Biomedical subjects

R O Schultz

Publications and source records attributed to R O Schultz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

Experimental prosthetic vein valve. Long-term results.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a disease that carries significant morbidity and represents a sizeable burden to the health care system. Current medical and surgical therapies are associated with a high incidence of failure. This has prompted the development of a synthetic vein valve for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Nine dogs underwent the implantation of ten valves into the femoral veins. Initial studies showed the valves to be competent and patent. However, over a two-year period dense ingrowth of intimal hyperplasia rendered the valves functionless.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Corneal ablations produced by the neodymium doped yttrium-lithium-fluoride picosecond laser.

This study examines corneal ablations produced by the neodymium doped yttrium-lithium-fluoride (Nd:YLF) picosecond laser. The laser delivers a 1-KHz, 40-ps pulsed, 1,053-nm wavelength beam (with energy measured in microjoules) to a 15-microns diameter spot size. The ablation mechanism is by plasma formation, which generates acoustic shock waves. Using enucleated rabbit (n = 25) and human donor eyes (n = 29), corneas were examined after tissue ablation at energies ranging from 40 to 300 microJ per pulse with various programmed ablation depths and patterns. The histologic data were collected using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The tissue effects and Nd:YLF laser functions studied were ablation thresholds, cutting ability, programmed ablation depth accuracy, and acute endothelial effects. Our study showed histologic ablation thresholds for the following human corneal layers: epithelium = 7.15 +/- 0.05 x 10(11) W/cm2 (34.1 +/- 8.1 J/cm2 per pulse, 50 microJ per pulse); Bowman's layer = 1.33 +/- 0.29 x 10(12) W/cm2 (58.5 +/- 3.3 J/cm2 per pulse, 100-110 microJ per pulse); stroma and endothelium = 7.10 x 10(11) W/cm2 (28.4 J/cm2 per pulse, 50 microJ per pulse). Depth of corneal ablation was found to be directly related to energy and independent of programmed ablation depth. This study shows the endothelial loss in rabbit corneas by energy beams (50 microJ per pulse) focused 100 microns from this layer.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

The mechanism of ablation of corneal tissue by the neodymium doped yttrium-lithium-fluoride picosecond laser.

This study examines the structural changes in cornea resulting from plasma formation and propagated acoustic shock waves produced by the neodymium doped yttrium-lithium-fluoride (Nd:YLF) picosecond laser. Human donor eyes and enucleated rabbit eyes were subjected to various ablation patterns at energies ranging from 40 to 300 microJ per pulse. Two distinctly different patterns were produced depending on the location of initial plasma formation. Plasmas initiated at the corneal surface produced smooth, straight-edged ablations of corneal tissue that consisted of collagen fibril fragmentation, fibril organizational disruption, and possible thermal effect observed along the lateral borders and wound apex. The extent of lateral damage was directly related to the energy applied. The range of acute collagen disorganization observed at the ablation edge in rabbit corneas at various pulsed energies was as follows: 50 microJ = 1.0-12 microns, 150 microJ = 3.8-12.5 microns, 250 microJ = 6.2-23.7 microns, and 300 microJ = 7.5-45.0 microns. Plasma formation initiated within the stroma at or above threshold energies (50-150 microJ per pulse) produced an inter- or intralamellar separation effect with little evidence of ablation or collagen fibril fragmentation. Intrastromal plasmas generated from higher energies (200-300 microJ per pulse) produced tissue ablation, along with ablation or disruption of tissue anterior to the intrastromal target area.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Pseudophakia for traumatic cataracts in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the postoperative visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure, and status of the posterior capsule in children with traumatic cataracts who undergo extracapsular cataract extraction and insertion of a posterior chamber lens. METHODS: Extracapsular cataract extraction and primary endocapsular fixation of a posterior chamber lens implant were performed in eight children (age range, 4-17 years) with unilateral traumatic cataracts. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications, and seven of eight eyes achieved 20/40 or greater spectacle visual acuity during an average follow-up interval of 10 months (range, 5-20 months). The average postoperative spherical equivalent refractive error was +0.33 diopter (D) (range, -2.25 to +2.12 D); the average postoperative anisometropia was approximately 1 D (range, 0-2.25 D). In one patient, a coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis developed 10 days after surgery. In three eyes that had opacified posterior capsules, YAG laser capsulotomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that intraocular lens (IOL) implantation may be a safe and effective method of optical correction for children with traumatic cataracts.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Genetic alterations in chronic venous insufficiency.

