Clinical experience with thoracoscopic TMR versus minimally invasive approach.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J G Vincent.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Dysregulation of serotonergic function has been associated with aggression in several studies involving children, adolescents, and adults. This study investigated the relationship of platelet serotonergic measures to conduct disorder type, severity of aggression, and social skills impairment. Standardized assessments of diagnosis, aggression, impulsivity, and social skills were obtained from 43 male adolescents (ages 13-17) incarcerated at an involuntary residential treatment facility for juvenile offenders. Blood samples were collected and assayed for whole blood serotonin (5-HT) and platelet [3H]-paroxetine-labeled 5-HT-transporter binding. Whole blood 5-HT was higher in adolescents with conduct disorder, childhood type than in subjects with conduct disorder, adolescent type. Whole blood 5-HT was positively correlated with violence rating of the current offense and total offense points, and staff ratings of social skills impairment. Our findings are consistent with a relationship between 5-HT dysregulation and aggressive behavior in incarcerated adolescent boys with conduct disorder, particularly of childhood onset.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the short and mid-term efficacy of the Transmyocardial High Power CO2 Laser Revascularisation (TMLR) as a last resource method for end-stage coronary disease patients. METHOD AND PATIENTS: The High Power CO2 Laser 800 W Heart Laser (PLC Medical Systems) was used since February 1994 to treat 268 patients. In 52% of the cases (140) the indication for TMLR treatment was virtual inoperability by the classical bypass revascularisation. In the other 128 patients (48%), where only an incomplete revascularisation was expected, the TMLR was combined with a feasible bypass revascularisation (CABG). Of all patients, 71% were operated on 1-5 times before and or treated by several percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). All patients were sufferers of angina pectoris and most were classified Canadian Cardiac Society (CCS) 3-4, despite the maximal medical treatment. The ejection fraction was normal in 13% of patients only, and in 47% of them it was below 40% (10-68%). RESULTS: The operation itself was generally well tolerated. We lost only one patient at the table. The hospital survival was 89.2%; 88.2% in the combined group and 90.3% in the TMLR only group. After the routine follow up screening 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (262 patients--131 TMLR and 131 TMRL/CABG), 40% of the TMLR patients upgraded into the functional class CCS 0-1; the combined group of patients scored up even in 84%. All considering their quality of life to be 'better than years ago'. The ergometry stress test, impossible for most of them before, became feasible and better in 80% of the patients. In the follow up period of the combined group, another 6 (4.7%), and in the TMLR only group, 12 (9.4%) patients died. CONCLUSION: The short and middle term results of this--until now the largest single institution series of TMLR treated patients--were that patients almost without exception were refused for any kind of surgery by several other centres; this shows an acceptable survival rate and a surprising level of pain relief, increased activity and better quality of life then ever expected. In our experience, TMLR is a suitable method for treatment of end stage coronary disease, if all standard measures, medical therapy, PTCA and redo coronary revascularisation possibilities are exhausted. The favourable results imply the question as to whether this method will become an alternative for a second bypass operation in the future. The TMLR as an alternative for heart transplant is already a reality for some of our patients.
The effects of wrapping the internal mammary artery in Gore-Tex surgical membrane on the formation of adhesions were investigated. In seven goats both internal mammary arteries were dissected free from the thoracic wall. In six goats the internal mammary arteries were wrapped in Gore-Tex surgical membrane. In the remaining animal both arteries were removed and used as controls. After 6 months the goats were reoperated and it was found that the wrapped segments of all arteries were completely free of adhesions, whereas the non-wrapped segments showed severe adhesion formation. Histologic examination could not detect differences between the wrapped arteries and the controls. One of the 12 wrapped arteries was occluded by a longer existing thrombus, which is attributed to the surgical technique and the fact that postoperatively no anticoagulation was given. The beneficial effect of the use of Gore-Tex surgical membrane on the prevention of adhesion formation is excellent and this implies that it could be used in coronary artery bypass operations, thus reducing the chance of damage to the bypass in case of reoperation.
Between 1972 and 1987, 192 patients have been operated upon for pectus excavatum of which 152 patients were included in the study (79%). Mean age at operation was 15.3 +/- 5.5 years; 117 were male. Mean follow-up was 8.1 +/- 3.6 years. The deformity was noted before the age of 5 in 90%. Type I symmetrical and localized deformity was seen in 33.2%, type II symmetrical but diffuse depression in 23.7% and type III localized or diffuse asymmetrical deformity in 43.1%. It was considered severe in 68.9%, fair in 16.9% and mild in 14.2%. There were significantly more asymmetrical defects in the older age groups. The operation consisted of subperichondral chondrectomy, transverse sternotomy and division of the intercostal bundles at the outer limit of the chondrectomy and suturing the edge of this broad sheet of muscle and perichondrium to the anterior surface of the chest wall more laterally and under tension, elevating and stabilizing the sternum. Results were satisfactory in 83.6% (excellent 44.1%, good 39.5%). Results were not significantly influenced by age, sex, severity, type, symmetry, the extent of cartilage resection or follow-up. Results were inversely influenced by the occurrence of wound problems. The optimal age for operation is considered to be between 5 and 10 years. Both physical as well as psychological cosmetic factors may serve as an indication for operation.
