Puncture Angle Research Articles

Puncture angle on an endoscopic ultrasound image is independently associated with unsuccessful guidewire manipulation of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy: a retrospective study in Japan.

Although endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is performed globally, the procedure remains challenging. Guidewire manipulation is the most difficult step, and there are few reports on the factors associated with unsuccessful guidewire manipulation. This study aimed to assess the significance of the puncture angle on EUS images and identify the most effective guidewire rescue method for patients with unsuccessful guidewire manipulation. We retrospectively enrolled 115 patients who underwent EUS-HGS between May 2016 and April 2022 at two centers. The puncture angle between the needle and the intrahepatic bile duct was measured through EUS movie records. Guidewire manipulation was unsuccessful in 28 patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified an optimal puncture angle cutoff value of 85° (cutoff value, 85°; area under the ROC curve, 0.826; sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity, 81.6%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a puncture angle <85° was a significant risk factor for unsuccessful guidewire manipulation (odds ratio, 19.8; 95% confidence interval, 6.42-61.5; p<0.001). Among the 28 unsuccessful cases, 24 patients (85.7%) achieved successful guidewire manipulation using various rescue methods. The puncture angle observed on EUS is crucial for guidewire manipulation. A puncture angle of <85° was associated with unsuccessful guidewire manipulation.

Delayed onset skin toxicity reaction after peripherally inserted central catheter rupture in lower extremities combined with chemotherapy.

Herein, we present a patient who was undergoing chemotherapy for bilateral breast cancer and experienced delayed-onset skin toxicity reactions after rupture of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the lower extremities. The objective of this case report is to provide the necessary nursing assessment for the risk awareness of the PICC internal rupture and the occurrence of central venous catheter extravasation, as well as to strengthen the judgment of delayed skin toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Rupture of the PICC in the lower extremities was primarily attributed to the use of a silicone catheter and an excessive puncture angle. The nature of docetaxel and partial catheter rupture caused drug extravasation, leading to delayed skin toxicity. The use of a polyurethane catheter reduces the incidence of catheter rupture; hence, silicon catheters should be avoided. The central venous catheter is also at risk for the extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, docetaxel-induced delayed skin toxicity, which has a high incidence, should be treated as expected. Nurses and clinicians should be aware of PICC internal rupture and central venous catheter extravasation to strengthen the judgment of delayed skin toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Division of neuromuscular compartments and localization of the center of the highest region of muscle spindles abundance in deep cervical muscles based on Sihler's staining.

The overall distribution pattern of intramuscular nerves and the regions with the highest spindle abundance in deep cervical muscles have not been revealed. This study aimed to reveal neuromuscular compartmentalization and localize the body surface position and depth of the center of the region of highest muscle spindle abundance (CRHMSA) in the deep cervical muscles. This study included 36 adult cadavers (57.7 ± 11.5 years). The curved line joining the lowest point of the jugular notch and chin tip was designated as the longitudinal reference line (line L), and the curved line connecting the lowest point of the jugular notch and acromion was designated as the horizontal reference line (line H). Modified Sihler's staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining and computed tomography scanning were employed to determine the projection points (P) of the CRHMSAs on the anterior surfaces of the neck. The positions (PH and PL) of point P projected onto the H and L lines, and the depth of each CRHMSA, and puncture angle were determined using the Syngo system. The scalenus posterior and longus capitis muscles were divided into two neuromuscular compartments, while the scalenus anterior and longus colli muscles were divided into three neuromuscular compartments. The scalenus medius muscle can be divided into five neuromuscular compartments. The PH of the CRHMSA of the scalenus muscles (anterior, medius, and posterior), and longus capitis and longus colli muscles, were located at 36.27, 39.18, 47.31, 35.67, and 42.71% of the H line, respectively. The PL positions were at 26.53, 32.65, 32.73, 68.32, and 51.15% of the L line, respectively. The depths of the CRHMSAs were 2.47 cm, 2.96 cm, 2.99 cm, 3.93 cm, and 3.17 cm, respectively, and the puncture angles were 87.13°, 85.92°, 88.21°, 58.08°, and 77.75°, respectively. Present research suggests that the deep cervical muscles can be divided into neuromuscular compartments; we recommend the locations of these CRHMSA as the optimal target for administering botulinum toxin A injections to treat deep cervical muscle dystonia.

