Dermal Titanium Dioxide Deposition Associated With Intralesional Triamcinolone Injection.

PubMed

Cohen, Brandon E; Bashey, Sameer; Cole, Christine; Abraham, Jerrold L; Ragsdale, Bruce; Ngo, Binh

2016-12-01

Cutaneous discoloration secondary to dermal deposition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles is recognized but seldom reported in the literature. In this report, the authors describe the case of a 61-year-old gentleman, with a long history of alopecia areata, who presented with numerous, discrete dark blue macules on the scalp. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis ultimately identified the macules as deposits of TiO2. The patient had a history of intralesional triamcinolone injections for management of alopecia areata. A sample of generic 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste was analyzed and found to contain many TiO2 particles analogous to those seen in the patient's biopsy sample. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of TiO2 deposition in the dermis likely resulting from topical combined with intralesional triamcinolone injection.

Intralesional bleomycin and sodium tetradecyl sulphate for haemangiomas and lymphangiomas.

PubMed

Harjai, Man Mohan; Jha, Manvendu

2012-01-01

To compare the efficacy of intralesional bleomycin and sodium tetradecyl sulphate in treatment of haemangiomas and lymphangiomas. Between July 2007 and May 2009, 120 patients, sixty each of peripheral haemangiomas and lymphangiomas, were administered intralesional injection of bleomycin in a dose of 0.5-1 U/kg in children less than one year of age and 1 to 15 units in children more than one year of age and 1 to 3 ml of 2% sodium tetradecyl sulphate, depending on the size of the lesion at intervals of 14 days. Patients more than 20 years of age and those with diffuse or visceral lesions were excluded from the study. Complete resolution occurred in 16 patients (53%) of haemangiomas and 14 patients (47%) of lymphangiomas treated with bleomycin, while the results were 12 patients (40%) and 10 patients (33%), respectively, in sodium tetradecyl sulphate group. The satisfactory resolution (resolution more than 50%) occurred in eight patients (27%) of haemangiomas and lymphangiomas groups treated with bleomycin, while the results were six patients (20%) and eight patients (27%), respectively, in sodium tetradecyl sulphate group. Poor response rate was observed in six patients (20%) of haemangiomas and eight patients (27%) of lymphangiomas of bleomycin group and 12 patients (40%) of haemangiomas and lymphangiomas in sodium tetradecyl sulphate group. No pulmonary fibrosis or other serious side effects were found. Intralesional bleomycin and sodium tetradecyl sulphate are effective sclerosants in peripheral haemangiomas and lymphangiomas, but bleomycin was found to be more efficacious.

Hoigne Syndrome Caused by Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate

PubMed Central

Guarneri, Claudio; Tchernev, Georgi; Wollina, Uwe; Lotti, Torello

2017-01-01

Hoigne syndrome (HS) is the term coined to describe an acute, non-allergic, psychiatrically based reaction occurring with a wide list of medications, mainly antibiotics. Since its first description by Hoigne and Schoch in 1959, few cases have been reported in medical literature and, although antimicrobials are commonly used, very rarely in dermatology. The authors describe the first case occurred after intralesional administration of meglumine antimoniate and briefly discuss the pathogenetic hypotheses on this atypical adverse drug reaction. PMID:28785339

Efficacy of long-term intralesional triamcinolone in Morbihan's disease and its possible association with mast cell infiltration.

PubMed

Tsiogka, Aikaterini; Koller, Josef

2018-04-23

Morbihan's disease is characterized by chronic persistent facial edema of the upper half of the face, absence of typical diagnostic findings, and refractoriness to treatment. A 44-year-old man was diagnosed with Morbihan's disease based on clinical signs and histopathology, which showed dermal edema in upper dermis, discrete lymphocytic infiltrate without granulomatous reaction, and mast cell infiltration. After long-term therapy with intralesional triamcinolone a remarkable objective and subjective clinical response was observed. Reported cases of Morbihan's disease are reviewed, with respect to their treatment and histopathological findings. Mast cell infiltration has been observed on histopathology in most patients who responded to intralesional triamcinolone, suggesting a possible marker of response. The long-lasting response seen in our case indicates the efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone in this rare condition. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intralesional corticosteroids as a treatment for restricted mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis.

PubMed

Tilakaratne, Wanninayake M; Ekanayaka, Rasika P; Herath, Manjula; Jayasinghe, Ruwan D; Sitheeque, Mohaideen; Amarasinghe, Hemantha

2016-08-01

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic debilitating disease of the oral mucosa, associated with an increased risk of malignancy. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intralesional corticosteroid injection as a treatment modality for OSF. We also studied the correlation between the treatment outcome and a number of individual variables. A total of 230 histologically confirmed patients with OSF were included in the study, of which 116 patients with a 30 mm or less interincisal mouth opening were subjected to intralesional injections of 40 mg methylprednisolone at monthly intervals for 6 consecutive months. The effect of the treatment was assessed by evaluating the degree of improvement in mouth opening. All patients included in the study had a history of chewing areca nut. In paired comparison, statistically significant difference (t = -8.78; df = 115; P < .001) was observed in mouth opening over a period of 12 months in the patients who had corticosteroid injections. Intralesional corticosteroid injection is one of the most widely implemented interventions for OSF at present, particularly for those patients with palpable fibrous bands. The present study provides justification for the use of corticosteroids in improving mouth opening. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intralesional corticosteroid injections in the treatment of central giant cell lesions of the jaws: A meta-analytic study

PubMed Central

Araújo, Phelype M.; de Souza-Carvalho, Abrahao C.; Cavalcante, Roberta B.; Sant’Ana, Eduardo; Nongueira, Renato L.

2013-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of treatment of central giant cell lesion to intralesional corticosteroid injections. Study Design: Review of articles indexed in PubMed on the topic between the years 1988 and 2011, and development of a descriptive meta-analysis of the results. Results: Sample of 41 patients primarily treated with intralesional corticosteroid injections was obtained, with a male female ratio of 1:0.95, being 23 aggressive and 18 non-aggressive central giant cell lesions. Triamcinolone acetonide and triamcinolone hexacetonide were the drugs used, and 78.0% cases were considered as good result, 14.6% were considered as moderate response and 7.3% were considered as negative result to treatment. Considering the aggressiveness, 88.9% of non-aggressive lesions presented a good response to treatment, in aggressive central giant cell lesions, 69.6% presented a good response to intralesional corticosteroid injections. Conclusion: In view of the results analyzed, intralesional corticosteroid injections could be considered as first treatment option for central giant cell lesion. Key words:Central giant cell lesion, corticosteroids injections, triamcinolone hexacetonide, triamcinolone acetonide. PMID:23385503

Management of orbital lymphangioma using intralesional injection of OK-432

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Y.; Obana, A.; Gohto, Y.; Miki, T.; Otuka, H.; Inoue, Y.

2000-01-01

AIM—To treat orbital lymphangioma with an intralesional injection of OK-432 (group A Streptococcus pyogenes of human origin).
METHOD—A 14 year old boy had a right orbital cystic lymphangioma. The visual acuity in the eye was 20/28. In an initial treatment, 0.02 mg of OK-432, was injected into the tumour after aspiration of the fluid contents, but no effect was seen. The second treatment was performed with 0.04 mg of OK-432.
RESULT—4 months later, the lesion had totally shrunk to fibrous tissue. The side effects were fever, a local inflammatory reaction lasting 3 days, and increased intraocular pressure, which was managed by draining the fluid contents. Visual acuity improved to 20/15, and the visual field defect and restriction of eye movement seen before treatment disappeared. No recurrence was noted 1 year after treatment.
CONCLUSION—An intralesional injection of OK-432 shrunk the lymphangioma without functional disturbance and scar in the facial skin. OK-432 may be useful for orbital lymphangioma, but further studies are still warranted to determine efficacy, complications, and the optimal dose for safe treatment.

 PMID:10837387

Successful Treatment of Residual Curvature in Peyronie Disease in Men Previously Treated With Intralesional Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum.

PubMed

DeLay, Kenneth; Diao, Linley; Nguyen, Hoang Minh Tue; Zurawin, Jonathan; Libby, Russell; Yafi, Faysal; Hellstrom, Wayne J G

2017-12-01

To determine the success and feasibility of surgically correcting residual curvature after intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of Peyronie disease (PD). We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had intralesional CCH treatment for PD and who subsequently underwent penile plication (PP), plaque incision and grafting (PIG), or inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. Ten men who underwent PP, PIG, or IPP for the treatment of residual curvature after intralesional CCH were identified. Six patients underwent PP; 1 patient underwent PIG; and 3 patients underwent IPP with ancillary straightening maneuvers. The mean time from the last CCH injection to surgical correction was 150.9 days, or 5 months. The mean pre-CCH curvature was 67 degrees and the mean post-CCH curvature was 51 degrees. Eight of 10 patients had no residual curvature after surgical treatment. The mean postprocedure curvature was 4.5 degrees. The mean operative time was 72.1 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 20 mL. Increased fibrosis with increased surgical difficulty was noted in 3 (all <6 months post CCH treatment) of 10 patients. No postoperative complications were noted. The surgical treatment of PD after intralesional CCH is safe and effective. If surgery is considered, this should be performed at least 6 months after the last CCH injection, given the potential for an increased inflammatory reaction in this area. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of complicated hemangiomas: prospective clinical study.

PubMed

Omidvari, Shapour; Nezakatgoo, Nosrat; Ahmadloo, Niloofar; Mohammadianpanah, Mohammad; Mosalaei, Ahmad

2005-05-01

Hemangioma is the most common tumor of infancy. Although it has a basically benign nature and usually spontaneously regresses, a small percentage (5%) have complications that need treatment. Many different therapeutic modalities can be used in this tumor. To investigate the effect of a new method of treatment (intralesional bleomycin injection) in complicated hemangiomas. In the Department of Radiation Oncology at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz, Iran, from April 1992 to October 1998, 32 patients with complicated hemangioma were treated with four to six courses of direct injection of bleomycin into the lesion. After a minimum follow-up of 6 years, there was 70 to 100% regression in 18 patients, 50 to 70% in 7 cases, and less than 50% reduction in 7 patients. Intralesional injection of bleomycin is an easy, safe, and effective therapeutic modality in complicated cutaneous hemangiomas.

Preparation of Graphene-Modified Acupuncture Needle and Its Application in Detecting Neurotransmitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Lina; Du, Danxin; Yang, Fan; Liang, Zhong; Ning, Yong; Wang, Hua; Zhang, Guo-Jun

2015-06-01

We report a unique nanosensing platform by combining modern nanotechnology with traditional acupuncture needle to prepare graphene-modified acupuncture needle (G-AN), and using it for sensitive detection of neurotransmitters via electrochemistry. An electrochemical deposition method was employed to deposit Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the tip surface of the traditional acupuncture needle, while the other part of the needle was coated with insulation paste. Subsequently, the G-AN was obtained by cyclic voltammetry reduction of a graphene oxide solution on the surface of the AuNPs. To investigate the sensing property of the G-AN, pH dependence was measured by recording the open circuit potential in the various pH buffer solutions ranging from 2.0 to 10.0. What’s more, the G-AN was further used for detection of dopamine (DA) with a limit of detection of 0.24 μM. This novel G-AN exhibited a good sensitivity and selectivity, and could realize direct detection of DA in human serum.

Benign Post-Radiation Rectal Stricture Treated with Endoscopic Balloon Dilation and Intralesional Triamcinolone Injection

PubMed Central

Karanikas, Michael; Touzopoulos, Panagiotis; Mitrakas, Alexandros; Zezos, Petros; Zarogoulidis, Paul; Machairiotis, Nikolaos; Efremidou, Eleni; Liratzopoulos, Nikolaos; Polychronidis, Alexandros; Kouklakis, George

2012-01-01

Post-radiation stricture is a rare complication after pelvis irradiation, but must be in the mind of the clinician evaluating a lower gastrointestinal obstruction. Endoscopy has gained an important role in chronic radiation proctitis with several therapeutic options for management of intestinal strictures. The treatment of rectal strictures has been limited to surgery with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a less invasive therapeutic approach for benign rectal strictures, endoscopic balloon dilation with or without intralesional steroid injection, has become a common treatment modality. We present a case of benign post-radiation rectal stricture treated successfully with balloon dilation and adjuvant intralesional triamcinolone injection. A 70-year-old woman presented to the emergency room complaining for 2 weeks of diarrhea and meteorism, 11 years after radiation of the pelvis due to adenocarcinoma of the uterus. Colonoscopy revealed a stricture at the rectum and multiple endoscopic biopsies were obtained from the stricture. The stricture was treated with endoscopic balloon dilation and intralesional triamcinolone injection. The procedure appears to have a high success rate and a very low complication rate. Histologic examination of the biopsies revealed non-specific inflammatory changes of the rectal mucosa and no specific changes of the mucosa due to radiation. All biopsies were negative for malignancy. The patient is stricture-free 12 months post-treatment. PMID:23271987

Recent Developments in the Use of Intralesional Injections Keloid Treatment

PubMed Central

Trisliana Perdanasari, Aurelia; Lazzeri, Davide; Su, Weijie; Xi, Wenjing; Zheng, Zhang; Ke, Li; Min, Peiru; Feng, Shaoqing; Persichetti, Paolo

2014-01-01

Keloid scars are often considered aesthetically unattractive and frustrating problems that occur following injuries. They cause functional and cosmetic deformities, displeasure, itching, pain, and psychological stress and possibly affect joint movement. The combination of these factors ultimately results in a compromised quality of life and diminished functional performance. Various methods have been implemented to improve keloid scars using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. However, it has proven to be a challenge to identify a universal treatment that can deliver optimal results for all types of scars. Through a PubMed search, we explored most of the literature that is available about the intralesional injection treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids and highlights both current (corticosteroid, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, interferon, cryotherapy and verapamil) and future treatments (interleukin-10 and botulinum toxin type A). The reference lists of retrieved articles were also analysed. Information was gathered about the mechanism of each injection treatment, its benefits and associated adverse reactions, and possible strategies to address adverse reactions to provide reliable guidelines for determining the optimal treatment for particular types of keloid scars. This article will benefit practitioners by outlining evidence-based treatment strategies using intralesional injections for patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids. PMID:25396172

Measurement of bio-impedance with a smart needle to confirm percutaneous kidney access.

PubMed

Hernandez, D J; Sinkov, V A; Roberts, W W; Allaf, M E; Patriciu, A; Jarrett, T W; Kavoussi, L R; Stoianovici, D

2001-10-01

The traditional method of percutaneous renal access requires freehand needle placement guided by C-arm fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, or computerized tomography. This approach provides limited objective means for verifying successful access. We developed an impedance based percutaneous Smart Needle system and successfully used it to confirm collecting system access in ex vivo porcine kidneys. The Smart Needle consists of a modified 18 gauge percutaneous access needle with the inner stylet electrically insulated from the outer sheath. Impedance is measured between the exposed stylet tip and sheath using Model 4275 LCR meter (Hewlett-Packard, Sunnyvale, California). An ex vivo porcine kidney was distended by continuous gravity infusion of 100 cm. water saline from a catheter passed through the parenchyma into the collecting system. The Smart Needle was gradually inserted into the kidney to measure depth precisely using a robotic needle placement system, while impedance was measured continuously. The Smart Needle was inserted 4 times in each of 4 kidneys. When the needle penetrated the distended collecting system in 11 of 16 attempts, a characteristic sharp drop in resistivity was noted from 1.9 to 1.1 ohm m. Entry into the collecting system was confirmed by removing the stylet and observing fluid flow from the sheath. This characteristic impedance change was observed only at successful entry into the collecting system. A characteristic sharp drop in impedance signifies successful entry into the collecting system. The Smart Needle system may prove useful for percutaneous kidney access.

Short beveled sharp cutting needle is superior to facet tip needle for ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block in children with umbilical hernia: a case series.

PubMed

Alsaeed, A; Thallaj, A; Alzahrani, T; Khalil, N; Aljazaeri, A

2014-10-01

The most common peripheral nerve blocks used in umbilical hernia repair are rectus sheath block and regional block (caudal block). Ultrasound guidance of peripheral nerve blocks has reduced the number of complications and improved the quality of blocks. The aim of this study is to assess the post rectus sheath block pain relief in pediatric patients coming for umbilical surgery, and to evaluate the easiness of soft tissue puncture and ultrasonic appearance of two different needle types. Twenty two (22) pediatric patients (age range: 1.5-8 years) scheduled for umbilical hernia repair were included in the study. Following the induction of general anesthesia, the ultrasonographic anatomy of the umbilical region was studied with a 5-16 MHz linear probe. An ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block in the lateral edge of both rectus abdominis muscles (RMs) was performed (total of 44 punctures). A 22 gauge short beveled sharp cutting needle 1.1 x 30 mm needle A (BD Insyte--W, Vialon material. Spain) was used in one side, and a Stimuplex A insulated Needle 22G 50mm (needle B) was used on the other side. Surgical conditions, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative analgesia were evaluated. Ultrasonograghic visualization of the posterior sheath was possible in all patients. Needle A scored 72.7% of excellent needle tip and shaft view (16 out of 22) compared to 63.63% for needle B (14 out of 22). None of the needles scored poor view. The ultrasound guided rectus sheath blockade provided sufficient analgesia in all children with no need for additional analgesia except for one child who postoperatively requested morphine 0.1 mg/kg intravenously in recovery room. There were no complications. Ultrasound guidance enables performances of an effective rectus sheath block for umbilical hernia in the lateral edge of the rectus muscle. Use of the sharp short beveled needle of 22 gauge intravenous (IV) cannula stylet provides easy, less traumatic skin and rectus muscle

Needle Biopsy

MedlinePlus

... needle biopsy procedures include fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy. Needle biopsy may be used to ... hollow needle to draw cells from your body. Core needle biopsy. This type of needle biopsy uses ...

Preparation of Graphene-Modified Acupuncture Needle and Its Application in Detecting Neurotransmitters

PubMed Central

Tang, Lina; Du, Danxin; Yang, Fan; Liang, Zhong; Ning, Yong; Wang, Hua; Zhang, Guo-Jun

2015-01-01

We report a unique nanosensing platform by combining modern nanotechnology with traditional acupuncture needle to prepare graphene-modified acupuncture needle (G-AN), and using it for sensitive detection of neurotransmitters via electrochemistry. An electrochemical deposition method was employed to deposit Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the tip surface of the traditional acupuncture needle, while the other part of the needle was coated with insulation paste. Subsequently, the G-AN was obtained by cyclic voltammetry reduction of a graphene oxide solution on the surface of the AuNPs. To investigate the sensing property of the G-AN, pH dependence was measured by recording the open circuit potential in the various pH buffer solutions ranging from 2.0 to 10.0. What’s more, the G-AN was further used for detection of dopamine (DA) with a limit of detection of 0.24 μM. This novel G-AN exhibited a good sensitivity and selectivity, and could realize direct detection of DA in human serum. PMID:26112773

Evaluation of intralesional injection of hyaluronic acid compared with verapamil in Peyronie's disease: preliminary results from a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study.

PubMed

Favilla, V; Russo, G I; Zucchi, A; Siracusa, G; Privitera, S; Cimino, S; Madonia, M; Cai, T; Cavallini, G; Liguori, G; D'Achille, G; Silvani, M; Franco, G; Verze, P; Palmieri, A; Torrisi, B; Mirone, V; Morgia, G

2017-07-01

Several intralesional therapeutic protocols have been proposed for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Among all, hyaluronic acid (HA) and verapamil have been differently tested. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional verapamil (ILVI) compared with intralesional HA in patients with early onset of Peyronie's disease (PD). This is a multi-centre prospective double-arm, randomized, double-blinded study comparing ILVI vs. intralesional HA after 12-weeks. Sexually active men, older than 18 years and affected by the acute phase of PD were eligible for this study. Patients have been double-blinded randomly divided into two groups (1 : 1 ratio): Group A received intralesional treatment with Verapamil (10 mg in 5 mL of normal saline water) weekly for 12 weeks, while group B received intralesional treatment with HA (0.8% highly purified sodium salt HA 16 mg/2 mL) weekly for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from the baseline to the endpoint (12 weeks after therapy) for the penile curvature (degree). The secondary outcome was the change in the plaque size and in the International Index of erectile Function (IIEF-5) score. The difference between post- and pre-treatment plaque size was -1.36 mm (SD ± 1.27) for Group A and -1.80 mm (SD ± 2.47) for Group B (p-value = NS). IIEF-5 increased of 1.46 points (SD ± 2.18) in Group A and 1.78 (SD ± 2.48) in Group B (p-value ± NS). No difference in penile curvature was observed in Group A, while in Group B the penile curvature decreased of 4.60° (SD ± 5.63) from the baseline (p < 0.001) and vs. Group A. According to PGI-I results, we found significant difference as concerning patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) (4.0 vs. 2.0; p < 0.05). This prospective, double-arm, randomized, double-blinded study comparing ILVI vs. HA as intralesional therapy showed greater efficacy of HA in terms of penile curvature and PGI-I. © 2017 American Society of Andrology and

Intralesional curettage and cementation for low-grade chondrosarcoma of long bones: retrospective study and literature review.

PubMed

Mermerkaya, Musa Ugur; Bekmez, Senol; Karaaslan, Fatih; Danisman, Murat; Kosemehmetoglu, Kemal; Gedikoglu, Gokhan; Ayvaz, Mehmet; Tokgozoglu, Ahmet Mazhar

2014-11-10

Various treatment strategies for low-grade chondrosarcomas with variable outcomes have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the oncological and functional outcomes associated with intralesional curettage followed by adjuvant therapy comprising high-speed burring, thermal cauterization, and bone cementation with polymethylmethacrylate. We performed a retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients with intramedullary low-grade chondrosarcoma of long bones treated by intralesional curettage and adjuvant therapy comprising high-speed burring, thermal cauterization, and cementation at our institution from 2007 to 2012. The average age of the patients was 48.7 (range, 18-71) years. There were 7 male and 14 female patients. The mean follow-up period was 58.4 (range, 26-85) months after surgery. The treated lesions were located in the proximal humerus (n=10), proximal tibia (n=6), and distal femur (n=5). At the average follow-up time point of 58.4 (range, 26-85) months, no patient had developed local recurrence and no distant metastases were observed. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score among all 21 patients was 95% (84-100). The combination of intralesional curettage, application of high-speed burring, thermal cauterization, and cementation is an effective treatment strategy for low-grade intramedullary chondrosarcoma of long bones. Excellent oncological and functional results can be obtained.

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate Direct Intralesional Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations of the Vulva and Vagina: Report of Five Cases

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krokidis, Miltiadis, E-mail: mkrokidis@hotmail.com; Venetucci, Pietro; Hatzidakis, Adam

2011-02-15

We report five cases of female patients affected by symptomatic focal external genital venous malformations treated with percutaneous direct intralesional injection of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS). All patients were referred because of discomfort and pain when sexual intercourse was attempted. Direct sclerotherapy with 3% STS was performed on a day-hospital basis with the patient under local anesthesia. Complete resolution of the symptoms was achieved in all cases. No major adverse effects were reported. Direct intralesional sclerotherapy with STS may be considered a safe and effective method for the treatment of female external genital malformation without the necessity of general anesthesiamore » for pain control.« less

Short-term clinical evaluation of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection for ulcerative oral lichen planus.

PubMed

Xia, Juan; Li, Chunyang; Hong, Yun; Yang, Linglan; Huang, Yulei; Cheng, Bin

2006-07-01

Efforts are made in a continued searching for novel therapies for symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection for ulcerative OLP. Forty-five patients with clinical and histologically confirmed ulcerative OLP on bilateral buccal mucosa, one for treatment and the other for control, were studied. All participants received 0.5 ml TA (40 mg/ml) on experimental sites. Visual analogue scale score and lesion areas were recorded at the time of injection and 1-week interval. After 2 weeks, if the treated ulceration reduced < 81% in size, a second injection was given. The treated group gave rapid relief of signs and symptoms, while the control group showed minimal decrease. 38 (84.4%) patients demonstrated complete response in ulceration size. No complications were noted with TA injections. Intralesional TA injection in ulcerative OLP is effective and safe in achieving lesion and pain regression.

Endocrine complications of topical and intralesional corticosteroid therapy.

PubMed

Curtis, J A; Cormode, E; Laski, B; Toole, J; Howard, N

1982-03-01

Four previously healthy children acquired skin problems that were treated with topical or intralesional fluorinated corticosteroids. Three developed signs that suggested Cushing's syndrome 1-4 months after initial treatment. Investigation showed low plasma cortisol levels and inadequate response to corticotrophin stimulation. After 7 months of treatment with topical steroids the fourth child presented with failure to thrive; during a febrile illness he had a convulsion followed by acute hypotension which responded to parenteral corticosteroid administration. Adrenal function was not studied in this patient. Although fluorinated corticosteroids seldom lead to overt adrenal suppression in children, they may impair pituitary-adrenal responses in some. Such patients should be given oral or parenteral steroid cover in the event of illness or trauma.

Additive melanoma suppression with intralesional phospholipid conjugated TLR7 agonists and systemic IL-2

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Tomoko; Chan, Michael; Norton, John T.; Wu, Christina C.N.; Yao, Shiyin; Cottam, Howard B.; Tawatao, Rommel I.; Corr, Maripat; Carson, Dennis A; Daniels, Gregory A.

2010-01-01

Objective There remains a compelling need for the development of treatments for unresectable melanoma. Agents that stimulate the innate immune response could provide advantages for cell based therapies. However there are conflicting reports concerning whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling controls tumor growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the intralesional administration of a TLR7 agonist in melanoma therapy. Methods B16cOVA melanoma was implanted to TLR7−/− mice to evaluate the roles of stromal TLR7 on melanoma growth. To capitalize on the potential deleterious effects of TLR7 stimulation on tumor growth, we injected melanoma tumor nodules with a newly developed and potent TLR7 agonist. Results B16 melanoma nodules expanded more rapidly in mice deficient in TLR7- and MyD88- compared to TLR9-deficient and wild type mice. Repeated injections with low doses of unconjugated TLR7 agonist were more effective at attenuating nodule size than a single high dose injection. To improve efficacy we conjugated the agonist to phospholipid or polyethylene glycol-phospholipid, which retained TLR7 specificity. The phospholipid conjugate was indeed more effective in reducing lesion size. Furthermore intralesional administration of the phospholipid TLR7 agonist conjugate enhanced the anti-melanoma effects of systemic IL-2 treatment and prolonged the survival of mice compared to IL-2 alone. Conclusion TLR7/MyD88 signaling in the stroma is involved in melanoma growth. Intralesional administration of a TLR7 agonist reduces the growth of melanoma nodules and enhances the anti-melanoma effects of IL-2. PMID:21030882

Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer.

PubMed

Sarduy, M R; García, I; Coca, M A; Perera, A; Torres, L A; Valenzuela, C M; Baladrón, I; Solares, M; Reyes, V; Hernández, I; Perera, Y; Martínez, Y M; Molina, L; González, Y M; Ancízar, J A; Prats, A; González, L; Casacó, C A; Acevedo, B E; López-Saura, P A; Alonso, D F; Gómez, R; Perea-Rodríguez, S E

2015-05-12

We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose. Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using (99)Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry. Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1 ± 8.9 vs 31.3 ± 12.9 mg (P = 0.01). Both, AUC24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P < 0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P = 0.03) in tumour specimens. Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies.

Direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy of extensive venous malformations with oropharyngeal involvement after a temporary tracheotomy in the head and neck: Initial results.

PubMed

Wang, Deming; Su, Lixin; Han, Yifeng; Wang, Zhenfeng; Zheng, Lianzhou; Li, Jichen; Fan, Xindong

2017-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs) with oropharyngeal involvement after a temporary tracheotomy. A retrospective assessment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy on 21 consecutive patients presenting with extensive VMs involving the oropharynx in the head and neck and who had undergone tracheotomy. Of the 21 patients, 4 were treated once and 17 were treated from 2 to 5 times. The duration of follow-up was, on average, 9.1 months. Of the 21 patients, 7 (33.3%) had complete palliation, whereas the rest (66.7%) achieved partial palliation. Minor complications occurred in 12 of the 21 patients. Direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy after a temporary tracheotomy is a safe and effective treatment for extensive VMs involving oropharyngeal areas of the head and neck. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 288-296, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Treatment of lymphangiomas of the head and neck in children by intralesional injection of OK-432 (Picibanil).

PubMed

Brewis, C; Pracy, J P; Albert, D M

2000-04-01

The treatments previously used for lymphangiomas of the head and neck in children-surgery and intralesional injection of sclerosants-are associated with significant morbidity. A new treatment-intralesional injection of OK-432-was used for lymphangiomas of the head and neck in 11 children. The results were total shrinkage in two, marked shrinkage in two, slight shrinkage in five and no response in two. The results were not affected by previous surgery nor by whether aspiration prior to injection was possible. There were no recurrences in those children in whom shrinkage occurred and no child had subsequent surgery following injection. The results of this series support those of previous series showing that OK-432 injection is an effective and safe treatment for lymphangiomas of the head and neck in children.

Successful treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma with intralesional fluorouracil in a Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus).

PubMed

Miller, C L; Templeton, R S; Karpinski, L

2000-06-01

An oral mass was observed in a Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus). Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed by histologic examination of a biopsy specimen. A series of intralesional injections using fluorouracil resulted in complete regression of the neoplasm with no recognized adverse effects.

Treatment of Early-stage Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations with Intralesional Interstitial Bleomycin Injection: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Jin, Yunbo; Zou, Yun; Hua, Chen; Chen, Hui; Yang, Xi; Ma, Gang; Chang, Lei; Qiu, Yajing; Lyu, Dongze; Wang, Tianyou; Chang, Shih-Jen; Qiao, Congzhen; Luo, Chunfen; Tremp, Mathias; Lin, Xiaoxi

2018-04-01

Purpose To assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional interstitial bleomycin injection in the treatment of early-stage (Schobinger stage I or II) extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Materials and Methods This prospective study involved 34 patients with early-stage AVMs, as defined by the Schobinger staging system. The patients received intralesional interstitial bleomycin injected at a maximum dose of 15 000 IU or 1000 IU per kilogram of body weight for children who weighed less than 15 kg per procedure for a total of 6 months (once every month). Therapeutic outcome was evaluated by the degree of devascularization at angiography and the clinical outcome 3 months after the last treatment. Further follow-up was evaluated based on further clinical outcome. Adverse events were recorded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. Results Of the 34 patients with early-stage AVM, 32 (mean age, 20.5 years; 24 female [75%]) completed the study. The results showed that 27 (84.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.1, 97.7) patients were responsive to bleomycin injection, including nine (28.1%) with a complete response. Four (12.5%) patients showed no response, and one (3.1%) patient experienced worsening 3 months after the last treatment. During further follow-up (mean follow-up time, 20.7 months; range, 5-28 months), the outcome remained stable in 31 (96.9%) of the 32 patients. A major complication, anaphylactic shock, was observed in one (3.1%, 95% CI: 0, 9.5) patient. Common minor complications included hyperpigmentation, nausea, pruritus, and bullae. Conclusion Intralesional interstitial bleomycin injection is a feasible approach for early-stage AVMs and yields safe and effective outcomes. © RSNA, 2017.

Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer

PubMed Central

Sarduy, M R; García, I; Coca, M A; Perera, A; Torres, L A; Valenzuela, C M; Baladrón, I; Solares, M; Reyes, V; Hernández, I; Perera, Y; Martínez, Y M; Molina, L; González, Y M; Ancízar, J A; Prats, A; González, L; Casacó, C A; Acevedo, B E; López-Saura, P A; Alonso, D F; Gómez, R; Perea-Rodríguez, S E

2015-01-01

Background: We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose. Methods: Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using 99Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1±8.9 vs 31.3±12.9 mg (P=0.01). Both, AUC24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P<0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P=0.03) in tumour specimens. Conclusion: Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies. PMID:25880012

Intralesional immunotherapy with tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) in recalcitrant wart: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial including an extra group of candidates for cryotherapy.

PubMed

Amirnia, Mehdi; Khodaeiani, Effat; Fouladi, Daniel F; Masoudnia, Sima

2016-01-01

Due to paucity of randomized clinical trials, intralesional immunotherapy has not been yet accepted as a standard therapeutic method. To examine the efficacy and safety of intralesional immunotherapy with tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) for treating recalcitrant wart. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, a total of 69 patients with recalcitrant warts received either intralesional PPD antigen (n = 35) or intralesional saline (n = 34) for six times at 2-week intervals. A third group of candidates for cryotherapy (n = 33) was also included. The decrease in lesion size (good: complete response, intermediate: 50-99% improvement, poor: <50% improvement), adverse effects and recurrence within 6-month follow-up were documented. At the final session, good, intermediate and poor responses were observed in 77.1%, 22.9% and 0% of the PPD patients; 0%, 14.7% and 85.3% of the placebo patients and 18.2%, 33.3% and 48.5% of the cryotherapy patients, respectively (PPD versus placebo: p < 0.001; PPD versus cryotherapy: p < 0.001). No significant complication was seen in the PPD group. The recurrence rate was 8.6%, 5.9% and 24.2% in the PPD, placebo and cryotherapy groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Intralesional immunotherapy with PPD antigen is highly effective and safe for treating recalcitrant warts. IRCT201407089844N3 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

Intralesional Injection of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum May Increase the Risk of Late-Onset Penile Fracture.

PubMed

Beilan, Jonathan A; Wallen, Jared J; Baumgarten, Adam S; Morgan, Kevin N; Parker, Justin L; Carrion, Rafael E

2018-04-01

The use of intralesional injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) has become a valid treatment option in the management of Peyronie's disease (PD). Multiple studies have shown the drug's safety and efficacy. However, sparse literature exists on the utility of the injection protocol's 14-day "observation period," in which patients are instructed to abstain from all sexual activity. To summarize the contemporary literature and report on our series of patients treated with CCH in an effort to explore the effectiveness of the postinjection observation period. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of men treated with at least one CCH injection at our institution from April 2014 through February 2017. The main outcome measure for our cohort was complication rate (hematoma, fracture). Secondary outcomes included progression to corrective surgery. Of the 102 patients treated, 5 (4.9%) developed a corporal fracture. Four of these occurred outside the 14-day observation period. One fracture was managed conservatively and the rest underwent surgical exploration and repair. Twelve penile hematomas were reported; one of these patients was surgically explored because of suspicious magnetic resonance imaging findings. Seven patients (6.9%) progressed to corrective surgery. Penile hematoma and corporal fracture are serious complications that must be discussed with patients before initiation of intralesional CCH treatment. Little evidence exists to direct physicians on the proper management of post-CCH penile fractures; many caregivers and patients elect to treat these injuries conservatively and avoid surgical exploration. Further studies are warranted to generate discussion and reassessment regarding the safety and effectiveness of this 14-day observation period. Beilan JA, Wallen JJ, Baumgarten AS, Morgan KN, Parker JL, Carrion RE. Intralesional Injection of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum May Increase the Risk of Late-Onset Penile Fracture. Sex

Review of the use of intralesional steroid injections in the management of ileocolonic Crohn's strictures

PubMed Central

Bevan, Roisin; Rees, Colin J; Rutter, Matthew D; Macafee, David A L

2013-01-01

Most patients with Crohn's disease present with either terminal ileal or colonic disease, with 70% requiring surgery by 10 years after diagnosis. Recurrent stricturing at the anastomotic site is common, often symptomatic and can require re-operation with its inherent risks. Balloon dilation has been shown to provide good symptom relief from such strictures. However, repeat dilations may be required, and further surgical intervention to an anastomotic stricture is needed in up to 30% of cases. Injection of corticosteroids has been suggested as an adjunct to dilation in order to improve outcomes. This paper reviews the current literature on the use of intralesional steroid injections following endoscopic balloon dilation of anastomotic and de novo Crohn's strictures. There have been only two randomised placebo controlled trials and five small non-controlled or retrospective studies. Study numbers vary from 10 to 29 patients. The two randomised trials conflict in their conclusions and numbers are small in these studies. Currently therefore, no firm support can be given to the routine use of intralesional steroid injections. PMID:28839732

The Use of Intralesional Steroids in a Case of Localized Pemphigus Foliaceus

PubMed Central

Ghoneim, Sara; Zaiac, Martin

2017-01-01

A 37-year-old South-Asian male presented to our clinic with a crusty, verrucous-like, scaly plaque of the left ala of the nose. After ruling out infectious and other epidermal bullous diseases, we finalized a diagnosis of localized pemphigus foliaceus, an exceptionally rare disorder with only 15 cases reported in the literature to date. The hyperkeratotic lesions responded favorably to a 3-week regimen of triamcinolone ointment and a onetime intralesional triamcinolone 2.5 mg/mL injection. PMID:28868007

Surgical excision and immediate postoperative radiotherapy versus cryotherapy and intralesional steroids in the management of keloids: a prospective clinical trial.

PubMed

Emad, Maryam; Omidvari, Shapour; Dastgheib, Ladan; Mortazavi, Afshin; Ghaem, Haleh

2010-01-01

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of surgical excision and radiotherapy with those of cryotherapy and intralesional steroid treatment of keloids. Twenty-six patients with a total of 76 keloids were enrolled in this study. Nineteen patients with 44 keloids underwent surgical excision combined with immediate 12-Gy irradiation (group A) while the remaining 9 patients with 32 keloids received multiple sessions of intralesional steroid treatment after cryotherapy which continued until flattening of lesion(s) occurred (group B). Two patients were included in both treatment groups. All patients were followed up at regular intervals for at least 1 year. In both treatment groups, keloids responded well without any major side effect. While patients of group A were all satisfied, those of group B (with a mean number of treatment sessions of 5.84 +/- 2.51) experienced more side effects, a more prolonged course, a higher recurrence rate and less satisfaction. This study showed that surgery plus immediate postoperative irradiation was an effective and relatively safe choice for treatment of keloids. Although cryotherapy combined with intralesional steroids was associated with more side effects and higher relapse rates, it could be a good choice for small and newly formed keloids. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of topical honey application along with intralesional injection of glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PubMed

Nilforoushzadeh, Mohammad Ali; Jaffary, Fariba; Moradi, Shahram; Derakhshan, Roya; Haftbaradaran, Elaheh

2007-04-27

Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Iran. Although many treatments have been suggested for this disease, there hasn't been an effective and safe treatment yet. Regarding the healing effect of honey in the chronic ulcers and its reported therapeutic effect in cutaneous leishmaniasis, we performed a study to better evaluate the efficacy of honey in cutaneous leishmaniasis and its final scar. In a prospective clinical trial, 100 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis were selected and randomized into 2 groups. Group A were treated with topical honey twice daily along with intralesional injection of glucantime once weekly until complete healing of the ulcer or for maximum of 6 weeks. Group B were treated with intralesional injection of glucantime alone until complete healing of the ulcer or for a maximum of 6 weeks, too. The patients were followed for 4 months. The collected data were analyzed statistically using statistical tests including Chi-square, Mann Whitney and Kaplan-Mayer tests. In this study, 45 patients that had cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated with intralesional glucantime alone and 45 patients were treated with topical honey and glucantime. Ten patients left out the study. In the glucantime alone treated group, 32 patients (71.1%) had complete cure whereas in the group treated with both glucantime & topical honey, 23 patients (51.1%) achieved complete cure. This difference was significant statistically (p = 0.04). Further studies to better clarify the efficacy of honey in cutaneous leishmaniasis is needed. We suggest that in another study, the efficacy of honey with standardized level of antibacterial activity is evaluated against cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Pulsed-voltage atom probe tomography of low conductivity and insulator materials by application of ultrathin metallic coating on nanoscale specimen geometry.

PubMed

Adineh, Vahid R; Marceau, Ross K W; Chen, Yu; Si, Kae J; Velkov, Tony; Cheng, Wenlong; Li, Jian; Fu, Jing

2017-10-01

We present a novel approach for analysis of low-conductivity and insulating materials with conventional pulsed-voltage atom probe tomography (APT), by incorporating an ultrathin metallic coating on focused ion beam prepared needle-shaped specimens. Finite element electrostatic simulations of coated atom probe specimens were performed, which suggest remarkable improvement in uniform voltage distribution and subsequent field evaporation of the insulated samples with a metallic coating of approximately 10nm thickness. Using design of experiment technique, an experimental investigation was performed to study physical vapor deposition coating of needle specimens with end tip radii less than 100nm. The final geometries of the coated APT specimens were characterized with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and an empirical model was proposed to determine the optimal coating thickness for a given specimen size. The optimal coating strategy was applied to APT specimens of resin embedded Au nanospheres. Results demonstrate that the optimal coating strategy allows unique pulsed-voltage atom probe analysis and 3D imaging of biological and insulated samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Randomized Comparison of Topical Betamethasone Valerate Foam, Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and Tacrolimus Ointment in Management of Localized Alopecia Areata

PubMed Central

Kuldeep, CM; Singhal, Himanshu; Khare, Ashok Kumar; Mittal, Asit; Gupta, Lalit K; Garg, Anubhav

2011-01-01

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring, patchy loss of hair at scalp and elsewhere. Its pathogenesis is uncertain; however, auto-immunity has been exemplified in various studies. Familial incidence of AA is 10-42%, but in monozygotic twins is 50%. Local steroids (topical / intra-lesional) are very effective in treatment of localized AA. Aim: To compare hair regrowth and side effects of topical betamethasone valerate foam, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and tacrolimus ointment in management of localized AA. Materials and Methods: 105 patients of localized AA were initially registered but 27 were drop out. So, 78 patients allocated at random in group A (28), B (25) and C (25) were prescribed topical betamethasone valerate foam (0.1%) twice daily, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (10mg/ml) every 3 weeks and tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) twice daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. They were followed for next12 weeks. Hair re-growth was calculated using “HRG Scale”; scale I- (0-25%), S II-(26-50%), S III - (51-75%) and S IV- (75-100%). Results: Hair re-growth started by 3 weeks in group B (Scale I: P<0.03), turned satisfactory at 6 weeks in group A and B (Scale I: P<0.005, Scale IV: P<0.001)), good at 9 weeks (Scale I: P<0.0005, Scale IV: P<0.00015), and better by 12 weeks of treatment (Scale I: P<0.000021, Scale IV: P<0.000009) in both A and B groups. At the end of 12 weeks follow-up hair re-growth (>75%, HRG IV) was the best in group B (15 of 25, 60%), followed by A (15 of 28, 53.6%) and lastly group-C (Nil of 25, 0%) patients. Few patients reported mild pain and atrophy at injection sites, pruritus and burning with betamethasone valerate foam and tacrolimus. Conclusion: Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is the best, betamethasone valerate foam is better than tacrolimus in management of localized AA. PMID:21769231

Satisfactory treatment of a large connective tissue nevus with intralesional steroid injection.

PubMed

Saki, Nasrin; Dorostkar, Azadeh; Heiran, Alireza; Aslani, Fatemeh Sari

2018-01-01

Collagenoma is a type of connective tissue nevi, a rare hamartomatous malformation characterized by the predominant proliferation of normal collagen fibers and normal, decreased, or increased elastic fibers. Collagenomas present as multiple or solitary, hereditary or sporadic, asymptomatic, skin-colored papules, nodules, and plaques with variable sizes, and are usually located on the trunk, arm, and back. Here, we report on a 14-year-old boy who presented with an isolated giant collagenoma of the frontal area that dramatically responded to intralesional triamcinolone acetonide.

Does a paresthesia during spinal needle insertion indicate intrathecal needle placement?

PubMed

Pong, Ryan P; Gmelch, Benjamin S; Bernards, Christopher M

2009-01-01

Paresthesias are relatively common during spinal needle insertion, however, the clinical significance of the paresthesia is unknown. A paresthesia may result from needle-to-nerve contact with a spinal nerve in the epidural space, or, with far lateral needle placement, may result from contact with a spinal nerve within the intervertebral foramen. However, it is also possible and perhaps more likely, that paresthesias occur when the spinal needle contacts a spinal nerve root within the subarachnoid space. This study was designed to test this latter hypothesis. Patients (n = 104) scheduled for surgery under spinal anesthesia were observed during spinal needle insertion. If a paresthesia occurred, the needle was fixed in place and the stylet removed to observe whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flowed from the hub. The presence of CSF was considered proof that the needle had entered the subarachnoid space. Paresthesias occurred in 14/103 (13.6%) of patients; 1 patient experienced a paresthesia twice. All paresthesias were transient. Following a paresthesia, CSF was observed in the needle hub 86.7% (13/15) of the time. Our data suggest that the majority of transient paresthesias occur when the spinal needle enters the subarachnoid space and contacts a spinal nerve root. Therefore, when transient paresthesias occur during spinal needle placement it is appropriate to stop and assess for the presence of CSF in the needle hub, rather than withdraw and redirect the spinal needle away from the side of the paresthesia as some authors have suggested.

TU-H-CAMPUS-JeP3-05: Adaptive Determination of Needle Sequence HDR Prostate Brachytherapy with Divergent Needle-By-Needle Delivery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borot de Battisti, M; Maenhout, M; Lagendijk, J J W

Purpose: To develop a new method which adaptively determines the optimal needle insertion sequence for HDR prostate brachytherapy involving divergent needle-by-needle dose delivery by e.g. a robotic device. A needle insertion sequence is calculated at the beginning of the intervention and updated after each needle insertion with feedback on needle positioning errors. Methods: Needle positioning errors and anatomy changes may occur during HDR brachytherapy which can lead to errors in the delivered dose. A novel strategy was developed to calculate and update the needle sequence and the dose plan after each needle insertion with feedback on needle positioning errors. Themore » dose plan optimization was performed by numerical simulations. The proposed needle sequence determination optimizes the final dose distribution based on the dose coverage impact of each needle. This impact is predicted stochastically by needle insertion simulations. HDR procedures were simulated with varying number of needle insertions (4 to 12) using 11 patient MR data-sets with PTV, prostate, urethra, bladder and rectum delineated. Needle positioning errors were modeled by random normally distributed angulation errors (standard deviation of 3 mm at the needle’s tip). The final dose parameters were compared in the situations where the needle with the largest vs. the smallest dose coverage impact was selected at each insertion. Results: Over all scenarios, the percentage of clinically acceptable final dose distribution improved when the needle selected had the largest dose coverage impact (91%) compared to the smallest (88%). The differences were larger for few (4 to 6) needle insertions (maximum difference scenario: 79% vs. 60%). The computation time of the needle sequence optimization was below 60s. Conclusion: A new adaptive needle sequence determination for HDR prostate brachytherapy was developed. Coupled to adaptive planning, the selection of the needle with the largest dose coverage

Localized etching of an insulator film coated on a copper wire using an atmospheric-pressure microplasma jet.

PubMed

Yoshiki, Hiroyuki

2007-04-01

Atmospheric-pressure microplasma jets (APmicroPJs) of Ar and ArO(2) gases were generated from the tip of a stainless steel surgical needle having outer and inner diameters of 0.4 and 0.2 mm, respectively, with a rf excitation of 13.56 MHz. The steel needle functions both as a powered electrode and a gas nozzle. The operating power is 1.2-6 W and the corresponding peak-to-peak voltage Vp.p. is about 1.5 kV. The APmicroPJ was applied to the localized etching of a polyamide-imide insulator film (thickness of 10 microm) of a copper winding wire of 90 microm diameter. The insulator film around the copper wire was completely removed by the irradiated plasma from a certain direction without fusing the wire. The removal time under the Ar APmicroPJ irradiation was only 3 s at a rf power of 4 W. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscope images reveal that good selectivity of the insulator film to the copper wire was achieved. In the case of ArO(2) APmicroPJ irradiation with an O(2) concentration of 10% or more, the removed copper surface was converted to copper monoxide CuO.

A self-controlled study of intralesional injection of diprospan combined with topical timolol cream for treatment of thick superficial infantile hemangiomas.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Yu, Qian; Huang, Huizhen; Zhang, Wenjie; Li, Wei

2018-04-30

Topical application of timolol cream is effective and convenient for treating superficial infantile hemangiomas. Intralesional injection of corticosteroids, such as diprospan, is useful for the treatment of superficia infantile hemangiomas without systemic side effects. We conducted a self-controlled study to investigate whether a combination of intralesional injection of diprospan with topical timolol 0.5% cream would be more efficient than timolol cream alone in thick superficial infantile hemangiomas. Thirty-eight patients with 39 thick superficial infantile hemangiomas were recruited. Each lesion was randomly divided into two equal parts: one part was treated with topical timolol 0.5% cream (timolol cream group), while the other part was treated with injection of diprospan combined with topical timolol 0.5% cream (combined treatment group). Infants were followed every 4 weeks to determine whether injections should be continued, and timolol cream was applied four times daily for 5 months. During 5 months of treatment, three specialist physicians were invited to evaluate the therapeutic effects. The combined treatment group showed better lesion involution than did the timolol cream group regarding lesion thickness and color of lesions. The combination of intralesional injection of diprospan with topical timolol 0.5% cream is a suitable and safe strategy for thick superficial infantile hemangiomas. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pure Spinal Epidural Cavernous Hemangioma with Intralesional Hemorrhage: A Rare Cause of Thoracic Myelopathy

PubMed Central

Jang, Donghwan; Kim, Choonghyo; Lee, Seung Jin; Ryu, Young-Joon

2014-01-01

Although cavernous hemangiomas occur frequently in the intracranial structures, they are rare in the spine. Most of spinal hemangiomas are vertebral origin and "pure" epidural hemangiomas not originating from the vertebral bone are very rare. Our spinal hemangioma case is extremely rare because of its "pure" epidural involvement and intralesional hemorrhage. A 64-year-old man presented with progressive paraparesis from two months ago. His motor weakness was rated as grade 4/5 in bilateral lower extremities. He also complained of decreased sensation below the T4 sensory dermatome, which continuously progressed to the higher dermatome level. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated thoracic spinal tumor at T3-T4 level. The tumor was located epidural space compressing thoracic spinal cord ventrally. The tumor was not involved with the thoracic vertebral bone. We performed T3-5 laminectomy and removed the tumor completely. The tumor was not infiltrating into intradural space or vertebral bone. The histopathologic study confirmed the epidural tumor as cavernous hemangioma. Postoperatively, his weakness improved gradually. Four months later, his paraparesis recovered completely. Here, we present a case of pure spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma, which has intralesional hemorrhage. We believe cavernous hemangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of the spinal epidural tumors. PMID:25110490

Robot-Assisted Needle Steering

PubMed Central

Reed, Kyle B.; Majewicz, Ann; Kallem, Vinutha; Alterovitz, Ron; Goldberg, Ken; Cowan, Noah J.; Okamura, Allison M.

2012-01-01

Needle insertion is a critical aspect of many medical treatments, diagnostic methods, and scientific studies, and is considered to be one of the simplest and most minimally invasive medical procedures. Robot-assisted needle steering has the potential to improve the effectiveness of existing medical procedures and enable new ones by allowing increased accuracy through more dexterous control of the needle tip path and acquisition of targets not accessible by straight-line trajectories. In this article, we describe a robot-assisted needle steering system that uses three integrated controllers: a motion planner concerned with guiding the needle around obstacles to a target in a desired plane, a planar controller that maintains the needle in the desired plane, and a torsion compensator that controls the needle tip orientation about the axis of the needle shaft. Experimental results from steering an asymmetric-tip needle in artificial tissue demonstrate the effectiveness of the system and its sensitivity to various environmental and control parameters. In addition, we show an example of needle steering in ex vivo biological tissue to accomplish a clinically relevant task, and highlight challenges of practical needle steering implementation. PMID:23028210

Geographical and climatic limits of needle types of one- and two-needled pinyon pines

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cole, K.L.; Fisher, J.; Arundel, S.T.; Cannella, J.; Swift, S.

2008-01-01

Aim: The geographical extent and climatic tolerances of one- and two-needled pinyon pines (Pinus subsect. Cembroides) are the focus of questions in taxonomy, palaeoclimatology and modelling of future distributions. The identification of these pines, traditionally classified by one- versus two-needled fascicles, is complicated by populations with both one- and two-needled fascicles on the same tree, and the description of two more recently described one-needled varieties: the fallax-type and californiarum-type. Because previous studies have suggested correlations between needle anatomy and climate, including anatomical plasticity reflecting annual precipitation, we approached this study at the level of the anatomy of individual pine needles rather than species. Location: Western North America. Methods: We synthesized available and new data from field and herbarium collections of needles to compile maps of their current distributions across western North America. Annual frequencies of needle types were compared with local precipitation histories for some stands. Historical North American climates were modelled on a c. 1-km grid using monthly temperature and precipitation values. A geospatial model (ClimLim), which analyses the effect of climate-modulated physiological and ecosystem processes, was used to rank the importance of seasonal climate variables in limiting the distributions of anatomical needle types. Results: The pinyon needles were classified into four distinct types based upon the number of needles per fascicle, needle thickness and the number of stomatal rows and resin canals. The individual needles fit well into four categories of needle types, whereas some trees exhibit a mixture of two needle types. Trees from central Arizona containing a mixture of Pinus edulis and fallax-type needles increased their percentage of fallax-type needles following dry years. All four needle types occupy broader geographical regions with distinctive precipitation regimes

Intralesional Mycobacterium w Vaccine Versus Cryotherapy in Treatment of Refractory Extragenital Warts: A Randomized, Open-Label, Comparative Study.

PubMed

Dhakar, Ashok K; Dogra, Sunil; Vinay, Keshavamurthy; Sarangal, Rishu; Kanwar, Amrinder J; Singh, Mini P

2016-01-01

Initial reports of immunotherapy using intralesional Mycobacterium w (Mw) vaccine have documented its useful role in treatment of genital and extragenital warts. To compare the efficacy and safety of intralesional Mw vaccine versus cryotherapy in the treatment of refractory extragenital warts. This was a prospective, randomized, comparative study of 66 patients. The outcome was assessed in terms of complete clearance of warts and change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score. Complete clearance of treated warts was seen in 66.7% (20/30) and 65.5% (19/29) of patients in the Mw and cryotherapy groups, respectively (P = .769). Clearance of distant warts was significantly (P = .004) high in the Mw group. Improvement in DLQI was greater in the Mw group. Both treatment modalities were well tolerated, and no major side effects occurred. Mw vaccine and cryotherapy are equally efficacious in treatment of refractory extragenital warts. Mw vaccine has an added advantage of clearance of distant warts. © The Author(s) 2015.

