scholarly journals The Gel Box – a Testing Device for the Characterization of Cryo- and Radiofrequency Lesions Employed in Interventional Pain Therapy

2010 ◽  
Vol 3;13 (3;5) ◽  
pp. 263-271
Author(s):  
Christof Birkenmaier
Keyword(s):  
Pain Therapy ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Gel Point ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Capillary Perfusion ◽  
Agar Gel ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Technical Specifications ◽  
Interventional Pain Therapy

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) and cryolesioning are established methods for the therapeutic interruption of sensory nerve supply to facet joints and other painful musculoskeletal structures. The varying clinical success rates of these treatments have – among other technical issues – been attributed to the small size of these lesions combined with the limited precision in placing them. Since there are 2 different physical methods for lesioning and a wide range of probes and lesion generators available, it is likely that the lesions generated by them may be of different size. Objectives: We sought to devise an experimental setup that would allow for the reproducible and comparable evaluation of the size of cryo and RF lesions as they are being used in interventional pain therapy. Methods: A wide range of potential media was evaluated for this purpose. Based on technical specifications, as well as on preliminary testing, a specific agar agar gel with a gel point of between 32o C and 35o C and a melting point of between 80o C and 85o C was selected for these experiments. Two different testing containers were constructed from transparent acrylic: one with a volume of 1,500 mL and the other with a volume of 12 mL. Each of them allows for the introduction of a cryo or a RF probe and 2 bundles of thermoelements into the gel volume. A water bath was used to maintain the gels at 37o C and bundled, ultrafine NiCr-Ni thermoelements type K were used for measuring the isotherms. A series of RF and cryolesions were performed within these experimental setups to evaluate their suitability for the comparative testing of cryo and RF probes and generators. Results: Both testing setups generated reproducible results and proved to be suitable for measuring RF as well as cryolesions. Visual observation of the lesions was better with the small testing container and rewarming / recooling after performing a cryo / RF lesion was more rapid with the smaller gel volume. Limitations: Our setup allows for the comparative measurement of RF and cryolesions, but it cannot simulate the realities within living tissue. While convection as a confounding factor was excluded by use of a gel, capillary perfusion and the specific characteristics of different tissues cannot be simulated. Conclusions: The testing setup described in this manuscript can serve for the comparative and reproducible study of RF and cryolesions that are commonly used in interventional pain therapy. Key words: Radiofrequency lesioning, cryolesioning, interventional pain therapy, experimental study, agar agar gel, thermoelement.

Pursuit of the Abscopal Effect

2020 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 369-372
Author(s):  
Paul B. Romesser ◽  
Christopher H. Crane
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Immunology ◽  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Immune Recognition ◽  
Immune Modulators ◽  
Cancer Subtypes ◽  
The Past ◽  
Tumor Irradiation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Tumor Recognition

AbstractEvasion of immune recognition is a hallmark of cancer that facilitates tumorigenesis, maintenance, and progression. Systemic immune activation can incite tumor recognition and stimulate potent antitumor responses. While the concept of antitumor immunity is not new, there is renewed interest in tumor immunology given the clinical success of immune modulators in a wide range of cancer subtypes over the past decade. One particularly interesting, yet exceedingly rare phenomenon, is the abscopal response, characterized by a potent systemic antitumor response following localized tumor irradiation presumably attributed to reactivation of antitumor immunity.

scholarly journals Comparison of different techniques for the management of venous steno-occlusive lesions during placement of peripherally inserted central catheter

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woo Jin Yang ◽  
Danbee Kang ◽  
Ji Hoon Shin ◽  
Eun Ho Jang ◽  
Seung Yeon Noh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Success ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Transluminal Angioplasty ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter ◽  
Central Catheter ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Initial Attempt ◽  
Technical Success Rate ◽  
Occlusive Lesion

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate strategies for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in patients with venous steno-occlusive lesion (VSOL). We performed a retrospective cohort study in adults with central or peripheral VSOL who underwent PICC placement procedures from January 2015 to December 2018. Four different strategies [selecting alternative pathway/over the wire (SAP/OTW), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), re-puncture in ipsilateral arm (RIA), and catheter placement in the contralateral arm (CICA)] were analyzed and we compared the clinical outcomes by strategy and compared the strategy between central and peripheral VSOLs. During 4 years, 258 PICC procedures performed in patients with VSOLs, 100 PICC were included in the analysis. The overall technical success rate of initial attempt with SAP/OTW was 32.2%. As a second-line technique, PTA was most frequently used in both central (100%) and peripheral (68.2%) VSOL groups. The clinical success rates within 2 months of SAP/OTW, PTA, RIA, CICA were 55.2%, 43.2%, 14.3%, and 33.3%, respectively (P = 0.24). In conclusion, when the SAP/OTW failed, the PTA can be preferred as a second-line technique for both central and peripheral VSOLs. When guidewire passage fails, the operator could adopt the RIA or CICA technique as an alternative method.

