PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

I Taggart

Publications and source records attributed to I Taggart.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Are burns photographs useful?

UNLABELLED: Routine photography of all patients admitted to the West of Scotland Regional Burns Unit was introduced in 2003. To date, there are few burns units to evaluate the usefulness of photographs taken. AIM: To assess the usefulness of photographs of patients admitted to the burns unit to various members of the multidisciplinary team. METHOD: A questionnaire was completed by hospital staff involved in the management of burns patients over a 3-month period. A total of 43 questionnaires were completed. RESULTS: The majority of questionnaires were completed by nursing staff (55%) followed by medical staff (23%); physiotherapy (5%); anaesthetists (7%); theatre staff (5%); students (2%); dietician (2%). About 98% of respondents agreed that photographs were useful overall, particularly for teaching purposes. About 9% disagreed that photographs were useful for assessment due to difficulty in assessing depth of burn. About 72% agreed that the photographs were useful for patient management and improve patient care. About 88% agreed that all patients should have photographs available in future. Advantages of photographs include; moving and handling of patients; patient positioning in theatre; reviewing wound healing and complications. They are useful for assessing site, size and type of burn. Disadvantages include difficulty in assessing depth of burn, technical factors, and unavailability out of hours. CONCLUSIONS: Photographs of burns patients are useful overall to all members of the multidisciplinary team.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2001

The influence of crosslinking agents and diamines on the pore size, morphology and the biological stability of collagen sponges and their effect on cell penetration through the sponge matrix.

Artificial skin substitutes based on autologous keratinocytes cultured on collagen substrata are being developed for treating patients with severe burns. The properties of the collagen substrate can be manipulated, for example, by crosslinking, to optimize desirable properties such as cell growth and penetration into the substrate, biological stability and mechanical strength. Collagen sponges crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDAC) and the diamine, diaminohexane, were used to determine the effect of crosslinking on pore size and morphology, on the stability of the crosslinked sponges both in cell culture media and during incubation with collagenase, and on the penetration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts through the sponge matrix. Crosslinking of the sponges reduced the pore size, particularly at the surface, and altered sponge morphology. After crosslinking the collagen fibers were thinner, and appeared lacy and delicate. Crosslinking also influenced sponge stability. In keratinocyte serum-free medium the pore size of plain collagen sponges increased with increasing incubation time, and crosslinking appeared to prevent this, and may have stabilized sponge structure. Incubation in serum-containing Dulbecco's minimum essential medium caused a marked reduction in pore size in both plain collagen and crosslinked collagen sponges. Crosslinking did not appear to influence this cell-free contraction of collagen sponges. Treatment of sponges with EDAC markedly increased the resistance of sponges to collagenase digestion. The penetration of both keratinocytes and fibroblasts was retarded by crosslinking the sponges. Fibroblasts penetrated through the sponges to a greater extent than keratinocytes, and their proliferation rate was faster. The total number of cells populating the crosslinked sponges after 10 days culture was approximately 50% of that on untreated collagen sponges. The mechanism responsible for this effect was different with the two crosslinkers used. Diaminohexane appeared to inhibit cell growth, whereas EDAC may have caused a decrease in cell adhesion to the sponges, without an apparent inhibition of growth rate. In terms of morphology, fibroblasts were elongated to a greater extent on crosslinked sponges, and alligned themselves along the collagen fibers. Keratinocytes grew in colonies on untreated sponges, but on crosslinked sponges they grew in isolation, with minimal cell-cell interactions. It may be necessary to reach a compromise to obtain the best combination of properties for using collagen sponges as substrata for artificial skin substitutes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Successful free flap transfer following venous thrombectomy in recipient vessel.

We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient who suffered a high velocity multiple trauma with bilateral open tibial fractures. At definitive orthopaedic and plastic surgical reconstruction 5 days post initial trauma, he was found peroperatively to have an existing deep venous thrombosis in his popliteal vein on one side. He underwent venous thrombectomy and had subsequent successful latissimus dorsi flap transfer using the unblocked popliteal vein as a recipient vessel.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1999

Use of tissue glue in field situations.

