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Biomedical subjects

D L Jaffe

Publications and source records attributed to D L Jaffe.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Management of portal hypertension and its complications.

In the setting of chronic liver disease, portal hypertension and its complications pose major challenges in management. Once it develops, portal hypertension is the source of potentially devastating sequelae, including life-threatening hemorrhage, infection, renal failure, and encephalopathy. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions has led to advances in endoscopic, radiologic, medical, and surgical management. The possibility in selected cases of successful amelioration of portal hypertension and its dreaded complications by liver transplantation highlights the importance of timely and careful management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Ascites↗
PubMed1995

Complications of chronic liver disease.

The patient with advanced cirrhosis presents unique challenges to the critical care physician, in great measure because of the protean functions attributable to the liver and the multiplicity of derangements that may occur. Portal hypertension, once it develops, is the source of potentially devastating complications that include life-threatening hemorrhage, infection, renal failure, and coma. Parenchymal disease can result in coagulopathy as well as altered handling of both endogenous (hormones, metabolites) and exogenous (drugs) substances. Cirrhosis also can be complicated by the development of HCC, which may worsen portal hypertension, deplete parenchymal reserves, and result in catastrophic complications. The prospect of cure by liver transplantation in selected cases serves to underscore the importance of prompt and vigilant management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis in the critical care setting.

Ascites↗
PubMed1994

Evolution of mechanical fingerspelling hands for people who are deaf-blind.

People who are both deaf and blind can experience extreme social and informational isolation due to their inability to converse easily with others. To communicate, many of these individuals employ a tactile version of fingerspelling and/or sign language, gesture systems representing letters or words, respectively. These methods are far from ideal, however, as they permit interaction only with others who are in physical proximity, knowledgeable in sign language or fingerspelling, and willing to engage in one of these "hands-on-hands" communication techniques. The problem is further exacerbated by the fatigue of the fingers, hands, and arms during prolonged conversations. Mechanical hands that fingerspell may offer a solution to this communication situation. These devices can translate messages typed at a keyboard in person-to-person communication, receive TDD (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf) telephone calls, and gain access to local and remote computers and the information they contain.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

An ultrasonic head position interface for wheelchair control.

To give quadriplegics independent mobility, a "smart" microprocessor-based electric wheelchair has been developed by the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical Center and Stanford University. Ultrasound distance-ranging technology is employed to track the user's head position in two-dimensional space. These data are then used to determine the chair's direction and speed. A working prototype vehicle using this type of motion control has been successfully demonstrated. Obstacle detection, wall-following, and cruise control modes are other implemented features of the current design.

Electronics, Medical↗