Radical resection and local coverage of hidradenitis suppurativa - acne inversa: analysis of results.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the primary outcome of local complications and late recurrence in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa undergoing radical resection and specific reconstruction. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients attended by the Plastic Surgery Service of the Clinics Hospital, Medical School, USP, between 2010 and 2016. We included patients who underwent radical resection of hidradenitis suppurativa in advanced stage and reconstruction through primary closure, grafts or flaps. RESULTS: we analyzed 34 lesions in 19 patients, of which 64.5% had local complications, though with 73.5% efficient healing after 12 weeks postoperatively. We observed late recurrence in 47%, but in isolation, 22.2% of the reconstructions with locoregional flaps had recurrence after one year. CONCLUSION: extensive and radical resection of the disease associated with locoregional flap coverage (pedicled or perforating) has been shown to be the best management in terms of late results.

Radical resection and local coverage of hidradenitis suppurativa - acne inversa: analysis of results / Tratamento cirúrgico de hidradenite supurativa - acne inversa: ressecção radical e cobertura local - análise de resultados

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the primary outcome of local complications and late recurrence in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa undergoing radical resection and specific reconstruction. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients attended by the Plastic Surgery Service of the Clinics Hospital, Medical School, USP, between 2010 and 2016. We included patients who underwent radical resection of hidradenitis suppurativa in advanced stage and reconstruction through primary closure, grafts or flaps. Results: we analyzed 34 lesions in 19 patients, of which 64.5% had local complications, though with 73.5% efficient healing after 12 weeks postoperatively. We observed late recurrence in 47%, but in isolation, 22.2% of the reconstructions with locoregional flaps had recurrence after one year. Conclusion: extensive and radical resection of the disease associated with locoregional flap coverage (pedicled or perforating) has been shown to be the best management in terms of late results.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o desfecho primário de complicações locais e de recidiva tardia em pacientes com diagnóstico de hidradenite supurativa submetidos à ressecção radical e reconstrução específica. Métodos: análise retrospectiva baseada nos prontuários dos pacientes atendidos pelo serviço universitário de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP, entre 2010 a 2016. Foram incluídos apenas pacientes submetidos à ressecções radicais de hidradenite supurativa em grau avançado, submetidos à reconstrução através de fechamento primário, enxertos ou retalhos. Resultados: foram analisadas 34 lesões, das quais 64,5% apresentaram complicações locais, porém com 73,5% de cicatrização eficiente após 12 semanas de pós-operatório. Recidiva tardia foi observada em 47%, porém, isoladamente, 22,2% das lesões reconstruídas com retalhos locorregionais apresentaram recidiva tardia após um ano. Conclusão: a estratégia de ressecção ampla e radical da doença associada à cobertura da ferida com retalho locorregional (pediculado ou perfurante) demonstrou ser o melhor manejo em termos de resultados tardios.

Brief hospitalization protocol for pressure ulcer surgical treatment: outpatient care and one-stage reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate a brief hospitalization protocol for the treatment of pressure ulcers, proposed by the Complex Wound Group of Clinical Hospital of University of Sao Paulo Medical School, particularly in regard to selection of patients, hospitalization time, cutaneous covering, complications and sore recurrence. METHODS: retrospective cohort of 20 consecutive patients with 25 pressure lesions Grade IV. All patients were ambulatorily prepared and were hospitalized for surgical one time procedure for pressure lesion closing. RESULTS: in total, 27 flaps were performed to close 25 wounds. Three patients showed minor dehiscence (11.1%). There was no recurrence during the post-surgical follow-up period. No patient suffered a new surgery and no flap showed partial or total necrosis. Median time of hospitalization was 3.6 days (2-6 days) and median follow-up was 91 months (2-28 months). All patients maintained their lesions closed, and there was no recurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSION: the brief hospitalization protocol was considered adequate for the resolution of pressure wounds, showing an average time of hospitalization of 3.6 days and rate of minor surgical wound dehiscence of 11.1%.