Intralesional Pentamidine: A Novel Therapy for Single Lesions of Bolivian Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

PubMed

Soto, Jaime; Paz, David; Rivero, Daniela; Soto, Paula; Quispe, Jorge; Toledo, Julia; Berman, Jonathan

2016-04-01

A novel therapy, intralesional (IL) pentamidine, was compared to intralesional therapy with antimony (ILSb), a World Health Organization-recommended therapy, for single Bolivian Leishmania braziliensis lesions. In Study 1, 90 patients were randomized equally between three injections of ILSb over 5 days, five injections of ILSb over 11 days, and three injections of IL pentamidine (120 μg/mm(2)lesion area [ILPenta-120-3]) over 5 days. Cure rates at 6 months were 57% for ILSb-3 injections, 73% for ILSb-5 injections, and 72% for ILPenta-120-3 injections. Adverse effects were local irritation and injection-site pain-ILSb (60 patients): mild (25), moderate (4); IL pentamidine (30 patients): mild (4), moderate (3). In Study 2, 60 patients were randomized equally between five injections of ILSb and three injections of a double dose of IL pentamidine (240 μg/mm(2)[ILPenta-240-3]). In Study 2, cure rates were 67% for ILSb-5 injections and 73% for ILPenta-240-3. For three IL injections of pentamidine, efficacy was optimized at a dose of 120 μg/mm(2)lesion area. The cure rate of that regimen was similar to that for ILSb-5 injections and nonstatistically larger than that of ILSb-3 injections. IL pentamidine is an attractive alternative to ILSb on the basis of efficacy for Bolivian L. braziliensis, the threat of Sb-resistant parasites, tolerance, and patient convenience of three visits over 5 days. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Numerical modelling of needle-grid electrodes for negative surface corona charging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Y.; Chen, G.; Rotaru, M.

2011-08-01

Surface potential decay measurement is a simple and low cost tool to examine electrical properties of insulation materials. During the corona charging stage, a needle-grid electrodes system is often used to achieve uniform charge distribution on the surface of the sample. In this paper, a model using COMSOL Multiphysics has been developed to simulate the gas discharge. A well-known hydrodynamic drift-diffusion model was used. The model consists of a set of continuity equations accounting for the movement, generation and loss of charge carriers (electrons, positive and negative ions) coupled with Poisson's equation to take into account the effect of space and surface charges on the electric field. Four models with the grid electrode in different positions and several mesh sizes are compared with a model that only has the needle electrode. The results for impulse current and surface charge density on the sample clearly show the effect of the extra grid electrode with various positions.

The Effects of Postoperative Intralesional Corticosteroids in the Prevention of Recurrent Earlobe Keloids: A Multispecialty Retrospective Review.

PubMed

Gold, Daniel A; Sheinin, Renee; Jacobsen, Gordon; Jones, Lamont R; Ozog, David M

2018-06-01

Effective treatment of keloids is challenging because the recurrence rate after surgical excision is high. Data on the best treatment practices are lacking. To investigate the recurrence rate after surgical excision of earlobe keloids based on a postoperative intralesional corticosteroid injection protocol. Retrospective chart review was performed from January 1, 2005, to March 31, 2016, of patients who had excision of ear keloids within the departments of dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, and plastic surgery. The number of postoperative injections was recorded, recurrence was reported by the patient, and the efficacy of an injection protocol was evaluated. There were 277 charts reviewed. Appropriate data were available for 184 patients. A statistically significant difference was found with recurrence associated with a lower number of injections (p < .001). Keloids were more likely to recur if they were not treated with a planned serial injection protocol (p < .001) or if they were treated outside the department of dermatology (p < .001). Intralesional corticosteroid injection after surgical excision of earlobe keloids statistically minimizes the risk of recurrence.

Randomised, prospective, non-blinded pilot study comparing the effect of intramuscular steroid injections and intralesional steroid injections in the management of tennis elbow

PubMed Central

Tahir, Hasan; Biro, Izolda; Donnelly, Simon; Greenwood, Mandy

2016-01-01

Background Tennis elbow is an overuse injury affecting people performing repetitive forearm movements. It is a soft tissue disorder that causes significant disability and pain. The aim of the study was to establish that an intramuscular steroid injection is effective in the short-term pain relief and functional improvement of tennis elbow. The severity of pain at the injection site was monitored to determine whether the intramuscular injection is better tolerated than the intralesional injection. Methods and results 19 patients, who had no treatment for tennis elbow in the preceding 3 months, were recruited from Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, and were randomised to receive either 80 mg of intramuscular Depo-Medrone or 40 mg of intralesional Depo-Medrone injection. Blinding proved difficult as the injection sites differed and placebo arms were not included in the study. A Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) Questionnaire and a 10-point Likert scale were used to assess primary outcome. Six weeks after the treatment, there was a reduction in pain, improvement in function and total PRTEE scores in both intramuscular and intralesional groups (p=0.008) using a 95% CI for mean treatment difference of −26 to +16 points. A statistically significant result (p=0.001) in favour of intramuscular causing less pain at the injection site was noted. Conclusion Non-inferiority of intramuscular to intralesional injections was not confirmed; however, the intramuscular injection proved to be effective in reducing tennis elbow-related symptoms and was found less painful at the site of injection at the time of administration. Trial registration number EUDRACT Number: 2010-022131-11. REC Number: 10/H0718/76 (NRES, Central London REC 1). PMID:28879024

Transbronchial needle aspiration with a new electromagnetically-tracked TBNA needle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jae; Popa, Teo; Gruionu, Lucian

2009-02-01

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a common method used to collect tissue for diagnosis of different chest diseases and for staging lung cancer, but the procedure has technical limitations. These limitations are mostly related to the difficulty of accurately placing the biopsy needles into the target mass. Currently, pulmonologists plan TBNA by examining a number of Computed Tomography (CT) scan slices before the operation. Then, they manipulate the bronchoscope down the respiratory track and blindly direct the biopsy. Thus, the biopsy success rate is low. The diagnostic yield of TBNA is approximately 70 percent. To enhance the accuracy of TBNA, we developed a TBNA needle with a tip position that can be electromagnetically tracked. The needle was used to estimate the bronchoscope's tip position and enable the creation of corresponding virtual bronchoscopic images from a preoperative CT scan. The TBNA needle was made with a flexible catheter embedding Wang Transbronchial Histology Needle and a sensor tracked by electromagnetic field generator. We used Aurora system for electromagnetic tracking. We also constructed an image-guided research prototype system incorporating the needle and providing a user-friendly interface to assist the pulmonologist in targeting lesions. To test the feasibility of the accuracy of the newly developed electromagnetically-tracked needle, a phantom study was conducted in the interventional suite at Georgetown University Hospital. Five TBNA simulations with a custom-made phantom with a bronchial tree were performed. The experimental results show that our device has potential to enhance the accuracy of TBNA.

Does a child's fear of needles decrease through a learning event with needles?

PubMed

Kajikawa, Natsuki; Maeno, Takami; Maeno, Tetsuhiro

2014-09-01

Most children have a fear of needles. Suitable preparation can decrease the pain and fear of needles in hospitals; however, few have examined how such preparation affects healthy children. This study examined whether learning with needles decreases fear of needles and changes motivation to get vaccinations in school-age children and the possible association between fear of needles and motivation toward vaccinations. This study included children participating in the "Let's Be Doctors" event, which was held in 4 child centers in Tsukuba city, Ibaraki, Japan. In this event, children learned about injections and how a vaccine works, and injected a vaccine (water) into skin (sponge) using a real syringe and imitation needle. Data were collected just before and after the event by anonymous self-assessment questionnaires that used a 4-point Likert scale to assess fear of needles, motivation to get vaccinations, recommendation of vaccinations, and fear toward doctors among the children. Answers were divided into two categories for statistical analysis. In total, 194 children participated in the event and 191 children answered the questionnaire (response rate 98.5%). We analyzed 180 subjects, comprising 79 boys (43.9%) and 94 girls (52.2%), mean age of 8.1 ± 1.0 years. The number of children reporting a fear of needles decreased from 69 (38.3%) before the event to 51 (28.3%) after the event, and those unwilling to get vaccinations decreased from 48 (26.7%) to 27 (15.0%). Children who reported fear of needles before the event were more unwilling to get vaccinations than those with no fear of needles (36 [52.2%] vs. 12 [10.8%]), while after the event the number of needle-fearing children unwilling to get vaccinations decreased to 19 (27.5%). Children's fear of needles and unwillingness to get vaccinations were decreased after experiencing a learning event with needles. The fear of needles is associated with a negative motivation to get vaccinations in children.

Intralesional botulinum toxin-A injection for the treatment of multiple eccrine hidrocystomas.

PubMed

Gheisari, Mehdi; Hamedani, Behnaz; Robati, RezaM; Mozafari, Nikoo

2018-01-31

Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas (MEH) are benign cystic lesions of the sweat gland ducts. They are characterized by translucent, skin-colored or bluish dome-shaped papules on the face, causing cosmetic concern. Recently, botulinum toxin-A, because of its antiperspirant properties, has been used to treat facial MEH. However, there are only some case reports in the literature. Here, we conducted a prospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional injection of botulinum toxin-A (Dysport) for the treatment of MEH. Twenty patients (3 men and 17 women), aged from 31 to 75 years old, participated in this study. A 300 unit vial of botulinum toxin-A (Dysport, Ipsenn Biopharm, United Kingdom) was diluted with 4 ml of saline solution without preservative to achieve a concentration of 7.5U/.1 ml. Up to 1.5 unit of botulinum toxin was injected intradermally at the base of each lesion to raise a visible wheal. The patients were evaluated 7 days later, and any clinical changes or adverse effects were recorded. In all patients, more than 75% of eccrine hidrocystoma lesions resolved without any scaring. The result sustained for 2-5 months. In two patients mild smile asymmetry and in one patient lagophthalmos were noted approximately 5-7 days after injection that gradually resolved in 3 weeks. Intralesional botulinum toxin-A for treatment of multiple hidrocystomas is a simple and well-tolerated procedure. It is accompanied by excellent results, a good postoperative course, and no risk of scarring. It can be considered in patients who did not respond to other treatment or even as the first line therapy.

Active post-marketing surveillance of the intralesional administration of human recombinant epidermal growth factor in diabetic foot ulcers

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background After several exploratory and confirmatory clinical trials, the intralesional administration of human recombinant epidermal growth factor (hrEGF) has been approved for the treatment of advanced diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this procedure in medical practice. Methods A prospective, post-marketing active pharmacosurveillance was conducted in 41 hospitals and 19 primary care polyclinics. Patients with DFU received hrEGF, 25 or 75 μg, intralesionally 3 times per week until complete granulation of the ulcer or 8 weeks maximum, adjuvant to standard wound care. Outcomes measured were complete granulation, amputations, and adverse events (AE) during treatment; complete lesion re-epithelization and relapses in follow-up (median: 1.2; maximum 4.2 years). Results The study included 1788 patients with 1835 DFU (81% Wagner’s grades 3 or 4; 43% ischemic) treated from May 2007 to April 2010. Complete granulation was observed in 76% of the ulcers in 5 weeks (median). Ulcer non-ischemic etiology (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 2.8-4.7) and age (1.02; 1.01-1.03, for each younger year) were the main variables with influence on this outcome. During treatment, 220 (12%) amputations (171 major) were required in 214 patients, mostly in ischemic or Wagner’s grade 3 to 5 ulcers. Re-epithelization was documented in 61% of the 1659 followed-up cases; 5% relapsed per year. AE (4171) were reported in 47% of the subjects. Mild or moderate local pain and burning sensation, shivering and chills, were 87% of the events. Serious events, not related to treatment, occurred in 1.7% of the patients. Conclusions The favorable benefit/risk balance, confirms the beneficial clinical profile of intralesional hrEGF in the treatment of DFUs. PMID:24004460

Teleoperated master-slave needle insertion.

PubMed

Abolhassani, Niki; Patel, Rajni V

2009-12-01

Accuracy of needle tip placement and needle tracking in soft tissue are of particular importance in many medical procedures. In recent years, developing autonomous and teleoperated systems for needle insertion has become an active area of research. In this study, needle insertion was performed using a master-slave set-up with multi-degrees of freedom. The effect of force feedback on the accuracy of needle insertion was investigated. In addition, this study compared autonomous, teleoperated and semi-autonomous needle insertion. The results of this study show that incorporation of force feedback can improve teleoperated needle insertion. However, autonomous and semi-autonomous needle insertions, which use feedback from a deflection model, provide significantly better performance. Development of a haptic master-slave needle insertion system, which is capable of performing some autonomous tasks based on feedback from tissue deformation and needle deflection models, can improve the performance of autonomous robotics-based insertions as well as non-autonomous teleoperated manual insertions. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Combined excision and intralesional bevacizumab for sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid in an Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).

PubMed

Edelmann, Michele L; Utter, Mary L; Klein, Lin V; Wotman, Kathryn L

2013-05-01

An 18-year-old zoo-kept female Amur tiger presented with an approximately 5 mm diameter lateral canthal eyelid mass in the left eye which grossly appeared red and irregular. The mass was completely excised via lateral canthoplasty. Histopathologic evaluation was consistent with a diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma, which is a potentially aggressive cutaneous neoplasm. The sebaceous carcinoma recurred within 3 months and slowly increased in size until a second surgical excision was performed 9 months following the first surgery. The second surgical excision was combined with intralesional injection of 10 mg of the antiangiogenic drug bevacizumab. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. The tiger was euthanized 16 months postoperatively for reasons unrelated to, and without recurrence of, the eyelid neoplasm. At postmortem, no gross periocular or metastatic lesions were noted, and histopathology of the lateral canthus provided no evidence of recurrence. Surgical excision combined with intralesional bevacizumab treatment induced life-long resolution of the sebaceous carcinoma. Bevacizumab treatment may be associated with the regression of periocular angiogenic proliferative conditions, including neoplasia, by inhibiting angiogenesis. © 2012 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

A trucut biopsy needle for bipolar radiofrequency ablation of needle tract: a proof-of-concept experiment.

PubMed

Bruners, Philipp; Penzkofer, Tobias; Isfort, Peter; Pfeffer, Jochen; Schmitz-Rode, Thomas; Günther, Rolf W; Mahnken, Andreas H

2010-08-01

To develop a trucut biopsy needle featuring two electrodes that allow for bipolar radiofrequency (RF) coagulation of the puncture tract. We modified a 14-G trucut biopsy needle to contain two insulated electrodes and connected the device to an RF generator. Biopsies in ex vivo porcine liver and kidney were performed. The puncture tract was coagulated by using different RF energy settings (5 W, 10 W, 20 W). Tissue specimens were dissected along the puncture tract and the coagulation area was macroscopically evaluated. CT-guided in vivo liver and kidney biopsies were performed in two domestic pigs. Lengths of specimens were measured. Post-biopsy contrast-enhanced CT examinations were performed to rule out biopsy-related bleeding. Animals were euthanised and coagulation areas macroscopically explored. The mean diameters of the coagulated area around the ex vivo biopsy tract were 4.2 +/- 1.1 mm (5 W), 6.0 +/- 2.0 mm (10 W) and 5.2 +/- 0.51 mm (20 W) in liver and 5.0 +/- 0.7 mm (5 W), 6.6 +/- 0.9 (10 W) and 6.0 +/- 2.0 mm (20 W) in kidney. After biopsies CT revealed no bleeding. Mean maximum coagulation diameters were 10.1 +/- 4.6 mm (10 W) in liver and 6.0 +/- 2.5 mm (10 W) in kidney. Mean length of the specimens was 12.2 +/- 4.4 mm in kidney and 11.1 +/- 3.6 mm in liver tissue. Bipolar RF biopsy is a promising tool for tract coagulation after percutaneous biopsy.

Intralesional sclerotherapy for subcutaneous venous malformations in children.

PubMed

Uehara, Shuichiro; Osuga, Keigo; Yoneda, Akihiro; Oue, Takaharu; Yamanaka, Hiroaki; Fukuzawa, Masahiro

2009-08-01

Venous malformations (VMs) involve multiple anatomical spaces and encase critical neuromuscular structures, making surgical treatment difficult. Recently sclerotherapy has been suggested as the primary treatment for VMs instead of surgical intervention. This report represents eight cases of children with VMs treated with direct percutaneous injections of sclerosing agents, such as ethanol, polidocanol or ethanolamine oleate. All eight patients had large lesions (>3 cm) located on the head, foot, neck and face. Sclerotherapy was performed in an angiographic suite under general anesthesia. Prior to sclerotherapy, percutaneous phlebography was performed in order to visualize the dynamic situation inside the lesion and the draining flow into the adjacent venous vascular system. A 2-15 ml of sclerosing agent was injected into VM lesions under fluoroscopy. An evaluation by MRI examination showed that 6 out of 8 patients had remission, and alleviation of their symptoms without major complications, furthermore one of the lesions apparently disappeared. Intralesional sclerotherapy provides a simple, safe and effective treatment for VMs in the subcutaneous lesions in children.

Effect and Safety of Deep Needling and Shallow Needling for Functional Constipation

PubMed Central

Wu, Jiani; Liu, Baoyan; Li, Ning; Sun, Jianhua; Wang, Lingling; Wang, Liping; Cai, Yuying; Ye, Yongming; Liu, Jun; Wang, Yang; Liu, Zhishun

2014-01-01

Abstract Aupuncture is widely used for functional constipation. Effect of acupuncture might be related to the depth of needling; however, the evidence is limited. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of deep needling and shallow needling for functional constipation, and to assess if the deep needling and shallow needling are superior to lactulose. We conducted a prospective, superiority-design, 5-center, 3-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 475 patients with functional constipation were randomized to the deep needling group (237), shallow needling group (119), and lactulose-controlled group (119) in a ratio of 2:1:1. Sessions lasted 30 minutes each time and took place 5 times a week for 4 weeks in 2 acupuncture groups. Participants in the lactulose group took lactulose orally for 16 continuous weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline of mean weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) during week 1 to 4 (changes from the baselines of the weekly SBMs at week 8 and week 16 in follow-up period were also assessed simultaneously). Secondary outcomes were the weekly SBMs of each assessing week, the mean score change from the baseline of constipation-related symptoms over week 1 to 4, and the time to the first SBM. Emergency drug usage and adverse effects were monitored throughout the study. SBMs and constipation-related symptoms were all improved in the 3 groups compared with baseline at each time frame (P < 0.01, all). The changes in the mean weekly SBMs over week 1 to 4 were 2 (1.75) in the deep needling group, 2 (1.75) in the shallow needling group, and 2 (2) in the lactulose group (P > 0.05, both compared with the lactulose group). The changes of mean weekly SBMs at week 8 and week 16 in the follow-up period were 2 (2), 2 (2.5) in the deep needling group, 2 (3), 1.5 (2.5) in the shallow needling group, and 1 (2), 1 (2) in the lactulose group (P < 0.05, all compared with the lactulose group). No significant difference

Effect of Needle Size in Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Breast Biopsy: Comparison of 14-, 16-, and 18-Gauge Needles.

PubMed

Giuliani, Michela; Rinaldi, Pierluigi; Rella, Rossella; Fabrizi, Gina; Petta, Federica; Carlino, Giorgio; Di Leone, Alba; Mulè, Antonino; Bufi, Enida; Romani, Maurizio; Belli, Paolo; Bonomo, Lorenzo

2017-11-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) of breast lesions, comparing smaller needles (16- and 18-gauge) with the 14-gauge needle, and to analyze the lesion characteristics influencing US-CNB diagnostic performance. All the patients provided informed consent before the biopsy procedure. The data from breast lesions that had undergone US-CNB in our institution from January 2011 to January 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criterion was the surgical histopathologic examination findings of the entire lesion or radiologic follow-up data for ≥ 24 months. The exclusion criterion was the use of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy. The US-CNB results were compared with the surgical pathologic results or with the follow-up findings in the 3 needle size groups (14-, 16-, and 18-gauge). The needle size- and lesion characteristic-specific diagnostic accuracy parameters were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a dedicated software program, and P ≤ .01 was considered significant. A total of 1118 US-CNB cases (1042 patients) were included. Of the 1118 cases, 630 (56.3%) were in the 14-gauge group, 136 (12.2%) in the 16-gauge, and 352 (31.5%) in the 18-gauge needle group. Surgery was performed on 800 lesions (71.6%). Of these, 619 were malignant, 77 were high risk, and 104 were benign. The remaining 318 lesions (28.4%) underwent follow-up imaging studies. All the lesions were stable and, therefore, were considered benign. No differences were observed in the diagnostic accuracy parameters among the 3 needle size groups (P > .01). The false-negative rate was greater for lesions < 10 mm (7.2%) (P < .01) but without statistically significant differences among the 3 gauges (P > .01). US-CNB performed with small needles (16 and 18 gauge) had the same diagnostic accuracy as that performed with 14-gauge needles, regardless of the lesion characteristics. Copyright © 2017

Paraesthesia during the needle-through-needle and the double segment technique for combined spinal epidural anaesthesia.

PubMed

Ahn, H J; Choi, D H; Kim, C S

2006-07-01

Paraesthesia during regional anaesthesia is an unpleasant sensation for patients and, more importantly, in some cases it is related to neurological injury. Relatively few studies have been conducted on the frequency of paraesthesia during combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. We compared two combined spinal epidural anaesthesia techniques: the needle-through-needle technique and the double segment technique in this respect. We randomly allocated 116 parturients undergoing elective Caesarean section to receive anaesthesia using one of these techniques. Both techniques were performed using a 27G pencil point needle, an 18G Tuohy needle, and a 20G multiport epidural catheter from the same manufacturer. The overall frequency of paraesthesia was higher in the needle-through-needle technique group (56.9% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.011). The frequency of paraesthesia at spinal needle insertion was 20.7% in the needle-through-needle technique group and 8.8% in the double segment technique group; whereas the frequency of paraesthesia at epidural catheter insertion was 46.6% in the needle-through-needle technique group and 24.6% in the double segment technique group.

Physical Properties Of Acupuncture Needles: Do Disposable Acupuncture Needles Break With Normal Use

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

Lamb shank, which has complexity of tendon, fascia, and bone, was used to mimic human tissue. The needles (n=10) were stressed in the tissue substitute...needles were re-imaged after stressing and visually assessed. RESULTS: Only one manufacturing scuff mark was noted out of 90 needles before stress ...testing. Needles buckled but did not break when they were stressed beyond normal clinical use. No cracks or fractures were noted after stress

Does Needle Rotation Improve Lesion Targeting?

PubMed Central

Badaan, Shadi; Petrisor, Doru; Kim, Chunwoo; Mozer, Pierre; Mazilu, Dumitru; Gruionu, Lucian; Patriciu, Alex; Cleary, Kevin; Stoianovici, Dan

2011-01-01

Background Image-guided robots are manipulators that operate based on medical images. Perhaps the most common class of image-guided robots are robots for needle interventions. Typically, these robots actively position and/or orient a needle guide, but needle insertion is still done by the physician. While this arrangement may have safety advantages and keep the physician in control of needle insertion, actuated needle drivers can incorporate other useful features. Methods We first present a new needle driver that can actively insert and rotate a needle. With this device we investigate the use of needle rotation in controlled in-vitro experiments performed with a specially developed revolving needle driver. Results These experiments show that needle rotation can improve targeting and may reduce errors by as much as 70%. Conclusion The new needle driver provides a unique kinematic architecture that enables insertion with a compact mechanism. Perhaps the most interesting conclusion of the study is that lesions of soft tissue organs may not be perfectly targeted with a needle without using special techniques, either manually or with a robotic device. The results of this study show that needle rotation may be an effective method of reducing targeting errors. PMID:21360796

Pleuroscopic punch biopsy using insulated-tip diathermic knife-2 for the diagnosis of desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma.

PubMed

Masai, Kyohei; Sasada, Shinji; Izumo, Takehiro; Taniyama, Tomoko; Nakamura, Yukiko; Chavez, Christine; Sakurai, Hiroyuki; Tsuta, Koji; Tsuchida, Takaaki

2013-10-01

Desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma (DMM) is a rare subtype of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and is often difficult to distinguish from pleural fibrosis and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia, especially if the biopsy samples are small. We performed full-thickness pleural biopsy on a lesion suspected to be DMM using an insulated-tip diathermic knife-2 (IT knife-2) during flex-rigid pleuroscopy. IT knife-2 is a novel electrosurgical device for endoscopic submucosal dissection in the early gastrointestinal cancer. It consists of a needle knife with 3 short blades at the distal end attached to an insulated ceramic tip. A 54-year-old man presenting with chest wall mass and thickened pleura, in whom a computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle aspiration had remained negative, underwent flex-rigid pleuroscopy for definitive diagnosis. While applying electric current, we used the IT knife-2 to incise the pleura in a circular shape just above the endothoracic fascia. The incised pleura was removed by forceps and examined pathologically. The microscopic examination was compatible with DMM. We discovered that pleuroscopic punch biopsy using IT knife-2 can diagnose DMM. Use of IT knife-2 during flex-rigid pleuroscopy can obtain sufficient samples from densely thickened pleura, which is difficult to diagnose with small biopsies.

A novel adaptive needle insertion sequencing for robotic, single needle MR-guided high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borot de Battisti, M.; de Senneville, B. Denis; Hautvast, G.; Binnekamp, D.; Lagendijk, J. J. W.; Maenhout, M.; Moerland, M. A.

2017-05-01

MR-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy has gained increasing interest as a treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer because of the superior value of MRI for tumor and surrounding tissues localization. To enable needle insertion into the prostate with the patient in the MR bore, a single needle MR-compatible robotic system involving needle-by-needle dose delivery has been developed at our institution. Throughout the intervention, dose delivery may be impaired by: (1) sub-optimal needle positioning caused by e.g. needle bending, (2) intra-operative internal organ motion such as prostate rotations or swelling, or intra-procedural rectum or bladder filling. This may result in failure to reach clinical constraints. To assess the first aforementioned challenge, a recent study from our research group demonstrated that the deposited dose may be greatly improved by real-time adaptive planning with feedback on the actual needle positioning. However, the needle insertion sequence is left to the doctor and therefore, this may result in sub-optimal dose delivery. In this manuscript, a new method is proposed to determine and update automatically the needle insertion sequence. This strategy is based on the determination of the most sensitive needle track. The sensitivity of a needle track is defined as its impact on the dose distribution in case of sub-optimal positioning. A stochastic criterion is thus presented to determine each needle track sensitivity based on needle insertion simulations. To assess the proposed sequencing strategy, HDR prostate brachytherapy was simulated on 11 patients with varying number of needle insertions. Sub-optimal needle positioning was simulated at each insertion (modeled by typical random angulation errors). In 91% of the scenarios, the dose distribution improved when the needle was inserted into the most compared to the least sensitive needle track. The computation time for sequencing was less than 6 s per needle track. The

Toward the Clonotype Analysis of Alopecia Areata-Specific, Intralesional Human CD8+ T Lymphocytes.

PubMed

Bertolini, Marta; Uchida, Youhei; Paus, Ralf

2015-11-01

Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-restricted autoimmune disease that mainly affects the hair follicle (HF). Several findings support a key primary effector role of CD8+ T cells in the disease pathogenesis. Autoreactive CD8+ T cells are not only present in the characteristic peribulbar inflammatory cell infiltrate of lesional AA HFs but are also found to be infiltrating in lesional HF epithelium where they are thought to recognize major histocompatibility complex class I-presented (auto-)antigens. However, the latter still remain unidentified. Therefore, one key aim in AA research is to identify the clonotypes of autoaggressive, intralesional CD8+ T cells. Therapeutically, this is important (a) so that these lymphocytes can be selectively eliminated or inhibited, (b) to identify the-as yet elusive-key (auto-)antigens in AA, and/or (c) to induce peripheral tolerance against the latter. Therefore, we have recently embarked on a National Alopecia Areata Foundation-supported project that attempts to isolate disease-specific, intralesional CD8+ T cells from AA skin in order to determine their TCR clonotype, using two complementary strategies. The first method is based on the enzymatic skin digestion from lesional AA skin, followed by either MACS technology and single-cell picking or FACS cell sorting, while the second method on laser microdissection. The identification of disease-specific TCRs can serve as a basis for specific AA immunotherapy along the lines sketched above and may possibly also provide prognostic biomarkers. If successful, this research strategy promises to permit, at long last, the causal therapy of AA.

Intralesional injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide as an alternative treatment for central giant-cell granuloma in 21 cases.

PubMed

Nogueira, R L M; Teixeira, R C; Cavalcante, R B; Ribeiro, R A; Rabenhosrt, S H B

2010-12-01

Central giant-cell granulomas are benign, but occasionally aggressive, lesions that traditionally have been treated surgically. 21 cases of central giant-cell granuloma of the jaw were treated with intralesional injection of corticosteroids. The treatment protocol adopted was intralesional injection of 20mg/ml triamcinolone hexacetonide diluted in an anaesthetic solution of 2% lidocaine/epinephrine 1:200,000 in the proportion 1:1; 1.0ml of the solution was infiltrated for every 1cm(3) of radiolucid area of the lesion, totalling 6 biweekly applications. Ten patients had aggressive lesions and 11 nonaggressive. Two patients showed a negative response to the treatment and underwent surgical resection, 4 showed a moderate response and 15 a good response. 8 of the 19 who had a moderate-to-good response to the drug treatment underwent osteoplasty to reestablish facial aesthetics. In these cases, only mature or dysplastic bone was observed, with the presence or absence of rare giant multinucleated cells. The advantages of this therapy are its less-invasive nature, the probable lower cost to the patient, lower risk and the ability to treat the lesion surgically in the future, if necessary. Copyright © 2010 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of translational friction in needle-tissue interaction during needle insertion.

PubMed

Asadian, Ali; Patel, Rajni V; Kermani, Mehrdad R

2014-01-01

In this study, a distributed approach to account for dynamic friction during needle insertion in soft tissue is presented. As is well known, friction is a complex nonlinear phenomenon. It appears that classical or static models are unable to capture some of the observations made in systems subjected to significant frictional effects. In needle insertion, translational friction would be a matter of importance when the needle is very flexible, or a stop-and-rotate motion profile at low insertion velocities is implemented, and thus, the system is repeatedly transitioned from a pre-sliding to a sliding mode and vice versa. In order to characterize friction components, a distributed version of the LuGre model in the state-space representation is adopted. This method also facilitates estimating cutting force in an intra-operative manner. To evaluate the performance of the proposed family of friction models, experiments were conducted on homogeneous artificial phantoms and animal tissue. The results illustrate that our approach enables us to represent the main features of friction which is a major force component in needle-tissue interaction during needle-based interventions.

Needle phobia during pregnancy.

PubMed

Searing, Kimberly; Baukus, Mary; Stark, Mary Ann; Morin, Karen H; Rudell, Barb

2006-01-01

The objective of this study was to understand the experience of a pregnant woman with needle phobia and examine its impact on her antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum experience. A case study format was employed. A 21-year-old primiparous woman with diagnosed needle phobia was interviewed, and her prenatal and delivery records were reviewed. Three tasks during pregnancy were identified: seeking trusting relationships with health care providers; establishing and maintaining control and understanding; and coping with fear of needles, pain, and invasion. As frequent caregivers during childbearing, nurses with an understanding of needle phobia can help to establish trusting relationships with women with this phobia and support them and their families during childbearing and their encounters with needles. (c) 2006, AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses

Tracking of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and histology after intralesional treatment of artificial equine tendon lesions--a pilot study.

PubMed

Geburek, Florian; Mundle, Kathrin; Conrad, Sabine; Hellige, Maren; Walliser, Ulrich; van Schie, Hans T M; van Weeren, René; Skutella, Thomas; Stadler, Peter M

2016-02-01

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) are frequently used to treat equine tendinopathies. Up to now, knowledge about the fate of autologous AT-MSCs after intralesional injection into equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) is very limited. The purpose of this study was to monitor the presence of intralesionally injected autologous AT-MSCs labelled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and green fluorescent protein (GFP) over a staggered period of 3 to 9 weeks with standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. Four adult warmblood horses received a unilateral injection of 10 × 10(6) autologous AT-MSCs into surgically created front-limb SDFT lesions. Administered AT-MSCs expressed lentivirally transduced reporter genes for GFP and were co-labelled with SPIO particles in three horses. The presence of AT-MSCs in SDFTs was evaluated by repeated examinations with standing low-field MRI in two horses and post-mortem in all horses with Prussian blue staining, fluorescence microscopy and with immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry using anti-GFP antibodies at 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks after treatment. AT-MSCs labelled with SPIO particles were detectable in treated SDFTs during each MRI in T2*- and T1-weighted sequences until the end of the observation period. Post-mortem examinations revealed that all treated tendons contained high numbers of SPIO- and GFP-labelled cells. Standing low-field MRI has the potential to track SPIO-labelled AT-MSCs successfully. Histology, fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry are efficient tools to detect labelled AT-MSCs after intralesional injection into surgically created equine SDFT lesions. Intralesional injection of 10 × 10(6) AT-MSCs leads to the presence of high numbers of AT-MSCs in and around surgically created tendon lesions for up to 9 weeks. Integration of injected AT-MSCs into healing tendon tissue is an essential pathway after intralesional

Needle bar for warp knitting machines

DOEpatents

Hagel, Adolf; Thumling, Manfred

1979-01-01

Needle bar for warp knitting machines with a number of needles individually set into slits of the bar and having shafts cranked to such an extent that the head section of each needle is in alignment with the shaft section accommodated by the slit. Slackening of the needles will thus not influence the needle spacing.

Histological observation for needle-tissue interactions.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Yoshiyuki; Koseki, Yoshihiko

2013-01-01

We histologically investigated tissue fractures and deformations caused by ex vivo needle insertions. The tissue was formalin-fixed while the needle remained in the tissue. Following removal of the needle, the tissue was microtomed, stained, and observed microscopically. This method enabled observations of cellular and tissular conditions where deformations caused by needle insertions were approximately preserved. For this study, our novel method presents preliminary findings related with tissue fractures and the orientation of needle blade relative to muscle fibers. When the needle blade was perpendicular to the muscle fiber, transfiber fractures and relatively large longitudinal deformations occurred. When the needle blade was parallel to the muscle fiber, interfiber fractures and relatively small longitudinal deformations occurred. This made a significant difference in the resistance force of the needle insertions.

Comparison of 21-Gauge and 22-Gauge Aspiration Needle in Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

PubMed Central

Akulian, Jason; Lechtzin, Noah; Yasin, Faiza; Kamdar, Biren; Ernst, Armin; Ost, David E.; Ray, Cynthia; Greenhill, Sarah R.; Jimenez, Carlos A.; Filner, Joshua; Feller-Kopman, David

2013-01-01

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure originally performed using a 22-gauge (22G) needle. A recently introduced 21-gauge (21G) needle may improve the diagnostic yield and sample adequacy of EBUS-TBNA, but prior smaller studies have shown conflicting results. To our knowledge, this is the largest study undertaken to date to determine whether the 21G needle adds diagnostic benefit. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the results of 1,299 patients from the American College of Chest Physicians Quality Improvement Registry, Education, and Evaluation (AQuIRE) Diagnostic Registry who underwent EBUS-TBNA between February 2009 and September 2010 at six centers throughout the United States. Data collection included patient demographics, sample adequacy, and diagnostic yield. Analysis consisted of univariate and multivariate hierarchical logistic regression comparing diagnostic yield and sample adequacy of EBUS-TBNA specimens by needle gauge. Results: A total of 1,235 patients met inclusion criteria. Sample adequacy was obtained in 94.9% of the 22G needle group and in 94.6% of the 21G needle group (P = .81). A diagnosis was made in 51.4% of the 22G and 51.3% of the 21G groups (P = .98). Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression showed no statistical difference in sample adequacy or diagnostic yield between the two groups. The presence of rapid onsite cytologic evaluation was associated with significantly fewer needle passes per procedure when using the 21G needle (P < .001). Conclusions: There is no difference in specimen adequacy or diagnostic yield between the 21G and 22G needle groups. EBUS-TBNA in conjunction with rapid onsite cytologic evaluation and a 21G needle is associated with fewer needle passes compared with a 22G needle. PMID:23632441

[Deep needling and shallow needling at three acupoints around ear for subjective tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial].

PubMed

Yin, Tao; Ni, Jinxia; Zhu, Wenzeng

2015-10-01

To compare the effective differences between deep needling and shallow needling at three acupoints around ear for subjective tinnitus. Fifty patients with subjective tinnitus were randomized divided into a deep needling group and a shallow needling group, 25 cases in each group. Twenty-two patients in the deep needling group and 20 patients in the shallow needling group were brought into statistic in the end. In the two groups, the three acupoints around ear and distal acupoints were both selected. The acupoints of the affected side such as Yifeng (TE 17), Tinghui (GB 2), Ermen (TE 21), Zhigou (TE 6), Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Hegu (LI 4) were adopted. Yifeng (TE 17), Tinghui (GB 2) and Ermen (TE 21) were acupunctured 30-38 mm in the deep needling group and 15-20 mm in the shallow needling group. The other acupoints were conventionally acupunctured in the two groups. The needles were retained for 30 min,once a day and five times a week for all patients. The treatment was continuously for 4 weeks in the two groups. Tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scores, tinnitus grades and visual analogue scale (VAS) for tinnitus sound levels were observed before and after treatment, and the effects of the two groups were compared. The total effective rate in the deep needling group was 59.1% (13/22), and it was better than 20.0% (4/20) in the shallow needling group (P < 0.05). In the deep needling, group, the THI score, tinnitus grade and the VAS score were improved than those before treatment (all P < 0.05). In the shallow needling group, the three above indices before and after treatment were not different in statistical significance (all P > 0.05). After treatment, all the three indices in the deep needling group were superior to those in the shallow needling group (all P < 0.05). Acupuncture at the three acupoints around ear deeply could apparently improve tinnitus, and reduce tinnitus sound levels for subjective tinnitus. The effect is better than that by shallow needling at the

Using insulin pen needles up to five times does not affect needle tip shape nor increase pain intensity.

PubMed

Puder, Jardena J; Atar, Michael; Muller, Beat; Pavan, Marco; Keller, Ulrich

2005-02-01

Reusing insulin pen needles could help to reduce the increasing economic burden of diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that reusing insulin pen needles leads to needle tip deformity and increased pain. Three blinded reviewers assessed 123 electron microscope pictures analyzing needle tip deformity of insulin pen needles used up to four times by diabetic subjects and up to five times by blinded non-diabetic volunteers. The estimated frequency of needle use was correlated to the actual number of needle use. Pain intensity and unpleasantness of each injection were measured by a visual analogue scale and their differences analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. Unused needles could be differentiated visually from used needles. However, there was no correlation between the actual and guessed number of times a needle was used (r = 0.07, P = 0.2). Evaluating all 270 injections, neither pain intensity nor unpleasantness increased with repeated injections of the same needles in people with diabetes (P = 0.1 and 0.96) and in the volunteers (P = 0.63 and 0.92). Using pen needles four to five times does not lead to progressive needle tip deformity and does not increase pain intensity or unpleasantness, but could increase convenience and lead to substantial financial savings in Europe of around EUR 100 million/year.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Using 19-G Needle for Sarcoidosis.

PubMed

Balwan, Akshu

2018-05-16

Flexible bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is increasingly being used to obtain pathology specimens for diagnosis of sarcoidosis. There is wide variation in reported diagnostic yield in literature. New TBNA needles are available in the market but data are lacking about their diagnostic yield especially for sarcoidosis. This study reports the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy with EBUS-TBNA using ViziShot FLEX 19-G needle in a series of patients with suspected sarcoidosis. This is a retrospective chart review for diagnostic yield of the 19-G EBUS-TBNA needle for suspected sarcoidosis. Eighty-six EBUS bronchoscopies were performed, 15 were done with clinical suspicion of sarcoidosis. The 19-G needle was used for all cases of suspected sarcoidosis. The procedure was diagnostic of sarcoidosis in 14 (93.3%) patients by TBNA with 1 nondiagnostic bronchoscopy. Procedural diagnostic yield was 93.3%. Eighty-five percent (28/33) of sampled lymph nodes were positive for noncaseating granulomas. The yield of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and endobronchial lung biopsy was 38% (5/13) and 43% (6/14), respectively. TBLB and endobronchial lung biopsy did not add to the diagnostic yield of the procedure. No significant adverse events were noted. This series reports a higher diagnostic yield than most other published studies and opens platform for direct comparison of each available needle. It also adds to the safety data for this larger needle. In addition, it raises doubt into utility of TBLB for diagnosis of sarcoidosis, which can increase the procedural complications.

Intralesional Infiltration with Meglumine Antimoniate for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis Recidiva Cutis in Ecuador.

PubMed

Calvopiña, Manuel; Cevallos, William; Paredes, Yolanda; Puebla, Edison; Flores, Jessica; Loor, Richard; Padilla, José

2017-11-01

Meglumine Antimoniate (MA), administered intramuscularly for 21 continuous days is the recommended treatment of leishmaniases in Ecuador. However, because of its toxicity and requirement for intramuscular injections, treatment is frequently abandoned before completion. In addition, therapeutic failure and reactivation are not uncommon. Here we evaluate the efficacy and safety of MA administered intralesionally (IL) in leishmaniasis recidiva cutis (LRC). LRC is a special clinical variant of cutaneous leishmaniasis, characterized by reactivation at the edges of a primary cured lesion, presenting with active papules around the scar. Twenty-one patients were included in the study. All were diagnosed parasitologically by one of three diagnostic methods (smear, culture, and Leishmanin skin test). Each patient received MA intralesionally weekly for 4 weeks. Each papule was infiltrated until complete saturation. On average, patients received 1 mL of MA per administration. The criterion of cure was the complete resolution of the papules. Follow up was performed at 30, 90, and 180 days after treatment. At day 30 after treatment, 19 (90.5%) of 21 patients were clinically cured. The two patients, who did not heal by the fourth application, were cured on the seventh and eighth dose, achieving a clinical cure of 100% without subsequent reactivation. Mild to moderate local pain during infiltration was the only adverse reaction experienced by 81% of patients. In one case, subsequent infiltrations were discontinued because of a local allergic reaction. Complete compliance of patients to treatment and the small volume of drug administered make this method of administering MA an effective, safe, and inexpensive alternative. Consequently, IL could replace intramuscular administration in the treatment of LRC in Ecuador.

Needle tract implantation of hepatoblastoma after percutaneous needle biopsy: report of a case.

PubMed

Sumiyoshi, Tatsuaki; Shima, Yasuo; Nishiuchi, Ritsuo; Sasaki, Kiyoshi; Kouzuki, Akihito; Noda, Yoshihiro; Hata, Yasuhiro; Uka, Kiminobu

2014-06-01

A 13-year-old boy was referred to us for investigation of a giant liver mass, approximately 16 cm in diameter. Sonographically guided percutaneous needle biopsy was performed and histological examination revealed a fetal-type hepatoblastoma. After four courses of chemotherapy, we performed a left hepatic trisegmentectomy. Follow-up computed tomography, 55 months after the surgery, showed a 1-cm tumor on the route of the preoperative needle biopsy. A second laparotomy revealed a peritonealised tumor, which was excised. The histology of this tumor was identical to that of the primary hepatoblastoma. To our knowledge, this is only the second report of needle tract implantation of hepatoblastoma after percutaneous needle biopsy.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration needles: which one and in what situation?

PubMed

Karadsheh, Zeid; Al-Haddad, Mohammad

2014-01-01

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is increasingly used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal disorders. Several factors affect the outcome of EUS-FNA, one of which is needle size. The decision to use a specific needle depends on factors including location, consistency, and type of the lesion; presence of onsite cytopathologist; and need for additional tissue procurement for histology. This review provides a balanced perspective on the use of different needle sizes available, highlighting the differences among them and potential niche applications of each to maximize diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detecting stages of needle penetration into tissues through force estimation at needle tip using fiber Bragg grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Saurabh; Shrikanth, Venkoba; Amrutur, Bharadwaj; Asokan, Sundarrajan; Bobji, Musuvathi S.

2016-12-01

Several medical procedures involve the use of needles. The advent of robotic and robot assisted procedures requires dynamic estimation of the needle tip location during insertion for use in both assistive systems as well as for automatic control. Most prior studies have focused on the maneuvering of solid flexible needles using external force measurements at the base of the needle holder. However, hollow needles are used in several procedures and measurements of forces in proximity of such needles can eliminate the need for estimating frictional forces that have high variations. These measurements are also significant for endoscopic procedures in which measurement of forces at the needle holder base is difficult. Fiber Bragg grating sensors, due to their small size, inert nature, and multiplexing capability, provide a good option for this purpose. Force measurements have been undertaken during needle insertion into tissue mimicking phantoms made of polydimethylsiloxane as well as chicken tissue using an 18-G needle instrumented with FBG sensors. The results obtained show that it is possible to estimate the different stages of needle penetration including partial rupture, which is significant for procedures in which precise estimation of needle tip position inside the organ or tissue is required.

21 CFR 880.5580 - Acupuncture needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Acupuncture needle. 880.5580 Section 880.5580 Food... § 880.5580 Acupuncture needle. (a) Identification. An acupuncture needle is a device intended to pierce the skin in the practice of acupuncture. The device consists of a solid, stainless steel needle. The...

Needle tip visibility in 3D ultrasound images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, Muhammad; Moelker, Adriaan; van Walsum, Theo

2017-03-01

Needle visibility is of crucial importance for ultrasound guided interventional procedures. However, several factors, such as shadowing by bone or gas and tissue echogenic properties similar to needles, may compromise needle visibility. Additionally, small angle between the ultrasound beam and the needle, as well as small gauged needles may reduce visibility. Variety in needle tips design may also affect needle visibility. Whereas several studies have investigated needle visibility in 2D ultrasound imaging, no data is available for 3D ultrasound imaging, a modality that has great potential for image guidance interventions1. In this study, we evaluated needle visibility using a 3D ultrasound transducer. We examined different needles in a tissue mimicking liver phantom at three angles (200, 550 and 900) and quantify their visibility. The liver phantom was made by 5% polyvinyl alcohol solution containing 1% Silica gel particles to act as ultrasound scattering particles. We used four needles; two biopsy needles (Quick core 14G and 18G), one Ablation needle (Radiofrequency Ablation 17G), and Initial puncture needle (IP needle 17G). The needle visibility was quantified by calculating contrast to noise ratio. The results showed that the visibility for all needles were almost similar at large angles. However the difference in visibility at lower angles is more prominent. Furthermore, the visibility increases with the increase in angle of ultrasound beam with needles.

Arterial puncture using insulin needle is less painful than with standard needle: a randomized crossover study.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Irwani; Yau, Ying Wei; Ong, Lizhen; Chan, Yiong Huak; Kuan, Win Sen

2015-03-01

Arterial punctures are important procedures performed by emergency physicians in the assessment of ill patients. However, arterial punctures are painful and can create anxiety and needle phobia in patients. The pain score of radial arterial punctures were compared between the insulin needle and the standard 23-gauge hypodermic needle. In a randomized controlled crossover design, healthy volunteers were recruited to undergo bilateral radial arterial punctures. They were assigned to receive either the insulin or the standard needle as the first puncture, using blocked randomization. The primary outcome was the pain score measured on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and secondary outcomes were rate of hemolysis, mean potassium values, and procedural complications immediately and 24 hours postprocedure. Fifty healthy volunteers were included in the study. The mean (±standard deviation) VAS score in punctures with the insulin needle was lower than the standard needle (23 ± 22 mm vs. 39 ± 24 mm; mean difference = -15 mm; 95% confidence interval = -22 mm to -7 mm; p < 0.001). The rates of hemolysis and mean potassium value were greater in samples obtained using the insulin needle compared to the standard needle (31.3% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.035; and 4.6 ±0.7 mmol/L vs. 4.2 ±0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.002). Procedural complications were lower in punctures with the insulin needle both immediately postprocedure (0% vs. 24%; p < 0.001) and at 24 hours postprocedure (5.4% vs. 34.2%; p = 0.007). Arterial punctures using insulin needles cause less pain and fewer procedural complications compared to standard needles. However, due to the higher rate of hemolysis, its use should be limited to conditions that do not require a concurrent potassium value in the same blood sample. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Micro-Satellite Impact Tests to Investigate Multi-Layer Insulation Fragments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, Junko; Hanada, Toshiya; Liou, J.-C.; Stansbery, Eugene

2009-03-01

This paper summarizes two satellite impact experiments completed in 2008. The objective of the experiments is to investigate the physical properties of satellite fragments, including those originated from Multi-Layer Insulation and a solar panel. One test generated approximately 1,800 fragments while the other produced only 1,000 fragments. This difference came from the number of needle-like fragments from carbon fiber reinforced plastics. All collected fragments were analyzed using the same method as described in the NASA standard breakup model and compared with the breakup model. This paper will present: (1) the area-to-mass ratio, size, and mass distributions of the fragments, and (2) the differences in fragment properties between the two tests.

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration versus core needle biopsy: comparison of post-biopsy hematoma rates and risk factors.

PubMed

Chae, In Hye; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Moon, Hee Jung; Yoon, Jung Hyun; Park, Vivian Y; Kwak, Jin Young

2017-07-01

To compare post-biopsy hematoma rates between ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration and ultrasound guided-core needle biopsy, and to investigate risk factors for post-biopsy hematoma. A total of 5304 thyroid nodules which underwent ultrasound guided biopsy were included in this retrospective study. We compared clinical and US features between patients with and without post-biopsy hematoma. Associations between these features and post-biopsy hematoma were analyzed. Post-biopsy hematoma rate was 0.8% (43/5121) for ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration and 4.9% (9/183) for ultrasound guided-core needle biopsy (P < 0.001). For ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration, gender, age, size, presence of vascularity, and suspicious US features were not associated with post-biopsy hematoma according to experience level. Post-biopsy hematoma occurred significantly more with ultrasound guided-core needle biopsy (9/179, 5.0%) than with ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration (9/1138, 0.8%) (P < 0.001) in experienced performers and ultrasound guided-core needle biopsy was the only significant risk factor for post-biopsy hematoma (adjusted Odds Ratio, 6.458, P < 0.001). Post-biopsy hematoma occurred significantly more in ultrasound guided-core needle biopsy than in ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration and ultrasound guided-core needle biopsy was the only independent factor of post-biopsy hematoma in thyroid nodules.

Veres needle in the pleural space.

PubMed

Jenkins, D W; McKinney, M K; Szpak, M W; Booker, J L

1983-11-01

The Veres needle is designed to allow entry into body cavities without trauma to underlying organs. Its major use has been in the induction of a pneumoperitoneum for peritoneoscopy. An initial successful evaluation of its use was in the pleural space of dogs. A subsequent analysis of complications in 69 thoracenteses using the Veres needle and 152 thoracenteses using a conventional needle favored the Veres needle (P = .05). We believe that the Veres needle is a safe and technically superior instrument for thoracentesis and that it deserves further application and study.

[Design and application of silver needle-knife].

PubMed

Sun, Guodong; Shi, Bin; Zhang, Benwu; Xu, Haidong

2015-04-01

A silver needle-knife which has the dual function of silver needle and needle-knife is designed. The main components of this silver needle-knife are approximately 50% silver and approximately 50% nichrome. The silver needle-knife is composed of five parts, including needle-knife tail, spiral handle; steering handle, needle-knife body and needle-knife edge. It converges the advantages of needle-knife and silver needle, which can cut loose of diseased tissue and peel adhesion of lesions, but also be heated with moxa cone and thermal therapeutic instrument, and connect with electroacupuncture apparatus. It has the function of warming channel and removing coldness, dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, resolving spasm and relieving pain, dredging the channel and so on. Due to the spiral handle and the steering handle, the operation is easier, which reduces the blindness of cutting and increase the safety. It is mainly used for soft tissue injury, rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as degenerative diseases of spine and joint, and it has obvious efficacy on some internal medical diseases.

In vivo histological evaluation of non-insulated microneedle radiofrequency applicator with novel fractionated pulse mode.

PubMed

Harth, Yoram; Frank, Ido

2013-12-01

Microneedle radiofrequency is a novel method that allows non-thermal penetration of the epidermis followed by RF coagulation in selected depth of the dermis surrounded by zone of non-coagulative volumetric heating. The first generation of Microneedle RF applicators used insulated needles. These treatments were limited by a few factors, including low volume of dermal heating, lack of effect in the papillary dermis and pinpoint bleeding during the treatment. The system tested in this study (EndyMed PRO, Intensif applicator, EndyMed Medical, Cesarea, Israel) utilizes special extra sharp tapered non-insulated microneedles and a special pulse mode, allowing full coagulation during treatment and higher effective volume of dermal heat. After Ethics Committee approval, one female pig (Type Large white X Landrace, 34 Kg) was chosen for the study. The animal was anesthetized using Ketamine, Xylazin and Isofluran. The EndyMed PRO, Intensif applicator (was used for treatment with different needle depth penetration (1 mm-3.5 mm) and in multiple energy settings. Six mm punch biopsies were harvested for histological analysis at the following time points: immediately after the treatment, 4 days after the treatment and 14 days after the treatment. H&E and Masson-Trichrome stains were processed. Visual inspection of the treated skin, immediately after the treatment, revealed arrays of pinpoint erythematous papules surrounded by undamaged epidermal tissue. Treatment field showed no sign of bleeding. Mild to moderate Erythema and Edema developed a few minutes after the treatment, varying according to the total energy delivered. The histologies taken 4-day after therapy showed in all energy settings, dry micro crusts over the treatment zones, with full healing of epidermis. In the 14-day specimens there was a replacement of the crusts/debris by a normal looking stratum corneum with complete healing of epidermis and dermis. The current in vivo study confirms that the EndyMed PRO

[Effects of slow twisting needle insertion and tubing needle insertion at Neiguan (PC 6) on cardiovascular function: a comparative study].

PubMed

Ning, Shaoli; Zhao, Lihua; Xu, Lingjun; Huang, Yu; Pang, Yong; Huang, Dingjian

2016-01-01

To compare the effects between slow twisting needle insertion and tubing needle insertion. With cross-over design, 100 healthy young subjects (half male and half female) aged from 19 to 23 years were randomly divided into two groups by random digital table, 50 cases in each one. At the first stage, subjects in the group A were treated with slow twisting needle insertion while, subjects in,the group B were treated with tubing needle insertion. One week later, the procedure of second stage was performed alternately. The needle was inserted into Neiguan (PC 6) with two methods by one acupuncturist. The needle was retained for 5 min before removal. Five min before needle insertion as well as needle withdrawal and 30 min after needle withdrawal, ZXG-E automatic cardiovascular diagnostic apparatus was used to test cardiovascular function. At the tim of needle withdrawal, slow twisting needle insertion could improve effect work of kinetics (EWK), effective blood volume (BV) and reduce elastic expansion coefficient of blood vessel (FEK) and left ventricular spray blood impedance (VER), which was significantly different from tubing needle insertion (all P < 0.05). Thirty min after needle withdrawal, the differences of the indices of cardiovascular function between the two groups were not significant (all P > 0.05). The slow twisting needle insertion is significantly superior to tubing needle insertion on lowering vascular tension and VER, improving EWK and BV.

Intra-lesional spatial correlation of static and dynamic FET-PET parameters with MRI-based cerebral blood volume in patients with untreated glioma.

