Electroanatomic Mapping and Transoesophageal Echocardiography for near Zero Fluoroscopy during Complex Left Atrial Ablation.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated Carto 3, transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and contact force (CF) sensing catheter in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. METHODS: Unselected consecutive ablations performed under general anaesthesia (GA) were studied with modified protocol (cases, n=11) and compared to retrospective consecutive controls (n=10). Patent foramen ovale (PFO) or single transseptal puncture enabled left atrial (LA) access; ablation strategy was stepwise approach. Modified protocol utilised right atrial (RA) electrograms, CF and TOE to localise SmartTouch and create RA and CS electroanatomic map (EAM) without fluoroscopy. Transseptal puncture was performed with fluoroscopy in absence of PFO. Fluoroless pulmonary vein and LA EAM was created using TOE to locate circular-mapping catheter. RESULTS: Mean age of cases was 57±11 years with 64% male compared with 60±11 (70% male) for controls. Patent foramen ovale was identified in four cases (36%) and two controls (20%). No early complications occurred. Shorter fluoroscopy time (median 36 vs 390seconds; p=0.038) and trend to lower radiation dose (median 17 vs 165 cGym2; p=0.053) was seen in cases, with no increase in total procedure time (p=0.438). CONCLUSIONS: General anaesthesia, TOE and CF mapping catheters facilitate minimised fluoroscopy for catheter ablation of LA arrhythmias. Zero fluoroscopy is possible in a majority of cases with PFO.

Modern Endodontic Principles. Part 6: Managing Complex Situations.

Clinicians are often faced with endodontic cases that are significantly more challenging than the primary root canal treatment of mature adult teeth. This paper outlines some of the common treatment modalities which can be employed in situations in which either primary treatment has failed, or there is iatrogenic damage or unusual anatomy. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper will provide the reader with advice and techniques for undertaking orthograde endodontic retreatment, hemisection, endodontic surgery and management of teeth with incompletely formed roots.

Modern Endodontic Principles Part 4: Irrigation.

The complex anatomy of the tooth limits the ability to eradicate pathogens by mechanical means alone. Irrigation is the key to solving this problem. This paper highlights the importance of irrigation, the key irrigants available and methods of improving the performance of irrigants within the canal. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To provide advice on which irrigants to use, how to use them effectively and safely and what to do if irrigants are extruded beyond the apex.

Modern Endodontic Principles. Part 5: Obturation.

Once cleaning and shaping is complete the clinician must obturate the canal. There are many different materials and techniques available each with their own discrete advantages and disadvantages. Whichever technique is used, the goal is to seal the entire prepared length of the root canal. This paper describes how best this may be achieved. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is incumbent on the clinician to ensure that once the canal has been prepared it is sealed from bacterial re-entry.

Modern Endodontic Principles Part 7: The Restorative Interface.

The restoration of endodontically-treated teeth is a topic that has been extensively studied and yet remains controversial. The endodontically-treated tooth can be restored with a wide range of techniques of varying complexity. This article reviews the literature on this topic. Consideration is given to the ferrule and its importance in achieving success. Furthermore, consideration will be given to the use of endodontically-treated teeth as abutments for fixed and removable prostheses and the challenges this presents. Clinical recommendations are presented as guidelines to improve the predictability and outcome of treatment when restoring structurally compromised root-filled teeth. Clinical relevance: The prognosis of endodontically-treated teeth depends not only on the success of the endodontic treatment, but also on the type of reconstruction.

Modern Endodontic Principles. Part 8: The Future of Endodontics.

Although the principles of endodontics have remained unchanged for many decades, root canal treatment has been subject to major changes in the past few years. This paper outlines the cutting-edge advances including the materials and techniques used. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article provides an overview of bioactive materials and insight into regenerative endodontics, vital pulp therapy and intentional replantation.

Modern Endodontic Planning Part 2: Access and Strategy.

Poor access and iatrogenic damage can result in failed root canal treatment. Understanding tooth anatomy improves access and ensures that the clinician is cleaning and shaping the whole root canal system. If a canal is missed treatment usually fails. This paper revisits tooth anatomy and discusses how to ensure that access is optimized, but not at the expense of precious tooth structure. The concept of multi-visit root canal treatment is also addressed with emphasis on the, often overlooked, aspect of temporization. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Good anatomical knowledge of teeth is the cornerstone of endodontics. Once root treatment has begun the clinician must be logical about how many visits to take and how to temporize teeth between such visits.

Modern Endodontic Planning Part 1: Assessing Complexity and Predicting Success.

Following a diagnosis of irreversible pulpal disease, periapical disease or failed endodontic therapy, the options for the tooth are extraction or root canal treatment. There is increasing evidence that certain factors may allow the clinician to predict the likely outcome of root canal therapy (RCT) and thus better inform the patient of the possible success rates. Should the patient choose root canal treatment, the clinician must also be able to gauge the potential difficulties that may be encountered and consequently determine whether it is within their competency. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Assessing outcomes and complexity of care is an essential part of informed consent. Knowing when to refer is an essential component of best clinical practice.