Brief hospitalization protocol for pressure ulcer surgical treatment: outpatient care and one-stage reconstruction / Protocolo de internação breve para tratamento cirúrgico de lesões por pressão: preparo ambulatorial e cobertura em tempo único

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate a brief hospitalization protocol for the treatment of pressure ulcers, proposed by the Complex Wound Group of Clinical Hospital of University of Sao Paulo Medical School, particularly in regard to selection of patients, hospitalization time, cutaneous covering, complications and sore recurrence. Methods: retrospective cohort of 20 consecutive patients with 25 pressure lesions Grade IV. All patients were ambulatorily prepared and were hospitalized for surgical one time procedure for pressure lesion closing. Results: in total, 27 flaps were performed to close 25 wounds. Three patients showed minor dehiscence (11.1%). There was no recurrence during the post-surgical follow-up period. No patient suffered a new surgery and no flap showed partial or total necrosis. Median time of hospitalization was 3.6 days (2-6 days) and median follow-up was 91 months (2-28 months). All patients maintained their lesions closed, and there was no recurrence during follow-up. Conclusion: the brief hospitalization protocol was considered adequate for the resolution of pressure wounds, showing an average time of hospitalization of 3.6 days and rate of minor surgical wound dehiscence of 11.1%.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o protocolo de internação breve para tratamento de lesões por pressão, em vigência no Grupo de Feridas Complexas do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, com ênfase na seleção do paciente, no tempo de internação, na cobertura cutânea realizada, nas complicações e nas recidivas das lesões. Métodos: coorte retrospectiva de 20 pacientes consecutivos com 25 lesões por pressão Grau IV. Todos os pacientes foram preparados em ambulatório e foram internados para fechamento cirúrgico da lesão por pressão em cirurgia única. Resultados: no total foram confeccionados 27 retalhos para cobertura de 25 feridas abordadas. Foram verificados três casos (11,1%) de deiscências menores. Não foi observada recidiva no período de seguimento pós-operatório. Nenhum paciente foi reoperado e nenhum retalho sofreu necrose parcial ou total. O tempo de internação médio foi de 3,6 dias (dois a seis dias) e o seguimento foi de 9,1 meses, em média, oscilando entre dois e 18 meses. Todos os pacientes permaneceram com a lesão fechada e nenhum deles apresentou recidiva da lesão durante o seguimento. Conclusão: o protocolo de internação breve para resolução de lesões por pressão foi considerado adequado, com curto tempo de internação e baixos índices de deiscência de ferida cirúrgica.

Monitoria de técnica operatória e cirurgia experimental e sua relevância na formação médica / The monitoring of operative techniques and experimental surgery and its importance in medical training

INTRODUÇÃO: A monitoria de Técnica Operatória e Cirurgia Experimental (Toce) da Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia (UFBA) é uma atividade extracurricular com a finalidade de aprofundar o aluno nos fundamentos teóricos e práticos da Toce. Em 2009, a monitoria passou por modificações em sua estrutura e dinâmica de funcionamento. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a evolução da monitoria por intermédio da visão dos monitores que passaram pela estrutura antiga e pelas estruturas novas em curso desde 2009. METODOLOGIA: Foram aplicados questionários padronizados a todos os monitores, divididos em três grupos: aqueles que passaram pelas estruturas antiga e nova (9 estudantes); os que passaram pelo primeiro modelo de estrutura nova (20 estudantes); e os que passaram pelo segundo modelo de estrutura nova (15 estudantes). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos estudantes nos três grupos relatou alcance total ou parcial dos objetivos iniciais, tendo 81% deles considerado que os conhecimentos e experiências adquiridos foram ou serão úteis para a prática médica. CONCLUSÃO: A monitoria de Toce da FMB-UFBA tem evoluído positivamente na visão dos estudantes, consolidando-se como um instrumento válido no processo de educação médica.

INTRODUCTION: The Monitoring Program of Operative Techniques and Experimental Surgery (OTES) at Bahia Medical School (UFBA) is an extracurricular activity that offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of OTES. In 2009 the monitoring program underwent wholesale modification in its structure and dynamic functioning. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the evolution of the monitoring activity from the perspective of students who have experienced the old and new models. METHODS: Standardized questionnaires were applied to all the monitor students, divided into three groups: those who experienced the former and the current structure (9 students); those who experienced the first model of the new structure (20 students); and those who have experienced the second model of the new structure (15 students). RESULTS: Most of the students in the three groups reported fully or partially achieving their initial objectives; 81% considered that the knowledge and skills learned through monitoring will be useful for medical practice. CONCLUSION: The OTES monitoring activity has evolved positively from the students' point of view, and is now established as a useful tool in medical training.