scholarly journals Surgical outcome of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis: Ten years’ experience at a tertiary care centre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szabolcs Ábrahám ◽  
Illés Tóth ◽  
Ria Benkő ◽  
Mária Matuz ◽  
Gabriella Kovács ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Acute Cholecystitis ◽  
Conversion Rate ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Gallbladder Drainage ◽  
Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage ◽  
Grade Iii

Abstract Background Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) plays an important role in the treatment of elderly patients and/or patients in poor health with acute cholecystitis (AC). The primary aim of this study is to determine how these factors influence the clinical outcome of PTGBD. Moreover, we assessed the timing and results of subsequent cholecystectomies. Patients and Methods We retrospectively examined the results of 162 patients undergoing PTGBD between 2010 and 2020 (male–female ratio: 51.23% vs. 48.77%; mean age: 71.43 ± 13.22 years). Patient’s performance status and intervention outcomes were assessed with clinical success rates (CSR) and in-hospital mortality. The conversion rate (CR) of possible urgent or delayed, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) after PTGBD were analysed. Results PTGBD was the definitive treatment in 42.18% of patients, while it was a bridging therapy prior to cholecystectomy (CCY) for the other patients. CSR was 87.97%, it was only 64.29% in grade III AC. In 9.87% of the cases, urgent LC was necessary after PTGBD, and its conversion rate was approximately equal to that of elective LC (18.18 vs. 17.46%, respectively, p = 0.2217). Overall, the post-PTGBD in-hospital mortality was 11.72%, while the same figure was 0% for grade I AC, 7.41% for grade II and 40.91% for grade III. Based on logistic regression analyses, in-hospital mortality (OR 6.07; CI 1.79–20.56), clinical progression (OR 7.62; CI 2.64–22.05) and the need for emergency CCY (OR 14.75; CI 3.07–70.81) were mostly determined by AC severity grade. Conclusion PTGBD is an easy-to-perform intervention with promising clinical success rates in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. After PTGBD, the level of gallbladder inflammation played a decisive role in the course of AC. In a severe, grade III inflammation, we have to consider low CSR and high mortality.

scholarly journals Novel therapeutic interventions towards improved management of septic arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Wang ◽  
Liucai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Septic Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Joint Infections ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

AbstractSeptic arthritis (SA) represents a medical emergency that needs immediate diagnosis and urgent treatment. Despite aggressive treatment and rapid diagnosis of the causative agent, the mortality and lifelong disability, associated with septic arthritis remain high as close to 11%. Moreover, with the rise in drug resistance, the rates of failure of conventional antibiotic therapy have also increased. Among the etiological agents frequently isolated from cases of septic arthritis, Staphylococcus aureus emerges as a dominating pathogen, and to worsen, the rise in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates in bone and joint infections is worrisome. MRSA associated cases of septic arthritis exhibit higher mortality, longer hospital stay, and higher treatment failure with poorer clinical outcomes as compared to cases caused by the sensitive strain i.e methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA).In addition to this, equal or even greater damage is imposed by the exacerbated immune response mounted by the patient’s body in a futile attempt to eradicate the bacteria. The antibiotic therapy may not be sufficient enough to control the progression of damage to the joint involved thus, adding to higher mortality and disability rates despite the prompt and timely start of treatment. This situation implies that efforts and focus towards studying/understanding new strategies for improved management of sepsis arthritis is prudent and worth exploring.The review article aims to give a complete insight into the new therapeutic approaches studied by workers lately in this field. To the best of our knowledge studies highlighting the novel therapeutic strategies against septic arthritis are limited in the literature, although articles on pathogenic mechanism and choice of antibiotics for therapy, current treatment algorithms followed have been discussed by workers in the past. The present study presents and discusses the new alternative approaches, their mechanism of action, proof of concept, and work done so far towards their clinical success. This will surely help to enlighten the researchers with comprehensive knowledge of the new interventions that can be used as an adjunct therapy along with conventional treatment protocol for improved success rates.

