HIFU), la histotricia fragmenta tejido empleando fenómenos de cavitación. Han mostrado buenos resultados in vitro, aunque la formación de microburbujas que se interponen entre la litiasis y las ondas de ultrasonido son un impedimento para el progreso de esta técnica. La ML combina microburbujas y ultrasonido para fragmentar litiasis con seguridad y eficacia. Resultados in vitro y en cerdos son prometedores. Puede optimizar tratamientos y reducir niveles energéticos. Conclusiones La innovación tecnológica no solo se está aplicando a técnicas endourológicas, sino también a la ESWL. ... (AU)

Introduction Since 1980, extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) has been employed in the treatment of urolithiasis, offering noninvasive alternatives to surgical techniques. In addition to being limited by the size and location of the stones, its efficacy is influenced by several factors. Despite the advancement of other surgical techniques, SWL could maintain its position with new improvements. Our objective is to review the existing literature on the latest advances in the extracorporeal treatment of lithiasis. Material and methods A non-systematic literature review was carried out from 2017 to 2023 to obtain 26 articles on three different emerging technologies in extracorporeal lithotripsy: Burst Wave Lithotripsy (BWL), Histotripsy, and Microbubble Lithotripsy (ML). Results The BWL uses sinusoidal bursts of US waves delivered at lower and higher frequencies than conventional SWL. Its mechanism of action generates a higher quality fragmentation (fine fragments) instead of generating tensile stresses for stone fracture resulting in larger fragments, as in traditional SWL. Studies in pigs and humans have shown effective fragmentation with a good safety profile. Based on High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology, histotripsy fragments tissue through cavitation. Good in vitro results have been shown, but the formation of microbubbles between the stone and ultrasound waves hinders the progress of this technique. Microbubble Lithotripsy (ML) combines microbubbles and ultrasound for safe and effective stone fragmentation. In vitro and pig results are promising. This technique can help optimize treatments and reduce energy levels. Conclusions Technological innovation is not only being applied to endourological techniques, but also to ESWL. New techniques such as BWL, histotripsy and ML are promising, with good results in the research phase. (AU)

Litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCh) Para litiasis de grupo calicial inferior: ¿cómo predecir el éxito del tratamiento? / Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower calyx stones: Predicting treatment success

Introducción El uso de la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCh) en litiasis de grupo calicial inferior (GCI) se asocia con una alta tasa de fragmentos residuales. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la efectividad y complicaciones del tratamiento con LEOCh en litiasis de GCI. Métodos Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con litiasis en GCI tratadas con LEOCh entre enero 2014 y diciembre del 2020. Se determina anatomía favorable del GCI mediante longitud infundibular, ancho infundibular y ángulo infundibulopélvico. Se considera fracaso de LEOCh la presencia de fragmentos >3mm en radiografía simple, TC o ecografía a los 3 meses del procedimiento. Análisis de complicaciones, procedimientos auxiliares y factores de riesgo asociados con hematoma perirrenal. Análisis estadístico mediante software SPSS. Resultados En total, 512 pacientes con litiasis en GCI fueron tratados con LEOCh. El 80,3% de los pacientes tenía anatomía GCI favorable. La tasa libre de litiasis (TLL) fue 70,5%. Las principales complicaciones fueron: calle litiásica (5 pacientes) e infección del tracto urinario (3 casos). Se describen 10 hematomas perirrenales (2%). La toma de antiagregantes mostró asociación estadística con el riesgo de hematoma perirrenal (p=0,004). Mediante regresión logística binaria se demuestra asociación entre anatomía desfavorable del GCI (p=0,000), tamaño de litiasis (p=0,001), número de ondas de choque (p=0,003), energía aplicada (p=0,038) y necesidad de tratamiento adicional tras LEOCh. Conclusiones El tratamiento con LEOCh puede ser considerado de primera elección en litiasis de GCI. El tamaño de la litiasis, anatomía calicial desfavorable, número de ondas de choque y energía utilizadas pueden predecir la necesidad de retratamiento. (AU)

