This work is funded by grants from Peking University Third Hospital Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Scholars (Grant No: 77434-01, Long Zhang) and Beijing Higher Education Young Elite Teacher Project (Grant No: YETP0072, Wen-Hui Wang).

The protocol has been approved by the local medical and ethics committees. The procedure lasts approximately 15 min per side.
1. Indications
<ol>
	<li>Ensure the patient has the following indications for CLS: thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger&#39;s disease), ischemic diabetic foot, Raynaud&#39;s disease, parmoplantar hyperhidrosis, erythromelalgia, phantom limb pain, or livedo reticularis of the lower extremities.</li>
</ol>
2. Contraindications
<ol>
	<li>Exclude ...

<ol>
	<li>Karanth, V. K., Karanth, T. K., Karanth, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lumbar+sympathectomy+techniques+for+critical+lower+limb+ischaemia+due+to+non-reconstructable+peripheral+arterial+disease.">Lumbar sympathectomy techniques for critical lower limb ischaemia due to non-reconstructable peripheral arterial disease.</a> Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 12, 011519 (2016).</li><li>Kothari, R., Maharaj, A., Tomar, T. S., Agarwal, P., Sharma, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+for+Buerger's+disease:+Results+in+147+patients.">Percutaneous chemical lumbar sympathectomy for Buerger's disease: Results in 147 patients.</a> Indian Journal of Vascular Endovascular Surgery. 4, 185-190 (2017).</li><li>Dong, G. X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy.</a> Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery. 4, 245-246 (2004).</li><li>Dong, G. X., Zhao, J., Luan, J. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+for+the+treatment+of+lower+limb+ischemia.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy for the treatment of lower limb ischemia.</a> Chinese Journal of General Surgery. 1, 30-32 (2002).</li><li>Dong, G. X., Zhao, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+sympathectomy+for+ischemia+of+lower+extremity.">Chemical sympathectomy for ischemia of lower extremity.</a> Journal of Beijing Medical University. 1, 59-60 (1998).</li><li>Yoshida, W. B., Cataneo, D. C., Bomfim, G. A., Hasimoto, E., Cataneo, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+in+plantar+hyperhidrosis.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy in plantar hyperhidrosis.</a> Clinical Autonomic Research. 20 (2), 113-115 (2010).</li><li>Zhang, L., Wang, W. H., Li, L. F., 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=Long-term+remission+of+primary+erythermalgia+with+R1150W+polymorphism+in+SCN9A+after+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.">Long-term remission of primary erythermalgia with R1150W polymorphism in SCN9A after chemical lumbar sympathectomy.</a> European Journal of Dermatology. 20 (6), 763-767 (2010).</li><li>Cerci, F. B., Kapural, L., Yosipovitch, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intractable+erythromelalgia+of+the+lower+extremities+successfully+treated+with+lumbar+sympathetic+block.">Intractable erythromelalgia of the lower extremities successfully treated with lumbar sympathetic block.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 69 (5), 270-272 (2013).</li><li>Wang, W. H., Zhang, L., Dong, G. X., 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=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+in+the+treatment+of+recalcitrant+erythromelalgia.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy in the treatment of recalcitrant erythromelalgia.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery. 0741 (18), 31639-31642 (2018).</li><li>Wang, W. 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=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+in+the+treatment+of+idiopathic+livedo+reticularis.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy in the treatment of idiopathic livedo reticularis.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery. 62 (4), 1018-1022 (2015).</li><li>Burn, J. M., Langdon, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hazard+of+chemical+sympathectomy.">Hazard of chemical sympathectomy.</a> British Medical Journal. 1 (6120), 1143 (1978).</li><li>Wijeyaratne, S. M., Seneviratne, L. N., Umashankar, K., Perera, N. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimal+access+is+not+maximal+safety:+pelviureteric+necrosis+following+percutaneous+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.">Minimal access is not maximal safety: pelviureteric necrosis following percutaneous chemical lumbar sympathectomy.</a> British Medical Journal Case Reports. , (2010).</li><li>Antao, B., Rowlands, T. E., Singh, N. P., McCleary, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pelviureteric+junction+disruption+as+a+complication+of+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.">Pelviureteric junction disruption as a complication of chemical lumbar sympathectomy.</a> Cardiovascular Surgery. 11 (1), 42-44 (2003).</li><li>Ranjan, P., Kumar, J., Chipde, S. