Electrocardiographic aspects of deep dives in elite breath-hold divers.

The cardiac diving response, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and the prevalence, time of onset, and possible associations of cardiac arrhythmias were examined during deep breath-hold (BH) dives. Nine elite BH divers (33.2 +/- 3.6 years; mean +/- SD) performed one constant-weight dive of at least 75% of their best personal performance (70 +/- 7 meters for 141 +/- 22 seconds) wearing a 12-lead ECG Holter monitor. Diving parameters (depth and time), oxygen saturation (SaO2), blood lactate concentration and ventilatory parameters were also recorded. Bradycardia during these dives was pronounced (52.2 +/- 12.2%), with heart rates dropping to 46 +/- 10 beats/minute. The diving reflex was strong, overriding the stimulus of muscular exercise during the ascent phase of the dive for all divers. Classical arrhythmias occurred, mainly after surfacing, and some conduction alterations were detected at the bottom of the dives. The BH divers did not show any right shift of the QRS electrical axis during their dives.

Artificial beta-cell: clinical experience toward an implantable closed-loop insulin delivery system.

AIM: Restoration of long-term normal blood glucose control in diabetic patients supports the elaboration of an artificial beta cell. The possibility of implantation of the three crucial components of such a system (insulin delivery device, glucose sensor and controller) is analyzed. METHODS: The Long-Term Sensor System project, aiming at a fully implantable artificial beta cell, assessed the feasibility of glucose control by the combined implantation of a pump for peritoneal insulin delivery and a central intravenous glucose sensor close to the right atrium, connected via a subcutaneous lead. It was initiated in 10 Type 1 diabetic patients in our clinic from 2000. Data obtained during this experience are reviewed and confronted to reported closed-loop trials using other approaches. RESULTS: No significant complication related to prolonged implantation of intravenous sensors occurred and the combined implants were well tolerated. Glucose measurement by the intravenous sensors correlated well with meter values (r=0.83-0.93, with a mean absolute deviation of 16.5%) and accuracy has been sustained for an average duration of 9 months. Uploading of pump electronics by algorithms designed for closed-loop insulin delivery allowed in-patient 48 hour-trials aiming at automated glucose control. Glucose control was similar to that reported by investigations combining subcutaneous sensors to wearable pumps for subcutaneous insulin infusion. The benefits of more physiological insulin kinetics due to intra-peritoneal delivery have been hampered by the slow response time of intravenous sensors. CONCLUSION: Although the concept of a fully implantable artificial beta cell has been validated as feasible, the limited performance in achieving glucose control requests improvements in the sensor structure to increase its longevity and decrease sensor delay.

Complications of the pump pocket may represent a significant cause of incidents with implanted systems for intraperitoneal insulin delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To increase awareness of adverse events associated with the use of programmable implantable pumps (PIPs). CASES: There were 7 cases of complications associated with the pump-pocket among 40 patients treated by PIP, and we searched for risk factors. RESULTS: Seven of 40 type I diabetic patients treated by PIP presented severe complications of the pump-pocket, resulting in five definitive explanations and nine other surgical interventions. The lesions included an exudative reaction in the pump-pocket and a skin retraction or atrophy, which were complicated by skin erosion in five patients. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was identified in the pump-pocket in four patients, including three cases of skin erosion. No specific risk of local complications could be attributed to age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass index, presence of retinopathy or peripheral neuropathy, HbA1c level since implantation, depth of implantation in the abdominal wall, or duration of experience with PIP. Usual physical activity corresponding to > 2,000 kcal energy expenditure per week, estimated by a questionnaire, appeared to be the only identified significant risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, we suggest that physical activity should be limited to moderate exercise and exclude vigorous efforts in diabetic patients treated by PIP to avoid an increased risk of complications at the implantation site.