PubMed

Göttler, Jens; Lukas, Mathias; Kluge, Anne; Kaczmarz, Stephan; Gempt, Jens; Ringel, Florian; Mustafa, Mona; Meyer, Bernhard; Zimmer, Claus; Schwaiger, Markus; Förster, Stefan; Preibisch, Christine; Pyka, Thomas

2017-03-01

18 F-fluorethyltyrosine-(FET)-PET and MRI-based relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) have both been used to characterize gliomas. Recently, inter-individual correlations between peak static FET-uptake and rCBV have been reported. Herein, we assess the local intra-lesional relation between FET-PET parameters and rCBV. Thirty untreated glioma patients (27 high-grade) underwent simultaneous PET/MRI on a 3 T hybrid scanner obtaining structural and dynamic susceptibility contrast sequences. Static FET-uptake and dynamic FET-slope were correlated with rCBV within tumour hotspots across patients and intra-lesionally using a mixed-effects model to account for inter-individual variation. Furthermore, maximal congruency of tumour volumes defined by FET-uptake and rCBV was determined. While the inter-individual relationship between peak static FET-uptake and rCBV could be confirmed, our intra-lesional, voxel-wise analysis revealed significant positive correlations (median r = 0.374, p < 0.0001). Similarly, significant inter- and intra-individual correlations were observed between FET-slope and rCBV. However, rCBV explained only 12% of the static and 5% of the dynamic FET-PET variance and maximal overlap of respective tumour volumes was 37% on average. Our results show that the relation between peak values of MR-based rCBV and static FET-uptake can also be observed intra-individually on a voxel basis and also applies to a dynamic FET parameter, possibly determining hotspots of higher biological malignancy. However, just a small part of the FET-PET signal variance is explained by rCBV and tumour volumes determined by the two modalities showed only moderate overlap. These findings indicate that FET-PET and MR-based rCBV provide both congruent and complimentary information on glioma biology.

Premature Needle Loss of Spruce

Treesearch

Jennifer Juzwik; Joseph G. O Brien

1990-01-01

Premature needle loss on white, black and Norway spruce has been observed in forest plantations in Wisconsin and Minnesota during the past six years. Symptoms vary by species but usually appear first in 2-4-year old needles on lower branches. Infected needles are dropped, resulting in branch mortality that progresses upward through the crown, sometimes killing even...

[Stiletto needle and needle-knife for influence of gravity index in treating knee osteoarthritis].

PubMed

Gu, Li-Jun; Zhang, Bin; Li, Wen-Hua; Tang, Yan; Dong, Fu-Hui

2017-12-25

To explore stiletto needle and needle-knife for influence of double sufficient weight in treating knee osteoarthritis patients. One hundred and thirteen early and medium term knee osteoarthritis patients were randomly divided into three groups, including stiletto needle group(38 cases), needle-knife group (38 cases) and voltaren group (37 cases). In stiletto needle group, there were 13 males and 25 females with an average of(55.87±7.72) years old, treated by stiletto needle once a week, and 2 weeks were a course; there were 11 males and 27 females in needle-knife group with an average of(57.11±7.07) years old, treated by acupotome once a week, and 2 weeks were a course; there were 12 males and 25 females in voltaren group with an average age of(57.62±8.08) years old, treated by votalin emulsion smearing 3 to 5 cm on painful area of knee joint, three times a day for 2 weeks; 36 patients in normal group, including 11 males and 25 females with a mean age of (55.28±7.55) years old, treated with nothing. Gravitational four lattice used to measure bipedal back and forth load before and after treatment in further observe weight-bearing situation among three groups, d value, which was the distance from center of gravity to original point, was measured as a obvervational index, JOA score was used to evaluate clinical effect. Five patients were fall out, including 2 patients in stiletto needle group, 2 patients in needle-knife group and 1 patient in voltaren group. Other 108 patients were followed-up from 28 to 35 d with an average of 30 d, and without untoward effect. There was significant difference in d value between treatment group and control group at 1 month after treatment( P <0.05); there was significant difference in d value among treatment group at 1 month after treatment( P >0.05), and d value was decreased before treatment than that of after treatment. There was no significant difference in JOA score among treatment group after treatment at 1 month( P <0

Systemic effects induced by intralesional injection of ω-conotoxin MVIIC after spinal cord injury in rats

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Calcium channel blockers such as conotoxins have shown a great potential to reduce brain and spinal cord injury. MVIIC neuroprotective effects analyzed in in vitro models of brain and spinal cord ischemia suggest a potential role of this toxin in preventing injury after spinal cord trauma. However, previous clinical studies with MVIIC demonstrated that clinical side effects might limit the usefulness of this drug and there is no research on its systemic effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of MVIIC on organs and to evaluate clinical and blood profiles of rats submitted to spinal cord injury and treated with this marine toxin. Rats were treated with placebo or MVIIC (at doses of 15, 30, 60 or 120 pmol) intralesionally following spinal cord injury. Seven days after the toxin administration, kidney, brain, lung, heart, liver, adrenal, muscles, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestine were histopathologically investigated. In addition, blood samples collected from the rats were tested for any hematologic or biochemical changes. Results The clinical, hematologic and biochemical evaluation revealed no significant abnormalities in all groups, even in high doses. There was no significant alteration in organs, except for degenerative changes in kidneys at a dose of 120 pmol. Conclusions These findings suggest that MVIIC at 15, 30 and 60 pmol are safe for intralesional administration after spinal cord injury and could be further investigated in relation to its neuroprotective effects. However, 120 pmol doses of MVIIC may provoke adverse effects on kidney tissue. PMID:24739121

Properties of southern pine needles

Treesearch

E.T. Howard

1973-01-01

To investigate properties that might be related to utilization, needles were sampled on one tree of each of the four major species. Tensile strength was measured on loblolly needles only; it ranged from 4,630 to 6,980 psi. Maximum load averaged 4.1 pounds per needle, with a modulus of elasticity of 220,000 psi. Specific gravity (ovendry weight, green volume of...

Secure Container For Discarded Hypodermic Needles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Angelene M.

1992-01-01

Container designed for safe retention of discarded blood-collecting hypodermic needles and similar sharp objects used in life-science experiments aboard spacecraft. Needles inserted through self-closing lid and retained magnetically. They are inserted, sharp end first, through spring-loaded flap. Long needles and needles on syringes cannot turn around in container. Can be emptied, cleaned, and reused. Used on Earth to provide unusually secure containment of sharp objects.

Microsphere insulation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Mark S. (Inventor); Willen, Gary S. (Inventor); Mohling, Robert A. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A new insulation system is provided that contains microspheres. This insulation system can be used to provide insulated panels and clamshells, and to insulate annular spaces around objects used to transfer, store, or transport cryogens and other temperature-sensitive materials. This insulation system provides better performance with reduced maintenance than current insulation systems.

Fundamental Study on Self-healing Insulation Performance of Silicone Rubber Affected by Local Breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hozumi, Naohiro; Nishioka, Koji; Suematsu, Takeshi; Murakami, Yoshinobu; Nagao, Masayuki; Sakata, Hiroshi

Feasibility of self-healing insulation system was studied. A silicone rubber without filler was mounted on a glass substrate with a needle electrode. An ac voltage with 4 kV in rms was applied. The voltage was cut off when the tree had propagated into 150 micrometers in length. After the cut-off, the partial discharge inception voltage was periodically observed. The partial discharge inception voltage had once reduced into as low as 2 kV. However, it gradually increased with time, and finally exceeded the tree inception voltage (4 kV) when 30 - 60 hours had passed. It was also observed by optical microscope that the tree gradually disappeared in parallel with the recovery of the partial discharge inception voltage. The same phenomenon was observed even if 1 kV ac voltage had been continuously applied during the process of the recovery. A simulation using a needle-shaped void was performed in order to clarify the mechanism of the self-healing effect. It was observed that the tip of the needle-shaped void gradually got wet with a liquid material. It would be the result of "bleed-out" of the low molecular component included in the rubber. The tip of the void was finally filled with the liquid, however, the rest of the needle-shaped void stayed without being filled. In this type of tree, it was suggested that the self-healing effect is expected if the diameter of the tree did not exceed ca. 5 micrometers.

[Needling technique of Professor Li Yan-Fang].

PubMed

Li, Li-Jun

2014-01-01

Experiences of needling techniques of Professor LI Ya- fang is introduced in this article. Gentle and superficial insertion is adopted by Professor LI in clinic. Emphases are put on the qi regulation function, needling sensation to the affected region and insertion with both hands, especially the function of the left hand as pressing hand. The gentle and superficial insertion should be done as the follows: hold the needle with the right hand, press gently along the running course of meridians with the left hand to promote qi circulation, hard pressing should be applied at acupoints to disperse the local qi and blood, insert the needle gently and quickly into the subcutaneous region with the right hand, and stop the insertion when patient has the needling sensation. While the fast needling is characterized with shallow insertion and swift manipulation: the left hand of the manipulator should press first along the running course of the meridian, and fix the local skin, hold the needle with the right hand and insert the needle quickly into the acupoint. Withdrawal of the needle should be done immediately after the reinforcing and reducing manipulations. Professor LI is accomplished in qi regulation. It is held by him that regulating qi circulation is essence of acupuncture, letting the patient get the needling sensation is the most important task of needling. Lifting, thrusting and rotation manipulations should be applied to do reinforcing or reducing. The tissue around the tip of the needle should not be too contracted or too relaxed, and the resistance should not be too strong or too weak. The feeling of the insertion hand of the practitioner should not be too smooth or too hesitant. Needle should be inserted into the skin quickly at the moment of hard pressing by the left hand. And then, slow rotation and gentle lifting and thrusting can be applied to promote the needling sensation like electric current pass through and to reach the affected region along the

Radiofrequency Cauterization with Biopsy Introducer Needle

PubMed Central

Pritchard, William F.; Wray-Cahen, Diane; Karanian, John W.; Hilbert, Stephen; Wood, Bradford J.

2014-01-01

PURPOSE The principal risks of needle biopsy are hemorrhage and implantation of tumor cells in the needle tract. This study compared hemorrhage after liver and kidney biopsy with and without radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the needle tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biopsies of liver and kidney were performed in swine through introducer needles modified to allow RF ablation with the distal 2 cm of the needle. After each biopsy, randomization determined whether the site was to undergo RF ablation during withdrawal of the introducer needle. Temperature was measured with a thermistor stylet near the needle tip, with a target temperature of 70°C–100°C with RF ablation. Blood loss was measured as grams of blood absorbed in gauze at the puncture site for 2 minutes after needle withdrawal. Selected specimens were cut for gross examination. RESULTS RF ablation reduced bleeding compared with absence of RF ablation in liver and kidney (P < .01), with mean blood loss reduced 63% and 97%, respectively. Mean amounts of blood loss (±SD) in the liver in the RF and no-RF groups were 2.03 g ± 4.03 (CI, 0.53–3.54 g) and 5.50 g ± 5.58 (CI, 3.33–7.66 g), respectively. Mean amounts of blood loss in the kidney in the RF and no-RF groups were 0.26 g ± 0.32 (CI, −0.01 to 0.53 g) and 8.79 g ± 7.72 (CI, 2.34–15.24 g), respectively. With RF ablation, thermal coagulation of the tissue surrounding the needle tract was observed. CONCLUSION RF ablation of needle biopsy tracts reduced hemorrhage after biopsy in the liver and kidney and may reduce complications of hemorrhage as well as implantation of tumor cells in the tract. PMID:14963187

A new posterior iliac puncture/aspiration needle.

PubMed

Islam, Anwarul

2016-03-25

The needles that are currently used for obtaining bone marrow aspirate samples from the posterior ilium are typically those of 1930s vintage (eg, Klima, Salah or similar needles), which were specifically designed for sternal aspiration. These needles are not designed to obtain bone marrow aspirate samples from the posterior ilium and as a result they are unsatisfactory particularly if the patient is large or obese. A new posterior iliac puncture/aspiration needle has therefore been designed, which is particularly suited for bone marrow aspiration from the posterior ilium. The needle was tested on five cadavers and on five patients. The design and construction of the needle was found to be satisfactory and a marked improvement over the conventional sternal puncture needles particularly when large or obese patients were concerned. The new posterior iliac bone marrow aspiration needle has advantages that overcome the limitations of using a conventional sternal puncture needle to obtain marrow aspirates from the posterior ilium. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Influence of needle bevel design on injection pain and needle deformation in dental local infiltration anaesthesia - randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Dau, M; Buttchereit, I; Ganz, C; Frerich, B; Anisimova, E N; Daubländer, M; Kämmerer, P W

2017-11-01

The aims of this in vivo study were to evaluate the impact of needle bevel design on patients' pain perception and the mechanical deformation of the needle tip after the injection. In a prospective single-blinded trial, 150 patients received conventional infiltration anaesthesia for dental treatment by one examiner. Patients were randomized for one out of three different needle bevel types (scalpel-designed bevel needle (SB), n=50; triple bevel needle (TB), n=50; regular bevel needle (RB), n=50). Subjects' self-reported injection pain perception was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS). For each needle tip, deformations after single use were measured using SEM. A significant lower injection pain level was found in SB (mean 2.1±1.2) than in TB (mean 3.5±1.6;) and RB (mean 3.4±1.0; all P<0.001). A needle deformation was detected in about 97.3% of all needles (SB 50/50, TB 50/50, and RB: 46/50). A higher number of barbs were found in SB (29/50) versus TB (17/50) and RB (19/50). For dental local infiltration anaesthesia, injection needles with a scalpel-designed bevel demonstrated significantly less injection pain. Needle tip deflections after anaesthetic agent infiltration, especially barbed hooks on the non-cutting edge may result in greater soft tissue trauma. Copyright © 2017 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle driver: A validation study with conventional laparoscopic needle driver.

PubMed

Ganpule, Arvind P; Deshmukh, Chaitanya S; Joshi, Tanmay

2018-01-01

The challenges in laparoscopic suturing include need to expertise to suture. Laparoscopic needle holder is a" key" instrument to accomplish this arduous task. The objective of this new invention was to develop a laparoscopic needle holder which would be adapted to avoid any wobble (with a shaft diameter same as a 5mm port), ensure accurate and dexterous suturing not just in adult patients but pediatric patients alike (with a short shaft diameter) and finally ensure seamless throw of knots with a narrow tip configuration. We did an initial evaluation to evaluate the validity of the prototype needle holder and its impact on laparoscopic suturing skills by experienced laparoscopic surgeons and novice laparoscopic Surgeons. Both the groups of surgeons performed two tasks. The first task was to grasp the needle and position it in an angle deemed ideal for suturing. The second task was to pass suture through two fixed points and make a single square knot. At the end of the tasks each participant was asked to complete a 5- point Likert's scale questionnaire (8 items; 4 items of handling and 4 items of suturing) rating each needle holder. In expert group, the mean time to complete task 1 was shorter with prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder (11.8 sec Vs 20.8 sec). The mean time to complete task 2 was also shorter with prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder (103.2 sec Vs 153.2 sec). In novice group, mean time to complete both the task was shorter with prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder. The expert laparoscopic surgeons as well as novice laparoscopic surgeons performed laparoscopic suturing faster and with more ease while using the prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder.

A novel prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle driver: A validation study with conventional laparoscopic needle driver

PubMed Central

Ganpule, Arvind P.; Deshmukh, Chaitanya S.; Joshi, Tanmay

2018-01-01

Introduction: The challenges in laparoscopic suturing include need to expertise to suture. Laparoscopic needle holder is a ”key” instrument to accomplish this arduous task. Instrument: The objective of this new invention was to develop a laparoscopic needle holder which would be adapted to avoid any wobble (with a shaft diameter same as a 5mm port), ensure accurate and dexterous suturing not just in adult patients but pediatric patients alike (with a short shaft diameter) and finally ensure seamless throw of knots with a narrow tip configuration. Validation: We did an initial evaluation to evaluate the validity of the prototype needle holder and its impact on laparoscopic suturing skills by experienced laparoscopic surgeons and novice laparoscopic Surgeons. Both the groups of surgeons performed two tasks. The first task was to grasp the needle and position it in an angle deemed ideal for suturing. The second task was to pass suture through two fixed points and make a single square knot. At the end of the tasks each participant was asked to complete a 5- point Likert's scale questionnaire (8 items; 4 items of handling and 4 items of suturing) rating each needle holder. In expert group, the mean time to complete task 1 was shorter with prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder (11.8 sec Vs 20.8 sec). The mean time to complete task 2 was also shorter with prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder (103.2 sec Vs 153.2 sec). In novice group, mean time to complete both the task was shorter with prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder. Conclusion: The expert laparoscopic surgeons as well as novice laparoscopic surgeons performed laparoscopic suturing faster and with more ease while using the prototype 3/5 laparoscopic needle holder. PMID:28782740

Comparative cyto-histological study of needle tip aspirates and entry sites after intravitreal injection using different needle types

PubMed Central

Lytvynchuk, Lyubomyr; Sergienko, Andrij; Savytska, Iryna; Albert, Réka; Glittenberg, Carl; Binder, Susanne; Petrovski, Goran

2017-01-01

A comparison of the cellular content of needle tip aspirates and entry sites after transconjunctival intravitreal injection (IVI) using different needle types was performed. White outbred rats and human cadaver eyes were used for IVI by hypodermic 27 gauge (G) and 30G needles, and spinal anesthesia Pencan 27G needles. Aspiration of vitreous for quantitative morphological and cell cultivation analysis, as well as cyto-histological analysis of aspirates and entry sites were carried out. The most common cells in the aspirates from all needle types were conjunctival epithelial-, ciliary body non-pigmented epithelial- and sclerocyte-like cells and granular proteins. Crystallized vitreous specimens were present in each aspirate. The entry sites of hypodermic needles showed marked trauma in all wall layers of rat and human eyes accompanied by cellular destruction and hemorrhages. Pencan 27G needle caused less tissue trauma with partial reposition of sclerocytes. Transconjunctival IVIs with hypodermic 27G and 30G, and Pencan 27G needles result in trauma of all layers of the eyeball. The possible consequences of cellular content being cut and injected into the eye, as well as the entry site wound shape deserve future consideration and improvements. PMID:28692684

Modeling and Control of Needles with Torsional Friction

PubMed Central

Reed, Kyle B.; Okamura, Allison M.; Cowan, Noah J.

2010-01-01

A flexible needle can be accurately steered by robotically controlling the bevel tip orientation as the needle is inserted into tissue. Friction between the long, flexible needle shaft and the tissue can cause a significant discrepancy between the orientation of the needle tip and the orientation of the base where the needle angle is controlled. Our experiments show that several common phantom tissues used in needle steering experiments impart substantial friction forces to the needle shaft, resulting in a lag of over 45° for a 10 cm insertion depth in some phantoms; clinical studies report torques large enough to cause similar errors during needle insertions. Such angle discrepancies will result in poor performance or failure of path planners and image-guided controllers, since the needles used in percutaneous procedures are too small for state-of-the-art imaging to accurately measure the tip angle. To compensate for the angle discrepancy, we develop an estimator using a mechanics-based model of the rotational dynamics of a needle being inserted into tissue. Compared to controllers that assume a rigid needle in a frictionless environment, our estimator-based controller improves the tip angle convergence time by nearly 50% and reduces the path deviation of the needle by 70%. PMID:19695979

Analysis of the NovoTwist Pen Needle in Comparison with Conventional Screw-Thread Needles

PubMed Central

Aye, Tandy

2011-01-01

Administration of insulin via a pen device may be advantageous over a vial and syringe system. Hofman and colleagues introduce a new insulin pen needle, the NovoTwist, to simplify injections to a small group of children and adolescents. Their overall preferences and evaluation of the handling of the needle are reported in the study. This new needle has the potential to ease administration of insulin via a pen device that may increase both the use of a pen device and adherence to insulin therapy. PMID:22226270

Effect and safety of deep needling and shallow needling for functional constipation: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Wu, Jiani; Liu, Baoyan; Li, Ning; Sun, Jianhua; Wang, Lingling; Wang, Liping; Cai, Yuying; Ye, Yongming; Liu, Jun; Wang, Yang; Liu, Zhishun

2014-12-01

Aupuncture is widely used for functional constipation. Effect of acupuncture might be related to the depth of needling; however, the evidence is limited. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of deep needling and shallow needling for functional constipation, and to assess if the deep needling and shallow needling are superior to lactulose. We conducted a prospective, superiority-design, 5-center, 3-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 475 patients with functional constipation were randomized to the deep needling group (237), shallow needling group (119), and lactulose-controlled group (119) in a ratio of 2:1:1. Sessions lasted 30 minutes each time and took place 5 times a week for 4 weeks in 2 acupuncture groups. Participants in the lactulose group took lactulose orally for 16 continuous weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline of mean weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) during week 1 to 4 (changes from the baselines of the weekly SBMs at week 8 and week 16 in follow-up period were also assessed simultaneously). Secondary outcomes were the weekly SBMs of each assessing week, the mean score change from the baseline of constipation-related symptoms over week 1 to 4, and the time to the first SBM. Emergency drug usage and adverse effects were monitored throughout the study.SBMs and constipation-related symptoms were all improved in the 3 groups compared with baseline at each time frame (P<0.01, all). The changes in the mean weekly SBMs over week 1 to 4 were 2 (1.75) in the deep needling group, 2 (1.75) in the shallow needling group, and 2 (2) in the lactulose group (P>0.05, both compared with the lactulose group). The changes of mean weekly SBMs at week 8 and week 16 in the follow-up period were 2 (2), 2 (2.5) in the deep needling group, 2 (3), 1.5 (2.5) in the shallow needling group, and 1 (2), 1 (2) in the lactulose group (P<0.05, all compared with the lactulose group). No significant difference was observed among the 3

Pressure Dependence of Insulator-Insulator Contact Charging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.

2005-01-01

The mechanism of insulator-insulator triboelectric (contact) charging is being studied by the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at KSC. The hypothesis that surface ion exchange is the primary mechanism is being tested experimentally. A two-phase model based on a small partial pressure of singly charged ions in an ambient ideal gas in equilibrium with a submonolayer adsorbed film will provide predictions about charging as a function Of ion mass, pressure, temperature, and surface adsorption energy. Interactions between ions will be considered in terms of coulombic and screened potential energies. This work is yielding better understanding of the triboelectrification of insulators, which is an important problem in. space exploration technology. The work is also relevant to important industrial processes such as xerography and the application of paints and coatings. Determining a better understanding of the fundamental mechanism of insulator-insulator triboelectrification will hopefully lead to better means of eliminating or at least mitigating its hazards and enhancing its useful applications.

Clogging in staked-in needle pre-filled syringes (SIN-PFS): Influence of water vapor transmission through the needle shield.

PubMed

De Bardi, M; Müller, R; Grünzweig, C; Mannes, D; Rigollet, M; Bamberg, F; Jung, T A; Yang, K

2018-06-01

Staked-in needle pre-fillable syringes (SIN-PFS) are a convenient delivery system widely established in the growing pharmaceutical market. Under specific storage conditions, the needle of PFS containing high concentration drug product (DP) solution is prone to clogging, which prevents administration of the liquid. The purpose of this study is to clarify the clogging phenomenon of SIN-PFS and to elucidate the role of water vapor transmission via the needle shield. The presence of liquid within needles is a prerequisite condition for clogging and was investigated non-invasively by neutron imaging (NI) to confirm that liquid can migrate into the needle under certain processing conditions. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of different needle shields was measured and the impact of temperature and relative humidity (rH) on the WVTR was investigated on sheets with the same composition as used in commercial needle shields. Our study clearly showed that the partial vapor pressure difference (ΔPP) across the needle shield is the dominant driving factor for water vapor transmission. A linear correlation between ΔPP and WVTR was found and a model to predict the water vapor transmission for PFS under specific storage conditions was developed. The impact of the WVTR on needle clogging was confirmed by clogging tests performed on SIN-PFS stored under different conditions. Thereby, we clearly show that high water loss induced by higher WVTR can be correlated to an increased occurrence of needle clogging. In conclusion, the WVTR of the needle shield plays a key role in needle clogging and the established WVTR model can be employed to assess the clogging risk for product development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of Needle Tip Distance on Barrier Discharge and Ozone Generation for Multiple Needles-Plane Electrode Configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueno, Hideki; Kawahara, Shintaro; Nakayama, Hiroshi

Relationship between barrier discharge characteristics and ozone generation under ac voltage application on triple needles-plane configuration has been investigated for various distances among triple needle-tips (d=0 ∼ 7.0mm) at constant distance between needle tip and plane (g=3.0mm) in dry air. Characteristics of barrier discharge and ozone generation depend on the needle-tips distance. It is considered that the influence is caused by space charge and accumulated charge suggested from discharge image by still camera and CCD camera. And ozone generation efficiency is also estimated by power consumption and ozone concentration. As a result, when the distance among triple needle-tips is narrow, the above-mentioned influence is strengthened. And in this case, ozone generation efficiency is improved.

Analysis of the NovoTwist pen needle in comparison with conventional screw-thread needles.

PubMed

Aye, Tandy

2011-11-01

Administration of insulin via a pen device may be advantageous over a vial and syringe system. Hofman and colleagues introduce a new insulin pen needle, the NovoTwist, to simplify injections to a small group of children and adolescents. Their overall preferences and evaluation of the handling of the needle are reported in the study. This new needle has the potential to ease administration of insulin via a pen device that may increase both the use of a pen device and adherence to insulin therapy. © 2011 Diabetes Technology Society.

Development of Repulsive Barrier Discharge from Twin Needles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueno, Hideki; Hata, Koji; Nakayama, Hiroshi

2007-03-01

Barrier discharge characteristics have been investigated for a twin needles-to-plane electrode configuration in dry air. The characteristics of barrier discharge under ac voltage application have been investigated for various distances between two needle tips (d=1.0--4.0 mm). We have found that corona discharge behavior strongly depends on needle-tip distance. In the case of a twin-needles configuration with a long needle-tip distance (d=4.0 mm), discharges from the two needle tips develop into a dielectric barrier with almost a straight path. On the contrary, the development of repulsive discharges from two needle tips in the gap between needles and a barrier was obtained for the shortest needle-tip distance investigated here (d=1.0 mm) and it was enhanced by increasing the peak voltage. From detailed time-resolved observations, development of repulsive discharge was observed only during positive polarity upon ac voltage application. Moreover, the degree of repulsion increased with increasing applied voltage of positive polarity. The observed unique discharge behavior can be interpreted as the effect of field relaxation induced not only by charge accumulation on the barrier surface, which is markedly enhanced at a short needle-tip distance, but also by space charge by coronas between two needles.

Intra-operative navigation of a 3-dimensional needle localization system for precision of irreversible electroporation needles in locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Bond, L; Schulz, B; VanMeter, T; Martin, R C G

2017-02-01

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) uses multiple needles and a series of electrical pulses to create pores in cell membranes and cause cell apoptosis. One of the demands of IRE is the precise needle spacing required. Two-dimensional intraoperative ultrasound (2-D iUS) is currently used to measure inter-needle distances but requires significant expertise. This study evaluates the potential of three-dimensional (3-D) image guidance for placing IRE needles and calculating needle spacing. A prospective clinical evaluation of a 3-D needle localization system (Explorer™) was evaluated in consecutive patients from April 2012 through June 2013 for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. 3-D reconstructions of patients' anatomy were generated from preoperative CT images, which were aligned to the intraoperative space. Thirty consecutive patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer were treated with IRE. The needle localization system setup added an average of 6.5 min to each procedure. The 3-D needle localization system increased surgeon confidence and ultimately reduced needle placement time. IRE treatment efficacy is highly dependent on accurate needle spacing. The needle localization system evaluated in this study aims to mitigate these issues by providing the surgeon with additional visualization and data in 3-D. The Explorer™ system provides valuable guidance information and inter-needle distance calculations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

[Infraoccipital needle-knife for cervical vertigo].

PubMed

Li, Shaofang; Huang, Manhua; Lin, Zhuopeng; Chen, Xinze; Lin, Dongna; Lu, Peng; Lu, Qu

2017-03-12

To observe the clinical effect differences between infraoccipital needle-knife and massage for cervical vertigo. A total of 366 patients with cervical vertigo were randomly assigned into a needle-knife group (186 cases) and a massage group (180 cases). With cases dropping excluded, 183 cases in the needle-knife group and 176 cases in the massage group were included. Needle-knife was used at Fengchi (GB 20), infraoccipital ashi point, etc. in the needle-knife group. The treatment was given for one course, once three days, 5 times as one course. The traditional massage was applied in the massage group for one course, including systematic stroking, kneading, and the application of pressure and plucking, etc., once every two days and 7 times as one course. The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score was observed before and after treatment, as well as 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The effects were also evaluated. The total effective rate was 92.3% (169/183) in the needle-knife group, which was better than 85.2% (150/176) in the massage group ( P <0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the DHI scores at all the observation time points after treatment were improved in the two groups (all P <0.05), with better improvements after treatment as well as 3 and 6 months after treatment in the needle-knife group (all P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement of DHI scores between the two groups 12 months after treatment ( P >0.05). The recurrence rate was 10.3% (12/117) in the needle-knife group, and it was 10.7% (11/103) in the massage group 12 months after treatment ( P >0.05). Infraoccipital needle-knife achieves apparent effect for cervical vertigo, which is superior to massage in short period.

Design and Production of an Articulating Needle Guide for Ultrasound-Guided Needle Block Manufactured With a Three-Dimensional Printer: Technical Communication.

PubMed

Bigeleisen, Paul E

2017-05-15

Needle guides may allow the practitioner to align the needle with the probe when ultrasound-guided nerve block is performed. The author's goal was to design and fabricate an inexpensive ($1.90), disposable, needle guide that could articulate over a range from 85 degrees to 0 degrees with a three-dimension printer. Three-dimensional representations of an L50, L25, and C 60 ultrasound probe (Sono Site, Bothell, WA) were created using a laser scanner. Computer-aided design software (Solid Works, Waltham, MA) was used to design a needle bracket and needle guide to attach to these probes. A three-dimensional printer was used to fabricate the needle bracket and guide with acrylonitrile polybutadiene polystyrene. An echogenic needle was held in plane with the needle guide. The author performed a supraclavicular block in a morbidly obese patient. The needle was easily visualized. Similar guides that are commercially available cost as much as $400. A knowledge of computer-aided design is necessary for this work.

Laser Generated Leaky Acoustic Waves for Needle Visualization.

PubMed

Wu, Kai-Wen; Wang, Yi-An; Li, Pai-Chi

2018-04-01

Ultrasound (US)-guided needle operation is usually used to visualize both tissue and needle position such as tissue biopsy and localized drug delivery. However, the transducer-needle orientation is limited due to reflection of the acoustic waves. We proposed a leaky acoustic wave method to visualize the needle position and orientation. Laser pulses are emitted on top of the needle to generate acoustic waves; then, these acoustic waves propagate along the needle surface. Leaky wave signals are detected by the US array transducer. The needle position can be calculated by phase velocities of two different wave modes and their corresponding emission angles. In our experiments, a series of needles was inserted into a tissue mimicking phantom and porcine tissue to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. The results show that the detection depth is up to 51 mm and the insertion angle is up to 40° with needles of different diameters. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach outperforms the conventional B-mode US-guided needle operation in terms of the detection range while achieving similar accuracy. The proposed method reveals the potentials for further clinical applications.

Comparison of two different size needles in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions

PubMed Central

Xu, Mei-Mei; Jia, Hong-Yu; Yan, Li-Li; Li, Shan-Shan; Zheng, Yue

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: This meta-analysis aimed to provide a pooled analysis of prospective controlled trials comparing the diagnostic accuracy of 22-G and 25-G needles on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS-FNA) of the solid pancreatic mass. Methods: We established a rigorous study protocol according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases to identify articles to include in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for 22-G and 25-G needles of individual studies from the contingency tables. Results: Eleven prospective controlled trials included a total of 837 patients (412 with 22-G vs 425 with 25-G). Our outcomes revealed that 25-G needles (92% [95% CI, 89%–95%]) have higher sensitivity than 22-G needles (88% [95% CI, 84%–91%]) on solid pancreatic mass EUS-FNA (P = 0.046). However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in overall diagnostic specificity (P = 0.842). The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratio of the 22-G needle were 12.61 (95% CI, 5.65–28.14) and 0.16 (95% CI, 0.12–0.21), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 12.61 (95% CI, 5.65–28.14), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.12–0.21) for the 22-G needle. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 8.44 (95% CI, 3.87–18.42), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.13 (95% CI, 0.09–0.18) for the 25-G needle. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 for the 22-G needle and 0.96 for the 25-G needle. Conclusion: Compared to the study of 22-G EUS-FNA needles, our study showed that 25-G needles have superior sensitivity in the evaluation of solid pancreatic lesions by EUS–FNA. PMID:28151856

[Needle breakage during mandibular block anaesthesia: prevention and retrieval].

PubMed

Baart, J A; van Amerongen, W E; de Jong, K J M; Allard, R H B

2006-12-01

Disposable needles for dental local anaesthesia do not break easily. Still, needle breakage does occur, and is mainly caused by unexpected movements of the patient or pre-use bending of the needle by the dentist. If a dental needle breaks while administering local anaesthesia, the dentist should prevent panic. If the patient opens his mouth wide the needle might still be visible. If so, the needle is removed. If the needle is no longer visible, the site where the needle has penetrated the mucosa should be marked with a permanent marker. The dentist will contact a maxillofacial surgeon for immediate consultation. The maxillofacial surgeon will try to retrieve the broken dental needle under general anaesthesia.

The effects of needle deformation during lumbar puncture

PubMed Central

Özdemir, Hasan Hüseyin; Demir, Caner F.; Varol, Sefer; Arslan, Demet; Yıldız, Mustafa; Akil, Eşref

2015-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess deformation of the tip and deflection from the axis of 22-gauge Quincke needles when they are used for diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP). Thus, it can be determined whether constructional alterations of needles are important for predicting clinical problems after diagnostic LP. Materials and Methods: The 22-gauge Quincke needles used for diagnostic LP were evaluated. A specially designed protractor was used for measurement and evaluation. Waist circumference was measured in each patient. Patients were questioned about headaches occurring after LP. Results: A total of 115 Quincke-type spinal needles used in 113 patients were evaluated. No deflection was detected in 38 (33.1%) of the needles. Deflection between 0.1° and 5° occurred in 43 (37.3%) of the needles and deflection ≥ 5.1° occurred in 34 patients (29.6%). Forty-seven (41.5%) patients experienced post lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) and 13 (11.5%) patients experienced intracranial hypotension (IH). No statistically significant correlation between the degree of deflection and headache was found (P > 0.05). Epidural blood patch was performed for three patients. Deformity in the form of bending like a hook occurred in seven needles and IH occurred in six patients using these needles. Two of the needles used in three patients requiring blood patch were found to be bent. Conclusion: Deformation of needles may increase complications after LP. Needle deformation may lead to IH. In case of deterioration in the structure of the needle, termination of the puncture procedure and the use of a new needle could reduce undesirable clinical consequences, especially IH. PMID:25883480

The effects of needle deformation during lumbar puncture.

PubMed

Özdemir, Hasan Hüseyin; Demir, Caner F; Varol, Sefer; Arslan, Demet; Yıldız, Mustafa; Akil, Eşref

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to assess deformation of the tip and deflection from the axis of 22-gauge Quincke needles when they are used for diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP). Thus, it can be determined whether constructional alterations of needles are important for predicting clinical problems after diagnostic LP. The 22-gauge Quincke needles used for diagnostic LP were evaluated. A specially designed protractor was used for measurement and evaluation. Waist circumference was measured in each patient. Patients were questioned about headaches occurring after LP. A total of 115 Quincke-type spinal needles used in 113 patients were evaluated. No deflection was detected in 38 (33.1%) of the needles. Deflection between 0.1° and 5° occurred in 43 (37.3%) of the needles and deflection ≥ 5.1° occurred in 34 patients (29.6%). Forty-seven (41.5%) patients experienced post lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) and 13 (11.5%) patients experienced intracranial hypotension (IH). No statistically significant correlation between the degree of deflection and headache was found (P > 0.05). Epidural blood patch was performed for three patients. Deformity in the form of bending like a hook occurred in seven needles and IH occurred in six patients using these needles. Two of the needles used in three patients requiring blood patch were found to be bent. Deformation of needles may increase complications after LP. Needle deformation may lead to IH. In case of deterioration in the structure of the needle, termination of the puncture procedure and the use of a new needle could reduce undesirable clinical consequences, especially IH.

A comparison of 25 gauge Quincke spinal needle with 26 gauge Eldor spinal needle for the elective Caesarian sections: insertion characteristics and complications.

PubMed

Tabedar, S; Maharjan, S K; Shrestha, B R; Shrestha, B M

2003-01-01

The study was designed to compare the insertion characteristics and incidence of PDPH between 25 gauge Quincke needle and 26 gauge Eldor needle for spinal anaesthesia in elective c/s. 60 pregnant women (aged 19-35 yrs and weighing 58 -67 kg) undergoing elective caesarean section were randomized into group A (Quincke spinal needle group) or group B (Eldor spinal needle group). Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 2.9 ml 0.5% heavy bupivacaine using 25 gauge Quincke spinal needle in group A and 26 Gauge Eldor spinal needle in group B. Onset, time of first identification of backflow of CSF, number of attempts, level of sensory and motor blockade, failure of anaesthesia, inadequate anaesthesia and incidence of PDPH were recorded. Quincke spinal needle was found easy at insertion, first attempt was successful in 90% of cases, whereas Eldor spinal needle was successful at first attempt in only 60% of cases. Early identification of CSF was seen in Eldor spinal needle group in 3.5 seconds vs. 5.2 seconds in Quincke spinal needle group. Blood mixed CSF was seen in 8 Quincke spinal needle group vs. none in Eldor spinal needle group. Onset was similar between both groups i.e. in 6 minutes. Failure of anaesthesia was none in Eldor spinal needle group vs. 2 in quincke spinal needle group. Height of sensory block achieved was T4 level in 26 parturients,T6 in 1 ,T8 in 1 and no anaesthesia at all in another 2 parturient as compared to T4 level in 29 and T3 in 1 parturient in Eldor spinal needle group. The degree of motor block with the use of Bromage criteria showed a motor score of 1 or 2 in 26 parturients in Quincke spinal needle group vs. same in all cases in Eldor spinal needle group. The total incidence of PDPH was 8.3 % (5 out of 60 parturient) which occurred all in Quincke spinal needle group. 2 parturient who developed severe PDPH required epidural blood patch. 26 gauge Eldor spinal needle was found to be better than 25 gauge Quincke spinal needle for caesarian sections

Electromyographic comparison of forearm muscle movements for fine skin suturing between an enlarged pen needle holder and a webster needle holder.

PubMed

Ohata, Erika; Matsuo, Kiyoshi; Ban, Ryokuya; Shiba, Masato; Yasunaga, Yoshichika

2013-01-01

For surgical suturing, a Webster needle holder uses wrist supinating with supinator and extrinsic muscles, whereas a pen needle holder uses finger twisting with intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Because the latter is better suited to microsurgery, which requires fine suturing with less forearm muscle movement, we have recently adopted an enlarged pen needle holder scaled from a micro needle holder for fine skin suturing. In this study, we assessed whether the enlarged pen needle holder reduced forearm muscle movement during fine skin suturing as compared with the Webster needle holder. A fine skin-suturing task was performed using pen holding with the enlarged micro needle holder or scissor holding with the Webster needle holder by 9 experienced and 6 inexperienced microsurgeons. The task lasted for 60 seconds and was randomly performed 3 times for each method. Forearm flexor and extensor muscular activities were evaluated by surface electromyography. The enlarged pen needle holder method required significantly less forearm muscle movement for experienced microsurgeons despite it being their first time using the instrument. There was no significant difference between 2 methods for inexperienced microsurgeons. Experienced microsurgeons conserved forearm muscle movement by finger twisting in fine skin suturing with the enlarged pen needle holder. Inexperienced microsurgeons may benefit from the enlarged pen needle holder, even for fine skin suturing, to develop their internal acquisition model of the dynamics of finger twisting.

The research of knitting needle status monitoring setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lu; Liao, Xiao-qing; Zhu, Yong-kang; Yang, Wei; Zhang, Pei; Zhao, Yong-kai; Huang, Hui-jie

2013-09-01

In textile production, quality control and testing is the key to ensure the process and improve the efficiency. Defect of the knitting needles is the main factor affecting the quality of the appearance of textiles. Defect detection method based on machine vision and image processing technology is universal. This approach does not effectively identify the defect generated by damaged knitting needles and raise the alarm. We developed a knitting needle status monitoring setup using optical imaging, photoelectric detection and weak signal processing technology to achieve real-time monitoring of weaving needles' position. Depending on the shape of the knitting needle, we designed a kind of Glass Optical Fiber (GOF) light guides with a rectangular port used for transmission of the signal light. To be able to capture the signal of knitting needles accurately, we adopt a optical 4F system which has better imaging quality and simple structure and there is a rectangle image on the focal plane after the system. When a knitting needle passes through position of the rectangle image, the reflected light from needle surface will back to the GOF light guides along the same optical system. According to the intensity of signals, the computer control unit distinguish that the knitting needle is broken or curving. The experimental results show that this system can accurately detect the broken needles and the curving needles on the knitting machine in operating condition.

Ozone production of hollow-needle-to-mesh negative corona discharge enhanced by dielectric tube on the needle electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pekárek, Stanislav

2014-12-01

For the hollow-needle-to-mesh negative corona discharge in air, we studied the effect of placing the dielectric tube on the needle electrode and the effect of various positions of the end of this tube with respect to the tip of the needle electrode on the concentration of ozone produced by the discharge, the ozone production yield and the discharge V-A characteristics. We found that the placement of the dielectric tube on the needle electrode with a suitable position of this tube end with respect to the tip of the needle electrode for a particular discharge power led to a more than fourfold increase in the concentration of ozone produced by the discharge and also, for a constant airflow, the ozone production yield.

Difficulties in spinal needle use. Insertion characteristics and failure rates associated with 25-, 27- and 29-gauge Quincke-type spinal needles.

PubMed

Tarkkila, P; Huhtala, J; Salminen, U

1994-08-01

The effect of different size (25-, 27- and 29-gauge) Quincke-type spinal needles on the incidence of insertion difficulties and failure rates was investigated in a randomised, prospective study with 300 patients. The needle size was randomised but the insertion procedure was standardised. The time to achieve dural puncture was significantly longer with the 29-gauge spinal needle compared with the larger bore needles and was due to the greater flexibility of the thin needle. However, the difference was less than 1 min and cannot be considered clinically significant. There were no significant differences between groups in the number of insertion attempts or failures and the same sensory level of analgesia was reached with all the needle sizes studied. Postoperatively, no postdural puncture headaches occurred in the 29-gauge spinal needle group, whilst in the 25- and 27-gauge needle groups, the postdural puncture headache rates were 7.4% and 2.1% respectively. The incidence of backache was similar in all study groups. We conclude that dural puncture with a 29-gauge spinal needle is clinically as easy as with larger bore needles and its use is indicated in patients who have a high risk of postdural puncture headache.

Pinyon Needle Scale (FIDL)

Treesearch

William F. McCambridge

1994-01-01

The pinyon needle scale (Matsucoccus acalyptus Herbert) is a native sap-sucking insect found in the Southwest. Feeding by scales weakens trees by killing needles older than 1 year. Sometimes small trees are killed by repeated feeding and large trees weakened to such an extent that they fall victims to attack by the bark beetle Ips confusus (LeConte). Scale infestations...

Reducing infectious complications after transrectal prostate needle biopsy using a disposable needle guide: is it possible?

PubMed

Gurbuz, Cenk; Canat, Lutfi; Atis, Gokhan; Caskurlu, Turhan

2011-01-01

To investigate whether the use of a disposable needle guide results in a decreased incidence of infectious complication after transrectal prostate needle biopsy (TPNB). Fifty five patients who underwent 10-core TPNB were randomized into two groups. A pre-biopsy blood and urine examination was performed in both groups. Group 1 (25 patients) underwent biopsy with disposable biopsy needle guide and Group 2 (30 patients) underwent biopsy with reusable biopsy needle guide. All patients had a blood and negative urine culture before the procedure. The patients received ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day beginning the day before the biopsy and continued for 3 days after. Serum C-reactive protein levels and urine and blood specimens were obtained 48 h after the biopsy. Primary endpoint of the study was to determine the effect of needle guide on the bacteriologic urinary tract infection (UTI) rate and secondary end point was to determine symptomatic UTI. The mean age of the patients was 63.46 (range 55 to 68) years. There were no significant differences regarding the prostate-specific antigen level, prostate size, existence of comorbidity in two groups before the procedure. Bacteriologic and symptomatic UTI was detected in 4% vs. 6.6% and 4% vs. 3.9% in Group 1 and 2 relatively (P > 0.05). The use of a disposable needle guide does not appear to minimize infection risk after TPNB. Large scale and randomized studies are necessary to determine the effect of disposable needle guide on infection rate after TPNB.

Intralesional tuberculin (PPD) versus measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine in treatment of multiple warts: a comparative clinical and immunological study.

PubMed

Shaheen, Maha Adel; Salem, Samar Abdallah M; Fouad, Dina Adel; El-Fatah, Abeer Aly Abd

2015-01-01

Intralesional purified protein derivative (PPD) or mumps, measles, rubella (MMR) were not previously compared regarding their efficacy or mechanism of action in treatment of warts. We aimed to compare their efficacy in treatment of multiple warts and investigate their effect on serum interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12. Thirty patients with multiple warts were included (10 treated with PPD, 10 with MMR, and 10 with normal saline (control)). Injection was done every 3 weeks until clearance or maximum of three treatments. Clinical response of target and distant warts was evaluated. Serum ILs-4 and -12 were assessed before and after treatment. A significantly higher rate of complete response was found in target and distant warts with PPD (60% each) and MMR (80%, 40%, respectively) compared with controls (0%), with no significant difference between both treatments. After treatment, the control group showed the lowest serum IL-12 and IL-4 levels compared with the MMR- and PPD-treated groups with statistically significant difference in between. MMR resulted in a significantly higher serum IL-12 than PPD. With PPD, IL-4 was increased with statistically significant change compared with pretreat-ment level. Intralesional PPD and MMR show comparable efficacy and safety in treatment of multiple warts. Serum ILs-4 and-12 increase following antigen injection. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Needle thoracostomy in the treatment of a tension pneumothorax in trauma patients: what size needle?

PubMed

Zengerink, Imme; Brink, Peter R; Laupland, Kevin B; Raber, Earl L; Zygun, Dave; Kortbeek, John B

2008-01-01

A tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression using a needle thoracostomy. According to advanced trauma life support guidelines this procedure is performed in the second intercostal space (ICS) in the midclavicular line (MCL), using a 4.5-cm (2-inch) catheter (5-cm needle). Previous studies have shown a failure rate of up to 40% using this technique. Case reports have suggested that this high failure rate could be because of insufficient length of the needle. To analyze the average chest wall thickness (CWT) at the second ICS in the MCL in a trauma population and to evaluate the length of the needle used in needle thoracostomy for emergency decompression of tension pneumothoraces. Retrospective review of major trauma admissions (Injury Severity Score >12) at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Canada, who underwent a computed tomography chest scan admitted in the period from October 2001 until March 2004. Subgroup analysis on men and women, <40 years of age and >/=40 years of age was defined a priori. CWT was measured to the nearest 0.01 cm at the second ICS in the MCL. The mean CWT in the 604 male patients and 170 female patients studied averaged 3.50 cm at the left second ICS MCL and 3.51 cm on the right. The mean CWT was significantly higher for women than men (p < 0.0001). About 9.9% to 19.3% of the men had a CWT >4.5 cm and 24.1% to 35.4% of the women studied. A catheter length of 4.5 cm may not penetrate the chest wall of a substantial amount (9.9%-35.4%) of the population, depending on age and gender. This study demonstrates the need for a variable needle length for relief of a tension pneumothorax in certain population groups to improve effectiveness of needle thoracostomy.

Simulation and experimental studies in needle-tissue interactions.

PubMed

Konh, Bardia; Honarvar, Mohammad; Darvish, Kurosh; Hutapea, Parsaoran

2017-08-01

This work aims to introduce a new needle insertion simulation to predict the deflection of a bevel-tip needle inside soft tissue. The development of such a model, which predicts the steering behavior of the needle during needle-tissue interactions, could improve the performance of many percutaneous needle-based procedures such as brachytherapy and thermal ablation, by means of the virtual path planning and training systems of the needle toward the target and thus reducing possible incidents of complications in clinical practices. The Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation in LS-DYNA software was used to model the solid-fluid interactions between the needle and tissue. Since both large deformation and fracture of the continuum need to be considered in this model, applying ALE method for fluid analysis was considered a suitable approach. A 150 mm long needle was used to bend within the tissue due to the interacting forces on its asymmetric bevel tip. Three experimental cases of needle steering in a soft phantom were performed to validate the simulation. An error measurement of less than 10 % was found between the predicted deflection by the simulations and the one observed in experiments, validating our approach with reasonable accuracy. The effect of the needle diameter and its bevel tip angle on the final shape of the needle was investigated using this model. To maneuver around the anatomical obstacles of the human body and reach the target location, thin sharp needles are recommended, as they would create a smaller radius of curvature. The insertion model presented in this work is intended to be used as a base structure for path planning and training purposes for future studies.

Development of High Performance Composite Foam Insulation with Vacuum Insulation Cores

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biswas, Kaushik; Desjarlais, Andre Omer; SmithPhD, Douglas

Development of a high performance thermal insulation (thermal resistance or R-value per inch of R-12 hr-ft2- F/Btu-in or greater), with twice the thermal resistance of state-of-the-art commercial insulation materials ( R6/inch for foam insulation), promises a transformational impact in the area of building insulation. In 2010, in the US, the building envelope-related primary energy consumption was 15.6 quads, of which 5.75 quads were due to opaque wall and roof sections; the total US consumption (building, industrial and transportation) was 98 quads. In other words, the wall and roof contribution was almost 6% of the entire US primary energy consumption. Buildingmore » energy modeling analyses have shown that adding insulation to increase the R-value of the external walls of residential buildings by R10-20 (hr-ft2- F/Btu) can yield savings of 38-50% in wall-generated heating and cooling loads. Adding R20 will require substantial thicknesses of current commercial insulation materials, often requiring significant (and sometimes cost-prohibitive) alterations to existing buildings. This article describes the development of a next-generation composite insulation with a target thermal resistance of R25 for a 2 inch thick board (R12/inch or higher). The composite insulation will contain vacuum insulation cores, which are nominally R35-40/inch, encapsulated in polyisocyanurate foam. A recently-developed variant of vacuum insulation, called modified atmosphere insulation (MAI), was used in this research. Some background information on the thermal performance and distinguishing features of MAI has been provided. Technical details of the composite insulation development and manufacturing as well as laboratory evaluation of prototype insulation boards are presented.« less

Dry needling — peripheral and central considerations

PubMed Central

Dommerholt, Jan

2011-01-01

Dry needling is a common treatment technique in orthopedic manual physical therapy. Although various dry needling approaches exist, the more common and best supported approach targets myofascial trigger points. This article aims to place trigger point dry needling within the context of pain sciences. From a pain science perspective, trigger points are constant sources of peripheral nociceptive input leading to peripheral and central sensitization. Dry needling cannot only reverse some aspects of central sensitization, it reduces local and referred pain, improves range of motion and muscle activation pattern, and alters the chemical environment of trigger points. Trigger point dry needling should be based on a thorough understanding of the scientific background of trigger points, the differences and similarities between active and latent trigger points, motor adaptation, and central sensitize application. Several outcome studies are included, as well as comments on dry needling and acupuncture. PMID:23115475

Electromyographic Comparison of Forearm Muscle Movements for Fine Skin Suturing Between an Enlarged Pen Needle Holder and a Webster Needle Holder

PubMed Central

Ohata, Erika; Matsuo, Kiyoshi; Ban, Ryokuya; Shiba, Masato; Yasunaga, Yoshichika

2013-01-01

Background: For surgical suturing, a Webster needle holder uses wrist supinating with supinator and extrinsic muscles, whereas a pen needle holder uses finger twisting with intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Because the latter is better suited to microsurgery, which requires fine suturing with less forearm muscle movement, we have recently adopted an enlarged pen needle holder scaled from a micro needle holder for fine skin suturing. In this study, we assessed whether the enlarged pen needle holder reduced forearm muscle movement during fine skin suturing as compared with the Webster needle holder. Methods: A fine skin-suturing task was performed using pen holding with the enlarged micro needle holder or scissor holding with the Webster needle holder by 9 experienced and 6 inexperienced microsurgeons. The task lasted for 60 seconds and was randomly performed 3 times for each method. Forearm flexor and extensor muscular activities were evaluated by surface electromyography. Results: The enlarged pen needle holder method required significantly less forearm muscle movement for experienced microsurgeons despite it being their first time using the instrument. There was no significant difference between 2 methods for inexperienced microsurgeons. Conclusions: Experienced microsurgeons conserved forearm muscle movement by finger twisting in fine skin suturing with the enlarged pen needle holder. Inexperienced microsurgeons may benefit from the enlarged pen needle holder, even for fine skin suturing, to develop their internal acquisition model of the dynamics of finger twisting. PMID:23691259

Insulated Foamy Viral Vectors

PubMed Central

Browning, Diana L.; Collins, Casey P.; Hocum, Jonah D.; Leap, David J.; Rae, Dustin T.; Trobridge, Grant D.

2016-01-01

Retroviral vector-mediated gene therapy is promising, but genotoxicity has limited its use in the clinic. Genotoxicity is highly dependent on the retroviral vector used, and foamy viral (FV) vectors appear relatively safe. However, internal promoters may still potentially activate nearby genes. We developed insulated FV vectors, using four previously described insulators: a version of the well-studied chicken hypersensitivity site 4 insulator (650cHS4), two synthetic CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF)-based insulators, and an insulator based on the CCAAT box-binding transcription factor/nuclear factor I (7xCTF/NF1). We directly compared these insulators for enhancer-blocking activity, effect on FV vector titer, and fidelity of transfer to both proviral long terminal repeats. The synthetic CTCF-based insulators had the strongest insulating activity, but reduced titers significantly. The 7xCTF/NF1 insulator did not reduce titers but had weak insulating activity. The 650cHS4-insulated FV vector was identified as the overall most promising vector. Uninsulated and 650cHS4-insulated FV vectors were both significantly less genotoxic than gammaretroviral vectors. Integration sites were evaluated in cord blood CD34+ cells and the 650cHS4-insulated FV vector had fewer hotspots compared with an uninsulated FV vector. These data suggest that insulated FV vectors are promising for hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy. PMID:26715244

Visual acuity and astigmatism in periocular infantile hemangiomas treated with oral beta-blocker versus intralesional corticosteroid injection.

