Comparison of Prehospital Cervical Immobilization Devices Using Video and Electromyography

1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Manix ◽  
Michael R. Gunderson ◽  
Geoffrey C. Garth
Keyword(s):  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Adhesive Tape ◽  
Still Images ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Storage Volume ◽  
Cervical Immobilization ◽  
Immobilization Device ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Criteria For Evaluation

AbstractIntroduction:Previous evaluations of prehospital devices intended for spinal immobilization have focused on the device's ability to restrict motion only. This study defines six relevant criteria for evaluation of cervical immobilization device (CID) performance.Objectives:To suggest relevant criteria for evaluation and use available technology to improve measurements for performance testing of prehospital-care devices.Methods:Six parameters (motion restriction, access, ease of application, environmental performance, radiolucency, and storage size) were used to evaluate three types of CIDs: Device A—a single-use corrugated board; Device B—a reusable foam-block CID; and Device C—hospital towels and adhesive tape. To test motion restriction, the most frequently compared parameters for immobilization devices, 20 volunteers were asked to move their heads and necks through a series of motions (flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation). Their movements were videotaped, still images of each movement were generated, and the degrees of deflection recorded from these still images. To ensure a consistent level of force, electromyography (EMG) of the sternodydomastoid and extensor muscles was employed.Results:Data were produced for each parameter and presented for comparison. The use of video to determine deflection proved to be a useful and highly accurate (±1°) method for measurement. The use of EMG technology enabled force to be controlled indirectly when the subjects used moderate levels of exertion. Overall, Devices A and C restricted motion better than Device B. Although Device C required the shortest time for application, it took the longest to prepare for application. The total time required for preparation and application of A and B essentially were equivalent, with A requiring no preparation time but taking the longest for application, and B having an intermediate interval for application. Device A allowed for the best examination of the head and neck. No differences were detected in performance in extreme environmental conditions or in radiolucency for cervical spine X-ray examinations. Device A consumed the smallest storage volume, B the greatest storage volume, and C an intermediate volume substantially greater than that required for A.Conclusion:Device evaluation should include examination of all relevant performance parameters using the most accurate and meaningful methods possible.

scholarly journals Transmission of Still Images Using Low-Complexity Analog Joint Source-Channel Coding

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (13) ◽  
pp. 2932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Balsa ◽  
Tomás Domínguez-Bolaño ◽  
Óscar Fresnedo ◽  
José A. García-Naya ◽  
Luis Castedo
Keyword(s):  
Channel Coding ◽  
Additive White Gaussian Noise ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Still Images ◽  
Joint Source Channel Coding ◽  
Visual Degradation ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Source Channel Coding

An analog joint source-channel coding (JSCC) system designed for the transmission of still images is proposed and its performance is compared to that of two digital alternatives which differ in the source encoding operation: Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and JPEG without entropy coding (JPEGw/oEC), respectively, both relying on an optimized channel encoder–modulator tandem. Apart from a visual comparison, the figures of merit considered in the assessment are the structural similarity (SSIM) index and the time required to transmit an image through additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh channels. This work shows that the proposed analog system exhibits a performance similar to that of the digital scheme based on JPEG compression with a noticeable better visual degradation to the human eye, a lower computational complexity, and a negligible delay. These results confirm the suitability of analog JSCC for the transmission of still images in scenarios with severe constraints on power consumption, computational capabilities, and for real-time applications. For these reasons the proposed system is a good candidate for surveillance systems, low-constrained devices, Internet of things (IoT) applications, etc.

scholarly journals Comparison of the efficacy of three cervical collars in restricting cervical range of motion: A randomized study

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Guk Kim ◽  
Sung Hwan Bang ◽  
Gu Hyun Kang ◽  
Yong Soo Jang ◽  
Wonhee Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Cervical Spine Injury ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Range Of Motion ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Cervical Immobilization ◽  
The Difference