Factors involved in catheter obstruction during long-term peritoneal insulin infusion.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of ECPII and the factors responsible for technical problems often encountered. This treatment has been in use with IDDM patients since 1980. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-four IDDM patients were treated by ECPII for 42-78 mo (mean, 53 mo). RESULTS: Glycemic equilibrium was improved during treatment (mean plasma glucose level, 7.6 mM; mean GHb level, 8%). Catheter blockage was the main reason for ECPII failure (74%). Mean catheter survival of each catheter, determined by actuarial analysis, was 11.7 mo and significantly decreased with subsequent implantation. SEM of the catheter tips showed deposits composed of fibrin and cells occluding the inner lumen. Factors such as age, sex, local infection, and low insulin basal rate were not found to have any incidence on the catheter survival. Placement of the catheter in the upper part of the peritoneum, however, increased catheter survival. Anti-insulin antibodies did not seem to be directly involved in blockage. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude from this long-term experience that during ECPII, catheter blockage remains the major recurring complication, probably involving a local immune-inflammatory response in the peritoneum.

Catheter complications associated with implantable systems for peritoneal insulin delivery. An analysis of frequency, predisposing factors, and obstructing materials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate catheter survival and identify mechanisms involved in catheter obstructions during a 109.8 patient-year experience with implanted pumps for peritoneal insulin delivery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Fifty-one type I diabetic patients were recruited in feasibility studies of two models of implanted systems for peritoneal insulin delivery. Both systems had a silicone-coated polyethylene catheter and infused Hoechst 21 PH neutral insulin (U400 or U100). Catheter obstruction was suspected each time the increase of insulin flow rate over 50% of usual need was insufficient to correct an impairment of glycemic control in the absence of of intercurrent factors. A laparoscopic examination was then systematically performed under general anesthesia. The disclosed material occluding the catheter was submitted to a pathological analysis. By actuarial analysis, we examined the estimated effects of the potential determinants of the catheters' duration of proper operation on catheter survival. RESULTS: Over an implantation duration of 25.8 +/- 14.0 months (mean +/- SD), 34 catheter obstructions were diagnosed in 24 patients, resulting in an incidence of 31 events per 100 patient-years. Fifty percent survival rate of the first implanted catheter was 27 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19-32) on actuarial analysis. Six catheters were cleared under laparoscopy and 24 were replaced, while 2 systems were definitively explanted and 2 combined replacements of pump and catheter were performed because of an associated pump slowdown. In five cases, an alkaline rinse procedure of the pump was necessary after catheter replacement to restore usual insulin needs, suggesting an associated insulin aggregation in the pump. Twenty obstructions were due to a fibrin clot at the catheter tip, and 14 obstructions were created by a tissue encapsulation around the catheter. A previous experience of peritoneal insulin infusion from portable pumps or a longer duration of diabetes ( > 21 years) both appeared as conditions significantly reducing the time of a catheter's proper operation (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) either by tip obstructions or by encapsulations. Pathological analysis of catheter encapsulations showed a collagen fibrosis in all studied patients (n = 11), which was associated with a lymphocytic infiltrate in five patients and also with anti-insulin immunoreactive amyloid deposits in four patients. Catheter tip clots were composed of fibrinlike material, nonreactive to anti-insulin antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter obstruction is a frequent adverse technical event occurring with implanted insulin pumps. Progress is expected in the biocompatibility of catheter material and more specifically in the stability of insulin preparations to prevent immuno-inflammatory reactions and insulin amyloid deposits that appear to be involved in catheter failures.

