Loop Of Thread Research Articles

A new approach for predicting seam strength

Owing to a high amount of stress, seam failure in workwear fabrics makes the fabric unsuitable although the fabric strength is high. It is therefore important to predict the seam strength to ascertain the performance of the garments during use and determine the required thread strength to match the required seam strength. An assembly is composed of a sewing thread and a fabric. The thread forming the seam undergoes several stresses during its passage from the sewing machine to the formation of the loop and when wearing the garment: these are mechanical stresses. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the strength of the seam. But, in the bibliography, most researchers have studied the strength of the seam concerning a single type of stitch. This work aimed to examine the seam's strength from the resistance to the loop of the thread for all types of stitches. In all of the earlier predictive equations, seam strength is predicted from thread loop strength with some multiplicative factors. The thread loop strength is measured without considering the stitch type. During the sewing process, threads loop differently from one stitch to another, therefore, the standard thread loop strength becomes unfit to predict the seam strength. In this paper, the effects of loop thread length and configuration are studied on thread loop strength and seam strength. The seam strengths predicted from the loop strength before and after considering the new loop configurations and the real seam strength are compared. So, new clamps for loop strength are configured and carried out. It is observed that there is a closer match between experimental and predicted seam strength with new loop configurations. The loop configuration has a significant effect on the thread loop strength and improves the accuracy of seam-strength prediction.

Cadaveric Study of Thread Carpal Tunnel Release Using Newly Developed Thread, With a Histologic Perspective.

To examine the usefulness and feasibility of modified thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) by comparing the results of using pre-existing commercial thread with those of a newly developed thread (Smartwire-01). A total of 17 cadaveric wrists were used in the study. The modified TCTR method was practiced by two different experts. Pre-existing commercial surgical dissecting thread (Loop&ShearTM) was used for five wrists and the newly developed Smartwire-01 was used for twelve wrists. The gross and microanatomy of the specimens were evaluated by a blinded anatomist. Both types of thread were able to cut the TCL similarly. Gross anatomy and histologic findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two types of threads. However, the practitioners felt that it was easier to cut the TCL using the newly-developed thread. TCTR using Smartwire-01 was as effective as pre-existing Loop&ShearTM, with better user experiences.

The “Trick” Knot—A Modified Technique of the Removable “Shoelace” Knot for Temporary Ligation of the Uterine Artery at Its Origin

To demonstrate the "trick" knot, a technique of temporary ligation of the uterine artery at origin, a modification of the previously published "shoelace" knot. A video demonstration. A private hospital. Bilateral uterine arteries at origin are exposed after dissection of the peritoneum over the triangle formed by the round ligament, the infundibulopelvic ligament, and the pelvic sidewall [Video 1]. A 60-cm long free polyglactin absorbable suture with preformed knots at each end is introduced around the skeletonized uterine artery. Using a single throw, the "trick" knot is made by pulling out a loop of thread. The end is cut short, and the same suture is used to similarly ligate the other uterine artery. Each knot thus formed has a free end and a knotted end. Laparoscopic myomectomy is performed. On completion of the procedure, the knot is released by pulling the free end, restoring the blood supply to the uterus. Bilateral uterine artery ligation, although an effective method to curb bleeding during a laparoscopic myomectomy, when performed permanently, may lead to undesirable outcomes in women who wish to preserve fertility [1-3]. Methods for temporary ligation of the uterine artery at origin, such the removable vascular clips, are thus regarded justifiable [4]. In contrast to the removable "shoelace" knot, which uses a loop to make a throw, the technique of performing the "trick" knot mimics the steps of forming a regular intracorporeal knot [5]. This makes the latter technically easier and hence faster to perform, while still being as economic and reproducible as the former.