PubMed

Herlihy, Erin P; Kelly, John P; Sidbury, Robert; Perkins, Jonathan A; Weiss, Avery H

2016-02-01

Periocular infantile hemangiomas (PIH) can induce anisometropic astigmatism, a risk factor for amblyopia. Oral beta-blocker therapy has largely supplanted systemic or intralesional corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and time course of these treatment modalities on visual acuity and induced astigmatism. The medical records of patients with PIH treated with oral propanolol between November 2008 and July 2013 were retrospectively reviewed for data on visual acuity and astigmatism. Patients with incomplete pre- and post-treatment ophthalmic examinations were excluded. Results were compared to those of a similar cohort treated with intralesional corticosteroid injection. Mean astigmatism in affected eyes was 1.90 D before propranolol and 1.00 D after; patients showed a monophasic reduction in astigmatism over 12 months. By comparison, patients treated with corticosteroid injection showed a biphasic response, with an immediate steep decrease followed by a slow monophasic decline, paralleling propranolol-treated patients. Oral propranolol treatment caused a 47% reduction in mean induced astigmatism, less than the 63% reduction reported for the cohort treated with corticosteroid. No patient had visual acuity in the affected eye more than 1 standard devation below the age-matched norm, and none experienced significant side effects when treated with oral propranolol. In this patient cohort oral beta-blocker was well-tolerated. Treatment was therefore often initiated prior to the induction of significant astigmatism, with treatment effects comparable to steroid treatment. Visual outcomes were good. Early treatment may minimize the potential effect of astigmatism on postnatal visual development. Copyright © 2016 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Academic origin of round magnetic needle and standardization operation].

PubMed

Cheng, Yan-Ting; Zhang, Tian-Sheng; Meng, Li-Qiang; Shi, Rui-Qi; Ji, Lai-Xi

2014-07-01

The origin and development of round magnetic needle was explored, and the structure of round magnetic needle was introduced in detail, including the handle, the body and the tip of the needle. The clinical opera tion of round magnetic needle were standardized from the aspects of the methods of holding needle, manipulation skill, tapping position, strength of manipulation, application scope and matters needing attention, which laid foundation for the popularization and application of round magnetic needle.

Dimensions of stabident intraosseous perforators and needles.

PubMed

Ramlee, R A; Whitworth, J

2001-09-01

Problems can be encountered inserting intraosseous injection needles through perforation sites. This in vitro study examined the variability and size compatibility of Stabident intraosseous injection components. The diameters of 40 needles and perforators from a single Stabident kit were measured in triplicate with a toolmakers microscope. One-way ANOVA revealed that mean needle diameter (0.411 mm) was significantly narrower than mean perforator diameter (0.427 mm) (p < 0.001). A frequency distribution plot revealed that needle diameter followed a normal distribution, indicating tight quality control during manufacture. The diameter of perforators was haphazardly distributed, with a clustering of 15% at the lower limit of the size range. However on no occasion was the diameter of a perforator smaller than that of an injection needle. We conclude that components of the Stabident intraosseous anaesthetic system are size-compatible, but there is greater and more haphazard variability in the diameter of perforators than injection needles.

Cryogenic Insulation Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augustynowicz, S. D.; Fesmire, J. E.; Wikstrom, J. P.

1999-01-01

The results of a comparative study of cryogenic insulation systems performed are presented. The key aspects of thermal insulation relative to cryogenic system design, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance are discussed. An overview of insulation development from an energy conservation perspective is given. Conventional insulation materials for cryogenic applications provide three levels of thermal conductivity. Actual thermal performance of standard multilayer insulation (MLI) is several times less than laboratory performance and often 10 times worse than ideal performance. The cost-effectiveness of the insulation system depends on thermal performance; flexibility and durability; ease of use in handling, installation, and maintenance; and overall cost including operations, maintenance, and life cycle. Results of comprehensive testing of both conventional and novel materials such as aerogel composites using cryostat boil-off methods are given. The development of efficient, robust cryogenic insulation systems that operate at a soft vacuum level is the primary focus of this paper.

Fabrication of Fine Electrodes on the Tip of Hypodermic Needle Using Photoresist Spray Coating and Flexible Photomask for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Yun, Joho; Kim, Jinhwan; Lee, Jong-Hyun

2017-11-28

We have introduced a fabrication method for electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)-on-a-needle (EoN: EIS-on-a-needle) to locate target tissues in the body by measuring and analyzing differences in the electrical impedance between dissimilar biotissues. This paper describes the fabrication method of fine interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) at the tip of a hypodermic needle using a photoresist spray coating and flexible film photomask in the photolithography process. A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) heat shrink tube (HST) with a wall thickness of 25 µm is employed as the insulation and passivation layer. The PET HST shows a higher mechanical durability compared with poly(p-xylylene) polymers, which have been widely used as a dielectric coating material. Furthermore, the HST shows good chemical resistance to most acids and bases, which is advantageous for limiting chemical damage to the EoN. The use of the EoN is especially preferred for the characterization of chemicals/biomaterials or fabrication using acidic/basic chemicals. The fabricated gap and width of the IDEs are as small as 20 µm, and the overall width and length of the IDEs are 400 µm and 860 µm, respectively. The fabrication margin from the tip (distance between the tip of hypodermic needle and starting point of the IDEs) of the hypodermic needle is as small as 680 µm, which indicates that unnecessarily excessive invasion into biotissues can be avoided during the electrical impedance measurement. The EoN has a high potential for clinical use, such as for thyroid biopsies and anesthesia drug delivery in a spinal space. Further, even in surgery that involves the partial resection of tumors, the EoN can be employed to preserve as much normal tissue as possible by detecting the surgical margin (normal tissue that is removed with the surgical excision of a tumor) between the normal and lesion tissues.

Needle Thoracostomy: Does Changing Needle Length and Location Change Patient Outcome?

PubMed

Weichenthal, Lori A; Owen, Scott; Stroh, Geoffory; Ramos, John

2018-06-01

Needle thoracostomy (NT) is a common prehospital intervention for patients in extremis or cardiac arrest due to trauma. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes, efficacy, and complications after a change in policy related to NT in a four-county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system with a catchment area of greater than 1.6 million people. This is a before and after observational study of all patients who had NT performed in the Central California (USA) EMS system. The before, anterior midclavicular line (MCL) group consisted of all patients who underwent NT from May 7, 2007 through February 28, 2013. The after, midaxillary line (MAL) axillary group consisted of all patients who underwent NT from March 1, 2013 through January 30, 2016, after policy revisions changed the timing, needle size, and placement location for NT. All prehospital and hospital records where NT was performed were queried for demographics, mechanism of injury, initial status and post-NT clinical change, reported complications, and final outcome. The trauma registry was accessed to obtain Injury Severity Scores (ISS). Information was manually abstracted by study investigators and examined utilizing univariate and multivariate analyses. Three-hundred and five trauma patients treated with NT were included in this study, of which, 169 patients (the MCL group) were treated with a 14-guage intravenous (IV) catheter at least 5.0-cm long at the second intercostal space (ICS), MCL after being placed in the ambulance; and 136 patients (the MAL group) were treated with a 10-guage IV catheter at least 9.5-cm long at the fifth ICS, MAL on scene. The mean ISS was lower in the MAL cohort (64.5 versus 69.2; P=.007). The mortality rate was 79% in both groups. The multivariate model with regard to survival supported that a lower ISS (P<.001) and reported clinical change after NT (P=.003) were significant indicators of survival. No complications from NT were reported. Changing the timing, length of

Dirac-electron-mediated magnetic proximity effect in topological insulator/magnetic insulator heterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Mingda; Song, Qichen; Zhao, Weiwei

The possible realization of dissipationless chiral edge current in a topological insulator/magnetic insulator heterostructure is based on the condition that the magnetic proximity exchange coupling at the interface is dominated by the Dirac surface states of the topological insulator. We report a polarized neutron reflectometry observation of Dirac-electron-mediated magnetic proximity effect in a bulk-insulating topological insulator (Bi 0.2Sb 0.8) 2Te 3/magnetic insulator EuS heterostructure. We are able to maximize the proximity-induced magnetism by applying an electrical back gate to tune the Fermi level of topological insulator to be close to the Dirac point. A phenomenological model based on diamagnetic screeningmore » is developed to explain the suppressed proximity-induced magnetism at high carrier density. Our work paves the way to utilize the magnetic proximity effect at the topological insulator/magnetic insulator heterointerface for low-power spintronic applications.« less

Dirac-electron-mediated magnetic proximity effect in topological insulator/magnetic insulator heterostructures

DOE PAGES

Li, Mingda; Song, Qichen; Zhao, Weiwei; ...

2017-11-01

The possible realization of dissipationless chiral edge current in a topological insulator/magnetic insulator heterostructure is based on the condition that the magnetic proximity exchange coupling at the interface is dominated by the Dirac surface states of the topological insulator. We report a polarized neutron reflectometry observation of Dirac-electron-mediated magnetic proximity effect in a bulk-insulating topological insulator (Bi 0.2Sb 0.8) 2Te 3/magnetic insulator EuS heterostructure. We are able to maximize the proximity-induced magnetism by applying an electrical back gate to tune the Fermi level of topological insulator to be close to the Dirac point. A phenomenological model based on diamagnetic screeningmore » is developed to explain the suppressed proximity-induced magnetism at high carrier density. Our work paves the way to utilize the magnetic proximity effect at the topological insulator/magnetic insulator heterointerface for low-power spintronic applications.« less

21 CFR 868.5150 - Anesthesia conduction needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Anesthesia conduction needle. 868.5150 Section 868...) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5150 Anesthesia conduction needle. (a) Identification. An anesthesia conduction needle is a device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient to...

21 CFR 868.5150 - Anesthesia conduction needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Anesthesia conduction needle. 868.5150 Section 868...) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5150 Anesthesia conduction needle. (a) Identification. An anesthesia conduction needle is a device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient to...

21 CFR 868.5150 - Anesthesia conduction needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Anesthesia conduction needle. 868.5150 Section 868...) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5150 Anesthesia conduction needle. (a) Identification. An anesthesia conduction needle is a device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient to...

Comparison of Spinal Needle Deflection in a Ballistic Gel Model.

PubMed

Rand, Ethan; Christolias, George; Visco, Christopher; R Singh, Jaspal

2016-10-01

Percutaneous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are commonly used in the treatment of spinal pain. The success of these procedures depends on the accuracy of needle placement, which is influenced by needle size and shape. The purpose of this study is to examine and quantify the deviation of commonly used spinal needles based on needle tip design and gauge, using a ballistic gel tissue simulant. Six needles commonly used in spinal procedures (Quincke, Short Bevel, Chiba, Tuohy, Hustead, Whitacre) were selected for use in this study. Ballistic gel samples were made in molds of two depths, 40mm and 80 mm. Each needle was mounted in a drill press to ensure an accurate needle trajectory. Distance of deflection was recorded for each needle. In comparing the mean deflection of 22 gauge needles of all types at 80 mm of depth, deflection was greatest among beveled needles [Short Bevel (9.96 ± 0.77 mm), Quincke (8.89 ± 0.17 mm), Chiba (7.71 ± 1.16 mm)], moderate among epidural needles [Tuohy (7.64 ± 0.16 mm) and least among the pencil-point needles [Whitacre (0.73 ± 0.34 mm)]. Increased gauge (25 g) led to a significant increase in deflection among beveled needles. The direction of deflection was away from the bevel with Quincke, Chiba and Short Beveled needles and toward the bevel of the Tuohy and Hustead needles. Deflection of the Whitacre pencil-point needle was minimal. There is clinical utility in knowing the relative deflection of various needle tips. When a procedure requires a needle to be steered around obstacles, or along non-collinear targets, the predictable and large amount of deflection obtained through use of a beveled spinal needle may prove beneficial.

Comparison of Spinal Needle Deflection in a Ballistic Gel Model

PubMed Central

Rand, Ethan; Christolias, George; Visco, Christopher; R. Singh, Jaspal

2016-01-01

Background Percutaneous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are commonly used in the treatment of spinal pain. The success of these procedures depends on the accuracy of needle placement, which is influenced by needle size and shape. Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine and quantify the deviation of commonly used spinal needles based on needle tip design and gauge, using a ballistic gel tissue simulant. Materials and Methods Six needles commonly used in spinal procedures (Quincke, Short Bevel, Chiba, Tuohy, Hustead, Whitacre) were selected for use in this study. Ballistic gel samples were made in molds of two depths, 40mm and 80 mm. Each needle was mounted in a drill press to ensure an accurate needle trajectory. Distance of deflection was recorded for each needle. Results In comparing the mean deflection of 22 gauge needles of all types at 80 mm of depth, deflection was greatest among beveled needles [Short Bevel (9.96 ± 0.77 mm), Quincke (8.89 ± 0.17 mm), Chiba (7.71 ± 1.16 mm)], moderate among epidural needles [Tuohy (7.64 ± 0.16 mm) and least among the pencil-point needles [Whitacre (0.73 ± 0.34 mm)]. Increased gauge (25 g) led to a significant increase in deflection among beveled needles. The direction of deflection was away from the bevel with Quincke, Chiba and Short Beveled needles and toward the bevel of the Tuohy and Hustead needles. Deflection of the Whitacre pencil-point needle was minimal. Conclusions There is clinical utility in knowing the relative deflection of various needle tips. When a procedure requires a needle to be steered around obstacles, or along non-collinear targets, the predictable and large amount of deflection obtained through use of a beveled spinal needle may prove beneficial. PMID:27847693

[Professor WU Zhongchao's experience of penetration needling].

PubMed

Zhang, Ning; Wang, Bing; Zhou, Yu

2016-08-12

Professor WU Zhongchao has unique application of penetration needling in clinical treatment. Professor WU applies penetration needling along meridians, and the methods of penetration needling include self-meridian penetration, exterior-interior meridian penetration, identical-name meridian penetration, different meridian penetration. The meridian differentiation is performed according to different TCM syndromes, locations and natures of diseases and acupoint nature, so as to make a comprehensive assessment. The qi movement during acupuncture is focused. In addition, attention is paid on anatomy and long-needle penetration; the sequence and direction of acupuncture is essential, and the reinforcing and reducing methods have great originality, presented with holding, waiting, pressing and vibrating. Based on classical acupoint, the acupoint of penetration needling is flexible, forming unique combination of acupoints.

A new needle on the block: EchoTip ProCore endobronchial ultrasound needle

PubMed Central

Dincer, H Erhan; Andrade, Rafael; Zamora, Felix; Podgaetz, Eitan

2016-01-01

Endobronchial ultrasound has become the first choice standard of care procedure to diagnose benign or malignant lesions involving mediastinum and lung parenchyma adjacent to the airways owing to its characteristics of being real-time and minimally invasive. Although the incidence of lung cancer has been decreasing, it is and will be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the next few decades. When compared to other cancers, lung cancer kills more females than breast and colon cancers combined and more males than colon and prostate cancers combined. The type of lung cancer has changed in recent decades and adenocarcinoma has become the most frequent cell type. Prognosis of lung cancer depends upon the cell type and the staging at the time of diagnosis. The cell type and molecular characteristics of adenocarcinoma may allow individualized targeted treatment. Other malignant conditions in the mediastinum and lung (eg, metastatic lung cancers and lymphoma) can be biopsied using endobronchial ultrasound needles. Endobronchial ultrasound needle biopsies provides mostly cytology specimens due to its small sizes of needles (22 gauge or larger) which may not give enough tissue to make a definitive diagnosis in malignant (eg, lymphoma) or benign conditions (eg, sarcoidosis). EchoTip ProCore endobronchial needle released in early 2014 provides histologic biopsy material. Larger tissue biopsies may potentially provide a higher diagnostic yield and it eliminates mediastinoscopy or other surgical interventions. Here we aim to review bronchoscopic approach in the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions with emphasis of EchoTip ProCore needles. PMID:27099535

The incidence of coring with blunt versus sharp needles.

PubMed

Wani, Tariq; Wadhwa, Anupama; Tobias, Joseph D

2014-03-01

With the advent of safety needles to prevent inadvertent needle sticks in the operating room (OR), a potentially new issue has arisen. These needles may result in coring, or the shaving off of fragments of the rubber stopper, when the needle is pierced through the rubber stopper of the medication vial. These fragments may be left in the vial and then drawn up with the medication and possibly injected into patients. The current study prospectively evaluated the incidence of coring when blunt and sharp needles were used to pierce rubber topped vials. We also evaluated the incidence of coring in empty medication vials with rubber tops. The rubber caps were then pierced with either an18-gauge sharp hypodermic needle or a blunt plastic (safety) needle. Coring occurred in 102 of 250 (40.8%) vials when a blunt needle was used versus 9 of 215 (4.2%) vials with a sharp needle (P < 0.0001). A significant incidence of coring was demonstrated when a blunt plastic safety needle was used. This situation is potentially a patient safety hazard and methods to eliminate this problem are needed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Method to Reduce Target Motion Through Needle-Tissue Interactions.

PubMed

Oldfield, Matthew J; Leibinger, Alexander; Seah, Tian En Timothy; Rodriguez Y Baena, Ferdinando

2015-11-01

During minimally invasive surgical procedures, it is often important to deliver needles to particular tissue volumes. Needles, when interacting with a substrate, cause deformation and target motion. To reduce reliance on compensatory intra-operative imaging, a needle design and novel delivery mechanism is proposed. Three-dimensional finite element simulations of a multi-segment needle inserted into a pre-existing crack are presented. The motion profiles of the needle segments are varied to identify methods that reduce target motion. Experiments are then performed by inserting a needle into a gelatine tissue phantom and measuring the internal target motion using digital image correlation. Simulations indicate that target motion is reduced when needle segments are stroked cyclically and utilise a small amount of retraction instead of being held stationary. Results are confirmed experimentally by statistically significant target motion reductions of more than 8% during cyclic strokes and 29% when also incorporating retraction, with the same net insertion speed. By using a multi-segment needle and taking advantage of frictional interactions on the needle surface, it is demonstrated that target motion ahead of an advancing needle can be substantially reduced.

[Our experience using "Huber Plus" needles in our infusion center].

PubMed

Tazumi, Keiko; Kouji, Keiko; Matsumura, Natsuko; Nabetani, Yoshiko; Kondo, Motoi; Tomono, Kazunori; Mizuki, Masao

2008-01-01

We conducted a pilot trial to compare the operability and safety of two huber needles in the infusion center. In the present study, we used huber needles without the safety cover and one huber needle with the safety cover (Huber Plus(R)). Both huber needles were used nine times. The successful puncture rate of the first time puncture and the incidence of needle accidents with both huber needles were 100% and 0%, respectively. The evaluation of pain and uneasiness by VAS (Visual Analogue scale)revealed the superiority of the safety needle over the than non-safety needle(pain: 3.8 vs 2.6, uneasiness: 3.7 vs 0.5). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the safety of the huber needle in Japan. This system may be recommended in Japan to avoid needle stick injuries, patient pain and uneasiness.

21 CFR 872.4730 - Dental injecting needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Dental injecting needle. 872.4730 Section 872.4730...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4730 Dental injecting needle. (a) Identification. A dental injecting needle is a slender, hollow metal device with a sharp point intended to be attached to a...

21 CFR 872.4730 - Dental injecting needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Dental injecting needle. 872.4730 Section 872.4730...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4730 Dental injecting needle. (a) Identification. A dental injecting needle is a slender, hollow metal device with a sharp point intended to be attached to a...

21 CFR 872.4730 - Dental injecting needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Dental injecting needle. 872.4730 Section 872.4730...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4730 Dental injecting needle. (a) Identification. A dental injecting needle is a slender, hollow metal device with a sharp point intended to be attached to a...

21 CFR 872.4730 - Dental injecting needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Dental injecting needle. 872.4730 Section 872.4730...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4730 Dental injecting needle. (a) Identification. A dental injecting needle is a slender, hollow metal device with a sharp point intended to be attached to a...

21 CFR 872.4730 - Dental injecting needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Dental injecting needle. 872.4730 Section 872.4730...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Surgical Devices § 872.4730 Dental injecting needle. (a) Identification. A dental injecting needle is a slender, hollow metal device with a sharp point intended to be attached to a...

How Placebo Needles Differ From Placebo Pills?

PubMed Central

Chae, Younbyoung; Lee, Ye-Seul; Enck, Paul

2018-01-01

Because acupuncture treatment is defined by the process of needles penetrating the body, placebo needles were originally developed with non-penetrating mechanisms. However, whether placebo needles are valid controls in acupuncture research is subject of an ongoing debate. The present review provides an overview of the characteristics of placebo needles and how they differ from placebo pills in two aspects: (1) physiological response and (2) blinding efficacy. We argue that placebo needles elicit physiological responses similar to real acupuncture and therefore provide similar clinical efficacy. We also demonstrate that this efficacy is further supported by ineffective blinding (even in acupuncture-naïve patients) which may lead to opposite guesses that will further enhances efficacy, as compared to no-treatment, e.g., with waiting list controls. Additionally, the manner in which placebo needles can exhibit therapeutic effects relative to placebo pills include enhanced touch sensations, direct stimulation of the somatosensory system and activation of multiple brain systems. We finally discuss alternative control strategies for the placebo effects in acupuncture therapy.

EUS Needle Identification Comparison and Evaluation study (with videos).

PubMed

Tang, Shou-Jiang; Vilmann, Andreas S; Saftoiu, Adrian; Wang, Wanmei; Streba, Costin Teodor; Fink, Peter P; Griswold, Michael; Wu, Ruonan; Dietrich, Christoph F; Jenssen, Christian; Hocke, Michael; Kantowski, Marcus; Pohl, Jürgen; Fockens, Paul; Annema, Jouke T; van der Heijden, Erik H F M; Havre, Roald Flesland; Pham, Khanh Do-Cong; Kunda, Rastislav; Deprez, Pierre H; Mariana, Jinga; Vazquez-Sequeiros, Enrique; Larghi, Alberto; Buscarini, Elisabetta; Fusaroli, Pietro; Lahav, Maor; Puri, Rajesh; Garg, Pramod Kumar; Sharma, Malay; Maluf-Filho, Fauze; Sahai, Anand; Brugge, William R; Lee, Linda S; Aslanian, Harry R; Wang, Andrew Y; Shami, Vanessa M; Markowitz, Arnold; Siddiqui, Ali A; Mishra, Girish; Scheiman, James M; Isenberg, Gerard; Siddiqui, Uzma D; Shah, Raj J; Buxbaum, James; Watson, Rabindra R; Willingham, Field F; Bhutani, Manoop S; Levy, Michael J; Harris, Cynthia; Wallace, Michael B; Nolsøe, Christian Pállson; Lorentzen, Torben; Bang, Niels; Sørensen, Sten Mellerup; Gilja, Odd Helge; D'Onofrio, Mirko; Piscaglia, Fabio; Gritzmann, Norbert; Radzina, Maija; Sparchez, Zeno Adrian; Sidhu, Paul S; Freeman, Simon; McCowan, Timothy C; de Araujo, Cyrillo Rodrigues; Patel, Akash; Ali, Mohammad Adel; Campbell, Garth; Chen, Edward; Vilmann, Peter

2016-09-01

EUS-guided FNA or biopsy sampling is widely practiced. Optimal sonographic visualization of the needle is critical for image-guided interventions. Of the several commercially available needles, bench-top testing and direct comparison of these needles have not been done to reveal their inherent echogenicity. The aims are to provide bench-top data that can be used to guide clinical applications and to promote future device research and development. Descriptive bench-top testing and comparison of 8 commonly used EUS-FNA needles (all size 22 gauge): SonoTip Pro Control (Medi-Globe); Expect Slimline (Boston Scientific); EchoTip, EchoTip Ultra, EchoTip ProCore High Definition (Cook Medical); ClearView (Conmed); EZ Shot 2 (Olympus); and BNX (Beacon Endoscopic), and 2 new prototype needles, SonoCoat (Medi-Globe), coated by echogenic polymers made by Encapson. Blinded evaluation of standardized and unedited videos by 43 EUS endoscopists and 17 radiologists specialized in GI US examination who were unfamiliar with EUS needle devices. There was no significant difference in the ratings and rankings of these needles between endosonographers and radiologists. Overall, 1 prototype needle was rated as the best, ranking 10% to 40% higher than all other needles (P < .01). Among the commercially available needles, the EchoTip Ultra needle and the ClearView needle were top choices. The EZ Shot 2 needle was ranked statistically lower than other needles (30%-75% worse, P < .001). All FNA needles have their inherent and different echogenicities, and these differences are similarly recognized by EUS endoscopists and radiologists. Needles with polymeric coating from the entire shaft to the needle tip may offer better echogenicity. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All rights reserved.

Insulation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rhea, Dennis

This instructional unit is one of 10 developed by students on various energy-related areas that deals specifically with insulation. Its objective is for the student to be able to determine insulation needs of new or existing structures, select type to use, use installation techniques, calculate costs, and apply safety factors. Some topics covered…

Comparison of fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance for detecting malignancy and for the tissue-specific diagnosis of salivary gland tumors.

PubMed

Eom, H-J; Lee, J H; Ko, M-S; Choi, Y J; Yoon, R G; Cho, K J; Nam, S Y; Baek, J H

2015-06-01

Diagnostic test accuracy studies for ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy have shown inconclusive results due to their heterogenous study designs. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration versus ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for detecting malignant tumors of the salivary gland and for the tissue-specific diagnosis of salivary gland tumors in a single tertiary hospital. This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was waived. Four hundred twelve patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (n = 155) or ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy (n = 257) with subsequent surgical confirmation or clinical follow-up were enrolled. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy regarding malignant salivary gland tumors and the correct tissue-specific diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. We also tested the difference between these procedures according to the operator's experience and lesion characteristics. The inconclusive rates of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy were 19% and 4%, respectively (P < .001). The overall accuracy of ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for diagnosing malignant tumors was significantly higher than that of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (P = .024). The correct tissue-specific diagnosis rates of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy were 95% versus 97% for benign tumors (P = .648) and 67% versus 80% for malignant tumors (P = .310). Trainees showed significantly lower accuracy with ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration than with ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for diagnosing malignant tumors (P = .021). There was no

Pine needle abortion biomarker detected in bovine fetal fluids

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pine needle abortion is a naturally occurring condition in free-range cattle caused by the consumption of pine needles from select species of cypress, juniper, pine, and spruce trees. Confirmatory diagnosis of pine needle abortion has previously relied on a combined case history of pine needle cons...

Coaxial needle insertion assistant with enhanced force feedback.

PubMed

De Lorenzo, Danilo; Koseki, Yoshihiko; De Momi, Elena; Chinzei, Kiyoyuki; Okamura, Allison M

2013-02-01

Many medical procedures involving needle insertion into soft tissues, such as anesthesia, biopsy, brachytherapy, and placement of electrodes, are performed without image guidance. In such procedures, haptic detection of changing tissue properties at different depths during needle insertion is important for needle localization and detection of subsurface structures. However, changes in tissue mechanical properties deep inside the tissue are difficult for human operators to sense, because the relatively large friction force between the needle shaft and the surrounding tissue masks the smaller tip forces. A novel robotic coaxial needle insertion assistant, which enhances operator force perception, is presented. This one-degree-of-freedom cable-driven robot provides to the operator a scaled version of the force applied by the needle tip to the tissue, using a novel design and sensors that separate the needle tip force from the shaft friction force. The ability of human operators to use the robot to detect membranes embedded in artificial soft tissue was tested under the conditions of 1) tip force and shaft force feedback, and 2) tip force only feedback. The ratio of successful to unsuccessful membrane detections was significantly higher (up to 50%) when only the needle tip force was provided to the user.

Surface electroluminescence phenomena correlated with trapping parameters of insulating polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guan-Jun; Yang, Kai; Dong, Ming; Zhao, Wen-Bin; Yan, Zhang

2007-12-01

Electroluminescence (EL) phenomena are closely linked to the space charge and degradation in insulating polymers, and dominated by the luminescence and trap centers. EL emission has been promising in defining the onset of electrical aging and in the investigation of dissipation mechanisms. Generally, polymeric degradation reveals the increment of the density of luminescence and trap centers, so a fundamental study is proposed to correlate the EL emission of insulating polymers and their trapping parameters. A sensitive photon counting system is constructed to detect the weak EL. The time- and phase-resolved EL characteristics from different polymers (LDPE, PP and PTFE) are investigated with a planar electrode configuration under stepped ac voltage in vacuum. In succession, each sample is charged with exposing to multi-needle corona discharge, and then its surface potential decay is continuously recorded at a constant temperature. Based on the isothermal relaxation current theory, the energy level and density of both electron and hole trap distribution in the surface layer of each polymer is obtained. It is preliminarily concluded that EL phenomena are strongly affected by the trap properties, and for different polymers, its EL intensity is in direct contrast to its surface trap density, and this can be qualitatively explained by the trapping and detrapping sequence of charge carriers in trap centers with different energy level.

Orbital disc insulator for SF.sub.6 gas-insulated bus

DOEpatents

Bacvarov, Dosio C.; Gomarac, Nicholas G.

1977-01-01

An insulator for supporting a high voltage conductor within a gas-filled grounded housing consists of radially spaced insulation rings fitted to the exterior of the bus and the interior of the grounded housing respectively, and the spaced rings are connected by trefoil type rings which are integrally formed with the spaced insulation rings.

Intralesional cryotherapy versus excision and corticosteroids or brachytherapy for keloid treatment: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Keloids are a burden for patients due to physical, aesthetic and social complaints and treatment remains a challenge because of therapy resistance and high recurrence rates. The main goal of treatment is to improve the quality of life (QoL); this implies that, apart from surgical outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) need to be taken into account. Decision making in keloid treatment is difficult due to heterogeneity of the condition and the lack of comparative studies. Methods/Design This is a multicentre, randomised controlled open trial that compares 1) intralesional cryotherapy versus excision and corticosteroids for primary keloids, and 2) intralesional cryotherapy versus excision and brachytherapy for therapy-resistant keloids. The primary outcome is the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a 12-item scale (with score 12 indicating the best and 120 indicating the worst scar imaginable). A difference of six points on the total score is considered to be of clinical importance. Secondary outcomes are recurrence rates, volume reduction, Skindex-29 scores, SF-36 scores and complication rates. Primary and secondary outcome measurements are taken at baseline, and at 2, 12, 26 and 52 weeks postoperatively. For analysis, a linear mixed model is used. A total of 176 patients will be included over a period of 2.5 years. The protocol is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam and follows good clinical practice guidelines. Discussion The outcomes of this study will improve evidence-based decision making for the treatment of keloids, as well as patient education. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register NTR4151. PMID:24354714

Hyper- and viscoelastic modeling of needle and brain tissue interaction.

PubMed

Lehocky, Craig A; Yixing Shi; Riviere, Cameron N

2014-01-01

Deep needle insertion into brain is important for both diagnostic and therapeutic clinical interventions. We have developed an automated system for robotically steering flexible needles within the brain to improve targeting accuracy. In this work, we have developed a finite element needle-tissue interaction model that allows for the investigation of safe parameters for needle steering. The tissue model implemented contains both hyperelastic and viscoelastic properties to simulate the instantaneous and time-dependent responses of brain tissue. Several needle models were developed with varying parameters to study the effects of the parameters on tissue stress, strain and strain rate during needle insertion and rotation. The parameters varied include needle radius, bevel angle, bevel tip fillet radius, insertion speed, and rotation speed. The results will guide the design of safe needle tips and control systems for intracerebral needle steering.

Intralesional cisplatin chemotherapy and topical cryotherapy for the control of choanal squamous cell carcinoma in an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus).

PubMed

Ferrell, Shannon T; Marlar, Annajane B; Garner, Michael; Lung, Nancy P

2006-12-01

A 3.5-yr-old, 2.5-kg female African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) was diagnosed with a choanal squamous cell carcinoma on the basis of biopsy after a history of choanal ulceration and anorexia with weight loss. Therapeutic modalities included the use of intralesional cisplatin followed by localized, topical cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. The penguin remained free of clinical disease for a period of 9 mo, at which time a second cryotreatment was performed. The patient has remained free of all signs of choanal carcinoma for a period of 13 mo since the second cryotreatment.

Transillumination for needle localization in the larynx.

PubMed

Hoffman, Henry T; Dailey, Seth H; Bock, Jonathan M; Thibeault, Susan L; McCulloch, Timothy M

2015-10-01

Transillumination through laryngeal soft tissue may be used to direct percutaneous transcricothyroid membrane subepithelial needle placement in the larynx. Cadaver simulation (canine and human). Lighted devices, including sialendoscopes and fiberoptic cables, were tested as transilluminating obturators in trocars and needles through multiple studies to identify appropriate illumination, monitoring, and equipment for successful localization of needle/trocar tips placed within laryngeal tissue. Lighted 250-micron fiberoptic cables within 23-gauge needles were successfully placed percutaneously through the cricothyroid membrane and maneuvered submucosally into Reinke's space, the midlateral vocal fold, and through the thyroarytenoid gap with monitoring via flexible transnasal laryngoscopy. Technical adaptations in the course of study permitted successful simulation of clinical use in full cadaver study for accurate injection laryngoplasty, confirmed by laryngeal dissection following collagen injection. Small caliber fiberoptic cables are useful as transilluminating obturators to accurately direct needle position within laryngeal tissue. Clinical application of this new technique is anticipated to improve the accuracy of percutaneous needle localization in the larynx, as well as to assist in directed instrumentation of the larynx from an external approach. N/A. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

DIY guide-needle-assisted conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR).

PubMed

Paik, Ji-Sun; Kim, Su-Ah; Doh, Sang-Hee

2013-01-01

In this study, we introduce DIY guide-needle-assisted conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR), in which a guide needle helps in measuring the initial Jones tube length for insertion and reduces unnecessary handling for tube changes. Three CDCR procedures were conducted in which the length of the Jones tube was calculated using a 22-gauge DIY guide needle, and a prospective study of tube position change and migration, (a major cause of CDCR failure) was done. Wound healing was almost complete within 4 weeks postoperatively in the osteotomy site, but in cases of partial middle turbinectomy, a little more time was necessary. There was a slight change in Jones tube position in the nasal cavity compared with the expected position of original tube tip, but no tube migration from the caruncle fixation position had occurred by the final follow-up time. This guide-needle-assisted CDCR has multiple advantages, such as easy measurement of the proper initial tube size, utilization of the initial needle path, and easy replacement of tubes. Finally, this approach to CDCR can be readily applied because it uses materials ordinarily found in hospitals to create the devices needed for the procedure, so there is no additional cost.

Do safety engineered devices reduce needle-stick injuries?

PubMed

Schuurmans, J; Lutgens, S P; Groen, L; Schneeberger, P M

2018-05-05

Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are one of the most common health hazards facing health care workers (HCWs) across the globe. Needles with safety engineered devices (SEDs) have been developed to minimize the risk of exposure to blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated with NSIs. To assess the effect of the introduction of SEDs in preventing NSIs among HCWs in the Jeroen Bosch Hospital (JBH), the Netherlands. We compared the incidence of reported NSIs before and after the introduction of SEDs. All HCWs who reported a NSI with a SED were interviewed in order to understand the underlying causes of the NSIs. Despite the introduction of SEDs the incidence of NSIs increased from 1.9/100 HCWs before the introduction of SEDs to 2.2/100 HCWs after the introduction of SEDs. The registration of reported SED related NSIs showed a significant decrease in the number of NSIs related to injection needles and blood sugar needles, while an unexpected significant increase in NSIs with nadroparin calcium needles and infusion needles was found. The most common causes reported for NSIs were unsafe disposal of the needles and problems with the safety feature. The application of SEDs has not led to a reduction of NSIs. The majority of NSIs caused by a needle with a SED can be prevented by stimulation of safe needle disposal, proper use of SEDs and provision of feedback to manufacturers to keep improving product design. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Social context of needle selling in Baltimore, Maryland.

PubMed

Latkin, Carl A; Davey, Melissa A; Hua, Wei

2006-01-01

Although much of the debate surrounding the distribution of sterile syringes to injection drug users (IDUs) has focused on needle exchange programs (NEPs), IDUs acquire their syringes from three major sources: NEPs, pharmacies, and secondary exchangers or needle sellers. The purpose of the present study is to examine types and frequencies of social interactions among drug injectors who sell needles, most of which come from NEPs, compared with individuals who do not sell needles. Specifically, we compared engagement in drug-related behaviors, roles in the drug economy, and social network membership. Data were collected as part of the SHIELD study, an HIV prevention intervention targeted at drug users and their social networks (n=910) from February 2001 through September 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland (USA). In this sample, 56 participants reported selling needles. Needle sellers had higher levels of engagement in drug-related social interactions, including using drugs with others, giving or receiving drugs from others, and buying drugs with other users. Participants who sold needles had a significantly higher number of roles in the drug economy. Also, they had more social network members who were injectors, with whom they talked about risky drug behaviors, gave needles to, and shared cookers and bleach with. Compared with nonselling injectors, needle sellers engage in HIV risk-related behaviors, such as injecting daily and sharing injection equipment, more frequently. The study's findings may be useful to determine whether secondary exchangers should be targeted for HIV prevention activities both to reduce their own risk and to diffuse risk reduction information throughout the drug using community.

Spin transport in normal metal/insulator/topological insulator coupled to ferromagnetic insulator structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kondo, Kenji, E-mail: kkondo@es.hokudai.ac.jp

In this study, we investigate the spin transport in normal metal (NM)/insulator (I)/topological insulator (TI) coupled to ferromagnetic insulator (FI) structures. In particular, we focus on the barrier thickness dependence of the spin transport inside the bulk gap of the TI with FI. The TI with FI is described by two-dimensional (2D) Dirac Hamiltonian. The energy profile of the insulator is assumed to be a square with barrier height V and thickness d along the transport-direction. This structure behaves as a tunnel device for 2D Dirac electrons. The calculation is performed for the spin conductance with changing the barrier thicknessmore » and the components of magnetization of FI layer. It is found that the spin conductance decreases with increasing the barrier thickness. Also, the spin conductance is strongly dependent on the polar angle θ, which is defined as the angle between the axis normal to the FI and the magnetization of FI layer. These results indicate that the structures are promising candidates for novel tunneling magnetoresistance devices.« less

Multiple density layered insulator

DOEpatents

Alger, Terry W.

1994-01-01

A multiple density layered insulator for use with a laser is disclosed wh provides at least two different insulation materials for a laser discharge tube, where the two insulation materials have different thermoconductivities. The multiple layer insulation materials provide for improved thermoconductivity capability for improved laser operation.

Needle Steering in 3-D Via Rapid Replanning

PubMed Central

Patil, Sachin; Burgner, Jessica; Webster, Robert J.; Alterovitz, Ron

2014-01-01

Steerable needles have the potential to improve the effectiveness of needle-based clinical procedures such as biopsy and drug delivery by improving targeting accuracy and reaching previously inaccessible targets that are behind sensitive or impenetrable anatomical regions. We present a new needle steering system capable of automatically reaching targets in 3-D environments while avoiding obstacles and compensating for real-world uncertainties. Given a specification of anatomical obstacles and a clinical target (e.g., from preoperative medical images), our system plans and controls needle motion in a closed-loop fashion under sensory feedback to optimize a clinical metric. We unify planning and control using a new fast algorithm that continuously replans the needle motion. Our rapid replanning approach is enabled by an efficient sampling-based rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) planner that achieves orders-of-magnitude reduction in computation time compared with prior 3-D approaches by incorporating variable curvature kinematics and a novel distance metric for planning. Our system uses an electromagnetic tracking system to sense the state of the needle tip during the procedure. We experimentally evaluate our needle steering system using tissue phantoms and animal tissue ex vivo. We demonstrate that our rapid replanning strategy successfully guides the needle around obstacles to desired 3-D targets with an average error of less than 3 mm. PMID:25435829

Spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: comparison of 22-gauge and 25-gauge Whitacre needles with 26-gauge Quincke needles.

PubMed

Shutt, L E; Valentine, S J; Wee, M Y; Page, R J; Prosser, A; Thomas, T A

1992-12-01

We have studied 150 women undergoing elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. They were allocated randomly to have a 22-gauge Whitacre, a 25-gauge Whitacre or a 26-gauge Quincke needle inserted into the lumbar subarachnoid space. The groups were compared for ease of insertion, number of attempted needle insertions before identification of cerebrospinal fluid, quality of subsequent analgesia and incidence of postoperative complications. There were differences between groups, but they did not reach statistical significance. Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) was experienced by one mother in the 22-gauge Whitacre group, none in the 25-gauge Whitacre group and five in the 26-gauge Quincke group. Five of the six PDPH occurred after a single successful needle insertion. Seven of the 15 mothers in whom more than two needle insertions were made experienced backache, compared with 12 of the 129 receiving two or less (P < 0.001). We conclude that the use of 22- and 25-gauge Whitacre needles in elective Caesarean section patients is associated with a low incidence of PDPH and that postoperative backache is more likely when more than two attempts are made to insert a spinal needle.

Effect of vibration frequency on biopsy needle insertion force.

PubMed

Tan, Lei; Qin, Xuemei; Zhang, Qinhe; Zhang, Hongcai; Dong, Hongjian; Guo, Tuodang; Liu, Guowei

2017-05-01

Needle insertion is critical in many clinical medicine procedures, such as biopsy, brachytherapy, and injection therapy. A platform with two degrees of freedom was set up to study the effect of vibration frequency on needle insertion force. The gel phantom deformation at the needle cutting edge and the Voigt model are utilized to develop a dynamic model to explain the relationship between the insertion force and needle-tip velocity. The accuracy of this model was verified by performing needle insertions into phantom gel. The effect of vibration on insertion force can be explained as the vibration increasing the needle-tip velocity and subsequently increasing the insertion force. In a series of needle insertion experiments with different vibration frequencies, the peak forces were selected for comparison to explore the effect of vibration frequency on needle insertion force. The experimental results indicate that the insertion force at 500Hz increases up to 17.9% compared with the force at 50Hz. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiple density layered insulator

DOEpatents

Alger, T.W.

1994-09-06

A multiple density layered insulator for use with a laser is disclosed which provides at least two different insulation materials for a laser discharge tube, where the two insulation materials have different thermoconductivities. The multiple layer insulation materials provide for improved thermoconductivity capability for improved laser operation. 4 figs.

The biopolitics of needle exchange in the United States

PubMed Central

McLean, Katherine

2012-01-01

Needle exchange began in the United States as a fragmented and illegal practice initiated by actors at the grassroots level; since the late 1980s, needle exchange has achieved increasing yet variable levels of institutional support across the country, receiving official sanction and funding from state and municipal governments. In turn, the practice(s) and discourse(s) of needle exchange have shifted significantly in many locales, becoming the purview of professional administration that advocates needle exchange as a necessary public health measure. This article is interested in the ways in which needle exchange has become implicated in and appropriated by networks of power seeking to discipline and regulate injection drug use. Drawing theoretically on Michel Foucault’s writings concerning biopower and governmentality, it will examine the proliferation of discourses, knowledges, and rules surrounding needle exchange in the United States. At the same time, this article will avoid a characterization of needle exchange that envisions the unilateral control of drug users by governmental power, illuminating instead both its negative and productive effects for drug users. Namely, it will explore how needle exchange creates both subjects of interest and subjects of resistance among drug users – that is to say, the governmentalization of needle exchange and its ‘clients’. PMID:22389572

Effect of needle size and type, reuse of needles, insertion speed, and removal of hair on contamination of joints with tissue debris and hair after arthrocentesis.

PubMed

Adams, Stephen B; Moore, George E; Elrashidy, Mohammed; Mohamed, Ahmed; Snyder, Paul W

2010-08-01

To assess joint contamination with tissue and hair after arthrocentesis of equine fetlock joints. Experimental. Limb specimens from 8 equine cadavers. Soft tissues including the joint capsule were harvested from the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joints and mounted on a wooden frame. Needles inserted through the joint tissue preparation were flushed into tissue culture plates that were examined for tissue and hair debris. Variables evaluated were gauge and type of needle (16, 18, 20, and 22 G sharp disposable needles and 20 G disposable spinal needles with stylet), number of times each needle was used (1, 2, 3, 4), length of hair (unclipped, clipped, shaved with razor), and needle insertion speed (fast, slow). Descriptive and statistical evaluations were performed. Tissue contamination was identified in 1145 of 1260 wells and hair contamination was identified in 384 of 1260 wells. Twenty gauge needles inserted through unclipped hair resulted in the least amount of hair contamination. Compared with 20 G needles with fast insertion 1 time through unclipped hair the odds ratios for contamination with hair were significantly greater for 16 G sharp disposable needles, 20 G spinal needles, clipped hair, shaved hair, and reuse of the needles. Spinal needles inserted through unclipped hair transferred many long hairs into the joint space. Reuse of needles for arthrocentesis should be avoided. Removal of hair is not indicated for arthrocentesis with sharp injection needles but is recommended when using spinal needles with stylets. Joint contamination with hair and tissue debris will be decreased by specific needle insertion techniques. Decreased contamination of joints may reduce the frequency of joint infections after arthrocentesis.

Fusion of electromagnetic trackers to improve needle deflection estimation: simulation study.

PubMed

Sadjadi, Hossein; Hashtrudi-Zaad, Keyvan; Fichtinger, Gabor

2013-10-01

We present a needle deflection estimation method to anticipate needle bending during insertion into deformable tissue. Using limited additional sensory information, our approach reduces the estimation error caused by uncertainties inherent in the conventional needle deflection estimation methods. We use Kalman filters to combine a kinematic needle deflection model with the position measurements of the base and the tip of the needle taken by electromagnetic (EM) trackers. One EM tracker is installed on the needle base and estimates the needle tip position indirectly using the kinematic needle deflection model. Another EM tracker is installed on the needle tip and estimates the needle tip position through direct, but noisy measurements. Kalman filters are then employed to fuse these two estimates in real time and provide a reliable estimate of the needle tip position, with reduced variance in the estimation error. We implemented this method to compensate for needle deflection during simulated needle insertions and performed sensitivity analysis for various conditions. At an insertion depth of 150 mm, we observed needle tip estimation error reductions in the range of 28% (from 1.8 to 1.3 mm) to 74% (from 4.8 to 1.2 mm), which demonstrates the effectiveness of our method, offering a clinically practical solution.

Reduction of heat insulation upon soaking of the insulation layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achtliger, J.

1983-09-01

Improved thermal protection of hollow masonry by introduction of a core insulation between the inner and outer shell is discussed. The thermal conductivity of insulation materials was determined in dry state and after soaking by water with different volume-related moisture contents. The interpolated thermal conductivity values from three measured values at 10 C average temperature are presented as a function of the pertinent moisture content. Fills of expanded polystyrene, perlite and granulated mineral fibers, insulating boards made of mineral fibers and in situ cellular plastics produced from urea-formaldehyde resin were investigated. Test results show a confirmation of thermal conductivity values for insulating materials in hollow masonry.

[Brief introduction of acupuncture needling and teaching keypoint].

PubMed

Hou, Shu-wei; Guo, Li; Kong, Su-ping

2014-09-01

We summarized our accumulated clinical and teaching experiences and explored the regularity of acupuncture needling and teaching. It is of great importance in pressing hand during inserting needle. Stroking and pressing are two crucial parts which deserve more attention, and seldom useage of pressing hand should be abolished. Operating hand needs practice before inserting needle, while it should fully relaxed during inserting. Blending "touching", "stretch" "gathering" "erupting" and "advancing" in single moment, applying appropriate dynamic mode of inserting needle such as "join 3 forces as one" "3 points in a line" expertly and naturally. In addition, enough attention should be paid on "altering direction" and "shifting point". Inserting deftly and powerfully, no/slight sensation, deqi when inserting needle are the highest reflection as an acupuncturist.

[Try to discuss manipulation of the "Feijing Zouqi" needling technique].

PubMed

Zhou, Dan; Gao, Ying; Wang, Fu-chun

2008-03-01

Based on description of "Feijing Zouqi" needling methods in Jin Zhen Fu (Rhyme Prose of Golden Needle) written by Xu Feng, and explain and analyze the descriptions of "Feijing Zouqi" needling method in Zhenjiu Juying (A Collection of Gems in Acu-Moxibustion) written by Gao Wu, Zhenjiu Wendui written by Wang Ji, Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium on Acu-Moxibustion) written by Yang Ji-zhou, Yixue Rumen (Elementary Medicine) written by LI Chan and many other works, summarize the technique characteristics of all the "Feijing Zouqi" needling methods. The characteristic of "Qinglong Baiwei" needling method is " first toward the left, then toward the right, slowly move or adjust with the hand"; and "Baihu Yaotou" needling method emphasizes "Tuifang Jinyuan" and "Yaozhen "; key point of "Canggui Tanxue" needling method is "Zuanti Sifang"; Chifeng Yingyuan" needling method emphasizes "Siwei Feixuan".

Mixed mode fuel injector with individually moveable needle valve members

DOEpatents

Stewart, Chris; Chockley, Scott A.; Ibrahim, Daniel R.; Lawrence, Keith; Tomaseki, Jay; Azam, Junru H.; Tian, Steven Ye; Shafer, Scott F.

2004-08-03

A fuel injector includes a homogenous charge nozzle outlet set and a conventional nozzle outlet set controlled respectively, by first and second needle valve members. One of the needle valve members moves to an open position while the other needle valve member remains stationary for a homogeneous charge injection event. The former needle valve member stays stationary while the other needle valve member moves to an open position for a conventional injection event. One of the needle valve members is at least partially positioned in the other needle valve member. Thus, the injector can perform homogeneous charge injection events, conventional injection events, or even a mixed mode having both types of injection events in a single engine cycle.

Automotive Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Under a Space Act Agreement between Boeing North America and BSR Products, Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials are now used to insulate race cars. BSR has created special TPS blanket insulation kits for use on autos that take part in NASCAR events, and other race cars through its nationwide catalog distribution system. Temperatures inside a race car's cockpit can soar to a sweltering 140 to 160 degrees, with the extreme heat coming through the engine firewall, transmission tunnel, and floor. It is common for NASCAR drivers to endure blisters and burns due to the excessive heat. Tests on a car insulated with the TPS material showed a temperature drop of some 50 degrees in the driver's cockpit. BSR-TPS Products, Inc. now manufactures insulation kits for distribution to race car teams around the world.

Effect of single intralesional treatment of surgically induced equine superficial digital flexor tendon core lesions with adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: a controlled experimental trial.

PubMed

Geburek, Florian; Roggel, Florian; van Schie, Hans T M; Beineke, Andreas; Estrada, Roberto; Weber, Kathrin; Hellige, Maren; Rohn, Karl; Jagodzinski, Michael; Welke, Bastian; Hurschler, Christof; Conrad, Sabine; Skutella, Thomas; van de Lest, Chris; van Weeren, René; Stadler, Peter M

2017-06-05

Adipose tissue is a promising source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for the treatment of tendon disease. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of a single intralesional implantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) on artificial lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs). During this randomized, controlled, blinded experimental study, either autologous cultured AT-MSCs suspended in autologous inactivated serum (AT-MSC-serum) or autologous inactivated serum (serum) were injected intralesionally 2 weeks after surgical creation of centrally located SDFT lesions in both forelimbs of nine horses. Healing was assessed clinically and with ultrasound (standard B-mode and ultrasound tissue characterization) at regular intervals over 24 weeks. After euthanasia of the horses the SDFTs were examined histologically, biochemically and by means of biomechanical testing. AT-MSC implantation did not substantially influence clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. Histology, biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of the repair tissue did not differ significantly between treatment modalities after 24 weeks. Compared with macroscopically normal tendon tissue, the content of the mature collagen crosslink hydroxylysylpyridinoline did not differ after AT-MSC-serum treatment (p = 0.074) while it was significantly lower (p = 0.027) in lesions treated with serum alone. Stress at failure (p = 0.048) and the modulus of elasticity (p = 0.001) were significantly lower after AT-MSC-serum treatment than in normal tendon tissue. The effect of a single intralesional injection of cultured AT-MSCs suspended in autologous inactivated serum was not superior to treatment of surgically created SDFT lesions with autologous inactivated serum alone in a surgical model of tendinopathy over an observation period of 22 weeks. AT-MSC treatment might have a positive influence on collagen crosslinking of remodelling scar

A Multicenter comparative trial of a novel EUS-guided core biopsy needle (SharkCore™) with the 22-gauge needle in patients with solid pancreatic mass lesions

PubMed Central

Naveed, Mariam; Siddiqui, Ali A.; Kowalski, Thomas E.; Loren, David E.; Khalid, Ammara; Soomro, Ayesha; Mazhar, Syed M.; Yoo, Joseph; Hasan, Raza; Yalamanchili, Silpa; Tarangelo, Nicholas; Taylor, Linda J.; Adler, Douglas G.

2018-01-01

Background and Objectives: The ability to obtain adequate tissue of solid pancreatic lesions by EUS-guided remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the performance characteristics and safety of EUS-FNA for evaluating solid pancreatic lesions using the standard 22-gauge needle versus a novel EUS biopsy needle. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study of EUS-guided sampling of solid pancreatic lesions between 2009 and 2015. Patients underwent EUS-guided sampling with a 22-gauge SharkCore (SC) needle or a standard 22-gauge FNA needle. Technical success, performance characteristics of EUS-FNA, the number of needle passes required to obtain a diagnosis, diagnostic accuracy, and complications were compared. Results: A total of 1088 patients (mean age = 66 years; 49% female) with pancreatic masses underwent EUS-guided sampling with a 22-gauge SC needle (n = 115) or a standard 22-gauge FNA needle (n = 973). Technical success was 100%. The frequency of obtaining an adequate cytology by EUS-FNA was similar when using the SC and the standard needle (94.1% vs. 92.7%, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for tissue diagnosis were not significantly different between two needles. Adequate sample collection leading to a definite diagnosis was achieved by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pass in 73%, 92%, and 98% of procedures using the SC needle and 20%, 37%, and 94% procedures using the standard needle (P < 0.001), respectively. The median number of passes to obtain a tissue diagnosis using the SC needle was significantly less as compared to the standard needle (1 and 3, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The EUS SC biopsy needle is safe and technically feasible for EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic mass lesions. Preliminary results suggest that the SC needle has a diagnostic yield similar to the standard EUS needle and significantly reduces the number of needle passes required to obtain a tissue diagnosis. PMID:29451167

21 CFR 882.1350 - Needle electrode.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Needle electrode. 882.1350 Section 882.1350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Diagnostic Devices § 882.1350 Needle electrode. (a...

21 CFR 882.1350 - Needle electrode.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Needle electrode. 882.1350 Section 882.1350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Diagnostic Devices § 882.1350 Needle electrode. (a...

Needle Steering in Biological Tissue using Ultrasound-based Online Curvature Estimation

PubMed Central

Moreira, Pedro; Patil, Sachin; Alterovitz, Ron; Misra, Sarthak

2014-01-01

Percutaneous needle insertions are commonly performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Accurate placement of the needle tip is important to the success of many needle procedures. The current needle steering systems depend on needle-tissue-specific data, such as maximum curvature, that is unavailable prior to an interventional procedure. In this paper, we present a novel three-dimensional adaptive steering method for flexible bevel-tipped needles that is capable of performing accurate tip placement without previous knowledge about needle curvature. The method steers the needle by integrating duty-cycled needle steering, online curvature estimation, ultrasound-based needle tracking, and sampling-based motion planning. The needle curvature estimation is performed online and used to adapt the path and duty cycling. We evaluated the method using experiments in a homogenous gelatin phantom, a two-layer gelatin phantom, and a biological tissue phantom composed of a gelatin layer and in vitro chicken tissue. In all experiments, virtual obstacles and targets move in order to represent the disturbances that might occur due to tissue deformation and physiological processes. The average targeting error using our new adaptive method is 40% lower than using the conventional non-adaptive duty-cycled needle steering method. PMID:26229729

Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid

MedlinePlus

... News Physician Resources Professions Site Index A-Z Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid ... Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid? What is Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid? ...