Insulin underdelivery from implanted pumps using peritoneal route. Determinant role of insulin pump compatibility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and investigate determinants of insulin underdelivery events occurring with implanted pumps using peritoneal route from a 103 patient-year experiment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Of the MiniMed (MIP 2001) pumps implanted in 47 type I diabetic patients, 70 were refilled quarterly with four successive batches (A, B, C, D) of U400 Hoechst 21 PH neutral insulin during a 3-year study period. Any reduction of insulin flow rate > 15% was considered as abnormal insulin delivery. Diagnosis of the cause of underdelivery was established according to the response to the following steps: 1) 0.01 mol/l NaOH rinse of pump circuits to solubilize insulin aggregates, 2) surgical examination and replacement of blocked catheters, and 3) postsurgical 0.01 mol/l NaOH rinse of pump. Step 2 was selected first if the increase of insulin requirements or reduction of flow rate were > 50%. Relative contributions of insulin and the implanted system to underdelivery events were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 76 episodes of insulin underdelivery that occurred during the study, resulting in an incidence of 74 events per 100 patient-years. Of 52 NaOH pump rinses, 30 restored normal flow rate. Surgery, performed after rinse failure (n = 22) or as the first step (n = 24), disclosed catheter blockages due to tip obstructions in 28 cases and omental encapsulations in 18 other cases. Five combined severe reductions of pump flow rate requiring pump replacements were diagnosed during surgery, and additional NaOH rinses had to be performed after catheter change in 12 other cases. Analysis of the incidence of underdelivery events indicated that both pump- and catheter-related problems were significantly increased while implanted systems infused batches B, C, and D versus batch A (P < 0.01), whereas the duration of pump implantation had no significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: Underdelivery events constitute serious limiting obstacles to prolonged peritoneal insulin infusion from implanted pumps. Progress in insulin pump compatibility is expected to reduce their occurrence and, thus, to improve the feasibility of this treatment.

[From external to implantable insulin pump, can we close the loop?]. / De la pompe externe a la pompe implantable, la fermeture de la boucle est-elle possible?

The project to finalize a 'closed loop' insulin delivery according to blood glucose level, i.e. an implanted artificial beta cell, is born from the development of the first miniaturized portable insulin pumps during the 1970s. Continuous improvements in micro-electronics, as well as in the development of biomaterials and stable insulin solutions, have led to the availability of implantable pumps able to infuse insulin by the peritoneal route, in a continuous and programmable way, for several years. These systems represent the most efficient and physiological mode of insulin therapy at the present time. More recently, we have demonstrated during clinical trials that intravascular, implantable, glucose sensors using glucose-oxidase were able to measure with good accuracy real-time blood glucose for several months. The combination of these two devices to form a prototype of implantable artificial beta cell, designated as Long Term Sensor System, allowed us to perform the first trials of closed-loop insulin delivery according to sensor signal for periods of 48 hours in type 1 diabetic patients. This mode of functioning appeared to be feasible and able to establish glucose control closer to physiology than the use of implantable pumps in open-loop, i.e. by adapting insulin delivery according to capillary blood glucose. Although algorithms tuning automated insulin delivery are improvable, the success of these initial trials materializes the perspective of a possible restoration of physiological insulin function by the mean of an implanted artificial beta cell in diabetic patients.

[Method for the correction of ventral hernia using a parietal prosthesis held by a metal stapler. Apropos of seventy cases]. / Technique de cure d'éventration par prothèse pariétale fixée par agrafage métallique. A propos de soixante-dix cas.

The authors propose a technique of fixation of the parietal prosthesis by metallic staples in order to reduce the operation time which is often long. The operation was performed according to J Rive's principles, using a Dacron patch (n = 65) or a polyglactin patch (n = 5). A mechanical stapler for aponeurotic suture was used for fixation of the patch. The bent shape of the stapler made it possible to very easily insert the lateral edge of the patch, previously hemmed, to slip it under the rectus abdominis muscle and to clamp it onto the lateral linea alba. We placed the patch under tension very easily with circular clamping. Seventy ruptures were treated by this technique. In 80% of cases, the rupture was frontal and in 20% of cases, it was fronto-lateral. The mean diameter of the parietal defect was 15 cm (E = 10-35 cm). The time for fixation of prosthesis was less than 5 min; the usual duration of the operation was therefore considerably reduced. In every case, we obtained optimal tension of the suture, without any folds, and this very easily. There was no mortality. Two postoperative hematomas, one consecutive to an injury of the epigastric artery required a second operation. We only had one case of superficial parietal sepsis. None of these complications required removal of the parietal prosthesis. The functional results were always satisfactory for the patients who suffered no pain induration over the metallic staples. A radiological follow-up of the position of the prosthesis encircled by the metallic staples was systematically performed after every operation. Only one relapse, due to a technical error, was observed. If we consider that the follow-up of these results is about two years (3 months-5 years), they suggest that the use of a stapler allows strong fixation, without any fold and with a regular tension, of the prosthetic patch used in the treatment of large incisional hernia. If we compare this technique with the usual techniques of fixation, we can say that this technique significantly reduces the duration of the operation which is often long. These technical advantages help to reduce the long operating time and the risk of sepsis, which is always serious, also minimizing recurrences of the rupture.

