Design of Integrated Suction Detection System for Pediatric Oral Secretion / 中国医疗器械杂志

According to the actual requirements of pediatric intensive care, a suction detection system of pediatric oral secretions integrated with monitoring function is designed. The system has the function of adjustable intermittent attraction. The duration and proportion of intermittent attraction can be adjusted according to the individualized needs of pediatric intensive care. The suction head of pacifier can reduce the mechanical damage to pediatric oral mucosa as much as possible. Meanwhile, the system can detect and monitor the real-time biochemical indexes of the collected oral secretions, which can be used to help the judgement of aspiration and quantitatively evaluate the microcirculation dysfunction.

Terapia por pressão negativa em lesões por queimadura elétrica no paciente pediátrico / Negative pressure therapy in injuries for electrical burns in pediatric patients

OBJETIVOS: Relatar o uso da Terapia por Pressão Negativa (TPN) em um paciente pediátrico vítima de queimadura elétrica e fornecer subsídios fundamentais para o melhor tratamento, possibilitando, assim, que outros pacientes se beneficiem com esta terapêutica. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um relato de caso único que avaliou o uso da TPN em um paciente pediátrico. Os dados foram coletados por meio das anotações do prontuário eletrônico do paciente. RESULTADOS: Pode-se considerar que a conduta inicial de uma equipe multidisciplinar foi fundamental para o prognóstico do paciente. Além disso, o membro superior direito acometido pela queimadura elétrica apresentou resultados satisfatórios e significativos quando instituída a TPN. CONCLUSÃO: O relato de caso revelou que a TPN foi imprescindível para a recuperação da lesão do paciente pediátrico, sendo uma alternativa confortável para crianças vítimas de queimaduras, além de permitir a aderência das enxertias de pele e a cicatrização mais rápida das lesões.

OBJECTIVES: To report the use of Negative Pressure Therapy (NPT) in a pediatric patient suffering from electric burn and provide fundamental subsidies for the best treatment, thus allowing other patients to benefit from this therapy. METHODS: This is a single case report that evaluated the use of NPT in a pediatric patient. The data were collected through the patients electronic medical records. RESULTS: The initial management of a multidisciplinary team could be considered as fundamental for the patients prognosis. In addition, the right upper limb affected by electric burn presented satisfactory and significant results when NPT was instituted. CONCLUSION: The case report revealed that NPT was essential for recovery of the pediatric patients lesion, being a comfortable alternative for children who are victims of burns, besides allowing the adhesion of the skin grafts and the faster healing of the lesions.

Comparison of topical and retrobulbar anesthesia in terms of pain experience during silicone oil extraction / Comparação da sensação de dor durante a extração de óleo de silicone sob anestesia tópica e retrobulbar

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the use of topical anesthesia and retrobulbar anesthesia during silicone oil removal with a mixed pars plana technique, through evaluating the pain experience of patients. Methods: We selected patients according to their behavior during previous vitreoretinal surgery and ophthalmologic examinations and divided them into two anesthesia groups: topical (n=36) and retrobulbar (n=33). We used a mixed technique for the passive removal of silicone oil in both groups. During each step of the surgery, the patients' pain experience and the surgeon's comfort were scored according to a pain scale. Results: The pain experienced during the application of the anesthesia was significantly greater in the retrobulbar group (p<0.001). The topical group experienced greater pain during trocar insertion (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the overall pain experience or complications. Conclusions: The pain experience of the selected patients during silicone oil removal was comparable between the topical and the retrobulbar anesthesia. Topical anesthesia with the mixed pars plana technique is an effective and safe alternative option for silicone oil removal surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a sensação de dor de pacientes durante a remoção do óleo de silicone sob anestesia tópica e retrobulbar, usando uma técnica via pars plana combinada. Métodos: Os pacientes foram selecionados, de acordo com suas atitudes durante cirurgia vitreorretiniana prévia e exames oftalmológicos, e divididos em dois grupos: anestesia tópica e retrobulbar. Para a remoção passiva do óleo de silicone, utilizou-se uma técnica combinada em ambos os grupos. A sensação de dor dos pacientes e o conforto do cirurgião foram classificados através de uma escala de dor durante cada etapa da cirurgia. Resultados: Os grupos anestesia tópica e retrobulbar incluíram 36 e 33 pacientes, respectivamente. A sensação de dor durante a aplicação da anestesia foi significativamente maior no grupo retrobulbar (p<0,001). O grupo anestesia tópica sentiu mais dor durante a inserção do trocarte (p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à sensação geral de dor e a complicações. Conclusões: A sensação de dor é comparável entre a anestesia tópica e a retrobulbar durante a remoção de óleo de silicone. A combinação de anestesia tópica e uma técnica via pars plana é uma opção alternativa eficaz e segura para a cirurgia de remoção de óleo de silicone.

