The in vitro and in vivo ultrasonographic appearances of the angio-seal percutaneous closure device.

PURPOSE: To assess the ultrasound appearances of the Angio-Seal device in an animal model and in twenty patients following catheterization of the femoral artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients were scanned within 8 hours of their procedure (early group) and 10 at two to four days (delayed group) using Acuson Aspen and Sequoia scanners. Colour flow images were taken and Doppler spectral analysis was performed proximal proximal to, at and distal to the Angio-Seal device. Early and delayed in vitro images were taken in a water bath in which the Angio-Seal device was deployed across a normal porcine aorta for comparison. RESULT: In the ten early patients colour and Doppler drop out were seen in 100 percent and 90 percent respectively compared with 90 percent and 60 percent in the delayed group. The device was seen in 30 percent and 90 percent in early and delayed groups respectively. In the in vitro study the components of the device were seen and a posterior acustic shadow noted. This shadow was less obvious and the polymer anchor more easily seen in the delayed group. CONCLUSION: The Angio-Seal device produces a consistent artifact when scanned soon after deployment. These appearances could potentially be mistaken for a vascular occlusion by the unwary in the appropriate clinical setting of acute post catheterisation lower limb ischaemia however an awareness of the normal sonographic appearances of this device would make this misinterpretation unlikely.

Variations in performance in simple muscle tests at different phases of the menstrual cycle.

The effect of the menstrual cycle on the performance of women in sporting activities is a very confused subject. In this study, performances in simple muscle tests--the handgrip and standing long jump, were studied at three phases of the menstrual cycle--menstrual (day 1-4), follicular (day 12-14) and luteal (day 19-21). Within subject paired "t" testing showed that in the handgrip test, performance was significantly superior during the menstrual phase than those during both the follicular and luteal phases. In the standing long jump test, performance was again superior during the menstrual phase, although not significantly with respect to the luteal phase. This finding is discussed in terms of the reported effects of the menstrual cycle on sporting performance, the variation in the types of exercise, and the possible role of the female sex hormones.