Proposed Thalmann algorithm air diving decompression table for the Swedish Armed Forces.

The Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF) air dive tables are under revision. Currently, the air dive table from the U.S. Navy (USN) Diving Manual (DM) Rev. 6 is used with an msw-to-fsw conversion. Since 2017, the USN has been diving according to USN DM rev. 7, which incorporates updated air dive tables derived from the Thalmann Exponential Linear Decompression Algorithm (EL-DCM) with VVAL79 parameters. The SwAF decided to replicate and analyze the USN table development methodology before revising their current tables. The ambition was to potentially find a table that correlates with the desired risk of decompression sickness.  New compartmental parameters for the EL-DCM algorithm, called SWEN21B, were developed by applying maximum likelihood methods on 2,953 scientifically controlled direct ascent air dives with known outcomes of decompression sickness (DCS). The targeted probability of DCS for direct ascent air dives was ≤1% overall and ≤1‰ for neurological DCS (CNS-DCS). One hundred fifty-four wet validation dives were performed with air between 18 to 57 msw. Both direct ascent and decompression stop dives were conducted, resulting in incidences of two joint pain DCS (18 msw/59 minutes), one leg numbness CNS-DCS (51 msw/10 minutes with deco-stop), and nine marginal DCS cases, such as rashes and itching. A total of three DCS incidences, including one CNS-DCS, yield a predicted risk level (95% confidence interval) of 0.4-5.6% for DCS and 0.0-3.6% for CNS-DCS. Two out of three divers with DCS had patent foramen ovale. The SWEN21 table is recommended for the SwAF for air diving as it, after results from validation dives, suggests being within the desired risk levels for DCS and CNS-DCS.

Scientific shallow saturation dive expedition using diving rebreathers and a specific dry habitat: medical management of the "Capsule" programme.

BACKGROUND: Scientific underwater exploration could benefit from professional diving facilities. This could allow marine research for durations far exceeding anything currently possible. The closed-circuit rebreather expansion provides new perspectives by unleashing divers and their diving bell. "Under the Pole Expeditions" developed an innovative compact underwater habitat for this purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The habitat's depth was fixed at 20 m. Saturation lasted 3 days and was followed by a 245 min long decompression procedure with mandatory in-water phase. Isolation and environmental constraints will require specific medical and safety procedures. "In situ" medical concerns were considered, and a specific evacuation plan was established. This report describes the medical management of this atypical project and the systematic clinical follow-up mostly targeted on the cardiovascular system, fatigue and psychological tolerance. RESULTS: Seventeen individual saturation exposures were performed. All selected divers were professional. Neither severe illness nor decompression sickness was observed. These short-term saturation exposures appeared to be well tolerated. There was a relatively low bubble grade after decompression. Psychological tolerance appeared good. However, a transient moderate orthostatic hypotension suggested cardiovascular deconditioning after dive. CONCLUSIONS: This first experiment demonstrates the interest and feasibility of a shallow revisited saturation dive with rebreather use. This isolation requires medical accompaniment and rigorous preparation. Medical and physiological risks assessment is essential in this context and must be consolidated by new experiences.

A review of accelerated decompression from heliox saturation in commercial diving emergencies.

INTRODUCTION: Saturation diving is a specialised method of intervention in offshore commercial diving. Emergencies may require the crew to be evacuated from the diving support vessel. Because saturation divers generally need several days to reach surface, the emergency evacuation of divers is based on dedicated hyperbaric rescue systems. There are still potential situations for which these systems cannot be used or deployed, and where an emergency decompression provides an alternative solution. METHODS: Our objective was to describe historical cases and assess the benefit of emergency decompressions, with the collection of data from the authors' direct experience and networks, providing witness or first-hand information. RESULTS: We documented three cases of emergency decompression following bell evacuations, and six cases of accelerated decompression performed in the chamber or hyperbaric rescue chamber. Review of these cases showed: 1) the complicated nature of such emergencies that make decisions difficult; 2) the variety of solutions implemented; and 3) the surprisingly safe and successful outcomes of several operations. Analysis of the accelerated decompression occurrences allowed derivation of the options used; upward initial excursion, increased chamber partial pressure of oxygen associated to increased ascent rates, and inert gas switching. We identified four published procedures for accelerated decompression. CONCLUSIONS: Despite modern hyperbaric rescue systems, accelerated decompression remains an essential tool in case of emergency. The diving industry needs clear guidance on what can be achieved, depending on the saturation depth and the level of emergency.

