Percutaneous AXillary Artery (PAXA) Access at the First Segment During Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Procedures

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous axillary access with vessel closure device closure after puncturing the first segment during endovascular treatment of complex aneurysms with fenestrated and branched endografts (F/BEVAR).

METHODS

The PAXA (Percutaneous AXillary Access) study is a physician initiated, single centre, ambispective, non-randomised study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03223311). The primary endpoint was the closure success rate defined as the absence of any vascular injury to achieve haemostasis at the puncture site, requiring any treatment other than manual compression or adjunctive endovascular ballooning. The secondary endpoints were minor access complications, cerebrovascular complication rate, short term access vessel patency, and study cohort anatomical evaluation of the axillary artery.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients required an upper extremity access during F/BEVAR procedure during study period (November 2016 to July 2019) and were screened for the PAXA study: 59 patients (47 males; median age: 75 years, IQR 69-78) met the study inclusion criteria and were enrolled (one patient had bilateral access). Closure success was obtained in 54 cases (90%) with no open conversion required: five patients received a bare or covered stenting to the AXA and in one patient mechanical failure of the delivery system was recorded. No 30 day permanent peripheral nerve injuries and two non-ipsilateral ischaemic strokes (3.4%) were recorded. Seven patients (12%) had access haematomas managed conservatively associated with closure failure (p = .002), oral anticoagulants therapy (p = .005) and procedure length (p = .028). At short term follow up (6 months), no late complications were observed, and all access vessels were patent.

CONCLUSION

PAXA on the first segment using a large sheath (10-16F) is technically feasible, relatively safe with no need for open conversion but it may require access related secondary endovascular procedures. Further prospective studies are needed to modify the device instruction for use and to put the procedure on label.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Deformity Surgery: Analysis of Patients Who Fail to Reach Minimal Clinically Important Difference

BACKGROUND

It is well known that clinical improvements following surgical intervention are variable. While all surgeons strive to maximize reliability and degree of improvement, certain patients will fail to achieve meaningful gains. We aim to analyze patients who failed to reach minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in an effort to improve outcomes for minimally invasive deformity surgery.

METHODS

Data were collected on a multicenter registry of minimally invasive surgery adult spinal deformity surgeries. Patient inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, coronal Cobb ≥20 degrees, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis ≥10 degrees, or a sagittal vertical axis >5 cm. All patients had minimum 2 years' follow-up (N = 222). MCID was defined as 12.8 or more points of improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index. Up to 2 different etiologies for failure were allowed per patient.

RESULTS

We identified 78 cases (35%) where the patient failed to achieve MCID at long-term follow-up. A total of 82 identifiable causes were seen in these patients with 14 patients having multiple causes. In 6 patients, the etiology was unclear. The causes were subclassified as neurologic, medical, structural, under treatment, degenerative progression, traumatic, idiopathic, and floor effects. In 71% of cases, an identifiable cause was related to the spine, whereas in 35% the cause was not related to the spine.

CONCLUSIONS

Definable causes of failed MIS ASD surgery are often identifiable and similar to open surgery. In some cases the cause is treatable and structural. However, it is also common to see failure due to pathologies unrelated to the index surgery.

Dilation of tracheal stenosis below tracheostomy tube with Dolphin percutaneous tracheostomy kit : Tracheal stenosis treated with Dolphin PDT

We reported a new minimally invasive procedure to treat tracheal stenosis below tracheostomy tube using standard Ciaglia Blue Dolphin kit for percutaneous tracheostomy. Under endoscopic view, the Dolphin kit was inserted through the stoma into the stenosis; the balloon was inflated until a sufficient tracheal diameter was obtained; then, a longer tracheostomy tube was inserted through the stenosis and the distal tip placed near the carina. This procedure was succesfully applied in seven patients.

