Invasive Treatment Research Articles

Nonunion of the distal one-fourth of the tibia treated by retrograde tibial intramedullary nail.

To evaluate the effectiveness of retrograde tibial intramedullary nail (RTN) in addressing nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia. This retrospective study included consecutive patients who were treated with RTN for nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia between December 2020 and August 2023. Data regarding age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture type, initial fixation method, nonunion duration and type, risk factors, surgical duration, hospital stay, time to bone union, ankle function at final follow-up, and any complications were extracted from hospital records and analysed. Five patients in total were included, with previous treatments comprising locking plates and/or external fixation. The mean duration of RTN surgery was 94.0 ± 13.7 min, and mean duration of hospital stay was 9.8 ± 1.9 days. Patients were monitored for 10-18 months post RTN, achieving complete bone healing within a mean of 4.8 months. At the latest follow-up, the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 84.4 ± 6.8 (range, 77-95). No complications, such as infection, reoperation, implant issues, rotational deformity, or shortening were reported. RTN emerges as a dependable, minimally invasive, and safe treatment modality for managing nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia.

Endoscopic suturing for mucosal defect closure following endoscopic submucosal dissection: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for gastrointestinal lesions. It carries potential risks such as bleeding and perforation. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of endoscopic suturing, a promising technique for closing mucosal defects post-ESD. Methods: We reviewed several databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase up to May 1,2023. We aimed at identifying original studies that provided insightful data on the use of endoscopic suturing in reducing complications post-ESD. Results: In our study, we evaluated 426 publications and included 10 studies involving a total of 284 patients. The pooled technical success rate of endoscopic suturing was 92.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-0.96). The pooled rate for sustained closure of mucosal defects post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was estimated to be 80.7% (95% CI 0.71-0.88). The pooled mean time required to perform the endoscopic suturing procedure was calculated to be 31.11 minutes (95% CI 16.01-46.21). Among the studies reviewed for the incidence of delayed perforation post-ESD, a singular event of perforation was documented, suggesting a minimal occurrence. The overall rate of delayed bleeding was 5.3% (95% CI 0.30-0.10). Within the subset of patients using antithrombotic drugs, our subgroup analysis identified a delayed bleeding event rate of 6.7% (95% CI 0.02-0.25). Conclusions: Our results underscore the potential of endoscopic suturing as a viable and efficient technique in managing mucosal defects following ESD, highlighting the need for further large, prospective research to corroborate these findings and concentrate on establishing standard methodologies.

Clinical efficacy of minimally invasive root canal treatment

Clinical efficacy of minimally invasive root canal treatment

Minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal treatment: Case Series

Minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal treatment: Case Series

Transcatheter vacuum-assisted aspiration of large intracardiac and intravascular masses.

Intravascular and intracardiac masses are usually represented by thrombi, tumours, and vegetations. They can affect both the right and left chambers of the heart and the venous and arterial circulation. Traditionally, their treatment is surgical or, in some circumstances, based on systemic anticoagulation/fibrinolysis. However, the complexity and frailty of patients who sometimes present with these conditions have pushed surgeons to find alternative minimally invasive effective treatments. While small masses can be removed with multiple devices, large masses are a more challenging problem. Vacuum-assisted aspiration systems such as the AngioVac System were developed to treat intravenous and right-sided heart thrombi. The application of the AngioVac System was widened to right-sided endocarditis and, later, to left-sided thrombi and vegetations. This review summarises the clinical results of different uses of the vacuum-assisted aspiration system to treat intravenous and intracardiac masses.

Impact on Prognosis of Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Secondary to Delays in Diagnostic Workup.