[Subtotal colectomy with ceco-rectal anastomosis (Deloyers) for severe idiopathic constipation: an alternative to total colectomy reducing risks of digestive sequelae]. / Colectomie subtotale avec anastomose caeco-rectale (Deloyers) pour constipation sévère idiopathique: une alternative à la colectomie totale réduisant les risques de séquelles digestives.

PURPOSE: Functional results of total colectomy (TC) and ileorectal anastomosis for colonic inertia are often impaired by postoperative obstruction and diarrhea. In order to avoid these postoperative complications, we propose a subtotal colectomy (STC) preserving the ileo-caecal junction. METHODS: Since 1989, 18 consecutive patients (17 F, 1 M; mean age: 54 years) with intractable constipation underwent TC (n = 6) or STC with caecorectal anastomosis (Deloyers Procedure) (n = 12). Mean preoperative bowel frequency was two movements every month. Colonic inertia was defined as diffuse marker delay during transit study without obstructed defecation on manometry or digitalised rectography. Rectocele (n = 10), rectal (n = 5) and genital prolapse (n = 6) were treated in the same operative time. RESULTS: Postoperative course was uneventful after STC but bowel obstruction, requiring laparotomy, occurred in 3 patients (50%) after TC: enterolysis (n = 2), bowel resection (n = 2). Mean postoperative day stool frequency of TC (4.2 +/- 1.2) was higher than STC (1.2 +/- 0.1). Half of patients after TC needed anti-diarrheal treatment and diet, 33% had rectal evacuation difficulties despite liquid stools, 17% had episodic incontinence, 66% had persistent abdominal pain. Compared to TC, the functional results of STC were significantly better: regular normal transit return without diet or treatment in 75% of cases, 25% had rectal emptying difficulties easily treated by mild laxatives, only 17% had persistent abdominal pain. Postoperative obstruction, diarrhea or fecal incontinence never occurred after STC. CONCLUSION: Compared to TC, STC with Deloyers procedure seems to reduce significantly the postoperative incidence of bowel obstruction, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Expected regular transit return after STC needs a careful selection of patients and simultaneous treatment of ano-rectal and pelvic floor abnormalities frequently associated with colonic inertia.

[Anteroposterior rectopexy for disorders of rectal stasis: clinical and radiologic results. Value of digital subtraction rectography. Apropos of 30 cases]. / Rectopexie antéro-postérieure pour troubles de la statique rectale: résultats cliniques et radiologiques. Intérêt de la rectographie dynamique numérisée. A propos de trente cas.

We report the results of 30 antero-posterior rectopexies (APR) for rectal kinetic disorders with descending perineum syndrome. All patients were investigated by digital subtraction defecography and ano-rectal manometry. The associated surgical procedures were: sphincterotomy (n = 13) for outlet obstruction demonstrated by anal manometry or balloon expulsion test: hypertonic sphincter (n = 7), narrow fibrous sphincter (n = 6); 10 cases of prolapsectomy with extended anterior mucosectomy to reduce anterior rectal prolapse; 2 sigmoidectomy for dolichosigmoid. Best results (mean follow-up: 12 months, 3-26) were observed for ano-rectal or pelvic pain and rectal bleeding, which were cured in more than 80% of cases. Faecal incontinence (n = 5) was cured in all cases. Although normalisation of bowel movements and easier defecation were observed in 78% of cases, improvement in the dyschezic syndrome was differently perceived by the patients. Postoperative investigation demonstrated the probable cause of surgical failures (23%): impairment of rectal sensitivity (n = 2), anismus (n = 3), motor constipation (n = 4), with dolichosigmoid (n = 3). Severe perineal deficiency was also noted in 4 cases. Solitary ulcer (n = 6), anterior proctitis (n = 8), were cured within 2 months. Postoperative defecography showed correction of rectal intussusception without impairment of anterior rectal motility during defecation. These results confirm the efficacy of ARP for treatment of rectal intussusception or anterior rectocele. This functional rectopexy avoids the rectal "sling effect" of standard rectopexy which usually increases rectal dysfunction. Nevertheless, ARP alone seems to be insufficient when the associated functional or organic disorders implicated in rectal dysfunction are not also corrected, essentially outlet obstruction and dolichosigmoid.

[Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: clinical features, clinical course and treatment. Apropos of 22 cases]. / Syndrome de l'ulcère solitaire du rectum: aspects cliniques, évolutifs et bases thérapeutiques. A propos de vingt-deux cas.

Rectopexy associated with anterior prolepsectomy was performed for 22 patients (19 females, 3 males), with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) surrounding internal rectal prolapse. The different lesions of SRUS were distributed among 3 main groups (G) according to the macroscopic appearance: G1: solitary ulcer (n = 7); G2: ulcerated proctitis (n = 7); G3: muco-hemorroidal prolapse (n = 3). A significant difference (P less than 0.05) was observed between each group, concerning mean age (G1: 34 years, G2 = 49, G3: 65) and the degree of perineal descent, which was more important in G3 and G2. Posterior intersphincteric rectopexy was performed for 6 patients in G3, with descending perineum and faecal incontinence, treated in the same time by perineoplasty (Parks). Abdominal rectopexy, mainly by the antero-posterior technique (Nicholls), was performed for the other patients (n = 6). Large anterior prolapsectomy reaching the top of the mucosal prolapse (4-7 cm), allowing ulcer resection in 3 cases, was combined with rectopexy. Associated operations were: sphincterotomy (n = 8) for narrow fibrous anal canal, sigmoidectomy (n = 4) for dolichocolon. Mean healing time for the solitary ulcer group (G1) was 2 months, 1 month for lesion of G2 and G3. Failures concerned 1 solitary ulcer after abdominal rectopexy and 1 ulcerative proctitis after rectopexy without prolapsectomy. Anorectal pain (81%), rectal bleeding (76%), faecal incontinence (27%), straining (81%), were cured or improved in 80% of cases. These results tend to confirm the efficacy of rectopexy, specially using the antero-posterior technique, for the treatment of SUSR with internal rectal prolapse. Nevertheless, rectopexy seems to be insufficient to correct the mucosal component of internal rectal prolapse, bearing the ulcerated lesion which needs to be treated by associated anterior prolapsectomy. Similarly all functional or organic disorders involving the perineum, anal canal or colon leading to anorectal dysfunction must also be considered to ensure complete treatment.

[Proposal for a radiologic classification of disorders of the pelvi-rectal angle based on measurement of the posterior rectal inclination. Value of dynamic digitalized rectography]. / Proposition d'une classification radiologique des troubles de la statique pelvirectale basée sur la mesure de l'inclinaison rectale postérieure. Intérêt de la rectographie dynamique numérisée.

The difficulties for evaluation of the perineal descent have always been linked to the choice of references and mostly with the incertitude of the measurement of length on the radiographic film. This present study was carried out to evaluate the perineal descent on the choice of an angular measurement: the posterior rectal inclination. The dynamic digitalized rectography was used to investigate the pelvic floor status of 134 women: 115 patients complaining of idiopathic constipation, and 19 healthy volunteers. Results have shown 3 populations with an increasing graduation of perineal impairment and led to propose a radiologic classification of pelvic floor impairment: stage I, or solid perineum, stage II, or descending perineum and stage III or descended perineum. This study has brought up that the first sign of a pelvic floor abnormality may be increased descent during straining, only later followed by perineal descent at rest. The relationship linking abnormal perineal descent and excessive opening of the ano-rectal angle suggested logically that fecal incontinence may be the end complication of the Descending Perineum Syndrom.

[Treatment of perforated peptic ulcer using the round ligament under celioscopy]. / Traitement des perforations d'ulcère gastro-duodénal sous coelioscopie avec utilisation du ligament rond.