High-pressure needle interface for thermoplastic microfluidics.

PubMed

Chen, C F; Liu, J; Hromada, L P; Tsao, C W; Chang, C C; DeVoe, D L

2009-01-07

A robust and low dead volume world-to-chip interface for thermoplastic microfluidics has been developed. The high pressure fluidic port employs a stainless steel needle inserted into a mating hole aligned to an embedded microchannel, with an interference fit used to increase pressure resistance. Alternately, a self-tapping threaded needle screwed into a mating hole is also demonstrated. In both cases, the flat bottom needle ports seat directly against the microchannel substrate, ensuring low interfacial dead volumes. Low dispersion is observed for dye bands passing the interfaces. The needle ports offer sufficient pull-out forces for applications such as liquid chromatography that require high internal fluid pressures, with the epoxy-free interfaces compatible with internal microchannel pressures above 40 MPa.

Calcium silicate insulation structure

DOEpatents

Kollie, Thomas G.; Lauf, Robert J.

1995-01-01

An insulative structure including a powder-filled evacuated casing utilizes a quantity of finely divided synthetic calcium silicate having a relatively high surface area. The resultant structure-provides superior thermal insulating characteristics over a broad temperature range and is particularly well-suited as a panel for a refrigerator or freezer or the insulative barrier for a cooler or a insulated bottle.

Hybrid reflection type metasurface of nano-antennas designed for optical needle field generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shiyi; Zhan, Qiwen

2015-03-01

We propose a reflection type metal-insulator-metal (MIM) metasurface composed of hybrid optical antennas for comprehensive spatial engineering the properties of optical fields. Its capability is illustrated with an example to create a radially polarized vectorial beam for optical needle field generation. Functioning as local quarter-wave-plates (QWP), the MIM metasurface is designed to convert circularly polarized incident into local linear polarization to create an overall radial polarization with corresponding binary phases and desired normalized amplitude modulation ranged from 0.07 to 1. To obtain enough degrees of freedom, the optical-antenna layer comprises periodic arrangements of double metallic nano-bars with perpendicular placement and single nano-bars respectively for different amplitude modulation requirements. Both of the antennas enable to introduce π/2 retardation while reaching the desired modulation range both for phase and amplitude. Through adjusting the antennas' geometry and array carefully, we shift the gap-surface plasmon resonances facilitated by optical antennas to realize the manipulation of vectorial properties. Designed at 1064 nm wavelength, the particularly generated vectorial light output can be further tightly focused by a high numerical aperture objective to obtain longitudinally polarized flat-top focal field. The so-called optical needle field is a promising candidate for novel applications that transcend disciplinary boundaries. The proposed metasurface establishes a new class of compact optical components based on nano-scale structures, leading to compound functions for vectorial light generation.

A clinical guide to needle desensitization for the paediatric patient.

PubMed

Taylor, Greig D; Campbell, Caroline

2015-05-01

Needle phobia is a common problem encountered by dental practitioners and it can pose a challenge, especially in the paediatric patient. Needle desensitization can be used for patients who have needle fear or phobia and help them overcome this by repeated, non-threatening and controlled contacts. This paper will describe an accepted technique of needle desensitization and work through the steps required to achieve a successful outcome of local anaesthesia being delivered in a calm, safe and controlled manner. Clinical Relevance: Needle desensitization is an effective technique which can be used to enable a needle phobic patient to receive a dental injection.

Sugar export limits size of conifer needles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rademaker, Hanna; Zwieniecki, Maciej A.; Bohr, Tomas; Jensen, Kaare H.

2017-04-01

Plant leaf size varies by more than three orders of magnitude, from a few millimeters to over one meter. Conifer leaves, however, are relatively short and the majority of needles are no longer than 6 cm. The reason for the strong confinement of the trait-space is unknown. We show that sugars produced near the tip of long needles cannot be exported efficiently, because the pressure required to drive vascular flow would exceed the greatest available pressure (the osmotic pressure). This basic constraint leads to the formation of an inactive region of stagnant fluid near the needle tip, which does not contribute to sugar flow. Remarkably, we find that the size of the active part does not scale with needle length. We predict a single maximum needle size of 5 cm, in accord with data from 519 conifer species. This could help rationalize the recent observation that conifers have significantly smaller leaves than angiosperms, and provide a biophysical explanation for this intriguing difference between the two largest groups of plants.

A GIS-based methodology for improving needle exchange service delivery

PubMed Central

Davidson, Peter J.; Scholar, Shoshanna; Howe, Mary

2010-01-01

Background A variety of legal, social and logistical factors can prevent individuals from accessing formal needle exchange programs. One common solution to this problem is satellite exchange, which involves collaborating with people who already use an exchange to deliver needles and other supplies to those unable to access the exchange. While this approach can be very successful, one potential problem is that those most willing to deliver needles to their peers are often members of social networks that are already well connected with the needle exchange, leading to duplication of effort. In this paper we describe a simple and novel method for identifying groups of people who are demonstrably in need of improved access to needles, and for re-targeting efforts to meet the needs of those people. The method described was piloted at the Homeless Youth Alliance, San Francisco, USA, and further refined at Clean Needles Now, Los Angeles, USA. Methods People accessing needle exchange sites were asked to participate in a survey with two questions: “where were you and what time was it last time someone borrowed a needle from you?” and “where were you and what time was it last time you had to borrow a needle from someone else?” Responses were geocoded, and maps produced showing ‘hotspots’ where people were frequently finding themselves without needles. Results Satellite needle exchange was refined from an ad-hoc activity into one which focused on delivering needles to those with empirically demonstrable need. Maps produced in the process also proved valuable in discussions with local officials and other agencies about funding, as well as needle provision policy and practices. Conclusion We describe a method for rapidly assessing, describing, and responding to unmet and under-met need among injecting drug users. The method is particularly well-suited to organizations with extremely limited resources. PMID:21112757

Free thyroxine in needle washout after fine needle aspiration biopsy of toxic thyroid nodules.

PubMed

Raikov, Nikolai; Nonchev, Boyan; Chaushev, Borislav; Vjagova, Diyana; Todorov, Svetoslav; Bocheva, Yana; Malceva, Daniela; Vicheva, Snejinka; Raikova, Asyia; Argatska, Antoaneta; Raikov, Miroslav

2016-01-01

The main diagnostic tool for toxic adenomas (TA) is radionuclide imaging indicated in patients with evidence of thyroid nodules in combination with thyrotoxic syndrome. Thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are widely used for the valuation of thyroid masses. There is no literature data concerning the utility of FNAB and related tests for the diagnosis of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of free thyroxine (FT4) in the needle washout after FNAB of hot thyroid nodules. The results of our study show that the FT4 levels in needle washout from TA were significantly higher than the surrounding parenchyma and correlated with the hormonal changes in patients with thyroid hyperfunctioning nodules. Further studies on a large number of patients are needed to refine the diagnostic value of this method and evaluate its importance in quantitative risk assessment of thyroid autonomy.

Electromagnetic Nondestructive Evaluation of Wire Insulation and Models of Insulation Material Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowler, Nicola; Kessler, Michael R.; Li, Li; Hondred, Peter R.; Chen, Tianming

2012-01-01

Polymers have been widely used as wiring electrical insulation materials in space/air-craft. The dielectric properties of insulation polymers can change over time, however, due to various aging processes such as exposure to heat, humidity and mechanical stress. Therefore, the study of polymers used in electrical insulation of wiring is important to the aerospace industry due to potential loss of life and aircraft in the event of an electrical fire caused by breakdown of wiring insulation. Part of this research is focused on studying the mechanisms of various environmental aging process of the polymers used in electrical wiring insulation and the ways in which their dielectric properties change as the material is subject to the aging processes. The other part of the project is to determine the feasibility of a new capacitive nondestructive testing method to indicate degradation in the wiring insulation, by measuring its permittivity.

Fine-needle aspiration by vacuum tubes.

PubMed

Holmquist, N D

1989-07-01

Fine-needle aspiration of subcutaneous masses, accepted in many parts of Europe and the Americas as a routine diagnostic technique, employs a syringe holder to facilitate the creation of a vacuum to withdraw cells. This investigation demonstrates that a vacuum tube used in venipuncture can be used to supply the negative pressure to suck cells into the needle. This apparatus is more readily available than a syringe holder in hospitals and clinics, and particularly provides the operator with a more dexterous approach to the mass because the fingers holding the needle can be much closer to the mass being immobilized by the other hand.

Phase modulation in horizontal metal-insulator-silicon-insulator-metal plasmonic waveguides.

PubMed

Zhu, Shiyang; Lo, G Q; Kwong, D L

2013-04-08

An extremely compact Si phase modulator is proposed and validated, which relies on effective modulation of the real part of modal index of horizontal metal-insulator-Si-insulator-metal plasmonic waveguides by a voltage applied between the metal cover and the Si core. Proof-of-concept devices are fabricated on silicon-on-insulator substrates using standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology using copper as the metal and thermal silicon dioxide as the insulator. A modulator with a 1-μm-long phase shifter inserted in an asymmetric Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer exhibits 9-dB extinction ratio under a 6-V/10-kHz voltage swing. Numerical simulations suggest that high speed and low driving voltage could be achieved by shortening the distance between the Si core and the n(+)-contact and by using a high-κ dielectric as the insulator, respectively.

21 CFR 880.5580 - Acupuncture needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Acupuncture needle. 880.5580 Section 880.5580 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL... the skin in the practice of acupuncture. The device consists of a solid, stainless steel needle. The...

Cryogenic Insulation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Randall C. (Inventor); Taylor, Allan H. (Inventor); Jackson, L. Robert (Inventor); Mcauliffe, Patrick S. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

This invention relates to reusable, low density, high temperature cryogenic foam insulation systems and the process for their manufacture. A pacing technology for liquid hydrogen fueled, high speed aircraft is the development of a fully reusable, flight weight cryogenic insulation system for propellant tank structures. In the invention cryogenic foam insulation is adhesively bonded to the outer wall of the fuel tank structure. The cryogenic insulation consists of square sheets fabricated from an array of abutting square blocks. Each block consists of a sheet of glass cloth adhesively bonded between two layers of polymethacrylimide foam. Each block is wrapped in a vapor impermeable membrane, such as Kapton(R) aluminum Kapton(R), to provide a vapor barrier. Very beneficial results can be obtained by employing the present invention in conjunction with fibrous insulation and an outer aeroshell, a hot fuselage structure with an internal thermal protection system.

Balloon dilation and intralesional steroid for benign rectal stricture management in a cat.

PubMed

Chavkin, Jessica A; Spector, Donna J; Stanley, Skye W

2010-08-01

A 4-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair presented for 1 week of constipation and tenesmus. A rectal stricture had been diagnosed 8 months prior at the time of adoption and the cat had been successfully managed with stool softeners until presentation. A complete diagnostic work-up failed to reveal an underlying etiology for the stricture and colonoscopy was performed. Endoscopic biopsies of the stricture revealed benign non-specific inflammatory changes. Balloon dilation of the rectal stricture was performed during the initial colonoscopy and 3 and 9 days later. Triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the stricture site with endoscopic guidance during the third dilation procedure. The patient has been monitored for over 27 months; follow-up indicates no signs of tenesmus and repeated rectal examinations reveal no stricture recurrence. This case report demonstrates that endoscopic balloon dilation with intralesional steroid injection represented a minimally invasive and effective option for the treatment of a benign rectal stricture in this cat, and deserves further prospective investigation. Copyright 2010 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal insulating conformal blanket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barney, Andrea (Inventor); Whittington, Charles A (Inventor); Eilertson, Bryan (Inventor); Siminski, Zenon (Inventor)

2003-01-01

The conformal thermal insulating blanket may have generally rigid batting material covered by an outer insulating layer formed of a high temperature resistant woven ceramic material and an inner insulating layer formed of a woven ceramic fiber material. The batting and insulating layers may be fastened together by sewing or stitching using an outer mold layer thread fabricated of a high temperature resistant material and an inner mold layer thread of a ceramic fiber material. The batting may be formed to a composite structure that may have a firmness factor sufficient to inhibit a pillowing effect after the stitching to not more than 0.03 inch. The outer insulating layer and an upper portion of the batting adjacent the outer insulating layer may be impregnated with a ceramic coating material.

Image-based tracking of the suturing needle during laparoscopic interventions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Speidel, S.; Kroehnert, A.; Bodenstedt, S.; Kenngott, H.; Müller-Stich, B.; Dillmann, R.

2015-03-01

One of the most complex and difficult tasks for surgeons during minimally invasive interventions is suturing. A prerequisite to assist the suturing process is the tracking of the needle. The endoscopic images provide a rich source of information which can be used for needle tracking. In this paper, we present an image-based method for markerless needle tracking. The method uses a color-based and geometry-based segmentation to detect the needle. Once an initial needle detection is obtained, a region of interest enclosing the extracted needle contour is passed on to a reduced segmentation. It is evaluated with in vivo images from da Vinci interventions.

Strongly Correlated Topological Insulators

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-03

Strongly Correlated Topological Insulators In the past year, the grant was used for work in the field of topological phases, with emphasis on finding...surface of topological insulators . In the past 3 years, we have started a new direction, that of fractional topological insulators . These are materials...Strongly Correlated Topological Insulators Report Title In the past year, the grant was used for work in the field of topological phases, with emphasis

Partial Model of Insulator/Insulator Contact Charging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael; Calle, C. I.; Buhler, C. R.; Mucciolo, E. R.

2005-01-01

Two papers present a two-phase equilibrium model that partly explains insulator/ insulator contact charging. In this model, a vapor of ions within a gas is in equilibrium with a submonolayer of ions of the same species that have been adsorbed on the surface of an insulator. The surface is modeled as having localized states, each with a certain energy of adsorption for an ion. In an earlier version of the model described in the first paper, the ions do not interact with each other. Using the grand canonical ensemble, the chemical potentials of both vapor and absorbed phases are derived and equated to determine the vapor pressure. If a charge is assigned to the vapor particles (in particular, if single ionization is assumed), then the surface charge density associated with adsorbed ions can be calculated as a function of pressure. In a later version of the model presented in the second paper, the submodel of the vapor phase is extended to include electrostatic interactions between vapor ions and adsorbed ones as well as the screening effect, at a given distance from the surface, of ions closer to the surface. Theoretical values of this model closely match preliminary experimental data on the discharge of insulators as a function of pressure.

The effect of SO2 pollution on pine needle structure

Treesearch

E. A. Zhitkova; L. L. Novitskaya

2000-01-01

Fall and winter needles from pines growing near the Kostomuksha oredressing mill (KODM) were collected and studied by light microscopy. Fall needles showed symptoms of SO2 influence and no specific seasonal changes in mesophyll. The injury rates of needle surface and mesophyll showed that pollutants penetrate into the needles through stomata and...

Subcutaneous intralesional Ksharodaka injection: A novel treatment for the management of Warts: A case series.

PubMed

Gundeti, Manohar S; Reddy, R Govind; Muralidhar, Jangle Vidya

2014-01-01

Warts are generally managed using cryosurgery, keratolytic ointments, curettage and electrodessication. Warts, vis-a-vis Charmakila, in Ayurvedic classical texts are classified into different types depending on the dominance of dosha. Ayurveda prescribes oral medications, topical use of Kshara (alkaline ash of herbs), Agni (thermal cautery) and Shastrakarma (surgery) for removal of Charmakila. Use of topical Kshara in the form of powder, aqueous solution i.e. Ksharodaka and Ksharasutra (thread smeared with Kshara) for warts has been reported. However, these methods necessitate multiple sittings and takea longer duration for removal of the warts. Herewith, we report a case series of different types of warts treated with intralesional infiltration of Apamarga Ksharodaka (AK), i.e. aqueous solution of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) Kshara. We observed that all these warts took a minimum of 2-6 days to shed off, leaving minor scars. There were no adverse reactions reported in any of these cases.

Preparation (pulling) of needles for gene delivery by microinjection.

PubMed

Dean, David A

2006-12-01

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol contains methods for pulling microinjection needles using two different models of pipette pullers. The advantage of pulling needles in the laboratory is that a variety of different needle types can be pulled, depending on the samples and cells being injected. An added advantage is cost; once a pipette puller has been purchased, boxes of glass capillaries are inexpensive compared to premade microinjection needles. The advantages to buying preformed and sterilized needles include increased uniformity of needles from one to another, ease of use, high quality, and not having to invest in a pipette puller. The pipette puller models described in this article are the Flaming/Brown Pipette Puller Model P-97 (Sutter) and the PUL-1 Micropipette Puller (World Precision Instruments). The PUL-1 instrument is the less expensive of the two, but it requires more user input, and it cannot be used to pull Femtotip-like microinjection pipettes.

Behavior of Tip-Steerable Needles in ex vivo and in vivo Tissue

PubMed Central

Majewicz, Ann; Marra, Steven P.; van Vledder, Mark G.; Lin, MingDe; Choti, Michael A.; Song, Danny Y.; Okamura, Allison M.

2012-01-01

Robotic needle steering is a promising technique to improve the effectiveness of needle-based clinical procedures, such as biopsies and ablation, by computer-controlled, curved insertions of needles within solid organs. In this paper, we explore the capabilities, challenges, and clinical relevance of asymmetric-tip needle steering though experiments in ex vivo and in vivo tissue. We evaluate the repeatability of needle insertion in inhomogeneous biological tissue and compare ex vivo and in vivo needle curvature and insertion forces. Steerable needles curved more in kidney than in liver and prostate, likely due to differences in tissue properties. Pre-bent needles produced higher insertion forces in liver and more curvature in vivo than ex vivo. When compared to straight stainless steel needles, steerable needles did not cause a measurable increase in tissue damage and did not exert more force during insertion. The minimum radius of curvature achieved by pre-bent needles was 5.23 cm in ex vivo tissue, and 10.4 cm in in vivo tissue. The curvatures achieved by bevel tip needles were negligible for in vivo tissue. The minimum radius of curvature for bevel tip needles in ex vivo tissue was 16.4 cm; however, about half of the bevel tip needles had negligible curvatures. We also demonstrate a potential clinical application of needle steering by targeting and ablating overlapping regions of cadaveric canine liver. PMID:22711767

Self-Healing Wire Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrish, Clyde F. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A self-healing system for an insulation material initiates a self-repair process by rupturing a plurality of microcapsules disposed on the insulation material. When the plurality of microcapsules are ruptured, reactants within the plurality of microcapsules react to form a replacement polymer in a break of the insulation material. This self-healing system has the ability to repair multiple breaks in a length of insulation material without exhausting the repair properties of the material.

Is point of access to needles and syringes related to needle sharing? Comparing data collected from pharmacies and needle and syringe programs in south-east Sydney.

PubMed

Bryant, Joanne; Topp, Libby; Hopwood, Max; Iversen, Jenny; Treloar, Carla; Maher, Lisa

2010-07-01

The comprehensive needle and syringe distribution system in New South Wales is partly based on the premise that different points of access to injecting equipment may attract different groups of injecting drug users. This paper examines patterns of equipment acquisition and risk for blood-borne virus transmission among injecting drug users who use pharmacies and needle and syringe programs (NSP) in south-east Sydney. Clients obtaining injecting equipment from four NSP (n = 147) and eight pharmacies (n = 227) in 2006 voluntarily completed a self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were grouped into three categories based on their needle and syringe acquisition patterns: exclusive use of NSP, exclusive use of pharmacies and use of both. Although it was common for respondents to report using both pharmacies and NSP to obtain needles and syringes (57%), a proportion reported exclusive use of pharmacies (17%) and NSP (14%). Exclusive pharmacy users were more likely to have never received treatment for their drug use and the least likely to have had a recent test for hepatitis C. Compared with respondents who exclusively used NSP, respondents who exclusively used pharmacies were more likely to report receptive sharing of injecting equipment (adjusted odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 2.02-17.14), as were respondents who reported using both sources (adjusted odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 2.35-14.40). The high prevalence of receptive equipment sharing among pharmacy clients indicates a need to improve access to needles and syringes and ancillary equipment, possibly by including ancillary equipment at no cost in existing pre-packaged pharmacy products.

Master-slave robotic system for needle indentation and insertion.

PubMed

Shin, Jaehyun; Zhong, Yongmin; Gu, Chengfan

2017-12-01

Bilateral control of a master-slave robotic system is a challenging issue in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery. It requires the knowledge on contact interaction between a surgical (slave) robot and soft tissues. This paper presents a master-slave robotic system for needle indentation and insertion. This master-slave robotic system is able to characterize the contact interaction between the robotic needle and soft tissues. A bilateral controller is implemented using a linear motor for robotic needle indentation and insertion. A new nonlinear state observer is developed to online monitor the contact interaction with soft tissues. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed master-slave robotic system for robotic needle indentation and needle insertion.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of three needling method on piriformis injury syndrome].

PubMed

Yang, Jun-xiong; Zhu, Xiao-yi

2008-03-01

To search for an effective needling method for treatment of piriformis injury syndrome. Eighty-two cases were randomly divided into a three needling group and a routine needling group, 41 cases in each group. The three needling group were treated by acupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Shenmai (BL 62), with needling shallow, middle and deep layers for Huantiao, Yanglingquan, and after acupuncture massage was given at the Foot-Taiyang Channel and the Foot-Shaoyang Channel on lumbosacral region and the affected foot. The routine needling group were treated by routine needling at Huantiao (GB 30), Juliao (GB 29), Chengfu (BL 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), massage was given also. Their therapeutic effects were compared. The cured rate was 87.8% in the three needling group and 63.4% in the routine needling group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The therapeutic effect of three needling method on piriformis injury syndrome is better than that of routine needling.

Torsional Dynamics of Steerable Needles: Modeling and Fluoroscopic Guidance

PubMed Central

Swensen, John P.; Lin, MingDe; Okamura, Allison M.; Cowan, Noah J.

2017-01-01

Needle insertions underlie a diversity of medical interventions. Steerable needles provide a means by which to enhance existing needle-based interventions and facilitate new ones. Tip-steerable needles follow a curved path and can be steered by twisting the needle base during insertion, but this twisting excites torsional dynamics that introduce a discrepancy between the base and tip twist angles. Here, we model the torsional dynamics of a flexible rod—such as a tip-steerable needle—during subsurface insertion and develop a new controller based on the model. The torsional model incorporates time-varying mode shapes to capture the changing boundary conditions inherent during insertion. Numerical simulations and physical experiments using two distinct setups—stereo camera feedback in semi-transparent artificial tissue and feedback control with real-time X-ray imaging in optically opaque artificial tissue— demonstrate the need to account for torsional dynamics in control of the needle tip. PMID:24860026

Transperineal prostate biopsy under magnetic resonance image guidance: a needle placement accuracy study.

PubMed

Blumenfeld, Philip; Hata, Nobuhiko; DiMaio, Simon; Zou, Kelly; Haker, Steven; Fichtinger, Gabor; Tempany, Clare M C

2007-09-01

To quantify needle placement accuracy of magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided core needle biopsy of the prostate. A total of 10 biopsies were performed with 18-gauge (G) core biopsy needle via a percutaneous transperineal approach. Needle placement error was assessed by comparing the coordinates of preplanned targets with the needle tip measured from the intraprocedural coherent gradient echo images. The source of these errors was subsequently investigated by measuring displacement caused by needle deflection and needle susceptibility artifact shift in controlled phantom studies. Needle placement error due to misalignment of the needle template guide was also evaluated. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of errors in targeted biopsies was 6.5 +/- 3.5 mm. Phantom experiments showed significant placement error due to needle deflection with a needle with an asymmetrically beveled tip (3.2-8.7 mm depending on tissue type) but significantly smaller error with a symmetrical bevel (0.6-1.1 mm). Needle susceptibility artifacts observed a shift of 1.6 +/- 0.4 mm from the true needle axis. Misalignment of the needle template guide contributed an error of 1.5 +/- 0.3 mm. Needle placement error was clinically significant in MRI-guided biopsy for diagnosis of prostate cancer. Needle placement error due to needle deflection was the most significant cause of error, especially for needles with an asymmetrical bevel. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Dual mode fuel injector with one piece needle valve member

DOEpatents

Lawrence, Keith E.; Hinrichsen, Michael H.; Buckman, Colby

2005-01-18

A fuel injector includes a homogenous charge nozzle outlet set and a conventional nozzle outlet set controlled respectively by inner and outer needle value members. The homogenous charged nozzle outlet set is defined by an outer needle value member that is moveably positioned in an injector body, which defines the conventional nozzle outlet set. The inner needle valve member is positioned in the outer needle valve member. The outer needle valve member is a piece component that includes at least one external guide surface, an external value surface and an internal valve seat.

Robust path planning for flexible needle insertion using Markov decision processes.

PubMed

Tan, Xiaoyu; Yu, Pengqian; Lim, Kah-Bin; Chui, Chee-Kong

2018-05-11

Flexible needle has the potential to accurately navigate to a treatment region in the least invasive manner. We propose a new planning method using Markov decision processes (MDPs) for flexible needle navigation that can perform robust path planning and steering under the circumstance of complex tissue-needle interactions. This method enhances the robustness of flexible needle steering from three different perspectives. First, the method considers the problem caused by soft tissue deformation. The method then resolves the common needle penetration failure caused by patterns of targets, while the last solution addresses the uncertainty issues in flexible needle motion due to complex and unpredictable tissue-needle interaction. Computer simulation and phantom experimental results show that the proposed method can perform robust planning and generate a secure control policy for flexible needle steering. Compared with a traditional method using MDPs, the proposed method achieves higher accuracy and probability of success in avoiding obstacles under complicated and uncertain tissue-needle interactions. Future work will involve experiment with biological tissue in vivo. The proposed robust path planning method can securely steer flexible needle within soft phantom tissues and achieve high adaptability in computer simulation.

Needle Decompression of Tension Pneumothorax with Colorimetric Capnography.

PubMed

Naik, Nimesh D; Hernandez, Matthew C; Anderson, Jeff R; Ross, Erika K; Zielinski, Martin D; Aho, Johnathon M

2017-11-01

The success of needle decompression for tension pneumothorax is variable, and there are no objective measures assessing effective decompression. Colorimetric capnography, which detects carbon dioxide present within the pleural space, may serve as a simple test to assess effective needle decompression. Three swine underwent traumatically induced tension pneumothorax (standard of care, n = 15; standard of care with needle capnography, n = 15). Needle thoracostomy was performed with an 8-cm angiocatheter. Similarly, decompression was performed with the addition of colorimetric capnography. Subjective operator assessment of decompression was recorded and compared with true decompression, using thoracoscopic visualization for both techniques. Areas under receiver operating curves were calculated and pairwise comparison was performed to assess statistical significance (P < .05). The detection of decompression by needle colorimetric capnography was found to be 100% accurate (15 of 15 attempts), when compared with thoracoscopic assessment (true decompression). Furthermore, it accurately detected the lack of tension pneumothorax, that is, the absence of any pathologic/space-occupying lesion, in 100% of cases (10 of 10 attempts). Standard of care needle decompression was detected by operators in 9 of 15 attempts (60%) and was detected in 3 of 10 attempts when tension pneumothorax was not present (30%). True decompression, under direct visualization with thoracoscopy, occurred 15 of 15 times (100%) with capnography, and 12 of 15 times (80%) without capnography. Areas under receiver operating curves were 0.65 for standard of care and 1.0 for needle capnography (P = .002). Needle decompression with colorimetric capnography provides a rapid, effective, and highly accurate method for eliminating operator bias for tension pneumothorax decompression. This may be useful for the treatment of this life-threatening condition. Copyright © 2017 American College of Chest Physicians

Experimental analysis of robot-assisted needle insertion into porcine liver.

PubMed

Wang, Wendong; Shi, Yikai; Goldenberg, Andrew A; Yuan, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Peng; He, Lijing; Zou, Yingjie

2015-01-01

How to improve placement accuracy of needle insertion into liver tissue is of paramount interest to physicians. A robot-assisted system was developed to experimentally demonstrate its advantages in needle insertion surgeries. Experiments of needle insertion into porcine liver tissue were performed with conic tip needle (diameter 8 mm) and bevel tip needle (diameter 1.5 mm) in this study. Manual operation was designed to compare the performance of the presented robot-assisted system. The real-time force curves show outstanding advantages of robot-assisted operation in improving the controllability and stability of needle insertion process by comparing manual operation. The statistics of maximum force and average force further demonstrates robot-assisted operation causes less oscillation. The difference of liver deformation created by manual operation and robot-assisted operation is very low, 1 mm for average deformation and 2 mm for maximum deformation. To conclude, the presented robot-assisted system can improve placement accuracy of needle by stably control insertion process.

Diagenesis of conifer needles in a coastal marine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hedges, John I.; Weliky, K.

1989-10-01

Physically intact fir, hemlock and cedar needles were isolated from different horizons of a sediment core from a coastal marine bay (Dabob Bay, Washington State, U.S.A.) and from nearby trees and forest litter. Green fir, hemlock and cedar needles were all characterized by glucose-rich aldose mixtures (~30% of tissue carbon), the production of vanillyl and cinnamyl CuO-derived phenols (~8% of tissue carbon) and the presence of both pinitol and myo-inositol (1-2% of tissue carbon). Needles from forest litter were enriched in lignin phenols and non-glucose aldoses and depleted in glucose and cyclitols. The sediment core contained an average of 10 mg/1 of physically intact fir, hemlock and cedar needles, which occurred in similar relative abundances and accounted for less than 1% of the total nonwoody gymnosperm tissue. Compared to the green and litter counterparts, all sedimentary needles were greatly depleted in cyclitols, glucose and p-coumaric acid and enriched in vanillyl phenol precursors. The degree of elevation of vanillyl phenol yield from the degraded needles was used to estimate minimal carbon losses from the samples, which ranged from near 40% for needle litter to almost 70% for the deepest (~100 years old) sedimentary fir/hemlock samples. Although downcore increases in carbon loss and refractory organic components indicated in situ diagenesis, the bulk of overall degradation occurred either on land or during the first 10-20 years after deposition. Atomic C/N ratios of degraded needles were lower than for green counterparts, but nitrogen was lost overall. These relative changes indicate the following stability series: vanillyl phenols > N > ferulic acid, p-hydroxy phenols, most aldoses and bulk tissue > glucose and p-coumaric acid > cyclitols (near 100% loss). Vanillic acid to vanillin ratios, (Ad/Al)v, of the green fir and hemlock needles were unusually high (0.36-0.38) and decreased downcore. Diagenesis also decreased the cinnamyl/vanillyl phenol ratio

Rooting of needle fascicles from western white pine seedlings

Treesearch

Ramond J. Hoff; Geral I. McDonald

1968-01-01

In one test, 45 out of 318 (14 percent) needle fascicles from 2-year-old seedlings of Pinus monticola Dougl. were rooted. Eight of the needle fascicles produced shoot growth. In another test, 392 out of 742 (53 percent) needle fascicles were rooted, but none of these produced shoot growth.

Endpoint Accuracy in Manual Control of a Steerable Needle.

PubMed

van de Berg, Nick J; Dankelman, Jenny; van den Dobbelsteen, John J

2017-02-01

To study the ability of a human operator to manually correct for errors in the needle insertion path without partial withdrawal of the needle by means of an active, tip-articulated steerable needle. The needle is composed of a 1.32-mm outer-diameter cannula, with a flexure joint near the tip, and a retractable stylet. The bending stiffness of the needle resembles that of a 20-gauge hypodermic needle. The needle functionality was evaluated in manual insertions by steering to predefined targets and a lateral displacement of 20 mm from the straight insertion line. Steering tasks were conducted in 5 directions and 2 tissue simulants under image guidance from a camera. The repeatability in instrument actuations was assessed during 100 mm deep automated insertions with a linear motor. In addition to tip position, tip angles were tracked during the insertions. The targeting error (mean absolute error ± standard deviation) during manual steering to 5 different targets in stiff tissue was 0.5 mm ± 1.1. This variability in manual tip placement (1.1 mm) was less than the variability among automated insertions (1.4 mm) in the same tissue type. An increased tissue stiffness resulted in an increased lateral tip displacement. The tip angle was directly controlled by the user interface, and remained unaffected by the tissue stiffness. This study demonstrates the ability to manually steer needles to predefined target locations under image guidance. Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Research on needle exchange: redefining the agenda.

PubMed Central

Hantman, J. A.

1995-01-01

Researchers studying needle-exchange programs in the United States pursue a two-fold agenda that requires answers to these questions: (1) Do such programs successfully reduce HIV seroprevalence among injecting drug users? (2) Do they promote drug use? Several federal laws and regulations require convincing data on each question before the release of federal funds for needle exchange. Fears that needle exchange promotes drug use are at the core of federal concerns, and these fears are shared by community leaders, scientists, and public health professionals. Nonetheless, the manner in which the "drug use" question has been framed and addressed in scientific research has been given insufficient attention. This article aims to stimulate debate about current research, and restore a focus on HIV prevention, by addressing several methodological, logical, and ethical weaknesses that characterize the scientific inquiry into whether needle exchange promotes drug use. PMID:10101379

Smart surgical needle actuated by shape memory alloys for percutaneous procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konh, Bardia

Background: Majority of cancer interventions today are performed percutaneously using needle-based procedures, i.e. through the skin and soft tissue. Insufficient accuracy using conventional surgical needles motivated researchers to provide actuation forces to the needle's body for compensating the possible errors of surgeons/physicians. Therefore, active needles were proposed recently where actuation forces provided by shape memory alloys (SMAs) are utilized to assist the maneuverability and accuracy of surgical needles. This work also aims to introduce a novel needle insertion simulation to predict the deflection of a bevel tip needle inside the tissue. Methods: In this work first, the actuation capability of a single SMA wire was studied. The complex response of SMAs was investigated via a MATLAB implementation of the Brinson model and verified via experimental tests. The material characteristics of SMAs were simulated by defining multilinear elastic isothermal stress-strain curves. Rigorous experiments with SMA wires were performed to determine the material properties as well as to show the capability of the code to predict a stabilized SMA transformation behavior with sufficient accuracy. The isothermal stress-strain curves of SMAs were simulated and defined as a material model for the Finite Element Analysis of the active needle. In the second part of this work, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the active steerable needle was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of using SMA wires as actuators to bend the surgical needle. In the FE model, birth and death method of defining boundary conditions, available in ANSYS, was used to achieve the pre-strain condition on SMA wire prior to actuation. This numerical model was validated with needle deflection experiments with developed prototypes of the active needle. The third part of this work describes the design optimization of the active using genetic algorithm aiming for its maximum flexibility

Detection of UV Pulse from Insulators and Application in Estimating the Conditions of Insulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jingang; Chong, Junlong; Yang, Jie

2014-10-01

Solar radiation in the band of 240-280 nm is absorbed by the ozone layer in the atmosphere, and corona discharges from high-voltage apparatus emit in air mainly in the 230-405 nm range of ultraviolet (UV), so the band of 240-280 nm is called UV Solar Blind Band. When the insulators in a string deteriorate or are contaminated, the voltage distribution along the string will change, which causes the electric fields in the vicinity of insulators change and corona discharge intensifies. An UV pulse detection method to check the conditions of insulators is presented based on detecting the UV pulse among the corona discharge, then it can be confirmed that whether there exist faulty insulators and whether the surface contamination of insulators is severe for the safe operation of power systems. An UV-I Insulator Detector has been developed, and both laboratory tests and field tests have been carried out which demonstrates the practical viability of UV-I Insulator Detector for online monitoring.

Needle free injection technology: A complete insight

PubMed Central

Ravi, Ansh Dev; Sadhna, D; Nagpaal, D; Chawla, L

2015-01-01

Needle free injection technology (NFIT)is an extremely broad concept which include a wide range of drug delivery systems that drive drugs through the skin using any of the forces as Lorentz, Shock waves, pressure by gas or electrophoresis which propels the drug through the skin, virtually nullifying the use of hypodermic needle. This technology is not only touted to be beneficial for the pharma industry but developing world too find it highly useful in mass immunization programmes, bypassing the chances of needle stick injuries and avoiding other complications including those arising due to multiple use of single needle. The NFIT devices can be classified based on their working, type of load, mechanism of drug delivery and site of delivery. To administer a stable, safe and an effective dose through NFIT, the sterility, shelf life and viscosity of drug are the main components which should be taken care of. Technically superior needle-free injection systems are able to administer highly viscous drug products which cannot be administered by traditional needle and syringe systems, further adding to the usefulness of the technology. NFIT devices can be manufactured in a variety of ways; however the widely employed procedure to manufacture it is by injection molding technique. There are many variants of this technology which are being marketed, such as Bioject® ZetaJetTM, Vitajet 3, Tev-Tropin® and so on. Larger investment has been made in developing this technology with several devices already being available in the market post FDA clearance and a great market worldwide. PMID:26682189

Wrapped Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dye, Scott A.

2015-01-01

New NASA vehicles, such as Earth Departure Stage (EDS), Orion, landers, and orbiting fuel depots, need improved cryogenic propellant transfer and storage for long-duration missions. Current cryogen feed line multilayer insulation (MLI) performance is 10 times worse per area than tank MLI insulation. During each launch, cryogenic piping loses approximately 150,000 gallons (equivalent to $300,000) in boil-off during transfer, chill down, and ground hold. Quest Product Development Corp., teaming with Ball Aerospace, developed an innovative advanced insulation system, Wrapped MLI (wMLI), to provide improved thermal insulation for cryogenic feed lines. wMLI is high-performance multilayer insulation designed for cryogenic piping. It uses Quest's innovative discrete-spacer technology to control layer spacing/ density and reduce heat leak. The Phase I project successfully designed, built, and tested a wMLI prototype with a measured heat leak 3.6X lower than spiral-wrapped conventional MLI widely used for piping insulation. A wMLI prototype had a heat leak of 7.3 W/sq m, or 27 percent of the heat leak of conventional MLI (26.7 W/sq m). The Phase II project is further developing wMLI technology with custom, molded polymer spacers and advancing the product toward commercialization via a rigorous testing program, including developing advanced vacuuminsulated pipe for ground support equipment.

Wrapped Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dye, Scott A.

2015-01-01

New NASA vehicles, such as Earth Departure Stage (EDS), Orion, landers, and orbiting fuel depots, need improved cryogenic propellant transfer and storage for long-duration missions. Current cryogen feed line multilayer insulation (MLI) performance is 10 times worse per area than tank MLI insulation. During each launch, cryogenic piping loses approximately 150,000 gallons (equivalent to $300,000) in boil-off during transfer, chill down, and ground hold. Quest Product Development Corp., teaming with Ball Aerospace, developed an innovative advanced insulation system, Wrapped MLI (wMLI), to provide improved thermal insulation for cryogenic feed lines. wMLI is high-performance multilayer insulation designed for cryogenic piping. It uses Quest's innovative discrete-spacer technology to control layer spacing/ density and reduce heat leak. The Phase I project successfully designed, built, and tested a wMLI prototype with a measured heat leak 3.6X lower than spiral-wrapped conventional MLI widely used for piping insulation. A wMLI prototype had a heat leak of 7.3 W/m2, or 27 percent of the heat leak of conventional MLI (26.7 W/m2). The Phase II project is further developing wMLI technology with custom, molded polymer spacers and advancing the product toward commercialization via a rigorous testing program, including developing advanced vacuuminsulated pipe for ground support equipment.

Perioperative thermal insulation.

PubMed

Bräuer, Anselm; Perl, Thorsten; English, Michael J M; Quintel, Michael

2007-01-01

Perioperative hypothermia remains a common problem during anesthesia and surgery. Unfortunately, the implementation of new minimally invasive surgical procedures has not lead to a reduction of this problem. Heat losses from the skin can be reduced by thermal insulation to avoid perioperative hypothermia. However, only a small amount of information is available regarding the physical properties of insulating materials used in the Operating Room (OR). Therefore, several materials using validated manikins were tested. Heat loss from the surface of the manikin can be described as:"Q = h . DeltaT . A" where Q = heat flux, h = heat exchange coefficient, DeltaT = temperature gradient between the environment and surface, and A = covered area. Heat flux per unit area and surface temperature were measured with calibrated heat flux transducers. Environmental temperature was measured using a thermoanemometer. The temperature gradient between the surface and environment (DeltaT) was varied and "h" was determined by linear regression analysis as the slope of "DeltaT" versus heat flux per unit area. The reciprocal of the heat exchange coefficient defines the insulation. The insulation values of the materials varied between 0.01 Clo (plastic bag) to 2.79 Clo (2 layers of a hospital duvet). Given the range of insulating materials available for outdoor activities, significant improvement in insulation of patients in the OR is both possible and desirable.

Complications after LP related to needle type: pencil-point versus Quincke.

PubMed

Aamodt, A; Vedeler, C

2001-06-01

We studied the incidence of complications after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) related to needle type. A 5 months' observational study of routine diagnostic LP in 83 patients was conducted. Significantly more headache was observed after LP using thicker cutting needles (20G Quincke) compared with thinner cutting or non-cutting needles (22G Quincke or pencil-point). No significant difference in complications after LP was found between the 22G Quincke and pencil-point needles. The size of the needle and not the needle shape seems to be the main determinant for post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).

Intralesional antimony for single lesions of bolivian cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PubMed

Soto, Jaime; Rojas, Ernesto; Guzman, Miguel; Verduguez, Aleida; Nena, Winne; Maldonado, Maria; Cruz, Mary; Gracia, Lineth; Villarroel, Darsi; Alavi, Isidoro; Toledo, Julia; Berman, Jonathan

2013-05-01

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an ultimately self-curing disease for which systemic therapy with pentavalent antimony (Sb) is effective but with side effects. We evaluated 2 local treatments, intralesional (IL) Sb and cryotherapy, for single lesions due to Bolivian Leishmania (v.) braziliensis in a placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized between IL Sb (650 µg/mm(2) of lesion area on days 1, 3, and 5), cryotherapy (days 1 and 14), and placebo cream (daily for 20 days) in a 3:2:3 allocation. Lesion area was measured prior to therapy, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy. The criteria for lesion cure were as follows: not doubling in size at 1 month, at least 50% diminution in size at 3 months, and complete reepithelialization at 6 months. Local adverse effects were recorded. Cure rates were 21 of 30 (70%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 52%-83%) for IL Sb, 4 of 20 (20%; 95% CI, 8%-42%) for cryotherapy, and 5 of 30 (17%; 95% CI, 7%-34%) for placebo cream (P < .001 for IL Sb vs each other group). IL Sb adverse events were limited to injection site pain, with a mean value of 1.0 (mild). The comparative cure rate, small amount of drug administered, and tolerance data for IL Sb suggest that if local therapy for single L. braziliensis lesions is chosen, this treatment is attractive. Given the difficulties of performing placebo-controlled trials in the New World, the combined placebo and cryotherapy cure rate (18%; 95% CI, 10%-31%) is likely to become the standard against which future interventions for L. braziliensis are compared. NCT01300975.

Recovering Infectious HIV from Novel Syringe-Needle Combinations with Low Dead Space Volumes.

PubMed

Abdala, Nadia; Patel, Amisha; Heimer, Robert

This study determines if detachable syringe-needle combinations redesigned to reduce their dead space volume may substantially reduce the burden of exposure to infectious HIV among people who inject drugs. Two novel, low dead space (LDS) syringe-needle designs-one added a piston to the plunger (LDS syringe) and the other added a filler to the needle (LDS needle) to reduce their dead space-were compared to standard detachable needle-syringe combinations and to syringes with fixed needles. LDS and standard syringes attached to LDS and standard needles of 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge size were contaminated with HIV-infected blood in the laboratory. The proportion of syringe-needle combinations containing infectious HIV was analyzed after syringes were (1) stored up to 7 days at 22°C or (2) rinsed with water. Detachable syringes attached to 25-gauge needles yielded comparable proportions of syringes with infectious HIV, whether the needle was standard or LDS. Among needles of greater diameter (23 gauge), LDS needles tended to reduce recoverable HIV to a greater extent than standard needles. Syringes with fixed needles showed superior results to LDS syringes attached to needles of equivalent diameter and were less likely to get clogged by blood. Detachable LDS syringe-needle designs must be recommended with caution since they still pose potential risk for HIV transmission. Distribution of LDS syringes and needles must be accompanied by recommendations and instructions for their proper rinsing and disinfection in order to reduce viral burden and chances of needle clogging.

A comparison of the Cook single lumen immature ovum IVM needle to the Steiner-Tan pseudo double lumen flushing needle for oocyte retrieval for IVM.

PubMed

Rose, B I; Laky, D

2013-06-01

This study compared the impact of using the Steiner-Tan pseudo double lumen needle for antral follicle oocyte retrieval to using a conventional non-flushing needle. The Steiner-Tan needle has a much smaller dead space than the needles commonly used for IVM oocyte retrievals. This was a retrospective cohort study. The patient population was determined by the time period in which a patient underwent IVM in a single physician's IVF practice. The following data was abstracted from clinical and embryology records: oocytes retrieved, oocytes matured, early maturing oocytes, oocytes fertilized, embryo quality measures, retrieval time, needle punctures, clot formation, and clinical pregnancy rate. The Steiner-Tan needle did not increase the number of oocytes retrieved. It also did not increase the time required for retrieval. However, flushing of antral follicles significantly decreased clot formation in fluid aspirates. Use of the Steiner-Tan needle also significantly decreased the number of vaginal needle punctures during each case. There was a trend toward improved embryo quality, but statistical power was inadequate to show a difference. The primary benefit of the Steiner-Tan needle was on the embryological aspects of IVM. Decreased blood and blood clots in the aspirates made an IVM retrieval more like conventional IVF for the embryologist. The patient also experienced less tissue trauma without increasing anesthesia or surgical time. There was no improvement in the number of oocytes retrieved, but based on the results, we hypothesized that oocytes were more commonly retrieved from slightly large follicles than when using a routine needle.

Microsphere Insulation Panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohling, R.; Allen, M.; Baumgartner, R.

2006-01-01

Microsphere insulation panels (MIPs) have been developed as lightweight, longlasting replacements for the foam and vacuum-jacketed systems heretofore used for thermally insulating cryogenic vessels and transfer ducts. The microsphere core material of a typical MIP consists of hollow glass bubbles, which have a combination of advantageous mechanical, chemical, and thermal-insulation properties heretofore available only separately in different materials. In particular, a core filling of glass microspheres has high crush strength and low density, is noncombustible, and performs well in soft vacuum.

Limited retention of micro-organisms using commercialized needle filters.

PubMed

Elbaz, W; McCarthy, G; Mawhinney, T; Goldsmith, C E; Moore, J E

2015-03-01

A study was undertaken to compare a commercialized needle filter with a 0.2-μm filtered epidural set and a non-filtered standard needle. No culturable bacteria were detected following filtration through the 0.2-μm filter. Bacterial breakthrough was observed with the filtered needle (pore size 5 μm) and the non-filtered needle. Filtered systems (0.2 μm) should be employed to achieve total bacterial retention. This highlights that filtration systems with different pore sizes will have varying ability to retain bacteria. Healthcare professionals need to know what type/capability of filter is implied on labels used by manufacturers, and to assess whether the specification has the desired functionality to prevent bacterial translocation through needles. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel curvature-controllable steerable needle for percutaneous intervention.

PubMed

Bui, Van Khuyen; Park, Sukho; Park, Jong-Oh; Ko, Seong Young

2016-08-01

Over the last few decades, flexible steerable robotic needles for percutaneous intervention have been the subject of significant interest. However, there still remain issues related to (a) steering the needle's direction with less damage to surrounding tissues and (b) increasing the needle's maximum curvature for better controllability. One widely used approach is to control the fixed-angled bevel-tip needle using a "duty-cycle" algorithm. While this algorithm has shown its applicability, it can potentially damage surrounding tissue, which has prevented the widespread adoption of this technology. This situation has motivated the development of a new steerable flexible needle that can change its curvature without axial rotation, while at the same time producing a larger curvature. In this article, we propose a novel curvature-controllable steerable needle. The proposed robotic needle consists of two parts: a cannula and a stylet with a bevel-tip. The curvature of the needle's path is controlled by a control offset, defined by the offset between the bevel-tip and the cannula. As a result, the necessity of rotating the whole needle's body is decreased. The duty-cycle algorithm is utilized to a limited degree to obtain a larger radius of curvature, which is similar to a straight path. The first prototype of 0.46 mm (outer diameter) was fabricated and tested with both in vitro gelatin phantom and ex vivo cow liver tissue. The maximum curvatures measured 0.008 mm(-1) in 6 wt% gelatin phantom, 0.0139 mm(-1) in 10 wt% gelatin phantom, and 0.0038 mm(-1) in cow liver. The experimental results show a linear relationship between the curvature and the control offset, which can be utilized for future implementation of this control algorithm. © IMechE 2016.

Subcutaneous intralesional Ksharodaka injection: A novel treatment for the management of Warts: A case series

PubMed Central

Gundeti, Manohar S.; Reddy, R. Govind; Muralidhar, Jangle Vidya

2014-01-01

Warts are generally managed using cryosurgery, keratolytic ointments, curettage and electrodessication. Warts, vis-a-vis Charmakila, in Ayurvedic classical texts are classified into different types depending on the dominance of dosha. Ayurveda prescribes oral medications, topical use of Kshara (alkaline ash of herbs), Agni (thermal cautery) and Shastrakarma (surgery) for removal of Charmakila. Use of topical Kshara in the form of powder, aqueous solution i.e. Ksharodaka and Ksharasutra (thread smeared with Kshara) for warts has been reported. However, these methods necessitate multiple sittings and takea longer duration for removal of the warts. Herewith, we report a case series of different types of warts treated with intralesional infiltration of Apamarga Ksharodaka (AK), i.e. aqueous solution of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) Kshara. We observed that all these warts took a minimum of 2-6 days to shed off, leaving minor scars. There were no adverse reactions reported in any of these cases. PMID:25624698

Cadaveric validation of dry needle placement in the lateral pterygoid muscle.

PubMed

Mesa-Jiménez, Juan A; Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Jesús; de-la-Hoz-Aizpurua, José L; Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César

2015-02-01

The aim of this anatomical study was to determine if a needle is able to reach the lateral pterygoid muscle during the application of dry needling technique. A dry needling approach using 2 needles of 50 to 60 mm in length, one inserted over the zygomatic process posterior at the obituary arch (for the superior head) and other inserted below the zygomatic process between the mandibular condyle and the coronoid process (for the inferior head), was proposed. A progressive dissection into 3 stages was conducted into 2 heads of fresh male cadavers. First, dry needling of the lateral pterygoid muscle was applied on the cadaver. Second, a block dissection containing the lateral pterygoid was harvested. Finally, the ramus of the mandible was sectioned by osteotomy to visualize the lateral pterygoid muscle with the needle placements. With the needles inserted into the cadaver, the block dissection revealed that the superior needle reached the superior (sphenoid) head of the lateral pterygoid muscle and the inferior needle reached the inferior (pterygoid) head of the muscle. At the final stage of the dissection, when the ramus of the mandible was sectioned by osteotomy, it was revealed that the superior needle entered into the belly of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle. This anatomical study supports that dry needling technique for the lateral pterygoid muscle can be properly conducted with the proposed approach. Copyright © 2015 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Alternator insulation evaluation tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penn, W. B.; Schaefer, R. F.; Balke, R. L.

1972-01-01

Tests were conducted to predict the remaining electrical insulation life of a 60 KW homopolar inductor alternator following completion of NASA turbo-alternator endurance tests for SNAP-8 space electrical power systems application. The insulation quality was established for two alternators following completion of these tests. A step-temperature aging test procedure was developed for insulation life prediction and applied to one of the two alternators. Armature winding insulation life of over 80,000 hours for an average winding temperature of 248 degrees C was predicted using the developed procedure.

Composite Flexible Blanket Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kourtides, Demetrius A. (Inventor); Pitts, William C. (Inventor); Goldstein, Howard E. (Inventor); Sawko, Paul M. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Composite flexible multilayer insulation systems (MLI) were evaluated for thermal performance and compared with the currently used fibrous silica (baseline) insulation system. The systems described are multilayer insulations consisting of alternating layers of metal foil and scrim ceramic cloth or vacuum metallized polymeric films quilted together using ceramic thread. A silicon carbide thread for use in the quilting and the method of making it are also described. These systems are useful in providing lightweight insulation for a variety of uses, particularly on the surface of aerospace vehicles subject to very high temperatures during flight.

Infrared needle mapping to assist biopsy procedures and training.

PubMed

Shar, Bruce; Leis, John; Coucher, John

2018-04-01

A computed tomography (CT) biopsy is a radiological procedure which involves using a needle to withdraw tissue or a fluid specimen from a lesion of interest inside a patient's body. The needle is progressively advanced into the patient's body, guided by the most recent CT scan. CT guided biopsies invariably expose patients to high dosages of radiation, due to the number of scans required whilst the needle is advanced. This study details the design of a novel method to aid biopsy procedures using infrared cameras. Two cameras are used to image the biopsy needle area, from which the proposed algorithm computes an estimate of the needle endpoint, which is projected onto the CT image space. This estimated position may be used to guide the needle between scans, and results in a reduction in the number of CT scans that need to be performed during the biopsy procedure. The authors formulate a 2D augmentation system which compensates for camera pose, and show that multiple low-cost infrared imaging devices provide a promising approach.

21 CFR 882.4650 - Neurosurgical suture needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Neurosurgical suture needle. 882.4650 Section 882.4650 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4650 Neurosurgical suture needle...

21 CFR 882.4650 - Neurosurgical suture needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Neurosurgical suture needle. 882.4650 Section 882.4650 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4650 Neurosurgical suture needle...

21 CFR 868.5090 - Emergency airway needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Emergency airway needle. 868.5090 Section 868.5090 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5090 Emergency airway needle. (a...

21 CFR 868.5090 - Emergency airway needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Emergency airway needle. 868.5090 Section 868.5090 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5090 Emergency airway needle. (a...

21 CFR 868.5150 - Anesthesia conduction needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Anesthesia conduction needle. 868.5150 Section 868.5150 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5150 Anesthesia conduction needle. (a...

21 CFR 868.5090 - Emergency airway needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Emergency airway needle. 868.5090 Section 868.5090 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5090 Emergency airway needle. (a...

21 CFR 868.5150 - Anesthesia conduction needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Anesthesia conduction needle. 868.5150 Section 868.5150 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5150 Anesthesia conduction needle. (a...

21 CFR 868.5090 - Emergency airway needle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Emergency airway needle. 868.5090 Section 868.5090 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 868.5090 Emergency airway needle. (a...

Evaluation of heat transfer in acupuncture needles: convection and conduction approaches.