Internato de medicina social em uma unidade de saúde da família / Social medicine internship at a family health unit / Internado en medicina social en una unidad de salud de la familia

O internato médico é o período do curso de medicina em que o estudantevivencia prática médica diária, inserido nas instituições de saúde, como componente curricular obrigatório na sua formação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a experiência de dois estudantes do 5º ano do curso médico da Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), no Internato em Medicina Social em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família. Foram realizadas atividades em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, centradas nos princípios da Atenção Primária de promoção, prevenção e assistência à saúde. Foi desenvolvido um projeto de intervenção com cadastramento e acompanhamento dos pacientes de uma microárea de determinada Unidade de Saúde da Família em São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, dando enfoque maior aos problemas mais prevalentes dessa população, como hipertensão e diabetes. Esta experiência demonstrou-se enriquecedora, propiciando ganhos no aprendizado médico dos estudantes, assim como no desenvolvimento de práticas assistenciais e ações de promoção e vigilância em saúde para a população.

The medical internship is the period of medical school that the studentexperiences daily medical practice inserted in health institutions, as a required curricular component in their training. The aim of this study is to report the experience of two students of medicine in their 5th year of medical school of the Faculty of Medicine at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) during internship of Social Medicine at a Family Health Unit. Activities were carried out at a Family Health Unit, focusing on the principles of primary health promotion, prevention and health care. An intervention project was developed with registration and monitoring of patients in a particular area of Family Health Unit in the municipality of San Francisco do Conde, Bahia, Brazil which was basically focused on the most prevalent problems within this population such as hypertension and diabetes. This experience proved to be enriching, providing gains in the medical learning of the students, as well as developing care practices, health promotion actions and population health surveillance.

El internado médico es el período del curso de medicina en el que el estudiante vivencia la práctica médica diaria, inserto en las instituciones de salud, como componente curricular obligatorio para su formación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue relatar la experiencia de dos alumnos de 5 º año del curso de medicina de la Facultad de Medicina de la Bahía, de la Universidad Federal de la Bahía (UFBA), en el internado en Medicina Social en una Unidad de Salud de Familiar. Se realizaron actividades en una Unidad de Salud de Familiar, centradas en los principios de la Atención Primaria de promoción, prevención y atención de la salud. Se desarrolló un proyecto de intervención con el registro y seguimiento de los pacientes en una microárea de una determinada Unidad de Salud Familiar, en San Francisco do Conde, Bahia, dando mayor atención a los problemas más prevalentes de esa población, como la hipertensión y la diabetes. Esta experiencia resultó enriquecedora, proporcionando beneficios en el aprendizaje medico de los estudiantes, así como el desarrollo de prácticas de atención y acciones de promoción y vigilancia de la salud para la población.

Assessment of nasal patency after rhinoplasty through the Glatzel mirror

Introduction: Objective evaluation of nasal function is a constant challenge for plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, and allergists. The modified Glatzel mirror can evaluate nasal expiratory flow; however, there is little information on this method and its use in the measurement of nasal patency after surgical procedures. Objective: To compare, in a prospective study, the functional results before and after cosmetic rhinoplasty and evaluate the use of the Glatzel mirror as an objective method to assess nasal patency. Methods: To achieve this objective, we analyzed the functional results of surgery through a subjective questionnaire and objective evaluation through a modified Glatzel mirror, and evaluated the correlation between the 2 methods. Twenty patients (14 women and 6 men) underwent aesthetic rhinoplasty using spreader grafts. Pre- and postoperative evaluation (90-120 days) included a respiratory quality score (subjective) and modified Glatzel mirror test (objective). Subsequently, the Spearman test was used to compare the pre- and postoperative subjective and objective data. Results: The subjective evaluation demonstrated a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative scores (8 ± 2 and 9.4 ± 0.7, P< 0.001). There was no statistical difference in mean nasal patency by modified Glatzel mirror. No statistically significant correlation was observed when comparing the modified Glatzel mirror values with the subjective scores reported by patients pre- or postoperatively. Conclusion: The Glatzel method lacks sensitivity in detecting patient-reported improvements in breathing following rhinoplasty. This suggests that the method is a poor assessment tool to detect small, post-surgical changes in the nasal airways...