Percutaneous Aspiration Embolectomy Using Guiding Catheter for the Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical outcome of percutaneous aspiration embolectomy for embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2013, 9 patients with embolic occlusion of the SMA were treated by percutaneous aspiration embolectomy in 2 academic teaching hospitals. The aspiration embolectomy procedure was performed with the 6-Fr and 7-Fr guiding catheter. Thrombolysis was performed with urokinase using a multiple-sidehole infusion catheter. The clinical outcome was investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: Superior mesenteric artery occlusion was initially diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) in all patients, and all patients had no obvious evidence of bowel infarction on CT scan. Percutaneous aspiration embolectomy was primarily performed in 6 patients, and thrombolysis was initially performed in 3 patients. In 3 patients who received primary thrombolysis, percutaneous aspiration was undertaken because the emboli were resistant to urokinase. Complete angiographic success was achieved in 6 patients and partial angiographic success was accomplished in 3 patients. One patient underwent bowel resection. One patient died of whole bowel necrosis and sepsis, and 8 patients survived without complications. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous aspiration embolectomy is a useful tool in recanalization of embolic occlusion of the SMA in select patients.

Role of aspiration thrombectomy in primary PCI for STEMI - myth or reality?

The objective of the study was to determine the outcome of thrombus aspiration in Primary coronary intervention [PCI] for ST elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI]. Case Series The study was carried out in Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology - National Institute of Heart Diseases [AFIC-NIHD] over a period of twelve months from January 2013 to December 2013. Data of 30 patients who underwent aspiration thrombectomy during primary PCI for STEMI by the transradial approach was collected. Inclusion criteria were chest pain suggestive of myocardial ischemia lasting longer than 30 min accompanied by ST- segment elevation or new left bundle branch block on the ECG within 12 h of symptom onset. Patients with previous CABG, cardiogenic shock or requiring TPM placement were excluded from this study. A 6F sheath was placed inside the radial artery, and cardiac catheterization was performed. Angiographic and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial reperfusion were assessed. Study endpoints included TIMI III flow and ST-segment resolution at the end of the procedure. Mean age of the patients was 52 years [range 37-77 yrs] and 63% [n= 19] were males and 37% [n=11] were females. The right radial artery was used in 90% of cases. Thrombus aspiration catheter used was 6 F Thrombuster II [70%] and Hunter [30%].There was significant improvement in markers of myocardial reperfusion with achievement of ST-segment resolution and TIMI 3 flow in 28 patients [93%]. No case of vascular complications such as major access site bleeding, vascular perforation, radial artery occlusion, forearm ischemia, compartment syndrome or MACE was observed. Thrombus aspiration [TA] is applicable in the majority of patients undergoing primary PCI for myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation, and it improves early markers of myocardial reperfusion

Suction tube with pressure regulation: technical note / Aspirador com pressão de sucção regulável: nota técnica

We describe a new suction tube for microsurgical procedures which permit a precise control of the pressure of suction. The new device consists of a suction tube connected to a laterally placed sliding bar which progressively opens or closes a leak. The surgeon can readily adjust the suction pressure by moving slightly the sliding bar with his thumb or index finger up and down almost instantaneously.

Descrevemos um novo aspirador para procedimentos microcirúrgicos que permite controle preciso da pressão de sucção. Consiste de tubo de aspiração conectado lateralmente com barra deslizante que abre ou fecha progressivamente uma fenda. O cirurgião pode ajustar rapidamente a pressão de sucção por meio de movimentação delicada da barra deslizante com o dedo indicador ou polegar.

