Uso de fixador esquelético externo tipo I para osteossíntese de tibiotarso em galinhas da raça Plymouth Rock Branca Modelo experimental para uso em aves selvagens / The use of type I external skeletal fixer for osteosynthesis of tibiotarsus in white plymouth rock chickens experimental model for the use in wild birds / Alteraciones morfológicas en los órganos genitales de perros y gatos provenientes de villas rurales de la región de umuarama ­ pr

Este estudo avaliou a eficiência do fixador esquelético externo, tipo I, para o tratamento de fratura de tibiotarso em oito galinhas adultas da raça Plymouth Rock Branca. As aves foram pré-anestesiadas com sulfato de morfina e anestesiadas com halotano. Em seguida, foi realizada fratura na diáfise do tibiotarso esquerdo, por meio de serra oscilatória. Quatro pinos de Kirschner foram inseridos por meio das corticais ósseas, dois proximalmente e dois distalmente do foco da fratura. Após a redução da fratura, os pinos foram conectados externamente por meio de uma barra de acrílico autopolimerizável, na face lateral externa do membro. O retorno da capacidade de utilização do membro foi observado em 24,00 + ou - 16,42 dias, e a cicatrização óssea ocorreu em 40,37 + ou - 11,80 dias. Em três aves (37,5%) observou-se deslocamento dos pinos, o que levou a claudicação persistente até o final do experimento, no 60º dia de pós-operatório. Os resultados do experimento demonstraram que redução aberta e aplicação de fixador esquelético externo, tipo I, não é um método totalmente efetivo para o tratamento de fraturas de tibiotarso em galinhas da raça Plymouth Rock Branca e não deve ser indicado, pois pode promover migração dos pinos e desestabilização da fratura.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effi ciency of the type I external skeletal fi xer for the treatment of tibiotarsus fracture in eight adult White Plymouth Rock chickens. The birds were pre-anesthetized with morphine sulfate and anesthetized with halothane, and submitted to a diaphisary fracture in the left tibiotarsus, performed with an oscillatory saw. Four Kirschner wires were inserted through the bone cortices, being two proximally and two distally to the fracture. After the fracture reduction the wires were externally connected by a bar of auto polymerizing acrylic resin, in the external lateral face of the member. The return to the capacity to use the member was observed in 24.00 ± 16.42 days, and the bone healing occurred in 40.37 ± 11.80 days. In three individuals (37.5%) there was observed wire displacement, leading to lameness which persisted until the end of the research, 60 days after the surgery. The results of this study showed that open reduction and the use of type I external skeletal fi xer is not a totally effective method for the treatment of tibiotarsus fractures in White Plymouth Rock chickens, causing dislocation of the wires and disestablishment of the fracture

RESUMEN: En este estudio se evaluó la efi cacia del fi jador esquelético externo tipo I para el tratamiento de fractura de tibiotarso en ocho gallinas adultas de la raza Plymouth Rock Blanca. Las aves fueron preanestesiadas con sulfato de morfi na y anestesiadas con halotano, y sometidas a una fractura diafi sária en el tibiotarso izquierdo, con una sierra oscilatoria. Se insertaron cuatro pinos de Kirschner a través de las corticales del hueso, siendo dos en posición proximal y dos en posición distal a la fractura. Después de la reducción de la fractura los pinos fueron conectados externamente por una pieza de resina acrílica de auto polimerización, en la parte lateral externa del miembro. Se observó retorno de la capacidad de uso del miembro en 24,00 ± 16,42 días, y cicatrización del hueso en 40,37 ± 11,80 días. En tres individuos (37,5%) se observó desplazamiento de los pinos, llevando a claudicación que persistió hasta el fi nal de la investigación, 60 días después de la cirugía. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que reducción abierta y uso de fi jador esquelético externo tipo I no es un método totalmente efi caz para el tratamiento de fracturas de tibiotarso en gallinas de la raza Plymouth Rock Blanca, causando dislocación de los pinos y desestabilización de la fractura

Psychological distress across the course of care: a case study from implantable cardioverter defibrillator to cardiac transplantation evaluation.

The psychological distress of cardiac patients can complicate treatment or the recovery process. This case study presents a 47-year-old male recipient of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator who experienced multiple, consecutive shocks and subsequently developed anxiety and depressive difficulties. Psychological treatment to diminish these symptoms was employed. Despite declining cardiac function, the patient made significant progress in managing this negative affect. Subsequently, he was evaluated for cardiac transplant, and this treatment progress became critical evidence of his psychosocial suitability for transplant.

