Name: low-cost single-port (locosp) device for a transcervical approach in minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy
Uploaded: 2021-09-11T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Low-Cost Single-Port LoCoSP Device for a Transcervical Approach in Minimally Invasive Transhiatal Esophagectomy at JoVE.com

The surgical procedure and the protocol were explained to the patients, and they signed a consent form. This study was approved by the local ethics committees of the institutional review board and informed consent were collected from patients, register number 1688/20. Patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy were included in the protocol, while those patients who underwent a transthoracic approach were excluded.
1. Production of low-cost single-port device
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	<li>Use a nasogastric...

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	<li>Borggreve, A. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+treatment+of+esophageal+cancer+in+the+era+of+multimodality+management.">Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer in the era of multimodality management.</a> Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1434 (1), 192-209 (2018).</li><li>Kato, H., Nakajima, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Treatments+for+esophageal+cancer:+a+review.">Treatments for esophageal cancer: a review.</a> General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 61 (6), 330-335 (2013).</li><li>Rice, T. W., Patil, D. T., Blackstone, E. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=8th+edition+AJCC/UICC+staging+of+cancers+of+the+esophagus+and+esophagogastric+junction+application+to+clinical+practice.">8th edition AJCC/UICC staging of cancers of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction application to clinical practice.</a> Annalsof Cardiothoracic Surgery. 6 (2), 119-130 (2017).</li><li>Hulscher, J. B., Tijssen, J. G., Obertop, H., van Lanschot, J. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transthoracic+versus+transhiatal+resection+for+carcinoma+of+the+esophagus:+a+meta-analysis.">Transthoracic versus transhiatal resection for carcinoma of the esophagus: a meta-analysis.</a> Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 72 (1), 306-313 (2001).</li><li>Rentz, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transthoracic+versus+transhiatal+esophagectomy:+a+prospective+study+of+945+patients.">Transthoracic versus transhiatal esophagectomy: a prospective study of 945 patients.</a> Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 125 (5), 1114-1120 (2003).</li><li>Tokairin, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mediastinoscopic+subaortic+and+tracheobronchial+lymph+node+dissection+with+a+new+cervico-hiatal+crossover+approach+in+thiel-embalmed+cadavers.">Mediastinoscopic subaortic and tracheobronchial lymph node dissection with a new cervico-hiatal crossover approach in thiel-embalmed cadavers.</a> International Surgery. 100, 580-588 (2015).</li><li>Fujiwara, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-port+mediastinoscopic+lymphadenectomy+along+the+left+recurrent+laryngeal+nerve.">Single-port mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.</a> Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 100 (3), 1115-1117 (2015).</li><li>Gupta, V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Major+airway+injury+during+esophagectomy:+experience+at+a+tertiary+care+center.">Major airway injury during esophagectomy: experience at a tertiary care center.</a> Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 13 (3), 438-441 (2009).</li><li>Hulscher, J. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Injury+to+the+major+airways+during+subtotal+esophagectomy:+incidence,+management,+and+sequelae.">Injury to the major airways during subtotal esophagectomy: incidence, management, and sequelae.</a> Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 120 (6), 1093-1096 (2000).</li><li>Fermin, L., Arnold, S., Nunez, L., Yakoub, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extracorporeal+membrane+oxygenation+for+repair+of+tracheal+injury+during+transhiatal+esophagectomy.">Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for repair of tracheal injury during transhiatal esophagectomy.</a> Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia. 20, 67-69 (2017).</li></ol>

The LoCoSP device allows for safer surgery using a transcervical approach in minimally invasive THE. This is accomplished by improving the recognition and dissection of the esophagus, trachea, and the aortic arch under magnified vision. The advantages of THE are amplified. In addition to allowing surgery with less morbidity and fewer pulmonary complications, this technique can improve the dissection of left paratracheal and recurrent lymph nodes. Another advantage of this technique is that it is possible to reduce the ri...