Introduction The use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is associated with a high rate of residual fragments. Our aim is to analyse the effectiveness and complications of ESWL for lower calyx stones. Methods Retrospective review of patients with lower renal calyx stones treated with ESWL between January-2014 and December-2020. Measurement of infundibular length, infundibular width and infundibulopelvic angle in lower renal pole to determine favourable anatomy. ESWL failure: fragments >3mm detected in plain abdominal film, CT scan and/or renal ultrasound 3 months after treatment. Complications after ESWL, auxiliary procedures along with risk factors associated with perirenal haematoma were analysed. SPSS statistical software was used. Results 512 patients with lower calyx stones were treated with ESWL. 80.3% of patients had a favourable anatomy. Overall stone-free rate was 70.5%. Regarding main complications after ESWL, stainstrasse was described in 5 patients and urinary tract infection in 3 patients. 10 perirenal haematomas (2%) were reported. Statistical association was found between antiplatelet treatment and the risk of perirenal haematoma (p=0.004). Logistic binary regression proved the association between unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal pole (p=0.000), size of the stone (p=0.001), number of shock waves (p=0.003), energy applied (p=0.038) and the need for additional treatment after ESWL. Conclusions ESWL can still be considered as the initial treatment option for lower renal pole stones. The size of the stone, an unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal calyx, number of shock waves and energy applied can help predict the need for additional treatment. (AU)

Subexpansión de stent tratado con balón de Shockwave / Use of a Shockwave balloon to treat insufficient stent expansion

La calcificación coronaria afecta negativamente los resultados de las intervenciones coronarias al impedir el cruce, lograr una buena aposición y expansión del stent; puede alterar el polímero y la cinética de liberación del fármaco. La subexpansión del stent se asocia a trombosis posterior del stent y/o necesidad de nueva revascularización de la lesión. Existen distintas técnicas para modificar el calcio de las arterias coronarias como los balones no complacientes (BNC), balones modificadores de placa y tecnologías de ateroablación como la aterectomia rotacional, orbital y láser. Todas con complicaciones y limitaciones. La litotripsia intracoronaria es una tecnología nueva, que mediante la emisión de ondas de choque acústicas es capaz de fracturar el calcio coronario profundo mejorando la distensibilidad de la arteria coronaria, lo que permite una adecuada expansión del stent. En esta oportunidad presentamos el caso de un stent subexpandido debido a una lesión muy calcificada de la arteria coronaria derecha (ACD) tratada con un catéter de Shockwave IVL (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Coronary calcification negatively affects the results of coronary interventions by preventing crossing, achieving good apposition and expansion of the stent; it may alter the polymer and the kinetics of drug release. Stent underexpansion is associated with subsequent stent thrombosis and/or the need for new revascularization of the lesion. There are different techniques to modify the calcium of the coronary arteries such as non-compliant balloons (NCB), plaque-modifying balloons and atheroablation technologies such as rotational, orbital and laser atherectomy. All with complications and limitations. Intracoronary lithotripsy is a new technology that, through the emission of acoustic shock waves, is capable of fracturing deep coronary calcium, improving compliance of the coronary artery, which allows adequate expansion of the stent. On this occasion, we present the case of an underexpanded stent due to a highly calcified lesion of the right coronary artery (RCA) treated with a Shockwave IVL catheter (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Calcificación del ligamento colateral medial de la rodilla: manejo rehabilitador con ondas de choque más iontoforesis de una entidad poco frecuente. Caso clínico y revisión / Calcification of the medial collateral ligament of the knee: Rehabilitative management with radial electro shock wave therapy plus iontophoresis of a rare entity. Clinical case and review