Automated angular measurement for puncture angle using a computer-aided method in ultrasound-guided peripheral insertion.

Ultrasound guidance has become the gold standard for obtaining vascular access. Angle information, which indicates the entry angle of the needle into the vein, is required to ensure puncture success. Although various image processing-based methods, such as deep learning, have recently been applied to improve needle visibility, these methods have limitations, in that the puncture angle to the target organ is not measured. We aim to detect the target vessel and puncture needle and to derive the puncture angle by combining deep learning and conventional image processing methods such as the Hough transform. Median cubital vein US images were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers, and images of simulated blood vessels and needles were obtained during the puncture of a simulated blood vessel in four phantoms. The U-Net architecture was used to segment images of blood vessels and needles, and various image processing methods were employed to automatically measure angles. The experimental results indicated that the mean dice coefficients of median cubital veins, simulated blood vessels, and needles were 0.826, 0.931, and 0.773, respectively. The quantitative results of angular measurement showed good agreement between the expert and automatic measurements of the puncture angle with 0.847 correlations. Our findings indicate that the proposed method achieves extremely high segmentation accuracy and automated angular measurements. The proposed method reduces the variability and time required in manual angle measurements and presents the possibility where the operator can concentrate on delicate techniques related to the direction of the needle.

A robotic system for transthoracic puncture of pulmonary nodules based on gated respiratory compensation

Background and objectiveWith the urgent demands for rapid and precise localization of pulmonary nodules in procedures such as transthoracic puncture biopsy and thoracoscopic surgery, many surgical navigation and robotic systems are applied in the clinical practice of thoracic operation. However, current available positioning methods have certain limitations, including high radiation exposure, large errors from respiratory, complicated and time-consuming procedures, etc. MethodsTo address these issues, a preoperative computed tomography (CT) image-guided robotic system for transthoracic puncture was proposed in this study. Firstly, an algorithm for puncture path planning based on constraints from clinical knowledge was developed. This algorithm enables the calculation of Pareto optimal solutions for multiple clinical targets concerning puncture angle, puncture length, and distance from hazardous areas. Secondly, to eradicate intraoperative radiation exposure, a fast registration method based on preoperative CT and gated respiration compensation was proposed. The registration process could be completed by the direct selection of points on the skin near the sternum using a hand-held probe. Gating detection and joint optimization algorithms are then performed on the collected point cloud data to compensate for errors from respiratory motion. Thirdly, to enhance accuracy and intraoperative safety, the puncture guide was utilized as an end effector to restrict the movement of the optically tracked needle, then risky actions with patient contact would be strictly limited. ResultsThe proposed system was evaluated through phantom experiments on our custom-designed simulation test platform for patient respiratory motion to assess its accuracy and feasibility. The results demonstrated an average target point error (TPE) of 2.46 ± 0.68 mm and an angle error (AE) of 1.49 ± 0.45° for the robotic system. ConclusionsIn conclusion, our proposed system ensures accuracy, surgical efficiency, and safety while also reducing needle insertions and radiation exposure in transthoracic puncture procedures, thus offering substantial potential for clinical application.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Tracheal Needle Puncture Forces: Comparative Analysis of Annular Ligaments and Tracheal Cartilage.

Percutaneous tracheotomies (PCT) are commonly performed minimally invasive procedures involving the creation of an airway opening through an incision or puncture of the tracheal wall. While the medical intervention is crucial for critical care and the management of acute respiratory failure, tracheostomy complications can lead to severe clinical symptoms due to the alterations of the airways biomechanical properties/structures. The causes and mechanisms underlaying the development of these post-tracheotomy complications remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the needle puncture process and its biomechanical characteristics by using a well establish porcine ex vivo trachea to simulate the forces involved in accessing airways during PCT at varying angular approaches. Given that many procedures involve inserting a needle into the trachea without direct visualization of the tracheal wall, concerns have been raised over the needle punctures through the cartilaginous rings as compared to the space between them may result in fractured cartilage and post-tracheostomy airway complications. We report a difference in puncture force between piercing the cartilage and the annular ligaments and observe that the angle of puncture does not significantly alter the puncture forces. The data collected in this study can guide the design of relevant biomechanical feedback system during airway access procedures and ultimately help refine and optimize PCT.