There are multiple options for the treatment of esophageal cancer, which involve endoscopy, surgery1, neoadjuvant, and definitive treatment with chemoradiotherapy2. Esophagectomy is the most important element in the curative treatment of patients with advanced esophageal cancer3, and the two main approaches currently used for surgical treatment are transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) and transhiatal esophagectomy (THE). However, the choice of approach remains controversial. Since TTE requires pulmonary collapse during surgery, more frequent pulmonary complications are to be expected than in a transhiatal approach. Minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce access trauma to the lungs and others structures of the thorax, but they do not decrease the morbidity in comparison to THE. Thus, minimally invasive THE has become a more attractive option; however, the upper esophagus and upper mediastinum are difficult areas to dissect due to blind areas, and cervical incision might be not enough to allow a safe dissection of the upper part.
Laparoscopic THE reduces morbidity4 and enhances postoperative recovery with no compromise in cancer recurrence or survival5. THE has been shown to decrease the hospital stay, hospital mortality, surgical time, and blood loss. Furthermore, TTE has a higher risk of pulmonary complications. The patient's stay in the intensive care unit is significantly longer after transthoracic resection, and hospital stay is also significantly prolonged. 
However, there is an issue with THE regarding the lymph node dissection, particularly in the upper mediastinum, which is a blind area. This results in a risk of tracheal and vascular lesions during the surgery. Tokairin6 et al. and Fujiwara et al. described a single-port mediastinoscopic method for upper mediastinal dissection in esophageal cancer surgery. This technique enabled clear visualization of the structures around the aortic arch and safe lymphadenectomy7. A low-cost single-port device was developed to improve upper mediastinal dissection using a left transcervical mediastinoscopic approach, which was used to improve the visibility and dissection in the upper mediastinum around the aortic arch. The aim of this project is to describe the step-by-step process of a laparoscopic THE completed using a mediastinoscopy cervical approach with a low-cost single-port device in a rendezvous technique.

low-cost single-port (locosp) device for a transcervical approach in minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy

Esophagectomy remains the preferred option to achieve curative treatment in advanced esophageal cancer, but the choice of surgical approach remains controversial. A transthoracic approach may improve lymph node dissection, but it has considerable morbidity and respiratory complications. Transhiatal access has been demonstrated as an efficient means of minimizing post-operative complications. Minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy may reduce operative trauma and morbidity as well as enhance postoperative recovery with no compromise in cancer recurrence or survival. Nevertheless, it has a technical limitation in terms of cervical esophagus dissection. Thus, a low-cost single-port device was developed to complete upper mediastinal dissection by a transcervical approach during minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy. This device uses a nasogastric tube, a number-eight sterile glove, a sterile sponge, and 3 permanent 5-mm trocars. The step-by-step process of transhiatal esophagectomy and the development of this device are described. This technique allows for the dissection of the upper mediastinum, as well as the esophagus over the aortic arch and behind the superior portion of the trachea. The harvesting of lymph nodes along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and paratracheals was improved.

The LoCoSP device is a useful tool for safely dissecting the structures of the upper mediastinum. Direct visualization of the cervical and upper thoracic esophagus allows for safe dissection with less risk of tracheal injury and hemorrhage from tearing of the larger vessels, in addition to improving the lymphadenectomy of the left recurrent laryngeal and paratracheal nodes.
From 2018 to 2020, 12 patients with distal esophageal carcinoma (2 squamous cell carcinoma and 10 adenocarcinoma) were su...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Low-Cost Single-Port LoCoSP Device for a Transcervical Approach in Minimally Invasive Transhiatal Esophagectomy at JoVE.com

Low-Cost Single-Port LoCoSP Device for a Transcervical Approach in Minimally Invasive Transhiatal Esophagectomy

Here, we describe a step-by-step description of transhiatal esophagectomy and the development of a low-cost single-port device for a transcervical approach in a minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy.

Low-Cost Single-Port (LoCoSP) Device for a Transcervical Approach in Minimally Invasive Transhiatal Esophagectomy

Esophagectomy remains the preferred option to achieve curative treatment in advanced esophageal cancer, but the choice of surgical approach remains ...