We have previously reported on the possible role of mitochondrial myopathy with altered respiratory chain function in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. The lymphocytes of twelve individuals, eight with venous insufficiency and four controls were evaluated. The patients were all failures of vein valve transplant, had angiographic grade IV venous insufficiency and biopsy proven type II muscle atrophy in both the upper and lower extremities. All lymphocyte samples underwent mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) restriction enzyme analysis with either Kpn I, Eco RI, Ban HI, and/or Pst I. The analysis of the digested mDNA was performed utilizing Tris/Acetate agarose submarine gel electrophoresis. The patient group demonstrated a 100 to 200 base pair deletion in the mDNA. This preliminary study identifies a possible chromosomal deletion in the human genome which may be responsible for the pathogenesis of chronic venous insufficiency.

Chromosome Deletion↗

PubMed1992

Overview of the corneal toxicity of surgical solutions and drugs: and clinical concepts in corneal edema.

Surgical solutions and drugs are important in ocular surgery. These include irrigating solutions, viscoelastic substances, mydriatics and miotics, and a growing number of other agents designed to enhance intraocular surgery and its outcome. Potential for damage to the corneal endothelium and other tissues is related to the chemical composition, pH, and osmolality of the irrigating solutions that bathe tissues. Quality balanced salt solutions (BSS) are usually safe for use as an intraocular solution in patients with normal corneal endothelium. If prolonged irrigation times are expected, or the patient already has decompensated endothelium, i.e., primary or secondary endotheliopathy, the use of a "complete" BSS solution is indicated to minimize damage. Intraocular sulfite-containing epinephrine may cause severe corneal edema and should be avoided, or if used, be well diluted. Sulfite-free epinephrine solution is now available and does not cause the endothelial toxicity that one may see with sulfite-containing epinephrine solutions. Current formulations of acetylcholine and carbachol used as miotics in surgery have been evaluated in humans and caution is recommended in using acetylcholine solutions intracamerally in patients with already decompensated endothelium. Chondroitin sulfate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and sodium hyaluronate are non-toxic to animal endothelial cells under conditions analogous to cataract extraction in humans but can be toxic to endothelium if there is continued contact with endothelium for hours. Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to have more of a protective effect in mechanical pseudophakos trauma probably because of its cohesiveness and tendency to coat the endothelium. Viscoelastics cause a significant rise in intraocular pressure of > 30 mm Hg in 3-10% of patients. Very high intraocular pressures are often seen postoperatively after viscoelastic use surgically in patients who preoperatively have a history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

Cell Count↗

PubMed1992

The role of viscoelastics, cannulas, and irrigating solution additives in post-cataract surgery corneal edema: a brief review.

Corneal clarity is dependent upon maintenance of the corneal endothelial barrier and pump. Mechanical trauma is usually considered to be the most significant factor in corneal endothelial damage during cataract surgery resulting in postoperative corneal edema. However, corneal decompensation out of proportion to the degree of trauma seen during surgery does occur. These cases of unexpected corneal edema can often be traced to unrecognized preoperative endothelial dysfunction or to toxicity of intraocular medications used during surgery. This paper reviews the role of viscoelastics in reducing surgical trauma, their toxicity, and the risks of toxicity inherent in the use of re-usable cannulas and irrigating solution additives. Disposable cannulas should be used whenever possible. The use of re-usable cannulas with viscoelastics is highly likely to result in toxic residues being introduced onto the eye, and must be avoided. Irrigating solution additives should be tested with in-vitro human donor cornea perfusions prior to clinical use.

Cataract Extraction↗

PubMed1988

Penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy after extracapsular cataract extraction.