Factors Influencing Clinical Success Following Endovascular Treatment of Type II Endoleaks

2020 ◽  
pp. 084653712098110
Author(s):  
Ramin Hamidizadeh ◽  
Emeka Nzekwu ◽  
Oliver Halliwell
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Success ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Graft Infection ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cyanoacrylate Glue ◽  
Embolic Agents ◽  
Predictor Of Success

Purpose: To compare long-term outcomes of transarterial (TA) and translumbar (TL) embolization of type II endoleaks (T2E) following EVAR, as well as factors that predict clinical success. Methods: 129 (mean age, 71.4y; range, 53-95) with T2E referred for embolization from August-2003 to December-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. One-hundred-eighty procedures were performed via TA (n = 139) and TL (n = 41) approaches, with 37 patients undergoing 51 reinterventions. Clinical success was defined as absence of endoleak and/or absence of aneurysm sac enlargement on follow-up imaging. Medical comorbidities, procedural data, embolic agents used, presence of successful sac embolization, and 30-day morbidity and mortality data were collected. Results: TL approaches had higher technical success (41/41 vs.122/139, p = .014). Clinical success rates were 52% (N = 58/111) and 62% (N = 23/37) for TA and TL procedures respectively ( p = .34). Looking at all procedures, sac embolization using n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue had higher clinical success compared to other embolic agents ( p = .017-.037). Successful sac access was a strong predictor of success for TA procedures (46/78 vs.12/33, p = .0379). 30-day complication rates were similar between TA (5.8%) and TL (4.9%) approaches. There was 1 death secondary to graft infection following TA embolization. Conclusions: Overall clinical success of TA and TL embolization when considering re-interventions is high. n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue had significantly higher success than other embolic agents ( p = .017-.037). Successful sac access was associated with success for TA procedures.

scholarly journals One-year outcomes of microhook trabeculotomy versus suture trabeculotomy ab interno

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Yokoyama ◽  
Masashi Takata ◽  
Fumi Gomi
Keyword(s):  
Survival Analysis ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Glaucoma Surgery ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
One Year ◽  
Ab Interno

Abstract Purpose To compare clinical success rates and reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication use following suture trabeculotomy ab interno (S group) or microhook trabeculotomy (μ group). Methods This retrospective review collected data from S (n = 104, 122 eyes) and μ (n = 42, 47 eyes) groups who underwent treatment between June 1, 2016, and October 31, 2019, and had 12-month follow-up data including IOP, glaucoma medications, complications, and additional IOP-lowering procedures. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate treatment success rates defined as normal IOP (> 5 to ≤ 18 mm Hg), ≥ 20% reduction of IOP from baseline at two consecutive visits, and no further glaucoma surgery. Results Schlemm’s canal opening was longer in the S group than in the μ group (P < 0.0001). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of all eyes showed cumulative clinical success rates in S and µ groups were 71.1% and 61.7% (P = 0.230). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of eyes with preoperative IOP ≥ 21 mmHg showed cumulative clinical success rates in S and μ groups were 80.4% and 60.0% (P = 0.0192). There were no significant differences in postoperative IOP at 1, 3, and 6 months (S group, 14.9 ± 5.6, 14.6 ± 4.5, 14.6 ± 3.9 mmHg; μ group, 15.8 ± 5.9, 15.2 ± 4.4, 14.7 ± 3.7 mmHg; P = 0.364, 0.443, 0.823), but postoperative IOP was significantly lower in the S group at 12 months (S group, 14.1 ± 3.1 mmHg; μ group, 15.6 ± 4.1 mmHg; P = 0.0361). There were no significant differences in postoperative numbers of glaucoma medications at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (S group, 1.8 ± 1.6, 1.8 ± 1.5, 2.0 ± 1.6, 1.8 ± 1.5; μ group, 2.0 ± 1.6, 2.0 ± 1.6, 2.1 ± 1.6, 2.2 ± 1.7; P = 0.699, 0.420, 0.737, 0.198). Conclusion S and µ group eyes achieved IOP reduction, but μ group eyes had lower clinical success rates among patients with high preoperative IOP at 12 months.

scholarly journals SINGLE-DOSE PRULIFLOXACIN VERSUS SINGLE-DOSE PEFLOXACIN IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE UNCOMPLICATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN WOMEN

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
M. CERVIGNI ◽  
G. ORTICELLI ◽  
M. BOLOGNA ◽  
F. NATALE ◽  
E. SALVATORI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Eradication Rate ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
The One ◽  
Tract Infections