Decompression Illness Treated with the Hart-Kindwall Protocol in a Monoplace Chamber.

BACKGROUND Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy in a multiplace chamber is the standard treatment for severe altitude decompression illness (DCI). However, some hospitals may only have a monoplace chamber. Herein, we present the case of a patient with severe altitude DCI caused by rapid decompression during an actual flight operation that was successfully treated through emergency HBO2 therapy with the Hart-Kindwall protocol, a no-air-break tables with the minimal-pressure oxygen approach in a monoplace chamber due to unavailability of rapid access to a multiplace chamber. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old male aviator presented with chest pain, paresthesia, and mild cognitive impairment following rapid decompression 20 minutes after take-off, which comprised 10 minutes of reaching a height of 10 058 m (33 000 feet) and 10 minutes of cruising at that altitude. He then initiated flight descent and landing. He visited a primary clinic, and severe DCI was suggested clinically. However, since the closest hospital with a multiplace chamber was a 3-hour drive away, we provided emergency HBO2 therapy with the Hart-Kindwall protocol in a monoplace chamber at a nearby hospital 4 hours after the initial decompression. He recovered fully and returned to flight duty 2 weeks later. CONCLUSIONS Emergency HBO2 therapy with the Hart-Kindwall protocol in a monoplace chamber may be a suitable option for severe DCI, especially in remote locations with no access to facilities with a multiplace chamber. However, prior logistical coordination must be established to transfer patients to hospitals with multiplace chambers if their symptoms do not resolve.

A prospective single-blind randomised clinical trial comparing two treatment tables for the initial management of mild decompression sickness.

INTRODUCTION: Limited evidence suggests that shorter recompression schedules may be as efficacious as the US Navy Treatment Table 6 (USN TT6) for treatment of milder presentations of decompression sickness (DCS). This study aimed to determine if divers with mild DCS could be effectively treated with a shorter chamber treatment table. METHODS: All patients presenting to the Fremantle Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Unit with suspected DCS were assessed for inclusion. Participants with mild DCS were randomly allocated to receive recompression in a monoplace chamber via either a modified USN TT6 (TT6m) or a shorter, custom treatment table (FH01). The primary outcome was the number of treatments required until resolution or no further improvement (plateau). RESULTS: Forty-one DCS cases were included, 21 TT6m and 20 FH01. Two patients allocated to FH01 were moved to TT6m mid-treatment due to failure to significantly improve (as per protocol), and two TT6m required extensions. The median total number of treatments till symptom resolution was 1 (IQR 1-1) for FH01 and 2 (IQR 1-2) for TT6m (P = 0.01). More patients in the FH01 arm (17/20, 85%) showed complete symptom resolution after the initial treatment, versus 8/21 (38%) for TT6m (P = 0.003). Both FH01 and TT6m had similar overall outcomes, with 19/20 and 20/21 respectively asymptomatic at the completion of their final treatment (P = 0.97). In all cases where two-week follow-up contact was made, (n = 14 FH01 and n = 12 TT6m), patients reported maintaining full symptom resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The median total number of treatments till symptom resolution was meaningfully fewer with FH01 and the shorter treatment more frequently resulted in complete symptom resolution after the initial treatment. There were similar patient outcomes at treatment completion, and at follow-up. We conclude that FH01 appears superior to TT6m for the treatment of mild decompression sickness.