Modern Endodontic Principles Part 3: Preparation.

The purpose of instrumentation is to facilitate irrigation and allow controlled obturation. This article will revisit methods of instrumentation of the root canal system with consideration given to length determination, apical preparation and the concept of patency filing. It will discuss hand instrumentation and rotary preparation looking at emerging technology such as reciprocating systems and the self-adjusting file. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mechanical preparation of the root canal system is of fundamental importance in achieving success, creating a more easily managed environment from a biological perspective.

An alternative solution for a complex prosthodontic problem: a modified Andrews fixed dental prosthesis.

This report describes the prosthodontic rehabilitation of an alveolar defect in the posterior mandible after the excision of an odontogenic myxoma. A minimally invasive technique that involves a modification of the traditional Andrews fixed dental prosthesis was used to replace both soft and hard tissues. The clinical stages and materials used to provide this treatment are discussed.

Early Surgical Excision of Necrotic Tissue Following Unintentional Dermal Injection of Extended-Release Buprenorphine.

INTRODUCTION: Extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine is an increasingly common treatment for opioid use disorder. Serious adverse events are rare and may be poorly understood. This report describes an early surgical intervention to address tissue necrosis resulting from misplaced subcutaneous buprenorphine injection. We review identifying characteristics that distinguish the necrotic reaction from other adverse effects of subcutaneous buprenorphine and offer guidance to continue treatment with subcutaneous buprenorphine. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old patient returned to clinic within an hour of his buprenorphine injection, reporting pain and skin changes unlike his previous injections. Non blanching erythema consistent with early necrosis was evident, and the patient was referred for surgical removal of his buprenorphine depot. The patient had uncomplicated healing of the surgical site and was provided sublingual buprenorphine before returning to continue treatment with subcutaneous buprenorphine. DISCUSSION: Although skin necrosis is known to be a rare complication of subcutaneous buprenorphine injection, early surgical excision to limit injury has not been described. Signs and symptoms of skin necrosis must be better understood to facilitate early intervention and continued treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This case affirms that a patient may continue treatment with subcutaneous buprenorphine despite suffering skin necrosis and demonstrates the value of early surgical intervention after superficial placement of extended-release buprenorphine.

Conventional and implant-based mandibular oral rehabilitation for patients with head and neck cancer.

Surgical treatment of head and neck cancer can cause loss of teeth, loss of hard and soft tissues and result in significantly altered anatomy. Prosthodontic rehabilitation for such patients can be challenging, requiring pre-surgical planning at a time-sensitive point in the patient's cancer pathway. Rehabilitative outcomes are optimised by early and collaborative planning at the multidisciplinary team discussion, involving surgeons, oncologists and consultants in restorative dentistry. Conventional and implant-based prosthodontics contribute to the armamentarium of rehabilitative approaches used in this patient cohort. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients, collaborative planning and teamworking between head and neck surgeons and restorative dental consultants is required from the outset. Each plan is bespoke, considering the patient's needs and wishes within the context of their holistic and cancer-specific care and their general and dental health.

Oral prehabilitation for patients with head and neck cancer: getting it right - the Restorative Dentistry-UK consensus on a multidisciplinary approach to oral and dental assessment and planning prior to cancer treatment.

Historically, oral and dental issues for head and neck cancer patients were often not considered until after cancer treatment was complete. As a result, outcomes for oral rehabilitation were sometimes suboptimal. Inconsistencies in service delivery models and qualification, training and experience of staff delivering dental care often compounded this problem, making research and audit almost impossible. Collaborative working by consultants in restorative dentistry from all over the UK as part of a Restorative Dentistry-UK (RD UK) subgroup, renamed more recently as the RD-UK Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Excellence Network (CEN), has re-emphasised the importance of specialist restorative dentistry intervention at the outset of the head and neck cancer pathway to optimise outcomes of patient care. The CEN has driven several initiatives, reflecting Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) principles aimed at reducing unwarranted variation. This improved consistency in approach and optimised collaborative working of the team now presents a better environment for multicentre audit and research. Ultimately, this should result in a continued improvement in patient and carer experience.

Incidence of new carious lesions and tooth loss in head and neck cancer patients: a retrospective case series from a single unit.