Percutaneous cervical discectomy: retrospective comparison of two different techniques

AIM

To compare clinical success and patient satisfaction of percutaneous cervical nucleoplasty (PCN) and percutaneous cervical discectomy (PCD) in contained cervical disc herniation treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified 50 consecutive patients in our institution: 24 underwent the PCD treatment and 26 patients were treated by the PCN procedure. All patients complained of radicular pain with or without neck pain; diagnosis of contained cervical disc herniation was obtained by MRI; all patients had received conservative therapy which did not result in symptom improvement. Exclusion from our series consisted of patients who had undergone previous surgery at the indicated level, or those with myelopathy, or those in whom more than a sole herniation was treated in the same session. Overall procedure time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose and complications were recorded. The MacNab scale score was used to assess clinical success in terms of pain relief at 2- and 6-month follow-up. After 4-6 months, a cervical MRI was obtained in 24 patients.

RESULTS

Neither major nor minor complications were reported. Regarding patient satisfaction, overall median modified MacNab score was excellent both at 2 and 6 months after treatment. No significant statistical difference was found in mean modified MacNab score at 2 and 6 months among patients grouped by treatment choice (p = 0.319 and 0.847, respectively); radiation dose was inferior in PCN group than in PCD, with no significant statistical difference.

CONCLUSION

PCD and PCN were found to be safe and effective in terms of pain relief in contained cervical herniation treatment.

Use of an Internal Retractor for Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Resection in Cervical Intervertebral Disc Herniation with a Posterior Approach

Study Design

A preliminary case series study.

Purpose

For the safety of performing a posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical discectomy.

Overview of Literature

Because of the lack of space for inserting an outer sheath above the intervertebral disc in the spinal canal, grasping the herniated disc with forceps while retracting the nerves with the forceps itself was required. This procedure produces the risk of inadvertently injuring nerves because of inadequate visualization of the hernia and inadequate protection of the nerve.

Methods

Our new internal retractor can be inserted into the working channel of a percutaneous full-endoscope, enabling the insertion of a second tool. After partial foraminotomy, the internal retractor and forceps were manipulated to reliably retract the nerve root. Finally, the herniated disc was resected under an endoscopic view.

Results

All six cases had a good postoperative course, and postoperative neuropathy was not observed.

Conclusions

This internal retractor allows for the secure resection herniated cervical intervertebral discs.

Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden instrument. Clinical and MRI evaluation of 90 patients

BACKGROUND

This study aims at evaluating a substantial number of patients treated with a percutaneous, paratenon preserving technique for Achilles tendon repair using three different incisions with clinical follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Ninety patients with percutaneous Achilles tendon repair using the Dresden technique for acute rupture were evaluated. Fifteen patients were treated using a central approach, 15 patients using a posterolateral approach and the original posteromedial approach was used in 60 patients. All patients were followed clinically and with MRI after 1 and 6 months post-operatively.

RESULTS

Using the standard posteromedial approach no complications were seen. With the central approach 4 (27%) wound healing problems were observed and with the posterolateral approach 2 (13%) sural nerve lesions occurred. One patient (1.1%) had a rerupture. MRI revealed an increased diameter at the rupture site and distal to it as well as an increasingly homogeneous signal over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden technique yields excellent clinical results and a low complication rate. Modification of the original incision is discouraged.

Techniques to Improve the Efficacy of Percutaneous Biopsy Procedures for Cavernous Sinus Lesions

BACKGROUND

The cavernous sinus can be affected by pathologies with profound clinical implications. Therefore, obtaining an accurate diagnosis with minimal disruption of native tissue is needed. Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy through the foramen ovale using the Härtel corridor is one option. The diagnostic yield is around 86%, typically failing in cases where the tissue is firm.

OBJECTIVE

This work describes a new method of percutaneous biopsy to increase the diagnostic yield in cases where the tissue is firm and not deliverable into the biopsy needle via a suction device.

METHODS

Under general anesthetic, a percutaneous approach through the foramen ovale was performed. A k-wire was then placed and the needle was removed. A 14-ga angiocatheter was then placed using the over-the-wire technique. Once the K-wire was removed, endoscopic graspers were used to biopsy the lesion through the angiocatheter, providing reasonably sized biopsy specimens.