We developed a low-cost single-port device to improve upper mediastinal dissection using a left transcervical mediastinoscopic approach, which was used to improve the visibility and dissection in the upper mediastinum around the aortic arch. The aim of this project is to describe the step-by-step process of a laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy, completed using a mediastinoscopy cervical approach with a low-cost single-port device in a rendezvous technique. The materials used are a nasogastric tube, one sterile number eight glove, a sterile sponge, three permanent five millimeter trocars and surgical suture materials.One cylinder with a sterile sponge is made. Three glove fingers are used to triangulate the trocars. Little finger, middle finger and thumb.The three trocars pierce the sponge and perform the triangulation. One ring with the nasogastric tube is made. The sponge, the trocars and the glove are placed between the ring to seal the air leak and to stabilize the sutures.The glove is used to cover all the sutures to prevent air leak again. This is the final aspect of the single-port, low-cost device. The operation starts with the laparoscopic access to the peritoneal cavity and inspection to evaluate any possible of liver metastasis, peritoneal carcinomatosis or free fluid.After this inspection, we start to open up the greater curvature with the division of the gastrocolic ligament, preserving the arterial arcade of the right gastroepiploic artery. The left gastroepiploic artery and vein were dissected and divided, after that, they were clipped. Then, we begin the lymphadenectomy of the lesser epiploic cavity, performing the dissection of the lymph nodes around the common hepatic artery and the celiac trunk.We dissect cranially to the origin of the left gastric vein and isolated it from the left gastric artery. We usually use one clip proximally and other distally in the left gastric vein before sealing it. We use two Hem-o-locks proximally and one distally in the left gastric artery before sealing it.After that, we retrieve all lymph nodes around the left gastric artery. We continue the lymphadenectomy through the hiatus. Then we initiate the dissection of the lower mediastinum with the opening of the diaphragmatic crus.Distal esophagus is dissected from the both left and right pillar. We start at the posterior part of the esophagus between the descending aorta and the esophagus. After that, we dissect anterior, lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy with the dissection of the pericardial lymph nodes.We dissect the periesophageal lymph nodes close to the right pleura and left too. We stop the dissection in the transition of the middle to upper mediastinal up to the carina and started dissection with a single-port mediastinoscope surgical approach, using a rendezvous technique. Left cervicotomy is performed with the isolation of the cervical esophagus.We insert the single-port device into the cervical wound and create a pneumomediastinum by carbon dioxide insufflation. We use a five millimeter arch and a harmonic scalpel for esophagus dissection along with a laparoscopic grasper. We dissect the esophagus over the aortic arch and behind the superior portion of the trachea.The dissection of the lymph nodes is performed along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid. After this stage, the esophagus is completely mobilized and we will reach the transhiatal dissection. The cervical esophagus is divided, and the esophagus with the tumor is removed by abdominal incision.Stapling is performed along the greater curvature for the propose of making the gastric tube, which will be drawn for anastomoses in the cervical region. This is the final appearance of the surgical specimen. Cervical anastomosis was performed with gastric tube and esophageal stent.From 2018 to 2020, 12 patients with this type of esophageal carcinoma, two is squamous cell carcinoma and 10 adenocarcinoma, were submitted to laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy with transcervical access to cervical esophagus dissection and lymphadenectomy. The low-cost single-port device is a useful tool for safely dissecting the structures of the upper mediastinum. Direct visualization of the cervical and upper thoracic esophagus allows for safe dissection with less risk of tracheal injury and hemorrhage from tearing of the larger vessels.In addition to improving the lymphadenectomy of the left recurrent laryngeal and paratracheal nodes.

low-cost-single-port-locosp-device-for-transcervical-approach

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Single Port Donor Nephrectomy

In 2007, Rane presented the first single port nephrectomy for a small non-functioning kidney at the World Congress of Endourology. Since that time, the use of single port surgery for nephrectomy has expanded to include donor nephrectomy. Over the next two years the technique was adopted for many others types of nephrectomies to include donor nephrectomy. We present our technique for single port donor nephrectomy using the Gelpoint device. We have successfully performed this surgery in over 100 patients and add this experience to our experience of over 1000 laparoscopic nephrectomies. With the proper equipment and technique, single port donor nephrectomy can be performed safely and effectively in the majority of live donors. We have found that our operative times and most importantly our transplant outcomes have not changed significantly with the adoption of the single port donor nephrectomy. We believe that single port donor nephrectomy represents a step forward in the care of living donors.

Single port laparoscopic surgery is changing the standard of care in surgical care like nothing since the laparoscopic technique was introduced 20 years ago. We present out technique of single port donor nephrectomy using the Gelpoint device. We have successfully performed this surgery in 100 patients.

In 2007, Rane presented the first single port nephrectomy for a small non-functioning kidney at the World Congress of Endourology.  Since that time, the ...