Experimental model of mesenteric ischemia: reperfusion by abdominal aorta clamping in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an experimental model of global normothermic ischemia able to demonstrate the transient ischemia and reperfusion periods required for development of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the small intestines of Wistar rats by clamping the abdominal aorta. METHODS: Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 250-350g were randomly divided into five groups with four rats each and submitted to increasing times of ischemia (0 - 30 - 45 - 60 - 90 minutes). Within each group, except the control one, two rats underwent 60 minutes of reperfusion and two 90 minutes. After the procedures, histological analysis was conducted by measurement of areas of necrosis. RESULTS: The degree of intestinal necrosis ranged from 15% to 54% (p = 0.0004). There was progressive increase in the degree of injury related to increase in ischemic time. However, greater degrees of injury were observed in the lowest times of reperfusion. The analysis of the coefficient of variation of necrosis among the ten groups of ischemia/reperfusion showed a statistically significant difference in 15 areas, 13 related to the control group. CONCLUSION: The model was able to show the periods required for the occurrence of ischemia/reperfusion injury by aortic clamping and can serve as a basis to facilitate the development of studies that aim at understanding this kind of injury.

Modelo experimental de isquemia: reperfusão intestinal por clampeamento de aorta abdominal em ratos Wistar / Experimental model of mesenteric ischemia: reperfusion by abdominal aorta clamping in Wistar rats

OBJETIVO: desenvolver um modelo experimental de isquemia global normotérmica transitória capaz de demonstrar os tempos de isquemia e reperfusão necessários para desenvolvimento de lesão de isquemia/reperfusão em intestinos delgados de ratos Wistar através clampeamento de aorta abdominal suprarrenal. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos Wistar adultos machos, pesando entre 250 e 350g, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos, com quatro ratos cada, e submetidos a tempos crescentes de isquemia (0 - 30 - 45 - 60 - 90 minutos). Dentro de cada grupo, à exceção do grupo controle, dois ratos foram submetidos à 60 minutos de reperfusão e dois à 90 minutos. Após os procedimentos, procedeu-se análise histológica através de medição de áreas de necrose. RESULTADOS: O grau de necrose intestinal variou de 15 a 54% (p=0,0004). Houve tendência de aumento progressivo no grau de lesão relacionado ao aumento no tempo de isquemia, contudo, os maiores graus de lesão foram observados nos menores tempos de reperfusão. A análise do coeficiente de variação de necrose entre os dez grupos de isquemia/reperfusão demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significante em 15 postos, sendo 13 relacionados ao grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo foi capaz de demonstrar os tempos necessários para que ocorra lesão de isquemia/reperfusão intestinal através de clampeamento aórtico e poderá servir como base para facilitar o desenvolvimento de estudos voltados para a compreensão deste tipo de lesão.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an experimental model of global normothermic ischemia able to demonstrate the transient ischemia and reperfusion periods required for development of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the small intestines of Wistar rats by clamping the abdominal aorta. METHODS: Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 250-350g were randomly divided into five groups with four rats each and submitted to increasing times of ischemia (0 - 30 - 45 - 60 - 90 minutes). Within each group, except the control one, two rats underwent 60 minutes of reperfusion and two 90 minutes. After the procedures, histological analysis was conducted by measurement of areas of necrosis. RESULTS: The degree of intestinal necrosis ranged from 15% to 54% (p = 0.0004). There was progressive increase in the degree of injury related to increase in ischemic time. However, greater degrees of injury were observed in the lowest times of reperfusion. The analysis of the coefficient of variation of necrosis among the ten groups of ischemia/reperfusion showed a statistically significant difference in 15 areas, 13 related to the control group. CONCLUSION: The model was able to show the periods required for the occurrence of ischemia/reperfusion injury by aortic clamping and can serve as a basis to facilitate the development of studies that aim at understanding this kind of injury.