RESULTS

This technique was applied when fine needle aspiration failed and resulted in successful pathologic diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

This technique for minimally invasive biopsy of the cavernous sinus is potentially safe and can be performed when fine needle aspiration is unsuccessful or larger samples are required for definitive diagnosis.

Clinical evaluation of percutaneous and intra-operative device closure of atrial septal defects under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance: one center experience and mid-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

The percutaneous closure of a single secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) under transesophageal echocardiography guidance as an accepted alternative to the transcatheter closure with fluoroscopy has been proven. However, the technique has not been routinely used. This study was to present and share our experience in comparing the clinical outcomes of the percutaneous and intra-operative device closure (IODC) of atrial septal defects without fluoroscopy.

METHODS

From January 2013 to December 2016, 103 patients with maximum diameters of ASD of less than 30 mm were allocated to groups taking either the percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects approach (PASD group, n = 53) or the intra-operative device closure approach (IODC Group, n = 50). They were operated on using the minimally invasive Amplatzer duct occluder under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography without cardiopulmonary bypass. Echocardiography was performed to obtain an en face view of the ASD and important surrounding structures before the operation. Patient characteristics, perioperative data, and follow-up data were retrospectively documented and analyzed.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. These were no differences in the maximum diameters of defects and the size of the occluders in each group (16.4 ± 5.3 mm vs16.4 ± 5.2 mm, P = 0.98; 22.4 ± 5.8 mm vs 21.3 ± 6.6 mm, P = 0.38). Intracardiac manipulation time was 20.72 ± 7.70 min in the PASD group and 6.01 ± 1.03 min in the IODC group (P < 0.001). The procedure time was 28.70 ± 10.41 min in the PASD group and 39.13 ± 6.03 min in the IODC group (P < 0.001). The successful closure defect was 100% in both groups when the maximum diameter of defect less than 25 mm. Four patients the PASD groups with maximum diameters between 25 mm and 30 mm were transferred to the IOCD group after unsuccessful device implantations. The total occlusion rate was 82% immediately after deployment, 98% at 3 months, and 100% at 6 months. No cardiac-related complications occurred during the follow-up period of between 3 to 65 months (mean 21.4 ± 9.8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous device closures of Secundum atrial septal defects showed safety and high efficiency in patients under guidance by transesophageal echocardiography when compared with intra-operative device closures and are especially suited for women and children.

Technical and nidus-specific factors associated with adequacy of intraprocedural biopsy samples preceding radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma

PURPOSE

To examine the diagnostic yield of intraprocedural percutaneous biopsy performed at the time of radiofrequency ablation of suspected Osteoid Osteoma (OO) and identify technical and nidus-specific factors associated with diagnostic adequacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following IRB approval, a total of 42 patients (male: 28, female: 14; mean age: 29 years) who underwent intraprocedural biopsy immediately prior to RFA between June 2010 and June 2017 were retrospectively identified. The nidi were located in various locations. The nidi had a mean size of 6.3 mm (range: 3-11 mm, Standard deviation (SD): 2.26). Core biopsies were performed by one of 15 operators. Biopsies were performed with two needle types ranging from 11-G to 15-G with a mean number of samples of 1.8 (range: 1-5, SD: 1.01). Electronic records and imaging were reviewed for demographics, nidus characteristics, biopsy details and diagnostic yield. Multivariate logistic regression of nidus-specific and biopsy-specific factors was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 22/42 (52.3%) of the biopsies were adequate for histological diagnosis of OO. For the two experienced operators, the diagnostic yield was 67% (6/9) and 80% (8/10). Biopsy adequacy was significantly correlated with presence of an osteoid matrix (p = 0.03), obtaining >1 core sample (p = 0.03), the needle track passing through the nidus (p = 0.0003) and thinner (2.5 mm) intraprocedural CT slices (p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, use of thinner intraprocedural CT slices was found to be associated with adequate biopsy (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Intraprocedural percutaneous biopsy samples of nidi highly-suspected to be OO at the time of RFA were diagnostic in 52% of patients. Multivariate analysis shows thinner intraprocedural CT slices to be a significantly associated with biopsy adequacy.