Analysis of Potential Risk Factors for Cement Leakage into Paraspinal Veins after Vertebroplasty for Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Based on a 3D Reconstruction Technique: A Retrospective Matched Case-Control Study.

Pulmonary embolism, cardiac embolism, and even cerebral embolism due to paraspinal vein leakage (PVL) are increasingly reported, and their risk factors need to be adequately investigated for prevention. To this end, this study investigated the correlation of the distribution and morphological characteristics of fracture lines with the occurrence of PVL after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), which has not been previously reported. Patients with acute single-segment thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) treated with PVP at our institution from January 2019 to July 2022 were selected for a matched case-control study. The case and control groups included those with and without PVL, respectively, matched at a 1:1 ratio based on general clinical characteristics. Additionally, fracture map and heatmap analysis was performed in both groups. In addition to the general clinical characteristics, the vertebral height ratio, puncture angle, delivery rate, and indexes were assessed via the three-dimensional CT reconstruction fracture line mapping technique, namely, the distribution of fracture lines, fracture line length, main fracture line shape, location of fracture line involvement, and number of fracture line branches, were compared between the two groups. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, t tests, analysis of variance, and conditional logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Among 658 patients with OVCFs, 54 who did and 54 who did not develop PVL were included in this study. Significant differences in the puncture angle, fracture line distribution (MR-1, ML-2, MM-2, MR-2, ML-3, MM-3, LL-1, LM-1, LL-2, LM-2), fracture line involvement of the posterior wall, total fracture line length, and main fracture line length were found between the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic univariate analysis showed significant differences in the puncture angle, fracture line distribution (MR-1, ML-2, MM-2, MR-2, ML-3, MM-3, LL-1, LL-2, LM-2, LL-3), total fracture line length, main fracture line length, and fracture line involvement of the posterior wall between the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic multifactorial analysis showed that the fracture line distribution (UR-3, ML-3, LM-2, LR-2) and main fracture line length were independent risk factors for the development of PVL in both groups. In addition, the fracture maps and heatmaps showed a greater degree of fracture line encapsulation and more extensive involvement in the middle and lower regions of the vertebral body in the PVL group than in the control group. Through a three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction-based fracture line mapping technique, this study revealed for the first time that the distribution of fracture lines (UR-3, ML-3, LM-2, LR-2) and main fracture line length were independent risk factors for PVL after PVP in patients with acute single-segment thoracolumbar OVCFs. In addition, we hypothesized that the fracture line-vein traffic branch that may appear within 2 weeks after injury in acute OVCF patients may be one of the mechanisms influencing the above potential independent risk factors associated with PVL.

Biomechanics of brain tissue damage caused by fiber endoscope penetration in third ventriculostomy surgery

Third ventriculostomy is the preferred treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus, but the biomechanics of brain tissue damage caused by fiber endoscopes remains unclear. In this study, brain tissue material parameters were tested based on the Ogden model to simulate needle puncture mechanics, and replicated the entire fiber endoscope advancement process during third ventriculostomy. It was found that a smaller diameter fiber endoscope, a perpendicular puncture angle, and a faster puncture speed would decrease the damage of brain tissue caused by the fiber endoscope. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the instrumentation and surgical process of third ventriculostomy.

