Biomedical subjects

G D Hermann

Publications and source records attributed to G D Hermann.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Clinical assessment of a radiolucent cushion for mammography.

PURPOSE: To determine whether use of a radiolucent cushion could significantly decrease pain during screening mammography without compromising image quality or other technical factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 838 patients presenting for routine screening mammography were evaluated. The radiolucent cushions were placed on the compression surfaces of the mammographic equipment and were used while imaging the right breast. No pads were used while imaging the left breast. Patient age, hormonal status, compression force, and radiation dose values were collected on all patients. Each subject completed a visual analog pain scale (VAS) rating the degree of pain experienced with and without the cushions. All mammographic images obtained (CC and MLO views) were compared, side by side (cushioned versus non-cushioned) by the readers. RESULTS: Use of radiolucent cushions reduced pain by 10% or more in 66% (555/838) of women. Patients in this "benefited group" experienced an average pain reduction of 53%. No compromise of image quality was observed. Compression force and radiation dose values were highly correlated between the cushioned and non-cushioned sides. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of women experienced a significant reduction of pain when the radiolucent cushions were used during mammography. Pain reduction was accomplished without any clinically significant change in compression force, radiation dose values, or image quality.

Humans↗

PubMed2001

Transballoon trocar insertion during preperitoneal hernia repair.

Trocar insertion during laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) can be troublesome because the space into which the trocars are inserted is smaller than that available for transabdominal approaches. Insertion of the trocars directly into the balloon used to dissect the preperitoneal space can facilitate this process. The insertion of a 5-mm trocar into the balloon does not usually result in balloon deflation, and a second trocar can be placed into the balloon as well. Removing the balloon, despite the trocars inside it, is straightforward, allowing the placement of a cannula at the balloon insertion site and initiation of the hernia repair.

Hernia, Ventral↗

PubMed1996

Endoscopic technique for subfascial perforating vein interruption.

Surgical treatment of incompetent perforating veins of the lower leg performed openly carries considerable morbidity associated with wound healing. Newer minimally invasive techniques offer an effective treatment alternative that avoids the lengthy incisions of the classical subfascial ligation techniques. The authors report a simple and quick two-port endoscopic method for clipping incompetent perforating veins of the lower leg using commonly available endoscopic instrumentation. The technique is unique in its use of a balloon dissector to rapidly establish the subfascial working space.

Endoscopes↗

PubMed1990

The guide-eye ureteral access system.

Equipping ureteral instruments with the guide-eye feature has expanded the instrumentation options available to urologists. The guide-eye facilitates repetitive instrument access, allows coordinated instrument combinations, and enhances sequential placement of a series of instruments. We believe this concept increases the safety and efficacy of our present instruments and clearly encourages innovative designs for the future.

Catheterization↗

PubMed1988

Assessment of transmural force during application of vascular occlusive devices.

An in vivo system was established whereby the transmural forces exerted across the arterial wall during vascular occlusion were directly measured. Evaluation of various currently available vascular occlusive devices was conducted and transmural force transmission data were recorded. The clamps were classified according to their mechanical design characteristics. The magnitude of force required to obtain cessation of distal flow varied significantly among devices of differing mechanical design but correlated well when compared with clamps of similar design. This information was then compared with graded analysis of the degree of intimal injury created by these specific devices as assessed with scanning electron microscopy. The amount of transmural force exerted by each individual device correlated with the grade of intimal injury created by that device. We conclude that fundamental clamp design dictates the magnitude of applied transmural force, that force and the vectors of the application of that force are directly responsible for the degree of resultant intimal injury, and that the intima appears to possess an injury threshold of approximately 5 x 10(4) dynes/cm2. Intimal injury may determine success or failure of vascular surgical procedures; therefore it is prudent to seek the least traumatic means of vascular occlusion.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

A new vascular clamp.

A new vascular clamp called the occluder pad is described. It has significant utility when used in a variety of anatomic sites in either normal or diseased vessels. It possesses suitable tractive and occlusive forces while minimizing the mechanical forces applied to the vessel walls.

Constriction↗

PubMed1984

Coaxial balloon dilation and calibration of urethral strictures.

New coaxial balloon dilators with standard urologic tip configurations have been designed for use in urethral strictures. Balloon dilatation provides several advantages over conventional dilatation of strictures including improved access and decreased mucosal trauma due to a low silhouette, adjustability of diameter and rigidity, decreased instrumentation, and facilitation of intermittent self-dilation by the patient. The instruments were evaluated in 51 strictures (41 patients) as both a dilator and a calibrator. All catheters were located across the stricture easily (although two required filiform attachments). All clinical goals were achieved, and no complications were identified. Two patients were started on a program of intermittent self-dilation after internal urethrotomy with good results. It is our initial clinical impression that slow, gradual dilation of strictures is superior to rapid, abrupt dilation. This can only be practically achieved with balloon dilators.

Adult↗