American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Practice Update: Management of Pancreatic Necrosis

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update is to review the available evidence and expert recommendations regarding the clinical care of patients with pancreatic necrosis and to offer concise best practice advice for the optimal management of patients with this highly morbid condition.

METHODS

This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership, and underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. This review is framed around the 15 best practice advice points agreed upon by the authors, which reflect landmark and recent published articles in this field. This expert review also reflects the experiences of the authors, who are advanced endoscopists or hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons with extensive experience in managing and teaching others to care for patients with pancreatic necrosis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Pancreatic necrosis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and specialists in critical care medicine, infectious disease, and nutrition. In situations where clinical expertise may be limited, consideration should be given to transferring patients with significant pancreatic necrosis to an appropriate tertiary-care center. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Antimicrobial therapy is best indicated for culture-proven infection in pancreatic necrosis or when infection is strongly suspected (ie, gas in the collection, bacteremia, sepsis, or clinical deterioration). Routine use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection of sterile necrosis is not recommended. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: When infected necrosis is suspected, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics with ability to penetrate pancreatic necrosis should be favored (eg, carbapenems, quinolones, and metronidazole). Routine use of antifungal agents is not recommended. Computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration for Gram stain and cultures is unnecessary in the majority of cases. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: In patients with pancreatic necrosis, enteral feeding should be initiated early to decrease the risk of infected necrosis. A trial of oral nutrition is recommended immediately in patients in whom there is absence of nausea and vomiting and no signs of severe ileus or gastrointestinal luminal obstruction. When oral nutrition is not feasible, enteral nutrition by either nasogastric/duodenal or nasojejunal tube should be initiated as soon as possible. Total parenteral nutrition should be considered only in cases where oral or enteral feeds are not feasible or tolerated. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Drainage and/or debridement of pancreatic necrosis is indicated in patients with infected necrosis. Drainage and/or debridement may be required in patients with sterile pancreatic necrosis and persistent unwellness marked by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and nutritional failure or with associated complications, including gastrointestinal luminal obstruction; biliary obstruction; recurrent acute pancreatitis; fistulas; or persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Pancreatic debridement should be avoided in the early, acute period (first 2 weeks), as it has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Debridement should be optimally delayed for 4 weeks and performed earlier only when there is an organized collection and a strong indication. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Percutaneous drainage and transmural endoscopic drainage are both appropriate first-line, nonsurgical approaches in managing patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON). Endoscopic therapy through transmural drainage of WON may be preferred, as it avoids the risk of forming a pancreatocutaneous fistula. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Percutaneous drainage of pancreatic necrosis should be considered in patients with infected or symptomatic necrotic collections in the early, acute period (<2 weeks), and in those with WON who are too ill to undergo endoscopic or surgical intervention. Percutaneous drainage should be strongly considered as an adjunct to endoscopic drainage for WON with deep extension into the paracolic gutters and pelvis or for salvage therapy after endoscopic or surgical debridement with residual necrosis burden. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Self-expanding metal stents in the form of lumen-apposing metal stents appear to be superior to plastic stents for endoscopic transmural drainage of necrosis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: The use of direct endoscopic necrosectomy should be reserved for those patients with limited necrosis who do not adequately respond to endoscopic transmural drainage using large-bore, self-expanding metal stents/lumen-apposing metal stents alone or plastic stents combined with irrigation. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy is a therapeutic option in patients with large amounts of infected necrosis, but should be performed at referral centers with the necessary endoscopic expertise and interventional radiology and surgical backup. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Minimally invasive operative approaches to the debridement of acute necrotizing pancreatitis are preferred to open surgical necrosectomy when possible, given lower morbidity. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: Multiple minimally invasive surgical techniques are feasible and effective, including videoscopic-assisted retroperitoneal debridement, laparoscopic transgastric debridement, and open transgastric debridement. Selection of approach is best determined by pattern of disease, physiology of the patient, experience and expertise of the multidisciplinary team, and available resources. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 13: Open operative debridement maintains a role in the modern management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in cases not amenable to less invasive endoscopic and/or surgical procedures. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 14: For patients with disconnected left pancreatic remnant after acute necrotizing mid-body necrosis, definitive surgical management with distal pancreatectomy should be undertaken in patients with reasonable operative candidacy. Insufficient evidence exists to support the management of the disconnected left pancreatic remnant with long-term transenteric endoscopic stenting. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 15: A step-up approach consisting of percutaneous drainage or endoscopic transmural drainage using either plastic stents and irrigation or self-expanding metal stents/lumen-apposing metal stents alone, followed by direct endoscopic necrosectomy, and then surgical debridement is reasonable, although approaches may vary based on the available clinical expertise.