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acute+renal+failure+due+to+bilateral+ureteric+necrosis+following+percutaneous+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.">Acute renal failure due to bilateral ureteric necrosis following percutaneous chemical lumbar sympathectomy.</a> Indian Journal of Nephrology. 22 (4), 292-294 (2012).</li><li>Cutts, S., Williams, H. T., Lee, J., Downing, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ureteric+injury+as+a+complication+of+chemical+sympathectomy.">Ureteric injury as a complication of chemical sympathectomy.</a> European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 19 (2), 212-213 (2000).</li><li>Ernst, S., Heindel, W., Fischbach, R., 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=Complications+of+CT+guided+lumbar+sympathectomy:+our+own+experiences+and+literature+review.">Complications of CT guided lumbar sympathectomy: our own experiences and literature review.</a> Rofo. 168 (1), 77-83 (1998).</li><li>Daschner, H., Allgayer, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ureteral+obstruction+following+CT-guided+lumbar+sympathetic+exclusion.">Ureteral obstruction following CT-guided lumbar sympathetic exclusion.</a> Rofo. 161, 85-87 (1994).</li><li>Ryttov, N., Boe, S., Nielsen, H., Jacobsen, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Necrosis+of+ureter+as+a+complication+to+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.+Report+of+a+case.">Necrosis of ureter as a complication to chemical lumbar sympathectomy. Report of a case.</a> Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica. 147 (1), 79-80 (1981).</li><li>Benchekroun, A., Lachkar, A., Soumana, A., 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=Ureter+injuries.+Apropos+of+42+cases.">Ureter injuries. Apropos of 42 cases.</a> Annals of Urology. 31 (5), 267-272 (1997).</li><li>Coveliers, H., Meyer, M., Gharagozloo, F., 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=Robotic+selective+postganglionic+thoracic+sympathectomy+for+the+treatment+of+hyperhidrosis.">Robotic selective postganglionic thoracic sympathectomy for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.</a> Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 95 (1), 269-274 (2013).</li><li>Coveliers, H., Meyer, M., Gharagozloo, F., Wisselink, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Selective+sympathectomy+for+hyperhidrosis:+technique+of+robotic+transthoracic+selective+postganglionic+efferent+sympathectomy.">Selective sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis: technique of robotic transthoracic selective postganglionic efferent sympathectomy.</a> European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery. 43 (2), 428-430 (2013).</li><li>Akil, A., Semik, M., Fischer, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficacy+of+Miniuniportal+Video-Assisted+Thoracoscopic+Selective+Sympathectomy+(Ramicotomy)+for+the+Treatment+of+Severe+Palmar+and+Axillar+Hyperhidrosis.">Efficacy of Miniuniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Selective Sympathectomy (Ramicotomy) for the Treatment of Severe Palmar and Axillar Hyperhidrosis.</a> Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery. , (2018).</li><li>Sanderson, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+with+radiological+assessment.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy with radiological assessment.</a> Annals of the Royal College Surgeons of England. 63 (6), 420-422 (1981).</li><li>Lee, K. S., Su, Y. F., Lieu, 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=The+outcome+of+percutaneous+computed+tomography-guided+chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy+for+patients+with+causalgia+after+lumbar+discectomy.">The outcome of percutaneous computed tomography-guided chemical lumbar sympathectomy for patients with causalgia after lumbar discectomy.</a> Surgical Neurology. 69 (3), 274-280 (2008).</li><li>Reid, W., Watt, J. K., Gray, T. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Phenol+injection+of+the+sympathetic+chain.">Phenol injection of the sympathetic chain.</a> British Journal of Surgery. 57 (1), 45-50 (1970).</li><li>Haynsworth, R. F., Noe, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+lumbar+sympathectomy:+a+comparison+of+radiofrequency+denervation+versus+phenol+neurolysis.">Percutaneous lumbar sympathectomy: a comparison of radiofrequency denervation versus phenol neurolysis.</a> Anesthesiology. 74 (3), 459-463 (1991).</li><li>Boas, R. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sympathetic+blocks+in+clinical+practice.">Sympathetic blocks in clinical practice.</a> International Anesthesiology Clinics. 16 (4), 149-182 (1978).</li><li>Duncan, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+lumbar+sympathectomy.">Chemical lumbar sympathectomy.</a> Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 67 (2), 174-175 (1985).</li><li>Marhold, F., Izay, B., Zacherl, J., Tschabitscher, M., Neumayer, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Thoracoscopic+and+anatomic+landmarks+of+Kuntz's+nerve:+implications+for+sympathetic+surgery.">Thoracoscopic and anatomic landmarks of Kuntz's nerve: implications for sympathetic surgery.</a> Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 86 (5), 1653-1658 (2008).</li></ol>