El ligamento colateral medial (LCM) de la rodilla es una estructura ligamentosa muy frecuentemente lesionada. La calcificación del LCM es muy infrecuente, benigna, relacionada con desórdenes metabólicos y es consecuencia del depósito de hidroxiapatita de calcio en la región periarticular. El cuadro clínico, histológico y radiológico de la tendinitis calcificante está definido y la etiología es multifactorial. El tratamiento es inicialmente conservador, y si fracasara, intervencionista, siendo la cirugía el último escalón terapéutico. Existen muy pocos reportes en la literatura, estando publicados apenas 10 casos/series de casos. Es importante diferenciarlo del signo y/o síndrome de Pellegrini-Stieda, donde el antecedente traumático es fundamental para diagnosticarlo.El caso clínico es el de una mujer de 64 años en quien presentamos el tratamiento de la calcificación del LCM mediante ondas de choque más iontoforesis, reportamos la efectividad del tratamiento en el manejo del dolor y la calcificación y realizamos una somera revisión sobre el tema.(AU)

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is a commonly injured ligament structure. Calcification of the MCL is very infrequent, benign, related to metabolic disorders and is a consequence of the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite in the periarticular region. The clinical, histological and radiological picture of calcific tendonitis is defined and the etiology is multifactorial. Treatment is initially conservative and if it fails, interventionist; surgery being the last therapeutic step. There are very few reports in the literature, with only 10 cases/case series published. It is important to differentiate it from the Pellegrini–Stieda sign and/or syndrome, where the traumatic history is essential to diagnose it.The clinical case is that of a 64-year-old woman in whom we present the treatment of calcification of the MCL using radial electro shock wave therapy plus iontophoresis, we report the effectiveness of the treatment in the management of pain and calcification, and we carry out a brief review on the subject.(AU)

Shock wave and mesenchymal stem cells as treatment in the acute phase of spinal cord injury: A pilot study / Ondas de choque y células madre mesenquimales como tratamiento en la fase aguda de la lesión medular: un estudio piloto

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex pathology with thousands of patients worldwide. During the acute early phase, neural tissue shows some regenerative properties that disappear at the chronic phase. Shock Waves and Stem Cells have been proposed as a possible therapy. Methods: Here, we analyse Shock Waves’ immediate effect over spinal cord genetic response in the injured and healthy spinal cord and the effect of Shock Waves and combined Shock Waves plus Stem Cells distally grafted to treat the first month after spinal cord injury. Results: The immediate application of shock waves increases VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) but reduces the BDNF (Brain-Derived Growth Factor) RNA (Ribonucleic acid) response. Shock wave therapy increases GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) positive cells and vascularity during the treatment's acute phase. Conclusion: Shock wave treatment seems to be enough to produce benefits in the acute phase of spinal cord injury, with no accumulative positive effects when mesenchymal stem cell graft is applied together.(AU)

Introducción: La lesión medular es una afección compleja con miles de pacientes repartidos a lo largo del mundo. Durante la fase aguda temprana de la lesión, el tejido neural muestras ciertas propiedades regenerativas que desaparecen durante la fase crónica. Las ondas de choque y las células madre han sido propuestas como posibles terapias. Metodología: En este estudio analizamos el efecto inmediato de una sesión de ondas de choque sobre la médula espinal, tanto sana como lesionada, y si su efecto es sumatorio al que produce un tratamiento de células madre mesenquimales inyectadas distalmente, como se ha observado en estudios previos. Resultados: Se observa un efecto inmediato con las ondas de choque que promueve un incremento del efecto trófico vascular endotelial, y una disminución del factor trófico derivado del cerebro. La terapia prolongada con ondas de choque en la fase aguda incrementa la presencia de astrocitos y la vascularización local. No parece haber efecto sumatorio con el tratamiento de células madre, produciéndose efectos similares con o sin las células madre mesenquimales. Conclusiones: Las ondas de choque parecen tener un efecto positivo durante la fase aguda de una lesión medular por compresión, sin que el tratamiento distal de células madre mesenquimales parezca implicar un efecto sumatorio.(AU)