Monitoring of Surgical Wounds with Purely Textile, Measuring Wound Pads – II. Detection of Bacterial Inflammation by Measurement of Wound Tissue Temperature

Aims: This study was executed to aquire basic knowledge on relations between design characteristics and the quality of measurements, as well as the optimization of the design of purely textile, measuring wound dressings for the detection of wound tissue warming as an indicator for (bacterial) inflammation. Background: The normal healing of surgical skin wounds may be disrupted by complications, by far the most common being post-operative bacterial infections. Objective: The temperature of the wound and its surroundings – the main indicative parameter for the onset of bacterial inflammation – can be determined and shown by means of functionalized, purely textile wound dressings with measuring capability when used as part of a measuring and assistance system. The textile sensors comprise insulated electrical wires stitched onto a textile backing designed as double meander, which is appropriate for the detection of temperature, moist, and rectangular transverse elongation (indicating inflammation, bleeding or seroma discharge, and tissue volume increase as a sign of haemorrhage (into the tissue) or seroma formation). Methods: Major design parameters are diameter of the electrical conductor (wire) / distance between an electrical conductor and the nearest (parallel) conductor / spacing of the embroidered seams (upper thread loops) along a conductor / number of meander loops, and length, width, and area of the double meander sensor array. Results: Skin temperature rises a few degree Celsius resulting in differences in ohmic resistance in the order of a few parts per thousand. The ohmic resistance of the electrical sensor wire as measurement for the temperature under the dressing solely depends on the length of the wire. Neither the spacing between the sections of wire nor the spacing of the upper thread has any detectable direct effect on the determination of the temperature. Conclusion: To improve measuring accuracy, sensor wires as thin as possible should be used for two reasons: (1) because their ohmic resistance is higher, simplifying measurement, and (2) because they can be stitched closer together in wound dressings, enabling a longer sensor wire to be used in the area of interest.

Reliability Comparison of High Performance Computing between Single Thread Loop and Multiple Thread Loop using Java-Based Programming at Fingerprint Data Processing

High Performance Computing is one of the mechanisms in the programming family with a focus on increasing high performance in any programming environment, especially programming languages that use virtual machine environments such as C/C++, Java and Python. several sub-clusters of information technology such as Big Data, Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence, the use of HPC is widely applied in sophisticated computer machines that have enterprise data processing capabilities. This research was conducted to compare the ability of HPC with algorithms or java programming techniques in data processing that uses a lot of threads when implemented in ordinary computers used in everyday life, the term java programming technique that uses one thread is called Single Thread Loop then when using multiple threads is called Multiple Thread Loop. Due this comparison between sequential and parallel process so this research try to compare between Single Thread Loop and Multiple Thread Loop in Java Programming. The minimum requirement operating system is to use the MS Windows 7 or 10 and a Unix-based OS using an Intel i5 or i7 processor and use a minimum of 16 GB of RAM.

A Cadaveric Study of Thread Cubital Tunnel Release with Newly Developed Threads.

ObjectiveThe percutaneous thread transection technique is a surgical dissecting method using a dissecting thread inserted through a needle under ultrasound guidance without skin incision. As the new dissecting threads were developed domestically, this cadaver study was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety between the new threads (ultra V sswire and smartwire-01) and a pre-existing commercial dissecting thread (loop & shear) by demonstrating a modified looped thread cubital tunnel release. MethodsThe percutaneous cubital tunnel release procedure was performed on 29 fresh cadaveric upper extremities. The preexisting commercial thread was used in 5 upper extremities. The two newly developed threads were used in 24 upper extremities. Two practitioners performed the procedures separately. After the modified looped thread cubital release, anatomical and histological analyses were performed by a blinded anatomist. The presence of the dissected cubital tunnel and damaged adjacent soft tissue was assessed. ResultsOut of the 29 cadaveric upper extremities, 27 specimens showed complete dissection of the Osborne ligament and the proximal fascia of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. One specimen was incompletely dissected in each of the ultra V sswire and smartwire-01 groups. There were no injuries of adjacent structures including the ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, or flexor tendon with either the commercial thread or the newly developed threads. The anatomical analysis revealed clear and sharp incisional margins of the cubital tunnel in the Smartwire-01 and loop & shear groups. All three kinds of threads maintained proper linear elasticity for easy handling during the procedure. The smartwire-01 provided higher visibility in ultrasound than the other threads. ConclusionThe newly developed threads were effective and safe for use in the thread cubital tunnel release procedure.