Here we classify CLS as either conventional or selective CLS, with the major difference being the targeting of sympathetic trunk vs. gray rami communicantes (injection of phenol in front of vs. behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle). We have implemented selective CLS in young, female patients with livedo reticularis10, children with erythromelalgia7,9, and senile patients with end-stage arteriosclerosis obliterans a...

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for ischemic diseases1,2,3,4,5 including thromboangiitis obliterans (sometimes called Buerger&#39;s disease), ischemic diabetic foot, Raynaud&#39;s disease, parmoplantar hyperhidrosis6, erythromelalgia7,8,9, and livedo reticularis10. It has replaced open surgery due to a number of advantages. It is minimally invasive and economically attractive, it does not require general anesthesia and hospitalization, and it can be performed repeatedly. However, exquisite precision is critical. For example, paraplegia has been reported in CLS using blind technique11. The precision of the procedure is greatly improved with radiographical guidance to control the exact position of the puncture needle tip and puncture path and depth, through the use of contrast media to visualize treatment areas. However, even with radiographical guidance, damages to adjacent organs, particularly ureteropelvic organs12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, have still been reported.
It is commonly practiced to position the needle tip beyond the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle and inject the drug around the sympathetic trunk8,12,13,14,15, which we define as conventional CLS. However, because the location of the sympathetic trunk and ureter are both in front of the anterior fascia, inactivating agents may spread to the ureter and cause damage. In reports of ureteropelvic damage that presented radiographic images12,13,14,15, the drug was injected in front of the anterior fascia, according to contrast spreading.
Based on our prior experience performing CLS procedures, we have found that targeting gray rami communicantes comparably effective and safer compared to targeting the sympathetic trunk. Gray rami communicantes are postganglionic sympathetic fibers located behind the sympathetic trunk and in front of the lumber nerve root, running along the lateral edge of the vertebral body, mostly within the psoas major muscle. Thus, the anterior fascia provides a good barrier for the ureteropelvic area, and the psoas major muscle provides a good barrier for the lumbar nerve root. We define this procedure as selective CLS, and the technical details of selective CLS are described in this protocol.

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		<col />
		<col />
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	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">0.9% Saline solution</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Chinese Dazhong Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">8F84D7</td>
			<td style="width:559px;">10 mL &#8569;2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:235px;">10-cm 9# puncture needle</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Peking University Third Hospital</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">Not Applicable</td>
			<td>7# for children</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">2% Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection solution</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Hubei Tiansheng Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">20180434</td>
			<td>5 mL &#8569;2</td>
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		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">5% Phenol diluted in aqueous solution</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Peking University Third Hospital</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">Not Applicable</td>
			<td>10 mL</td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:235px;">Angiography system &#65288;DSA&#65289;</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Philips</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">FD20</td>
			<td style="width:559px;">have X-ray fluoroscopy function</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:235px;">Aseptic puncture kit</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Peking University Third Hospital</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">Not Applicable</td>
			<td>6 pieces of surgical towel, gauze, cotton balls, blood vessel forceps, etc.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">Contrast media&#65288;iodixanol injection; 320&#65289;</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">GE Healthcare</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">14160155</td>
			<td>320 mg I/mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">Infrared frontal thermometer&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">OMRON health care (China) Co.,Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">MC-720</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">Iodophors skin disinfectants&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Shanghai Likang Disinfectant Hi-Tech Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">20180404</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">Sterile surgical gloves</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Beijing Ruijing Latex products Co., Ltd.&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">2018070352</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">Syringes and needles 10 mL</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Shandong Weigao Group Medical Plolymer Co.,Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">20180711</td>
			<td>10 mL &#8569;2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:235px;">Syringes and needles 5 mL</td>
			<td style="width:247px;">Shandong Weigao Group Medical Plolymer Co.,Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">20180721</td>
			<td>5 mL &#8569;1</td>
		</tr>
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targeting gray rami communicantes in selective chemical lumbar sympathectomy

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of conditions including ischemic diseases of the lower extremities, hyperhidrosis, etc. It is commonly practiced to position the puncture needle tip in front of the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle and inject the inactivating agent around the sympathetic trunk, which is defined as conventional CLS. Although relatively rare, ureteropelvic damage is the most frequently reported complication of conventional CLS and can cause serious harm to patients. We found that injecting the inactivating agent behind the anterior fascia, which only targets gray rami communicantes, helped achieve therapeutic efficacy in&#160;vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications were largely reduced. We define this procedure as selective CLS. Here, we present a protocol of selective CLS. The precise needle tract and accurate evaluation of the spreading of the contrast agent are critical to ensure that the drug is injected behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle. The needle tip is at approximately one-third the dividing line of the vertebral body in the lateral view of a lumbar X-ray. The contrast is mainly confined around the needle tip and spreads outward and downward along the psoas muscle fibers. In this way, the anterior fascia provides a natural barrier for the ureteropelvic area, and the psoas major muscle provides a natural barrier for the lumbar nerve root. There are several highlights of this article, including 1) a detailed description of the selective CLS procedures, 2) an explanation of the anatomical basis for the implementation of selective CLS, and 3) an explanation of the differences between selective and conventional CLS.

The needle tip should be in the optimal area as shown in Figure 1. In selective CLS, the contrast is injected behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle, targeting gray rami communicantes. A comparison of contrast spreading in selective CLS (A) and conventional CLS (B) is shown in Figure 2.
The expected clinical effects are vasodilation (for treatment of Rayna...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy at JoVE.com

Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

We present a protocol for selective chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS), which inactivates only gray rami communicantes and not the sympathetic trunk. Selective CLS can help achieve therapeutic efficacy in vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief that are comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications, particularly ureteropelvic damages, can be reduced.

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of conditions including ischemic diseases of the ...