Seventeen women underwent simple penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy after extracapsular cataract extraction. Corneal edema occurred an average of eight months after cataract surgery (range, zero to 32 months). Of 17 corneal grafts, 16 (94%) have remained clear during an average follow-up period of 14 months (range, two to 32 months). One eye had a nonimmunologic graft failure. Of 16 eyes with clear grafts, 14 (87%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better after surgery. Two eyes with a visual acuity of 20/50 and 20/200 had opacified posterior capsules and one demonstrated age-related macular degeneration. One eye with a postoperative visual acuity of 20/40 demonstrated cystoid macular edema. Fifteen of 17 contralateral eyes showed slit-lamp evidence of endothelial dystrophy.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Visual-field function in pseudophakia.

An automated perimeter (Octopus 2000) was used to examine visual-field function in 52 pseudophakic eyes. Threshold sensitivity was reduced throughout the visual field by from 0.4 to 20.0 decibels from that of threshold sensitivity in age-matched normal eyes. This reduction was comparable to that seen in contact-lens-corrected aphakic eyes.

Aged↗

PubMed1986

Response of the corneal endothelium to cataract surgery.

Regional changes in endothelial cell density, morphology, and corneal thickness were serially examined with a specular microscope after intracapsular cataract extraction (four eyes), extracapsular cataract extraction (five eyes), and extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation (13 eyes). Regardless of the type of cataract surgery, cell loss and morphologic changes (decreased percentage of hexagonal cells, increased cellular elongation, and increased coefficient of variation) were greatest and occurred within one week in the superior cornea. Similar changes occurred after one month centrally but were minimal inferiorly. Endothelial cell density stabilized, and the morphologic changes resolved within three months in all regions of the cornea. Corneal swelling resolved within one month. Differences between the procedures were noted only in the superior portion of endothelium, where cell loss and morphologic changes were greatest following intracapsular cataract extraction. Also, endothelial wound healing was complete and stable three months after cataract surgery, with or without posterior chamber lens implantation.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Long-term survival of cryopreserved corneal endothelium.

Corneas of five patients who received cryopreserved penetrating grafts 15 years previously were evaluated by regional specular microscopy and computer-assisted morphometric analysis. This technique quantitates changes in cell size and shape as well as cell number. Comparisons were made with five eyes in four patients 15 years after penetrating keratoplasty utilizing fresh grafts. In three patients, fresh and frozen tissue were transplanted in the same host. These examinations showed no difference in structure or function comparing cryopreserved tissue with fresh donor tissue.

Cornea↗

PubMed1985

Changes in the normal corneal endothelial cellular pattern as a function of age.

Human endothelial morphologic changes were quantitated by specular microscopy and computer-assisted morphometry to establish normal baselines of various morphologic parameters. Cellular polymegethism and cellular pleomorphism increases with age, and normal baseline parameters are detailed. Furthermore, no significant difference in any morphologic parameters between the right and left eye and between central and peripheral endothelium was detected in the normal corneas examined. These normal morphologic baselines can possibly be utilized to detect early corneal endothelial pathology and/or cell loss nondetectable by cell density measurement.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1984

Corneal endothelial changes in type I and type II diabetes mellitus.

Forty-six corneas from 25 patients who had had type II (adult-onset) diabetes for more than ten years were examined by specular microscopy with quantitative morphometric analyses of individual endothelial cells. Thirty-four corneas from 21 age-matched nondiabetic subjects were examined for comparison. We also examined 31 corneas from 17 patients with type I (juvenile-onset) diabetes and compared them to 41 corneas from 23 age-matched normal volunteers. The corneal endothelium in type II diabetes showed no difference in cell density but demonstrated a significantly higher coefficient of variation, a decrease in the percentage of hexagonal cells, and a low figure coefficient compared to an age-matched nondiabetic population. Type I diabetes produced similar cell changes, but these changes occurred in the earlier decades. Moreover, we detected a significantly higher rate of cell loss in type I diabetes, resulting in a significant decrease in cell density in the fourth and fifth decades. These results clearly indicate that the diabetic endothelium is morphologically abnormal. The observed anatomic changes result in a less stable and more vulnerable cell layer, possibly explaining some of the persistent clinical changes in the diabetic cornea after surgical trauma.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Pseudophakia and intraocular pressure.