Arthroscopic meniscus transplantation without bone blocks

Replacement of the lateral or medial meniscus with an allogeneic graft. Complete loss of inner or outer meniscus. Grade 3 to 4 cartilage damage in the corresponding compartment, uncorrected varus or valgus deformities > 5°, symptomatic instabilities. Knee joint arthroscopy via the high anterolateral standard portal and checking the indication. Thaw the allogeneic meniscus graft in NaCl at room temperature and incubate in vancomycin solution. Refreshment of the capsule and resection of remnants of the meniscus. Search for the insertion zones on the tibial plateau, debridement, insert atranstibial targeting device and drill target wires in the middle of the insertion zones. Overdrill the target wires with a4.5 mm drill. Short medial or lateral arthrotomy (approx. 2 cm). Reinforcement of the anterior and posterior horns of the meniscus graft with nonresorbable suture material (e.g. "fiber wire" size5). Insertion of K‑wires with thread loops into the tibial bone tunnel. The reinforcement threads of the meniscus transplant are drawn into the bone tunnel via the thread loops, and the meniscus transplant is drawn into the joint. Reduction of the meniscus base to the capsule and refixation of the meniscus to the capsule with "inside out" or "all inside" sutures. Six weeks partial weight-bearing using ahinged brace, then gradually increased load. Range of motion: 4weeks 0‑0-60°, then 2weeks 0‑0-90°, followed by no restrictions. In our hospital, 15patients (6 × medial, 9 × lateral) were treated using the described surgical technique. After aminimum period of 1year (mean = 14.2months), meniscus extrusion-measured in the MRI-averaged 2.7 mm. The Lysholm score rose from an average of70.2 (±7.4) to 90.1points (±10.6). In one case, due to an early reruption, revision with renewed meniscus refixation had to be performed 10days after the operation. In another case, meniscus resection was performed 6months after the meniscus transplant due to areruption. Thrombosis, infection and arthrofibrosis were not observed.

Comparison of the Efficacy of the Various Treatment Modalities in the Management of Perianal Crohn's Fistula: A Review.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a transmural inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. With the disease's progression, adhesions and transmural fissuring, intra-abdominal abscesses, and fistula tracts may develop. An anal fistula (or fistula-in-ano) is a chronic abnormal epithelial lined tract communicating the anorectal lumen (internal opening) to the perineal or buttock skin (external opening). The risk of fistula development varies from 14%-38%. It can cause significant morbidity, which adversely impacts the quality of life. It is mostly believed that an anal crypt gland infection causes anal abscesses, leading to fistula development. Crohn's disease's pathogenesis involves Th1 and Th17 hypersensitivity due to an unknown antigen within the intestinal mucosa.Evidence to support this review was gathered via the Pubmed database. Search terms used were combinations of "Perianal fistula," "seton," "immunotherapy." Studies were reviewed and cross‐referenced for additional reports.Setons are surgical thread loops passed from the external to the internal opening of the fistula tract and exteriorized through the anorectal canal, facilitating abscess drainage and inciting a local inflammatory reaction, thus promoting the resolution of the fistula. Biologicals such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab), anti-IL-12/23 (ustekinumab), and anti-α₄β₇ integrin antibody (vedolizumab) have been approved for Crohn's disease targeting the Th1/Th17-mediated inflammation. Other therapeutic modalities are fistulotomy, cyanoacrylate glue, bioprosthetic plugs, mucosal advancement flap, ligation of inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), diverting stoma, proctectomy, video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), and fistula laser closure (FiLaC).Our review found that chronic seton therapy should be the primary approach, especially if the patient has a perianal abscess. It has a low incidence of re-intervention, recurrent abscess formation, and side-branching of the fistulous tract, with preservation of the fistulous tract's patency and cost-effectiveness. The major disadvantage of seton therapy is the discomfort and time to achieve stability. Among the biologicals, infliximab is the only therapy which has a statistically significant effect on the healing rate of perianal Crohn's fistula compared to placebo, but the major disadvantage associated with anti-TNF as sole therapy is high re-intervention rate, prolong maintenance therapy, high recurrence rate, and severe side effects. We hypothesize that the two aspects should be addressed concurrently to increase the fistula healing or closure rate. First, the seton should be used as initial therapy to maintain tract patency to allow abscess drainage and minimize the intestinal flora colonization within the tract mucosa, thereby leukocytic infiltration and propagation of inflammation within the tract. The second aspect that has to be considered is that we should target the initial stimulation of the Th1/Th17 mediated hypersensitivity instead of a factor/cytokine involved in the inflammation mediation. Although the unknown antigen triggering such hypersensitivity is not clear, we could target the RAR-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ)-T (transcription factor involved in activation of Th17 cells) and the T-bet (transcription factor involved in activation of Th17 cells) within the GI mucosa by a novel target immune therapy.