Photothrombotic Ischemia: A Minimally Invasive and Reproducible Photochemical Cortical Lesion Model for Mouse Stroke Studies

The photothrombotic stroke model aims to induce an ischemic damage within a given cortical area by means of photo-activation of a previously injected light-sensitive dye. Following illumination, the dye is activated and produces singlet oxygen that damages components of endothelial cell membranes, with subsequent platelet aggregation and thrombi formation, which eventually determines the interruption of local blood flow. This approach, initially proposed by Rosenblum and El-Sabban in 1977, was later improved by Watson in 1985 in rat brain and set the basis of the current model. Also, the increased availability of transgenic mouse lines further contributed to raise the interest on the photothrombosis model. Briefly, a photosensitive dye (Rose Bengal) is injected intraperitoneally and enters the blood stream. When illuminated by a cold light source, the dye becomes activated and induces endothelial damage with platelet activation and thrombosis, resulting in local blood flow interruption. The light source can be applied on the intact skull with no need of craniotomy, which allows targeting of any cortical area of interest in a reproducible and non-invasive way. The mouse is then sutured and allowed to wake up. The evaluation of ischemic damage can be quickly accomplished by triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride or cresyl violet staining. This technique produces infarction of small size and well-delimited boundaries, which is highly advantageous for precise cell characterization or functional studies. Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for studying cellular and molecular responses underlying brain plasticity in transgenic mice.

Photothrombosis is a quick, minimally-invasive technique for inducing small and well-delimited infarction in areas of interest in highly reproducible manner. It is particularly suitable for studying cellular and molecular responses underlying brain plasticity in transgenic mice.

The photothrombotic stroke model aims to induce an ischemic damage within a given cortical area by means of photo-activation of a previously injected ...

Minimally Invasive Establishment of Murine Orthotopic Bladder Xenografts

Orthotopic bladder cancer xenografts are the gold standard to study molecular cellular manipulations and new therapeutic agents&#160;in vivo. Suitable cell lines are inoculated either by intravesical instillation (model of nonmuscle invasive growth) or intramural injection into the bladder wall (model of invasive growth). Both procedures are complex and highly time-consuming. Additionally, the superficial model has its shortcomings due to the lack of cell lines that are tumorigenic following instillation. Intramural injection, on the other hand, is marred by the invasiveness of the procedure and the associated morbidity for the host mouse.
With these shortcomings in mind, we modified previous methods to develop a minimally invasive approach for creating orthotopic bladder cancer xenografts. Using ultrasound guidance we have successfully performed percutaneous inoculation of the bladder cancer cell lines UM-UC1, UM-UC3 and UM-UC13 into 50 athymic nude. We have been able to demonstrate that this approach is time efficient, precise and safe. With this technique, initially a space is created under the bladder mucosa with PBS, and tumor cells are then injected into this space in a second step. Tumor growth is monitored at regular intervals with bioluminescence imaging and ultrasound. The average tumor volumes increased steadily in in all but one of our 50 mice over the study period.
In our institution, this novel approach, which allows bladder cancer xenograft inoculation in a minimally-invasive, rapid and highly precise way, has replaced the traditional model.

The established technique to inoculate primary invasive orthotopic bladder cancer xenografts requires laparotomy and mobilization of the bladder. This procedure inflicts significant morbidity on the mice, is technically challenging and time-consuming. We therefore developed a high-precision, percutaneous approach utilizing ultrasound guidance.

Orthotopic bladder cancer xenografts are the gold standard to study molecular cellular manipulations and new therapeutic agents&#160;in vivo. Suitable ...

Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots

Cell encapsulation was developed to entrap viable cells within semi-permeable membranes. The engrafted encapsulated cells can exchange low molecular weight metabolites in tissues of the treated host to achieve long-term survival. The semipermeable membrane allows engrafted encapsulated cells to avoid rejection by the immune system. The encapsulation procedure was designed to enable a controlled release of bioactive compounds, such as insulin, other hormones, and cytokines. Here we describe a method for encapsulation of catabolic cells, which consume lipids for heat production and energy dissipation (thermogenesis) in the intra-abdominal adipose tissue of obese mice. Encapsulation of thermogenic catabolic cells may be potentially applicable to the prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Another potential application of catabolic cells may include detoxification from alcohols or other toxic metabolites and environmental pollutants.

Here, we present a protocol for encapsulation of catabolic cells, which consume lipids for heat production in intra-abdominal adipose tissue and increase energy dissipation in obese mice.

Cell encapsulation was developed to entrap viable cells within semi-permeable membranes. The engrafted encapsulated cells can exchange low molecular ...