Malos resultados y complicaciones en el uso de ondas de choque focales y ondas de presión radial en patología musculoesquelética / Poor results and complications in the use of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology

La aplicación de ondas de choque focales y de ondas de presión radial en patología musculoesquelética ha tenido un gran desarrollo y difusión en la última década. Si bien la mayoría de las publicaciones han resaltado su seguridad y eficacia, no están exentas de malos resultados y complicaciones. Esta revisión analiza las principales causas de los malos resultados, efectos adversos y complicaciones, haciendo énfasis en su prevención.(AU)

The application of focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves in musculoskeletal pathology has had a great development in the last decade. Although most of the publications have highlighted their safety and efficacy, poor results and complications can occur. This review analyzes the main causes of its poor results, adverse effects, and complications, emphasizing their prevention.(AU)

Ondas de choque. Evidencias y recomendaciones SETOC (Sociedad Española de Tratamientos con Ondas de Choque) / Current evidences in shockwave treatment. SETOC (Spanish Society of Shockwave Treatment) recommendations

El documento consenso SETOC muestra la evidencia científica de la tecnología en ondas de choque extracorpóreas (OCE) y ondas de presión radial (OPR) en diversidad de patologías musculoesqueléticas, cutáneas, espasticidad, urológicas, etc. Las OCE y las OPR son un tratamiento eficaz, seguro, no invasivo, coste-efectivo, bien tolerado por el paciente, sin necesidad de anestesia, que reduce la necesidad de cirugía, con menor riesgo de complicaciones y menor tiempo de recuperación que una cirugía. Por todo ello, las OCE y las OPR deberían ser la primera opción terapéutica de las patologías crónicas mencionadas, cuando las alternativas conservadoras hayan fallado, teniendo en cuenta las recomendaciones de este artículo, de las sociedades científicas y de la evidencia para cada tecnología (AU)

This SETOC consensus document shows the scientific evidence of the technology in shockwaves (SW) and radial pressure waves (RPW) in a variety of spasticity disorders, musculoskeletal, skin, urological diseases, etc. SW and RPW, without anesthesia, are an effective, safe, non-invasive, cost-effective treatment, which reduces the need for surgery, lower risk of complications, faster recovery and greater acceptability to patients than surgery. Consequently, SW and RPW should be the first therapeutic option in the aforementioned chronic pathologies, when conservative alternatives have failed. SETOC advises to follow the recommendations given in this article, including the ones given by SW scientific societies and best evidence for each technology as well (AU)

Efectos del ultrasonido externo sobre el panículo adiposo. Modelo porcino experimental / Effects of external ultrasound on the adipose panicle. Experimental pig model