Background Diagnostic workup of small pulmonary nodules often requires follow-up CT scans to confirm nodule growth before invasive diagnostics or treatment. Purpose To confirm prior results from the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) on quantifying decreases in lung cancer prognosis by using two large databases, the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, a model was developed to predict cure rates based on size of solid nodules using the NLST (August 2002 to summer 2007) and IASLC (January 2011 to December 2019) databases, focusing on stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate 10-year lung cancer-specific survival and 5-year overall survival rates for different tumor sizes. Tumor diameter increases after 90-, 180-, and 365-day delays were estimated using volume doubling times (VDTs) of 60, 120, and 240 days corresponding to fast, moderate, and slow tumor growth. Initial and delayed lung cancer cure rates were assessed across nine scenarios of time delays and tumor growth rates and compared with the previous results of the I-ELCAP database. Results Using regression models based on 166 NLST and 22 590 IASLC patients with NSCLC, 10-year lung cancer-specific survival and 5-year overall survival, respectively, for tumors 4.0-20.0 mm in diameter were estimated. For a 20.0-mm tumor with a 60-day VDT in the NLST database, the lung cancer-specific survival decreased from 83.4% to 76.5%, 66.8%, and 32.3% after 90, 180, and 365 days, respectively. The IASLC database showed similar decreases in 5-year overall survival, from 81.2% to 73.4%, 62.4%, and 23.3% after 90, 180, and 365 days, respectively. Comparison across NLST, IASLC, and I-ELCAP databases revealed minor variations in lung cancer cure rates between 79.9% and 83.4%, with reductions of 6.9%-8.3% after a 180-day delay with a 120-day VDT. Conclusion The NLST and IASLC databases confirmed prior estimates from the I-ELCAP database for the decrease in lung cancer prognosis due to diagnostic delays. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Park and Lee in this issue.

A Novel Transverse Ultrasound-Guided Approach for Puncturing the Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglion at the Level of Articular Pillar for Radiofrequency Treatment.

Currently, minimally invasive intervention surgery for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy mostly involves the use of cervical dorsal root ganglion (DRG) block or radiofrequency modulation therapy. Here, we proposed a novel transverse ultrasound-guided approach for puncturing the cervical dorsal root ganglion at the level of joint column for radiofrequency treatment. A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 30 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy admitted to the Pain Department of Taihe Hospital Affiliated with Hubei Medical University from January 2021 to March 2024 was performed. During surgery, motor electrical stimulation was used to induce movement in the nerve-innervated area, and the relationship between the puncture needle tip and the cervical DRG position was verified using a C-arm X-ray machine. The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used for preoperative and postoperative pain assessment, clinical treatment effectiveness was evaluated, surgical duration and the associated complications were also recorded. Thirty patients exhibited clear cervical DRG images under ultrasound guidance, and the punctures were successful in all patients. Motor electrical stimulation induced movement in the corresponding nerve innervation area in the range of 0.3-0.8 mv in all patients. No serious complications occurred during the procedure. The transverse ultrasound-guided approach for puncturing the cervical dorsal root ganglion at the level of joint column for radiofrequency treatment is effective, convenient, and safe.

Minimally invasive treatment of white spot lesions: Remineralization-resin infiltration/restoration

Minimally invasive treatment of white spot lesions: Remineralization-resin infiltration/restoration

Durability of Laser Endoureterotomy for the Treatment of Benign Ureteral Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Laser endoureterotomy is a common minimally invasive treatment of ureteral strictures. However, data evaluating the durability of this technique are limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed treatment success rates after laser endoureterotomy for managing benign ureteral strictures. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search identified studies published from January 2000 to December 2023 reporting outcomes of laser endoureterotomy for benign ureteral strictures. Random-effects meta-analysis models calculated treatment success rates at 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter until estimates became unreliable (standard error > 10%). Results: Nine studies comprising 308 patients (310 strictures) met eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was rated as good in 8 studies and fair in 1 study. Strictures were most commonly attributable to stone disease or previous surgery, predominantly located in the proximal (38%) or distal (35%) ureter, with a median length of 10 mm. Holmium laser was used in 98% of cases. Intraoperative complication rates were low (0.9%). The treatment success rate was 84% at 3 months, 74% at 1 year, 70% at 2 years, and 68% at 3 years. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were not overly influenced by any single study, and modest heterogeneity was observed among studies. Conclusions: Minimally invasive laser endoureterotomy is an effective and durable treatment for short benign ureteral strictures, making it a viable alternative to reconstructive surgery.

Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery in <1-year age group: A single-center experience

Purpose: Urolithiasis in infants is uncommon. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are the management options. RIRS is the least studied of these options in infants. In our series of 23 cases, we aim to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of RIRS in <1-year age group. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a series of 23 infants who underwent RIRS in our hospital from January 2018 to March 2021. Children who were <12 months of age and had the largest stone size of <20 mm were included in the study. Results: Twenty-three patients (male – 15; female – 8) were included in the study. The mean age was 10 ± 2.31 months (range, 4–12 months). The mean stone size was 11.6 ± 2.96 mm (range, 7.5–19 mm). The mean operative time was 29.44 ± 7.45 min (range, 17–42 min). Six patients (22.2%) had mild hematuria (Clavien I), and seven patients (25.9%) had postoperative fever. Stone size had a significant positive correlation with laser time, operative time, and intraoperative intravasation, but no significant association with stone-free rate. At 2-month follow-up, 4 (three patients) out of 27 renal units had residual stones (stone-free rate [SFR] – 85.1%). No patient had long-term complications like urethral or ureteric stricture or stone recurrence during the given follow-up period. Conclusion: RIRS is a feasible and minimally invasive treatment for renal stones in infants with acceptable SFRs.

Ultrasound Molecular Imaging Enhances High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation on Liver Cancer With B7-H3-Targeted Microbubbles.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer; however, its efficacy is often limited by the attenuation of ultrasonic energy. This study investigates the effectiveness of B7-H3-targeted microbubbles (T-MBs) in enhancing HIFU ablation of liver cancer and explores their potential for clinical translation. T-MBs and isotype control microbubbles (I-MBs) were synthesized through the conjugation of biotinylated anti-B7-H3 antibody and isotype control antibody to the microbubble surface, respectively. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging was performed to compare the accumulation of T-MBs and I-MBs in liver cancer at various time points. The efficacy of T-MBs in enhancing HIFU treatment was evaluated by measuring the immediate tumor ablation rate and long-term tumor growth suppression. Additionally, the induced antitumor immune response was assessed through cytokine quantification in serum and tumor tissue, along with immunofluorescence staining conducted on days 1, 3, and 7 post-treatment. T-MBs demonstrated superior liver cancer-specific accumulation, characterized by higher concentrations and prolonged retention compared to I-MBs. The combination of T-MBs with HIFU resulted in significantly enhanced tumor ablation rates and superior tumor growth suppression. Post-treatment analysis revealed a gradual uptick in cytokine levels within the tumor microenvironment, along with progressive infiltration of antitumor immune cells. T-MBs effectively enhance the therapeutic efficacy of HIFU for liver cancer treatment while simultaneously promoting an antitumor immune response. These findings provide a strong experimental foundation for the clinical translation of ultrasound molecular imaging combined with HIFU as a novel approach for tumor therapy.

Comparative evaluation of various biomaterials as pulpotomy agents in molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized single-blinded single-center control trial

Abstract Introduction: Untreated tooth decay in mature permanent dentition is a prevalent global issue, affecting 34.1% of people with 2.5 billion cases annually. Extensive decay often leads to irreversible pulpitis, characterized by pulp inflammation and pain. Pulpectomy, the standard treatment, involves complex procedures with potential complications. Modern endodontics favors minimally invasive treatment such as pulpotomy, which preserves pulp vitality. This study aims to compare the clinical as well as radiographic outcomes of different pulpotomy agents: Biodentine, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Bio-C repair, and Endosequence Bio-ceramic root repair material (BCRRM) in mature permanent molars. Methodology: This single-blind, single-center study involved 80 participants randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving one of the biomaterials. Ethical approval was obtained. Participants aged 14–60 years with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected. Pulpotomy procedures were performed, and follow-up evaluations occurred at 24 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months. Clinical success was measured by the absence of pain, sensitivity, and tenderness. Radiographic evaluation used the periapical index (PAI) scoring system. Results: Pulpotomy significantly reduced postoperative pain in all groups. Endosequence BCRRM showed the maximum pain reduction at 24 h with a statistically significant difference from all the groups (at 1% probability level), followed by Bio-C repair, Biodentine, and MTA. At 1 week, Bio-C repair led in pain reduction with statistically nonsignificant results. All groups reported no pain at 3, 6, and 12 months. Endosequence BCRRM had the highest improvement in periapical findings at 1 year. Sensitivity to hot and cold improved significantly in all groups, with Endosequence BCRRM performing best. Conclusion: Endosequence BCRRM provided the best overall outcomes, emphasizing the importance of material choice in pulpotomy treatments. Further research on biomaterials’ long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes is needed to enhance treatment efficacy.