Minimally Invasive Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction (MTAC) is a more desirable method for the constriction of the transverse aorta in mice than standard open-chest transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Although transverse aortic constriction is a highly functional method for the induction of high pressure in the left ventricle, it is a more difficult and lengthy procedure due to its use of artificial ventilation with tracheal intubation. TAC is oftentimes also less survivable, as the newer method, MTAC, neither requires the cutting of the ribs and intercostal muscles nor tracheal intubation with a ventilation setup. In MTAC, as opposed to a thoracotomy to access to the chest cavity, the aortic arch is reached through a midline incision in the anterior neck. The thyroid is pulled back to reveal the sternal notch. The sternum is subsequently cut down to the second rib level, and the aortic arch is reached simply by separating the connective tissues and thymus. From there, a suture can be wrapped around the arch and tied with a spacer, and then the sternal cut and skin can be closed. MTAC is a much faster and less invasive way to induce left ventricular hypertension and enables the possibility for high-throughput studies. The success of the constriction can be verified using high-frequency trans-thoracic echocardiography, particularly color Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler, to determine the flow velocities of the aortic arch and left and right carotid arteries, the dimension of the blood vessels, and the left ventricular function and morphology. A successful constriction will also trigger significant histopathological changes, such as cardiac muscle cell hypertrophy with interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Here, the procedure of MTAC is described, demonstrating how the resulting flow changes in the carotid arteries can be examined with echocardiography, gross morphology, and histopathological changes in the heart.

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction (MTAC) conserves the essentials of regular transverse aortic constriction (TAC) while eliminating the use of a ventilator with tracheal intubation. It proves to be a highly desirable method for high-throughput studies on left ventricular overload, particularly in translational studies.

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction (MTAC) is a more desirable method for the constriction of the transverse aorta in mice than standard ...

A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions

Bone healing models are necessary to analyze the complex mechanisms of fracture healing to improve clinical fracture treatment. During the last decade, an increased use of mouse models in orthopedic research was noted, most probably because mouse models offer a large number of genetically-modified strains and special antibodies for the analysis of molecular mechanisms of fracture healing. To control the biomechanical conditions, well-characterized osteosynthesis techniques are mandatory, also in mice. Here, we report on the design and use of a closed bone healing model to stabilize femur fractures in mice. The intramedullary screw, made of medical-grade stainless steel, provides through fracture compression an axial and rotational stability compared to the mostly used simple intramedullary pins, which show a complete lack of axial and rotational stability. The stability achieved by the intramedullary screw allows the analysis of endochondral healing. A large amount of callus tissue, received after stabilization with the screw, offers ideal conditions to harvest tissue for biochemical and molecular analyses. A further advantage of the use of the screw is the fact that the screw can be inserted into the femur with a minimally invasive technique without inducing damage to the soft tissue. In conclusion, the screw is a unique implant that can ideally be used in closed fracture healing models offering standardized biomechanical conditions.

This protocol describes a minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique using an intramedullary screw for standardized stabilization of femur fractures, which can be used to analyze endochondral bone healing in mice.

Bone healing models are necessary to analyze the complex mechanisms of fracture healing to improve clinical fracture treatment. During the last decade, an ...

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

The increased use of chest computed tomography (CT) has led to an increased detection of pulmonary nodules requiring diagnostic evaluation and/or excision. Many of these nodules are identified and excised via minimally invasive thoracic surgery; however, subcentimeter and subsolid nodules are frequently difficult to identify intra-operatively. This can be mitigated by the use of electromagnetic transthoracic needle localization. This protocol delineates the step-by-step process of electromagnetic localization from the pre-operative period to the postoperative period and is an adaptation of the electromagnetically guided percutaneous biopsy previously described by Arias et al. Pre-operative steps include obtaining a same day CT followed by the generation of a three-dimensional virtual map of the lung. From this map, the target lesion(s) and an entry site are chosen. In the operating room, the virtual reconstruction of the lung is then calibrated with the patient and the electromagnetic navigation platform. The patient is then sedated, intubated, and placed in the lateral decubitus position. Using a sterile technique and visualization from multiple views, the needle is inserted into the chest wall at the prechosen skin entry site and driven down to the target lesion. Dye is then injected into the lesion and, then, continuously during needle withdrawal, creating a tract for visualization intra-operatively. This method has many potential benefits when compared to the CT-guided localization, including a decreased radiation exposure and decreased time between the dye injection and the surgery. Dye diffusion from the pathway occurs over time, thereby limiting intra-operative nodule identification. By decreasing the time to surgery, there is a decrease in wait time for the patient, and less time for dye diffusion to occur, resulting in an improvement in nodule localization. When compared to electromagnetic bronchoscopy, airway architecture is no longer a limitation as the target nodule is accessed via a transparenchymal approach. Details of this procedure are described in a step-by-step fashion.