Introduction Radiation-induced xerostomia can result in increased caries incidence, necessitating more dental extractions and a resultant increased risk of debilitating osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy are routinely treated with a topical preventative regime consisting of fluoride and CPP-ACP (Tooth Mousse). There is limited evidence specifically relating to fluoride prevention regimes in head and neck cancer patients. Other novel remineralising aids using calcium and phosphate have been proposed for use in head and neck cancer patients, but again, there is limited evidence.Aims To retrospectively analyse head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and placed on a fluoride/CPP-ACP prevention regime at a single institution. To assess the incidence of caries, extractions and ORN.Materials and methods Case records for 95 patients were retrospectively assessed. This involved review of paper and computerised clinical notes, correspondence letters and radiographs.Results The mean number of carious teeth was 6.63 (SD 6.81) and the mean number of extractions was 4.88 (SD 5.84). The teeth most frequently affected by caries and extractions were the mandibular incisors, and 28.4% of patients developed ORN (81.5% of cases occurring in the mandible).Conclusion Development of caries and extraction was a very common event. There is a need for further research into the efficacy of topical prevention regimes.

Dual perspectives in autism spectrum disorders and employment: Toward a better fit in the workplace.

BACKGROUND: Compared with people with other disabilities, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the lowest rates of employment and switch jobs at a higher frequency. Thus, understanding how to support workplace success for people with ASD is important. OBJECTIVE: Grounded in an ecological conceptual model, this study explores the dual employment perspectives of adults with ASD and supervisors who worked with individuals with ASD. METHODS: Using participatory research methods, a purposive sample of ten adults with ASD (all verbal with high school diplomas) and ten supervisors participated in semi-structured interviews on employment experiences. Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from an ecological framework to create a strong person-environment fit in the workplace: 1) building on interest/experiences/strengths/skills, 2) reducing social demands, 3) clear communication and expectations, and 4) ASD awareness for work environment. Comparisons between the two groups of participants showed substantive differences in expectations and accommodations. CONCLUSIONS: Supervisors, although eager to employ individuals with ASD, could benefit by employing an ecological model to successful employment. Results indicate that multiple lenses on the process of employment for those with ASD can lead to better outcomes in the workplace.

A cross sectional study of dental implant service provision in British and Irish dental hospitals.

Introduction There are multiple ways in which treatment using dental implants is provided in a secondary care setting, not only in terms of the groups of patients treated, but also the clinicians who provide that care.Methods An online survey was circulated to speciality registrars in restorative dentistry in all UK dental hospitals and to postgraduate students in prosthodontics in the Republic of Ireland, consisting of nine questions aimed at understanding which patient groups are treated using dental implants in a hospital setting, how cases are planned, executed and to explore the underlying reasons for each unit's method of provision.Results Completed surveys were received from 67% of dental hospitals in Britain and Ireland. Treatment planning was undertaken by the restorative team alone in 64% of units in patients with hypodontia, 57% with trauma and 71% with an atrophic edentulous ridge and by a multi-disciplinary team in 50% of units for patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and 45% with head and neck (H&N) cancer. The restorative team place all or most of the implant fixtures in 50% of units in patients with CLP, 71% in trauma patients, 71% in hypodontia patients, 64% in edentulous patients and 43% in H&N oncology patients. Stents are produced and used by the restorative team in 64% of units for edentulous patients, 79% of patients with hypodontia, 79% of those suffering trauma, 58% of CLP patients and 50% of patients with H&N cancer. Twenty-one percent of responding units had stents made by the restorative team and used by the surgical team. The median percentage of implant-supported restorations that are screw retained is 90% (SD: 4.93, range: 25-95%) and the median percentage of zirconia abutments being used is 22.5% (SD: 5.24, range: 0-50%). Use of zygomatic implants varies hugely between responding units with 43% of them not placing any zygomatic implants.Conclusions There is a wide range of protocols and team members involved in the provision of dental implant rehabilitations throughout the British Isles reflecting the lack of any single evidence-based approach. A multi-disciplinary team approach with the restorative dentist as a key member is likely to yield the most favourable long term outcomes.

Patients' views of high blood pressure, its treatment and risks.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the understanding and beliefs of a sample of Australian patients about high blood pressure and its therapy, and to examine the accuracy of their assessment of their own risk. METHOD: A cross sectional study in two general practices in Perth, Western Australia. Interviews were conducted with 55 consecutive patients aged 40-80 years of age with uncomplicated hypertension. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected on patients' beliefs about the nature, symptoms, causes and treatment of high blood pressure as well as their adherence to antihypertensive medications during the preceding month. Patients also estimated their own risk of stroke or myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Two-thirds of the patients (65%) described high blood pressure within an appropriate biomedical definition. Forty-five percent attributed a variety of symptoms to their high blood pressure while 55% believed that stress was a cause of their high blood pressure. Three-quarters (73%) were fully adherent to their medications in the preceding month. Seventy-one percent and 62% of patients were aware that stroke and heart attack respectively are possible consequences of high blood pressure. They significantly overestimated their risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: One-third of treated hypertensive patients are poorly informed about the causes and effects of hypertension, and overestimate their risk of both stroke and heart attack, as well as the benefit derived from treatment.