Recognition and correction of subcuticular malposition of pacemaker pulse generators.

Implantation of a cardiac pacemaker should be in the tissue plane deep to the subcutaneous tissue (i.e., between the fatty layer and the pectoralis fascia of the chest wall). Five patients with pacemaker implants between the cutis and the subcutaneous fat presented months later with chronic, unremitting, and often excruciating pain. The pulse generator in each case seemed excessively superficial and displaced, appeared too large for its known size, and was seemingly fixed to the overlying skin with exquisite sensitivity to light touch by a garment or palpation. Each had multiple consultations and treatments for pain, all without effect other than the temporary relief of local anesthesia. In three patients with obvious large subcutaneous fatty layers, the pulse generator was markedly superficial. Wound cultures were sterile in each case. Correction consisted of operative repositioning of the pulse generator into the readily developed subcutaneous tissue plane. In each patient, total and permanent relief of pain was achieved. Subcuticular positioning of permanent pacemaker pulse generators causes chronic pain that is readily relieved by operative repositioning of the pulse generator in the proper tissue plane.

Young at heart: understanding the unique psychosocial adjustment of young implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.

This article reviews the data related to psychosocial adjustment of young ICD recipients, postulates theories to explain potential adjustment difficulties to ICD therapy experienced by younger recipients, and suggests clinical management techniques for addressing the unique psychosocial concerns of young ICD recipients. Studies of young ICD recipients suggest that a wide range of psychosocial adjustment issues are prominent in the post-ICD implantation period and that the issues may be different from older ICD recipients. The disability-stress-coping model and the transactional-stress-coping model are postulated as explanations for the unique adjustment concerns of children and adolescents with ICDs. Social comparison theory is also applied to the concerns of young adults with ICDs such that they often lack same age peers to compare experiences with cardiac difficulties. Brief, clinic-based interventions by health care providers, like a screening and referral heuristic and an "ICD Buddy" system, are suggested to increase effective coping and decrease social isolation for young ICD recipients.

Biventricular pacing therapy for congestive heart failure: a review of the literature.

Biventricular pacing is a new therapy for patients with congestive heart failure and mechanical dyssynchrony. Its therapeutic intent is to activate both ventricles simultaneously, thus improving the mechanical efficiency of the ventricles. Preliminary evidence indicates improvement in hemodynamics, quality of life, and exercise capacity in patients in sinus rhythm as well as in patients with atrial fibrillation. An improvement in diastolic filling, a decrease in mitral regurgitation, and more efficient systolic ejection are proposed as the mechanisms behind these benefits. In addition, some evidence indicates that the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias is decreased. All clinicians involved in the management of patients with congestive heart failure eagerly await the results of ongoing trials. The results of these trials will define which patients are eligible for this therapy, which patients will derive the most benefit from it, and its effect on morbidity and mortality.

Atrial fibrillation: rate control versus maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation is a common tachyarrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Management has become increasingly complex as the therapeutic options have multiplied. Two basic strategies are available: rhythm control with or without pharmacologic manipulation, and rate control with anticoagulation. To date, no randomized controlled trial that compares the two strategies has been completed, although the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-Up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial is underway. This review outlines the rationale for each of the two basic treatment strategies, providing an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Included are clinical criteria used in selecting the appropriate treatment plan.

Assessing the psychosocial impact of the ICD: a national survey of implantable cardioverter defibrillator health care providers.

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) provides a survival advantage over antiarrhythmic medications for patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However, the effect of ICD therapy on quality-of-life and psychosocial functioning are not as well understood. Health care providers (e.g., physicians, nurses) can serve as a valuable source of information related to these ICD outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate health care provider perceptions regarding: (1) the quality-of-life and psychosocial functioning of their ICD recipients, (2) the concerns or problems reported by ICD recipients, and (3) the degree of provider comfort in managing these concerns. The final sample of health care providers (n = 261) rated ICD recipients' global quality-of-life and psychosocial functioning, and specific concerns about health care, lifestyle, special population adjustment, marital and family adjustment, and emotional well-being. With regard to quality-of-life, health care providers reported that the majority of ICD recipients were functioning better (38%) or about the same (47%) than before implantation. However, health care providers reported that 15% of recipients experienced worse quality-of-life postimplantation. Similarly, health care providers indicated that 10%-20% of ICD recipients experienced worse emotional functioning and strained family relationships. Moreover, issues related to driving, dealing with ICD shocks, and depression were the most common ICD recipient concerns. Significant differences were noted between physicians and nurses/other health care professionals on a wide range of psychosocial issues. Health care providers generally reported the most comfort dealing with traditional medical issues (i.e., patient adherence), and the least comfort in managing emotional well-being issues (e.g., depression and anxiety). These results suggest that routine attention to ICD quality-of-life and psychosocial outcomes is indicated for health care providers who care for ICD recipients.