Controlled Decompression Alleviates Brain Injury via Attenuating Oxidative Damage and Neuroinflammation in Acute Intracranial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of controlled decompression (CDC) for patients with acute intracranial hypertension especially in terms of alleviating the complications caused by rapid decompression (RDC) have been confirmed by clinical studies. This study is aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potency of CDC with ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by investigating the potential molecular mechanism in the acute intracranial hypertension (AICH) rabbit model. METHODS: Male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly subdivided into the sham-operated (SH) group, CDC group, and RDC group. Blood plasma samples and brain tissue were collected 2 days before operation (baseline) and at 3, 6, 24, and 72 hours after operation to measure the levels of UCH-L1, GFAP, oxidative stress indicators, and inflammatory cytokines by performing ELISA or Western blot. The neurological score of the rabbits and brain water content was graded 24 h after surgery. qPCR, immunofluorescence, and FJ-C staining were conducted. RESULTS: CDC improved neurological function, lowered brain water content, ameliorated neuronal degeneration, attenuated oxidative damage, and inflammatory responses to a greater extent than RDC. Plasma UCH-L1 level was significantly lower in the CDC group at 3 h postoperatively than in the RDC group. CDC reduced plasma GFAP levels to various degrees at 3 h, 6 h, and 24 h postoperatively compared with RDC. Immunofluorescence confirmed that the expression of UCH-L1 and GFAP in the cortex of the CDC group was lower than that of the RDC group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data collectively demonstrate that CDC could attenuate oxidative damage and inflammatory responses, downregulate UCH-L1 and GFAP levels, and contribute to an improved neuroprotective effect compared with RDC.

A safety assessment of a 300-meter saturation dive at sea by mental ability and performance efficacy.

High pressure is an environmental characteristic of the deep sea that may exert critical effects on the physiology and mental abilities of divers. In this study we evaluated the performance efficacy and mental ability of four divers during a 300-meter helium-oxygen saturation dive at sea. Spatial memory, 2D/3D mental rotation functioning, grip strength, and hand-eye coordination ability were examined for four divers during the pre-dive, compression, decompression, and post-dive phases. The results showed that both the reaction time and the correct responses for the mental rotation and hand-eye coordination were slightly fluctuated. In addition, there was a significant decline in the grip strength of the left hand. It is concluded that the performance efficacy and mental ability of divers were virtually unaffected during 300-meter helium-oxygen saturation diving at sea.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression system traction combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of multi-segmental cervical disc herniation: A case report.

RATIONALE: With the spread of computers and mobile phones, cervical spondylosis has become a common occupational disease in clinics, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. We used a nonsurgical spinal decompression system (SDS) combined with physical therapy electroacupuncture (EA) to treat a case of mixed cervical spondylosis caused by multi-level cervical disc herniation, and we achieved satisfactory results. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 44-year-old Caucasian Asian woman presented with neck pain and numbness on the left side of the limb. MRI showed the patient's C3-C7 segment cervical disc herniation, and the flexion arch of the cervical spine was reversed. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with a mixed cervical spondylosis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received a month of physical therapy (SDS traction combined with EA). OUTCOMES: Before and after treatment: VAS score of neck pain decreased from 8 to 0; Cervical spine mobility returned to normal; The grip strength of left hand increased from 7.5 kg to 19.2 kg; Cervical curvature index changed from -16.04% to -3.50%; the physiological curvature of the cervical spine was significantly restored. There was no dizziness or neck discomfort at 6 month and 1 year follow-up. LESSONS SUBSETIONS: SDS traction combined with EA is effective for the treatment of cervical disc herniation and can help restore and rebuild the biomechanical balance of the cervical spine.

