Medical engineering & physics
-
In vitro experiments have suggested that respiratory oscillations (R waves) in cerebral blood flow velocity are reduced as soon as the intracranial pressure-volume reserve is exhausted. Could R waves hence, provide indication for increasing ICP after traumatic brain injury (TBI)? On days 1 to 4 after TBI, 22 sedated and ventilated patients were monitored for intracranial pressure (ICP) in brain parenchyma, Doppler flow velocity (FV) in the middle cerebral arteries (MCA), and arterial blood pressure (ABP). The analysis included the transfer function gains of R waves (respiratory rate of 9-20 cpm) between ABP and FV (GainFv) as well as between ABP and ICP (GainICP). ⋯ The rise of ICP (day 1: 14.10 ± 6.22 mmHg; to day 4: 29.69 ± 12.35 mmHg) and increase of RAP (day 1: 0.72 ± 0.22; to day 4: 0.85 ± 0.18) were accompanied by a decrease of GainFv (right MCA; day 1: 1.78 ± 1.0; day 4: 0.84 ± 0.47; left MCA day 1: 1.74 ± 1.10; day 4: 0.86 ± 0.46; p < 0.01) but no significant change in GainICP day 1: 1.50 ± 0.77; day 4: 1.15 ± 0.47; p = 0.07). The transfer of ventilatory oscillations to the intracerebral arteries after TBI appears to be dampened by increasing ICP and exhausted intracranial pressure-volume reserves. Results warrant prospective studies of whether respiratory waves in cerebral blood flow velocity may anticipate intracranial hypertension non-invasively.
-
Over the years, the design of the tip of available catheters and guidewires has evolved into various shapes whose geometry is mostly based on common sense and experimentation. However, while the tip shape of conventional instruments can be easily modified and tested, the length of the tip of a deflectable guidewire cannot. Hence, other approaches are necessary in order to determine the proper dimensions of original instruments. ⋯ Following the length specifications defined by the optimization, a new prototype was assembled, and evaluated. The deflectable guidewire could successfully cannulate most of the pre-selected branches except those bifurcations with an angle α>70°. The latter limitation could be ascribed to the mechanical properties of the instrument.
-
In this study, we applied multi-channel mechanomyographic (MMG) recordings in combination with linear and nonlinear analyses to investigate muscular and musculotendinous effects of high intensity eccentric exercise. Twelve accelerometers arranged in a 3 × 4 matrix over the dominant elbow muscles were used to detect MMG activity in 12 healthy participants. Delayed onset muscle soreness was induced by repetitive high intensity eccentric contractions of the wrist extensor muscles. ⋯ The ARVs were higher while the %REC and %DET were lower in presence of muscle soreness compared with before exercise (P<0.05). The study provides new key information on linear and nonlinear analyses of multi-channel MMG recordings of the wrist extensor muscles following eccentric exercise that results in muscle soreness. Recurrence quantification analysis can be suggested as a tool for detection of MMG changes in presence of muscle soreness.
-
Comparative Study
Biomechanical study of expandable pedicle screw fixation in severe osteoporotic bone comparing with conventional and cement-augmented pedicle screws.
Pedicle screws are widely utilized to treat the unstable thoracolumbar spine. The superior biomechanical strength of pedicle screws could increase fusion rates and provide accurate corrections of complex deformities. However, osteoporosis and revision cases of pedicle screw substantially reduce screw holding strength and cause loosening. ⋯ The pull-out strength was 5-fold greater than conventional pedicle screws and the failure energy was about 2-fold greater. Besides, the pull-out strength of expandable screw was reinforced by the expandable mechanism without cement augmentation, indicated that the risks of cement leakage from vertebral body would potentially be avoided. Comparing with the biomechanical performances of conventional screw with or without cement augmentation, the expandable screws are recommended to be applied for the osteoporotic vertebrae.
-
To evaluate low budget 3D printing technology to create MRI compatible components. ⋯ We have demonstrated that a low budget 3D printer can be used to quickly progress from a concept to a functional device at very low production cost. While 3D printing technology does impose some restrictions on model geometry, additive printing technology can create objects with complex internal structures that can otherwise not be created by using lathe technology. Thus, we consider a 3D printer a valuable asset for MRI research groups.