Management strategies in foreign-body aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to outline a management algorithm to ensure effective teamwork in decreasing morbidity and mortality in pediatric Foreign-Body Aspirations (FBA). Furthermore, the role of flexible bronchoscopy when compared to rigid bronchoscopy in FBA was evaluated. METHODS: Charts of patients with suspected FBA from October 1999 to September 2006 were reviewed and data with regards to the history, presenting symptoms, diagnostics and therapeutic tactics, was collected. RESULTS: A total of 77 children with suspicion of FBA were managed in the 7 year period. Bronchoscopies were performed in 63 patients and in 26 foreign-bodies (FB) were found and extracted. At referral, 53 patients did not present acute respiratory symptoms, but had a positive history of FBA, and in 13 FB were found. Despite negative chest x-rays in 55 patients, FB were found in 8. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed in 53 and flexible in 10 patients. In 3 out of 10 patients who had undergone flexible bronchoscopy a FB was identified, the extraction of which was performed using a rigid bronchoscope. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological findings in children with typical history of suspected FBA are not enough to confirm the presence of FB. Successful management with an extremely low rate of morbidity and no mortality was observed using the algorithm used at our center. Flexible bronchoscopy reduces the chances of airway tract injury; however a rigid bronchoscope is necessary for FB removal.

Alterações hemodinâmicas devido ao uso de estabilizadores em revascularização do miocárdio: estudo experimental / Hemodynamic disorders related to beating heart surgery using cardiac stabilizers: experimental study

OBJETIVO: Estudar, em suínos, as alterações hemodinâmicas secundárias ao uso de estabilizadores para operações de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea, um por sucção (Octopus) e outro por compressão (Speroni). MÉTODOS: Dez suínos submetidos à esternotomia e monitorizados com eletrocardiograma, débito cardíaco contínuo e pressões: arterial média, pulmonar média, atriais médias direita e esquerda, ventriculares diastólicas direita e esquerda, calculando-se volume sistólico e resistência vascular sistêmica. Estudaram-se os estabilizadores posicionados em três artérias: interventricular anterior, interventricular posterior e ramo marginal da circunflexa. Para cada animal foi sorteada a ordem de aplicação do estabilizador com relação ao tipo e à artéria. As mensurações foram realizadas antes e após aplicar-se o estabilizador. RESULTADOS: Na artéria interventricular anterior, ocorreram alterações somente com o Speroni, havendo queda do débito cardíaco, do volume sistólico e da pressão arterial média, com aumento da resistência vascular sistêmica. Na artéria interventricular posterior, constatamos alterações com o Speroni, havendo queda do débito cardíaco e do volume sistólico, com aumento da freqüência cardíaca. Com o Octopus houve aumento da freqüência cardíaca e da resistência vascular sistêmica, com queda do volume sistólico. No ramo marginal da circunflexa, ocorreu queda do débito cardíaco, do volume sistólico e da pressão arterial média com os dois estabilizadores, havendo também queda na pressão arterial pulmonar média e aumento da pressão atrial direita média com o estabilizador por compressão. CONCLUSÕES: Ambos os estabilizadores causaram alterações hemodinâmicas. O que atua por compressão provocou mais alterações do que o que atua por sucção.

OBJECTIVE: To study in swine the hemodynamic changes secondary to the use of stabilizers for off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgeries by means of both a suction device "Octopus" and a compression device (Speroni). METHODS: Ten swine underwent median sternotomy. Monitoring of ECG, continuous cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean right and left atrial pressures, and right and left ventricular diastolic pressure were performed. Stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance were calculated. Both stabilizers were studied placed on three vessels: anterior interventricular branch, posterior interventricular branch, and marginal branch of the circumflex branch. Each animal was randomly designed to application regarding the type of stabilizer and the target artery. The measurements were carried out 5 minutes before and after the stabilizer application. RESULTS: In the anterior interventricular branch changes have occurred only with the compression device, thus reducing cardiac output, stroke volume, and mean arterial pressure, but increasing the systemic vascular resistance. In the posterior interventricular branch changes have occurred with the compression device (Speroni), reducing cardiac output and stroke volume, but increasing the heart rate. With the suction device (octopus) there was an increase of both heart rate and systemic vascular resistance, but a decrease in stroke volume. In the marginal branch of the circumflex branch there was a decrease of cardiac output, stroke volume, and mean arterial pressure with both stabilizers. Also, there was a decrease in the mean pulmonary artery pressure and an increase in the mean right atrial pressure with the compression device (Speroni). CONCLUSION: Both stabilizers have caused hemodynamic changes. The compression device (Speroni) is more associated with changes than the suction device (Octopus).