Ureteropelvic damage is the most frequently reported serious complication of conventional chemical lumbar sympathectomy or CLS. Although it is relatively rare, it is very harmful to patients. This protocol aids in the precise delivery of the activating agents behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle, allowing selective targeting of gray rami communicantes, thus the safety of CLS can be largely improved.Before initiating the treatment procedure, confirm the presence of indications and lack of contraindications based on the patient's clinical and laboratory results. Disinfect an approximately 30 centimeter area of skin two times at the planned needle puncture site with 2%entoiodine and cover the patient's back with surgical towels. Using lateral thoroscopy guidance, anesthetize the skin and the entire needle tract with 5-8 milliliters of 0.5%lidocaine without vasoconstrictors, advancing the needle to the vertebral body surface gradually.Position the needle tip in the optimal injection area by using lateral view lumbar x-ray. Then, inject 0.5 milliliters of contrast agent to confirm the needle tip is behind the anterior fascia of the psoas muscle. If the contrast agent remains mainly confined to the optimal area with spreading along the psoas major muscle, the needle placement was successful.Inject 2 milliliters of 5%aqueous phenol solution into the injection site, adjusting the needle tip direction to ensure that 1 milliliter of phenol spreads toward the patient's head and that 1 milliliter spreads toward the patient's feet. When the phenol has been injected, withdraw the needle from the skin and compress and cover the puncture site with gauze to achieve hemostasis. Five minutes after the injection, confirm a satisfactory sympathetic interruption as a rise of at least 2 degrees Celsius in skin temperature.If satisfactory interruption is not achieved, perform a supplemental injection to another optimal area with a total phenol volume of no larger than 10 milliliters in one day. Measure the patient's skin temperature again, calculating the average among the temperature increases in the shin, plantar, and dorsal foot. Before injecting the phenol solution, confirm that the needle tip is located within the optimal area.In selective CLS, the contrast agent is injected behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle, targeting the gray rami communicantes. The expected clinical effects are vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief. A precise placement of the needle tip and evaluation of the contrast agent spreading are critical for ensuring an accurate targeting of the gray rami communicantes in CLS treatment.With selective CLS, the risk of operation is largely reduced, so the indications for CLS could be widened.

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6.9K vues.  Peking University Third Hospital. Les dommages ureteropelvic sont la complication sérieuse la plus fréquemment rapportée du sympathectomy lombaire chimique conventionnel ou CLS. Bien qu’il soit relativement rare, il est très nocif pour les patients. Ce protocole aide à la livraison précise des agents activateurs derrière le fascia antérieur du muscle majeur de psoas, permettant le ciblage sélectif des communicantes grises de rami, ainsi la sûreté de CLS peut être largement améliorée.Avant de commencer l...

Vidéo: Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

We present a protocol for selective chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS), which inactivates only gray rami communicantes and not the sympathetic trunk. Selective CLS can help achieve therapeutic efficacy in vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief that are comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications, particularly ureteropelvic damages, can be...

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This manuscript presents a protocol for surgically removing the postganglionic lumbar sympathetic neurons from a mouse. This procedure will facilitate a multitude of studies aimed at investigating the role of sympathetic innervation in distal tissue...

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Chemical Conjugation of a Purified DEC-205-Directed Antibody with Full-Length Protein for Targeting Mouse Dendritic Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

We describe a protocol for the chemical conjugation of the model antigen ovalbumin to an endocytosis receptor-specific antibody for in vivo dendritic cell targeting. The protocol includes purification of the antibody, chemical conjugation of the antigen, as well as purification of the conjugate and the verification of efficient...

Chemical Conjugation of a Purified DEC-205-Directed Antibody with Full-Length Protein for Targeting Mouse Dendritic Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

gray binarization of concrete image sample

Gray Binarization of Concrete Image Sample  

a mobile outside-in technique of transforaminal lumbar endoscopy for lumbar disc herniations

A Mobile Outside-in Technique of Transforaminal Lumbar Endoscopy for Lumbar Disc Herniations

Here we present a protocol of a novel outside-in technique of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniations. The technical aspects of the technique, the wide indications of use, and the results of the treatment in 184 patients are described in...

full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and lumbar discectomy for single-level lumbar disc herniation

Full-Endoscopic Foraminoplasty and Lumbar Discectomy for Single-Level Lumbar Disc Herniation

Compared to conventional transforaminal endoscopic surgery, full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and lumbar discectomy (FEFLD) is a unique technique that allows full visualization of foraminoplasty and reduces the need for intraoperative fluoroscopies. This article describes the surgical steps involved in the FEFLD technique, shedding light on surgical tips and potential pitfalls to ensure outstanding...

free radicals in chemical biology: from chemical behavior to biomarker development

Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development

Radical-based biomimetic chemistry has been applied to building-up libraries necessary for biomarker...

intrathecal vector delivery in juvenile rats via lumbar cistern injection

Author Spotlight: Assessing Intrathecal Gene Therapy Efficacy in Juvenile Rats

A surgical procedure is described to perform injections into the lumbar cistern of the juvenile rat. This approach has been used for the intrathecal delivery of gene therapy vectors, but it is anticipated that this approach can be used for a variety of therapeutics, including cells and drugs.