Background: The cervical collar has been used as a common device for the initial stabilization of the cervical spine. Although many cervical collars are commercially available, there is no consensus on which offers the greatest protection, with studies showing considerable variations in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. The use of the XCollar (Emegear, Carpinteria, CA) has been known to decrease the risk of spinal cord injury by minimizing potential cervical spinal distraction. We compared XCollar with two other cervical collars commonly used for adult patients with cervical spine injury to evaluate the difference in effectiveness between the three cervical collars to restrict cervical range of motion. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between the three cervical collars in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. Method: A total of 30 healthy university students aged 21–25 years participated in this study. Participants with any cervical disease and symptoms were excluded. Three cervical collars were tested: Philadelphia® Collar, Stifneck® Select™ Collar, and XCollar. A digital camera and an image-analysis technique were used to evaluate cervical range of motion during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. Cervical range of motion was evaluated in both the unbraced and braced condition. Results: XCollar permitted less than a mean of 10° of movement during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. This was less than the movement permitted by the other two cervical collars. Conclusion: XCollar presented superior cervical immobilization compared to the other two commonly used cervical collars in this study. Thus, when cervical collar is considered for an adult patient with cervical spine injury, XCollar might be one of the considerate options as a cervical immobilization device.

Endotracheal tube fixation time: a comparison of three fixation methods in a military field scenario

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny Epstein ◽  
R Strashewsky ◽  
A Furer ◽  
A M Tsur ◽  
J Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endotracheal Tube ◽  
Severe Trauma ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Adhesive Tape ◽  
Mass Casualties ◽  
Fixation Techniques ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Performance Times ◽  
Time Critical ◽  
Rapid Evacuation

IntroductionEndotracheal intubation is required in many emergency, trauma and prehospital scenarios. Endotracheal tube (ETT) fixation must be stable and quick to apply to enable rapid evacuation and patient transport. This study compares performance times of three common ETT securement techniques which are practical for out-of-hospital and combat scenarios.MethodsWe compared the time required by military medics to complete ETT fixation in three techniques—fixation of a wide gauze roll wrapped twice around the head and tied twice around the ETT (GR), using a Thomas Tube Holder (TH) and using a pre-tied non-adhesive tape (PT). 300 military medics were randomised to apply one technique each on a manikin, and time to completion was recorded.Results300 ETTs were successfully fixated by 300 military medics. Median times to complete ETT fixation by PT and TH techniques were 24 s (IQR (19 to 31) and (IQR 20 to 33), respectively). Both were significantly shorter to apply than the GR technique, with a median time of 57 s (IQR 47 to 81), p<0.001.ConclusionsIn time critical situations such as combat, severe trauma, mass casualties and whenever rapid evacuation might improve the clinical outcome, using a faster fixation technique such as Thomas Tube Holder or a pre-tied non-adhesive tape might enable faster evacuation than the use of traditional endotracheal tube fixation techniques.

scholarly journals Need for teleconsultation among the emergency medicine and critical care personnel during pre-hospital transport in a tertiary care unit

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
V. Karunai Kadhir ◽  
T. Hemalatha ◽  
V. P. Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Minimum Time ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Time Required

Background: Time being the most crucial factors in emergency medicine, teleconsultation enables patient assessment by specialists, immediate reception of appropriate treatment guidelines until the patient's arrival at hospital.Methods: Our study evaluated the need for teleconsultation among the emergency physicians (EP) and emergency technicians (ET) in a tertiary care hospital. Cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Emergency Medicine, a tertiary care setting. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was given to EP and ET. Various parameters like the need for teleconsultation, the minimum time required for EMS (emergency medical services) to arrive at the scene and to the hospital, effectiveness of teleconsultation in prehospital care were evaluated.Results: SPSS version 18.0 was used. 24 EP and 36 ET participated in the study. The minimum time required for the EMS to arrive at the scene and then to hospital was calculated indirectly to be > 30 min. There was a significant difference among the EP an ET in interpreting common emergency condition p = 0.029 and criticality assessment p=0.035.The training of EMS staffs was adequate. Both EP and ET were able to adhere recent guidelines during prehospital transport. All the study participants (100%) felt the need for teleconsultation which would improve the patient management during the prehospital period.Conclusions: Teleconsultation has the potential to improve patient safety and quality of treatment in a prehospital setting and should be further evaluated.  

scholarly journals Using an Image Fusion Methodology to Improve Efficiency and Traceability of Posterior Pole Vessel Analysis by ROPtool

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasapin.G. Prakalapakorn ◽  
Laura A. Vickers ◽  
Rolando Estrada ◽  
Sharon F. Freedman ◽  
Carlo Tomasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Image Fusion ◽  
Posterior Pole ◽  
Retinal Vessels ◽  
Still Images ◽  
Still Image ◽  
Need For Treatment ◽  
Mosaic Image ◽  
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy ◽  
Time Required

