Pressure bandage over venous conduit harvesting site causing compartment syndrome in a patient with intra-aortic balloon pump: An unusual cause.

Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is conventionally used to support coronary perfusion and weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. IABP in situ has its own share of complications. We present a case where a patient on IABP support who had reduced peripheral pulsations of the ipsilateral limb and was initially misdiagnosed as IABP catheter associated thromboembolism. A negative embolectomy ruled out the same. Further looking for the cause of reduction of ipsilateral pulses it was found that the tight compressive bandage at saphenous vein conduit harvesting site had led to development of compartment syndrome (CS).

Role of tricalcium phosphate implant in bridging the large osteoperiosteal gaps in rabbits.

Treatment options for large osteoperiosteal defects are limited and that which are available are not ideal. Osteoperiosteal defect were created in ulnae of both forelimbs of rabbits and tricalcium phosphate implant was used to bridge the gap. Amongst the 35 implanted ulnae, one implant got dislodged. Rest of the implants showed good adherence to host bone until the final follow up. Five control rabbit limbs (in which no implants were put) showed persistent bone gap. Histological and Electron microscopic examination revealed bone tissues covering the surface of the implant and bridging the gap. New bone was formed in the pores also. Tricalcium phosphate implants showed new bone formation due to osteoconductive properties. They are biodegradable. It is suggested that tricalcium phosphate implants are viable treatment alternatives in management of large osteoperiosteal defects with minimal to no adverse effects.