Thrombosuction Utilizing an Export Aspiration Catheter during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial nfarction

PURPOSE: Effective myocardial reperfusion after primary PCI for an AMI in lesions with a thrombus is limited by distal embolization and the slow/no reflow phenomenon. We evaluated the efficacy of a thrombus reduction technique using an export aspiration catheter for thrombosuction during primary PCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 62 patients with AMIs who underwent primary PCI and had a thrombi burden during thrombosuction using an EAC (EAC group; n=31) or without thrombosuction (control group; n=31). RESULTS: Thrombosuction with an EAC was performed safely in all the patients in EAC group without any complications. After the PCI, restoration to a TIMI flow grade 3 was significantly more frequent in the EAC group (26/31 vs. 20/31, p < 0.05). However, the TIMI perfusion grade did not differ between the two groups. Further, the corrected TIMI frame counts were lower in the EAC group (23.9 ± 15.1 vs. 34.8 ± 22.5, p < 0.05). Although there was no statistical significance, a greater incidence of distal embolization was observed in the control group (16.1%, 5/31) as compared to the EAC group (0/31) (p= 0.056). However, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events at 1 and 6 months did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: For AMIs, thrombosuction with an EAC before or during PCI is a safe and potentially effective method for restoration of the coronary flow.

Treatment options of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Penumothorax is a benign condition with high morbidity and high recurrence rate; and remains a significant clinical problem worldwide. The exact underlying pathogenesis is probably multifocal and is still unclear. The initial approach to the management of spontaneous pneumothorax differs from country to country and it is very difficult to establish an international standard protocol. Needless to say, that the safest and most cost-effective treatment protocol for a particular center should be used. However, first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax can be managed conservatively and there is no consensus on optimal treatment of patients presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax specially those with first event. On the contrary, there is some consensus that some treatment is mandatory with second or recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Regardless of the chosen therapeutic modality, the treatment goals of spontaneous pneumothorax consist of elimination of the pleural air and also prevention of future recurrence. Therapeutic options include bed rest, oxygen supplementation, manual aspiration, chest tube drainage, thoracoscopic and surgical interventions. Till present, there are no prospective, randomised comparative studies between various treatment strategies but only few between various therapeutic techniques are available.

A comparison between endoscopically middle meatal aspiration culture using modified aspiration instrument and direct maxillary antral tap culture in chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of endoscopically guided middle meatal aspiration culture by comparing the culture results between middle meatal aspiration using the modified aspiration instrument and direct maxillary antral tap. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixteen patients with chronic rhinosinusitis underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were enrolled. Both endoscopically middle meatal aspiration culture (EMAC) using modified aspiration instrument and direct antral tap culture (ATC) were performed before FESS. Microbiologic data were compared and analyzed for any statistical differences between EMAC and ATC. RESULTS: The positive culture rates were 93.75% in both EMAC and ATC groups. Aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria were found in 87.5% of EMAC group and 81.25% of ATC group. The two most common bacteria in both groups were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. The association between EMAC and ATC was strong to moderate (13/16) 81.25%. CONCLUSION: EMAC appears to be a valuable alternative to ATC for guiding bacterial-specific therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis. This modified aspiration instrument should be useful in clinical practice and serve as a cost effective procedure.