Assessment of nasal patency after rhinoplasty through the Glatzel mirror.

INTRODUCTION: OBJECTIVE evaluation of nasal function is a constant challenge for plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, and allergists. The modified Glatzel mirror can evaluate nasal expiratory flow; however, there is little information on this method and its use in the measurement of nasal patency after surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: To compare, in a prospective study, the functional results before and after cosmetic rhinoplasty and evaluate the use of the Glatzel mirror as an objective method to assess nasal patency. METHODS: To achieve this objective, we analyzed the functional results of surgery through a subjective questionnaire and objective evaluation through a modified Glatzel mirror, and evaluated the correlation between the 2 methods. Twenty patients (14 women and 6 men) underwent aesthetic rhinoplasty using spreader grafts. Pre- and postoperative evaluation (90-120 days) included a respiratory quality score (subjective) and modified Glatzel mirror test (objective). Subsequently, the Spearman test was used to compare the pre- and postoperative subjective and objective data. RESULTS: The subjective evaluation demonstrated a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative scores (8 ± 2 and 9.4 ± 0.7, P ≤ 0.001). There was no statistical difference in mean nasal patency by modified Glatzel mirror. No statistically significant correlation was observed when comparing the modified Glatzel mirror values with the subjective scores reported by patients pre- or postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The Glatzel method lacks sensitivity in detecting patient-reported improvements in breathing following rhinoplasty. This suggests that the method is a poor assessment tool to detect small, post-surgical changes in the nasal airways.

Atividades de dissecção de cadáveres e residência médica: relato da experiência do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos da Universidade Federal da Bahia / Cadaver dissection activities in medical residency: experience of the Plastic Surgery Service of Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia

INTRODUÇÃO: O adequado conhecimento da anatomia do ser humano é crucial para o desenvolvimento de uma técnica cirúrgica apurada. O treinamento com peças anatômicas no meio universitário, muitas vezes, é insuficiente para o aprendizado. Assim, o uso de cadáveres para o ensino de anatomia e habilidades cirúrgicas na graduação e pós-graduação tem sua importância reforçada. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a produtividade do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos (HUPES) da Universidade Federal da Bahia, no que se refere às atividades de dissecção de cadáveres realizadas de 2009 a 2011, bem como a importância dessa atividade no treinamento dos residentes do serviço. MÉTODO: Foi realizada análise observacional retrospectiva da produção do serviço em decorrência das atividades de treinamento em dissecção de cadáveres, no período de 2009 a 2011. RESULTADOS: Foram desenvolvidas atividades no âmbito de ensino, pesquisa e extensão por meio de convênio firmado entre o Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do HUPES e o Instituto Médico Legal do Estado da Bahia. Entre as ações pedagógicas empreendidas, a atividade de dissecção proporcionou a criação de um material rico de ensino que inclui diversos retalhos importantes para a prática diária dos médicos residentes. Em relação à pesquisa, foram desenvolvidos diversos artigos científicos que geraram publicações e apresentações em eventos científicos. Essa atividade deu origem, ainda, a uma monografia de conclusão de residência e a uma tese de doutorado. Por meio do convênio firmado, foi realizado estágio extracurricular para os acadêmicos de medicina, membros da Liga Baiana de Cirurgia Plástica (LBCP), em que puderam desenvolver habilidades não praticadas na universidade. CONCLUSÕES: Pode-se concluir que o Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do HUPES obteve ganhos consideráveis com o desenvolvimento das atividades de dissecção cadavérica. Isso demonstra que o serviço vem consolidando sua atuação nos três pilares da educação: ensino, pesquisa e extensão.