Background: The diagnosis of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) largely determines the need for treatment; however, this diagnosis is subjective. To make the diagnosis of plus disease more objective, semi-automated computer programs (e.g. ROPtool) have been created to quantify vascular dilation and tortuosity. ROPtool can accurately analyze blood vessels only in images with very good quality, but many still images captured by indirect ophthalmoscopy have insufficient image quality for ROPtool analysis. Purpose: To evaluate the ability of an image fusion methodology (robust mosaicing) to increase the efficiency and traceability of posterior pole vessel analysis by ROPtool. Materials and Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed video indirect ophthalmoscopy images acquired during routine ROP examinations and selected the best unenhanced still image from the video for each infant. Robust mosaicing was used to create an enhanced mosaic image from the same video for each eye. We evaluated the time required for ROPtool analysis as well as ROPtool’s ability to analyze vessels in enhanced vs. unenhanced images. Results: We included 39 eyes of 39 infants. ROPtool analysis was faster (125 vs. 152 seconds; p=0.02) in enhanced vs. unenhanced images, respectively. ROPtool was able to trace retinal vessels in more quadrants (143/156, 92% vs 115/156, 74%; p=0.16) in enhanced mosaic vs. unenhanced still images, respectively and in more overall (38/39, 97% vs. 34/39, 87%; p=0.07) enhanced mosaic vs. unenhanced still images, respectively. Conclusion: Retinal image enhancement using robust mosaicing advances efforts to automate grading of posterior pole disease in ROP.

Evaluation of a New Cervical Immobilization/Extrication Device

1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Joyce ◽  
Chris S. Moser
Keyword(s):  
Neutral Position ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chest Auscultation ◽  
Cervical Immobilization ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Immobilization Device ◽  
Spine Board ◽  
Injured Patients ◽  
Short Spine

AbstractA new cervical immobilization device (the Philadelphia Red E.M. Collar with Head Immobilizer/Stabilizer), has been introduced as an adjunct in extricating potentially neck-injured patients. This study compared the efficacy of immobilization using the collar to that of the short spine board. In addition, experienced EMS personnel rated the collar in simulated field situations.Methods:In Part I of the study, the collar and a short spine board were applied to 25 adult volunteers in a sitting position, using standard methods. Each subject then exerted maximal force inflexion, extension, rotation, and abduction. Degrees of head motion from neutral position were measured in each direction. Mean values were compared using Student's t-test. For Part II, 10 EMS personnel were asked to apply the collar to volunteers. Each rated the performance of the collar on a scale of 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent) regarding: ease of application (sitting and supine), ease of extrication (lifting, logrolling, transfer), access to patient (chest auscultation, CPR, airway management), storage, and overall utility.Results:The collar was significantly better than the short spine board in both lateral and rotational immobilization (p<0.001). There was no significant difference for flexion or extension (p>0.05). The Red E.M. limited motion to a mean of 15° or less in any direction. Ratings by EMS personnel for the device (meant±standard error) were: ease of application (sitting) 3.5±0.2, (supine) 2.7±0.2; ease of extrication 3.1±0.2; access to patient 3.4±0.2; storage 3.1±0.3; and overall utility 3.1±0.2.Conclusion:This study indicates that the Philadelphia Red E.M. Collar with Head Immobilizer/Stabilizer is an effective and practical adjunct to stabilization and extrication of potentially neck-injured patients.

scholarly journals Color Changes in Electronic Endoscopic Images Caused by Image Compression

1997 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
O. Katayama ◽  
S. Ishihama ◽  
K. Namiki ◽  
I. Ohi
Keyword(s):  
Image Compression ◽  
Image Coding ◽  
Still Images ◽  
Image Recording ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Endoscopic Images ◽  
System A ◽  
Strong Compression ◽  
Time Required ◽  
The Relationship

In recent years, recording of color still images into magneto–optical video disks has been increasingly used as a method for recording electronic endoscopic images. In this case, image compression is often used to reduce the volume and cost of recording media and also to minimize the time required for image recording and playback. With this in mind, we recorded 8 images into a magneto-optical video disk in 4 image compression modes (no compression, weak compression, moderate compression, and strong compression) using the Joint Photographic Image Coding Experts Group (JPEG) system, which is a widely used and representative method for compressing color still images, in order to determine the relationship between the degree of image compression and the color information in electronic endoscopic images. The acquired images were transferred to an image processor using an offline system. A total of 10 regions of interest (ROls) were selected, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) images were obtained using different compression modes. From histograms generated for these images, mean densities of R, G, and B in each ROI were measured and analyzed. The results revealed that color changes were greater for B, which had the lowest density, than for R or G as the degree of compression was increased.