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of singledose prulifloxacin vs. single-dose pefloxacin in the treatment of patients with acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Two hundred and thirty-one female out-patients were considered microbiologically evaluable and randomly treated with 600 mg prulifloxacin (116 patients) or 800 mg pefloxacin (115 patients). The most commonly isolated uropathogen at baseline was Escherichia coli (71.4%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (10.8%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.8%). Five-seven days posttreatment, the eradication rate was 97.4% and 92.2% in the prulifloxacin and pefloxacin group, respectively. The one-tailed 95% confidence interval analysis showed the equivalence of treatments. Four weeks from treatment no relapses, reinfections or superinfections were observed. The clinical success rates were 92.2% in the prulifloxacin and 84.3% pefloxacin groups. The safety profile was very good with both drugs. The results of the study make it possible to consider prulifloxacin a possible therapeutic option in patients with acute uncomplicated UTIs.

scholarly journals SpyGlass DS-guided lithotripsy for pancreatic duct stones in symptomatic treatment-refractory chronic calcifying pancreatitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. E99-E103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Gerges ◽  
David Pullmann ◽  
Farzan Bahin ◽  
Markus Schneider ◽  
Peter Siersema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Duct ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Technical Success Rate ◽  
Extracorporeal Shock Wave ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Chronic Calcifying Pancreatitis ◽  
Calcifying Pancreatitis

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy are first-line therapies for draining an obstructed pancreatic duct (PD) in painful chronic calcifying pancreatitis (CCP). Pancreaticoscopy has shown promising success rates in small series. Materials and methods This study was a retrospective analysis of a clinical database. Included were all digital single-operator digital video (SOV) pancreaticoscopy-guided interventions (n = 23) on CCP patients (n = 20) between 2015 and 2017. Success and complication rates were collected from the database. Clinical success was determined by assessing pain level score (NRS) and quality of life (QoL) using standardized questionnaires. Results Overall technical success rate (successful SOV-pancreaticoscopy and PD drainage) was 95 %. Adverse events occurred in 7 of 23 procedures (30 %) and included extravasation from the PD (n = 1), self-limiting post-sphincterotomy bleeding (n = 1) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) (n = 6). At 3- to 6-month follow-up, 95 % of patients reported improvement in symptoms and reduction in intake of analgesics. Mean NRS decreased from 5.4 (±1.6) to 2.8 (± 1.8) (P < 0.01). Clinical success was achieved in 95 % of patients. Conclusions Digital SOV-guided lithotripsy was found to be safe and effective in this highly selected population of CCP patients. PD decompression had a beneficial effect on pain reduction and QoL.

scholarly journals Interventional pain therapy in cervical post-surgery syndrome

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Stephan Klessinger
Keyword(s):  
Pain Therapy ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Interventional Pain Therapy

scholarly journals Rheolytic Thrombectomy Using AngioJet ZelanteDVT Catheter or Solent Omni Catheter for Treatment of Patients with Proximal Vein Thrombosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maofeng Gong ◽  
Guanqi Fu ◽  
Zhengli Liu ◽  
Yangyi Zhou ◽  
Jie Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Success ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Technical Success ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Rheolytic Thrombectomy ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
Clinical Characteristic

Abstract Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary safety and efficacy of rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) using AngioJet ZelanteDVT catheter or Solent Omni catheter for acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 40 patients who treated by AngioJet RT divided into ZelanteDVT group (n=17) and Solent group (n=23) from January 2019 to January 2021. Data of demographics, clinical characteristic, technical success, clinical success, complications, and early follow-up were analysed.Results No significant differences regarding demographics were detected (all p >.05). The technical success rates were both 100%. ZelanteDVT group had a shorter duration time of RT and a higher primary RT success than those of Solent group (all p <.05), and percentage of adjunctive CDT was 29.4% in ZelanteDVT group, significantly lower than that was 79.3% in Solent group (p =.010). The successful outcome for ZelanteDVT group and Solent group were 100% (17/17) and 95.7% (22/23), both high in the two groups (p >.05). Except for transient macroscopic hemoglobinuria occurred in all patients at the first 24 hours post-RT, none suffered other procedure-related adverse events or major complications in both groups. Minor complications presented as bleeding events occurred in 21.7% (5/23) patients of Solent group, and one (5.9%) patient in Zelante DVT group (p >.05). At 6-month, the frequency of PTS was 5.9% (1/17) in ZelanteDVT group compared with 17.4% (4/ 23) in Solent group (p >.05).Conclusion Both catheters are safe and effective for the management of patients with proximal DVT, leading to improved clinical outcomes with low complication. Zelante-DVT catheter offered more powerful thrombectomy over Solent catheter, allowing for faster extraction of the DVT with shorter run time and lower adjunctive CDT.

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