Needle decompression of the eye! Emergent management of a vision threatening surgical complication.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is a medical emergency that can cause permanent visual deficits without prompt recognition. From 2006 to 2011, nearly 12 million visits to emergency departments (ED) in the United States were ophthalmologic in nature, making it crucial for emergency physicians to be familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmologic emergencies. AACG can be precipitated by several mechanisms including pupillary block, anticholinergic medications, and sympathomimetic medications. We present a rare case of angle-closure glaucoma status post pneumatic retinopexy with cryotherapy due to migration of an intravitreal gas bubble into the anterior chamber with emphasis on understanding how retinal surgery types lead to significant differences in management.

Transanal decompression tube is superior to self-expandable metallic colonic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The surgical management of left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, self-expandable metallic colonic stent (SEMS) and transanal decompression tube (TDT) used as a 'bridge to surgery' (BTS) have been widely used. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and oncological safety of SEMS and TDT as BTS to transform MLBO into elective surgery. METHODS: Between February 2013 and March 2019, 62 patients with MLBO received SEMS (n = 32) or TDT (n = 30), and elective one-stage surgery later. We evaluated decompression efficiency and oncological safety in selective operation in TDT and SEMS groups, including preoperative preparation time, surgical approach, number of lymphatic dissection and vascular invasion, ulcer formation and histopathological findings of resected specimens. RESULTS: The preoperative preparation time in the SEMS group was shorter than that of the TDT group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in postoperative length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). The number of vascular invasions in the TDT group was less than that in the SEMS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk of wound abscess and ulcer formation in the TDT group was significantly lower than that in the SEMS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SEMS is associated with a relatively poor oncological outcome and the placement of TDT as BTS in MLBO patients may be a better alternation.

Terapia descompresiva en el manejo no quirúrgico de lesiones perirradiculares de gran tamaño / Decompressive therapy in the non-surgical management of large periradicular lesions

Introducción: La periodontitis apical asintomática es de los diagnósticos endodónticos más comunes que se presentan en la población mundial. Consiste en la afectación del tejido periapical como resultado de la activación de mecanismos de inflamación, los que incluyen lisis y reabsorción de tejidos de soporte como cemento, ligamento y hueso alveolar. El signo patognomónico de la periodontitis apical es la presencia de radiolucidez periapical, resultado de la destrucción de los tejidos periapicales. Su principal tratamiento abarca el manejo endodóntico convencional cuyo objetivo es la eliminación de los irritantes locales dentro del conducto radicular. Sin embargo, cuando se desarrollan lesiones de gran tamaño es necesario complementar con terapias que aceleren la reparación, una de ellas la descompresión, la cual a partir de la reducción de la presión intralesión e intraósea con lo que favorece la formación de tejido fibroso, conectivo y óseo. Objetivo: Describir la técnica de descompresión intraconducto en el manejo de lesiones periapicales de gran tamaño. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 33 años de edad, con diagnóstico de periodontitis apical asintomática y evaluación tomográfica de lesión periapical de gran tamaño (67,5 UH) manejado con terapia endodóntica convencional y descomprensión intraconducto como terapia coadyuvante. Posterior a la restauración se realizaron controles clínicos y radiográficos. A los 24 meses se evidenció reparación de los tejidos involucrados con restauración del espacio del ligamento periodontal. Conclusiones: En este caso, la terapia descomprensiva fue una alternativa en el manejo de una lesión periapical de gran tamaño, que permitió regular la presión intraósea y facilitar la regeneración del tejido óseo, evitando la intervención quirúrgica siendo así más confortante para el paciente(AU)