Perioperative hair removal: A review of best practice and a practice improvement opportunity

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 159-166
Author(s):  
Maureen Spencer ◽  
Marsha Barnden ◽  
Helen Boehm Johnson ◽  
Loretta Litz Fauerbach ◽  
Denise Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Hair Removal ◽  
Adhesive Tape ◽  
Practice Improvement ◽  
Collection Device ◽  
Logistical Problem ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Micro Organisms

The current practice of perioperative hair removal reflects research-driven changes designed to minimize the risk of surgical wound infection. An aspect of the practice which has received less scrutiny is the clean-up of the clipped hair. This process is critical. The loose fibers represent a potential infection risk because of the micro-organisms they can carry, but their clean-up can pose a logistical problem because of the time required to remove them. Research has demonstrated that the most commonly employed means of clean-up, the use of adhesive tape or sticky mitts, can be both ineffective and time-consuming in addition to posing an infection risk from cross-contamination. Recently published research evaluating surgical clippers fitted with a vacuum-assisted hair collection device highlights the potential for significant practice improvement in the perioperative hair removal clean-up process. These improvements include not only further mitigation of potential infection risk but also substantial OR time and cost savings.

Effects of Reheating Procedure and Oven Type on Performance Testing Results of Asphalt Mixtures

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (26) ◽  
pp. 124-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Lemke ◽  
Husam Sadek ◽  
Daniel Swiertz ◽  
Signe Reichelt ◽  
Hussain U. Bahia
Keyword(s):  
Performance Testing ◽  
Substantial Effect ◽  
Asphalt Mixtures ◽  
Volumetric Properties ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Wheel Tracking

Reheating and oven-aging procedures of plant-produced asphalt mixtures in laboratories are important topics to consider as performance testing of mixtures becomes more popular among agencies. Differences between laboratory equipment and procedure could significantly affect performance properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of sample size, oven type, and variation in reheating/aging temperatures on the results of two performance tests on plant-produced mixtures. A selected mixture was tested for volumetric properties and performance using Hamburg wheel-tracking (HWT) and semi-circular bending (SCB-IFIT) tests. Results show that reheating mixtures uncovered and in smaller containers could significantly reduce the time to achieve aging temperature, and could make the process more efficient and consistent. In addition, aging using three different oven types showed that temperature within ovens can vary significantly depending on the location of the sample inside the oven, which affects the time required to reach the target temperature, and thus may also influence the aging of the sample. The mixture volumetric properties show that the effect of various heating conditions is marginal. Using the developed reheating/aging procedure of this study, the results of the HWT and SCB-IFIT tests showed no substantial effect of oven type on rutting and cracking resistance. The overall results indicate that there is a need to standardize the conditions of reheating, sample geometry, and to verify uniformity of temperature in ovens. Such standardization can further reduce variability and thus should be part of the AASHTO/ASTM standard procedures for quality control, or of laboratory equipment calibration procedures.

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE TESTING IN PEOPLE WITH LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION: INTERVIEWS WITH PROSTHETISTS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, AND PHYSICIANS

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Balkman ◽  
Sara Morgan ◽  
Ignacio Gaunaurd ◽  
Anat Kristal ◽  
Dagmar Amtmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Lower Limb Amputation ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
National Assembly ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Time Required

INTRODUCTION A variety of performance-based tests are available to assess mobility in people with lower limb amputation (LLA)1. Selection of a specific test is likely to be guided by the clinical value of tasks patients perform; the space and equipment available to administrator the test; and/or the time required to set up, administer, score, and interpret the test results. The aim of this study was to collect information about the clinical value of performance tests, and the space, equipment, and time available to rehabilitation specialists who provide care to people with LLA (i.e., prosthetists, physical therapists (PTs), and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians). Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32018/24437 How to cite: Balkman G, Morgan S, Gaunaurd I, Kristal A, Amtmann D, Gailey R, Hafner B.J. PERFORMANCE TESTING IN PEOPLE WITH LOWER LIMB AMPUTATION: INTERVIEWS WITH PROSTHETISTS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, AND PHYSICIANS. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32018 Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee.  http://www.aopanet.org/

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