A Novel Technique for Bladder Wall Fixation in Pneumovesicoscopic Surgery: T-Bar.

Background: As a relatively new approach, popularity of pneumovesicoscopic surgery is increasing, but slower than expected due to complex nature of the procedure with efforts to overcome the difficult steps of the procedure. Bladder fixation is one of the crucial steps of the procedure. In this study, we present a novel and simple T-bar technique to overcome this difficulty. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 24 consecutive patients (39 ureters) who underwent pneumovesicoscopic surgery with fixation of the bladder wall between December 2017 and September 2019. Results: Fixation by transabdominal suture (TS) was performed in 3 patients, while fixation by thread loops with needle in 3 and T-bar device in 18. Tearing of the bladder wall was encountered in 2 patients in TS, in 2 patients with thread loop groups, but none in the T-bar group. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 3 patients in the T-bar group, but only 1 was related with the fixation technique. Conclusions: T-bar technique is an inexpensive and simple solution providing stable and reliable bladder wall and working port fixation during pneumovesicoscopy.

The First Pull-through Approach to a Tongue Tumor by Giorgio Regnoli in 1838.

The aim of this article is to describe the first report of a "pull-through" submental approach for excision of a tongue tumor, performed by Giorgio Regnoli in 1838 on a 14-year-old girl affected by a huge swelling of the tongue, which obstructed the upper airway and hindered swallowing and speech. Regnoli made a midline submental incision, divided the mylohyoid muscle and the oral mucosa, and entered the floor of the mouth. The tongue was pulled into the neck through the newly created opening, and the tumor was circumscribed by thread loops to prevent bleeding and was excised. Then the tongue stump was repositioned in the oral cavity. The skin margins were approximated by bandages. Despite limited armamentarium, the operation was successful. The described approach, subsequently named "pull-through," is still utilized nowadays for selected cases of tongue neoplasms when mandibular splitting is not required.

Temporary Ligation of the Uterine Artery at Its Origin Using a Removable “Shoelace” Knot

To demonstrate a technique of temporary ligation of the uterine artery at its origin. A step-by-step demonstration of the surgery in an instructional video. A private hospital in Mumbai, India. The peritoneum over the pelvic side wall was dissected bilaterally to expose the uterine arteries at their origins. Using a polyglactin absorbable suture, a double thread loop was used to create a removable "shoelace" knot (Video 1). Both uterine arteries were ligated in this manner. The myomectomy was completed uneventfully, and the myoma bed was sutured in 2 layers using polyglactin sutures. Once suturing was completed, the shoelace knot was untied by simply pulling one end of the thread to restore blood supply to the uterus. Intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL, and the total operation time was 120 minutes. Laparoscopic ligation of the uterine arteries at their origin is known to reduce intraoperative blood loss [1,2]. However, in patients desiring future fertility, the effect of permanent ligation of these vessels bilaterally remains under study [3-5]. The removable "shoelace" knot is a low-cost, readily available alternative to metallic titanium clips that requires no special surgical expertise to implement.