Introduction: Asymptomatic apical periodontitis is one of the most common endodontic disorders diagnosed in the world population. It consists in damage to the periapical tissue due to activation of inflammation mechanisms, including lysis and resorption of support tissues like cementum, ligament and alveolar bone. The pathognomonic sign of apical periodontitis is the presence of periapical radiolucency due to the destruction of periapical tissue. Its main treatment includes conventional endodontic management aimed at removing local irritants from the root canal. However, when large lesions develop, it is necessary to complement the conventional treatment with therapies speeding up the repair process, such as decompression, which reduces intralesion and intraosseous pressure, fostering the formation of fibrous, connective and bone tissue. Objective: Describe the use of intracanal decompression technique in the management of large periapical lesions. Case presentation: A case is presented of a 33-year-old patient diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and a tomographic evaluation of a large periapical lesion (67.5 UH) treated with conventional endodontic therapy and intracanal decompression as adjuvant therapy. Restoration was followed by clinical and radiographic controls. At 24 months it was observed that the tissues involved had been repaired and the periodontal ligament space restored. Conclusions: The use of decompressive therapy as an alternative in the management of a large periapical lesion, made it possible to regulate intraosseous pressure and facilitate bone tissue regeneration, relieving the patient from the discomforts of a surgical intervention(AU)

Controlled Decompression Attenuates Compressive Injury following Traumatic Brain Injury via TREK-1-Mediated Inhibition of Necroptosis and Neuroinflammation.

Decompressive craniectomy is an effective strategy to reduce intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it is related to many postoperative complications, such as delayed intracranial hematoma and diffuse brain swelling. Our previous studies have demonstrated that controlled decompression (CDC) surgery attenuates brain injury and reduces the rate of complications after TBI. Here, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms of CDC in experimental models. The in vitro experiments were performed in a traumatic neuronal injury (TNI) model following compression treatment in primary cultured cortical neurons. We found that compression aggravates TNI-induced neuronal injury, which was significantly attenuated by CDC for 2 h or 3 h. The results of immunocytochemistry showed that CDC reduced neuronal necroptosis and activation of RIP3 induced by TNI and compression, with no effect on RIP1 activity. These protective effects were associated with decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and preserved intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In addition, the expression of the two-pore domain K+ channel TREK-1 and its activity was increased by compression and prolonged by CDC. Treatment with the TREK-1 blockers, spadin or SID1900, could partially prevent the effects of CDC on intracellular Ca2+ metabolism, necroptosis, and neuronal injury following TNI and compression. Using a traumatic intracranial hypertension model in rats, we found that CDC for 20 min or 30 min was effective in alleviating brain edema and locomotor impairment in vivo. CDC significantly inhibited neuronal necroptosis and neuroinflammation and increased TREK-1 activation, and the CDC-induced protection in vivo was attenuated by spadin and SID1900. In summary, CDC is effective in alleviating compressive neuronal injury both in vitro and in vivo, which is associated with the TREK-1-mediated attenuation of intracellular Ca2+ overload, neuronal necroptosis, and neuroinflammation.

Variability in venous gas emboli following the same dive at 3,658 meters.

Exposure to a reduction in ambient pressure such as in high-altitude climbing, flying in aircrafts, and decompression from underwater diving results in circulating vascular gas bubbles (i.e., venous gas emboli [VGE]). Incidence and severity of VGE, in part, can objectively quantify decompression stress and risk of decompression sickness (DCS) which is typically mitigated by adherence to decompression schedules. However, dives conducted at altitude challenge recommendations for decompression schedules which are limited to exposures of 10,000 feet in the U.S. Navy Diving Manual (Rev. 7). Therefore, in an ancillary analysis within a larger study, we assessed the evolution of VGE for two hours post-dive using echocardiography following simulated altitude dives at 12,000 feet. Ten divers completed two dives to 66 fsw (equivalent to 110 fsw at sea level by the Cross correction method) for 30 minutes in a hyperbaric chamber. All dives were completed following a 60-minute exposure at 12,000 feet. Following the dive, the chamber was decompressed back to altitude for two hours. Echocardiograph measurements were performed every 20 minutes post-dive. Bubbles were counted and graded using the Germonpré and Eftedal and Brubakk method, respectively. No diver presented with symptoms of DCS following the dive or two hours post-dive at altitude. Despite inter- and intra-diver variability of VGE grade following the dives, the majority (11/20 dives) presented a peak VGE Grade 0, three VGE Grade 1, one VGE Grade 2, four VGE Grade 3, and one VGE Grade 4. Using the Cross correction method for a 66-fsw dive at 12,000 feet of altitude resulted in a relatively low decompression stress and no cases of DCS.