Comparison of clinical effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty with two different puncture approaches on the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with narrow pedicles: a retrospective controlled study

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) with conventional transpedicle approach (CTA) or basal transverse process-pedicle approach (BTPA) on the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (TL-OVCFs) with narrow pedicles.MethodsA retrospective study of TL-OVCFs with narrow pedicles was performed, including 78 cases of CTA and 84 cases of BTPA. The surgical outcomes, radiographic parameters [the width and height of the pedicle (PW, PH), the inclination angle of puncture (PIA)] and clinical indicators [visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)] of two groups were compared.ResultsIn terms of surgical outcomes of them, there was no difference in operation time (P > 0.05), while the volume of bone cement, the incidence of bone cement leakage and rate of good bone cement distribution were significantly worse in the CTA group (4.4 ± 0.6 ml vs. 5.5 ± 0.5 ml, 37.2% vs. 20.2%, 52.6% vs. 79.8%, P < 0.05). As for radiographic parameters and clinical indicators of them, the differences were not observed in the PH, PW, preoperative VAS score and ODI (P > 0.05), whereas the PIA, VAS score and ODI at 1 day postoperatively were significantly better in the BTPA group (17.3 ± 2.1° vs. 29.6 ± 2.8°, 2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8, 32.8 ± 4.6 vs. 26.7 ± 4.0, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study provided solid evidence that PVP with BTPA had more advantages in the treatment of TL-OVCFs with narrow pedicles, which can better relieve postoperative pain.

A Micro‐3‐Degree‐of‐Freedom Force Sensor for Intraocular Dexterous Surgical Robots

The continuum manipulator improves the intraocular robot flexibility during retinal surgery. Herein, a micro‐3‐degree of freedom (DOF) force sensor with a length of only 3.8 mm that can adjust the puncture angle during retinal vein cannulation (RVC) is proposed. Taking advantage of 3D printing technology, the optical fiber and injection line are embedded in the nitinol tube with flexible hinges to achieve integration of the force sensing and injection functions. A new fiber Bragg grating (FBG) configuration method and linear decoupling algorithm are also proposed herein. Static calibration experiments demonstrate excellent resolution of the force sensor, of less than 0.072 mN for transverse force and 0.738 mN for the axial force in the range from −20 to 20 mN. The proposed sensor is installed on a newly developed actuator, and an ex vivo experiment is performed on pig cadaver eyes. The interaction forces at each stage of the RVC are recorded in detail for the first time, further confirming the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed sensor for monitoring the RVC interaction forces.

Planning of Medical Flexible Needle Motion in Effective Area of Clinical Puncture.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although several lung cancer diagnostic methods are available for lung nodule biopsy, there are limitations in terms of accuracy, safety, and invasiveness. Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a common method for diagnosing and treating lung cancer that involves a robot-assisted medical flexible needle moving along a curved three-dimensional trajectory, avoiding anatomical barriers to achieve clinically meaningful goals in humans. Inspired by the puncture angle between the needle tip and the vessel in venipuncture, we suggest that different orientations of the medical flexible needle puncture path affect the cost of the puncture trajectory and propose an effective puncture region based on the optimal puncture direction, which is a strategy based on imposing geometric constraints on the search space of the puncture direction, and based on this, we focused on the improved implementation of RCS*. Planning within the TBNA-based lung environment was performed using the rapidly exploring random tree (RRT), resolution-complete search (RCS), and RCS* (a resolution-optimal version of RCS) within an effective puncture region. The experimental results show that the optimal puncture direction corresponding to the lowest cost puncture trajectory is consistent among the three algorithms and RCS* is more efficient for planning. The experiments verified the feasibility and practicality of our proposed minimum puncture angle and puncture effective region and facilitated the study of the puncture direction of flexible needle puncture.

Needle visualization during ultrasound-guided puncture: image optimization.

Obtaining an adequate image of the needle by ultrasound reduces complications resulting from punctures, increasing patient safety and reducing hospitalization costs. To verify human perception in relation to number of pixels, while also identifying the best puncture angle and which needle should be used, and to evaluate whether there is a difference if needle visualization software is used. 20 images were analyzed by 103 students who classified them as being sufficient or insufficient and were compared with the quality observed using photoshop. We evaluated whether there were differences between puncture angles of less than 45º and more than 45º, between IV catheter and introducer needles, and between images obtained with and without visualization software. There was a higher percentage of sufficient ratings for images those that had more than 60 pixels and when the puncture angle was less than 45º, with significant associations between students' evaluations and each of these groups (p < 0.001). The percentages of images classified as sufficient were higher for images in which a IV catheter was used and also higher for those using the needle visualization software, with significant associations between the results for students' classifications and each of these groups (p < 0.001). The human eye classifies an image as sufficient according to higher numbers of pixels. Images of punctures at angles smaller than 45º in relation to the surface, of punctures performed with a IV catheter, and when using specific visualization software are also better detected by the human eye.