Tips on robotic single-site surgery suture technique: Screwing and clockwise direction suture technique for Robotic single-site surgery

ObjectivesUsing the da Vinci single-site platform, surgeons can perform more minimally invasive surgery. However, surgical challenges exist due to the limitations of single-site instrumental movements. To aid in the performance of successful robotic single-site hysterectomy, a new suturing technique using the current set of limited instruments is introduced in this study. Material & methodsNew vaginal cuff suturing techniques have been used in 55 robotic single-site hysterectomies in our institute over the past 2 years. A needle driver approach utilizing screwing and advancing the needle driver in the correct direction at an increasing angle from the transverse cuff margin with dragging and formation of an adequate loop of thread was used when suturing the vaginal cuff. ResultsUsing the new vaginal suturing techniques, easy and firm vaginal cuff closure with reduced operative time relative to previous hysterectomies was achieved. ConclusionThe new vaginal cuff suturing techniques may convince more surgeons to perform robotic single-site hysterectomies more frequently and with greater ease.

Modified exposure method for gastric mobilization in robot-assisted esophagectomy.

We describe a modified method to facilitate gastric mobilization in robotic esophagectomy. Furthermore, we performed a prospective comparative analysis of surgical outcomes between the conventional method and described technique. From April 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2016, 59 consecutive patients were included who underwent robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in our institution. They were subdivided into two groups based on the method of gastric exposure: a grasper retraction (GR) group (n=27) and a thread retraction (TR) group (n=32). For the GR patients, robotic instruments were directly used to expose the surgical field for gastric mobilization. However, for TR patients, the right gastroepiploic arcade and the short gastric vessels were fully exposed via a polyester tape combined with a thread loop. There was no incidence of postoperative 30-day mortality. The median gastric mobilization time was 53 min (range, 38-77 min). It took significantly less time in the TR group compared to the GR group (P=0.005). The median amount of blood loss was 8 mL (range, 5-14 mL), and no significant difference was found between the two groups (P=0.573). The median number of dissected lymph nodes was 10 (range, 7-16), and there was no significant difference between groups (P=0.386). Similarly, the postoperative morbidity rates did not statistically differ between the two groups (P=0.942). The robot-assisted McKeown procedure presented is a safe and easy to perform technique for stomach retraction during gastric mobilization. Compared with the conventional GR method of gastric mobilization, TR requires less operating time and allows for an excellent operative field. The technique could, therefore, help surgeons to overcome some of the defects of robotic esophagectomy during gastric mobilization.

Tehran's Tie: A simple trick to fix the trocar to the abdominal wall and close the entry site of first trocar in laparoscopic surgery.

Trocar dislodgment can occur frequently during minimally invasive surgery. Closing the entry port at the fascial layer after the end of a long laparoscopic surgery is time-consuming. Here, I introduce Tehran's Tie, a simple trick to overcome these problems. After the first trocar site has been created with the open technique and before the first port is inserted, the fascial wound is grasped with a loop of nylon thread, similar to a transverse matrix suture. Then, the trocar is inserted through the loop into the abdominal cavity. One thread is tied around the trocar to fix it. Another thread is used to tie and close the fascial defect at the end of laparoscopic surgery. Tehran's Tie is a simple trick for managing the first trocar site in laparoscopic surgery. It is a very useful and easy trick for fixing the first trocar to the abdominal wall and for closing the port site at the end of the procedure.

Innovative Technique for the Placement of the Drainage Tube for Microendoscopic Spinal Decompression.