Intrathecal Vector Delivery in Juvenile Rats via Lumbar Cistern Injection

laminotomy for lumbar dorsal root ganglion access and injection in swine

Laminotomy for Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganglion Access and Injection in Swine

We describe a method for laminotomy in swine that provides access to lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for intraganglionic injection. Injection progress is monitored intraoperatively and histologically confirmed up to 21 days after surgery. This protocol could be used for future preclinical studies involving DRG...

induction of lumbar disc degeneration in rabbits through a transabdominal approach

Induction of Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Rabbits Through a Transabdominal Approach

Here, we describe a surgical protocol using needle puncture to establish rabbit lumbar disc degeneration via a transabdominal approach. Radiological checks and histological analyses were used to confirm the successful establishment of lumbar disc...

assessment of selective mrna translation in mammalian cells by polysome profiling

Assessment of Selective mRNA Translation in Mammalian Cells by Polysome Profiling

The ability of cells to adapt to stress is crucial for their survival. Regulation of mRNA translation is one such adaptation strategy, providing for rapid regulation of the proteome. Here, we provide a standardized polysome profiling protocol to identify specific mRNAs that are selectively translated under stress conditions.

intrathecal placement of lumbar drain: a technique to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbar spine in porcine model

Once a loss of resistance is felt, indicating a correct epidural placement, insert the inlay needle and advance the needle 2 to 3 millimeters into the intrathecal space. Introduce the drainage up to a 20-centimeter depth. Attach a Luer-lock adapter, and verify the position by careful aspiration of the liquor. Then, carefully fix the drainage with sutures, and connect the drainage to the cerebrospinal fluid drainage...

Intrathecal Placement of Lumbar Drain: A Technique to Withdraw Cerebrospinal Fluid from the Lumbar Spine in Porcine Model

selective manipulation of theta oscillations in a mouse model

Record the baseline behavior for a duration appropriate for the parameters being measured. Open the software to control the Stimulus Generator. Click File, Open, and select the protocol file of choice. Click Download and Start to initiate the light stimulation. Observe control of the theta rhythm by the light...

Selective Manipulation of Theta Oscillations in a Mouse Model

enhancing the development and growth of infant cerebral palsy rats using selective spinal manipulations

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Efficacy of Selective Spinal Manipulation in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy

This study illustrates the effect of selective spinal manipulation on the growth and development of infant rats with cerebral palsy, emphasizing the specific procedure and standardized protocol. Body weight measurement, Rotarod test, Foot-fault score, other behavioral tests, and growth hormone detection were performed to evaluate the protocol.

Developmental Enhancement in Cerebral Palsy Rats via Spinal Manipulations

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/65659_b.jpg

production and targeting of monovalent quantum dots

Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots

We provide detailed instructions for the preparation of monovalent targeted quantum dots (mQDs) from phosphorothioate DNA of defined length. DNA wrapping occurs in high yield, and therefore, products do not require purification. We demonstrate the use of the SNAP tag to target mQDs to cell-surface receptors for live-cell imaging applications.

This video describes the technique of intrathecal placement of a lumbar drain in a porcine ischemic model, which helps in draining the cerebrospinal fluid to a drainage system. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure is monitored by the drainage system, and fluid is drained to maintain a constant cerebrospinal fluid...

subtype-selective electroporation of cortical interneurons

Subtype-selective Electroporation of Cortical Interneurons

This procedure shows how to target interneurons in the developing mouse forebrain by means of in utero electroporation. This technique was particularly efficient to achieve selective gene expression in interneuron subtypes destined to the superficial layers of the...

structured motor rehabilitation after selective nerve transfers

Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers

Here, we present a protocol for the motor rehabilitation of patients with severe nerve injuries and selective nerve transfer surgery. It aims at restoring the motor function proposing several stages in patient education, early-stage therapy after surgery and interventions for rehabilitation after successful re-innervation of the nerve&#8217;s...

selective harvesting of marginating-hepatic leukocytes

Selective Harvesting of Marginating-hepatic Leukocytes

Marginating-hepatic leukocytes exhibit unique characteristics and distinct immunological functions compared to other leukocyte populations. Here we describe a method for selective harvesting of this specific hepatic cell population, through forced perfusion of the liver of rats or mice. Marginating-hepatic leukocytes seem critical in determining susceptibility to hepatic-related diseases and...

Real-time fMRI Biofeedback Targeting the Orbitofrontal Cortex for Contamination Anxiety

