Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
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Magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) is limited by a low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), low spatial resolution, and limited coverage of the coronary artery tree. These aspects might be significantly improved by intravascular contrast agents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of whole-heart contrast-enhanced MRCA using the intravascular contrast agent gadofosveset, formerly known as MS-325. ⋯ Whole-heart coronary MRA with the intravascular contrast agent MS-325 enables significant improvement in CNR, blood-myocardial contrast, image quality, visible vessel length, and vessel sharpness over non-contrast MRCA.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of contamination between conventional three-way stopcock and needleless injection device: a randomized controlled trial.
Intraluminal contamination of catheter hubs has been recognized as the most frequent cause of catheter-related blood stream infections. We have investigated the efficacy of a new hub device, Planecta SC(R) (PNSC), in preventing endoluminal catheter contamination, compared to a conventional three-way stopcock. ⋯ We concluded that the use of the new hub device did not reduce endoluminal bacterial contamination rate in comparison with that of a three way stopcock. Intraluminal bacterial contamination may be reduced by either strict disinfection technique or when a protection cap is use.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The role of paravertebral block in decreasing postoperative pain in elective breast surgeries.
Regional anesthesia is an alternative to general anesthesia in selected surgical settings. Paravertebral block as a regional anesthesia technique was compared with general anesthesia for elective breast surgeries regarding postoperative pain. ⋯ The study suggests paravertebral block as a suitable alternative to general anesthesia in selected breast surgical patients regarding postoperative pain reduction.
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The phenomenon of the spontaneous disappearance of herniated discs is well known. ⋯ This report discusses the three aforementioned possible explanations and underlines the need for limiting surgical treatment strictly to patients with neurological deficits, severe unremitting leg pain despite conservative measures, and repeated time loss from work.
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Vasospasm is a major cause of ischemic neurological deficits developing after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The goal was to identify hemodynamic changes and the presence of clinical vasospasm in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to ruptured intracranial aneurysms. ⋯ Transcranial cerebral oximetry seems to be of limited value for the detection of vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, it may be useful in estimating the clinical impact of triple-H therapy in such patients.