We studied the change in intraocular pressure in 373 consecutive eyes undergoing cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation between Jan. 1, 1981, and May 31, 1982. There was a mean increase in intraocular pressure of 0.1 mm Hg following this surgery. This increase, however, was not statistically significant (P greater than .5). There was a mean rise in pressure of 0.8 mm Hg in the eyes undergoing intracapsular surgery and a mean fall in pressure of 0.6 mm Hg in the eyes undergoing extracapsular surgery (P less than .05). The change in pressure was unrelated to age, surgeon, or lens type. The results of a separate analysis of 16 eyes with a preoperative diagnosis of glaucoma and eight eyes with ocular hypertension were similar.

Cataract Extraction↗

PubMed1983

Diabetic keratopathy as a manifestation of peripheral neuropathy.

In a study of 102 patients (64 women and 38 men; 63 whites and 39 nonwhites; 77 with adult-onset disease and 25 with juvenile-onset disease), the data, after being adjusted for age, showed that diabetic peripheral neuropathy was associated with diabetic keratopathy. The strongest predictor of both keratopathy and corneal fluorescein staining was vibration perception threshold in the toes (P less than .01); the severity of keratopathy was directly related to the degree of diminution of peripheral sensation. Other predictors of keratopathy were reduced tear break-up time (P less than .03), the type of diabetes (P less than .01), and metabolic status, shown by fasting C-peptide levels (P less than .01). No significant relationships were found between keratopathy and tear glucose levels, endothelial cell densities, corneal thickness, or duration of disease.

Aged↗

PubMed1983

The effects of sodium hyaluronate, chondroitin sulfate, and methylcellulose on the corneal endothelium and intraocular pressure.

Sodium hyaluronate (Healon), chondroitin sulfate, and methylcellulose have been used to protect the corneal endothelium from intraocular lens trauma. A study of the efficacy and toxicity of these compounds showed that 1% sodium hyaluronate, 0.4% methylcellulose, and 20% chondroitin sulfate were nontoxic to the corneal endothelium, but that 20% chondroitin sulfate caused a marked decrease in corneal thickness because of its hypertonicity. Anterior chamber injection of these viscous substances resulted in an increase in intraocular pressure. Within one to four hours the maximum intraocular pressure with 1% sodium hyaluronate was 67 +/- 4.1 mm Hg and that with 20% chondroitin sulfate was 55 +/- 3.5 mm Hg. The intraocular pressure did not increase to these high levels with 10% chondroitin sulfate or 0.4% methylcellulose or when the test substances were washed out of the anterior chamber. The corneal endothelium was protected from injury with 1% sodium hyaluronate and 20% chondroitin sulfate, but 10% chondroitin sulfate and 0.4% methylcellulose provided only minimal protection.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

Ultraviolet light, cataracts, and spectacle wear.

Two groups of patients older than 60 years were examined for degree of development of nuclear sclerotic cataracts. The first group of patients had worn glass spectacles for a majority of their lives, while the patients in the second group had never worn spectacles or had worn only reading glasses. Subjects in the group with spectacles showed significantly less development of sclerotic nuclear lens changes. These findings may be due to the screening effect by spectacle glass of light in the ultraviolet range and suggest that uv light may be one of the risk factors in the development of nuclear sclerotic cataracts.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1983

Diabetic corneal neuropathy.

Corneal epithelial lesions can be found in approximately one-half of asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus. These lesions are transient and clinically resemble the keratopathy seen in staphylococcal keratoconjunctivitis. Staphylococcal organisms, however, can be isolated in equal percentages from diabetic patients without keratopathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was found to be related to the presence of diabetic keratopathy after adjusting for age with analysis of covariance. The strongest predictor of both keratopathy and corneal fluorescein staining was vibration perception threshold in the toes (P less than 0.01); and the severity of keratopathy was directly related to the degree of diminution of peripheral sensation. Other predictors of keratopathy were: reduced tear breakup time (P less than 0.03), type of diabetes (P less than 0.01), and metabolic status as indicated by c-peptide fasting (P less than 0.01). No significant relationships were found between the presence of keratopathy and tear glucose levels, endothelial cell densities, corneal thickness measurements, the presence of S epidermidis, or with duration of disease. It is our conclusion that asymptomatic epithelial lesions in the nontraumatized diabetic cornea can occur as a manifestation of generalized polyneuropathy and probably represent a specific form of corneal neuropathy.

Conjunctiva↗