We present a method for training subjects to control activity in a region of their orbitofrontal cortex associated with contamination anxiety using biofeedback of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) data. Increased activity of this region is seen in relationship with contamination anxiety both in control subjects1 and in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),2 a relatively common and often debilitating psychiatric disorder involving contamination anxiety. Although many brain regions have been implicated in OCD, abnormality in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is one of the most consistent findings.3, 4 Furthermore, hyperactivity in the OFC has been found to correlate with OCD symptom severity5 and decreases in hyperactivity in this region have been reported to correlate with decreased symptom severity.6 Therefore, the ability to control this brain area may translate into clinical improvements in obsessive-compulsive symptoms including contamination anxiety. Biofeedback of rt-fMRI data is a new technique in which the temporal pattern of activity in a specific region (or associated with a specific distributed pattern of brain activity) in a subject's brain is provided as a feedback signal to the subject. Recent reports indicate that people are able to develop control over the activity of specific brain areas when provided with rt-fMRI biofeedback.7-12 In particular, several studies using this technique to target brain areas involved in emotion processing have reported success in training subjects to control these regions.13-18 In several cases, rt-fMRI biofeedback training has been reported to induce cognitive, emotional, or clinical changes in subjects.8, 9, 13, 19 Here we illustrate this technique as applied to the treatment of contamination anxiety in healthy subjects. This biofeedback intervention will be a valuable basic research tool: it allows researchers to perturb brain function, measure the resulting changes in brain dynamics and relate those to changes in contamination anxiety or other behavioral measures. In addition, the establishment of this method serves as a first step towards the investigation of fMRI-based biofeedback as a therapeutic intervention for OCD. Given that approximately a quarter of patients with OCD receive little benefit from the currently available forms of treatment,20-22 and that those who do benefit rarely recover completely, new approaches for treating this population are urgently needed.

Here we present a method for training people to control a brain area involved in contamination anxiety and for probing the relationship between contamination anxiety and brain connectivity patterns.

We present a method for training subjects to control activity in a region of their orbitofrontal cortex associated with contamination anxiety using ...

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Primary aldosteronism (PA) and subclinical Cushing&#39;s syndrome (SCS) are conditions in which the adrenal glands autonomously produce excessive amounts of aldosterone and cortisol, respectively. The conventional adrenal venous sampling (cAVS) method collects blood samples from both adrenal central veins and is useful for identifying the laterality of excess hormone production in a unilateral lesion(s), as documented in PA cases. In cAVS, plasma cortisol concentrations (PCCs) are used to normalize plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs). A novel &#34;super-selective&#34; adrenal venous sampling (ssAVS) method was developed using a micro-catheter, which collects blood samples from adrenal tributary veins (TVs). PACs in ssAVS samples do not require PCC normalization because samples contain a limited amount of systemic venous blood, if any. The ssAVS method enabled segmental lesion(s) to be detected in both adrenal glands, which may be treated by bilateral adrenalectomy, thereby sparing lesion-free segment(s). Right and left adrenals typically have three TVs each, i.e., the superior, lateral, and inferior TVs in the right adrenal as well as the superior-median, superior-lateral, and lateral TVs in the left adrenal. In the ssAVS method, specific parent catheters and a technique to handle them are required, and have been described herein. Furthermore, ssAVS results from three cases of PA are presented: bilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) (Case #1), left APA and right possible cortisol-producing adenoma causing SCS (Case #2), and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism in which bilateral adrenal segments produced excessive amounts of aldosterone (Case #3). The ssAVS method is not difficult for expert angiographers, and, thus, is recommended worldwide to treat PA cases for which cAVS does not represent a viable surgical treatment option.

&#39;Super-selective&#39; adrenal venous sampling (ssAVS, also called segmental adrenal venous sampling: sAVS)&#160;was performed using a micro-catheter to identify adrenal segment(s) that produce excessive amounts of hormones. The ssAVS technique was described, cases in which adrenal segmental lesion(s) were identified by ssAVS were presented, and the usefulness of ssAVS in future adrenal research was discussed.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) and subclinical Cushing&#39;s syndrome (SCS) are conditions in which the adrenal glands autonomously produce excessive amounts ...

Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a significant contributor to the development of back pain and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Numerous animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration have been developed. The ideal animal model should closely mimic the human intervertebral disc with regard to morphology, biomechanical properties and the absence of notochordal cells. The sheep lumbar intervertebral disc model fulfils these criteria. We present an ovine model of intervertebral disc degeneration utilizing a drill bit injury through a lateral retroperitoneal approach. The lateral approach significantly reduces the incision and potential morbidity associated with the traditional anterior approach to the ovine spine. Utilization of a drill-bit method of injury affords the ability to produce a consistent and reproducible injury, of precise dimensions, that initiates a consistent degree of intervertebral disc degeneration. The focal nature of the annular and nucleus pulposus defect more closely mimics the clinical condition of focal intervertebral disc herniation. Sheep recover rapidly following this procedure and are typically mobile and eating within the hour. Intervertebral disc degeneration ensues and sheep undergo necropsy and subsequent analysis at periods from eight weeks. We believe that the drill bit injury model of intervertebral disc degeneration offers advantages over more conventional annular injury models.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a significant contributor to back pain and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Numerous animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration exist. We demonstrate an ovine model of intervertebral disc degeneration, utilizing a drill bit, which achieves a consistent disc injury and reproducible level of disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a significant contributor to the development of back pain and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Numerous ...

Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum

The following is a training platform to allow robotic surgeons to develop the skills necessary to lead an interprofessional team in emergency undocking of a robotic system. In traditional robotic training for surgeons, a brief web based overview of performing an emergency undocking is provided during initial introductory training to the robotics system. During such a process, there is no training in delineation of interdisciplinary roles for operating room (OR) personnel. The training presented here uses formative simulation and debriefing followed by a lecture. For the simulation, a modified gynecologic simulator is draped in a steep trendelenburg position consistent with most gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. The training torso is modified using tubing hooked to pressure bags of red food colored IV fluid used to simulate a catastrophic vessel injury on demand. Positioned throughout the operating room setting is an interprofessional team consisting of embedded standardized persons (ESPs) to fulfill the roles of a circulating nurse, scrub nurse, anesthesiologist, and bedside assist surgeon. Robotic surgeons are presented a case scenario necessitating emergency undocking, and given control of the robotic instruments. The scenario is terminated following either successful completion of an emergency undock, or at five minutes due to the emergent nature of the case. A debriefing session with hands on training of the steps to emergency undocking, necessary equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and operating room personnel roles follows the simulation. The learners are presented with a short lecture reemphasizing the material presented in the debriefing for their own self-study. This training results in improved time accessing the patient, improved knowledge, confidence, and completion of critical actions, and can be replicated in most institutions. All robotic surgeons should be able to demonstrate competence in this crucial intervention. A limitation of the curriculum is ability to access the in-situ environment for training purposes.

This training platform is designed to allow robotic surgeons to develop the skills necessary to lead an interprofessional team in emergency undocking of the robotic system. Training includes the utilization of the technology and equipment to perform an emergency undocking, as well as delineation of roles for such a scenario.

The following is a training platform to allow robotic surgeons to develop the skills necessary to lead an interprofessional team in emergency undocking of ...

Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum

Medical management of mechanically ventilated patients is challenging to novice providers. Incorrect management of this population may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. A three-day simulation-based boot camp serves to provide one-on-one instruction with a critical care provider. These intensivists may dispense personalized immediate feedback as learners engage in hands-on practice with a real mechanical ventilator. Multiple different pathologies can be reviewed that may not be encountered in the clinical setting. Learners can visualize immediate consequences of their actions and may troubleshoot and ask questions, all while in a safe learning environment. We describe the use of human-patient simulators connected to breathing simulators and mechanical ventilators. Potential curriculum executors should be aware of the cost of the equipment and the time needed to dedicate to boot camp execution; however, this intensive interactive training has been shown to increase provider competency, knowledge, and confidence in ventilator management. This curriculum outline provides guidance on how to execute a simulation-based boot camp to train providers on the management of mechanically ventilated patients.

This curriculum outlines how to execute a simulation-based boot camp to teach providers how to manage mechanically ventilated patients.

Medical management of mechanically ventilated patients is challenging to novice providers. Incorrect management of this population may lead to increased ...

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD) has now become a standard of care for the management of lumbar disc disease. There are two techniques for the introduction of a working cannula with respect to disc&#8212;outside-in and inside-out. The aim of this prospective study is to describe the technical aspects of a novel mobile outside-in method in dealing with different types of disc prolapse. A total of 184 consecutive patients with unilateral lower limb radiculopathy due to lumbar disc prolapse were operated on with the mobile outside-in technique of PETLD. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the type of disc prolapse they had, a visual analog scale (VAS) leg pain score, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Macnab criteria. The completeness of the decompression was documented with a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The mean age of the patients was 50 &#177; 16 years and the male/female ratio was 2:1. The mean follow-up was 19 &#177; 6 months. A total of 190 lumbar levels were operated on (L1&#8211;L2: n = 4, L2&#8211;L3: n = 17, L3&#8211;L4: n = 27, L4&#8211;5: n = 123, and L5&#8211;S1: n = 19). Divided into types, the patient distribution was central: n = 14, paracentral: n = 74, foraminal: n = 28, far lateral: n = 13, superior-migrated: n = 8, inferior migrated: n = 38, and high canal compromise: n = 9. The mean operative time was 35 &#177; 12 (25 - 56) min and the mean hospital stay was 1.2 &#177; 0.5 (1&#8211;3) days. The VAS score for leg pain improved from 7.5 &#177; 1 to 1.7 &#177; 0.9. The ODI improved from 70 &#177; 8.3 to 23 &#177; 5. According to the Macnab criteria, 75 patients (40.8%) had excellent results, 104 patients (56.5%) had good results, and 5 patients (2.7%) had fair results. Recurrence (including early and late) was seen in 15 out of the 190 levels that were operated on (7.89%). This article presents a novel outside-in approach that relies on a precise landing within the foramen in a mobile manner and does not solely depend upon the enlargement of the foramen. It is more versatile in application and useful in the management of all types of disc prolapse, even in severe canal compromise and high migration.

Here we present a protocol of a novel outside-in technique of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniations. The technical aspects of the technique, the wide indications of use, and the results of the treatment in 184 patients are described in detail.

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD) has now become a standard of care for the management of lumbar disc disease. There are ...