Drenaje percutáneo de colecciones abdominales guiadas por ultrasonido: Experiencia personal en 244 enfermos / Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses: personal experience in 224 patients

Se presenta la experiencia obtenida en cinco años en el Servicio de Radiología del Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González" en relación al manejo invasivo de los abscesos abdominales por drenaje percutáneo guiado por ultrasonido. Se trataron 244 pacientes con diferentes colecciones intrabdominales, a quienes se realizó drenaje por esta vía. Se drenaron 197 abscesos hepáticos amibianos, dos abscesos piógenos, dos abscesos micóticos, 10 abscesos residuales postquirúrgicos, tres abscesos perirrenales, 14 quistes renales, ocho quistes hepáticos, dos hematomas perirrenales espontáneos, dos pseudoquistes de páncreas infectados y cuatro hematomas de lecho vesicular. Se obtuvo éxito en el 97.95 por ciento de los enfermos; las complicaciones fueron mínimas

Physical and mechanical principles of phacoemulsification and their clinical relevance.

A clear understanding of the physical and mechanical principles that govern phacoemulsification can facilitate usage of this technique for effective and efficient cataract removal in a variety of clinical situations. This article addresses separately, concepts pertaining to the three essential components of phacoemulsification, namely, irrigation, aspiration and emulsification. Machine settings are suggested for the various techniques presently in use. Finally, alternative approaches for lens removal that are currently being investigated are briefly discussed.

Comparación del flujo lácteo entre mamilas látex y silicón / Comparison of milk flow in latex and silicon nursing bottles

Introducción. Se disponen de una variedad de mamilas de diferentes formas, tamaños y materiales. Factores que pueden modificar el flujo lácteo ideal para la alimentación. Objetivo. determinar el flujo lácteo permitido de acuerdo al tipo de material y forma de diferentes mamilas. Material y métodos. Con un instrumento mecánico generador de succiones artificiales (modificado de Mathews), se determinó el comportamiento en el flujo lácteo (fórmula maternizada) de 7 marcas distintas de mamilas, 5 ejemplares de cada uno. Seis fueron de tamaño normal y 1 para prematuro; 5 de forma normal y 2 de forma nuk o alada. Cuatro fabricados con silicón y 3 con látex. Todas con orificio único. Las succiones fueron generadas en 2 niveles de presión negativa (30 y 60 cmH2O). Las diferencias estadísticas entre los tipos de mamilas se evaluaron con la prueba t de Studen, con un nivel de significancia de alfa menor de 0.05. Resultados. en todas las mamilas el flujo lácteo mejoró con el incremento de la presión negativa en un promedio de 34.2 por ciento. En general las mamilas de silicón permitieron flujos más altos que las de látex tanto a presiones negativas de 30 como de 60 cmH2O (6.02 ñ 0.04 mL/min vs 5.04 ñ 1.7; P=0.04, y 7.02 ñ 1.4 mL/min vs 6.12 ñ 1.4; P=0.04). Las mamilas que mostraron más incrementos fueron las de látex de forma normal, tanto las de tamaño normal como las de prematuro. Conclusiones. El material y las formas de manufactura de las mamilas pueden interferir con el flujo lácteo necesario para vaciar un biberón. Las mamilas de silicón con este instrumento permitieron los flujos más altos

Punción y evacuación simple de la vesícula por vía percutánea en la patología vesicular aguda / Percutaneous gallbladder evacuation in patients with acute disease

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la punción-aspiración simple de la vesícula biliar en un grupo seleccionado de enfermos con patología vesicular aguda. Se analizaron 50 pacientes con dolor y/o defensa en el hipocondrio derecho, litiasis vesicular, vesícula distendida y vía biliar no dilatada. Se excluyeron los enfermos críticos y de alto riesgo con colecistitis aguda y aquellos con signos clínico-ecográficos de necrosis vesicular. Todas las punciones se efectuaron bajo control ecográfico, acceso transhepático y con una aguja 19 G. Diez pacientes fueron excluidos y de los 40 ingresados al estudio, 6 se catalogaron como cólicos biliares y 34 como colecistitis aguda. De estos últimos 4 mujeres estaban embarazadas. No hubo complicaciones vinculadas al procedimiento. El 87 por ciento de los enfermos fue tratado en forma ambulatoria. La bacteriología del contenido vesicular fue negativa en los cólicos biliares y positiva en 9 de 20 colecistitis. La punción vesicular produjo un rápido alivio del dolor abdominal espontáneo y provocado (p < 0,01), así como un descenso en el recuento de leucocitos (p < 0,05). En 4 enfermos con colecistitis recidivó el dolor dentro de las 72 hs de la punción. Dos mejoraron con una nueva punción y dos con tratamiento médico convencional. Ningún paciente de la serie fue reinternado por recidiva del cuadro inflamatorio en el seguimiento alejado (promedio 45 días). La punción-aspiración vesicular interrumpe el mecanismo fisiopatológico que produce la colecistitis aguda al descomprimir la vesícula y evacuar la bilis litogénica. Se concluye que el procedimiento es seguro e inocuo; que es la mejor opción terapéutica en la mujer embarazada con patología vesicular aguda; y que puede utilizarse como alternativa al tratamiento médico convencional en la colecistitis aguda no necrotizante previo a la cirugía temprana.