Presented here is a protocol for lung nodule localization using dye marking via electromagnetically navigated transthoracic needle access. The technique described here can be accomplished in the peri-operative period to optimize nodule localization and to successful resection when performing minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

The increased use of chest computed tomography (CT) has led to an increased detection of pulmonary nodules requiring diagnostic evaluation and/or ...

Manufacture of a Multi-Purpose Low-Cost Animal Bench-Model for Teaching Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is one of the most frequent procedures, performed through various techniques in the intensive care unit and emergency situations. Despite this, there is a lack of training on this procedure that affects its outcome, which is also dependent on operator's dexterity. Here, we take the specific training and simulation into consideration. This article aims to describe every step of the manufacture of a new multi-purpose low-cost animal bench-model, with the support of video and images, and to obtain an opinion about the quality of this model by administering a questionnaire to professionals with experience in the procedures. 
Ten experts in the technique were enrolled. The model scored an average of 3.45/5 for its anatomical realism; 4.75/5 for its usefulness as a training tool for simulation courses and assessments. The time necessary to build the model was 15 minutes, and the cost amounted to 10&#8364;. The animal bench-model was considered a very useful simulator for tracheostomy training and assessments. Therefore, it could be used as a tool for medical courses and residencies.

This article illustrates every step of the manufacture of a new multi-purpose low-cost animal bench-model for subglottic airway access management. All the procedures are shown in the video. The model's realism and its suitability for training the given clinical maneuvers were assessed by independent senior otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists.

Tracheostomy is one of the most frequent procedures, performed through various techniques in the intensive care unit and emergency situations. Despite ...

A Pre-clinical Rat Model for the Study of Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Reconstructive Microsurgery

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the main cause of flap failure in reconstructive microsurgery. The rat is the preferred preclinical animal model in many areas of biomedical research due to its cost-effectiveness and its translation to humans. This protocol describes a method to create a preclinical free skin flap model in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury. The described 3 cm x 6 cm rat free skin flap model is easily obtained after the placement of several vascular ligatures and the section of the vascular pedicle. Then, 8 h after the ischemic insult and completion of the microsurgical anastomosis, the free skin flap develops the tissue damage. These ischemia-reperfusion injury-related damages can be studied in this model, making it a suitable model for evaluating therapeutic agents to address this pathophysiological process. Furthermore, two main monitoring techniques are described in the protocol for the assessment of this animal model: transit-time ultrasound technology and laser speckle contrast analysis.

Here, we describe a pre-clinical animal model for studying the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion injury in reconstructive microsurgery. This free skin flap model based on the superficial caudal epigastric vessels in the rat may also allow for the evaluation of different therapies and compounds to counteract ischemia-reperfusion injury-related damage.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the main cause of flap failure in reconstructive microsurgery. The rat is the preferred preclinical animal model in many ...

Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor

Capnography is commonly used to monitor patient&#8217;s ventilatory status. While sidestream capnography has been shown to provide a reliable assessment of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), its accuracy is commonly validated using commercial kits composed of a capnography monitor and its matching disposable nasal cannula sampling lines. The purpose of this study was to assess the compatibility and accuracy of cross-paired capnography sampling lines with a single portable bedside capnography monitor. A series of 4 bench tests were performed to evaluate the tensile strength, rise time, ETCO2 accuracy as a function of respiratory rate, and ETCO2 accuracy in the presence of supplemental O2. Each bench test was performed using specialized, validated equipment to allow for a full evaluation of sampling line performance. The 4 bench tests successfully differentiated between sampling lines from different commercial sources and suggested that due to increased rise time and decreased ETCO2 accuracy, not all nasal cannula sampling lines provide reliable clinical data when cross-paired with a commercial capnography monitor. Care should be taken to ensure that any cross-pairing of capnography monitors and disposable sampling lines is fully validated for use across respiratory rates and supplemental O2 flow rates commonly encountered in clinical settings.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of capnography sampling lines used in conjunction with a portable bedside capnography monitor. Sampling lines from 7 manufacturers were evaluated for tensile strength, rise time, and ETCO2 accuracy as a function of respiratory rate or supplemental oxygen flow rate.

Capnography is commonly used to monitor patient&#8217;s ventilatory status. While sidestream capnography has been shown to provide a reliable assessment ...