Staged Repositioning in Endoscopic Endonasal Odontoidectomy Maximizes Decompression While Allowing Preservation of the C1 Anterior Arch: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of the anterior arch of C1 in endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy has been proposed as an alternative to complete C1 arch resections, potentially affording less destabilization of the craniocervical junction. Nonetheless, this approach may limit the decompression achieved. In this case, intraoperative repositioning allowed maximal decompression while preserving the anterior arch of C1. METHODS: A 79-year-old woman presented with suboccipital pain caused by an expansile and compressive mass centered on the dens. Notably, the mass occluded both vertebral arteries resulting in small cerebellar strokes. An endoscopic endonasal approach for diagnosis and decompression was performed followed by posterior fixation. RESULTS: Given the significant compression, the patient was initially positioned in slight cervical extension. After rhinopharyngeal flap harvest, the top half of the anterior arch of C1 was resected, maintaining its structural integrity. The odontoidectomy was completed flush to the superior border of the reduced C1 arch. After an intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scan, performed in a neutral position, the patient was then repositioned with cervical flexion. This maneuver presented the residual odontoid above the C1 arch, but, given the partial removal of the dens, it did not result in any change in neuromonitoring. Further odontoid resection was then completed and follow-up CT scan revealed maximal dens removal, extending below the C1 anterior arch in neutral position. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of odontoid/atlantoaxial pathology causing significant neural compression, staged intraoperative repositioning can safely maximize the odontoidectomy, while affording preservation of the structural integrity of the anterior arch of C1.

Predictors associated with neurological recovery after anterior decompression with fusion for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) has often been performed for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in patients with poor cervical spine alignment and/or anterior cord compression. We aimed to identify clinical and radiological predictors associated with neurological recovery after ADF. METHODS: This post-hoc analysis from a prospective multicenter study included patients who were scheduled for ADF for DCM. The patients who received other surgeries (laminoplasty, posterior decompression and fusion) were excluded. The associations between baseline clinical and radiographic variables (age, sex, body mass index, etiology, cervical lordosis, range of motion, C7 slope, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA], thoracic kyphosis [TK], lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, SVA, pelvic tilt, T1 pelvic angle [TPA], the Japanese Orthopedic Association score for the assessment of cervical myelopathy [C-JOA], European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Scale [EQ-5D], Neck Disability Index [NDI], Physical Component Summary of the SF-36 [PCS], and Mental Component Summary of the SF-36) and the recovery rates as the outcome variables were investigated in the univariate regression analysis. Then, the independent predictors for increased recovery rates were evaluated using a stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 37 patients completed the 1 year follow-up. The recovery rate was significantly correlated with SVA (p = 0.001) and TPA (p = 0.03). Univariate regression analyses showed that age (Regression coefficient = - 0.92, p = 0.049), SVA (Regression coefficient  = - 0.57, p = 0.004) and PCS (Regression coefficient = 0.80, p = 0.03) score were significantly associated with recovery rate. Then, a stepwise multiple regression analysis identified the independent predictors of recovery rate after ADF as TK (p = 0.01), PCS (p = 0.03), and SVA (p = 0.03). According to this prediction model, the following equation was obtained: recovery rate = - 8.26 + 1.17 × (TK) - 0.45 × (SVA) + 0.85 × (PCS) (p = 0.002, R2 = 0.44). CONCLUSION: Patients with lower TK, lower PCS score, and higher SVA were more likely to have poor neurological recovery after ADF. Therefore, patients with DCM and these predictors who undergo ADF should be warned about poor recovery and be required to provide adequate informed consent.

Safe Decompression of the Right Ventricle for PAIVS in Neonates With Coronary Fistulae: Including the Selective Use of Fistula Ligation to Avoid Coronary Steal.