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El ultrasonido (US) externo o percutáneo, ampliamente utilizado, ocasiona diferentes efectos histológicos dependiendo de la frecuencia, intensidad, amplitud de onda, tiempo de aplicación y de los tejidos a través de los cuales curse. Se ha utilizado con diferentes propósitos, entre otros para facilitar la liposucción y mejorar sus resultados; sin embargo, hasta donde hemos podido revisar, no hay reportes que relacionen las frecuencias del US percutáneo y el lapso de su aplicación con los cambios descritos en el panículo adiposo. El objetivo del presente estudio es establecer parámetros de frecuencia y tiempos de aplicación del US externo para uniformar criterios en base al análisis histológico de los cambios que ocasiona al panículo adiposo y a los adipocitos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, comparativo, abierto, experimental, prospectivo y longitudinal, en 59 fragmentos de tejido adiposo tomados de cerdos adultos. Cinco fragmentos fueron preservados como control; los 54 restantes fueron sometidos a US directo sobre cada fragmento, con diferentes parámetros de tiempo (5, 10 y 15 minutos) y diferentes frecuencias (baja- 1.1 Hz, media- 2.4 Hz y alta- 3.9 Hz). Fueron procesados en 2 formas (parafina y congelación) y teñidos con 2 técnicas (hematoxilina/eosina y rojo oleoso). En cada laminilla se observaron 10 campos. RESULTADOS: En los fragmentos de control observamos tejido adiposo maduro normal. En los sometidos a US, dependiendo de la frecuencia y el tiempo aplicado, observamos edema intersticial, desarreglo de su arquitectura, lisis de la membrana de los adipocitos e infiltrado inflamatorio, en diversos porcentajes, que calificamos en grados. Así en los fragmentos expuestos durante 5 minutos a frecuencia media hubo lisis leve (10%), igual que en los expuestos 10 minutos a frecuencia baja. En los expuestos 10 minutos a frecuencia media la lisis fue de leve a moderada (10-20%), semejante a la observada con frecuencia baja durante 15 minutos. Aplicando US durante 15 minutos con frecuencia baja la respuesta fue de leve a moderada (10-20%), con frecuencia media fue de moderada a severa (20-30%) y con frecuencia alta fue francamente severa (30%). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de US externo ocasiona lisis de los adipocitos y evidentes desarreglos en la arquitectura del tejido adiposo. Aplicarlo con frecuencias menores requiere periodos más largos para lograr los mismos efectos. Con frecuencias mayores se logran los cambios en menos tiempo. El empleo de frecuencias de 2.4 a 3.9 Hz ocasiona cambios evidentes, con amplio margen de seguridad

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: External or percutaneous ultrasound (US) widely used, causes different histological effects depending on the frequency, intensity, wave amplitude, application time and the tissues through which it passes. It has been used for different purposes, among others, to facilitate liposuction and improve its results; however, as far as we have been able to review, there are no reports that relate the frequencies of the percutaneous US and the period of its application with the changes described in the adipose tissue. Our aim is to establish frequency parameters and application times of the external US to standardize criteria, based on the histological analysis of the changes it causes to the adipose panniculus and to the adipocytes. METHODS: A descriptive, comparative, open, experimental, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out in 59 fragments of adipose tissue taken from adult pigs. Fifty-four were subjected to US applied directly to each fragment, with different time parameters (5, 10 and 15 minutes) and different frequencies (low-1.1 Hz, medium-2.4 Hz and high-3.9 Hz). Five fragments were preserved as a control. Processed in 2 ways (paraffin and freezing) and stained with 2 techniques (hematoxylin/eosin and oil red). In each lamella 10 fields were observed. RESULTS: Normal mature adipose tissue was observed in the control fragments. In those undergoing US, depending on the frequency and time applied, interstitial edema, disordered architecture, presence of inflammatory infiltrate and lysis of adipocyte membranes were observed, in various percentages that we qualified in degrees. Thus, in the fragments exposed for 5 minutes at medium frequency, mild lysis was observed (10%), In those exposed for 10 minutes at medium frequency, lysis was mild to moderate ( 10-20%), similar to that observed with low frequency for 15 minutes. Applying US for 15 minutes with low frequency, the response was mild to moderate (10-20%) with medium frequency of moderate to severe (20-30%) and with high frequency it was frankly severe (30%). CONCLUSIONS: The application of external US causes lysis of the adipocytes and evident disorders in the adipose tissue architecture. Applying it with lower frequencies requires longer periods to achieve the same effects. With higher frequencies the same changes are achieved in less time. The use of frequencies from 2.4 to 3.9 Hz causes obvious changes, with a wide margin of safety

SuperPulsed Thulium fiber laser: The ultimate laser for lithotripsy? / Laser tulio superpulsado: ¿El nuevo estándar en litotricia por láser?