Percutaneous fixation of Lisfranc injuries

Lisfranc injuries may occur in the form of fracture-dislocations or pure ligamentous dislocations or subluxations. These innocuous appearing injuries have the potential for significant morbidity and long-term sequelae resulting in permanent deformities. Ligamentous subluxations account for 20% of these injuries and cases with partial incongruity are amenable to percutaneous fixation. In this article, we present step-by-step percutaneous fixation of these injuries as well as the post-operative management.

Hallux valgus correction with a new percutaneous distal osteotomy: Surgical technique and medium term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Many procedures and different osteotomies have been described for percutaneous hallux valgus correction. Percutaneous techniques may lead to reduced morbidity, surgery, and recovery time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of a new percutaneous procedure (PBS-Percutaneous Bianchi System).

METHODS

Fifty-eight cases were treated with Percutaneous Bianchi System procedure for correction of mild, moderate or severe hallux valgus deformity. All patients were clinically assessed preoperatively and then followed up by weight-bearing x-rays, AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score), VAS (Visual Analog Scale) pain score, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

AOFAS scores improved from 28.6 at the preoperative assessment to 91.7 at the latest follow-up. The VAS pain score improved from 6.7 before surgery to 0.6 at the latest follow-up. The mean Hallux valgus angle (HVA), Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and Distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) significatively decreased from the preoperative assessment to the latest follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The PBS technique is a safe, reliable, and effective procedure for the correction of symptomatic mild-to-severe hallux valgus.

Clinical Effects of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion by Conventional Open versus Percutaneous Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Placement in Elderly Patients

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical outcomes of percutaneous robot-assisted minimally invasive pedicle screw insertion versus freehand fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw insertion using a traditional open technique in elderly patients undergoing an oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) procedure.

METHODS

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 80 patients with lumbar degenerative disease who attended the spinal surgery department of the Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between January 2017 and April 2018 were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo percutaneous robot-assisted minimally invasive pedicle screw insertion (experimental group, n = 40) or freehand fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw insertion using a traditional open technique (control group, n = 40). Outcomes were accuracy of screw placement evaluated on postoperative CT using the modified Gertzbein and Robbins scale, operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, lower back and leg pain evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), lumbar function evaluated using the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and complication rates.

RESULTS

A total of 344 vertebral pedicle screws were inserted: 170 screws in the experimental group, and 174 screws in the control group. Accurate screw placement was significantly higher in the experimental group (98.2% [167/170]) than in the control group (93.1% [162/174]). Clinical outcomes showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative VAS for lower back pain in the immediate postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion in OLIF is an effective strategy for the management of elderly patients with lumbar degenerative diseases.

Anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression of the spinal cord for single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy: The technical interpretation and 2 years of clinical follow-up

BACKGROUND

ACDF is the standard procedure for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), but a long-term follow-up has been revealed some associated complications of swallowing discomfort, displacement of the fusion device, and accelerated degeneration of the adjacent segment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression of the spinal cord (APFETDSC) for single-segment CSM and to analyze the clinical efficacy, surgical characteristics, and complication prevention.