Supportive communication with implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: seven principles to facilitate psychosocial adjustment.

METHODS: This article incorporates known findings from the psychological literature regarding health behaviors and adjustment to cardiac illness with identified psychosocial needs of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients. An emphasis is placed on healthcare providers' unique ability to facilitate adjustment during routine patient contacts. RESULTS: Seven principles of supportive communication are presented to enhance healthcare providers' awareness of the psychosocial needs of ICD patients. A table of "quotes" representing each principle is provided to show how each form of supportive communication may be delivered to optimize health outcomes for ICD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Brief, routine communication between healthcare providers and ICD patients about psychosocial issues can facilitate patient adjustment. Although not sufficient to meet the needs of all ICD patients, supportive communication bolsters problem-solving and coping strategies of most ICD patients. For patients with more severe psychological adjustment difficulties, supportive communication may lead to better identification of patients who would benefit from referrals to mental health professionals.

Examining the psychosocial impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has proven to be superior to medications in treating potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, resulting in reduced mortality rates. Despite the number of patients receiving this therapy, its psychosocial impact is not well understood. HYPOTHESIS: The purposes of this paper are (1) to review the available literature documenting the psychosocial impact of the ICD on patients, (2) to hypothesize possible mechanisms for this psychosocial impact, and (3) to suggest clinical risk profiles and indications for psychological consultation. METHODS: Electronic and library searches (e.g., MEDLINE, PsychLit) were used to gather studies examining the psychosocial impact of the ICD. Only studies investigating psychosocial outcomes (e.g., psychological distress, quality of life, social and role functioning), either prospectively or cross-sectionally, were admitted into the review. No literature reviews or secondary sources were included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Current research suggests that ICD-specific fears and symptoms of anxiety (e.g., excessive worry, physiological arousal) are the most common psychological symptoms experienced by ICD recipients, with approximately 13-38% of recipients experiencing diagnosable levels of anxiety. Depressive symptoms are reported at rates that are generally consistent with other cardiac populations. Although the incidence of psychological disorders appears to be similar to that found in general cardiac populations, specific ICD-related concerns such as fear of shock, fear of device malfunction, fear of death, and fear of embarrassment have been identified. Selected psychological theories such as classical conditioning, learned helplessness, and a cognitive appraisal model help to explain the occurrence of psychological symptoms post implantation. Psychosocial adjustment risk profiles indicate that young ICD recipients and those with high discharge rates may experience the most adjustment difficulties.

Affective distress and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: cases for psychological and behavioral interventions.

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be associated with some degree of psychological maladjustment, especially in patients experiencing high rates of discharge. This article reviews the psychological literature related to ICDs and presents two case examples illustrating common psychological complications related to multiple discharges. A brief, psychological intervention can be implemented to improve patient adjustment. To explain possible processes by which psychological complications may develop in ICD patients, two well-established psychological theories of learning and behavior, classical conditioning and learned helplessness, are reviewed. Multidisciplinary teams that include consultation with clinical psychologists are suggested for the routine care of ICD patients.

Induction of atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia with adenosine: differential effect of adenosine on fast and slow atrioventricular node pathways.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the sensitivity of fast and slow atrioventricular (AV) node pathways to incremental doses of adenosine in patients with typical AV node reentrant tachycardia. BACKGROUND: Although adenosine is known to depress conduction through the AV node, the relative sensitivity to adenosine of the anterograde fast and slow pathways in patients with dual AV node pathways and typical AV node reentrant tachycardia has not previously been studied. METHODS: Sixteen patients with dual AV node physiology and typical AV node reentrant tachycardia and 10 control patients were given incremental doses of adenosine during atrial pacing. RESULTS: In 14 of 16 patients with dual-AV node physiology, administration of small doses of adenosine during atrial pacing led consistently to transient block of impulse conduction in the fast pathway before block in the slow pathway, resulting in abrupt prolongation of the AH interval with continued 1:1 AV conduction. The mean (+/- SD) doses of adenosine required to cause conduction block in the fast and slow pathways were 2.7 +/- 3.0 and 7.2 +/- 4.7 mg, respectively (p = 0.004). In 9 of 16 patients, administration of low dose adenosine led to initiation of AV node reentrant tachycardia. The control patients showed no abrupt increases in AH interval with administration of adenosine during atrial pacing. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients with dual AV node pathways and typical AV node reentrant tachycardia, the fast pathway is more sensitive than the slow pathway to the effects of adenosine.