PubMed

Tzou, Chieh-Han John; Yang, Tzyy-Yih; Chung, Ya-Chien

2015-04-01

Originating in ancient China, acupuncture using needles has been developed for thousands of years and has received attention for its reported medical remedies, such as pain relief and chronic disease treatment. Heat transfer through the needles, which might have effects on the biomechanism of acupuncture, providing a stimulus and regulating homeostasis, has never been studied. This article analyzes the significance of heat transfer through needles via convection and conduction, approached by means of computational analysis. The needle is a cylindrical body, and an axis symmetrical steady-state heat-transfer model that viscosity and static pressure was not applied. This article evaluates heat transfer via acupuncture needles by using five metal materials: silver, copper, brass, iron, and stainless steel. A silver needle of the type extensively applied in acupuncture can dissipate more than seven times as much heat as a stainless steel needle of the same type. Heat transfer through such a needle is significant, compared to natural body-energy consumption over a range of ambient temperatures. The mechanism by which heat flows in or out of the body through the needles may be crucial in the remedial efficacy of acupuncture. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Etiological study of the short needle disease of pine

Treesearch

Francis A. Wood; Stanley P. Pennypacker

1976-01-01

The short needle disease of pines consists of dwarfing, crooking, twisting, and excessive elongation of random needles, failure of buds to develop, reduced lateral branch development and the premature casting of needles. The disease was initially associated with a power plant source of air pollution in the eastern United States during 1969; at that time the cause of...

In vivo Monitoring of Serotonin by Nanomaterial Functionalized Acupuncture Needle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yu-Tao; Tang, Li-Na; Ning, Yong; Shu, Qing; Liang, Feng-Xia; Wang, Hua; Zhang, Guo-Jun

2016-06-01

Acupuncture treatment is amazing but controversial. Up to now, the mechanism of treating diseases by acupuncture and moxibustion is still unclear, especially the occurrence of the molecular events in local acupoints. Herein, we report an extremely stable microsensor by modifying carbon nanotube (CNT) to the tip surface of acupuncture needle and applying this CNT-modified acupuncture needle for real time monitoring of serotonin (5-HT) in vivo. To stabilize CNT modification on the needle tip surface, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT) was employed as glue water to stick CNT on the needle. The detection limit of the CNT-modified needle was found to be approximately 50 nM and 78 nM in the PBS and the cell medium, respectively. In addition, the needle showed good selectivity to some inflammatory mediators and some electroactive molecules. For the first time, the CNT-modified needle could be directly probed into rat body for real time monitoring of 5-HT in vivo, showing a great potential for better understanding the mechanism of acupuncture treatment.

21 CFR 878.5350 - Needle-type epilator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Needle-type epilator. 878.5350 Section 878.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 878.5350 Needle-type epilator...

21 CFR 878.5350 - Needle-type epilator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Needle-type epilator. 878.5350 Section 878.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 878.5350 Needle-type epilator...

21 CFR 878.5350 - Needle-type epilator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Needle-type epilator. 878.5350 Section 878.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 878.5350 Needle-type epilator...

21 CFR 878.5350 - Needle-type epilator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Needle-type epilator. 878.5350 Section 878.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 878.5350 Needle-type epilator...

21 CFR 878.5350 - Needle-type epilator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Needle-type epilator. 878.5350 Section 878.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Therapeutic Devices § 878.5350 Needle-type epilator...

In-plane ultrasonic needle tracking using a fiber-optic hydrophone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xia, Wenfeng, E-mail: wenfeng.xia@ucl.ac.uk; Desjardins, Adrien E.; Mari, Jean Martial

Purpose: Accurate and efficient guidance of needles to procedural targets is critically important during percutaneous interventional procedures. Ultrasound imaging is widely used for real-time image guidance in a variety of clinical contexts, but with this modality, uncertainties about the location of the needle tip within the image plane lead to significant complications. Whilst several methods have been proposed to improve the visibility of the needle, achieving accuracy and compatibility with current clinical practice is an ongoing challenge. In this paper, the authors present a method for directly visualizing the needle tip using an integrated fiber-optic ultrasound receiver in conjunction withmore » the imaging probe used to acquire B-mode ultrasound images. Methods: Needle visualization and ultrasound imaging were performed with a clinical ultrasound imaging system. A miniature fiber-optic ultrasound hydrophone was integrated into a 20 gauge injection needle tip to receive transmissions from individual transducer elements of the ultrasound imaging probe. The received signals were reconstructed to create an image of the needle tip. Ultrasound B-mode imaging was interleaved with needle tip imaging. A first set of measurements was acquired in water and tissue ex vivo with a wide range of insertion angles (15°–68°) to study the accuracy and sensitivity of the tracking method. A second set was acquired in an in vivo swine model, with needle insertions to the brachial plexus. A third set was acquired in an in vivo ovine model for fetal interventions, with insertions to different locations within the uterine cavity. Two linear ultrasound imaging probes were used: a 14–5 MHz probe for the first and second sets, and a 9–4 MHz probe for the third. Results: During insertions in tissue ex vivo and in vivo, the imaged needle tip had submillimeter axial and lateral dimensions. The signal-to-noise (SNR) of the needle tip was found to depend on the insertion angle

Precision grid and hand motion for accurate needle insertion in brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGill, Carl S.; Schwartz, Jonathon A.; Moore, Jason Z.

2011-08-15

Purpose: In prostate brachytherapy, a grid is used to guide a needle tip toward a preplanned location within the tissue. During insertion, the needle deflects en route resulting in target misplacement. In this paper, 18-gauge needle insertion experiments into phantom were performed to test effects of three parameters, which include the clearance between the grid hole and needle, the thickness of the grid, and the needle insertion speed. Measurement apparatus that consisted of two datum surfaces and digital depth gauge was developed to quantify needle deflections. Methods: The gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR and R) test was performed on themore » measurement apparatus, and it proved to be capable of measuring a 2 mm tolerance from the target. Replicated experiments were performed on a 2{sup 3} factorial design (three parameters at two levels) and analysis included averages and standard deviation along with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to find significant single and two-way interaction factors. Results: Results showed that grid with tight clearance hole and slow needle speed increased precision and accuracy of needle insertion. The tight grid was vital to enhance precision and accuracy of needle insertion for both slow and fast insertion speed; additionally, at slow speed the tight, thick grid improved needle precision and accuracy. Conclusions: In summary, the tight grid is important, regardless of speed. The grid design, which shows the capability to reduce the needle deflection in brachytherapy procedures, can potentially be implemented in the brachytherapy procedure.« less

[Research progress of needles with knife-edge for carotid cardiac syndrome].

PubMed

Tan, Lingqiong; Zhao, Yanling

2015-04-01

According to topographic anatomy, pathogenesis and by retrieving, summarizing and analyzing literature regarding needle-knife and needles with knife-edge for carotid cardiac syndrome, it is found out that clinical misdiagnosis rate of carotid cardiac syndrome is considerably high. Needle-knife and needles with knife-edge could significantly improve the clinical symptoms of carotid cardiac syndrome, showing characteristic and advantage in treatment, but it is deficient in technique standard and efficacy criteria that should be united and authoritative. Researches regarding pathogenesis of carotid cardiac syndrome are not systematic. Clinical observation regarding long-term efficacy and relapse of needle-knife and needles with knife-edge treatment is rare. It is believed that the awareness on carotid cardiac syndrome should be increased to reduce misdiagnosis; scientific and standardized technique standard and efficacy criteria should be established; systematic and comprehensive researches regarding mechanism of needle-knife and needles with knife-edge for carotid cardiac syndrome should be launched; besides, clinical discussion regarding its long-term efficacy should start to provide a better clinical guideline.

Endovascular retrieval of dental needle retained in the internal carotid artery.

PubMed

Moore, Kenneth; Khan, Nickalus R; Michael, L Madison; Arthur, Adam S; Hoit, Daniel

2017-03-08

Intravascular foreign bodies are a known complication of medical and dental procedures. Dental anesthetic needles may be broken off and retained in the oropharynx. These needles have occasionally been reported to migrate through the oral mucosa in to deeper structures. Here we present the case of a 57-year-old man who had a retained dental needle that had migrated into his internal carotid artery. The needle was removed using endovascular techniques. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a retained dental needle being retrieved using this method. We review the literature on intravascular foreign bodies, retained dental needles, and endovascular techniques for retrieval of such foreign bodies. 2017 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Discrimination accuracy between real and sham press needles in the hands.

PubMed

Kim, Sungha; Lee, Sanghun; Choi, Sunmi; Park, Jeonghwan; Kim, Sungchul

2015-08-01

To evaluate the blinding effectiveness of a modified blunt sham press needle on the basis of the ability of subjects to discriminate between real and sham acupuncture needles compared with their discrimination ability based on pure guessing, and to define differences between senses (touch and vision) in the rates of correctly identified needles. Sixty-three healthy students and staff members were recruited through convenience sampling. First, real or sham acupuncture was randomly administered to the left LI4 point while subjects could not observe the needle tip. A real or sham needle tip was then shown to the subjects. Finally, a random combination of real or sham acupuncture needles were randomly administered to the left and right LI4 points, this time with the subjects observing the procedure. In all conditions the subjects gave their judgement as Yes or No in response to questions asking them to identify the needle type. The proportion of correct judgements (P(C)) was computed for the last part of the trial in left and right LI4 points, and the rates of correctly identified needles for each trial were obtained. The subjects' accuracy of discrimination between the real and sham acupuncture needles in left and right LI4 points was not significantly different from that based on pure guess (P(C)=0.50 (chance level)), which indicates complete inability to discriminate between needles. The rates of correctly identified needles using touch, vision and a combination of both senses were not significantly different (p=0.807). The findings from this study show that this sham acupuncture device successfully blinded subjects to real and sham press needles, suggesting that it is effective for subject blinding in studies on acupuncture using press needles, and facilitating evaluation of the effects of acupuncture in placebo-controlled trials using a rigorous scientific research methodology. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already

Drug-related deaths and the sales of needles through pharmacies

PubMed Central

Davidson, Peter J.; Martinez, Alexis; Lutnick, Alexandra; Kral, Alex H.; Bluthenthal, Ricky N.

2014-01-01

Background Providing needles to people who inject drugs is a well-proven public health response to the transmission of HIV and other blood borne viruses. Despite over a quarter of a century of research, new concerns about potential unintended negative consequences of needle distribution continue to emerge. Specifically, a claim was recently made that the introduction of pharmacy sales of needles was followed by an increase in overdoses in pharmacy parking lots. If true, this would have serious implications for the design of needle access programs, particularly those involving pharmacy sales of needles. Methods We examine spatial relationships between drug-related deaths and pharmacies in Los Angeles County (population 9·8 million) before and after the 2007 enactment of a California law allowing pharmacy sales of needles without a prescription. 7,049 drug related deaths occurred in Los Angeles county from 2000-2009 inclusive. 4,275 of these deaths could be geocoded, and were found to be clustered at the census tract level. Results We used three methods to examine spatial relationships between overdose death locations and pharmacy locations for two years on either side of the enactment of the pharmacy sales law, and found no statistically significant changes. Among the 711 geocodable deaths occurring in the two years following the change in law, no death was found to occur within 50 meters of a pharmacy which sold needles. Conclusion These results are consistent with prior studies which suggest pharmacy sales of needles improve access to needles without causing increased harms to the surrounding community. PMID:25499730

Improving needle tip identification during ultrasound-guided procedures in anaesthetic practice.

PubMed

Scholten, H J; Pourtaherian, A; Mihajlovic, N; Korsten, H H M; A Bouwman, R

2017-07-01

Ultrasound guidance is becoming standard practice for needle-based interventions in anaesthetic practice, such as vascular access and peripheral nerve blocks. However, difficulties in aligning the needle and the transducer can lead to incorrect identification of the needle tip, possibly damaging structures not visible on the ultrasound screen. Additional techniques specifically developed to aid alignment of needle and probe or identification of the needle tip are now available. In this scoping review, advantages and limitations of the following categories of those solutions are presented: needle guides; alterations to needle or needle tip; three- and four-dimensional ultrasound; magnetism, electromagnetic or GPS systems; optical tracking; augmented (virtual) reality; robotic assistance; and automated (computerised) needle detection. Most evidence originates from phantom studies, case reports and series, with few randomised clinical trials. Improved first-pass success and reduced performance time are the most frequently cited benefits, whereas the need for additional and often expensive hardware is the greatest limitation to widespread adoption. Novice ultrasound users seem to benefit most and great potential lies in education. Future research should focus on reporting relevant clinical parameters to learn which technique will benefit patients most in terms of success and safety. © 2017 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Radiation Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

The Apollo and subsequent spacecraft have had highly effective radiation barriers; made of aluminized polymer film, they bar or let in heat to maintain consistent temperatures inside. Tech 2000, formerly Quantum International Corporation used the NASA technology in its insulating materials, Super "Q" Radiant Barrier, for home, industry and mobile applications. The insulation combines industrial aluminum foil overlaid around a core of another material, usually propylene or mylar. The outer layer reflects up to 97 percent of heat; the central layer creates a thermal break in the structure and thus allows low radiant energy emission. The Quantum Cool Wall, used in cars and trucks, takes up little space while providing superior insulation, thus reducing spoilage and costs. The panels can also dampen sound and engine, exhaust and solar heat.

Flux pumping for non-insulated and metal-insulated HTS coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jun; Geng, Jianzhao; Coombs, T. A.

2018-01-01

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils wound from coated conductors without turn-to-turn insulation (non-insulated (NI) coils) have been proven with excellent electrical and thermal performances. However, the slow charging of NI coils has been a long-lasting problem. In this work, we explore using a transformer-rectifier HTS flux pump to charge an NI coil and a metal-insulated coil. The charging performance comparison is made between different coils. Comprehensive study is done to thoroughly understand the electrical-magnetic transience in charging these coils. We will show that the low-voltage high-current flux pump is especially suitable for charging NI coils with very low characteristic resistance.

A portable integrated system to control an active needle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konh, Bardia; Motalleb, Mahdi; Ashrafiuon, Hashem

2017-04-01

The primary objective of this work is to introduce an integrated portable system to operate a flexible active surgical needle with actuation capabilities. The smart needle uses the robust actuation capabilities of the shape memory alloy wires to drastically improve the accuracy of in medical procedures such as brachytherapy. This, however, requires an integrated system aimed to control the insertion of the needle via a linear motor and its deflection by the SMA wire in real-time. The integrated system includes a flexible needle prototype, a Raspberry Pi computer, a linear stage motor, an SMA wire actuator, a power supply, electromagnetic tracking system, and various communication supplies. The linear stage motor guides the needle into tissue. The power supply provides appropriate current to the SMA actuator. The tracking system measures tip movement for feedback, The Raspberry Pi is the central tool that receives the tip movement feedback and controls the linear stage motor and the SMA actuator via the power supply. The implemented algorithms required for communication and feedback control are also described. This paper demonstrates that the portable integrated system may be a viable solution for more effective procedures requiring surgical needles.

Design of an Optically Controlled MR-Compatible Active Needle

PubMed Central

Ryu, Seok Chang; Quek, Zhan Fan; Koh, Je-Sung; Renaud, Pierre; Black, Richard J.; Moslehi, Behzad; Daniel, Bruce L.; Cho, Kyu-Jin; Cutkosky, Mark R.

2015-01-01

An active needle is proposed for the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided percutaneous procedures. The needle uses a low-transition-temperature shape memory alloy (LT SMA) wire actuator to produce bending in the distal section of the needle. Actuation is achieved with internal optical heating using laser light transported via optical fibers and side coupled to the LT SMA. A prototype, with a size equivalent to a standard 16-gauge biopsy needle, exhibits significant bending, with a tip deflection of more than 14° in air and 5° in hard tissue. A single-ended optical sensor with a gold-coated tip is developed to measure the curvature independently of temperature. The experimental results in tissue phantoms show that human tissue causes fast heat dissipation from the wire actuator; however, the active needle can compensate for typical targeting errors during prostate biopsy. PMID:26512231

Risk of needle stick injuries in health care workers: bad habits (recapping needles) last long.

PubMed

Rogowska-Szadkowska, Dorota; Stanisławowicz, Małgorzata; Chlabicz, Sławomir

2010-01-01

In order to assess the nurses' knowledge concerning the risk of hepatitis B and C viruses or human immunodeficiency virus infection while performing their professional duties, an anonymous questionnaire developed by the authors was distributed in 2008. Surprisingly 64% respondents occasionally recapping needles after injections, although they know the procedures which are obligatory at the ward. The first step in preventing percutaneous injuries should focus on efforts to eliminate the practice of recapping needles, though education and convenient placement of puncture-resistant containers for the disposal of used sharps.

Electrical insulating liquid: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahanta, Deba Kumar; Laskar, Shakuntala

Insulating liquid plays an important role for the life span of the transformer. Petroleum-based mineral oil has become dominant insulating liquid of transformer for more than a century for its excellent dielectric and cooling properties. However, the usage of petroleum-based mineral oil, derived from a nonrenewable energy source, has affected the environment for its nonbiodegradability property. Therefore, researchers direct their attention to renewable and biodegradable alternatives. Palm fatty acid ester, coconut oil, sunflower oil, etc. are considered as alternatives to replace mineral oil as transformer insulation liquid. This paper gives an extensive review of different liquid insulating materials used in a transformer. Characterization of different liquids as an insulating material has been discussed. An attempt has been made to classify different insulating liquids-based on different properties.

Effect of spinal needle characteristics on measurement of spinal canal opening pressure.

PubMed

Bellamkonda, Venkatesh R; Wright, Thomas C; Lohse, Christine M; Keaveny, Virginia R; Funk, Eric C; Olson, Michael D; Laack, Torrey A

2017-05-01

A wide variety of spinal needles are used in clinical practice. Little is currently known regarding the impact of needle length, gauge, and tip type on the needle's ability to measure spinal canal opening pressure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these factors and the opening-pressure measurement or time to obtain an opening pressure. Thirteen distinct spinal needles, chosen to isolate the effects of length, gauge, and needle-point type, were prospectively tested on a lumbar puncture simulator. The key outcomes were the opening-pressure measurement and the time required to obtain that measure. Pressures were recorded at 10-s intervals until 3 consecutive, identical readings were observed. Time to measure opening pressure increased with increasing spinal needle length, increasing gauge, and the Quincke-type (cutting) point (P<0.001 for all). The time to measurement ranged from 30s to 530s, yet all needle types were able to obtain a consistent opening pressure measure. Although opening pressure estimates are unlikely to vary markedly by needle type, the time required to obtain the measurement increased with increasing needle length and gauge and with Quincke-type needles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hierarchical Micro/Nano-Porous Acupuncture Needles Offering Enhanced Therapeutic Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

in, Su-Ll; Gwak, Young S.; Kim, Hye Rim; Razzaq, Abdul; Lee, Kyeong-Seok; Kim, Hee Young; Chang, Suchan; Lee, Bong Hyo; Grimes, Craig A.; Yang, Chae Ha

2016-10-01

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention has been widely used for treatment of many pathophysiological disorders. For achieving improved therapeutic effects, relatively thick acupuncture needles have been frequently used in clinical practice with, in turn, enhanced stimulation intensity. However due to the discomforting nature of the larger-diameter acupuncture needles there is considerable interest in developing advanced acupuncture therapeutical techniques that provide more comfort with improved efficacy. So motivated, we have developed a new class of acupuncture needles, porous acupuncture needles (PANs) with hierarchical micro/nano-scale conical pores upon the surface, fabricated via a simple and well known electrochemical process, with surface area approximately 20 times greater than conventional acupuncture needles. The performance of these high-surface-area PANs is evaluated by monitoring the electrophysiological and behavioral responses from the in vivo stimulation of Shenmen (HT7) points in Wistar rats, showing PANs to be more effective in controlling electrophysiological and behavioral responses than conventional acupuncture needles. Comparative analysis of cocaine induced locomotor activity using PANs and thick acupuncture needles shows enhanced performance of PANs with significantly less pain sensation. Our work offers a unique pathway for achieving a comfortable and improved acupuncture therapeutic effect.

Hierarchical Micro/Nano-Porous Acupuncture Needles Offering Enhanced Therapeutic Properties

PubMed Central

In, Su-ll; Gwak, Young S.; Kim, Hye Rim; Razzaq, Abdul; Lee, Kyeong-Seok; Kim, Hee Young; Chang, SuChan; Lee, Bong Hyo; Grimes, Craig A.; Yang, Chae Ha

2016-01-01

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention has been widely used for treatment of many pathophysiological disorders. For achieving improved therapeutic effects, relatively thick acupuncture needles have been frequently used in clinical practice with, in turn, enhanced stimulation intensity. However due to the discomforting nature of the larger-diameter acupuncture needles there is considerable interest in developing advanced acupuncture therapeutical techniques that provide more comfort with improved efficacy. So motivated, we have developed a new class of acupuncture needles, porous acupuncture needles (PANs) with hierarchical micro/nano-scale conical pores upon the surface, fabricated via a simple and well known electrochemical process, with surface area approximately 20 times greater than conventional acupuncture needles. The performance of these high-surface-area PANs is evaluated by monitoring the electrophysiological and behavioral responses from the in vivo stimulation of Shenmen (HT7) points in Wistar rats, showing PANs to be more effective in controlling electrophysiological and behavioral responses than conventional acupuncture needles. Comparative analysis of cocaine induced locomotor activity using PANs and thick acupuncture needles shows enhanced performance of PANs with significantly less pain sensation. Our work offers a unique pathway for achieving a comfortable and improved acupuncture therapeutic effect. PMID:27713547

16 CFR 460.18 - Insulation ads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Insulation ads. 460.18 Section 460.18... INSULATION § 460.18 Insulation ads. (a) If your ad gives an R-value, you must give the type of insulation and... the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Ask your seller for the fact sheet on R-values.” (b) If...

16 CFR 460.18 - Insulation ads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Insulation ads. 460.18 Section 460.18... INSULATION § 460.18 Insulation ads. (a) If your ad gives an R-value, you must give the type of insulation and... the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Ask your seller for the fact sheet on R-values.” (b) If...

16 CFR 460.18 - Insulation ads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Insulation ads. 460.18 Section 460.18... INSULATION § 460.18 Insulation ads. (a) If your ad gives an R-value, you must give the type of insulation and... the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Ask your seller for the fact sheet on R-values.” (b) If...

16 CFR 460.18 - Insulation ads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Insulation ads. 460.18 Section 460.18... INSULATION § 460.18 Insulation ads. (a) If your ad gives an R-value, you must give the type of insulation and... the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Ask your seller for the fact sheet on R-values.” (b) If...

16 CFR 460.18 - Insulation ads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Insulation ads. 460.18 Section 460.18... INSULATION § 460.18 Insulation ads. (a) If your ad gives an R-value, you must give the type of insulation and... the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Ask your seller for the fact sheet on R-values.” (b) If...

Biodegradation performance of environmentally-friendly insulating oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jun; He, Yan; Cai, Shengwei; Chen, Cheng; Wen, Gang; Wang, Feipeng; Fan, Fan; Wan, Chunxiang; Wu, Liya; Liu, Ruitong

2018-02-01

In this paper, biodegradation performance of rapeseed insulating oil (RDB) and FR3 insulating oil (FR3) was studied by means of ready biodegradation method which was performed with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 301B. For comparison, the biodegradation behaviour of 25# mineral insulating oil was also characterized with the same method. The testing results shown that the biodegradation degree of rapeseed insulating oil, FR3 insulating oil and 25# mineral insulating oil was 95.8%, 98.9% and 38.4% respectively. Following the “new chemical risk assessment guidelines” (HJ/T 154 - 2004), which illustrates the methods used to identify and assess the process safety hazards inherent. The guidelines can draw that the two vegetable insulating oils, i.e. rapeseed insulating oil and FR3 insulating oil are easily biodegradable. Therefore, the both can be classified as environmentally-friendly insulating oil. As expected, 25# mineral insulating oil is hardly biodegradable. The main reason is that 25# mineral insulating oil consists of isoalkanes, cyclanes and a few arenes, which has few unsaturated bonds. Biodegradation of rapeseed insulating oil and FR3 insulating oil also remain some difference. Biodegradation mechanism of vegetable insulating oil was revealed from the perspective of hydrolysis kinetics.

Brief reports: regional anesthesia needles can introduce ultrasound gel into tissues.

PubMed

Belavy, David

2010-09-01

Anesthesiologists may insert needles through ultrasound gel when performing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. In this study, it was determined whether needles carry gel into tissues. Ultrasound gel dyed blue was applied to pork rashers. Tuohy and short-bevel needles were passed through the gel and pork. The needles were then assessed for the presence of ultrasound gel. All needles, including those with stylets, carried gel and tissue within the lumen. Ultrasound gel may be injected around (and perhaps in) nerves during regional anesthesia procedures. Studies are needed to determine the implications of this practice.

Modeling, Production, and Testing of an Echogenic Needle for Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks.

PubMed

Bigeleisen, Paul E; Hess, Aaron; Zhu, Richard; Krediet, Annelot

2016-06-01

We have designed, produced, and tested an echogenic needle based on a sawtooth pattern where the height of the tooth was 1.25 times the wavelength of the ultrasound transducer. A numeric solution to the time-independent wave equation (Helmholtz equation) was used to create a model of backscattering from a needle. A 21-gauge stainless steel prototype was manufactured and tested in a water bath. Backscattering from the needle was compared to theoretical predications from our model. Based on these results, an 18-gauge prototype needle was fabricated from stainless steel and tested in a pig cadaver. This needle was compared to a commercial 18-gauge echogenic needle (Pajunk Medical Systems, Tucker, GA) by measuring the brightness of the needle relative to the background of sonograms of a needle in a pig cadaver. The backscattering from the 21-gauge prototype needle reproduced the qualitative predictions of our model. At 30° and 45° of insonation, our prototype performed equivalently to the Pajunk needle. At 60°, our prototype was significantly brighter than the Pajunk needle (P = .017). In conclusion, we chose a model for the design of an echogenic needle and modeled it on the basis of a solution to the Helmholtz equation. A prototype needle was tested in a water bath and compared to the model prediction. After verification of our model, we designed an 18-gauge needle, which performed better than an existing echogenic needle (Pajunk) at 60° of insonation. Our needle will require further testing in human trials. © 2016 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Autonomic Responses to Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis: Effect of Needle Puncture or Electrical Current?

PubMed

García Bermejo, Paula; De La Cruz Torres, Blanca; Naranjo Orellana, José; Albornoz Cabello, Manuel

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to establish if the changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (analyzed through heart-rate variability [HRV]) during ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is due to the effect of needle puncture only or of the PNE technique per se where the puncture and galvanic current are combined. This was an experimental, case-control study that took place at the University of Seville. Subjects were 36 male footballers who were randomly allocated to three groups: a control group (CG; 12 players), for whom HRV was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during an exhaustive US examination of the patellar tendon and adjacent structures; a first experimental group (PNE group; 12 players), for whom HRV was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during application of US-guided PNE in the patellar tendon; and a second experimental group (needle group; 12 players), for whom HRV was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during application of US-guided PNE without electrical current in the patellar tendon. The outcome measures were the diameters of the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2), stress score, and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio. There were no differences between groups in any baseline measurements, nor were there any significant differences between CG measurements (baseline vs. intervention). The PNE group exhibited statistically significant increases in SD1 (p = 0.01) and SD2 (p = 0.004) and statistically significant decreases in SS and S/PS ratio (p = 0.03), indicating increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic activity, respectively. The needle group exhibited statistically significant increases in SD2 (p = 0.02) and statistically significant decreases in SS (p = 0.02), indicating decreased sympathetic activity. The application of the US-guided PNE technique caused a measurable increase in parasympathetic activity (detected by HRV), which was due to the combination of needle puncture and

Foam Insulation for Cryogenic Flowlines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonju, T. R.; Carbone, R. L.; Oves, R. E.

1985-01-01

Welded stainless-steel vacuum jackets on cryogenic ducts replaced by plastic foam-insulation jackets that weigh 12 percent less. Foam insulation has 85 percent of insulating ability of stainless-steel jacketing enclosing vacuum of 10 microns of mercury. Foam insulation easier to install than vacuum jacket. Moreover, foam less sensitive to damage and requires minimal maintenance. Resists vibration and expected to have service life of at least 10 years.

[Special penetration needling for refractory peripheral facial paralysis].

PubMed

Cao, Rongjuan; Qiu, Xiaohu; Xie, Xiaokun

2018-03-12

To observe the clinical effect difference between special penetration needling and conventional penetration needling for the refractory peripheral facial paralysis. A total of 97 patients with intractable facial paralysis were randomized into an observation group (49 cases and 2 dropping) and a control group (48 cases and 4 dropping). In the observation group, special penetration needling at an angle about 45° between the penetration needle and paralysis muscle bundle was used, Yangbai (GB 14) through Touwei (ST 8), Yangbai (GB 14) through Shangxing (GV 23), Sizhukong (TE 23) through Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Qianzhen (Extra) through Yingxiang (LI 20), mutual penetration between Yingxiang (LI 20) and Jiache (ST 6). Conventional penetration needling was applied in the control group, Yangbai (GB 14) through Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Cuanzhu (BL 2) through Yuyao (EX-HN 4), mutual penetration between Dicang (ST 4) and Jiache (ST 6), Qianzheng (Extra) through Dicang (ST 4), Sibai (ST 2) through Yingxiang (LI 20). Three groups of electroacupuncture (discontinuous wave, 1 Hz) with tolerance were connected respectively in the two groups, Yangbai (GB 14) and Sizhukong (TE 23), Yangbai (GB 14) and Qianzheng (Extra), Yingxiang (LI 20) and Jiache (ST 6) in the observation group, Yangbai (GB 14) and Cuanzhu (BL 2), Dicang (ST 4) and Jiache (ST 6), Qianzheng (Extra) and Sibai (ST 2) in the control group. TDP was applied in the two groups at the affected Yifeng (TE 17), Jiache (ST 6) and Qianzheng (Extra), which were around the ear. Perpendicular insertion was used at Yifeng (TE 17) at the affected side and Hegu (LI 4) at the healthy side and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36). The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given for 3 courses, once a day and 10 days as a course, 5 days at the interval. House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve grading score was recorded before and after treatment. The clinical effects were compared. The H-B scores after treatment in the two groups were higher than

Needle and syringe sharing among Iranian drug injectors

PubMed Central

Rafiey, Hassan; Narenjiha, Hooman; Shirinbayan, Peymaneh; Noori, Roya; Javadipour, Morteza; Roshanpajouh, Mohsen; Samiei, Mercedeh; Assari, Shervin

2009-01-01

Objective The role of needle and syringe sharing behavior of injection drug users (IDUs) in spreading of blood-borne infections – specially HIV/AIDS – is well known. However, very little is known in this regard from Iran. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and associates of needle and syringe sharing among Iranian IDUs. Methods In a secondary analysis of a sample of drug dependents who were sampled from medical centers, prisons and streets of the capitals of 29 provinces in the Iran in 2007, 2091 male IDUs entered. Socio-demographic data, drug use data and high risk behaviors entered to a logistic regression to determine independent predictors of lifetime needle and syringe sharing. Results 749(35.8%) reported lifetime experience of needle and syringe sharing. The likelihood of lifetime needle and syringe sharing was increased by female gender, being jobless, having illegal income, drug use by family members, pleasure/enjoyment as causes of first injection, first injection in roofless and roofed public places, usual injection at groin, usual injection at scrotum, lifetime experience of nonfatal overdose, and history of arrest in past year and was decreased by being alone at most injections. Conclusion However this data has been extracted from cross-sectional design and we can not conclude causation, some of the introduced variables with association with needle and syringe sharing may be used in HIV prevention programs which target reducing syringe sharing among IDUs. PMID:19643014

Pine needle abortion biomarker detected in bovine fetal fluids.

PubMed

Snider, Douglas B; Gardner, Dale R; Janke, Bruce H; Ensley, Steven M

2015-01-01

Pine needle abortion is a naturally occurring condition in free-range cattle caused by the consumption of pine needles from select species of cypress, juniper, pine, and spruce trees. Confirmatory diagnosis of pine needle abortion has previously relied on a combined case history of pine needle consumption and detection of isocupressic acid in a sample from the dam. Stable metabolites of isocupressic acid include agathic acid, dihydroagathic acid, and tetrahydroagathic acid, which have been shown to be present in the serum of mature animals for a few days following consumption of pine needles. As maternal serum is infrequently submitted for diagnosis of cattle abortions, a diagnostic assay capable of confirming isocupressic acid exposure in other matrices would be desirable. To the authors' knowledge, no previous investigations have indicated whether these stable metabolites of isocupressic acid cross the placenta or are detectable in fetal tissues. Therefore, the presence of agathic acid, dihydroagathic acid, and tetrahydroagathic acid was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy on fetal thoracic fluid and stomach contents collected from 2 aborted bovine fetuses with a recent herd history of pine needle consumption by the dams and a subsequent abortion outbreak in the herd. Only tetrahydroagathic acid was detected in the fetal thoracic fluid and fetal stomach contents. The current study encourages diagnosticians to collect fetal thoracic fluids to permit the detection of tetrahydroagathic acid in cases of suspected pine needle abortion. © 2014 The Author(s).

[Meta-analysis of needle-knife treatment on cervical spondylosis].

PubMed

Kan, Li-Li; Wang, Hai-Dong; Liu, An-Guo

2013-11-01

To assess the efficacy of cervical spondylosis by needle-knife treatment according to the correlated literature of RCT,to compare advantages of needle-knife treatment. Randomized Controlled Trials about needle-knife treatment of cervical spondylosis were indexed from Chinese HowNet (CNKI) and Wanfang (WF) from 2000 to 2012, then were analyzed the efficacy by Review Manager 5.1 software. A total of 13 RCT literatures and 1 419 patients were included. The methods of included studies were poor in quality evaluation because of large sample and multi-center RCT studies was lacked, randomization method was not accurate enough, diagnostic criteria and efficacy evaluation were various, only four studies described long-term efficacy, most of the literature didn't describe the adverse event and fall off,all studies did not use the blind method. The Meta analysis outcome showed overall efficiency of needle-knife therapy was better than acupuncture and traction. Needle-knife therapy compared with Acupuncture, the total RR = 0.19, 95% confidence interval was (0.15, 0.24), P < 0.000.01. Compared with traction therapy the total RR = 1.30, 95% confidence intervalwas (1.18,1.42), P < 0.00001. Compared with acupuncture therapy,the overall effectiveness of needle-knife therapy is higher;compared with traction therapy, although,needle-knife therapy has a high overall effectiveness, but because of the loss of total sample size, the outcome RCT researches to confirm.

Insulating phases of vanadium dioxide are Mott-Hubbard insulators

DOE PAGES

Huffman, T. J.; Hendriks, C.; Walter, E. J.; ...

2017-02-15

Here, we present comprehensive broadband optical spectroscopy data on two insulating phases of vanadium dioxide (VO 2): monoclinic M 2 and triclinic. The main result of our work is that the energy gap and the electronic structure are essentially unaltered by the first-order structural phase transition between the M 2 and triclinic phases. Moreover, the optical interband features in the M 2 and triclinic phases are remarkably similar to those observed in the well-studied monoclinic M 1 insulating phase of VO 2. As the energy gap is insensitive to the different lattice structures of the three insulating phases, we rulemore » out vanadium-vanadium pairing (the Peierls component) as the dominant contributor to the opening of the gap. Rather, the energy gap arises primarily from intra-atomic Coulomb correlations.« less

Needle lost in minimally invasive surgery: management proposal and literature review.

PubMed

Medina, Luis G; Martin, Oscar; Cacciamani, Giovannni E; Ahmadi, Nariman; Castro, Juan C; Sotelo, Rene

2018-03-19

The reported incidence of intraoperative retained instruments, such as needles, hangs around 0.06-0.11%. Leaving a needle inside the abdominal cavity can have significant medical and legal consequences. In addition, the retrieval can be hampered due to the limited visualization of the scope during minimally invasive surgery. Factors associated with an increased probability for NL have been described. Prevention for this situation includes: having one needle at a time inside the cavity, effective communication between all personnel in the operating room, evaluation of the strength of the suture-needle connection, avoid parking of needles intraoperatively, and a proper needle withdrawal. Notwithstanding, no agreement has been made regarding NL management. Herein, we present a literature review, and a management proposal in which through a series of systematic steps, the surgical team can efficiently locate and retrieve a lost needle such as: examination of the surgical field, trocar visualization, trocar disassembly, and revision of the suction device. Finally, intraoperative or postoperative imaging can be utilized.

Cryogenic insulation development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leonhard, K. E.

1972-01-01

Multilayer insulations for long term cryogenic storage are described. The development effort resulted in an insulation concept using lightweight radiation shields, separated by low conductive Dacron fiber tufts. The insulation is usually referred to as Superfloc. The fiber tufts are arranged in a triangular pattern and stand about .040 in. above the radiation shield base. Thermal and structural evaluation of Superfloc indicated that this material is a strong candidate for the development of high performance thermal protection systems because of its high strength, purge gas evacuation capability during boost, its density control and easy application to a tank.

Drug-related deaths and the sales of needles through pharmacies.

PubMed

Davidson, Peter J; Martinez, Alexis; Lutnick, Alexandra; Kral, Alex H; Bluthenthal, Ricky N

2015-02-01

Providing needles to people who inject drugs is a well-proven public health response to the transmission of HIV and other blood borne viruses. Despite over a quarter of a century of research, new concerns about potential unintended negative consequences of needle distribution continue to emerge. Specifically, a claim was recently made that the introduction of pharmacy sales of needles was followed by an increase in overdoses in pharmacy parking lots. If true, this would have serious implications for the design of needle access programs, particularly those involving pharmacy sales of needles. We examine spatial relationships between drug-related deaths and pharmacies in Los Angeles County (population 9.8 million) before and after the 2007 enactment of a California law allowing pharmacy sales of needles without a prescription. Seven thousand and forty-nine drugs related deaths occurred in Los Angeles county from 2000 to 2009 inclusive. Four thousand two hundred and seventy-five of these deaths could be geocoded, and were found to be clustered at the census tract level. We used three methods to examine spatial relationships between overdose death locations and pharmacy locations for two years on either side of the enactment of the pharmacy sales law, and found no statistically significant changes. Among the 711 geocodable deaths occurring in the two years following the change in law, no death was found to occur within 50m of a pharmacy which sold needles. These results are consistent with prior studies which suggest pharmacy sales of needles improve access to needles without causing increased harms to the surrounding community. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the liver

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ho, C.S.; McLoughlin, M.J.; Tao, L.C.

1981-04-01

Forty patients with suspected malignant disease of the liver underwent percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy with radioisotope scintigraphic and fluoroscopic guidance. The needle was aimed at focal defects identified on the liver scan and several passes were made. When the scan was diffusely abnormal, the liver was widely sampled with multiple passes. Thirty patients were eventually considered to have malignant disease and aspiration biopsy was positive in 28 (93%) of these patients, including 25 of 26 with liver metastases (96%). There were two false-positive results and one minor complication. In 24 patients, conventional wide-bore needle biopsy was also performed. In thismore » group, 16 patients had a final diagnosis of hepatic malignancy. Aspiration biopsies were positive in 14 of these (87%) and conventional needle biopsies were positive in four (25%). Guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy is recommended for pathologic diagnosis of hepatic malignancy because of its simplicity, high yield, and reasonable safety.« less

Methods for Improving the Curvature of Steerable Needles in Biological Tissue

PubMed Central

Adebar, Troy K.; Greer, Joseph D.; Laeseke, Paul F.; Hwang, Gloria L.; Okamura, Allison M.

2016-01-01

Robotic needle steering systems have the potential to improve percutaneous interventions such as radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors, but steering techniques described to date have not achieved sufficiently small radius of curvature in biological tissue to be relevant to this application. In this work, the impact of tip geometry on steerable needle curvature is examined. Finite-element simulations and experiments with bent-tip needles in ex vivo liver tissue demonstrate that selection of tip length and angle can greatly improve curvature, with radius of curvature below 5 cm in liver tissue possible through judicious selection of these parameters. Motivated by the results of this analysis, a new articulated-tip steerable needle is described, in which a distal section is actively switched by a robotic system between a straight tip (resulting in a straight path) and a bent tip (resulting in a curved path). This approach allows the tip length and angle to be increased, while the straight configuration allows the needle tip to still pass through an introducer sheath and rotate inside the body. Validation testing in liver tissue shows that the new articulated-tip steerable needle achieves smaller radius of curvature compared to bent-tip needles described in previous work. Steerable needles with optimized tip parameters, which can generate tight curves in liver tissue, increase the clinical relevance of needle steering to percutaneous interventions. PMID:26441438

Real-time MRI-guided needle intervention for cryoablation: a phantom study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Wenpeng; Jiang, Baichuan; Kacher, Dan F.; Fetics, Barry; Nevo, Erez; Lee, Thomas C.; Jayender, Jagadeesan

2017-03-01

MRI-guided needle intervention for cryoablation is a promising way to relieve the pain and treat the cancer. However, the limited size of MRI bore makes it impossible for clinicians to perform the operation in the bore. The patients had to be moved into the bore for scanning to verify the position of the needle's tip and out for adjusting the needle's trajectory. Real-time needle tracking and shown in MR images is of importance for clinicians to perform the operation more efficiently. In this paper, we have instrumented the cryotherapy needle with a MRI-safe electromagnetic (EM) sensor and optical sensor to measure the needle's position and orientation. To overcome the limitation of line-of-sight for optical sensor and the poor dynamic performance of the EM sensor, Kalman filter based data fusion is developed. Further, we developed a navigation system in open-source software, 3D Slicer, to provide accurate visualization of the needle and the surrounding anatomy. Experiment of simulation the needle intervention at the entrance was performed with a realistic spine phantom to quantify the accuracy of the navigation using the retrospective analysis method. Eleven trials of needle insertion were performed independently. The target accuracy with the navigation using only EM sensor, only optical sensor and data fusion are 2.27 +/-1.60 mm, 4.11 +/- 1.77 mm and 1.91 - 1.10 mm, respectively.

Needle tip visualization by bevel-point ultrasound generator and prototype photoacoustic imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irisawa, Kaku; Murakoshi, Dai; Hashimoto, Atsushi; Yamamoto, Katsuya; Hayakawa, Toshiro

2017-03-01

Visualization of the tip of medical devices like needles or catheters under ultrasound imaging has been a continuous topic since the early 1980's. In this study, a needle tip visualization system utilizing photoacoustic effects is proposed. In order to visualize the needle tip, an optical fiber was inserted into a needle. The optical fiber tip is placed on the needle bevel and affixed with black glue. The pulsed laser light from laser diode was transferred to the optical fiber and converted to ultrasound due to laser light absorption of the black glue and the subsequent photoacoustic effect. The ultrasound is detected by transducer array and reconstructed into photoacoustic images in the ultrasound unit. The photoacoustic image is displayed with a superposed ultrasound B-mode image. As a system evaluation, the needle is punctured into bovine meat and the needle tip is observed with commercialized conventional linear transducers or convex transducers. The needle tip is visualized clearly at 7 and 12 cm depths with linear and convex probes, respectively, even with a steep needle puncture angle of around 90 degrees. Laser and acoustic outputs, and thermal rise at the needle tip, were measured and were well below the limits of the safety standards. Compared with existing needle tip visualization technologies, the photoacoustic needle tip visualization system has potential distinguishable features for clinical procedures related with needle puncture and injection.

Natural ageing of EPDM composite insulators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vlastos, A.E.; Sherif, E.

1990-01-01

Long-rod composite insulators, with weather sheds (sheds) made of ethylene propylene rubbers (EPDM), were exposed for many years to HVAC and HVDC under realistic conditions and natural pollution. The change of their properties with time and their aging was studied. The results show that the insulator shed material undergoes a slow degradation process and loses successively its water repelling properties which initially make the EPDM composite insulators superior to inorganic glass and porcelain insulator. The outdoor degradation of the shed material depends on the electric stress, in the environmental factors (such as pollution, rain, salt-laden fog, and UV-radiation from sun)more » and on the materials and fillers used in the construction of the composite insulators. A thorough macro- and microscopic study of the EPDM composite insulator sheds illustrates the differences of the surface state of EPDM insulators of different makes in which different basic material compositions and fillers are used. The poor performance of aged EPDM composite insulators compared to inorganic insulators depends on the design and on environmental factors.« less

Needle Exchange Programs and Drug Injection Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSimone, Jeff

2005-01-01

This study examines how drug injection and needle sharing propensities respond when a needle exchange program (NEP) is introduced into a city. I analyze 1989-1995 Drug Use Forecasting data on adult male arrestees from 24 large U.S. cities, in nine of which NEPs opened during the sample period. After controlling for cocaine and heroin prices, AIDS…

Skyrme Insulators: Insulators at the Brink of Superconductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erten, Onur; Chang, Po-Yao; Coleman, Piers; Tsvelik, Alexei M.

2017-08-01

Current theories of superfluidity are based on the idea of a coherent quantum state with topologically protected quantized circulation. When this topological protection is absent, as in the case of 3He -A , the coherent quantum state no longer supports persistent superflow. Here, we argue that the loss of topological protection in a superconductor gives rise to an insulating ground state. We specifically introduce the concept of a Skyrme insulator to describe the coherent dielectric state that results from the topological failure of superflow carried by a complex-vector order parameter. We apply this idea to the case of SmB6 , arguing that the observation of a diamagnetic Fermi surface within an insulating bulk can be understood as a realization of this state. Our theory enables us to understand the linear specific heat of SmB6 in terms of a neutral Majorana Fermi sea and leads us to predict that in low fields of order a Gauss, SmB6 will develop a Meissner effect.

Insulation Reformulation Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Cynthia; Bray, Mark

2015-01-01

The current Space Launch System (SLS) internal solid rocket motor insulation, polybenzimidazole acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (PBI-NBR), is a new insulation that replaced asbestos-based insulations found in Space Shuttle heritage solid rocket boosters. PBI-NBR has some outstanding characteristics such as an excellent thermal erosion resistance, low thermal conductivity, and low density. PBI-NBR also has some significant challenges associated with its use: Air entrainment/entrapment during manufacture and lay-up/cure and low mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, and fracture toughness. This technology development attempted to overcome these challenges by testing various reformulated versions of booster insulation. The results suggest the SLS program should continue to investigate material alternatives for potential block upgrades or use an entirely new, more advanced booster. The experimental design was composed of a logic path that performs iterative formulation and testing in order to maximize the effort. A lab mixing baseline was developed and documented for the Rubber Laboratory in Bldg. 4602/Room 1178.

Multilayer Insulation Material Guidelines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finckenor, M. M.; Dooling, D.

1999-01-01

Multilayer Insulation Material Guidelines provides data on multilayer insulation materials used by previous spacecraft such as Spacelab and the Long-Duration Exposure Facility and outlines other concerns. The data presented in the document are presented for information only. They can be used as guidelines for multilayer insulation design for future spacecraft provided the thermal requirements of each new design and the environmental effects on these materials are taken into account.

Imaging and Spectroscopy of Natural Fluorophores in Pine Needles

PubMed Central

Williams, Nari

2018-01-01

Many plant tissues fluoresce due to the natural fluorophores present in cell walls or within the cell protoplast or lumen. While lignin and chlorophyll are well-known fluorophores, other components are less well characterized. Confocal fluorescence microscopy of fresh or fixed vibratome-cut sections of radiata pine needles revealed the presence of suberin, lignin, ferulate, and flavonoids associated with cell walls as well as several different extractive components and chlorophyll within tissues. Comparison of needles in different physiological states demonstrated the loss of chlorophyll in both chlorotic and necrotic needles. Necrotic needles showed a dramatic change in the fluorescence of extractives within mesophyll cells from ultraviolet (UV) excited weak blue fluorescence to blue excited strong green fluorescence associated with tissue browning. Comparisons were made among fluorophores in terms of optimal excitation, relative brightness compared to lignin, and the effect of pH of mounting medium. Fluorophores in cell walls and extractives in lumens were associated with blue or green emission, compared to the red emission of chlorophyll. Autofluorescence is, therefore, a useful method for comparing the histology of healthy and diseased needles without the need for multiple staining techniques, potentially aiding visual screening of host resistance and disease progression in needle tissue. PMID:29393922

COMPARISON OF DRY NEEDLING VS. SHAM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF VERTICAL JUMP.

PubMed

Bandy, William D; Nelson, Russell; Beamer, Lisa

2017-10-01

Dry needling has been reported to decrease pain in subjects having myofascial trigger points, as well as pain in muscle and connective tissue. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects on the ability to perform a two-legged vertical jump between a group who received one bout of dry needling and a group who received one bout of a sham treatment. Thirty-five healthy students (19 males, 16 females) were recruited to participate in this study (mean age 22.7+/- 2.4 years). The subjects were randomly divided into two groups- dry needling (n=18) vs sham (n=17). The dry needling group received needling to four sites on bilateral gastrocnemius muscles; two at the medial head and two at the lateral head. The sham group had the four areas of the gastrocnemius muscle pressed with the tube housing the needle, but the needle was never inserted into the skin. Two-legged vertical jump was measured with chalk marks on the wall before and after the dry needling and sham treatments. Analysis with a t-test indicated that the dry needling group significantly increased vertical jump height 1.2 inches over the sham group. One bout of dry needling showed an immediate effect at significantly increasing vertical jump height in healthy, young adults. Future research is needed to determine if dry needling has any long-term effects. 2b.

COMPARISON OF DRY NEEDLING VS. SHAM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF VERTICAL JUMP

PubMed Central

Nelson, Russell; Beamer, Lisa

2017-01-01

Introduction Dry needling has been reported to decrease pain in subjects having myofascial trigger points, as well as pain in muscle and connective tissue. Objective The purpose of the study was to compare the effects on the ability to perform a two-legged vertical jump between a group who received one bout of dry needling and a group who received one bout of a sham treatment. Methods Thirty-five healthy students (19 males, 16 females) were recruited to participate in this study (mean age 22.7+/- 2.4 years). The subjects were randomly divided into two groups- dry needling (n=18) vs sham (n=17). The dry needling group received needling to four sites on bilateral gastrocnemius muscles; two at the medial head and two at the lateral head. The sham group had the four areas of the gastrocnemius muscle pressed with the tube housing the needle, but the needle was never inserted into the skin. Two-legged vertical jump was measured with chalk marks on the wall before and after the dry needling and sham treatments. Results Analysis with a t-test indicated that the dry needling group significantly increased vertical jump height 1.2 inches over the sham group. Conclusion One bout of dry needling showed an immediate effect at significantly increasing vertical jump height in healthy, young adults. Future research is needed to determine if dry needling has any long-term effects. Level of Evidence 2b PMID:29181252

Evaluation of 8.0-cm needle at the fourth anterior axillary line for needle chest decompression of tension pneumothorax.

PubMed

Chang, Samuel J; Ross, Samuel Wade; Kiefer, David J; Anderson, William E; Rogers, Amelia T; Sing, Ronald F; Callaway, David W

2014-04-01

Five-centimeter needles at the second intercostal space midclavicular line (2MCL) have high failure rates for decompression of tension pneumothorax. This study evaluates 8-cm needles directed at the fourth intercostal space anterior axillary line (4AAL). Retrospective radiographic analysis of 100 consecutive trauma patients 18 years or older from January to September 2011. Measurements of chest wall thickness (CWT) and depth to vital structure (DVS) were obtained at 2MCL and 4AAL. 4AAL measurements were taken based on two angles: closest vital structure and perpendicular to the chest wall. Primary outcome measures were radiographic decompression (RD) (defined as CWT < 80 mm) and radiographic noninjury (RNI) (DVS > 80 mm) of 8-cm needles at 4AAL. Secondary outcome measures are effect of angle of entry on RNI at 4AAL, RD and RNI of 8-cm needles at 2MCL, and comparison of 5-cm needles with 8-cm needles at both locations. Eighty-four percent of the patients were male, with mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 17.7 (range, 1.0-66.0) and body mass index of 26.8 (16.5-48.4). Mean CWT at 4AAL ranged from 37.6 mm to 39.9 mm, significantly thinner than mean CWT at 2MCL (43.3-46.7 mm). Eight-centimeter needle RD was more than 96% at both 4AAL and 2MCL. Five-centimeter RD ranged from 66% to 81% at all sites. Mean DVS at 4AAL ranged from 91.8 mm to 128.0 mm. RNI at all sites was more than 91% except at left 4AAL, when taken to the closest vital structure (mean DVS, 91.8 mm), with 68% RNI. Perpendicular entry increased DVS to 109.4 mm and subsequent RNI to 91%. Five-centimeter RNI at all sites was more than 99%. CWT at 4AAL is significantly thinner than 2MCL. Based on radiographic measurements, 8-cm catheters have a higher chance of pleural decompression when compared with 5-cm catheters. Steeper angle of entry at 4AAL improves 8-cm noninjury rates to more than 91%. Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.

Perioperative thermal insulation.

PubMed

Sessler, D I; McGuire, J; Sessler, A M

1991-05-01

To determine the efficacy of passive insulators advocated for prevention of cutaneous heat loss, we determined heat loss in unanesthetized volunteers covered by one of the following: a cloth "split sheet" surgical drape; a Convertors disposable-paper split sheet; a Thermadrape disposable laparotomy sheet; an unheated Bair Hugger patient-warming blanket; 1.5-mil-thick plastic hamper bags; and a prewarmed, cotton hospital blanket. Cutaneous heat loss was measured using 10 area-weighted thermal flux transducers while volunteers were exposed to a 20.6 degrees C environment for 1 h. Heat loss decreased significantly from 100 +/- 3 W during the control periods to 69 +/- 6 W (average of all covers) after 1 h of treatment. Heat losses from volunteers insulated by the Thermadrape (61 +/- 6 W) and Bair Hugger covers (64 +/- 5 W) were significantly less than losses from those insulated by plastic bags (77 +/- 11 W). The paper drape (67 +/- 7 W) provided slightly, but not significantly, better insulation than the cloth drape (70 +/- 4 W). Coverage by prewarmed cotton blankets initially resulted in the least heat loss (58 +/- 8 W), but after 40 min, resulted in heat loss significantly greater than that for the Thermadrape (71 +/- 7 W). Regional heat loss was roughly proportional to surface area, and the distribution of regional heat loss remained similar with all covers. These data suggest that cost and convenience should be major factors when choosing among passive perioperative insulating covers. It is likely that the amount of skin surface covered is more important than the choice of skin region covered or the choice of insulating material.

THE MANAGEMENT OF AN ORAL ANAPLASTIC SARCOMA IN A PYGMY HIPPOPOTAMUS (CHOEROPSIS LIBERIENSIS) USING INTRALESIONAL CHEMOTHERAPY.

PubMed

Franklinos, Lydia H V; Masters, Nicholas; Feltrer, Yedra; Pocknell, Ann; Bolt, David M; Dakin, Stephanie; Berry, Karla; Molenaar, Fieke M

2017-03-01

An adult female captive pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) was diagnosed with an oral anaplastic sarcoma. The tumor was surgically debulked and intralesional chemotherapy with mitomycin C (0.4 mg/cm 3 of tumor) and cisplatin (1 mg/cm 3 of tumor) was administered. Chemotherapeutic treatment proved difficult due to the risks of repeated anesthetics and unknown drug efficacies. Marked proliferation of the mass was observed during estrus, and chemotherapy was repeated as an experimental treatment to slow tumor progression in order for the animal to remain in the species breeding program. Tumor proliferation was detected during the first trimester of pregnancy; however, in the lactation period, the mass became quiescent. No adverse reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs were observed and the animal continues to be monitored for tumor progression. This is the first report of an anaplastic sarcoma and of chemotherapy use in a pygmy hippopotamus and it highlights logistical considerations for treating neoplasia in this species.