METHODS

A total of 32 patients who underwent APFETDSC for single-segment CSM from Aug. 2015 to Apr. 2017 were reviewed. Operating time, time of walking out of bed postoperation, length of hospitalization, complications, neck pain visual analog scale (VAS), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score (JOA) were evaluated. Measurement of intervertebral height (HI) of surgical segments on cervical neutral X-ray, Harrison's method was used to measure cervical spine angle (CSA).

RESULTS

The operation time was 103.3 ± 12.95 min, time of walking out of bed after surgery was 19.81 ± 4.603 h, the length of postoperative hospital stay was 57.48 ± 19.48 h. The postoperative neck pain VAS and JOA were significantly improved compared with preoperation(p < 0.001). The postoperative HI was statistical significance decreased compared with preoperation(p < 0.001), but the HI reduction was less than 0.5 mm, without adverse clinical symptoms. The postoperative CSA was significantly improved compared with preoperative(p < 0.001). The excellent and good rate was 87.5%, and the JOA improvement rate was 75.52 ± 11.11%. There was no cervical instability, vertebral fracture, wound infection, and other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

APFETDSC is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique with small auxiliary injuries for single-segment CSM while avoiding the sequelae of ACDF. Its short-term clinical efficacy was good and no significant effect on cervical stability.

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation for overactive bladder-techniques and efficacy

The ideal treatment for overactive bladder is still elusive. In those where medication fails to improve symptoms options include invasive treatments such as botulinum toxin-A, sacral neural stimulation or posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Scientific professional society guidelines advise percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation as a third line treatment option only after multi-disciplinary team review as well as failure of both conservative and pharmacological management. The aim of this article is to review all techniques for tibial nerve stimulation and their efficacy.

Increased microneedle-mediated transdermal delivery of tetramethylpyrazine to the brain, combined with borneol and iontophoresis, for MCAO prevention

The aim of this research was to improve transdermal delivery and distribution of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in the brain, by adding borneol (BN) and iontophoresis (ITP), and using microneedles (MN), to prevent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). BN was encapsulated into sulfobutylated-β-cyclodextrin (BN-SBE-β-CD), and then dispersed together with TMP. Four delivery groups were tested: passive (with no ITP and MN), ITP, MN, and MN combined with ITP (MN-ITP). In vitro transdermal fluxes of the drugs in those groups and in that corresponding order were 79.12 ± 14.5, 395.43 ± 12.37, 319.16 ± 29.99, and 1018.07 ± 108.92 μg/cm² (for TMP), and 39.34 ± 1.31, 202.81 ± 53.56, 715.47 ± 75.52, and 1088.60 ± 53.90 μg/cm² (for BN), respectively, which indicated that the use of MN-ITP greatly enhanced transdermal TMP and BN delivery compared to the other groups. The AUC_0-t for the combined use of TMP and BN drugs was measured using two in vivo studies, cutaneous microdialysis and pharmacodynamic, yielding increased folds of 3.69 and 1.98 in ITP, 6.05 and 2.73 in MN, and 12.43 and 7.47 in MN-ITP groups, respectively, as compared to those in the passive group. In addition, the combined use of TMP and BN increased TMP distribution in the heart and the brain, indicated by TMP C_max of 1.76- and 1.59-fold higher (p < 0.05), and TMP AUC_0-t of 1.50 times and 1.19-fold higher (p < 0.01), than with administration of TMP in absence of BN, respectively. The brain infarction area and IL-β expression in the MCAO rat were significantly decreased in the MN-ITP group, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, combination of MN and ITP resulted in a synergistic enhancement of transdermal delivery and distribution of TMP in the brain, when in combination with BN, thereby significantly decreasing the infarct volumes and improving the neurological scores of MCAO.

Reinterventions after freestyle stentless aortic valve replacement: an assessment of procedural risks

OBJECTIVES

Repeat aortic valve interventions after previous stentless aortic valve replacement (AVR) are considered technically challenging with an increased perioperative risk, especially after full-root replacement. We analysed our experience with reinterventions after stentless AVR.

