ABSTRACT
A 74-year-old man having a right refractory foot ulcer was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans. Angiography of the lower extremities showed occlusive lesions in the middle popliteal artery and lower-leg arteries. Preoperative examination revealed decreased cardiac function and severe stenosis of the left and right coronary arteries. Therefore, we first performed coronary artery bypass grafting, followed by revascularization of the lower limbs at a later date. Owing to the lack of suitable autologous vein grafts, our procedure of choice was popliteal endarterectomy via a posterior approach with short saphenous vein angioplasty. The patient's foot ulcer healed completely following surgery. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he remained symptom-free during a 1-year follow-up.
ABSTRACT
Introduction:<br>The mechanism of moxa-needle therapy is unknown to us in spite of its significant effect. We observed variations in the temperature of the moxa-needle and that of the microwave-applied needle.<br>Method:<br>Chinese needles of the said two types were inserted into meat specimens (3×3×2cm) nd a house rabbit to the depth of 1.0cm and 1.5cm, respectively, and temperature was taken by a thermister around the needles at the depth of 15, 10, 5, and 1.0mm, respectively.<br>Effect:<br>1. In the moxa-needle, the temperature went up mainly at the top surface of the specimen or the surface of rabbit skin.<br>2. In the microwave-applied needle, from the beginning the temperature increased and as it plateaued, the heat was transmitted to the needle tip.<br>3. Typical temperature curve of the rabbit was found rather flat as compared with the same of meat specimen.<br>Conclusion:<br>1. In the moxa-needle, a rise in the temperature was limited under the subcutaneous area, it was not transmitted to the acupoint.<br>2. In the microwave-applied needle, it elevated the temperature around the needel; therefore, we believe that it stimulated the acupoint greatly.<br>3. In the light of the foregoing observations, it may be concluded that the microwave-assisted acupuncture would be significantly useful.