Endovascular Management of Thrombosed Cavoportal Anastomosis After Liver Transplantation Using Catheter Directed Thrombolysis and Stent Placement: A Case Report

Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHT) is a rarely performed treatment technique in liver transplantation in cases of extensive splanchnic thrombosis, in which the inferior vena cava of the recipient is used to perfuse the portal vein of the allograft. A case of a 65-year-old liver transplantation patient with an acutely thrombosed cavoportal anastomosis is presented. After unsuccessful medical treatment, recanalization was obtained with transfemoral catheter directed thrombolysis, angioplasty and stent placement. Although this type of treatment has been extensively documented for the management of portal anastomotic problems after orthotopic liver transplantation, data on its application in modified transplantation techniques including CPHT are rare. This technique provides a minimally invasive treatment option in CPHT patients with cavoportal anastomotic problems, who might otherwise require complex surgical repair or retransplantation.

Metallic-based phthalocyanine nanoemulsions for photodynamic purging of ovarian tissue in leukemia patients

For cancer patients with a high risk of ovarian tissue metastasis, ovarian autotransplantation is not advised due to the potential spread of malignant cells. Ex vivo purging of ovarian fragments may offer a more suitable alternative for fertility restoration. Eradicating malignant cells should be done selectively without affecting follicles or ovarian stromal cells (SCs). As a clinically licensed method, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment to destroy cancer cells. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nanoemulsions (NE) containing two phthalocyanine photosensitizers; aluminum (III) phthalocyanine (AlPc) and zinc (II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) in eliminating cancer cells. Human leukemic malignant (HL-60) and ovarian stromal cells (SCs) were treated with AlPc/ZnPc loaded NEs with or without diode laser irradiation. HL-60 leukemia cells in 2D culture were eliminated by treatment with 10nM AlPc-NE or 0.1µM ZnPc-NE, while no toxicity was observed in SCs. In 3D culture models, although the cells showed more resistance to the NEs as a result of limited oxygen and photosensitizer penetration, the treatment remained selective for cancer cells. These approaches have the potential to eliminate malignant cells from ovarian tissue fragments.

Zirconia single retainer fixed dental prostheses for the posterior region-A novel preparation technique and literature review.

The principles of tissue preservation, minimally invasiveness and approaching different clinical situations biologically rather than surgically govern today's dentistry. Thus, different clinical scenarios require procedures that offer the dentist and the patient the possibility to choose the more invasive treatment options later in life. Subsequently, the case reported refers to a minimally invasive technique that treats single tooth edentulism using single partial retainer FDPs fabricated from monolithic zirconia. This approach is conservative, biocompatible, aesthetic, strong, rapidly obtained through CAD/CAM techniques and cost-effective.

Elevated osmol gaps in patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis.

The use of the osmol gap as a surrogate marker of toxic alcohol poisoning is common. Unfortunately, many patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis have elevated osmol gaps and are misdiagnosed with toxic alcohol poisoning. We aimed to characterize the range of osmol gaps in patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis. This was a retrospective poison center study. Data from 24 years were reviewed using the following case definition of alcoholic ketoacidosis: (1) documented alcohol use disorder; (2) presence of urine or serum ketones or an elevated blood beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration; (3) an anion gap ≥14 mmol/L. Potential cases of alcoholic ketoacidosis that failed to fulfill all three criteria were adjudicated by three toxicologists. Exclusion criteria included (1) detectable toxic alcohol concentration, (2) hemodialysis and/or multiple doses of fomepizole, (3) no osmol gap documented, (4) other diagnoses that lead to a metabolic acidosis. Demographics, pH, anion gap, lactate concentration, and osmol gap were extracted. Of 1,493 patients screened, 55 met criteria for alcoholic ketoacidosis. Sixty-four percent were male, and their median age was 52 years. The median osmol gap was 27 [IQR 18-36]. The largest anion gap was 57 mmol/L, and the lowest pH was 6.8. Forty-five (82%) of the patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis had osmol gaps >10; 38 (69%) had osmol gaps >20; 24 (44%) had osmol gaps >30; 11 (20%) had osmol gaps > 40. The large range of osmol gaps in patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis often reaches values associated with toxic alcohol poisoning. The study is limited by the potential for transcribing errors and the inability to identify the cause of the osmol gap. In this retrospective study, patients with alcoholic ketoacidosis had a median osmol gap of 27. Given that alcoholic ketoacidosis is easily and inexpensively treated, proper identification may prevent costly and invasive treatment directed at toxic alcohol poisoning.