A technical note and retrospective study. The objectives were to describe a new method of drainage tube placement during microendoscopic spinal decompression, and compare the positioning and fluid discharge obtained with this method and the conventional method. To prevent postoperative epidural hematoma after microendoscopic decompression, a drainage tube must be placed in a suitable location. However, the narrow operative field makes precise control of the position of the tube technically difficult. We developed a method to reliably place the tube in the desired location. We use a Deschamps aneurysm needle with a slightly curved tip, which we call a drain passer. With the microendoscope in position, the drain passer, with a silk thread passed through the eye at the needle tip, is inserted percutaneously into the endoscopic field of view. The drainage tube is passed through the loop of silk thread protruding from the inside of the tubular retractor, and the thread is pulled to the outside, guiding the end of the drainage tube into the wound. This method was used in 23 cases at 44 intervertebral levels (drain passer group), and the conventional method in 20 cases at 32 intervertebral levels (conventional group). Postoperative plain radiographs were taken, and the amount of fluid discharge at postoperative hour 24 was measured. Drainage tube positioning was favorable at 43 intervertebral levels (97.7%) in the drain passer group and 26 intervertebral levels (81.3%) in the conventional group. Mean fluid discharge was 58.4±32.2 g in the drain passer group and 38.4±23.0 g in the conventional group. Positioning was significantly better and fluid discharge was significantly greater in the drain passer group. The results indicate that this method is a useful drainage tube placement technique for preventing postoperative epidural hematoma.

Primary surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture: comparative results of three surgical techniques

To determine which of the three surgical techniques for acute unilateral complete rupture of Achilles tendons in use at the University Clinical Centre Maribor gives the best short-term functional results. In the retrospective analysis of the results of 3surgical techniques, 262 patients of which 244 (93.1%) were men (mean age 41.6 ± 10.0 years, range 21.5-83.0 years) operated on during the period from 2000 to 2008 were included. Group A (open technique with fascial augmentation) included 42 (16%) patients, group B (original modification of percutaneous suturing according to Čretnik and Kosanović) included 159 (60.7%) patients, and group C (original percutaneous fixation with two embracing and crossed loops according to Kruščić) included 61 (23.3%) patients. The rehabilitation protocol for groupC included use of individually manufactured closed ankle functional orthosis, which replaced the plaster cast after 2weeks of immobilization and permits early ankle range-of-motion exercising and full weight bearing. The functional outcome and incidence of postsurgical complications were analysed from medical records covering the period of 6months. Patients from groupC achieved the best functional results in the shortest time. The duration of immobilization (5.3 ± 0.1 weeks) and use of crutches (5.3 ± 0.5 weeks) were the shortest. The ability to rise up on toes on the affected leg, to walk on toes and heels, and duration of restriction of physical activities including sports were shorter than in the other two groups (p < 0.001 for all variables). Two reruptures were experienced in groupB, one in groupC, and none in groupA. Good functional results and a relatively small number of postsurgical complications advocate the use of percutaneous suturing techniques. The best and fastest functional recovery was attained in the group treated with the original technique of percutaneous fixation with two embracing and crossed thread loops according to Kruščić.

Study on dynamic needle thread tensions in a single needle lock stitch (SNLS) sewing machine. II. Effect of sewing speed, thickness of fabric plies, thread linear density and pre-tensions of threads

This paper reports on the effect of pre-tensions on needle and bobbin threads, sewing speed, thickness of fabric plies and the linear density of the threads on the tension peaks occurring on needle thread during sewing on a single needle lock stitch machine. The needle thread tensions are measured at two locations: above the needle bar (bottom segment) and above the needle thread tensioner (top segment). A factorial design approach is used to study the four parameters. The role of bobbin tension is studied in a separate experiment, while keeping the pre-tension on the needle thread constant. The highest tension observed on the needle thread is the stitch tightening tension which is directly affected by the pre-tension set on the needle thread disc tensioner. Heavier threads develop lower tightening tension which may affect the seam balance. The thickness of fabric plies does not affect the needle thread tension. Sewing speed has marginal influence on the stitch tightening tension near the needle thread tensioner. The pre-tension on the bobbin thread affects only the needle thread tension when the take up lever pulls up the needle thread loop to release it from the rotary shuttle hook gib.

