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Biomedical subjects

David Groves

Publications and source records attributed to David Groves.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Temporary sympathectomy in the treatment of chronic refractory angina.

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the two most commonly practiced temporary sympathectomy techniques in the treatment of chronic refractory angina. Fifty-nine consecutive refractory angina patients commencing outpatient temporary sympathectomy from November 1, 2000 to November 1, 2002, were prospectively audited for duration of pain relief and procedural complications over a two-year period. A total of 227 stellate ganglion blockades (SGB) and 100 paravertebral blockades (PVB) were performed on 59 chronic refractory angina (CRA) patients naïve to sympathectomy. The mean period of pain relief obtained following SGB was 3.48 weeks (SD 3.38) and the mean relief following PVB was 2.80 weeks (SD 2.00). Mild, fully reversible complications occurred in 3% of SGB and 3% of PVB procedures, with one patient requiring overnight hospitalization. This study demonstrates that temporary sympathectomy may provide a safe and effective outpatient procedure in refractory angina patients when applied as part of holistic care.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

In vivo force during arterial interventional radiology needle puncture procedures.

To adequately simulate the forces generated during interventional radiological (IR) procedures, non intrusive in-vivo methods must be used. Using finger tip mounted, non intrusive capacitance force sensor pads (PPS, Los Angeles, California) we have been able to measure the forces involved in interventional radiology without a change in procedure technique. Data acquired during the process of calibration of the capacitance pads in conjunction with extensive in-vitro needle puncture force measurement using a commercially available tensile tester (Nene Industries, UK) are presented here.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2005

Impairment in work productivity and health-related quality of life in patients with IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term and episodic medical disorder shown to have an impact on work productivity and health-related quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of IBS on work productivity and on health-related QOL in an employed population in the United States and to quantify the cost of these factors to the employer. A 2-phase survey was sent to the workforce of a large US bank to assess the presence of IBS among employees and to measure their work productivity (absenteeism [time lost from work] and presenteeism [reduced productivity at work]) and health-related QOL. Forty-one percent of the 1776 employees responding to both phases of the survey met the Rome II criteria for IBS. Employees with IBS reported a 15% greater loss in work productivity because of gastrointestinal symptoms than employees without IBS and had significantly lower Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores than those without IBS. IBS was associated with a 21% reduction in work productivity, equivalent to working less than 4 days in a 5-day workweek. Employees with IBS also had significantly lower scores on all domains of the SF-36, indicating poorer functional outcomes. Reduced work productivity and diminished QOL of these magnitudes may have substantial financial impact on employers.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2002

Functional assessment of heart rate variability: physiological basis and practical applications.

The autonomic nervous system dynamically controls the response of the body to a range of external and internal stimuli, providing physiological stability in the individual. With the progress of information technology, it is now possible to explore the functioning of this system reliably and non-invasively using comprehensive and functional analysis of heart rate variability. This method is already an established tool in cardiology research, and is increasingly being used for a range of clinical applications. This review describes the theoretical basis and practical applications for this emerging technique.

Autonomic Nervous System↗
PubMed2002

Training costs and investment payback of implementing molecular diagnostics for identification of vancomycin resistant enterococci in a clinical microbiology laboratory.

Molecular diagnostics may be a more efficient method to manage resources; but most Microbiology laboratories have not introduced them into routine use due to the specialized training required. Using vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) screening during a comparison of a multiplex PCR (MPCR) and conventional biochemical testing (CBT) we studied 3 objectives: 1) to develop a molecular diagnostics in-house training program, 2) to assess the training program outcomes for competency and confidence, and 3) to determine laboratory payback. A training program for 14 technologists using multiple adult learning methods was implemented. Methods to minimize technical errors were introduced and included: use of a calibrated loop to deliver sample; prealiquotting reagents; increasing volume of specimen; addition of gel loading dye directly into reaction tubes; and establishment of an equivocal zone. In our laboratory MPCR costs $7.06 less than CBT, therefore the payback period for training and implementation would be approximately 3 years.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