The Million Dollar Question: Can I Return to Sports After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty, Doc?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread and potentially debilitating condition that can interfere with the growing demand for a healthy and active lifestyle. In people under the age of 55, the prevalence of OA is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades. High tibial osteotomy and cartilage repair operations have been used to treat OA in young, active individuals; however, these procedures require lengthy rehabilitation periods and result in poor return to preoperative levels of activity that make them unsuitable for the young, active patient. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a less invasive treatment alternative, especially for younger, active, middle-aged persons with a desire to return to sporting activities. UKA yields successful return to activities with excellent functional outcomes and mid- to long-term survivorship. This article will review the ability of patients to return to sports after UKA, the type and nature of the sporting activities, as well as the timing to return to these sports.

Prognostic Impact of Target Vessel in Chronic Total Occlusions: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occluded (CTO) coronary arteries in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is associated with better outcome than unsuccessful PCI. Randomized data have not found invasive treatment of non-CTO LAD lesion to be associated with better outcome. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of CTO revascularization stratified on target treated vessel compared with non-CTO LAD PCI. The hypothesis was that successful PCI of LAD CTO and non-LAD CTO, and unsuccessful non-LAD CTO was associated with the same prognosis as non-CTO LAD lesions, while unsuccessful LAD CTO patients was associated with a poorer prognosis. The study was a population-based cohort study, including consecutive patients undergoing PCI from 2009 to 2019 in the Central Denmark Region. Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days were excluded. CTO patients were stratified by occluded vessel and procedural success. The primary endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality and was calculated as a hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Secondary endpoints were MI and target vessel revascularization (TVR). In total 21,141 patients were screened, 4,518 had non-CTO LAD PCI, and 1,475 had CTO PCI. Median [IQR] follow-up was 5.8[3.6;8.8] years. In the successful CTO groups the adjusted risk for all-cause mortality was equal to non-CTO LAD patients (LAD CTO HR (95% CI): 1.14 (0.90;1.44), non-LAD CTO: 1.09 (0.95;1.27). Unsuccessful LAD CTO patients had higher risk than non-CTO LAD patients whereas unsuccessful non-LAD CTO had not (unsuccessful LAD: 1.88 (1.33;2.65), unsuccessful non-LAD: 1.26 (0.97;1.63)). In conclusion, successful LAD and non-LAD CTO PCI had same prognosis as non-CTO LAD PCI, while only unsuccessful LAD CTO PCI had a poorer prognosis. LAD CTO patients are a high-risk population, and dedicated CTO trials are needed to confirm this finding and establish guideline recommendations.

Minimal Invasive Treatment of Maxillary Peg-Shaped Lateral: Case Reports

Minimal Invasive Treatment of Maxillary Peg-Shaped Lateral: Case Reports

Is chemodenervation with incobotulinumtoxinA an alternative to invasive chronic anal fissure treatments?

BackgroundBotulinum toxin type A is currently strongly recommended for the treatment of anal fissures (AFs). However, there is still no consensus on dosage or injection technique. This study provides further efficacy and safety evidence in a 2-year follow-up.MethodProspective, open-label, single-arm, single-center study carried out in adult patients with AFs non-responsive to previous treatments. Patients were treated with incobotulinumtoxinA (incoBoNT/A) injected in both laterals and posterior intersphincteric groove. Healing rate at 2 years was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included internal anal sphincter pressures, incontinence, and safety.ResultsA total of 49 patients were treated with a mean incoBoNT/A dose of 40.5 U (spread across three locations). Healing rate at 2 years was 83.9% with a 24.5% of recurrence throughout the study. Only 7 patients (14.3%) reported adverse events (AEs) that were mild and temporary. Mean reduction in anal resting pressure was -9.1 mmHg at 3 months (p = 0.001). Mean reduction in voluntary squeeze pressure was -27.5 mmHg at 3 months (p < 0.001). Mean pain perception measured with a visual analog scale decreased by -6.5 points at 2 years (p < 0.001). There was an incontinence increase at 1 month of 1.3 points (p = 0.006), but baseline values were restored at 6 months.ConclusionWe present results that support the use of incoBoNT/A as a second line for AFs that do not respond to ointment therapy. IncoBoNT/A injection is a less invasive treatment that should be considered before surgery due to its efficacy and its safety which includes no permanent impairment.Trial registrationISRCTN90354265; Registered on 16th February 2024. Retrospectively registered.