Clinical improvement after atrioventricular nodal ablation for atrial fibrillation does not correlate with improved ejection fraction.

A retrospective review of 15 patients with atrial fibrillation and class III to IV congestive heart failure who underwent atrioventricular nodal ablation demonstrated a marked improvement in their functional abilities. This improvement, however, could not be explained by the improvement in ejection fraction alone.

Permanent atrial pacing in cardiac transplant patients.

Thirteen out of 223 consecutive cardiac transplant patients required permanent pacemaker implantation; 11 for sinus node dysfunction and 2 for complete AV block. Patients with sinus node dysfunction were considered for AAIR mode pacemakers if they had intact AV conduction defined as a Wenckebach point of > 120 beats/min. Ten of 11 patients with sinus node dysfunction had a single atrial lead placed. Atrial lead placement was most easily accomplished with a straight, active fixation lead and the use of manually curved stylets to find an optimal position in the donor atrium, although active fixation leads with a preformed atrial J were used as well. Two leads dislodged requiring revision. In contrast, only 1 of 250 atrial leads implanted in nontransplanted hearts dislodged (P < 0.0001). Transvenous endomyocardial biopsies have not caused atrial lead dislodgment. Most transplant recipients requiring permanent pacing have intact AV nodal function and require only atrial pacing. Atrial lead dislodgment requiring lead revision occurs more frequently in heart transplant recipients than in native hearts. Use of a straight active fixation lead with a manually formed curve in the stylet is useful in order to find the optimal position for pacing.

Termination and suppression of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia by diltiazem.

Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia is known to be responsive to verapamil in many cases. However, the role of other calcium-channel blockers, such as diltiazem, in treating this specific type of ventricular tachycardia is unknown. We report a case of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a structurally normal heart, which was terminated and suppressed in the electrophysiology laboratory by a single dose of diltiazem intravenously, and was subsequently suppressed long-term with sustained-release diltiazem. Our finding suggests that idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia may be managed effectively with diltiazem in both the acute and chronic settings.

Modification of patient driving behavior after implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator.

Driving habits among recipients of ICDs have not been well characterized previously, yet such information may have implications for development of national policy. This study was undertaken to characterize driving behavior after defibrillator implantation in our patient population. From 1988-1993, 82 ICDs were implanted at the University of Florida. All patients received defibrillator teaching preoperatively and postoperatively with particular emphasis placed on driving restrictions. A standardized questionnaire was developed to ascertain driving behavior, compliance with restrictions, and occurrence of motor vehicle accidents following implantation. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they had received a shock from their device since implantation. Group I patients did, and Group II patients did not. Fifty-two out of 82 (63%, Group I) patients had at least one shock. The remaining 30 patients had received no shocks. Mean age and gender were no different between the two groups. Mean time since implantation was 6 +/- 1.3 years in Group I, compared to 4 +/- 1.5 years in Group II (P = 0.001). Forty-seven out of 52 (90%) and 26 out of 30 (87%) in Groups I and II, respectively, resumed driving after defibrillator implantation. There was no difference in the amount of time that passed prior to resumption of driving. Group I patients drove more, 20.5 +/- 27 miles/day compared to patients in Group II, 8.3 +/- 9.7 miles/day (P = 0.02). No patient experienced device discharge during driving; likewise, no patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident secondary to their device firing. Sixty-seven out of 82 (82%) patients complied with the instructions they thought they heard; seven patients in Group I and eight patients in Group II deliberately did not follow our advice. The majority of patients do comply with physician instructions, although the instructions they remember are not always the instructions given. If a national policy is created to prohibit driving after ICD implantation, effective enforcement may be difficult.

QT dispersion is a marker for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias after atrioventricular nodal ablation using radiofrequency energy.

QT dispersion has been cited as a measure of nonuniform myocardial repolarization and a predictor of sudden cardiac death. We describe 38 patients who underwent atrioventricular nodal ablation, 3 of whom had an increase in measured QT dispersion and experienced potentially fatal, pulseless, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia after the procedure.