BACKGROUND: There are a number of surgical and interventional treatment options for infants with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS). In our practice, we characterize coronary fistulae and interruptions with angiography in the newborn and have developed a strategy to safely decompress the right ventricle in association with ligation of fistulae if necessary. METHODS: All infants operated for PAIVS at age < 60 days from 1999 to 2018 were retrospectively studied. Pre- and postoperative variables were collected, angiograms were reviewed, and a territory score was created to grade the severity of coronary abnormalities. This study focused on the subgroup of patients who had early surgical decompression of the right ventricle. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 8.6 years. Of these, 55 (71%) had coronary fistulae, including 28 (36%) with coronary artery interruption. Right ventricular decompression (RVD) was performed in 47 (60.5%) patients. There was no 30-day mortality in those who underwent RVD, whereas 6 (20%) without RVD died within 30 days (P = .003). Ten-year survival was 97.8% and 73.3% for RVD and non-RVD, respectively. In order to prevent coronary steal, 17 patients underwent coronary fistula ligation as their RV was decompressed with 100% early and late survival. CONCLUSION: Early and late survival in infants with PAIVS is better if the RV can be decompressed. Coronary fistula ligation with RVD has been introduced without an adverse outcome in selected patients with large fistulae.

Impact of Protocol Utilizing Water-Soluble Contrast for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) has classically been managed with nasogastric tube decompression and watchful waiting. Our group developed an evidence-based protocol to manage ASBO utilizing a water-soluble contrast (WSC) agent. We hypothesized the protocol would decrease the length of stay (LOS) for patients admitted with ASBO along with the time interval from admission to surgery. METHOD: From 2010 to 2018, a retrospective review was performed, including all patients admitted with a diagnosis of ASBO. These patients were divided into two groups: the preprotocol group included years 2010-2013 and the postprotocol group included years 2015-2018. A Student t-test and a two-proportion z-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULT: We captured 767 patients; 296 in the preprotocol group and 471 in the postprotocol group. We found a significant decrease in overall LOS between the preprotocol and postprotocol groups (6.56 d versus 4.08 d; P < 0.001) along with decreases in LOS for patients managed nonoperatively (5.36 d versus 3.42 d; P < 0.001) and operatively (16.09 d versus 9.47 d; P < 0.001). Time interval from admission to the operation was significantly decreased in the postprotocol group (3.79 d versus 2.10 d; P < 0.050). We identified a trend toward decreased rates of bowel ischemia and resections with our protocol. CONCLUSIONS: These results reaffirm previous reports of WSC's impact on overall LOS in ASBO while showing a similar impact on both operative and nonoperative groups. The decreased time interval between admission and operation may impact the incidence of bowel ischemia and resections.

Urgent Subconjunctival Needle Decompression for Orbital Compartment Emphysema Caused by Compressed Air Injury.

Orbital compartment syndrome is a critical ophthalmic emergency that needs urgent diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss caused by optic nerve compression or retinal ischemia. In this article, we present a child with orbital compartment syndrome caused by orbital emphysema as a result of a rare type of ocular trauma and introduce a simple technique to decompress the pressure. The patient was a 4-year-old boy who experienced a compressed air blast to his left eye. He presented to the emergency department with a frozen globe, tight orbit, and chemosis, without any evidence of globe rupture, conjunctival laceration, and orbital bone fracture. Computed tomographic scan demonstrated extensive subcutaneous, intraorbital, and intracranial emphysema. The pressure was immediately relieved under intravenous sedation by inserting a 27-gauge needle into the chemotic subconjunctival space at the lower lid fornix, followed by gentle manipulation of the globe to help the air escape through the needle. Compressed air injury is a rare type of orbital trauma, and this patient constituted the youngest case ever reported in the English literature, to our knowledge. Air decompression through the conjunctiva as described in this article is a useful technique that can be applied by emergency medicine specialists with special caution for patients with orbital compartment syndrome and orbital emphysema caused by compressed air injury.