Drawing as a Veinous System

The initial version of Water Light/Water Needle was conceived for a gallery or storefront window; the scale of rigging ropes was easily accomplished on a little cardboard mockup; cut up cardboard figures were stained with color. I sewed little thread loops around their hands so that they could be moved manually up and down the string ropes. This very simple iteration was never formally presented.

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia using the 'Stitched Sling Retraction' technique in recurrent cases after previous microvascular decompression.

Microvascular decompression is a well-known therapeutic option for trigeminal neuralgia. It is considered safe and effective, and is the surgical treatment of choice for the malady. However, there is no standard technique for it and different authors have proposed different techniques of performing it. In this study, we observe the clinical results of the so-called 'stitched sling retraction' technique for recurrent cases of trigeminal neuralgia. Twelve consecutive patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after previous microvascular decompression(s) were admitted to our institution form February 2009 to February 2011 and underwent microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve using the 'stitched sling retraction' technique. In this technique, the offending loop of the superior cerebellar artery is retracted from the nerve and, using a silk thread loop around it, is suspended to the adjacent tentorium. All patients experienced pain resolution during the immediate post-operative period or within the first 6 months after surgery. They were followed for 24 to 38 months. No recurrence occurred. The 'stitched sling retraction' technique shows promising preliminary results in recurrent cases of trigeminal neuralgia after previous microvascular decompression(s). Since it is a 'transposing' technique, it might be associated with less recurrence rates (due to resuming of the neurovascular conflict) than the classic interposing technique, which uses a prosthesis between the offending vessel and the trigeminal nerve.

Golden Warbler ( Dendroeca aestiva ), and: Barn Swallow ( Hirundo erythrogaster ), and: Purple Martin ( Progne subis )

Golden Warbler (Dendroeca aestiva), and: Barn Swallow (Hirundo erythrogaster), and: Purple Martin (Progne subis) Eleanor Stanford (bio) Martha Maxwell's Taxidermy Birds (1876) Golden Warbler (Dendroeca aestiva) When I first shot one, I marveled at the slender, decurved bill. At the blood speckling her yellow vest. I felt suddenly—belatedly—protective. A strange urge to tuck her inside my coat, to put her little beak to my own breast. Now begin assembling the bird: Feather tract. Flight quills. Each vertebrae's small tuning peg. In the boreal forest, it was all small berries and nectar. It was all willow and alder, and sweet, sweet, I'm so sweet. Now it's bend the legs somewhat backward along the body. Now it's tie the bill shut with a loop of thread through the nostrils. Barn Swallow (Hirundo erythrogaster) While in another state, her child learns to walk, picks up wordsand puts them down, nonplussed. Bird. Sunflower. Knife. Not for everyone the heedless dive from the Mission arches.Not for everyone sunset at San Juan Capistrano. For some, this is enough: a quiet rafter. Cup of mudand dried grass. Remove the eyeballs, brain, and jaw meat from the skull. Scrape off any flesh that adheres. [End Page 69] Purple Martin (Progne subis) Those years are gone now. Assimilatedinto the body. As my own mother warnedand promised, coaxing me down from the rafters.Now the dusk is empty of beating wings. (What sort of woman is she?) [End Page 70] Eleanor Stanford Eleanor Stanford's first book is The Book of Sleep (Carnegie Mellon UP). Her second is a memoir entitled História, História: Two Years in the Cape Verde Islands (Chicago Center for Literature and Photography). Her poems and essays have appeared in Poetry, Ploughshares, Georgia Review, Massachusetts Review, and others. She lives in the Philadelphia area. Copyright © 2013 University of Nebraska Press