Demonstration of Microsphere Insulation in Cryogenic Vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, R. G.; Myers, E. A.; Fesmire, J. E.; Morris, D. L.; Sokalski, E. R.

2006-04-01

While microspheres have been recognized as a legitimate insulation material for decades, actual use in full-scale cryogenic storage tanks has not been demonstrated until now. The performance and life-cycle-cost advantages previously predicted have now been proven. Most bulk cryogenic storage tanks are insulated with either multilayer insulation (MLI) or perlite. Microsphere insulation, consisting of hollow glass bubbles, combines in a single material the desirable properties that other insulations only have individually. The material has high crush strength, low density, is noncombustible, and performs well in soft vacuum. These properties were proven during recent field testing of two 22,700-L (6,000-gallon) liquid nitrogen tanks, one insulated with microsphere insulation and the other with perlite. Normal evaporation rates (NER) for both tanks were monitored with precision test equipment and insulation levels within the tanks were observed through view ports as an indication of insulation compaction. Specific industrial applications were evaluated based on the test results and beneficial properties of microsphere insulation. Over-the-road trailers previously insulated with perlite will benefit not only from the reduced heat leak, but also the reduced mass of microsphere insulation. Economic assessments for microsphere-insulated cryogenic vessels including life-cycle cost are also presented.

Whitacre or Quincke needles--does it really matter.

PubMed

Eriksson, A L; Hallén, B; Lagerkranser, M; Persson, E; Sköldefors, E

1998-01-01

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and backache are well known complications of spinal anaesthesia. The incidence of PDPH may be significant in young people (< 50 years). The present study was undertaken in order to compare the utility and complication rate of the Whitacre and Ouincke spinal needles. During three years all patients who could comply, and who were to undergo spinal anaesthesia at the Department were asked to join this quality control study. Each one received a questionnaire including questions about discomfort and other possible side effects attributed to spinal anaesthesia. In each case, an extended anaesthetic record was filled out by the anaesthesiologist. About 50 anaesthesiologists at different educational levels were involved. The study includes 2598 cases, of which questionnaires were returned by 66%. Needles of the 25 G gauge size were used in over 90% of the cases. Multiple skin punctures were required more frequently in the Quincke than in the Whitacre group (P < 0.01). The number of insufficient blocks was also higher in the Quincke group (P < 0.01). There was a higher incidence of backache in the Quincke group (P < 0.05). In patients under 50 years, PDPH was more frequent following use of the Quincke needle (P < 0.05), whereas no difference between the needles in this regard was found among those over 50 years (P > 0.05). For routine clinical use the Whitacre needle appears to be associated with better performance and increased reliability. In younger patients the Whitacre needle have the additional advantage of decreasing the risk of postdural puncture headache.

Postmyelography headache rates with Whitacre versus Quincke 22-gauge spinal needles.

PubMed

Peterman, S B

1996-09-01

To compare the postdural puncture headache (PDPH) rates after myelography with use of 22-gauge Whitacre (blunt tip) versus standard 22-gauge Quincke (bevel-tip) spinal needles. At myelography, 340 patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups in which either the Whitacre (167 patients) or the Quincke (173 patients) needle was used. Follow-up was at 48 hours and at 4 days after the procedure. Crude and adjusted Whitacre/PDPH odds ratios and risk ratios were calculated. The crude Whitacre needle PDPH risk was 9.6%, and the crude Quincke needle PDPH risk was 15.6%. The absolute risk difference was 6.0% with a 95% confidence interval of -0.98% and 13.04%. The adjusted Whitacre/PDPH odds ratio was 0.492 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.241 and 1.003. The Whitacre needle group had a statistically significantly lower PDPH severity grade (P = .0151), similar PDPH duration, and more technical difficulty with the needle. The Whitacre needle is associated with an equal or lower PDPH risk; the lack of statistical significance is most likely related to sample size. Further study is necessary to determine whether the decreased PDPH rate justifies the added difficulty associated with use of the Whitacre needle.

Incidence of tissue coring with the 25-gauge Quincke and Whitacre spinal needles.

PubMed

Campbell, D C; Douglas, M J; Taylor, G

1996-01-01

Tissue cores, implanted into the subarachnoid space during subarachnoid injections, can develop into intraspinal lumbar epidermoid tumors. The availability of smaller needles has made spinal anesthesia more popular. Therefore, this prospective, randomized, blinded study was undertaken to determine whether tissue coring occurs with two of the currently used 25-gauge spinal needles. Fifteen 25-gauge Quincke and seventeen 25-gauge Whitacre spinal needles, in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was not identified and the local anesthetic solution not injected, were obtained from adult male patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. The needles were then evaluated by a pathologist following randomization with similar sterile, unused spinal needles. Twenty additional needles, ten of each type, in which CSF was identified and through which local anesthetic was injected, were also randomized with similar sterile, unused spinal needles and examined. Tissue cores were identified in 12 of the 15 Quincke and 7 of the 17 Whitacre spinal needles in which CSF was not identified (P < .05). Of the 20 needles in which CSF was identified and local anesthetic injected, no tissue cores were identified in the 10 Whitacre needles and only one small tissue core was identified in the 10 Quincke needles. All the tissue cores were identified as fat tissue. The 25-gauge Quincke and 25-gauge Whitacre spinal needles currently used in anesthesia can produce tissue coring.

Thermal Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Commercially known as Solimide, Temptronics, Inc.'s thermal insulation has application in such vehicles as aircraft, spacecraft and surface transportation systems (i.e. rapid transit cars, trains, buses, and ships) as acoustical treatment for door, wall, and ceiling panels, as a means of reducing vibrations, and as thermal insulation (also useful in industrial equipment). Product originated from research conducted by Johnson Space Center on advanced flame-resistant materials for minimizing fire hazard in the Shuttle and other flight vehicles.

Endovascular retrieval of dental needle retained in the internal carotid artery.

PubMed

Moore, Kenneth; Khan, Nickalus R; Michael, L Madison; Arthur, Adam S; Hoit, Daniel

2017-07-01

Intravascular foreign bodies are a known complication of medical and dental procedures. Dental anesthetic needles may be broken off and retained in the oropharynx. These needles have occasionally been reported to migrate through the oral mucosa in to deeper structures. Here we present the case of a 57-year-old man who had a retained dental needle that had migrated into his internal carotid artery. The needle was removed using endovascular techniques. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a retained dental needle being retrieved using this method. We review the literature on intravascular foreign bodies, retained dental needles, and endovascular techniques for retrieval of such foreign bodies. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Cadaveric and Ultrasonographic Validation of Needling Placement in the Cervical Multifidus Muscle.

PubMed

Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, César; Mesa-Jiménez, Juan A; Paredes-Mancilla, Jose A; Koppenhaver, Shane L; Fernández-Carnero, Samuel

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine if a needle is able to reach the cervical multifidus during the application of dry needling or acupuncture. Dry needling and ultrasound imaging of cervical multifidi was conducted on 5 patients (age: 32 ± 5 years) with mechanical neck pain and on 2 fresh cadavers (age: 64 ± 1 years). Dry needling was done using a needle of 40 mm in length inserted perpendicular to the skin about 1 cm lateral to the spinous process at C3-C4. The needle was advanced from a posterior to anterior direction into the cervical multifidus with a slight inferior-medial angle (approximately 10°) to reach the vertebra lamina. For the cadaveric study, the multifidus was isolated by carefully resecting the superficial posterior cervical muscles: trapezius, splenius, and semispinalis. For the ultrasonographic study, a convex transducer was placed transversely over C3-C4 after the insertion of the needle into the muscle. The results of both the cadaveric and ultrasonic studies found that the needle does pierce the cervical multifidus muscle during insertion and that the tip of the needle rests properly against the vertebral laminae, thereby guarding the sensitive underlying spinal structures from damage. This anatomical and ultrasound imaging study supports that dry needling of the cervical multifidus could be conducted clinically. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Peg supported thermal insulation panel

DOEpatents

Nowobilski, Jeffert J.; Owens, William J.

1985-01-01

A thermal insulation panel which is lightweight, load bearing, accommodates thermal stress, and has excellent high temperature insulation capability comprising high performance insulation between thin metal walls supported by high density, high strength glass pegs made in compliance with specified conditions of time, temperature and pressure.

The Hydrodynamics of Needle-Free Intradermal Jet Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simmons, Jonathan; Marston, Jeremy; Fisher, Paul; Broderick, Kate

2017-11-01

Needle-free methods of drug delivery circumvent the drawbacks associated with the use of hypodermic needles such as needle-stick injuries, needle-phobia, cross contamination and disposal. Furthermore, pioneering DNA-based vaccines that aim to treat cancer and fight infectious diseases, such as HIV, Ebola and Zika, require precise deposition into the skin to target the immune response producing cells found only in the epidermis and dermis. Intradermal (ID) delivery can be achieved using a needle and the Mantoux technique but this requires a highly skilled technician and so extensive use of DNA vaccines calls for an alternative method of delivery. One option is jet injection which has been employed in mass vaccination programs for intramuscular or subcutaneous delivery and is used by some diabetic patients to inject insulin. In this talk I will present results from our ongoing ex-vivo experimental study into ID jet injection. Ultra-high-speed imaging is used to visualize the process of the jet exiting the nozzle and striking excised skin. A skin bleb grows as liquid is deposited within the skin. I will discuss how the control parameters, such as the rheological profile of the liquid and the stand-off distance, influence the volume of liquid successfully delivered intradermally.

Single Crystal Diamond Needle as Point Electron Source.

PubMed

Kleshch, Victor I; Purcell, Stephen T; Obraztsov, Alexander N

2016-10-12

Diamond has been considered to be one of the most attractive materials for cold-cathode applications during past two decades. However, its real application is hampered by the necessity to provide appropriate amount and transport of electrons to emitter surface which is usually achieved by using nanometer size or highly defective crystallites having much lower physical characteristics than the ideal diamond. Here, for the first time the use of single crystal diamond emitter with high aspect ratio as a point electron source is reported. Single crystal diamond needles were obtained by selective oxidation of polycrystalline diamond films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Field emission currents and total electron energy distributions were measured for individual diamond needles as functions of extraction voltage and temperature. The needles demonstrate current saturation phenomenon and sensitivity of emission to temperature. The analysis of the voltage drops measured via electron energy analyzer shows that the conduction is provided by the surface of the diamond needles and is governed by Poole-Frenkel transport mechanism with characteristic trap energy of 0.2-0.3 eV. The temperature-sensitive FE characteristics of the diamond needles are of great interest for production of the point electron beam sources and sensors for vacuum electronics.

Single Crystal Diamond Needle as Point Electron Source

PubMed Central

Kleshch, Victor I.; Purcell, Stephen T.; Obraztsov, Alexander N.

2016-01-01

Diamond has been considered to be one of the most attractive materials for cold-cathode applications during past two decades. However, its real application is hampered by the necessity to provide appropriate amount and transport of electrons to emitter surface which is usually achieved by using nanometer size or highly defective crystallites having much lower physical characteristics than the ideal diamond. Here, for the first time the use of single crystal diamond emitter with high aspect ratio as a point electron source is reported. Single crystal diamond needles were obtained by selective oxidation of polycrystalline diamond films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Field emission currents and total electron energy distributions were measured for individual diamond needles as functions of extraction voltage and temperature. The needles demonstrate current saturation phenomenon and sensitivity of emission to temperature. The analysis of the voltage drops measured via electron energy analyzer shows that the conduction is provided by the surface of the diamond needles and is governed by Poole-Frenkel transport mechanism with characteristic trap energy of 0.2–0.3 eV. The temperature-sensitive FE characteristics of the diamond needles are of great interest for production of the point electron beam sources and sensors for vacuum electronics. PMID:27731379

Single Crystal Diamond Needle as Point Electron Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleshch, Victor I.; Purcell, Stephen T.; Obraztsov, Alexander N.

2016-10-01

Diamond has been considered to be one of the most attractive materials for cold-cathode applications during past two decades. However, its real application is hampered by the necessity to provide appropriate amount and transport of electrons to emitter surface which is usually achieved by using nanometer size or highly defective crystallites having much lower physical characteristics than the ideal diamond. Here, for the first time the use of single crystal diamond emitter with high aspect ratio as a point electron source is reported. Single crystal diamond needles were obtained by selective oxidation of polycrystalline diamond films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Field emission currents and total electron energy distributions were measured for individual diamond needles as functions of extraction voltage and temperature. The needles demonstrate current saturation phenomenon and sensitivity of emission to temperature. The analysis of the voltage drops measured via electron energy analyzer shows that the conduction is provided by the surface of the diamond needles and is governed by Poole-Frenkel transport mechanism with characteristic trap energy of 0.2-0.3 eV. The temperature-sensitive FE characteristics of the diamond needles are of great interest for production of the point electron beam sources and sensors for vacuum electronics.

Optimizing EUS-guided liver biopsy sampling: comprehensive assessment of needle types and tissue acquisition techniques.

PubMed

Schulman, Allison R; Thompson, Christopher C; Odze, Robert; Chan, Walter W; Ryou, Marvin

2017-02-01

EUS-guided liver biopsy sampling using FNA and, more recently, fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles has been reported with discrepant diagnostic accuracy, in part due to differences in methodology. We aimed to compare liver histologic yields of 4 EUS-based needles and 2 percutaneous needles to identify optimal number of needle passes and suction. Six needle types were tested on human cadaveric tissue: one 19G FNA needle, one existing 19G FNB needle, one novel 19G FNB needle, one 22G FNB needle, and two 18G percutaneous needles (18G1 and 18G2). Two needle excursion patterns (1 vs 3 fanning passes) were performed on all EUS needles. Primary outcome was number of portal tracts. Secondary outcomes were degree of fragmentation and specimen adequacy. Pairwise comparisons were performed using t tests, with a 2-sided P < .05 considered to be significant. Multivariable regression analysis was performed. In total, 288 liver biopsy samplings (48 per needle type) were performed. The novel 19G FNB needle had significantly increased mean portal tracts compared with all needle types. The 22G FNB needle had significantly increased portal tracts compared with the 18G1 needle (3.8 vs 2.5, P < .001) and was not statistically different from the 18G2 needle (3.8 vs 3.5, P = .68). FNB needles (P < .001) and 3 fanning passes (P ≤ .001) were independent predictors of the number of portal tracts. A novel 19G EUS-guided liver biopsy needle provides superior histologic yield compared with 18G percutaneous needles and existing 19G FNA and core needles. Moreover, the 22G FNB needle may be adequate for liver biopsy sampling. Investigations are underway to determine whether these results can be replicated in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cooper Pairs in Insulators?!

ScienceCinema

James Valles

2017-12-09

Nearly 50 years elapsed between the discovery of superconductivity and the emergence of the microscopic theory describing this zero resistance state. The explanation required a novel phase of matter in which conduction electrons joined in weakly bound pairs and condensed with other pairs into a single quantum state. Surprisingly, this Cooper pair formation has also been invoked to account for recently uncovered high-resistance or insulating phases of matter. To address this possibility, we have used nanotechnology to create an insulating system that we can probe directly for Cooper pairs. I will present the evidence that Cooper pairs exist and dominate the electrical transport in these insulators and I will discuss how these findings provide new insight into superconductor to insulator quantum phase transitions. 

Peg supported thermal insulation panel

DOEpatents

Nowobilski, J.J.; Owens, W.J.

1985-04-30

A thermal insulation panel which is lightweight, load bearing, accommodates thermal stress, and has excellent high temperature insulation capability comprises high performance insulation between thin metal walls supported by high density, high strength glass pegs made in compliance with specified conditions of time, temperature and pressure. 2 figs.

Hybrid Multifoil Aerogel Thermal Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakamoto, Jeffrey; Paik, Jong-Ah; Jones, Steven; Nesmith, Bill

2008-01-01

This innovation blends the merits of multifoil insulation (MFI) with aerogel-based insulation to develop a highly versatile, ultra-low thermally conductive material called hybrid multifoil aerogel thermal insulation (HyMATI). The density of the opacified aerogel is 240 mg/cm3 and has thermal conductivity in the 20 mW/mK range in high vacuum and 25 mW/mK in 1 atmosphere of gas (such as argon) up to 800 C. It is stable up to 1,000 C. This is equal to commercially available high-temperature thermal insulation. The thermal conductivity of the aerogel is 36 percent lower compared to several commercially available insulations when tested in 1 atmosphere of argon gas up to 800 C.

Impacting device for testing insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Redmon, J. W. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

An electro-mechanical impacting device for testing the bonding of foam insulation to metal is descirbed. The device lightly impacts foam insulation attached to metal to determine whether the insulation is properly bonded to the metal and to determine the quality of the bond. A force measuring device, preferably a load cell mounted on the impacting device, measures the force of the impact and the duration of the time the hammer head is actually in contact with the insulation. The impactor is designed in the form of a handgun having a driving spring which can propel a plunger forward to cause a hammer head to impact the insulation. The device utilizes a trigger mechanism which provides precise adjustements, allowing fireproof operation.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy with needle graspers.

PubMed

Sumiyoshi, Kinjiro; Sato, Norihiro; Akagawa, Shin; Hirano, Tatsuya; Koikawa, Kazuhiro; Horioka, Kohei; Ozono, Keigo; Fujiwara, Kenji; Tanaka, Masao; Sada, Masayuki

2012-01-01

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a promising alternative to standard multi-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, generalization of SILC is still hampered by technical difficulties mainly associated with the lack of trocars used for retraction of the gallbladder. We therefore developed a modified method of SILC with the use of needle graspers (SILC-N) for optimal retraction and exposure. In addition to two trocars inserted through a single transumbilical incision, two needle ports were placed on the right subcostal and lateral abdominal wall, through which needle graspers were used for retraction of the gallbladder. Since December, 2009, 12 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were treated by SILC-N. SILC-N was successfully performed in all but one patient requiring a conversion to the 4-port LC with a mean operative time of 71.5 (48-107) minutes. None of the patients experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications. The transumbilical incision and pinholes for needle graspers were almost invisible on discharge. Our preliminary results suggest that SILC-N is a simple, safe and feasible technique of cholecystectomy offering similar postoperative recovery and better cosmetic outcome as compared to conventional LC.

An alternative and inexpensive percutaneous access needle in pediatric patients.

PubMed

Penbegul, Necmettin; Soylemez, Haluk; Bozkurt, Yasar; Sancaktutar, Ahmet Ali; Bodakci, Mehmet Nuri; Hatipoglu, Namik Kemal; Atar, Murat; Yildirim, Kadir

2012-10-01

The most important factor that increases the cost of percutaneous surgery is the disposable instruments used for the surgery. In this study we present the advantages of using an intravenous cannula instead of a percutaneous access needle for renal access. Recently, percutaneous stone surgery has grown in use in pediatric cases and is considered a minimally invasive surgery. The most important step in this surgery is access to the renal collecting systems. Although fluoroscopy has been used frequently at this stage, the use of ultrasound has recently increased. During percutaneous accesses under all types of imaging techniques, disposable 11- to 15-cm-long 18-ga needles are used. In pediatric cases, these longer needles are difficult to use. Using disposable materials in percutaneous nephrolithotomy increases the cost of the procedure. Therefore, we asserted that percutaneous access especially in pediatric cases could be performed using a 16-ga intravenous cannula (angiocath). Indeed, percutaneous access was performed successfully, especially in pediatric preschool patients. Shorter needle length, easy skin entry, comfort of manipulation, clear visualization of the metal needle on ultrasound, and wide availability can be considered advantages of this method. The angiocath is also less expensive than a percutaneous access needle. Angiocath is inexpensive, easily available, and practical, and it is the shortest needle to perform percutaneous access in pediatric patients. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Advanced Space Suit Insulation Feasibility Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trevino, Luis A.; Orndoff, Evelyne S.

2000-01-01

For planetary applications, the space suit insulation has unique requirements because it must perform in a dynamic mode to protect humans in the harsh dust, pressure and temperature environments. Since the presence of a gaseous planetary atmosphere adds significant thermal conductance to the suit insulation, the current multi-layer flexible insulation designed for vacuum applications is not suitable in reduced pressure planetary environments such as that of Mars. Therefore a feasibility study has been conducted at NASA to identify the most promising insulation concepts that can be developed to provide an acceptable suit insulation. Insulation concepts surveyed include foams, microspheres, microfibers, and vacuum jackets. The feasibility study includes a literature survey of potential concepts, an evaluation of test results for initial insulation concepts, and a development philosophy to be pursued as a result of the initial testing and conceptual surveys. The recommended focus is on microfibers due to the versatility of fiber structure configurations, the wide choice of fiber materials available, the maturity of the fiber processing industry, and past experience with fibers in insulation applications

Needle echogenicity in ultrasound-guided lumbar spine injections: a cadaveric study.

PubMed

Gofeld, Michael; Krashin, Daniel L; Ahn, Sangmin

2013-01-01

Echogenicity of regional anesthesia needles has been tested on different preclinical models; however, previous studies were done in an ideal experimental setting utilizing high-frequency insonation and superficially located targets. Because steep-angle deep injections are typically required for spinal and other chronic pain procedures, and low-frequency transducers are used, further feasibility study is warranted. To determine effectiveness of steep-angle deep injections, typically required for spinal and other chronic pain procedures. Experimental laboratory study. Willed Body Program, University of Washington. In-plane lumbar spine procedures with 50° and 70° angles were performed on a human cadaver. The images and video clips of a non-echogenic (Quincke-type) and echogenic (SonoPlex, StimuQuick, and EchoStim) needle placements were presented to 3 blinded assessors who rated the needle visibility on a 4-point scale. The data was statistically analyzed to determine the differences in visibility between the needles with and without the digital image enhancement, and to compare the video clips to captured images. ANOVA analysis demonstrated that overall SonoPlex was significantly better (P = 0.02) than other needles. SonoPlex maintained its superiority in the subset of facet joint injections (P = 0.02), followed by Quincke-type, then the StimuQuik, and EchoStim needles. In deep procedures, EchoStim was comparable with SonoPlex (P = 0.03), and they both were better than the other 2 needles. The enhanced images received higher rates, with a 0.6 point mean improved rating (P = 0). This study is limited by choice of needles, number of experiments performed, and potential postmortem changes of echogenicity. The SonoPlex needle appeared to have better echogenicity in this study. While non-echogenic Quincke-type needle visibility was adequate in superficial placements, it was limited in deep injections. An imaging enhancement is effective in improving needle visibility

Hydrogen storage in insulated pressure vessels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aceves, S.M.; Garcia-Villazana, O.

1998-08-01

Insulated pressure vessels are cryogenic-capable pressure vessels that can be fueled with liquid hydrogen (LH{sub 2}) or ambient-temperature compressed hydrogen (CH{sub 2}). Insulated pressure vessels offer the advantages of liquid hydrogen tanks (low weight and volume), with reduced disadvantages (lower energy requirement for hydrogen liquefaction and reduced evaporative losses). This paper shows an evaluation of the applicability of the insulated pressure vessels for light-duty vehicles. The paper shows an evaluation of evaporative losses and insulation requirements and a description of the current analysis and experimental plans for testing insulated pressure vessels. The results show significant advantages to the use ofmore » insulated pressure vessels for light-duty vehicles.« less

Semiconductor of spinons: from Ising band insulator to orthogonal band insulator.

PubMed

Farajollahpour, T; Jafari, S A

2018-01-10

We use the ionic Hubbard model to study the effects of strong correlations on a two-dimensional semiconductor. The spectral gap in the limit where on-site interactions are zero is set by the staggered ionic potential, while in the strong interaction limit it is set by the Hubbard U. Combining mean field solutions of the slave spin and slave rotor methods, we propose two interesting gapped phases in between: (i) the insulating phase before the Mott phase can be viewed as gapping a non-Fermi liquid state of spinons by the staggered ionic potential. The quasi-particles of underlying spinons are orthogonal to physical electrons, giving rise to the 'ARPES-dark' state where the ARPES gap will be larger than the optical and thermal gap. (ii) The Ising insulator corresponding to ordered phase of the Ising variable is characterized by single-particle excitations whose dispersion is controlled by Ising-like temperature and field dependences. The temperature can be conveniently employed to drive a phase transition between these two insulating phases where Ising exponents become measurable by ARPES and cyclotron resonance. The rare earth monochalcogenide semiconductors where the magneto-resistance is anomalously large can be a candidate system for the Ising band insulator. We argue that the Ising and orthogonal insulating phases require strong enough ionic potential to survive the downward renormalization of the ionic potential caused by Hubbard U.

Semiconductor of spinons: from Ising band insulator to orthogonal band insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farajollahpour, T.; Jafari, S. A.

2018-01-01

We use the ionic Hubbard model to study the effects of strong correlations on a two-dimensional semiconductor. The spectral gap in the limit where on-site interactions are zero is set by the staggered ionic potential, while in the strong interaction limit it is set by the Hubbard U. Combining mean field solutions of the slave spin and slave rotor methods, we propose two interesting gapped phases in between: (i) the insulating phase before the Mott phase can be viewed as gapping a non-Fermi liquid state of spinons by the staggered ionic potential. The quasi-particles of underlying spinons are orthogonal to physical electrons, giving rise to the ‘ARPES-dark’ state where the ARPES gap will be larger than the optical and thermal gap. (ii) The Ising insulator corresponding to ordered phase of the Ising variable is characterized by single-particle excitations whose dispersion is controlled by Ising-like temperature and field dependences. The temperature can be conveniently employed to drive a phase transition between these two insulating phases where Ising exponents become measurable by ARPES and cyclotron resonance. The rare earth monochalcogenide semiconductors where the magneto-resistance is anomalously large can be a candidate system for the Ising band insulator. We argue that the Ising and orthogonal insulating phases require strong enough ionic potential to survive the downward renormalization of the ionic potential caused by Hubbard U.

[The effect of needle type and immobilization on postspinal headache].

PubMed

Hafer, J; Rupp, D; Wollbrück, M; Engel, J; Hempelmann, G

1997-10-01

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a significant complication of spinal anaesthesia. Diameter and tip of the needle as well as the patient's age have been proven to be important determinants. The question of whether post-operative recumbency can reduce the risk of PDPH has not been answered uniformly. And besides, some studies referring to this subject reveal methodical failures, for example, as to clear definition and exact documentation of post-operative immobilization. Furthermore, fine-gauge needles (26G or more) have not been investigated yet. The first aim of our study was therefore to examine the role of recumbency in the prevention of PDPH under controlled conditions using thin needles. Secondly, we wanted to confirm the reported prophylactic effect of needles with a modified, atraumatic tip (Whitacre and Atraucan) by comparing them to Quincke needles of identical diameter. Most of the former investigators compared Quincke with atraumatic needles of different size regardless of the known influence of the diameter on PDPH. In a prospective study we included 481 consecutive patients undergoing a total of 500 orthopaedic operations under spinal anaesthesia. The latter was performed in a standardized manner (patient sitting, midline approach, needle with parallel bevel direction), using four different needles allocated randomly (26-gauge and 27-gauge needles with Quincke tip, 26-gauge Atraucan and 27-gauge Whitacre cannula). Half of the patients were instructed to stay in bed for 24 h (horizontal position without raising head), the others to get up as early as possible. An anaesthesiologist visited the patients on the fourth postoperative day or later and questioned them about headache and duration of recumbency. Additionally, the patients had to fill out a questionnaire 1 week after surgery. Any postural headache was considered as PDPH. The four groups of different needles had homogeneous demographic characteristics (see Table 1). A total of 47 patients (9

Needle oils of three pine species and species hybrids

Treesearch

Robert Z. Callaham

1956-01-01

The composition and characteristics of the needle oils of western pines may provide criteria for distinguishing pine hybrids and may help explain why some needle-feeding insects select certain pine species as hosts.

Silicon/SU8 multi-electrode micro-needle for in vivo neurochemical monitoring.

PubMed

Vasylieva, Natalia; Marinesco, Stéphane; Barbier, Daniel; Sabac, Andrei

2015-10-15

Simultaneous monitoring of glucose and lactate is an important challenge for understanding brain energetics in physiological or pathological states. We demonstrate here a versatile method based on a minimally invasive single implantation in the rat brain. A silicon/SU8-polymer multi-sensing needle-shaped biosensor, was fabricated and tested. The multi-electrode array design comprises three platinum planar microelectrodes with a surface area of 40 × 200 µm(2) and a spacing of 200 µm, which were micromachined on a single 3mm long micro-needle having a 100 × 50 µm(2) cross-section for reduced tissue damage during implantation. Platinum micro-electrodes were aligned at the bottom of micro-wells obtained by photolithography on a SU8 photoresist layer. After clean room processing, each micro-electrode was functionalized inside the micro-wells by means of a micro-dispensing device, either with glucose oxidase or with lactate oxidase, which were cross-linked on the platinum electrodes. The third electrode covered with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was used for the control of non-specific currents. The thick SU8 photoresist layer has revealed excellent electrical insulation of the micro-electrodes and between interconnection lines, and ensured a precise localization and packaging of the sensing enzymes on platinum micro-electrodes. During in vitro calibration with concentrations of analytes in the mM range, the micro-wells patterned in the SU8 photoresist proved to be highly effective in eliminating cross-talk signals, caused by H2O2 diffusion from closely spaced micro-electrodes. Moreover, our biosensor was successfully assayed in the rat cortex for simultaneous monitoring of both glucose and lactate during insulin and glucose administration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Pneumothorax following dry needling treatment: legal and ethical aspects].

PubMed

Ronconi, Gianpaolo; De Giorgio, Fabio; Ricci, Eleonora; Maggi, Loredana; Spagnolo, Antonio G; Ferrara, Paola Emilia

2016-01-01

Trigger point "dry needling" is a technique used to treat myofascial pain. It involves using filiform needles which are inserted into muscles to give local pain relief. Few cases of serious adverse events following this treatment have been reported in the literature. In this paper we describe the case of a professional swimmer who developed pneumothorax after dry needling treatment and discuss the medicolegal and ethical aspects related to competencies and responsibilities of medical doctors and physiotherapists performing the procedure.

Skyrme insulators: insulators at the brink of superconductivity

DOE PAGES

Ertem, Onur; Chang, Po -Yao; Coleman, Piers; ...

2017-08-04

Current theories of superfluidity are based on the idea of a coherent quantum state with topologically protected, quantized circulation. When this topological protection is absent, as in the case of 3He-A, the coherent quantum state no longer supports persistent superflow. In this paper, we argue that the loss of topological protection in a superconductor gives rise to an insulating ground state. Specifically, we introduce the concept of a Skyrme insulator to describe the coherent dielectric state that results from the topological failure of superflow carried by a complex vector order parameter. Here, we apply this idea to the case ofmore » SmB6, arguing that the observation of a diamagnetic Fermi surface within an insulating bulk can be understood as a realization of this state. Our theory enables us to understand the linear specific heat of SmB6 in terms of a neutral Majorana Fermi sea and leads us to predict that in low fields of order a Gauss, SmB6 will develop a Meissner effect.« less

Kalman filter-based EM-optical sensor fusion for needle deflection estimation.

PubMed

Jiang, Baichuan; Gao, Wenpeng; Kacher, Daniel; Nevo, Erez; Fetics, Barry; Lee, Thomas C; Jayender, Jagadeesan

2018-04-01

In many clinical procedures such as cryoablation that involves needle insertion, accurate placement of the needle's tip at the desired target is the major issue for optimizing the treatment and minimizing damage to the neighboring anatomy. However, due to the interaction force between the needle and tissue, considerable error in intraoperative tracking of the needle tip can be observed as needle deflects. In this paper, measurements data from an optical sensor at the needle base and a magnetic resonance (MR) gradient field-driven electromagnetic (EM) sensor placed 10 cm from the needle tip are used within a model-integrated Kalman filter-based sensor fusion scheme. Bending model-based estimations and EM-based direct estimation are used as the measurement vectors in the Kalman filter, thus establishing an online estimation approach. Static tip bending experiments show that the fusion method can reduce the mean error of the tip position estimation from 29.23 mm of the optical sensor-based approach to 3.15 mm of the fusion-based approach and from 39.96 to 6.90 mm, at the MRI isocenter and the MRI entrance, respectively. This work established a novel sensor fusion scheme that incorporates model information, which enables real-time tracking of needle deflection with MRI compatibility, in a free-hand operating setup.

Insulation insomnia: a cure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heyman, M.

1978-09-01

Some answers to questions are provided on home insulation. The first asks about measures to cut home energy use, followed by queries on kinds of insulation available and their differences, description of the R Factor, selecting the best kind, how much insulation and the money it will save, fire safety properties, the use of a vapor barrier, the plugging of attic vents in the winter, and installation information. Some research projects or the fire safety, properties, and installation are reviewed.

Comparison of Histologic Core Portions Acquired from a Core Biopsy Needle and a Conventional Needle in Solid Mass Lesions: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Lee, Ban Seok; Cho, Chang-Min; Jung, Min Kyu; Jang, Jung Sik; Bae, Han Ik

2017-07-15

The superiority of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) over EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) remains controversial. Given the lack of studies analyzing histologic specimens acquired from EUS-FNB or EUS-FNA, we compared the proportion of the histologic core obtained from both techniques. A total of 58 consecutive patients with solid mass lesions were enrolled and randomly assigned to the EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB groups. The opposite needle was used after the failure of core tissue acquisition using the initial needle with up to three passes. Using computerized analyses of the scanned histologic slide, the overall area and the area of the histologic core portion in specimens obtained by the two techniques were compared. No significant differences were identified between the two groups with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics. Fewer needle passes were required to obtain core specimens in the FNB group (p<0.001). There were no differences in the proportion of histologic core (11.8%±19.5% vs 8.0%±11.1%, p=0.376) or in the diagnostic accuracy (80.6% vs 81.5%, p=0.935) between two groups. The proportion of histologic core and the diagnostic accuracy were comparable between the FNB and FNA groups. However, fewer needle passes were required to establish an accurate diagnosis in EUS-FNB.

Insulation Fact Sheet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conservation and Renewable Energy Inquiry and Referral Service (DOE), Silver Spring, MD.

Heating and cooling account for 50-70% of the energy consumed in the average American home. Heating water accounts for another 20%. A poorly insulated home loses much of this energy, causing drafty rooms and high energy bills. This fact sheet discusses how to determine if your home needs more insulation, the additional thermal resistance (called…

Accidental needle sticks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the fallacy of public policy.

PubMed

Wolf, Bruce L; Marks, Albert; Fahrenholz, John M

2006-07-01

Current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines mandate the use of safety needles when allergy injections are given. Safety needles for intradermal testing remain optional. Whether safety needles reduce the number of accidental needle sticks (ANSs) in the outpatient setting has yet to be proven. To determine the rate of ANSs with new (safety) needles vs old needles used in allergy immunotherapy and intradermal testing. Allergy practices from 22 states were surveyed by e-mail. Seventy practices (28%) responded to the survey. Twice as many ANSs occurred in practices giving immunotherapy when using new needles vs old needles (P < .01). The rate of ANSs was roughly the same for intradermal testing with new needles vs old needles. These findings further question whether OSHA's guidelines for safety needle use in outpatient practice need revision and if allergy practices might be excluded from the requirement to use safety needles.

Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Photodetectors

PubMed Central

Lin, Chu-Hsuan; Liu, Chee Wee

2010-01-01

The major radiation of the Sun can be roughly divided into three regions: ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. Detection in these three regions is important to human beings. The metal-insulator-semiconductor photodetector, with a simpler process than the pn-junction photodetector and a lower dark current than the MSM photodetector, has been developed for light detection in these three regions. Ideal UV photodetectors with high UV-to-visible rejection ratio could be demonstrated with III–V metal-insulator-semiconductor UV photodetectors. The visible-light detection and near-infrared optical communications have been implemented with Si and Ge metal-insulator-semiconductor photodetectors. For mid- and long-wavelength infrared detection, metal-insulator-semiconductor SiGe/Si quantum dot infrared photodetectors have been developed, and the detection spectrum covers atmospheric transmission windows. PMID:22163382

AC electrical breakdown phenomena of epoxy/layered silicate nanocomposite in needle-plate electrodes.

PubMed

Park, Jae-Jun; Lee, Jae-Young

2013-05-01

Epoxy/layered silicate nanocomposite for the insulation of heavy electric equipments were prepared by dispersing 1 wt% of a layered silicate into an epoxy matrix with a homogenizing mixer and then AC electrical treeing and breakdown tests were carried out. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation showed that nano-sized monolayers were exfoliated from a multilayered silicate in the epoxy matrix. When the nano-sized silicate layers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix, the breakdown rate in needle-plate electrode geometry was 10.6 times lowered than that of the neat epoxy resin under the applied electrical field of 520.9 kV/mm at 30 degrees C, and electrical tree propagated with much more branches in the epoxy/layered silicate nanocomposite. These results showed that well-dispersed nano-sized silicate layers retarded the electrical tree growth rate. The effects of applied voltage and ambient temperature on the tree initiation, growth, and breakdown rate were also studied, and it was found that the breakdown rate was largely increased, as the applied voltage and ambient temperature increased.

The effect of intralesional steroid injections on the volume and blood flow in periocular capillary haemangiomas.

PubMed

Verity, David H; Rose, Geoffrey E; Restori, M

2008-01-01

To examine the effect of steroid therapy on the volume estimates and blood flow characteristics of childhood periorbital capillary haemangiomas. Children at risk of amblyopia due to periorbital haemangiomas were treated with intralesional steroid injections (between 1 and 4 courses) and serial assessment of the volume and blood-flow characteristics of the lesions measured using colour Doppler ultrasonography. The characteristics of the haemangiomas in these children were compared with a cohort of untreated cases. Eight of nine treated children were female, this proportion being significantly different from the equal sex distribution of an untreated cohort (p < 0.05). All children in the steroid-treated group presented within 1 month of birth, compared to the untreated children, who presented at an average of 2.1 months of age (range 0-14, median 2.9 months) (p = 0.04) and they required significantly longer follow-up in the Orbital service (mean 65 months, range 26-105), compared with an average of 35 months (range 4-92, median 23) in the untreated group (p = 0.002). The maximum estimated volume of the lesions were significantly larger in the treated group (treated group mean 8.9 ml, untreated group mean 4.1 ml; p = 0.016), with a trend towards higher maximum measured blood velocities in the treated group (treated mean 64 cm compared with untreated mean 52 cm; p = 0.1). Steroid injections appear to reduce the volume and blood flow of haemangiomas, this suppression persisting for several months (between 5 and 20) before the lesion later displays the cyclic fluctuations in volume and flow seen with untreated lesions. All treated haemangiomas had some residual vascular anomaly, detectable on ultrasonography, at last follow-up--this being despite absence of clinical signs in most cases. Periorbital capillary haemangiomas requiring steroid therapy for risk of amblyopia were significantly commoner in females, were larger lesions and presented at an earlier age

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration With a 19-G Needle Device.

PubMed

Tremblay, Alain; McFadden, Seamus; Bonifazi, Martina; Luzzi, Valentina; Kemp, Samuel V; Gasparini, Stefano; Chee, Alex; MacEachern, Paul; Dumoulin, Elaine; A Hergott, Christopher; Shah, Pallav L

2018-05-16

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a well-established first-line minimally invasive modality for mediastinal lymph node sampling. Although results are excellent overall, the technique underperforms in certain situations. We aimed to describe our results using a new 19-G EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration device to determine safety and feasibility of this approach. We completed a retrospective chart review of all cases performed to the time of data analysis at each of 3 study sites. A total of 165 procedures were performed with a total of 297 individual lymph nodes or lesions sampled with the 19-G device by 10 bronchoscopists. Relatively large targets were selected for sampling with the device (mean lymph node size: 20.4 mm; lung lesions: 33.5 mm). A specific diagnosis was obtained in 77.3% of cases with an additional 13.6% of cases with benign lymphocytes, for a procedural adequacy rate of 90.9%. Procedure sample adequacy was 88.6% in suspected malignant cases, 91.0% in suspected sarcoidosis/lymphadenopathy cases, and 85.7% of cases with suspected lymphoma. On a per-node basis, a specific diagnosis was noted in 191/280 (68.2%) of samples, with an additional 61 showing benign lymphocytes for a per-node sample adequacy rate of 90%. One case (0.6%) of intraprocedure bleeding was noted. A new flexible 19-G EBUS needle was successfully and safely applied in a large patient cohort for sampling of lung and enlarged mediastinal lesions with high diagnostic rates across clinical indications.

[Professor Feng Run-Shen's essential experience in penetration needling method].

PubMed

Feng, Mu-Lan

2009-04-01

Professor Feng Run-Shen is engaged in medicine for more than 60 years. He pays attention to medical ethics and has perfect medical skill. He energetically advocates combination of acupuncture with medication and stresses the concept of viewing the situation as a whole in selection of acupoints and treatment, particularly, clinical application of point properties. Clinically, he is accomplished in penetration needling, for which one needle acts on two or more points, enlarging the range of needling sensation, so it has very good therapeutic effects on many diseases. In the paper, the case samples about penetration needling in his clinical practice are summarized and introduced.

Topological-insulator-based terahertz modulator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, X. B.; Cheng, L.; Wu, Y.

Three dimensional topological insulators, as a new phase of quantum matters, are characterized by an insulating gap in the bulk and a metallic state on the surface. Particularly, most of the topological insulators have narrow band gaps, and hence have promising applications in the area of terahertz optoelectronics. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an electronically-tunable terahertz intensity modulator based on Bi 1:5Sb 0:5Te 1:8Se 1:2 single crystal, one of the most insulating topological insulators. A relative frequency-independent modulation depth of ~62% over a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 1.4 THz has been achieved at room temperature, by applyingmore » a bias current of 100 mA. The modulation in the low current regime can be further enhanced at low temperature. We propose that the extraordinarily large modulation is a consequence of thermally-activated carrier absorption in the semiconducting bulk states. Our work provides a new application of topological insulators for terahertz technology.« less

Topological-insulator-based terahertz modulator

DOE PAGES

Wang, X. B.; Cheng, L.; Wu, Y.; ...

2017-10-18

Three dimensional topological insulators, as a new phase of quantum matters, are characterized by an insulating gap in the bulk and a metallic state on the surface. Particularly, most of the topological insulators have narrow band gaps, and hence have promising applications in the area of terahertz optoelectronics. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an electronically-tunable terahertz intensity modulator based on Bi 1:5Sb 0:5Te 1:8Se 1:2 single crystal, one of the most insulating topological insulators. A relative frequency-independent modulation depth of ~62% over a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 1.4 THz has been achieved at room temperature, by applyingmore » a bias current of 100 mA. The modulation in the low current regime can be further enhanced at low temperature. We propose that the extraordinarily large modulation is a consequence of thermally-activated carrier absorption in the semiconducting bulk states. Our work provides a new application of topological insulators for terahertz technology.« less

Electrochemically Induced Insulator-Metal-Insulator Transformations of Vanadium Dioxide Nanocrystal Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milliron, Delia; Dahlman, Clayton; Leblanc, Gabriel; Bergerud, Amy

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) undergoes significant optical, electronic, and structural changes as it transforms between the low-temperature monoclinic and high-temperature rutile phases. The low-temperature state is insulating and transparent, while the high-temperature state is metallic and IR blocking. Alternative stimuli have been utilized to trigger insulator-to-metal transformations in VO2, including electrochemical gating. Here, VO2 nanocrystal films have been prepared by solution deposition of V2O3 nanocrystals followed by oxidative annealing. Nanocrystalline VO2 films are electrochemically reduced, inducing changes in their electronic and optical properties. We observe a reversible transition between infrared transparent insulating phases and a darkened metallic phase by in situ visible-near-infrared spectroelectrochemistry and correlate these observations with structural and electronic changes monitored by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements. Reduction causes an initial transformation to a metallic, IR-colored distorted monoclinic phase. However, an unexpected reversible transition from conductive, reduced monoclinic VO2 to an infrared-transparent insulating phase is observed upon further reduction.

A comparison of Espocan and Tuohy needles for the combined spinal-epidural technique for labor analgesia.

PubMed

Browne, Ingrid M; Birnbach, David J; Stein, Deborah J; O'Gorman, David A; Kuroda, Maxine

2005-08-01

When using the needle-through-needle combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique for labor analgesia, failure to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), paresthesias, and intrathecal or intravascular migration of the catheter are of concern. Epidural needles with spinal needle apertures, such as the back-hole Espocan (ES) needles, are available and may reduce these risks. We describe the efficacy and adverse events associated with a modified epidural needle (ES) versus a conventional Tuohy needle for CSE. One-hundred parturients requesting labor analgesia (CSE) were randomized into 2 groups: 50-ES 18-gauge modified epidural needle with 27-gauge Pencan atraumatic spinal needle, 50-conventional 18-gauge Tuohy needle with 27-gauge Gertie Marx atraumatic spinal needle. Information on intrathecal or intravascular catheter placement, paresthesia on introduction of spinal needle, failure to obtain CSF through the spinal needle after placement of epidural needle, unintentional dural puncture, and epidural catheter function was obtained. No intrathecal catheter placement occurred in either group. Rates of intravascular catheter placement and unintentional dural puncture were similar between the groups. Significant differences were noted regarding spinal needle-induced paresthesia (14% ES versus 42% Tuohy needles, P = 0.009) and failure to obtain CSF on first attempt (8% ES versus 28% Tuohy needles, P < 0.02). Use of ES needles for CSE significantly reduces paresthesia associated with the insertion of the spinal needle and is associated with more frequent successful spinal needle placement on the first attempt. The use of modified epidural needles with a back hole for combined spinal-epidural technique significantly reduces paresthesia associated with the insertion of the spinal needle and is associated with more frequent successful spinal needle placement on the first attempt.

Helical-Tip Needle for Transthoracic Percutaneous Image-Guided Biopsy of Lung Tumors: Results of a Pilot Prospective Comparative Study with a Standard Tru-Cut Needle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veltri, Andrea, E-mail: andrea.veltri@unito.it; Busso, Marco; Sardo, Diego

PurposeTo prospectively evaluate feasibility and diagnostic performance of the 14-gauge helical-tip (Spirotome™, Cook{sup ®} Medical, Bloomington, USA) needle in transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) of lung lesions, compared to a conventional 18-gauge Tru-Cut needle.Materials and MethodsStudy was institutional review board approved, with informed consent obtained. Data from synchronous Spirotome and Tru-Cut image-guided TTNB of 20 consecutive patients with malignant peripheral lung tumors larger than 3 cm were enrolled for pathologic characterization and mutational analysis. Samples obtained with Spirotome and Tru-Cut needle were compared for fragmentation, length, weight, morphologic and immunohistochemistry typifying, tumor cellularity (TC) and DNA concentration.ResultsThe technical success rate for TTNBmore » with Spirotome was 100%, and no major complications occurred. Less fragmentation (mean 2 vs. 3 fragments, P = .418), greater weight (mean 13 vs. 8.5 mg, P = .027) and lower length (mean 10.2 vs. 12.6 mm, P = .174) were observed with Spirotome compared to Tru-Cut needle. Accuracy of Spirotome and Tru-Cut needle in defining cancer histotype was similar (90%). Absolute and relative TC (mean 42 vs. 38, 124 vs. 108/10HPF), and DNA concentration (mean 49.6 vs. 39.0 ng/μl) were higher with Spirotome compared to Tru-Cut needle, with no statistical significance (P = .787 and P = .140, respectively).Conclusions Percutaneous 14-gauge Spirotome TTNB of selected lesions is feasible and accurate. It provides adequate samples for diagnosis, comparable to 18-gauge Tru-Cut needle, with a higher amount of tumor tissue (weight, TC, DNA concentration) even in shorter samples.« less

Internal insulation system development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gille, J. P.

1973-01-01

The development of an internal insulation system for cryogenic liquids is described. The insulation system is based on a gas layer concept in which capillary or surface tension effects are used to maintain a stable gas layer within a cellular core structure between the tank wall and the contained cryogen. In this work, a 1.8 meter diameter tank was insulated and tested with liquid hydrogen. Ability to withstand cycling of the aluminum tank wall to 450 K was a design and test condition.

Lung function in insulation workers.

PubMed Central

Clausen, J; Netterstrøm, B; Wolff, C

1993-01-01

To evaluate the effects of working with modern insulation materials (rock and glass wool), the members of the Copenhagen Union of Insulation Workers were invited to participate in a study based on a health examination that included lung function tests. Three hundred and forty men (74%) agreed to participate, and 166 bus drivers served as the control group. Age distribution, height, and smoking habits were similar in the two groups. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were used as tests for lung function. There were no differences in FVC between the study and control groups, but the insulation workers had significantly lower values of FEV1 (mean 2.51) compared with the controls (mean 3.4 1), independent of smoking habits. Six years before the present study, 114 of the insulation workers participated in a similar study, and eight years after the initial study, the lung function of 59 of the bus drivers was tested. The decline in FVC in insulation workers who smoked was significantly higher (7.7 cl/year) than in bus drivers who smoked (3.1 cl/year); the decline in FEV1 was significantly higher in insulation workers independent of smoking habits (17.0 cl/year v 2.9 cl/year). Self assessed former exposure to asbestos was not associated with lung function in insulation workers. The study concludes that working with modern insulation materials is associated with increased risk of developing obstructive lung disease. PMID:8457492

[Incidence of postmyelography syndrome and postmyelography complaints after lumbar puncture with the Sprotte pencil-like needle in comparison with the Quincke needle].

PubMed

Fox, R G; Reiche, W; Kiefer, M; Hagen, T; Huber, G

1996-11-01

Myelography in combination with a postmyelography CT is an important presurgical examination because of its excellent visualisation of the disc, the bone and the contrast-filled dura. Side effects after myelography can be observed in up to 50% of patients. The pathophysiological mechanism is thought to be increased cerebrospinal fluid leakage at the puncture site. Since the introduction by Sprotte in 1979 of the pencil-point needle, a modification of Whitacre's needle, fewer complaints after lumbar puncture have been reported. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of two types of needle points and the temperature (37 degrees C vs 21 degrees C) of the contrast medium (CM; iotrolan, Isovist) on the incidence of side effects of lumbar puncture for myelography. In a prospective randomized trial the incidence of complaints after lumbar puncture with intrathecal CM application was evaluated by the use of a 21-G pencil-point needle as modified by Sprotte compared to our usual 22-G needle with a Quincke bevel. Some 412 patients (201 female, 211 male; mean age 54.05 +/- 7.4 years) were investigated. Directly after examination and 1. 3 and 5 days later the patients were questioned about complaints (headache, neck stiffness nausea, vomiting, buzzing in the ear and dizziness). The results were tested by the chi square test. A significantly lower incidence of complaints was seen after lumbar puncture with the pencil-point needle/Quincke needle (headache: 6.3%/18.9%, P < 0.0001; headache lasting 3 days: 0.5%/7.8%, P < 0.0001; headache lasting 5 days: 0%/2.4%, P = 0.0305; nausea: 0%/4.9%, P = 0.0009; vomiting: 0%/3.4%, P = 0.0009; dizziness: 0%/3.4%, P = 0.0074; neck stiffness: 0%/3.4%, P = 0.0074). The temperature of the CM had no influence on the complaints. No influence was seen on the quality of the myelogram. No relation to sex and age was found. Complaints after lumbar puncture and myelography are caused by the cerebrospinal fluid leakage at the puncture site

A variable stiffness mechanism for steerable percutaneous instruments: integration in a needle.

PubMed

De Falco, Iris; Culmone, Costanza; Menciassi, Arianna; Dankelman, Jenny; van den Dobbelsteen, John J

2018-06-04

Needles are advanced tools commonly used in minimally invasive medical procedures. The accurate manoeuvrability of flexible needles through soft tissues is strongly determined by variations in tissue stiffness, which affects the needle-tissue interaction and thus causes needle deflection. This work presents a variable stiffness mechanism for percutaneous needles capable of compensating for variations in tissue stiffness and undesirable trajectory changes. It is composed of compliant segments and rigid plates alternately connected in series and longitudinally crossed by four cables. The tensioning of the cables allows the omnidirectional steering of the tip and the stiffness tuning of the needle. The mechanism was tested separately under different working conditions, demonstrating a capability to exert up to 3.6 N. Afterwards, the mechanism was integrated into a needle, and the overall device was tested in gelatine phantoms simulating the stiffness of biological tissues. The needle demonstrated the capability to vary deflection (from 11.6 to 4.4 mm) and adapt to the inhomogeneity of the phantoms (from 21 to 80 kPa) depending on the activation of the variable stiffness mechanism. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Colossal magnetoresistance in a Mott insulator via magnetic field-driven insulator-metal transition

DOE PAGES

Zhu, M.; Peng, J.; Zou, T.; ...

2016-05-25

Here, we present a new type of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) arising from an anomalous collapse of the Mott insulating state via a modest magnetic field in a bilayer ruthenate, Ti-doped Ca 3Ru 2O 7. Such an insulator-metal transition is accompanied by changes in both lattice and magnetic structures. Our findings have important implications because a magnetic field usually stabilizes the insulating ground state in a Mott-Hubbard system, thus calling for a deeper theoretical study to reexamine the magnetic field tuning of Mott systems with magnetic and electronic instabilities and spin-lattice-charge coupling. This study further provides a model approach to searchmore » for CMR systems other than manganites, such as Mott insulators in the vicinity of the boundary between competing phases.« less

SU-D-213AB-06: Surface Texture and Insertion Speed Effect on Needle Friction.

PubMed

Abdullah, A; Golecki, C; Barnett, A; Moore, J

2012-06-01

High frictional forces between the needle surface and tissue cause tissue deflection which hinders accurate needle placement for procedures such as brachytherapy and needle biopsy. Accurate needle placement isimportant to maximize procedure efficacy. This work investigates how needle surface roughness and insertion speed affect the frictional forcebetween a needle and tissue. A friction experiment was conducted to measure the force of friction between bovine liver and three 11 gauge needles having Ra surface roughness of 3.43, 1.33, and 0.2 μm. Each of the three needles were mounted on a linear slide and were advanced and retracted through bovine liver at speeds of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mm/s for a total of 12 trials. In each trial the needle was advanced and retracted in 10 cycles producing a steady state insertion force and a steady state retraction force for each cycle. A force sensor connecting the needle to the linear slide recorded the resistance force of the needle sliding through the liver. The liver was mounted in a box with a pneumatic cylinder which compressed the liver sample by 11.65 kPa. The roughest needle (Ra = 3.43 μm) on average produced 68, 73, 74, and 73% lower friction force than the smoothest needle (Ra = 0.2 μm) for the speeds of 50, 100, 150, and 200mm/s, respectively. The second roughest needle (Ra = 1.33 μm) on average produced 25, 45, 60 and 64% lower friction force than the smoothest needle (Ra = 0.2 μm) for the speeds of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mm/s, respectively. Rougher needle surface texture and higher insertion speed reduced frictional forces between the tissue and the needle. Future studies will examine how frictional forces can be modeled and predicted given surface texture and insertion speed. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Smartphone-Guided Needle Angle Selection During CT-Guided Procedures.