Digital Subtraction Angiography-Guided Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in Treatment of Multi-Segmental Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A retrospective single-Center study.

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of digital subtractionangiography (DSA)-guided percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treating multi-segmental osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients with multi-segmental OVCF who had unilateral PKP surgeries using DSA and C arm guiding at our hospital between October 2016 and June 2020 and were followed for at least two years. All patients were divided into two groups: DSA guidance (n = 31) and C-arm guidance (n=37). In addition, we collected the clinical and radiological evaluation results during postoperative and last follow-up periods. Our findings revealed that the DSA guidance group required lesser time for channel establishment and surgery than the C-arm guidance group at P < 0.05. The incidences ofbonecementleakage, fluoroscopy times, and radiationdose of the DSA guidance group were significantly lesser than the C-arm guidance group (P < 0.05). Compared to the C-arm guidance group, the deviation of puncture in the DSA guidance group was significantly lower, the puncture angle in the DSA guidance group was significantly larger, and better bone cement distribution was obtained (P < 0.05). Compared to preoperative data, the VAS score, median vertebral height, and Cobb angle were significantly improved one day after surgery and the final follow-up in both groups (P < 0.05). However, the VAS score, the median vertebral height, average length of stay, and Cobb angle werenotsignificantly differentbetweenthe twogroups (P > 0.05). DSA-guided PKP in treating multi-segmental OVCF can shorten the operation time, improve puncture accuracy, reduce the times and dose of fluoroscopy, reduce the leakage of bone cement, and achieve better cement distribution.

A mathematical method to estimate angle and distance for percutaneous renal puncture based on computed tomography data: Description and validation.

Gaining access to the kidney is crucial step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL); it has a steep learning curve. Describe the mathematical method to predict renal puncture angle and distance based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) measurements. Then evaluating how it correlates with measured values. The study was prospectively designed. After ethical committee approval, the study uses data from preoperative CT to construct a triangle so we can estimate puncture depth and angle. A triangle of three points, the first is point of entry to the pelvicalyceal system (PCS), the second is point on the skin perpendicular to it, and the third where the needle punctures the skin. The needle travel is estimated using the Pythagorean theorem and puncture angle using the inverse sine function. We evaluated 40 punctures in 36 PCNL procedures. After PCS puncture using fluoroscopy-guided triangulation, we measured the needle travel distance and angle to the horizontal plane. Then compared the results with mathematically estimated values. We targeted posterior lower calyx in 21 (70%) case. The correlation between measured and estimated needle travel distance with Rho coefficient of 0.76 with P < 0.001. The mean difference between the estimated and the measured needle travel was - 0.37 ± 1.2 cm (-2.6-1.6). Measured and estimated angle correlate with Rho coefficient of 0.77 and P < 0.001. The mean difference between the estimated and the measured angle was 2° ± 8° (-21°-16°). Mathematical estimation of needle depth and angle for gaining access to the kidney correlates well with measured values.

A novel puncture approach via point “O” for percutaneous kyphoplasty in patients with L4 or L5 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

This study introduced a novel point “O” puncture approach for percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in patients with L4 or L5 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and evaluated its clinical and radiographic outcomes. Between September 2019 and December 2020, we compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes in 31 cases (36 vertebrae) using the “O” entry point PKP intervention (O-PKP) and 31 cases (37 vertebrae) using transverse the process-pedicle approach PKP intervention (T-PKP). No serious postoperative complications were observed in any of the participants. Only two T-PKP patients experienced intervertebral disc space leakage. Compared with the T-PKP patients, the O-PKP patients showed shorter operative time and fluoroscopy times (P < 0.05), comparable blood loss and cement volume (P > 0.05), improved VAS and ODI scores at the final follow-up (P < 0.05), better increases in the vertebral compression ratio (P < 0.05), comparable Cobb angle (P > 0.05), comparable anteroposterior bone cement distribution, enhanced bilateral bone cement distribution (P < 0.05), and larger sagittal and transverse angles (P < 0.05). Herein, O-PKP was indicated for patients with L4 or L5 OVCF. This puncture approach showed significant advantages over T-PKP not only in terms of pain relief, surgery and fluoroscopy times but also in the puncture angle, vertebral reconstruction, and symmetrical cement distribution.