METHODS

A total of 75 patients with previous AVR using a Freestyle stentless bioprosthesis (31 subcoronary, 15 root-inclusion and 29 full-root replacement) underwent reintervention in our centre from 1993 until December 2018. Periprocedural data were retrospectively collected from the department database and follow-up data were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Median age was 62 years (interquartile range 47-72 years). Indications for reintervention were structural valve deterioration (SVD) in 47, non-SVD in 13 and endocarditis in 15 patients. Urgent surgery was required in 24 (32%) patients. Reinterventions were surgical AVR in 16 (21%), root replacement in 51 (68%) and transcatheter AVR in 8 (11%) patients. Early mortality was 9.3% (n = 7), but decreased to zero in the past decade in 28 patients undergoing elective reoperation. Per indication, early mortality was 9% for SVD, 8% for non-SVD and 13% for endocarditis. Aortic root replacement had the lowest early mortality rate (6%), followed by surgical AVR (13%) and transcatheter AVR (25%, 2 patients with coronary artery obstruction). Pacemaker implantation rate was 7%. Overall survival rate at 10 years was 69% (95% confidence interval 53-81%).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat aortic valve interventions after stentless AVR carry an increased, but acceptable, early mortality risk. Transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures after stentless AVR require careful consideration of prosthesis leaflet position to prevent obstruction of the coronary arteries.

Buried intramedullary implants for paediatric forearm fractures. Does the refracture rate improve?

INTRODUCTION

Unstable forearm fractures may require surgical management by reduction and osteosynthesis with intramedullary needles. This fixation should be removed early if it has been left exposed, but this could increase the risk of refracture in a bone in the period of remodelling. As an alternative we can keep the needles, buried subcutaneously, for a longer time, to protect the bone callus.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether there are differences between using exposed needles with respect to burying them in paediatric patients with forearm fractures. Our hypothesis is that by burying the needles we keep them longer by reducing forearm refractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a cohort of 75 paediatric patients with a forearm fracture between 2010 and 2016. Demographic data, surgical technique, complications and patient follow-up were collected.

RESULTS

The implants were left exposed in 50 patients and 25 buried. The average time of removal of the exposed implants was 6.8weeks and 17.6weeks in the buried ones. No significant differences were found in terms of consolidation (P=.19) or immobilization time (P=.22). Regarding refractures, a greater number was observed in the exposed osteosynthesis group (4patients) compared to only one case with buried osteosynthesis, but there were no significant differences (P=.49). No postsurgical complications were detected and the functionality was excellent at the end of the follow-up in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Leaving implants buried in relation to skin exposed does not cause a decrease in the number of refractures or other complications, with adequate patient functionality in both cases.

Percutaneous Release of the Finger Joints and Mini-Open Intrinsic Release With Tenolysis: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive distal intrinsic release and extensor tenolysis combined with percutaneous release of proximal and distal interphalangeal joint collateral ligaments.

METHODS

The procedures were performed on 5 cadaveric upper extremity specimens, followed by a full anatomical dissection to assess completeness of the targeted releases and any damage to surrounding structures.

RESULTS

Complete distal intrinsic release, dorsal capsule release, and distal interphalangeal collateral ligament release was performed on all specimens. We achieved complete release of all proximal interphalangeal joint collateral ligaments in 38 of 40 specimens (95%). We noted damage to nontargeted structures in 2 instances (5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive and percutaneous techniques can effectively release several structures known to cause finger stiffness with minimal damage to surrounding structures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

If similar results are seen in clinical trials, this could be a quick and easy way to increase the mobility of a stiff finger with potentially minimal morbidity.

Percutaneous Pinning for Fracture Repair in Dogs and Cats

This article describes the technique of percutaneous pinning in dogs and cats. Only acute fractures evaluated within the first 48 hours after trauma are selected for percutaneous pinning. Reduction is performed with careful manipulation of the fracture to minimize the trauma to the growth plate. After ensuring the fracture is reduced anatomically, smooth pins of appropriate size are inserted through stab incisions or through large-gauge needles. Depending on the anatomic location, the pins are cut flush with the bone or bent over. The main advantages of this technique are the minimal surgical trauma and lower perioperative morbidity.