Setup and Execution Of the Blindfolded Code Training Exercise

Miscommunication is the most common cause of preventable patient harm in medicine. Currently, there is limited knowledge of innovative techniques to improve resident physician communication and leadership strategies in high-acuity situations. The blindfolded code training exercise removes visual stimuli from the team leader, forcing the team leader to effectively utilize closed-loop communication. The simple act of blindfolding the team leader creates a learning environment where the leader must utilize a conceptual framework and critical thinking strategies to organize the team and manage the resuscitation. An advantage to this teaching technique is that it does not require any special simulation equipment, making it a low-cost approach. The blindfolded code training exercise can be applied to the management of any critically ill patient where the primary objective is to focus on developing communication skills in acute resuscitations. The purpose of the description of the blindfolded code training exercise is to provide guidance on how to perform this innovative teaching technique to force effective closed-loop communication.

The blindfolded code training exercise, which blindfolds the team leader in a code resuscitation simulation, is an advanced teaching technique to improve closed-loop communication, organizational skills, and critical thinking.&#160;

Miscommunication is the most common cause of preventable patient harm in medicine. Currently, there is limited knowledge of innovative techniques to ...

After severe nerve injuries, selective nerve transfers provide an opportunity to restore motor and sensory function. Functional recovery depends both on the successful re-innervation of the targets in the periphery and on the motor re-learning process entailing cortical plasticity. While there is an increasing number of methods to improve rehabilitation, their routine implementation in a clinical setting remains a challenge due to their complexity and long duration. Therefore, recommendations for rehabilitation strategies are presented with the aim of guiding medical doctors and therapists through the long-lasting rehabilitation process and providing step-by-step instructions for supporting motor re-learning.
Directly after nerve transfer surgery, no motor function is present, and therapy should focus on promoting activity in the sensory-motor cortex areas of the paralyzed body part. After about two to six months (depending on the severity and modality of injury, the distance of nerve regeneration and many other factors), the first motor activity can be detected via electromyography (EMG). Within this phase of rehabilitation, multimodal feedback is used to re-learn the motor function. This is especially critical after nerve transfers, as muscle activation patterns change due to the altered neural connection. Finally, muscle strength should be sufficient to overcome gravity/resistance of antagonistic muscles and joint stiffness, and more functional tasks can be implemented in rehabilitation.

Here, we present a protocol for the motor rehabilitation of patients with severe nerve injuries and selective nerve transfer surgery. It aims at restoring the motor function proposing several stages in patient education, early-stage therapy after surgery and interventions for rehabilitation after successful re-innervation of the nerve&#8217;s target.

After severe nerve injuries, selective nerve transfers provide an opportunity to restore motor and sensory function. Functional recovery depends both on ...

Using a Chemical Biopsy for Graft Quality Assessment

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for a large number of people with end-stage renal dysfunction worldwide. The procedure is associated with an increased survival rate and greater quality of patient&#8217;s life when compared to conventional dialysis. Regrettably, transplantology suffers from a lack of reliable methods for organ quality assessment. Standard diagnostic techniques are limited to macroscopic appearance inspection or invasive tissue biopsy, which do not provide comprehensive information about the graft. The proposed protocol aims to introduce solid phase microextraction (SPME) as an ideal analytical method for comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomic analysis of all low molecular compounds present in kidneys allocated for transplantation. The small size of the SPME probe enables performance of a chemical biopsy, which enables extraction of metabolites directly from the organ without any tissue collection. The minimum invasiveness of the method permits execution of multiple analyses over time: directly after organ harvesting, during its preservation, and immediately after revascularization at the recipient&#8217;s body. It is hypothesized that the combination of this novel sampling method with a high-resolution mass spectrometer will allow for discrimination of a set of characteristic compounds that could serve as biological markers of graft quality and indicators of possible development of organ dysfunction.

The protocol presents utilization of the chemical biopsy approach followed by comprehensive metabolomic and lipidomic analysis for quality assessment of kidney grafts allocated for transplantation.

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for a large number of people with end-stage renal dysfunction worldwide. The procedure is associated ...

Therapy Interventions for Upper Limb Amputees Undergoing Selective Nerve Transfers

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) improves the biological control interface for myoelectric prostheses after above-elbow amputation. Selective activation of muscle units is made possible by surgically re-routing nerves, yielding a high number of independent myoelectric control signals. However, this intervention requires careful patient selection and specific rehabilitation therapy. Here a rehabilitation protocol is presented for high-level upper limb amputees undergoing TMR, based on an expert Delphi study. Interventions before surgery include detailed patient assessment and general measures for pain control, muscle endurance and strength, balance, and range of motion of the remaining joints. After surgery, additional therapeutic interventions focus on edema control and scar treatment and the selective activation of cortical areas responsible for upper limb control. Following successful&#160;reinnervation of target muscles, surface electromyographic (sEMG) biofeedback is used to train the activation of the novel muscular units. Later on, a table-top prosthesis may provide the first experience of prosthetic control. After fitting the actual prosthesis, training includes repetitive drills without objects, object manipulation, and finally, activities of daily living. Ultimately, regular patient appointments and functional assessments allow tracking prosthetic function and enabling early interventions if malfunctioning.

This work presents a protocol to enhance prosthetic function after selective nerve transfer surgery. Rehabilitation interventions include patient information and selection, support of wound healing, cortical re-activation of sensory-motor areas of the upper limb, training of selective muscle activation, prosthetic handling in daily life, and regular follow-up assessments.