Modified Two Wire Technique Using Fogarty Catheter in Antegrade Femoral Access.

Antegrade femoral access is a routinely used technique for infra-inguinal interventions. However, it can be challenging in cases of high femoral bifurcations, obliterative disease process and obese patients. A simple method of antegrade access using a Fogarty catheter and guide wires, under flouroscopic control is presented , which has lead to easy access in obliterative disease of SFA with minimal complications. We have done fourteen successful punctures using this technique over the past 6 months. In obese patients or patients with a pannus another assistant was used to pull the pannus back while doing the procedure. However, in two cases, while withdrawing the sheath into the CFA, there was inadvertent slippage of sheath outside the lumen of CFA. Immediate haemostasis was ensured by pulling the inflated Fogarty catheter backwards followed by manual compression before reintroducing the sheath inside the lumen. In both these cases, the patients were obese with a pannus and our puncture angle was more vertical which most probably led to this complication. However, post intervention results were satisfactory with no evidence of any pseudoaneurysm formation. This simple method allows to achieve antegrade SFA access in a safe and secure manner.

Needle Penetration Simulation: Influence of Penetration Angle and Sample Stress on the Mechanical Behaviors of Polymers Applying a Cast Silicone and a 3D-Printed Resin.

For surgical catheterization training applications, realistic and effective materials are desired. In this study, the relevance of a needle puncture angle and a simulated wall stress on different elastic materials were determined in a previously developed experimental setup. Both settings were considered individually in two new setups. In addition, a control setup with neither angle nor prestress was designed. During the process of puncturing the samples of two materials (Replisil 9N and Formlabs Elastic 50A), force–displacement values were collected, and three predefined parameters evaluated. The differences between the angled/stressed groups and the control group were analyzed. The additively processed material required a significantly higher force to puncture than the conventional one (p < 0.001). Moreover, a needle angulation of 45° required more force than puncturing orthogonally. Prestressing the samples did not clearly influence the resulting force. An evaluation of relative parameters showed that the investigated materials behaved differently but not linearly differently under the influence of needle angle and prestress. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the properties and suitability of materials for surgical training models in appropriate experimental setups considering multiple parameters.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy Without Dilation: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) procedures have been gradually established; nonetheless, some adverse events (AEs) have been reported. Dilation procedures using a non-cautery or cautery device increase the incidence of AEs in EUS-HGS. We evaluated EUS-HGS procedures without dilation and the factors associated with dilation. We enrolled 79 patients who underwent EUS-HGS between July 2015 and March 2021 at two centers, 72 of whom had technical success (72/79, 91%). During the EUS-HGS procedures, we defined patients without dilation procedures as the dilation (-) group. We divided the patients into two groups: the dilation (+) (35 patients) and dilation (-) (37 patients) groups. We performed a propensity score matching analysis to adjust for confounding bias between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with dilation. There was no difference in clinical success rate between the dilation (+) and dilation (-) groups (91% vs. 95%, P = 0.545). The AE rate (P = 0.013) and long procedure time (P = 0.017) were significantly higher in the dilation (+) group than in the dilation (-) group before and after propensity score matching. Factors associated with dilation were plastic stent placement (odds ratio [OR], 6.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-28.7; P = 0.007) and puncture angle of ≤ 90° (OR, 44.6; 95% CI, 5.1-390; P < 0.001). A dilation procedure in EUS-HGS may not always be necessary. However, patients with an angle of ≤ 90° between the needle and intrahepatic biliary tract or plastic stent deployment require dilation procedures.