Percutaneous Plate Arthrodesis

Arthrodesis is an elective surgical procedure that aims at eliminating pain and dysfunction by promoting deliberate osseous fusion of the involved joint(s). Percutaneous plating can be used to perform carpal and tarsal arthrodeses in dogs and cats. After cartilage debridement is performed, the plate is introduced through separate plate insertion incisions made remote to the arthrodesis site and advanced along an epiperiosteal tunnel, and screws are inserted through the 3 existing skin incisions. The primary advantage of this technique is a decreased risk of soft-tissue complications, including postoperative swelling, ischemia, and wound dehiscence. Preliminary clinical results have been promising.

Comparison of pedicle screw misplacement following open vs. percutaneous dorsal instrumentation after traumatic spinal fracture

OBJECTIVE

Dorsal stabilization is a frequently used procedure in the treatment of acute traumatic vertebral body fractures. Besides the traditional open surgical procedure, the percutaneous positioning of pedicle screws is now widely used. The aim of the current study is to compare pedicle screw misplacement following open vs. percutaneous dorsal instrumentation after traumatic spinal fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine and to assess possible risk factors associated with pedicle screw misplacement.

METHODS

All patients who suffered a traumatic spinal fracture that were treated with dorsal stabilization in our level I trauma center in the period from 01/2007 to 03/2014 were included in this retrospective therapeutic cohort study. From 01/2007 to 06/2009, an open surgical procedure was used, and from 06/2009 to 03/2014, the percutaneous procedure was used for all types of fractures. Retrospectively, the positioning of every single pedicle screw was evaluated in the post-operative computed tomography scan and classified. Epidemiological data were also documented to compare the two treatment groups.

RESULTS

A total of 491 patients with 681 vertebral body fractures were included. Of 733 pedicle screws placed during the open surgery procedure, 96.0% were within the safe zone. There was no significant difference compared with pedicle screws placed percutaneously (95.3% of 1884 screws). In all other categories, the number of misplaced pedicle screws also showed no differences between the two treatment groups. There is a positive correlation between pedicle screw misplacement and duration of the operation. Most pedicle screws are misplaced at the levels T12, L1 and T7, T8.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows that percutaneous surgery using dorsal stabilization allows the positioning of pedicle screws in an equivalently safe manner compared with an open surgical procedure in the acute care of spinal trauma.

Lower lumbar vertebra size and anatomic variation: An Anatomo-Radiologic Study

INTRODUCTION

In routine practice, it is often necessary to use shorter screws in L5 than L4. The present study measured L5 versus L4 vertebral pedicles, to guide surgical strategy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

CT or MRI scans for 95 patients were analyzed. Radiographic measurements (anteroposterior diameter (APD), pedicle length (PL) and pedicle width (PW)) were taken by a spine surgeon. Statistical analysis used R 3.4.3 software.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were included: 48 female (50.53%), 47 male (49.47%); mean age, 57 years (range, 19-85 years). Univariate analysis found a strong correlation between right and left PL values in L4 and L5. Right and left values were pooled, obtaining a mean L4 PL of 55.34mm (range, 54.23-56.45mm) and L5 PL of 51.80mm (44.81-58.80) and L4 PW of 10.48mm (10.06-10.91) and L5 PW of 9.90mm (7.43-12.39). Multivariate analysis disclosed significant effects of age and gender, with greater age and male gender associated with greater anteroposterior vertebral diameter. Mean anteroposterior vertebral length was significantly shorter in L5 than L4 by 3.57mm (range, 4.08-3.06mm).

DISCUSSION

Anteroposterior pedicle length was shorter in L5 than L4, in line with the literature. This answers the surgeon's question: "Should pedicle screws be shorter in L5 than L4?". From these results, it seems logical to use an L5 screw that is 5mm shorter than in L4, to secure good intra-body screw fixation.