We propose an original technique of treatment of perforated peptic ulcer with celioscopic monitoring which has principles and indications similar to those of simple surgical suture via laparotomy. The procedure consists in obliterating the ulcerous perforation with the round ligament (RL) that has previously been predicled from its insertion on the liver, under celioscopy. The umbilical end of the RL is then caught with a Dormia probe inserted through the perforation with a fibrogastroscope. By pulling the probe, the RL is then inserted into the perforation and obturates it. Peritoneal washing and transcutaneous infrahepatic drainage complete the procedure. This was proposed to 9 patients (8 M, 1 F) with a mean age of 41 years (24-59) having ulcers perforated for less than 6 hours. The obliteration of the perforation using the RL was performed easily in 7 cases. In 3 cases, the procedure could not be carried out, either because the diameter of the perforation exceeded 1.5 cm (n = 2) or because of purulent peritonitis (n = 1). No postoperative complications occurred. The endoscopic control showed healed ulcers in all cases after 5 weeks of treatment with anti-H2 drugs. These still preliminary results suggest that the celioendoscopic treatment of perforated peptic ulcers might be proposed whenever vagotomy does not seem to be absolutely necessary, especially in cases of acute ulcer occurring in younger subjects. In comparison with laparotomy, this procedure prevents parietal sequellae and improves the postoperative comfort. This procedure might also be proposed as an alternative to Taylor's procedure, thus avoiding the diagnostic errors and delays in surgery that are inherent in this therapeutic method.

[Sacro-rectopexy by a posterior intersphincteric approach with anteroposterior perineoplasty and mucosal resection. Therapeutic proposal in descending peritoneum syndrome. Apropos of 23 cases]. / Sacro-rectopexie par voie intersphinctérienne postérieure avec périnéoplastic antéro-postérieure et mucosectomie. Proposition thérapeutique pour le syndrome du périnée descendu. A propos de 23 cas.

We report the results of a procedure aimed at correcting the disorders of rectal and perineal tone responsible for the descending perineum syndrome (DPS). The procedure, carried out by the perineal approach, combines a posterior intersphincteric sacro-rectopexy, an anterior perineoplasty via a pre-anal levator myorraphie, a posterior perineoplasty using a post anal repair technique and a mucosal resection aimed at freeing the anal canal. 22 F and 1 M, mean age 68 years, with DPS were operated on. Digitised rectography demonstrated pathological perineal descent (greater than 3 cm) in all cases and posterior rectal angulation at rest of more than 25 degrees (normal less than 10 degrees) confirming an important deterioration in perineal tone. Results after a mean follow up of 12 months (6 to 30 months) were excellent, with objective improvement in rectal bleeding, pain, mucosal prolapse and anal incontinence. In spite of an almost constant return to normal in the number of stools and their facility of evacuation improvement in the dyschesic syndrome (78% of patients) was subjectively variable. Improvement was judged to be very good in 34%, good in 33%, fair in 11%. Healing of mucosal lesions: solitary ulcer (n = 2), rectal inflammation (n = 2), ulcerated mucosal prolapse (n = 3) occurred in all cases within 1 month. Post operative rectography demonstrated a significant decrease in posterior rectal angulation and ano-coccygeal distance confirming the efficacy of the anatomical correction. No serious complications, in particular, infections, were noted under appropriate prophylactic antibiotic cover (Piperacillin) continued up to D5.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Contribution of artificial feeding to the prevention of fistulae, anastomotic breakdowns, and eviscerations. Applications to diffuse postoperative peritonitis in eight cases (author's transl)]. / Support nutritionnel artificiel et prévention des fistules, lâchages anastomotoques et éviscérations. Applications aux péritonites diffuses post-opératoires à propos de 8 cas.

Based on the study of 8 cases diffuse post-operative peritonitis, the authors demonstrate in an exemplary manner the benefit derived through artificial nutritive support which permits, in certain well-defined cases, one-step digestive sutures and allows high-quality anastomotic and parietal healing. This new therapeutic attitude should not be generalized; it remains as yet very special, requiring specific metabolic safety measures. Only surgical teams in total control of the metabolic and nutritive problems accompanying heavy visceral surgery are in a position to apply this new concept.