Evaluation of an Electro-Pneumatic Device for Artificial Capillary Pulse Generation used in a Prospective Study in Animals for Surgical Neck Wound Healing.

The paper examines the development and testing of an electro-pneumatic device for wound healing therapy after surgery in the neck area. The device generates air pressure values in a miniaturized cuff using electronic circuitry to drive an electro-valve and air compressor. The device works in two distinct modes: continuous pressure mode and pulsating pressure mode. The pressure value setting can vary from 3 to 11 mmHg, and the pulsating pressure mode's operating frequency range is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 Hz. Laboratory measurements were conducted to evaluate the device's correct functioning in both continuous and pulsating pressure modes. A four-day prospective study with animals (n = 10) was also conducted to evaluate neck wound healing therapy using the electro-pneumatic device. Out of the twelve histological parameters analysed to reveal the differences between the experimental and control wounds, only one demonstrated a significant difference. Out of the ten animals treated with the device, three showed a significant difference in terms of benefit after therapy. We can therefore conclude that the device potentially improves the wound healing process in the neck area if the pre-set air pressure value does not exceed 8 mmHg.

[Hepatic pseudolesions adjacent to the falciform ligament]. / Hepatální pseudoléze v blízkosti falciformního ligamenta.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate detection of hepatic pseudolesions using multi-detector CT and MRI examinations is crucial for the differentiation of benign alterations from primary and secondary malignant lesions in hepatic parenchyma. METHOD: The authors conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed. "Liver" and "pseudolesion" were used as keywords in English and Czech, and papers/articles published from 2000 to 2014 were retrieved. RESULTS: The authors presented a literature review. In addition, the authors performed a retrospective evaluation of a group of patients treated for liver disease at University Hospital Ostrava where this anomaly was encountered in 7 cases.In 3 of the patients, diagnostic laparoscopy was done, with visual examination of the lesion accompanied by intraoperative ultrasound exam (IOUS) and partial excision, to establish the diagnosis. Subsequent histological assessment of the specimens confirmed the diagnosis of a steatotic lesion in each of these 3 patients. Additional 2 of the 7 patients underwent liver surgery for concurrent metastatic lesions of colorectal cancer and an open-access revision of the suspected lesions was performed. Visual inspection and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) was followed by excisional biopsy. The histology revealed macro- and micro-vesicular steatosis and excluded malignant changes. The last 2 patients still continue to be followed-up regularly on a 6-month routine check-up basis at our hepatology unit. CONCLUSION: The authors presented their own experience gained through inter-disciplinary cooperation at Multidisciplinary conferences. A literature overview of this unusual subject is also included. Particularly in oncologic patients, correct interpretation of these pseudolesions may help to avoid unnecessary biopsies, further imaging examinations and diagnostic laparoscopies and/or explorative laparotomies.

Semi-spherical Radiofrequency Bipolar Device - A New Technique for Liver Resection: Experimental In Vivo Study on the Porcine Model.

The incidence of colorectal carcinoma is still growing in the Czech Republic and also all around the world. With success of oncological treatment is also growing a number of potential patients with liver metastases, who can profit from surgical therapy. The aim of this study was to confirm on porcine models that this method by using new surgical device is effective and safe for patients who have to undergo liver resection. The primary hypothesis of the study was to evaluate whether this new device is able to consistently produce homogeneous and predictable areas of coagulation necrosis without the Pringle maneuver of vascular inflow occlusion. The secondary hypothesis of the study was to compare the standard linear radiofrequency device and a new semi-spherical bipolar device for liver ablation and resection in a hepatic porcine model. Twelve pigs were randomly divided into two groups. Each pig underwent liver resection from both liver lobes in the marginal, thinner part of liver parenchyma. The pigs in first group were operated with standard using device and in the second group we used new developed semi-spherical device. We followed blood count in 0(th), 14(th) and 30(th) day from operation. 14(th) day from resection pigs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to evaluate of their state, and 30(th) day after operation were all pigs euthanized and subjected to histopathological examination. Histopathological evaluation of thermal changes at the resection margin showed strong thermal alteration in both groups. Statistical analysis of collected dates did not prove any significant (p < 0.05) differences between standard using device and our new surgical tool. We proved safety of new designed semi-spherical surgical. This device can offer the possibility of shortening the ablation time and operating time, which is benefit for patients undergoing the liver resection.