The SuperPulsed Thulium fiber laser has recently become available to the urologist. It can be safely and efficiently applied to humans for the purposes of laser lithotripsy. Particularly, this innovative technology overcomes the main limitations of Holmium:YAG lasers, which had been the principal source of energy for lithotripsy over the past decades. The SuperPulsed Thulium fiber laser allows a broader range of pulse energy (0.025 to 6.0 J), pulse frequency (up to 2000 Hz) and pulse duration (0.05 to 12 ms), as well as smaller operating laser fibers (50-150 μm core), compared to Holmium:YAG lasers. The laser emission at 1940 nm leads to a four-fold higher energy absorption in water, which ensures precise lithotripsy and a high degree of safety. Multiple comparative in vitro studies suggest a 1.5 to 4 times faster stone ablation rate in favor of the SuperPulsed Thulium fiber laser, when compared to Holmium:YAG lasers. It has also been shown to generate particularly fine stone dust, and electronic pulse modulation allows superior stone stabilization. The SuperPulsed Thulium fiber laser, like the Holmium:YAG laser, has been repeatedly reported thermodynamically safe, provided that a minimal irrigation flow (10-15 ml/min) and relatively low average power (≤ 25 W) is maintaining throughout the lithotripsy process. These new standards are particularly advantageous for fine and rapid ureteroscopic stone dusting, and open paths that were not been amenable to the Holmium:YAG laser

El tulio superpulsado ha salido al mercado recientemente. Se puede usar en humanos para la litotricia. En concreto, esta nueva tecnología mejora las limitaciones del laser holmium, usado hasta ahora. Las fibras de laser tulio permite un pulso de energía (0.025 a 6 J), frecuencia de pulso (hasta 2000 Hz) y duración de este pulso (0.05 a 12 ms) así como diámetros menores (50-150 nm) en comparación con el holmium. La emisión de laser a 1940 nm permite una mejoría hasta 4 veces en la absorción de agua, lo que permite una litotricia mas eficiente y segura. Múltiples estudios comparativos in vitro sugieren que la litotricia es entre 1,5 y 4 veces mas rápida con el tulio superpulsado. Además produce un polvo secundario a litotricia mas fino y el pulso electrónico modulado permite una mejor estabilización de la litiasis. Las fibras de tulio superpulsado, como las de holmium, son térmicamente seguras teniendo en cuenta que la irrigación mínima continua (10-15 ml/min) y el bajo voltaje (menos de 25 W) se mantienen durante el tratamiento de litotricia. Estos nuevos estándares confieren particular ventaja en la litotricia ureteroscopica y permitirán una mejor aceptación que el laser homium

Cardiac shock wave therapy for coronary heart disease: an updated meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this article is to study the efficacy and safety of cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CAD). Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases and a manual search of conference papers and abstracts were performed until September 30, 2018. The studies using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0 softwares were reviewed, and meta-analyses were performed on 13 indicators, such as a six-min walking distance test (6MWT), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) score, angina class (Canadian Cardiology Society [CCS]), etc. Results: A total of 26 articles were included. The total patient population was 855, of which 781 patients were treated with CSWT. Meta-analyses indicated that 6MWT (mean difference [MD] 75.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 49.03, 102.25, P<0.00001) and NYHA (MD -0.70, 95% CI -0.92) in the CSWT group were comparable to those in the conventional revascularization group (MD -0.70, 95% CI -0.92, -0.49, P<0.00001). SAQ (MD 10.75, 95% CI 6.66, 14.83, P<0.00001), CCS (MD -0.99, 95% CI -1.13, -0.84, P<0.00001), nitrate dosage (MD -1.84, 95% CI -2.77, -1.12, P<0.00001), LVEF (MD 3.77, 95% CI 2.17, 5.37, P<0.00001), and SSS (MD -4.29, 95% CI -5.61, -2.96, P<0.00001), SRS (MD -2.90, 95% CI -4.85, -0.95, P=0.004), and the exercise test (standard mean difference 0.57, 95% CI 0.12, 1.02, P=0.01) all showed significant differences. Conclusion: CSWT may offer beneficial effects to patients with CAD, but more large-scale clinical studies are needed to further verify its therapeutic effect.