Evaluation of a simple technique for rapid access to left main bronchus.

A suction catheter with dual curvature at its tip was evaluated for its successful rapid access to left main bronchus. The catheter with dual curvature was passed through endotracheal tube in neutral position of head in 58 adult patients of both sexes in need of mechanical ventilation. Bedside x-ray (AP view) chest was taken to confirm its location. It is observed that this suction catheter had very high success rate of 95% in first attempt and 100% after repositioning endothracheal tube. It did not require any position alteration of head or body and easily allowed aspiration from left lung.

Manual and pump methods of expression of breast milk.

This study was designed to compare two methods of breast milk expression, namely, the manual and the pumping method using a hand-held cylindric pump. The parameters evaluated were (i) the output of breast milk during milk expression sessions of 15 minutes' duration, and, (ii) the subjective preference of the method by the mothers. In the first phase, 22 mothers whose infants were on gavage feeding in the nursery, had 3 sittings each by the two methods on 4th and 5th postnatal days (66 expression). It was seen that the use of breast pump (Medela) was associated with significantly higher volume of breast milk expressed per session (41.57 +/- 16.05 ml vs. 21.7 +/- 10.5 ml, P < 0.001). In the second phase, 14 mothers had such sessions (42 each) not only on the 4th and 5th postnatal days, but lso on days 8 and 9. It was again seen that, the volume of breast milk expressed was greater by the pump method than the manual expression (on day 5 and 6 (46.8 +/- 26.3 ml vs 31.2 +/- 15.5 ml, P < 0.01) as well as on day 8 and 9 (50.40 +/- 11.2 ml vs 38.49 +/- 13.4 ml, P < 0.01). Subjectively, the pump expression was preferred by the mothers on day 4 & 5, while the manual expression was the preference on days 8 & 9. The use of breast pump is more efficient than the manual system of expression of breast milk among mothers whose infants are not directly breast-fed. It is recommended that in case the mothers prefer to use the manual method, let them express as much milk as possible by this method initially, and then follow it up with a short period of pumping to ensure complete evacuation of breasts.

Actualidades en el manejo percutáneo de fístulas y acumulaciones / Present status of percutaneous drainage of abscesses

Presentamos el manejo percutáneo de 46 pacientes, 34 de sexo masculino y 12 de sexo femenino que tenían cuadros de abscesos espontáneos, posquirúrgicos y algunos con tractos fistulosos hacia otros órganos y al exterior, a quienes se colocó catéter con guía de ultrasonido y control fluoroscópico por tres a siete días, sellando el tracto sinuoso con el mismo catéter en los sujetos con fístulas con comunicación hacia una cavidad, obteniendo resultados satisfactorios con menor morbimortalidad que los drenajes quirúrgicos

A locally made mucus aspirator.

Examination of nasopharyngeal aspirate for the presence of viral antigens in children with acute lower respiratory tract infections is a standard procedure in establishing a viral aetiology. In the absence of other sophisticated methods such as lung puncture or trans-tracheal aspiration, mucopus aspirated from the nasopharynx can be used even to identify caustive organisms. Here, it is essential to perform a microscopic examination in addition to culture. The disposable mucus aspirators used in other countries are expensive and are not practical for routine use in our country. This paper describes how a mucus aspirator was turned out with low cost heat resistant materials that are locally available. The aspirator is steam sterilisable and can be used with a disposable F8 gauge feeding tube. The cost of one aspirator is about Rs. 100.