Effect of bone cement distribution on the clinical outcome of unilateral transpedicular puncture for spinal osteoporotic fractures

To investigate the effects of different bone cement morphology distribution on the clinical efficacy of unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) for spinal osteoporotic fractures. The clinical data of 66 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures received unilateral PVP treatment from January 2019 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 16 males and 50 females, including 83 vertebral bodies, 45 thoracic vertebrae and 38 lumbar vertebrae, and 55 patients with single-segment, 6 double-segment, 4 three-segment and 1 four-segment. The age ranged from 60 to 93 years with an average of (76.83±8.65) years. The included patients were admitted to hospital 1 to 10 days after onset, and were diagnosed by anteroposterior and lateral X-rays, MRI and bone density examination before surgery. According to the shape of bone cement in postoperative X-ray, the patients were divided into O-shaped group (28 cases) and H-shaped group (38 cases). In O-shaped group, the bone cement presented agglomeration mass distribution in the affected vertebra in postoperative X-ray while the bone cement presented disseminated honeycomb distribution in the affected vertebrae in H-shaped group. Bone cement injection volume was collected in two groups. The intraoperative bone cement leakage and postoperative adjacent vertebral fractures were observed. The VAS of the two groups before operation and 1 day, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after operation were compared;and ODI of the two groups 1 day, 6 months and 1 year after operation were compared. The kyphosis angle and anterior height of the affected vertebrae were measured before operation and 1 week, 1 year after operation. All 66 patients completed 1-year follow-up, and all patients healed well at the puncture site after surgery. There were 1 case and 8 cases of bone cement leakage in O-shaped group and H-shaped group during surgery respectively (P<0.05), but no serious complications occurred. One case occurred adjacent vertebral fracture in both groups during one-year follow-up (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in injection amount of bone cement between the two groups (P>0.05). The VAS scores of O-shaped group and H-shaped group were 7.89±0.79, 2.75±1.08, 0.46±0.58, 0.36±0.49 and 8.00±1.04, 2.58±1.15, 0.53±0.56, 0.42±0.50 before operation, 1 day, 6 months, 1 year after operation respectively, and there was no statistical significance(P>0.05), and the VAS scores were 0.96±0.58 and 1.18±0.83 at 1 month after operation respectively, with statistical significance(P<0.05). The ODI scores of O-shaped group and H-shaped group were 12.43±3.78, 10.00±2.46, 8.43±1.50 and 12.11±3.68, 9.53±2.35, 8.32±1.51 at 1 day, 6 months and 1 year after surgery respectively, and there was no statistical significance between the two groups(P>0.05). There were no statistical significance in kyphotic angles and anterior height before surgery and 1 week, 1 year after surgery between two groups (P>0.05). No matter the distribution of bone cement is O-shape or H-shape, it can achieve good clinical effect, and the prognosis effect is equivalent. Therefore, when performing unilateral puncture PVP surgery, it is not necessary to deliberately increase the puncture angle of the puncture needle in order to achieve the full diffusion of the affected vertebrae, so as to reduce the risk of damaging important structures and bone cement leakage.

The impact of needle size and angle on rubber coring after multiple puncturing of multi-dose propofol vial rubber stoppers

BackgroundMultiple puncturing of the rubber stoppers of multi-doses vials can produce a rubber core. Propofol is one of the multi-dose anesthesia frequently used for sedation and induction of general anesthesia, and a previous study reported a high incidence of rubber coring in propofol vials but no study has yet reported the factors that affect rubber coring. ObjectiveTo investigate the variables which have an impact on rubber core contamination after the puncturing of rubber stoppers of multi-dose propofol vials using various sizes of needles and different angles of piercing. Materials and methodsAn experimental study which involved puncturing the rubber stoppers of 50 ml propofol vials with needles of various sizes (18G, 20G, 21G) and at different angles of puncture (45 and 90°). The particles occurred in the vials in each situation were evaluated under the microscope, including the number, width and length. Sizes of the needle and degrees of puncture were evaluated to determine the cause of coring. ResultsRubber coring occurred in 26 out of a total of 150 samples (17.33%). Comparing the incidence of coring by needle size, the 18G needle produced the highest number (38%, P-value < 0.01). Especially, puncturing with 18 gauge needle at 45° (56%, P-value 0.01). ConclusionLarge-bore needle was the factor that impacted rubber coring after puncturing through the rubber stopper of the multi-dose vial, regardless of the angle of puncture.