Reconstructive surgery was performed in a 57-year old woman in whom initially the left coronary artery had originated from the pulmonary trunk, producing progressive symptoms of congestive heart failure. Recurrence of shunting was documented by Doppler echocardiography and contrast angiography, necessitating a second surgical intervention 17 months after the first procedure.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The diagnosis of aortopulmonary window may be problematical. In 7 patients who had undergone operative closure of an aortopulmonary window the diagnostic and operative techniques, the operative findings, and the postoperative course were retrospectively determined. It appeared that the diagnosis is difficult and that cardiac catheterization with angiocardiography is the most accurate diagnostic technique. Good results of operative correction depend on the timing of the operation (preferably before the first year of life), the operative technique, and the severity of additional anomalies of the heart and great vessels. Delay of surgical correction leads to pulmonary hypertension, caused by irreversible pulmonary vascular disease.
Between 1975 en 1988, 16 patients underwent pulmonary embolectomy because of massive pulmonary embolism. Three of these patients, in whom shock and cardiac arrest had occurred prior to operation, died. The role of surgery in the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism is a topical issue, also in view of the rise of thrombolytic therapy and its acceptable results. For patients whose haemodynamic condition deteriorates in spite of thrombolytic treatment and for patients in whom thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated, pulmonary embolectomy remains an effective form of treatment.
When complete revascularization cannot be obtained with the internal mammary artery and greater and lesser saphenous veins, the inferior epigastric artery may be an excellent alternative conduit. We describe our experience with this conduit, review the anatomy of this artery, and present our harvesting technique.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Using the technique of in vitro receptor autoradiography to slide-mounted tissue sections, we studied the suitability of [3H]-YM-09151-2 as a ligand for labeling D-2 receptors in adult F344 rat brains. Specific [3H]-YM-09151-2 binding accounted for 70-80% of the total bound ligand and reached equilibrium after a 60-90 minute incubation. Scatchard analysis revealed a Kd of 626 pM. The apparent Bmax was 23.2 fmol/tissue section. Autoradiographs demonstrated high grain densities in the striatum and olfactory tubercle. Diffuse specific binding was also observed in the cortex.
Lacerations of the inferior vena cava resulting from blunt external trauma are relatively rare, but extremely serious. The high lethality is due to the difficulty in diagnosis and technical problems with repair, particularly if the injury is located above the renal veins. During a 12-month period seven patients with inferior vena cava laceration were seen, of whom two presented with laceration of the inferior vena cava above the diaphragm. Both had a deceleration injury while wearing seatbelts. The clinical presentation was similar. The etiology is discussed. Caval continuity should be repaired because acute sudden occlusion at the suprahepatic level is incompatible with survival. Median sternotomy is advised, moreover it provides good exposure for eventual cannulation.
The long-term effect of two surgical techniques for repair of coarctation of the aorta in infancy, namely, resection and end-to-end anastomosis (RETE) and subclavian flap angioplasty (SFA) on the blood supply of the upper left limb, was quantified by Doppler spectrum analysis of blood flow velocities in the left brachial artery at rest and during postocclusive reactive hyperemia. Twenty-three patients participated in this study: nine patients after SFA (median age, 8 years), 14 patients after RETE (median age, 8 years), and 10 control subjects (median age, 9.5 years). At rest, a highly significant decrease of blood flow velocities in the left brachial artery was measured in all patients of the SFA group compared with those of the RETE and control groups, as documented by various Doppler spectrum parameters: maximal frequency of advancing curve (p = 0.0001), pulsatility index (p = 0.0005), and resistance index (p = 0.039). During reactive hyperemia, a moderate capacity of physiologic augmentation of blood flow velocities was observed in five patients of the SFA group. This capacity was marginal in two patients with complaints of claudication in the left upper limb during strenuous exercise, which can be related to the number of branches of the left subclavian artery ligated during operation. This study indicates that SFA in infancy may lead to compromised hemodynamics of the upper left limb with potential for symptoms of ischemia during exercise.
A patient treated with curettage and bone grafting for a chondroblastoma of the distal femur sustained a pathologic fracture after a local recurrence. He then underwent a local, radical resection and an arthrodesis of the knee. Ten years after the first operation, pulmonary metastases were found, for which he underwent a metastasectomy (thoracotomy). At the latest follow-up, 1 year later there were no signs of tumor.
Due to the continuous improvement and effectiveness of the chemotherapeutics, the role of the surgical resections of metastases is changing. In the period 1954-1975 we removed from 35 patients 48 metastases, in the period 1976-1985 from 45 patients 102 metastases, while in the period 1986-1989 from 47 patients 200 metastases were removed. The ratio of 1.3 metastasectomy per patient in the first group is corresponding to the 4.5 ratio metastasectomies in the last group. The number of classical lobectomies decreased in favour of the segmental and wedge resections. Based on the case histories of non seminomatous testis tumors, finally an extraanatomical resection of the metastases minimizing all unnecessary waste of functional lung parenchyma became an obvious consequence of this development. Since 1986 we adapted and used the technique of extraanatomical pulmonary resections by electrocautery 92 times. It appeared that appropriate use the cutting and coagulating modality of electrocautery offers a safe, easy, fast, highly efficient and selective tool to divide and distinguish the normal lung parenchyma from the bronchial, vascular and pathologic structures. The cautery condensed surface of the remaining parenchyma is not difficult to control for hemostasis and air leakage and can be easier sutured. In case of doubts or deep intrapulmonal defects the fibrin glue (Tissucol) offers an extra security by sealing the irregular of large defects. The microscopical examination can distinguish on the specimen a thin layer of intact lung parenchyma. The surface of this--similar of the surface of the remaining resection plane--shows a "sealed membrane" of cauterized alveoli, bronchioli or vessels.