Tissue glues are in widespread use in Accident & Emergency departments, and are simple to use. Results of closure of uncomplicated wounds using glue are comparable to traditional methods such as suture, 'sterile strips'. There are certain times in the field situation where evacuation of a casualty with a simple laceration could be impossible. These circumstances could be suitable for an individual suitably trained to effect wound closure using a tissue glue. This study simply set out to establish whether it was possible to train an infantry soldier how and when to close a wound using a tissue glue. A short period of instruction was followed by a practical session using wound simulators. It was found that the theoretical concepts and practical skills required to successfully glue a simulated wound were readily acquired by infantry soldiers, irrespective of their previous level of first aid training. The authors suggest that this concept should be pursued with the aim of field trials of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives being carried out.

Cyanoacrylates↗
PubMed1995

A pigmented lesion clinic: analysis of the first year's 1055 patients.

The Pigmented Lesion Clinic (PLC) at Frenchay Hospital was started in January 1993 to deal rapidly and effectively with a growing number of referrals of suspicious pigmented lesions. Its objectives were to offer expert assessment and either reassurance or excision at the first PLC following referral by the patient's general practitioner. During 1993, 1055 patients were seen in 37 PLCs and 357 excision biopsies were performed. We have compared the Breslow thicknesses of malignant melanomas diagnosed from the PLCs with those of all other (non-PLC) malignant melanomas referred to our unit over the same period. We discuss the development and results of the first year of our PLC and the advantages it confers.

Cancer Care Facilities↗
PubMed1995

Mammography and breast implants.

Mammography in the presence of breast implants is complicated by the opacity of the implants, the displacement of breast tissue by the implant, and the presence of secondary changes such as calcification within a fibrous capsule. A special technique of mammography, known as the displacement technique, has been developed by Eklund in the USA, where it is widely used. The displacement technique of X-ray mammography has been shown to provide superior results to the standard compression method. We conducted a telephone survey of 23 mammography units in order to assess mammographic practice in the United Kingdom for the patient with breast implants. We found a wide variation in practice. There was a general lack of awareness of the displacement technique and of its advantages. Only 4 mammography units in our sample (17.4%) used the displacement technique.

Breast Implants↗
PubMed1994

Corneal burns with eyelid sparing and their treatment.

In a flash injury the eyes are protected by the blink reflex. With our patients the eyes were open looking for a means of escape, exposing the globe to injury by hot smoke and protecting the eyelids. It is essential to examine the eyes in any facial burn, especially if there is any history of being injured in an enclosed space. If there are any signs of corneal injuries then the assistance of an ophthalmologist should be sought.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Penetrating abdominal stab wounds: a plea for a more conservative policy.

This is a retrospective study of 107 penetrating abdominal stab wounds which have been reviewed on the basis of the clinical indications for surgery. Eighty-four patients underwent laparotomy. The unnecessary laparotomy rate was 35 per cent and the mortality 2.4 per cent. Important complications developed in 44 per cent of those undergoing surgery. Evaluation of clinical variables is presented and it is suggested that in the absence of shock, generalized peritonitis or evisceration, careful initial assessment, monitoring and regular re-examination would be a satisfactory method of treatment for many cases. This would result in a decrease in unnecessary laparotomies and associated excess morbidity.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1989

Effect of intravenous naftidrofuryl on transcutaneous oxygen pressure in severe peripheral vascular disease.

Intravenous naftidrofuryl has been shown to improve transcutaneous oxygen pressure values in patients with severe ischemia of the lower limbs who were considered unsuitable for reconstructive surgery. Although it did not alter the outcome in patients with rest pain, the clinical impression is that it afforded symptomatic relief for a period of time. Clinical implications of these findings require further long-term studies.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Endoscopic transaxillary subglandular breast augmentation using silicone gel textured implants.

We present our experience with endoscopic transaxillary subglandular breast augmentation using textured silicon gel implants. Fourteen implants were placed in seven patients through a 4 cm axillary incision, in a subglandular pocket, with the help of a 10 mm, 30 degrees endoscope with a subcutaneous retractor and endoscopic diathermy. The implant was inserted with the help of a plastic bag. No drains were left in place. The duration of the procedure was 1 h 30 min in the most recent cases. Bleeding during surgery was kept to a minimum, and there were no complications such as capsular contracture, hematoma, or hypertrophic scar. Infection occurred in one implant and it was necessary to extract it. This technique is an excellent tool for patients requiring subglandular implants who prefer a distant incision. It provides good control over dissection and allows the use of silicone gel implants, thus avoiding the risk of deflation. In addition, recovery is faster and there is less bruising and pain.

Breast Implantation↗