BACKGROUND: Understanding human anatomy is crucial to the development of accurate surgical techniques. Training with anatomical specimens in the university environment is often insufficient for learning. Thus, the importance of using cadavers to teach anatomy and surgical skills in undergraduate and post-graduate courses is reinforced. This study aimed to report scientific outcomes related to cadaver dissection in the Plastic Surgery Service of Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos (HUPES), Universidade Federal da Bahia, from 2009 to 2011, and the importance of this activity for plastic surgery resident training. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational analysis of scientific production resulting from training activities related to cadaver dissection for the period from 2009 to 2011. RESULTS: We developed activities related to education, research, and extension by means of an agreement signed between the HUPES and the Forensic Medicine Institute of the State of Bahia. Among the educational activities undertaken, dissection activities led to the creation of rich educational materials relevant to the daily practice of resident physicians. With regard to research, several papers have been written, resulting in publications and presentations at scientific meetings. Cadaver dissection also was the subject of a conclusion dissertation and a PhD thesis. Through the partnership, extracurricular training was conducted for medical students as well as members of the Plastic Surgery League of Bahia (LBCP), allowing them to develop skills that had previously not been practiced at the university. CONCLUSIONS: The Plastic Surgery Department - HUPES obtained considerable gains by developing activities related to cadaver dissection. The service is contributing to progress in the three pillars of education: education, research, and extension.

The role of septal cartilage in rhinoplasty: cadaveric analysis and assessment of graft selection.

BACKGROUND: In addition to providing nearly 50% of total airway resistance via the internal valve, the nasal septum provides support for the cartilaginous portion of the nasal dorsum, and it is responsible for determining the projection of the nasal tip. In modern rhinoplasty, septal cartilage plays an important role as a donor graft material. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluate the anatomy of nasal septal cartilage, identifying variations according to certain regions of the septum and proposing a correlation between the topography and morphology of septal cartilage and graft choice. METHODS: An anatomical study was performed on 14 fresh adult cadavers. The excised septal cartilage was placed on grid paper; digital images were taken; all septal cartilage was divided into nine equivalent quadrants; and quantitative measurements for length, height, and area were calculated and compared. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The average length of the septum was 35.14 mm, while the average height was 32.5 mm. The average septal area was 933.11 mm(2). The septal thickness mean values were analyzed in nine quadrants, ranging from 1.04 to 1.71 mm. Statistically-significant differences in mean values were found in 13 of the 14 cadavers. Specifically, the central and cranial areas were thickest, and the area corresponding to the L-strut was thinnest. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations of the thickness of septal cartilage excisions were found to be statistically significant, and these differences play an important role in the proper selection of the septal grafts.

Reutilização de cateteres cardíacos de eletrofisiologia: [revisão] / Reuse of electrophysiology cardiac catheters: [review]

Objetivo: Exibir de forma ampla e criteriosa, os protocolos e conclusões dos principais pesquisadores em relação ao reprocessamento e reuso dos cateteres cardíacos de eletrofisiologia, em procedimentos diagnósticos e terapêuticos. Materiais e métodos: A fonte de busca desta pesquisa foi constituída da base eletrônica: PubMed/MEDLINE e SciELO/LILACS. Não houve restrições quanto ao período de análise dos artigos e não foram excluídos estudos por motivos de idiomas. Os termos iniciais de busca foram: reprocessamento, reutilização, dispositivos de uso único, cateter (reprocessing, reuse, single use devices, catheter). Na análise dos cateteres, são observados e testados alterações da integridade física e mecânicas, integridade elétrica, resíduos biológicos e químicos e por fim, potencial de infectividade dos cateteres submetidos a processos de reprocessamento. Resultados: A literatura aponta que há falta de protocolos validados para os diversos dispositivos de uso único reprocessados, dentre eles, os cateteres cardíacos. A maior parte dos estudos não demonstrou haver diferenças significativas entre o uso de dispositivos novos e reprocessados, entretanto, como não existem protocolos validados a respeito do tema, isto deve ser considerado antes de qualquer conclusão. Conclusão: Há uma carência de estudos clínicos controlados sobre o reprocessamento de cateteres cardíacos, sendo a maioria dos estudos de caráter experimental. O alto custo destes dispositivos e a possibilidade de reuso, sem prejuízo para os pacientes, têm estimulado a elaboração de trabalhos científicos com o objetivo de criar protocolos de reprocessamento válidos. Novos estudos de maior impacto e relevância serão necessários para responder estes questionamentos com segurança.