PubMed

Xu, Sheng; Krishnasamy, Venkatesh; Levy, Elliot; Li, Ming; Tse, Zion Tsz Ho; Wood, Bradford John

2018-01-01

In CT-guided intervention, translation from a planned needle insertion angle to the actual insertion angle is estimated only with the physician's visuospatial abilities. An iPhone app was developed to reduce reliance on operator ability to estimate and reproduce angles. The iPhone app overlays the planned angle on the smartphone's camera display in real-time based on the smartphone's orientation. The needle's angle is selected by visually comparing the actual needle with the guideline in the display. If the smartphone's screen is perpendicular to the planned path, the smartphone shows the Bull's-Eye View mode, in which the angle is selected after the needle's hub overlaps the tip in the camera. In phantom studies, we evaluated the accuracies of the hardware, the Guideline mode, and the Bull's-Eye View mode and showed the app's clinical efficacy. A proof-of-concept clinical case was also performed. The hardware accuracy was 0.37° ± 0.27° (mean ± SD). The mean error and navigation time were 1.0° ± 0.9° and 8.7 ± 2.3 seconds for a senior radiologist with 25 years' experience and 1.5° ± 1.3° and 8.0 ± 1.6 seconds for a junior radiologist with 4 years' experience. The accuracy of the Bull's-Eye View mode was 2.9° ± 1.1°. Combined CT and smart-phone guidance was significantly more accurate than CT-only guidance for the first needle pass (p = 0.046), which led to a smaller final targeting error (mean distance from needle tip to target, 2.5 vs 7.9 mm). Mobile devices can be useful for guiding needle-based interventions. The hardware is low cost and widely available. The method is accurate, effective, and easy to implement.

Detection of Membrane Puncture with Haptic Feedback using a Tip-Force Sensing Needle.

PubMed

Elayaperumal, Santhi; Bae, Jung Hwa; Daniel, Bruce L; Cutkosky, Mark R

2014-09-01

This paper presents calibration and user test results of a 3-D tip-force sensing needle with haptic feedback. The needle is a modified MRI-compatible biopsy needle with embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for strain detection. After calibration, the needle is interrogated at 2 kHz, and dynamic forces are displayed remotely with a voice coil actuator. The needle is tested in a single-axis master/slave system, with the voice coil haptic display at the master, and the needle at the slave end. Tissue phantoms with embedded membranes were used to determine the ability of the tip-force sensors to provide real-time haptic feedback as compared to external sensors at the needle base during needle insertion via the master/slave system. Subjects were able to determine the position of the embedded membranes with significantly better accuracy using FBG tip feedback than with base feedback using a commercial force/torque sensor (p = 0.045) or with no added haptic feedback (p = 0.0024).

A needle guidance system for biopsy and therapy using two-dimensional ultrasound

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bluvol, Nathan; Sheikh, Allison; Kornecki, Anat

2008-02-15

Image-guided needle biopsies are currently used to provide a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer; however, difficulties in tumor targeting exist as the ultrasound (United States) scan plane and biopsy needle must remain coplanar throughout the procedure to display the actual needle tip position. The additional time associated with aligning and maintaining this coplanar relationship results in increased patient discomfort. Biopsy procedural efficiency is further hindered since needle pathway interpretation is often difficult, especially for needle insertions at large depths that usually require multiple reinsertions. The authors developed a system that would increase the speed and accuracy of current breast biopsymore » procedures using readily available two-dimensional (2D) US technology. This system is composed of a passive articulated mechanical arm that attaches to a 2D US transducer. The arm is connected to a computer through custom electronics and software, which were developed as an interface for tracking the positioning of the mechanical components in real time. The arm couples to the biopsy needle and provides visual guidance for the physician performing the procedure in the form of a real-time projected needle pathway overlay on an US image of the breast. An agar test phantom, with stainless steel targets interspersed randomly throughout, was used to validate needle trajectory positioning accuracy. The biopsy needle was guided by both the software and hardware components to the targets. The phantom, with the needle inserted and device decoupled, was placed in an x-ray stereotactic mammography (SM) machine. The needle trajectory and bead target locations were determined in three dimensions from the SM images. Results indicated a mean needle trajectory accuracy error of 0.75{+-}0.42 mm. This is adequate to sample lesions that are <2 mm in diameter. Chicken tissue test phantoms were used to compare core needle biopsy procedure times between experienced

Spinal needle force monitoring during lumbar puncture using fiber Bragg grating force device.

PubMed

Ambastha, Shikha; Umesh, Sharath; Dabir, Sundaresh; Asokan, Sundarrajan

2016-11-01

A technique for real-time dynamic monitoring of force experienced by a spinal needle during lumbar puncture using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is presented. The proposed FBG force device (FBGFD) evaluates the compressive force on the spinal needle during lumbar puncture, particularly avoiding the bending effect on the needle. The working principle of the FBGFD is based on transduction of force experienced by the spinal needle into strain variations monitored by the FBG sensor. FBGFD facilitates external mounting of a spinal needle for its smooth insertion during lumbar puncture without any intervention. The developed FBGFD assists study and analysis of the force required for the spinal needle to penetrate various tissue layers from skin to the epidural space; this force is indicative of the varied resistance offered by different tissue layers for the spinal needle traversal. Calibration of FBGFD is performed on a micro-universal testing machine for 0 to 20 N range with an obtained resolution of 0.021 N. The experimental trials using spinal needles mounted on FBGFD are carried out on a human cadaver specimen with punctures made in the lumbar region from different directions. Distinct forces are recorded when the needle encounters skin, muscle tissue, and a bone in its traversing path. Real-time spinal needle force monitoring using FBGFD may reduce potentially serious complications during the lumbar puncture, such as overpuncturing of tissue regions, by impeding the spinal needle insertion at epidural space.

Spinal needle force monitoring during lumbar puncture using fiber Bragg grating force device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambastha, Shikha; Umesh, Sharath; Dabir, Sundaresh; Asokan, Sundarrajan

2016-11-01

A technique for real-time dynamic monitoring of force experienced by a spinal needle during lumbar puncture using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is presented. The proposed FBG force device (FBGFD) evaluates the compressive force on the spinal needle during lumbar puncture, particularly avoiding the bending effect on the needle. The working principle of the FBGFD is based on transduction of force experienced by the spinal needle into strain variations monitored by the FBG sensor. FBGFD facilitates external mounting of a spinal needle for its smooth insertion during lumbar puncture without any intervention. The developed FBGFD assists study and analysis of the force required for the spinal needle to penetrate various tissue layers from skin to the epidural space; this force is indicative of the varied resistance offered by different tissue layers for the spinal needle traversal. Calibration of FBGFD is performed on a micro-universal testing machine for 0 to 20 N range with an obtained resolution of 0.021 N. The experimental trials using spinal needles mounted on FBGFD are carried out on a human cadaver specimen with punctures made in the lumbar region from different directions. Distinct forces are recorded when the needle encounters skin, muscle tissue, and a bone in its traversing path. Real-time spinal needle force monitoring using FBGFD may reduce potentially serious complications during the lumbar puncture, such as overpuncturing of tissue regions, by impeding the spinal needle insertion at epidural space.

Visual Internal Urethrotomy With Intralesional Mitomycin C and Short-term Clean Intermittent Catheterization for the Management of Recurrent Urethral Strictures and Bladder Neck Contractures.

PubMed

Farrell, Michael R; Sherer, Benjamin A; Levine, Laurence A

2015-06-01

To evaluate our longitudinal experience using visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) with intralesional mitomycin C (MMC) and short-term clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) for urethral strictures and bladder neck contractures (BNC) after failure of endoscopic management. This case series involved review of our prospectively developed database of all men who underwent VIU with MMC and CIC in a standardized fashion for urethral stricture or BNC between 2010 and 2013 at our tertiary care medical center. Etiology was identified as radiation-induced stricture (RIS) or non-RIS and analyzed by stricture location. Cold knife incisions were made in a tri or quadrant fashion followed by intralesional injection of MMC and 1 month of once daily CIC. All 37 patients previously underwent at least 1 intervention for urethral stricture or BNC before VIU with MMC and CIC. Mean stricture length was 2.0 cm (range, 1-6 cm; standard deviation, 1.0 cm). Over the median follow-up period of 23 months (range, 12-39 months), 75.7% of patients required no additional surgical intervention (RIS, 54.5%; non-RIS, 84.6%; P = .051). In those that did recur, median time to stricture recurrence was 8 months (range, 2-28 months). One patient with recurrence required urethroplasty. VIU with MMC followed by short-term CIC provides a minimally invasive and widely available tool to manage complex recurrent urethral strictures (<3 cm) and BNC without significant morbidity. This approach may be most attractive for patients who are poor candidates for open surgery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Complete prevention of blood loss with self-sealing haemostatic needles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Mikyung; Park, Sung-Gurl; Oh, Byung-Chang; Kim, Keumyeon; Jo, Seongyeon; Lee, Moon Sue; Oh, Seok Song; Hong, Seon-Hui; Shin, Eui-Cheol; Kim, Ki-Suk; Kang, Sun-Woong; Lee, Haeshin

2017-01-01

Bleeding is largely unavoidable following syringe needle puncture of biological tissues and, while inconvenient, this typically causes little or no harm in healthy individuals. However, there are certain circumstances where syringe injections can have more significant side effects, such as uncontrolled bleeding in those with haemophilia, coagulopathy, or the transmission of infectious diseases through contaminated blood. Herein, we present a haemostatic hypodermic needle able to prevent bleeding following tissue puncture. The surface of the needle is coated with partially crosslinked catechol-functionalized chitosan that undergoes a solid-to-gel phase transition in situ to seal punctured tissues. Testing the capabilities of these haemostatic needles, we report complete prevention of blood loss following intravenous and intramuscular injections in animal models, and 100% survival in haemophiliac mice following syringe puncture of the jugular vein. Such self-sealing haemostatic needles and adhesive coatings may therefore help to prevent complications associated with bleeding in more clinical settings.

NEEDLE KNIFE SPHINCTEROTOMY - THE CHRIS HANI BARAGWANATH ACADEMIC HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE.

PubMed

Thomson, J T; Smith, M D; Omoshoro-Jones, J A O; Devar, J D; Khan, Z K; Jugmohan, B J

2017-06-01

Deep biliary cannulation is essential in performing a therapeutic ERCP. Cannulation can be enhanced through the utilization of a pre-cut by means of a needle knife sphincterotomy. Retrospective analysis of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital's ERCP database was performed. All ERCPs performed with the aid of a needle knife were identified and analysed for successful and unsuccessful deep biliary cannulation. 2830 ERCPs were performed during the study period. 369 (13%) required needle knife sphincterotomies and successful deep biliary cannulation was achieved in 229 (62%) of these patients. Repeat ERCPs were performed on 125 (34%) patients. 61 (49%) of the repeat ERCPs were performed because of previously failed cannulation. 34 (56%) of these repeat ERCPs resulted in successful deep biliary cannulation at re-attempt. 99% of successful cannulations at repeat ERCP had had a needle knife sphincterotomy at the first ERCP. Needle knife sphincterotomy improves deep biliary cannulation at initial ERCP and subsequent ERCPs with low incidences of complications.

Acupuncture sensation during ultrasound guided acupuncture needling

PubMed Central

Park, Jongbae J.; Akazawa, Margeaux; Ahn, Jaeki; Beckman-Harned, Selena; Lin, Feng-Chang; Lee, Kwangjae; Fine, Jason; Davis, Robert T; Langevin, Helene

2014-01-01

Background Although acupuncture sensation (also known as de qi) is a cornerstone of traditional acupuncture therapy, most research has accepted the traditional method of defining acupuncture sensation only through subjective patient reports rather than on any quantifiable physiological basis. Purpose To preliminarily investigate the frequency of key sensations experienced while needling to specific, quantifiable tissue levels (TLs) guided by ultrasound (US) imaging. Methods Five participants received needling at two acupuncture points and two control points at four TLs. US scans were used to determine when each TL was reached. Each volunteer completed 32 sets of modified Southampton Needle Sensation Questionnaires. Part one of the study tested sensations experienced at each TL and part two compared the effect of oscillation alone versus oscillation + rotation. Results In all volunteers, the frequency of pricking, sharp sensations was significantly greater in shallower TLs than deeper (p=0.007); the frequency of sensations described as deep, dull and heavy, as spreading, and as electric shocks was significantly greater in deeper TLs than shallower (p=0.002). Sensations experienced did not significantly differ between real and control points within each of three TLs (p>0.05) except TL 4 (p=0.006). The introduction of needle rotation significantly increased deep, dull, heavy sensations, but not pricking and sharp sensations; within each level, the spectrum of sensation experienced during both oscillation + rotation and oscillation alone did not significantly differ between acupuncture and control points. Conclusion The preliminary study indicates a strong connection between acupuncture sensation and both tissue depth and needle rotation. Furthermore, the new methodology has been proven feasible. A further study with an objective measurement is warranted. PMID:21642648

Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines1

PubMed Central

Dunning, James; Butts, Raymond; Mourad, Firas; Young, Ian; Flannagan, Sean; Perreault, Thomas

2014-01-01

Background: Wet needling uses hollow-bore needles to deliver corticosteroids, anesthetics, sclerosants, botulinum toxins, or other agents. In contrast, dry needling requires the insertion of thin monofilament needles, as used in the practice of acupuncture, without the use of injectate into muscles, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, and scar tissue. Dry needles may also be inserted in the vicinity of peripheral nerves and/or neurovascular bundles in order to manage a variety of neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes. Nevertheless, some position statements by several US State Boards of Physical Therapy have narrowly defined dry needling as an ‘intramuscular’ procedure involving the isolated treatment of ‘myofascial trigger points’ (MTrPs). Objectives: To operationalize an appropriate definition for dry needling based on the existing literature and to further investigate the optimal frequency, duration, and intensity of dry needling for both spinal and extremity neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Major findings: According to recent findings in the literature, the needle tip touches, taps, or pricks tiny nerve endings or neural tissue (i.e. ‘sensitive loci’ or ‘nociceptors’) when it is inserted into a MTrP. To date, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to underpin the use of direct dry needling into MTrPs for the purpose of short and long-term pain and disability reduction in patients with musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Furthermore, there is a lack of robust evidence validating the clinical diagnostic criteria for trigger point identification or diagnosis. High-quality studies have also demonstrated that manual examination for the identification and localization of a trigger point is neither valid nor reliable between-examiners. Conclusions: Several studies have demonstrated immediate or short-term improvements in pain and/or disability by targeting trigger points (TrPs) using in-and-out techniques such as ‘pistoning’ or �

Use of intralesional verapamil to dissolve Peyronie's disease plaque: a long-term single-blind study.

PubMed

Rehman, J; Benet, A; Melman, A

1998-04-01

versus none in the control group (P <0.02). There was no local or systemic toxicity except for an occasional ecchymosis/bruise at the injection site. After a positive clinical response, plaque size, penile angulation, and symptoms continued to improve. Decrease in plaque size was noted in each of the responders in the first 3 months. This randomized single-blind study suggests that intralesional injection of calcium channel blocker may be a reasonable approach in some selected patients for the treatment of Peyronie's disease with noncalcified plaque and penile angulation of less than 30 degrees. Patients whose plaque failed to respond to intralesional verapamil therapy within 3 months or whose angulation was greater than 30 degrees at presentation were more likely to benefit from surgery.

Tissue-Specific Regulation of Chromatin Insulator Function

PubMed Central

Matzat, Leah H.; Dale, Ryan K.; Moshkovich, Nellie; Lei, Elissa P.

2012-01-01

Chromatin insulators organize the genome into distinct transcriptional domains and contribute to cell type–specific chromatin organization. However, factors regulating tissue-specific insulator function have not yet been discovered. Here we identify the RNA recognition motif-containing protein Shep as a direct interactor of two individual components of the gypsy insulator complex in Drosophila. Mutation of shep improves gypsy-dependent enhancer blocking, indicating a role as a negative regulator of insulator activity. Unlike ubiquitously expressed core gypsy insulator proteins, Shep is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) with lower expression in other tissues. We developed a novel, quantitative tissue-specific barrier assay to demonstrate that Shep functions as a negative regulator of insulator activity in the CNS but not in muscle tissue. Additionally, mutation of shep alters insulator complex nuclear localization in the CNS but has no effect in other tissues. Consistent with negative regulatory activity, ChIP–seq analysis of Shep in a CNS-derived cell line indicates substantial genome-wide colocalization with a single gypsy insulator component but limited overlap with intact insulator complexes. Taken together, these data reveal a novel, tissue-specific mode of regulation of a chromatin insulator. PMID:23209434

Comparison of 21-gauge and 22-gauge aspiration needle in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: results of the American College of Chest Physicians Quality Improvement Registry, Education, and Evaluation Registry.

PubMed

Yarmus, Lonny B; Akulian, Jason; Lechtzin, Noah; Yasin, Faiza; Kamdar, Biren; Ernst, Armin; Ost, David E; Ray, Cynthia; Greenhill, Sarah R; Jimenez, Carlos A; Filner, Joshua; Feller-Kopman, David

2013-04-01

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure originally performed using a 22-gauge (22G) needle. A recently introduced 21-gauge (21G) needle may improve the diagnostic yield and sample adequacy of EBUS-TBNA, but prior smaller studies have shown conflicting results. To our knowledge, this is the largest study undertaken to date to determine whether the 21G needle adds diagnostic benefit. We retrospectively evaluated the results of 1,299 patients from the American College of Chest Physicians Quality Improvement Registry, Education, and Evaluation (AQuIRE) Diagnostic Registry who underwent EBUS-TBNA between February 2009 and September 2010 at six centers throughout the United States. Data collection included patient demographics, sample adequacy, and diagnostic yield. Analysis consisted of univariate and multivariate hierarchical logistic regression comparing diagnostic yield and sample adequacy of EBUS-TBNA specimens by needle gauge. A total of 1,235 patients met inclusion criteria. Sample adequacy was obtained in 94.9% of the 22G needle group and in 94.6% of the 21G needle group (P = .81). A diagnosis was made in 51.4% of the 22G and 51.3% of the 21G groups (P = .98). Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression showed no statistical difference in sample adequacy or diagnostic yield between the two groups. The presence of rapid onsite cytologic evaluation was associated with significantly fewer needle passes per procedure when using the 21G needle (P < .001). There is no difference in specimen adequacy or diagnostic yield between the 21G and 22G needle groups. EBUS-TBNA in conjunction with rapid onsite cytologic evaluation and a 21G needle is associated with fewer needle passes compared with a 22G needle.

Frost as an insulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronson, J. C.

1970-01-01

Insulating qualities of frost and mechanisms for using frost in specific applications in controlled experiments are discussed. With available supply of moist air, frost possesses inherent advantage of easy insulation of cryogenic lines and improvement of overall system efficiency.

High voltage variable diameter insulator

DOEpatents

Vanacek, D.L.; Pike, C.D.

1982-07-13

A high voltage feedthrough assembly having a tubular insulator extending between the ground plane ring and the high voltage ring. The insulator is made of Pyrex and decreases in diameter from the ground plane ring to the high voltage ring, producing equipotential lines almost perpendicular to the wall of the insulator to optimize the voltage-holding capability of the feedthrough assembly.

Semicircular thermocouple needle depth gauge for cryoprocedures.

PubMed

Pappenfort, R B

1981-06-01

A semicircular thermocouple needle depth gauge made of an aluminum alloy drilled with tracks at different angles to place thermocouple needles at various depths below the surface is described herein. Its shape offers definite advantages over circular jigs (templates) when doing cryoexperimentation and when used clinically. The material of which it is made is more durable than plastic. Grommets that firmly snap in place within the inner rim of the instrument permit accurate placement of liquid gas spray, cryoprobes, and other applicators directly over the thermocouple needle tips. This is of special importance when doing cryoexperiments. Furthermore, with this design, the advancing ice front and possible liquid gas runoff are more easily seen. By using both halves it is suitable for monitoring the temperature when freezing large tumors at two different sites and a different depths.

Silviculture and Swiss needle cast: research and recommendations.

Treesearch

Gregory M. Filip; A. Kanaskie; K. Kavanagh; G. Johnson; R. Johnson; D. Maguire

2000-01-01

For the past ten years, Douglas-fir on the Oregon and Washington coast has shown a progressive decrease in height and diameter increment as a result of Swiss needle cast, which is caused by Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii. In this contribution, we discuss the effects of silvicultural operations on Swiss needle cast and recommend specific actions to...

[Closed needle-biopsy in the diagnosis of neoplasms].

PubMed

Sforza, M; Perelli Ercolini, M; Beani, G

1979-04-01

The AA. demonstrate with this communication the validity of the needle biopsie for the diagnosis of neoplasms. They had used it for the breast, thyroid, flg and some other superficial tumefactions. In the mass-screening for the feminine neoplasms the clinical examination and the needle biopsy are very good method for a careful diagnosis.

Experimental platform for intra-uterine needle placement procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madjidi, Yashar; Haidegger, Tamás.; Ptacek, Wolfgang; Berger, Daniel; Kirisits, Christian; Kronreif, Gernot; Fichtinger, Gabor

2013-03-01

A framework has been investigated to enable a variety of comparative studies in the context of needle-based gynaecological brachytherapy. Our aim was to create an anthropomorphic phantom-based platform. The three main elements of the platform are the organ model, needle guide, and needle drive. These have been studied and designed to replicate the close environment of brachytherapy treatment for cervical cancer. Key features were created with the help of collaborating interventional radio-oncologists and the observations made in the operating room. A phantom box, representing the uterus model, has been developed considering available surgical analogies and operational limitations, such as organs at risk. A modular phantom-based platform has been designed and prototyped with the capability of providing various boundary conditions for the target organ. By mimicking the female pelvic floor, this framework has been used to compare a variety of needle insertion techniques and configurations for cervical and uterine interventions. The results showed that the proposed methodology is useful for the investigation of quantifiable experiments in the intraabdominal and pelvic regions.

Multi-resolution Gabor wavelet feature extraction for needle detection in 3D ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourtaherian, Arash; Zinger, Svitlana; Mihajlovic, Nenad; de With, Peter H. N.; Huang, Jinfeng; Ng, Gary C.; Korsten, Hendrikus H. M.

2015-12-01

Ultrasound imaging is employed for needle guidance in various minimally invasive procedures such as biopsy guidance, regional anesthesia and brachytherapy. Unfortunately, a needle guidance using 2D ultrasound is very challenging, due to a poor needle visibility and a limited field of view. Nowadays, 3D ultrasound systems are available and more widely used. Consequently, with an appropriate 3D image-based needle detection technique, needle guidance and interventions may significantly be improved and simplified. In this paper, we present a multi-resolution Gabor transformation for an automated and reliable extraction of the needle-like structures in a 3D ultrasound volume. We study and identify the best combination of the Gabor wavelet frequencies. High precision in detecting the needle voxels leads to a robust and accurate localization of the needle for the intervention support. Evaluation in several ex-vivo cases shows that the multi-resolution analysis significantly improves the precision of the needle voxel detection from 0.23 to 0.32 at a high recall rate of 0.75 (gain 40%), where a better robustness and confidence were confirmed in the practical experiments.

THERMAL INSULATION SYSTEMS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augustynowicz, Stanislaw D. (Inventor); Fesmire, James E. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

Thermal insulation systems and with methods of their production. The thermal insulation systems incorporate at least one reflection layer and at least one spacer layer in an alternating pattern. Each spacer layer includes a fill layer and a carrier layer. The fill layer may be separate from the carrier layer, or it may be a part of the carrier layer, i.e., mechanically injected into the carrier layer or chemically formed in the carrier layer. Fill layers contain a powder having a high surface area and low bulk density. Movement of powder within a fill layer is restricted by electrostatic effects with the reflection layer combined with the presence of a carrier layer, or by containing the powder in the carrier layer. The powder in the spacer layer may be compressed from its bulk density. The thermal insulation systems may further contain an outer casing. Thermal insulation systems may further include strips and seams to form a matrix of sections. Such sections serve to limit loss of powder from a fill layer to a single section and reduce heat losses along the reflection layer.

Electrical wire insulation and electromagnetic coil

DOEpatents

Bich, George J.; Gupta, Tapan K.

1984-01-01

An electromagnetic coil for high temperature and high radiation application in which glass is used to insulate the electrical wire. A process for applying the insulation to the wire is disclosed which results in improved insulation properties.

Options for reducing HIV transmission related to the dead space in needles and syringes.

PubMed

Zule, William A; Pande, Poonam G; Otiashvili, David; Bobashev, Georgiy V; Friedman, Samuel R; Gyarmathy, V Anna; Des Jarlais, Don C

2018-01-15

When shared by people who inject drugs, needles and syringes with different dead space may affect the probability of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission differently. We measured dead space in 56 needle and syringe combinations obtained from needle and syringe programs across 17 countries in Europe and Asia. We also calculated the amounts of blood and HIV that would remain in different combinations following injection and rinsing. Syringe barrel capacities ranged from 0.5 to 20 mL. Needles ranged in length from 8 to 38 mm. The average dead space was 3 μL in low dead space syringes with permanently attached needles, 13 μL in high dead space syringes with low dead space needles, 45 μL in low dead space syringes with high dead space needles, and 99 μL in high dead space syringes with high dead space needles. Among low dead space designs, calculated volumes of blood and HIV viral burden were lowest for low dead space syringes with permanently attached needles and highest for low dead space syringes with high dead space needles. The dead space in different low dead space needle and syringe combinations varied substantially. To reduce HIV transmission related to syringe sharing, needle and syringe programs need to combine this knowledge with the needs of their clients.

Integrated Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dye, Scott

2009-01-01

Integrated multilayer insulation (IMLI) is being developed as an improved alternative to conventional multilayer insulation (MLI), which is more than 50 years old. A typical conventional MLI blanket comprises between 10 and 120 metallized polymer films separated by polyester nets. MLI is the best thermal- insulation material for use in a vacuum, and is the insulation material of choice for spacecraft and cryogenic systems. However, conventional MLI has several disadvantages: It is difficult or impossible to maintain the desired value of gap distance between the film layers (and consequently, it is difficult or impossible to ensure consistent performance), and fabrication and installation are labor-intensive and difficult. The development of IMLI is intended to overcome these disadvantages to some extent and to offer some additional advantages over conventional MLI. The main difference between IMLI and conventional MLI lies in the method of maintaining the gaps between the film layers. In IMLI, the film layers are separated by what its developers call a micro-molded discrete matrix, which can be loosely characterized as consisting of arrays of highly engineered, small, lightweight, polymer (typically, thermoplastic) frames attached to, and placed between, the film layers. The term "micro-molded" refers to both the smallness of the frames and the fact that they are fabricated in a process that forms precise small features, described below, that are essential to attainment of the desired properties. The term "discrete" refers to the nature of the matrix as consisting of separate frames, in contradistinction to a unitary frame spanning entire volume of an insulation blanket.

Double needle technique: an alternative method for performing difficult sacroiliac joint injections.

PubMed

Gupta, Sanjeeva

2011-01-01

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a common source of low back pain. The most appropriate method of confirming SIJ pain is to inject local anesthesia into the joint to find out if the pain decreases. Unfortunately, although the SIJ is a large joint, it can be difficult to enter due to the complex nature of the joint and variations in anatomy. In my experience a double needle technique for sacroiliac joint injection can increase the chances of accurate injection into the SIJ in difficult cases. After obtaining appropriate fluoroscopic images, the tip of the needle is advanced into the SIJ. Once the tip of the needle is correctly placed, its position is checked under continuous fluoroscopy while moving the C-arm in the right and left oblique directions (dynamic fluoroscopy). On dynamic fluoroscopy the tip of the needle should remain within the joint line and not appear to be on the bone. If the tip of the needle appears to be on the bone a new joint line will need to be identified (the most translucent area through the joint) by dynamic fluoroscopy and another needle advanced into the newly identified joint line. Dynamic fluoroscopy is repeated again to confirm that the tip of the second needle remains within the joint line. Once both needles are in place contrast dye is injected through the needle that is most likely to be in the SIJ. If the contrast dye spread is not satisfactory then it is injected through the other needle. I have used this technique in 10 patients and found it very helpful in accurately performing SIJ injection which can at times be challenging.

Examination of surface conditions and other physical properties of commonly used stainless steel acupuncture needles.

PubMed

Xie, Yi Min; Xu, Shanqing; Zhang, Claire Shuiqing; Xue, Charlie Changli

2014-04-01

The present work examined the surface conditions and various other physical properties of sterilised single-use stainless steel acupuncture needles from two of the most popular brands widely used in many countries. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken for 10 randomly chosen needles from each brand. Further SEM images were taken after each of these needles underwent a standard manipulation with an acupuncture needling practice gel. A comparison of forces and torques during the needling process was also carried out. The SEM images revealed significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies at the needle tips, especially for needles from one of the two brands. Metallic lumps and small, loosely attached pieces of material were observed on the surfaces of some needles. Some of the lumps and pieces of material seen on the needle surfaces disappeared after the acupuncture manipulation. If these needles had been used on patients, the metallic lumps and small pieces of material could have been deposited in human tissues, which could have caused adverse events such as dermatitis. Malformed needle tips might also cause other adverse effects including bleeding, haematoma/bruising, or strong pain during needling. An off-centre needle tip could result in the needle altering its direction during insertion and consequently failing to reach the intended acupuncture point or damaging adjacent tissues. These findings highlight the need for improved quality control of acupuncture needles, with a view to further enhancing the safety and comfort of acupuncture users.

ASRM case insulation design and development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, Matthew S.; Tam, William F. S.

1992-10-01

This paper describes the achievements made on the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) case insulation design and development program. The ASRM case insulation system described herein protects the metal case and joints from direct radiation and hot gas impingement. Critical failure of solid rocket systems is often traceable to failure of the insulation design. The wide ranging accomplishments included the development of a nonasbestos insulation material for ASRM that replaced the existing Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) asbestos-filled nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) along with a performance gain of 300 pounds, and improved reliability of all the insulation joint designs, i.e., segmented case joint, case-to-nozzle and case-to-igniter joint. The insulation process development program included the internal stripwinding process. This process advancement allowed Aerojet to match to exceed the capability of other propulsion companies.

ASRM case insulation design and development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Matthew S.; Tam, William F. S.

1992-01-01

This paper describes the achievements made on the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) case insulation design and development program. The ASRM case insulation system described herein protects the metal case and joints from direct radiation and hot gas impingement. Critical failure of solid rocket systems is often traceable to failure of the insulation design. The wide ranging accomplishments included the development of a nonasbestos insulation material for ASRM that replaced the existing Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) asbestos-filled nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) along with a performance gain of 300 pounds, and improved reliability of all the insulation joint designs, i.e., segmented case joint, case-to-nozzle and case-to-igniter joint. The insulation process development program included the internal stripwinding process. This process advancement allowed Aerojet to match to exceed the capability of other propulsion companies.

Design of a Teleoperated Needle Steering System for MRI-guided Prostate Interventions

PubMed Central

Seifabadi, Reza; Iordachita, Iulian; Fichtinger, Gabor

2013-01-01

Accurate needle placement plays a key role in success of prostate biopsy and brachytherapy. During percutaneous interventions, the prostate gland rotates and deforms which may cause significant target displacement. In these cases straight needle trajectory is not sufficient for precise targeting. Although needle spinning and fast insertion may be helpful, they do not entirely resolve the issue. We propose robot-assisted bevel-tip needle steering under MRI guidance as a potential solution to compensate for the target displacement. MRI is chosen for its superior soft tissue contrast in prostate imaging. Due to the confined workspace of the MRI scanner and the requirement for the clinician to be present inside the MRI room during the procedure, we designed a MRI-compatible 2-DOF haptic device to command the needle steering slave robot which operates inside the scanner. The needle steering slave robot was designed to be integrated with a previously developed pneumatically actuated transperineal robot for MRI-guided prostate needle placement. We describe design challenges and present the conceptual design of the master and slave robots and the associated controller. PMID:24649480

Cutting performance orthogonal test of single plane puncture biopsy needle based on puncture force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yingqiang; Zhang, Qinhe; Liu, Guowei

2017-04-01

Needle biopsy is a method to extract the cells from the patient's body with a needle for tissue pathological examination. Many factors affect the cutting process of soft tissue, including the geometry of the biopsy needle, the mechanical properties of the soft tissue, the parameters of the puncture process and the interaction between them. This paper conducted orthogonal experiment of main cutting parameters based on single plane puncture biopsy needle, and obtained the cutting force curve of single plane puncture biopsy needle by studying the influence of the inclination angle, diameter and velocity of the single plane puncture biopsy needle on the puncture force of the biopsy needle. Stage analysis of the cutting process of biopsy needle puncture was made to determine the main influencing factors of puncture force during the cutting process, which provides a certain theoretical support for the design of new type of puncture biopsy needle and the operation of puncture biopsy.

Light, Strong Insulating Tiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cordia, E.; Schirle, J.

1987-01-01

Improved lightweight insulating silica/aluminum borosilicate/silicon carbide tiles combine increased tensile strength with low thermal conductivity. Changes in composition substantially improve heat-insulating properties of silica-based refractory tile. Silicon carbide particles act as high-emissivity radiation scatterers in tile material.

MLESAC Based Localization of Needle Insertion Using 2D Ultrasound Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Fei; Gao, Dedong; Wang, Shan; Zhanwen, A.

2018-04-01

In the 2D ultrasound image of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle insertions, it is difficult to determine the positions of needle axis and tip because of the existence of artifacts and other noises. In this work the speckle is regarded as the noise of an ultrasound image, and a novel algorithm is presented to detect the needle in a 2D ultrasound image. Firstly, the wavelet soft thresholding technique based on BayesShrink rule is used to denoise the speckle of ultrasound image. Secondly, we add Otsu’s thresholding method and morphologic operations to pre-process the ultrasound image. Finally, the localization of the needle is identified and positioned in the 2D ultrasound image based on the maximum likelihood estimation sample consensus (MLESAC) algorithm. The experimental results show that it is valid for estimating the position of needle axis and tip in the ultrasound images with the proposed algorithm. The research work is hopeful to be used in the path planning and robot-assisted needle insertion procedures.

Solid rocket motor internal insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Twichell, S. E. (Editor); Keller, R. B., Jr.

1976-01-01

Internal insulation in a solid rocket motor is defined as a layer of heat barrier material placed between the internal surface of the case propellant. The primary purpose is to prevent the case from reaching temperatures that endanger its structural integrity. Secondary functions of the insulation are listed and guidelines for avoiding critical problems in the development of internal insulation for rocket motors are presented.

Insulating Cryogenic Pipes With Frost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephenson, J. G.; Bova, J. A.

1985-01-01

Crystallized water vapor fills voids in pipe insulation. Small, carefully controlled amount of water vapor introduced into dry nitrogen gas before it enters aft fuselage. Vapor freezes on pipes, filling cracks in insulation. Ice prevents gaseous nitrogen from condensing on pipes and dripping on structure, in addition to helping to insulate all parts. Industrial applications include large refrigeration plants or facilities that use cryogenic liquids.

Factors predicting the success of trabeculectomy bleb enhancement with needling.

PubMed

Than, Jonathan Y-X L; Al-Mugheiry, Toby S; Gale, Jesse; Martin, Keith R

2018-02-09

Bleb needling is widely used to restore flow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in a failing trabeculectomy. We aimed to measure the safety and efficacy of needling in a large cohort and identify factors that were associated with success and failure. This retrospective audit included all patients who underwent needling at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge over a 10-year period. Data were available on 91 patients (98% of patients identified), including 191 needlings on 96 eyes. Success was defined as IOP below 21 mm Hg or 16 mm Hg or 13 mm Hg consistently, without reoperation or glaucoma medication. Risk factors for failure were assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier curves. Success defined as IOP <16 mm Hg was 66.6% at 12 months and 53% at 3 years and success defined as IOP <21 mm Hg was 77.1% at 12 months and 73.1% at 3 years. Failure after needling was most common in the first 6 months. Factors that predicted failure were flat or fibrotic blebs (non-functional) and no longer injected, while success was predicted by achieving a low IOP immediately after needling. No significant complications were identified. Needling was most successful soon after trabeculectomy, but resuscitation of a long-failed trabeculectomy had lower likelihood of success. The safety and efficacy compare favourably with alternative treatment approaches. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Light-weight ceramic insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, Ming-Ta S. (Inventor); Chen, Timothy S. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Ultra-high temperature, light-weight, ceramic insulation such as ceramic tile is obtained by pyrolyzing a siloxane gel derived from the reaction of at least one organo dialkoxy silane and at least one tetralkoxy silane in an acid or base liquid medium. The reaction mixture of the tetra- and dialkoxy silanes may contain also an effective amount of a mono- or trialkoxy silane to obtain the siloxane gel. The siloxane gel is dried at ambient pressures to form a siloxane ceramic precursor without significant shrinkage. The siloxane ceramic precursor is subsequently pyrolyzed, in an inert atmosphere, to form the black ceramic insulation comprising atoms of silicon, carbon and oxygen. The ceramic insulation, can be characterized as a porous, uniform ceramic tile resistant to oxidation at temperatures ranging as high as 1700.degree. C. and is particularly useful as lightweight tiles for spacecraft and other high-temperature insulation applications.

Surgical motion characterization in simulated needle insertion procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holden, Matthew S.; Ungi, Tamas; Sargent, Derek; McGraw, Robert C.; Fichtinger, Gabor

2012-02-01

PURPOSE: Evaluation of surgical performance in image-guided needle insertions is of emerging interest, to both promote patient safety and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of training. The purpose of this study was to determine if a Markov model-based algorithm can more accurately segment a needle-based surgical procedure into its five constituent tasks than a simple threshold-based algorithm. METHODS: Simulated needle trajectories were generated with known ground truth segmentation by a synthetic procedural data generator, with random noise added to each degree of freedom of motion. The respective learning algorithms were trained, and then tested on different procedures to determine task segmentation accuracy. In the threshold-based algorithm, a change in tasks was detected when the needle crossed a position/velocity threshold. In the Markov model-based algorithm, task segmentation was performed by identifying the sequence of Markov models most likely to have produced the series of observations. RESULTS: For amplitudes of translational noise greater than 0.01mm, the Markov model-based algorithm was significantly more accurate in task segmentation than the threshold-based algorithm (82.3% vs. 49.9%, p<0.001 for amplitude 10.0mm). For amplitudes less than 0.01mm, the two algorithms produced insignificantly different results. CONCLUSION: Task segmentation of simulated needle insertion procedures was improved by using a Markov model-based algorithm as opposed to a threshold-based algorithm for procedures involving translational noise.

Detection of Membrane Puncture with Haptic Feedback using a Tip-Force Sensing Needle

PubMed Central

Elayaperumal, Santhi; Bae, Jung Hwa; Daniel, Bruce L.; Cutkosky, Mark R.

2015-01-01

This paper presents calibration and user test results of a 3-D tip-force sensing needle with haptic feedback. The needle is a modified MRI-compatible biopsy needle with embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for strain detection. After calibration, the needle is interrogated at 2 kHz, and dynamic forces are displayed remotely with a voice coil actuator. The needle is tested in a single-axis master/slave system, with the voice coil haptic display at the master, and the needle at the slave end. Tissue phantoms with embedded membranes were used to determine the ability of the tip-force sensors to provide real-time haptic feedback as compared to external sensors at the needle base during needle insertion via the master/slave system. Subjects were able to determine the position of the embedded membranes with significantly better accuracy using FBG tip feedback than with base feedback using a commercial force/torque sensor (p = 0.045) or with no added haptic feedback (p = 0.0024). PMID:26509101

Resistance of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer to Nonsurgical Treatments. Part II: Photodynamic Therapy, Vismodegib, Cetuximab, Intralesional Methotrexate, and Radiotherapy.

PubMed

Gracia-Cazaña, T; Salazar, N; Zamarrón, A; Mascaraque, M; Lucena, S R; Juarranz, Á

2016-11-01

A wide range of treatments is now available for nonmelanoma skin cancer, including 5-fluorouracil, ingenol mebutate, imiquimod, diclofenac, photodynamic therapy, methotrexate, cetuximab, vismodegib, and radiotherapy. All are associated with high clinical and histologic response rates. However, some tumors do not respond due to resistance, which may be primary or acquired. Study of the resistance processes is a broad area of research that aims to increase our understanding of the nature of each tumor and the biologic features that make it resistant, as well as to facilitate the design of new therapies directed against these tumors. In this second article, having covered the topical treatments of nonmelanoma skin cancer, we review resistance to other nonsurgical treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies against basal and squamous cell carcinomas, intralesional chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiotherapy. Copyright © 2016 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Superconductivity-related insulating behavior.

PubMed

Sambandamurthy, G; Engel, L W; Johansson, A; Shahar, D

2004-03-12

We present the results of an experimental study of superconducting, disordered, thin films of amorphous indium oxide. These films can be driven from the superconducting phase to a reentrant insulating state by the application of a perpendicular magnetic field (B). We find that the high-B insulator exhibits activated transport with a characteristic temperature, TI. TI has a maximum value (TpI) that is close to the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) at B=0, suggesting a possible relation between the conduction mechanisms in the superconducting and insulating phases. Tp(I) and Tc display opposite dependences on the disorder strength.

Double-pointed 30-gauge needle for keratocentesis.

PubMed

Angi, M R; Endara, N I

1985-12-01

A new, efficient instrument for performing keratocentesis for aqueous humour aspiration and anterior chamber microinfusion is described. It consists of a double-pointed 30-gauge needle, a liquid container (a nonflexible vinyl tube plugged at one end with a rubber stopper) and a aspiration-infusion syringe connected to the container and needle by a flexible vinyl tube. The instrument's advantages are a safer technique, complete collection of the aqueous humour and better handling of the sample.

Insulation detection of electric vehicle batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Qiqi; Zhu, Zhongwen; Huang, Denggao; Du, Mingxing; Wei, Kexin

2018-06-01

In this paper, an electric vehicle insulation detection method with single side switching fixed resistance is designed, and the hardware and software design of the system are given. The experiment proves that the insulation detection system can detect the insulation resistance in a wide range of resistance values, and accurately report the fault level. This system can effectively monitor the insulation fault between the car body and the high voltage line and avoid the passengers from being injured.

Forming Refractory Insulation On Copper Wire

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Setlock, J.; Roberts, G.

1995-01-01

Alternative insulating process forms flexible coat of uncured refractory insulating material on copper wire. Coated wire formed into coil or other complex shape. Wire-coating apparatus forms "green" coat on copper wire. After wire coiled, heating converts "green" coat to refractory electrical insulator. When cured to final brittle form, insulating material withstands temperatures above melting temperature of wire. Process used to make coils for motors, solenoids, and other electrical devices to be operated at high temperatures.

[An atraumatic needle for the puncture of ports and pumps].

PubMed

Haindl, H; Müller, H

1988-10-17

Huber-point needles have been found to induce substantial coring during puncture of ports or pumps, which may lead to leakage or obturation of these devices. Therefore, different types of cannulas were tested in order to evaluate their applicability for this purpose. Pencil-point needles led to increased pain during puncture and thus seemed unsuitable. A newly developed port-cannula bent inwards within the length of the bevel ("protected bevel") and proved to be definitely noncoring during electron microscopy. Consequently the force required to introduce this needle was reduced by 50% in comparison with the Huber-type needle. In addition, this cannula allowed up to 3000 punctures of one port without leakage and, thus, correspondingly therefore relevantly increased the durability of this device.

Early Postoperative Results of Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy in 451 Patients with Dupuytren Disease.

PubMed

Molenkamp, Sanne; Schouten, Tanneke A M; Broekstra, Dieuwke C; Werker, Paul M N; Moolenburgh, J Daniel

2017-06-01

Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is a minimally invasive treatment modality for Dupuytren disease. In this study, the authors analyzed the efficacy and complication rate of percutaneous needle fasciotomy using a statistical method that takes the multilevel structure of data, regarding multiple measurements from the same patient, into account. The data of 470 treated rays from 451 patients with Dupuytren disease that underwent percutaneous needle fasciotomy were analyzed retrospectively. The authors described the early postoperative results of percutaneous needle fasciotomy and applied linear mixed models to compare mean correction of passive extension deficit between joints and efficacy of primary versus secondary percutaneous needle fasciotomy. Mean preoperative passive extension deficits at the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints were 37, 40, and 31 degrees, respectively. Mean preoperative total passive extension deficit was 54 degrees. Results were excellent, with a mean total passive extension deficit correction of 85 percent. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy was most effective for metacarpophalangeal joints and less effective for proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints. Secondary percutaneous needle fasciotomy was as effective as primary percutaneous needle fasciotomy. Complications were rare and mostly minor. The results of this study confirm that percutaneous needle fasciotomy is an effective and safe treatment modality for patients with mild to moderate disease who prefer a minimally invasive procedure. Therapeutic, IV.

Achievement of needle-like focus by engineering radial-variant vector fields.

PubMed

Gu, Bing; Wu, Jia-Lu; Pan, Yang; Cui, Yiping

2013-12-16

We present and demonstrate a novel method for engineering the radial-variant polarization on the incident field to achieve a needle of transversally polarized field without any pupil filters. We generate a new kind of localized linearly-polarized vector fields with distributions of states of polarization (SoPs) describing by the radius to the power p and explore its tight focusing, nonparaxial focusing, and paraxial focusing properties. By tuning the power p, we obtain the needle-like focal field with hybrid SoPs and give the formula for describing the length of the needle. Experimentally, we systematically investigate both the intensity distributions and the polarization evolution of the optical needle by paraxial focusing the generated vector field. Such an optical needle, which enhances the light-matter interaction, has intriguing applications in optical microma-chining and nonlinear optics.

The case of a needle exchange policy debate in Fresno, California

PubMed Central

Clarke, KRIS

2016-01-01

Needle exchange is one of the most effective public health interventions to prevent the transmission of infectious disease by injecting drug users. Despite the preponderance of scientific evidence, US federal funding for needle exchange programmes has been banned since 1988. This prohibition has resulted in the lack of a centralised policy on needle exchange and has given birth to a patchwork of diverse practices and regulations throughout the nation. This article focuses on how various local players interpreted the meaning of needle exchange through the debate on an unauthorised site in Fresno, California. In exploring a specific context, this study delineates the narratives used to outline competing views about needle exchange and to offer a snapshot of how the issue of widespread injecting drug use was handled in an impoverished and socially conservative region of the United States. PMID:28035171

High voltage variable diameter insulator

DOEpatents

Vanecek, David L.; Pike, Chester D.

1984-01-01

A high voltage feedthrough assembly (10) having a tubular insulator (15) extending between the ground plane ring (16) and the high voltage ring (30). The insulator (15) is made of Pyrex and decreases in diameter from the ground plane ring (16) to the high voltage ring (30), producing equipotential lines almost perpendicular to the wall (27) of the insulator (15) to optimize the voltage-holding capability of the feedthrough assembly (10).

Evaluating the advances and use of hypodermic needles in dentistry.

PubMed

Boynes, Sean G

2014-10-01

Different injection techniques and patient management methodologies have been proposed to decrease the fear patients may have concerning dental needles. Dental providers should have an understanding of the technological advances, changes in techniques, and patient perceptions associated with the hypodermic needle. This article provides an overview of the pain perception process associated with dental injections. It reviews the two main sensory nerve fibers associated with injection pain and discusses needle properties as well as complications and adverse occurrences.

Thermal insulation of young calves exposed to cold.

PubMed Central

Rawson, R E; Dziuk, H E; Good, A L; Anderson, J F; Bates, D W; Ruth, G R

1989-01-01

Tissue, external and whole animal insulation values were determined for 12 newborn male Holstein calves continuously housed for two weeks in hutches within environmental chambers in which temperature was maintained at a constant 17 degrees C (three calves) or cycled on a daily basis either between -20 degrees and -8 degrees C (three calves) or between -30 degrees and -18 degrees C (six calves). Three of the six calves at the coldest temperature were outfitted with an insulated coat. The insulated coat provided calves a 52% increase in total insulation. Tissue insulation of cold-housed calves increased 37.2% over the first two weeks of life. It was concluded that the capacity for vasoconstriction improved with age. External insulation did not change significantly except during the first week in cold-housed calves without insulated coats. External insulation values were five to eight times those of tissue insulation values for all treatment groups. This indicated that insulation of structures external to the skin (hair, bedding, ground, etc.) provided most of the insulation for calves. PMID:2766147

Development of Needle Insertion Manipulator for Central Venous Catheterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yo; Hong, Jaesung; Hamano, Ryutaro; Hashizume, Makoto; Okada, Kaoru; Fujie, Masakatsu G.

Central venous catheterization is a procedure, which a doctor insert a catheter into the patient’s vein for transfusion. Since there are risks of bleeding from arterial puncture or pneumothorax from pleural puncture. Physicians are strictly required to make needle reach up into the vein and to stop the needle in the middle of vein. We proposed a robot system for assisting the venous puncture, which can relieve the difficulties in conventional procedure, and the risks of complication. This paper reports the design structuring and experimental results of needle insertion manipulator. First, we investigated the relationship between insertion force and angle into the vein. The results indicated that the judgment of perforation using the reaction force is possible in case where the needling angle is from 10 to 20 degree. The experiment to evaluate accuracy of the robot also revealed that it has beyond 0.5 mm accuracy. We also evaluated the positioning accuracy in the ultrasound images. The results displays that the accuracy is beyond 1.0 mm and it has enough for venous puncture. We also carried out the venous puncture experiment to the phantom and confirm our manipulator realized to make needle reach up into the vein.

Real-time tracking of liver motion and deformation using a flexible needle

PubMed Central

Lei, Peng; Moeslein, Fred; Wood, Bradford J.

2012-01-01

Purpose A real-time 3D image guidance system is needed to facilitate treatment of liver masses using radiofrequency ablation, for example. This study investigates the feasibility and accuracy of using an electromagnetically tracked flexible needle inserted into the liver to track liver motion and deformation. Methods This proof-of-principle study was conducted both ex vivo and in vivo with a CT scanner taking the place of an electromagnetic tracking system as the spatial tracker. Deformations of excised livers were artificially created by altering the shape of the stage on which the excised livers rested. Free breathing or controlled ventilation created deformations of live swine livers. The positions of the needle and test targets were determined through CT scans. The shape of the needle was reconstructed using data simulating multiple embedded electromagnetic sensors. Displacement of liver tissues in the vicinity of the needle was derived from the change in the reconstructed shape of the needle. Results The needle shape was successfully reconstructed with tracking information of two on-needle points. Within 30 mm of the needle, the registration error of implanted test targets was 2.4 ± 1.0 mm ex vivo and 2.8 ± 1.5 mm in vivo. Conclusion A practical approach was developed to measure the motion and deformation of the liver in real time within a region of interest. The approach relies on redesigning the often-used seeker needle to include embedded electromagnetic tracking sensors. With the nonrigid motion and deformation information of the tracked needle, a single- or multimodality 3D image of the intraprocedural liver, now clinically obtained with some delay, can be updated continuously to monitor intraprocedural changes in hepatic anatomy. This capability may be useful in radiofrequency ablation and other percutaneous ablative procedures. PMID:20700662

Insulation Material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Manufactured by Hitco Materials Division of Armco, Inc. a ceramic fiber insulation material known as Refrasil has been used extensively as a heat-absorbing ablative reinforcement for such space systems as rocket motor nozzles, combustion chambers, and re-entry shields. Refrasil fibers are highly porous and do not melt or vaporize until fibers exceed 3,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to these and other properties, Refrasil has found utility in a number of industrial high temperature applications where glass, asbestos and other materials fail. Hitco used this insulation to assist Richardson Co., Inc. in the manufacturing of hard rubber and plastic molded battery cases.

Teleoperation of steerable flexible needles by combining kinesthetic and vibratory feedback.

PubMed

Pacchierotti, Claudio; Abayazid, Momen; Misra, Sarthak; Prattichizzo, Domenico

2014-01-01

Needle insertion in soft-tissue is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that demands high accuracy. In this respect, robotic systems with autonomous control algorithms have been exploited as the main tool to achieve high accuracy and reliability. However, for reasons of safety and responsibility, autonomous robotic control is often not desirable. Therefore, it is necessary to focus also on techniques enabling clinicians to directly control the motion of the surgical tools. In this work, we address that challenge and present a novel teleoperated robotic system able to steer flexible needles. The proposed system tracks the position of the needle using an ultrasound imaging system and computes needle's ideal position and orientation to reach a given target. The master haptic interface then provides the clinician with mixed kinesthetic-vibratory navigation cues to guide the needle toward the computed ideal position and orientation. Twenty participants carried out an experiment of teleoperated needle insertion into a soft-tissue phantom, considering four different experimental conditions. Participants were provided with either mixed kinesthetic-vibratory feedback or mixed kinesthetic-visual feedback. Moreover, we considered two different ways of computing ideal position and orientation of the needle: with or without set-points. Vibratory feedback was found more effective than visual feedback in conveying navigation cues, with a mean targeting error of 0.72 mm when using set-points, and of 1.10 mm without set-points.

Study on design and cutting parameters of rotating needles for core biopsy.

PubMed

Giovannini, Marco; Ren, Huaqing; Cao, Jian; Ehmann, Kornel

2018-06-15

Core needle biopsies are widely adopted medical procedures that consist in the removal of biological tissue to better identify a lesion or an abnormality observed through a physical exam or a radiology scan. These procedures can provide significantly more information than most medical tests and they are usually performed on bone lesions, breast masses, lymph nodes and the prostate. The quality of the samples mainly depends on the forces exerted by the needle during the cutting process. The reduction of these forces is critical to extract high-quality tissue samples. The most critical factors that affect the cutting forces are the geometry of the needle tip and its motion while it is penetrating the tissue. However, optimal needle tip configurations and cutting parameters are not well established for rotating insertions. In this paper, the geometry and cutting forces of hollow needles are investigated. The fundamental goal of this study is to provide a series of guidelines for clinicians and surgeons to properly select the optimal tip geometries and speeds. Analytical models related to the cutting angles of several needle tip designs are presented and compared. Several needle tip geometries were manufactured from a 14-gauge cannula, commonly adopted during breast biopsies. The needles were then tested at different speeds and on different phantom tissues. According to these experimental measurements recommendations were formulated for rotating needle insertions. The findings of this study can be applied and extended to several biopsy procedures in which a cannula is used to extract tissue samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Robotic Needle Guide for Prostate Brachytherapy: Clinical Testing of Feasibility and Performance

PubMed Central

Song, Danny Y; Burdette, Everette C; Fiene, Jonathan; Armour, Elwood; Kronreif, Gernot; Deguet, Anton; Zhang, Zhe; Iordachita, Iulian; Fichtinger, Gabor; Kazanzides, Peter