Rubber Band Technique Research Articles

Operative technique of a robotic left hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases using the modified rubber-band technique.

Operative technique of a robotic left hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases using the modified rubber-band technique.

Robotic left hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases with modified rubber-band technique: surgical technique & steps

Robotic left hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases with modified rubber-band technique: surgical technique & steps

A Simple New Cost-Effective Retractor System for Exposure in Lumbar Microdiscectomy: 1-Year Outcome Analysis

To introduce a new technique for retraction in lumbar microdiscectomy, the rubber band technique (RT), and compare 1-year clinical outcomes of the technique with standard microdiscectomy (SM). In this retrospective analysis, 81 consecutive patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation underwent lumbar microdiscectomy by either RT or SM. The primary outcome was Oswestry Disability Index score 1 year after surgery. Secondary outcomes included Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical functioning subscale score, SF-36 bodily pain subscale score, and visual analog scale back pain and leg pain scores. Other parameters were operative time, hospital stay, skin incision, complications, and redo surgery. Of 81 patients, 93% (76 patients) had complete data up to 1-year follow up. The RT group comprised 39 patients (20 males, 19 females), and the SM group comprised 37 patients (19 males 18 females). Primary and secondary outcomes Oswestry Disability Index score, SF-36 physical functioning score, SF-36 bodily pain score, VAS back and leg pain scores, complications, and redo surgery did not differ significantly between the treatment groups at follow-up points (P > 0.05). Skin incision was smaller in the RT group compared with the SM group (P= 0.0001). Over the 1-year follow-up period, clinical outcomes of patients treated with RT were comparable to patients treated with SM. RT appears to be an alternative safe, effective, and economical approach for lumbar microdiscectomy.

Laparoscopic minor liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma in the posterosuperior segments using the rubber band technique: Outcomes compared with open liver resections

Laparoscopic minor liver resections (LLR) of the posterosuperior (PS) segments have been increasingly performed at our institution. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of LLR and open minor liver resection (OLR) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the PS segments. We included 113 patients: 55 who underwent LLR, and 58 OLR for HCC in the PS segments from January 2008 to August 2019. Propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was conducted. The perioperative and long-term outcomes of 37 matched patients were retrospectively analyzed. There was no intra-operative mortality or reoperation in either group. One conversion to open surgery was necessary due to severe post-operative adhesions. The LLR group compared to OLR had statistically significantly shorter operative time (215.16 vs. 251.41 min, p = 0.025), lesser blood loss (218.11 vs. 358.92 mL, p = 0.046), lower complication rate (8.1% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.018), and shorter hospital stay (7.03 vs. 11.78 days, p = 0.001). Intraoperative transfusion, R0 resection, resection margin, 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival were comparable. Our standardized LLR for HCC in the PS segments provided improved short-term outcomes and similar long-term outcomes compared with OLR.

High proficiency of colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection in Europe thanks to countertraction strategy using a double clip and rubber band.

Background and study aims ESD in the colon is more challenging technically than in other locations. Here, we report the first comparative case series of colon ESD using a systematic countertraction strategy using two clips and a rubber band. Patients and methods Retrospective comparative study of classic versus countertraction colon ESD performed in colon ESD cases collected prospectively at Lyon Edouard Herriot Hospital and Limoges University Hospital from January 2016 until December 2017. Results The study included 192 cases (control = 76, countertraction = 116). Countertraction using the double clip and rubber band technique versus the control group resulted in a significant decrease in the procedure time (94.7 vs . 117 min; P = 0.004) and significant increases in procedure speed (28.2 vs . 16.7 mm 2 /min; P < 0.0001), en bloc resection rate (95.7 % vs . 76.3 %, P < 0.0001), and R0 resection rate (78.5 % vs . 64.5 %, P = 0.04). At an individual operator point of view, results varied between operators but the double clip countertraction strategy significantly increased the en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, and speed of dissection for each of the 4 operators. Conclusion Systematic countertraction using a double clip and rubber band facilitates colon ESD. This strategy should become the standard for colon ESD.

Evaluation of a two rubber band technique for finger ring removal.

Rings are required to be removed from a finger in many clinical situations. Rings that are difficult to remove is a problem encountered frequently. Many techniques have been reported for this problem. This study looks at the effectiveness of a single technique for removing difficult rings from fingers. A two rubber band technique was used in this study of 69 difficult to remove rings. Success of the technique and time to removal were recorded. Difficult rings were removed in 92.5% of cases, in a mean time of 10.7 seconds. No fingers or rings suffered damage during the study. This two rubber band technique is a rapid, safe and effective method for removing rings that cannot be removed easily.

Bioecology and scorpion envenomation in Ramshir district, Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran

Scorpion envenomation is a leading public health hazard in southwestern Iran. This study was carried out to analyze the bioecology and medical importance of scorpions in Ramshir district in Khuzestan Province of Iran from 2006 to 2011. Epidemiological data of victims in Ramshir was obtained from a standard data sheet and analyzed by SPSS 16 software. Scorpions were collected using standard rock-rolling and UV light methods, as well as the rubber band technique in 2013. Morphological identification was performed using Iranian scorpion’s identification key. During a 6-year period (2006–2012), 1502 envenomed cases—with high prevalence of stinging from June to October in each year—were obtained. More than half of the accidents were in the age group 15–34 years, and the most frequently stung body parts were legs and hands, respectively. There were 283 scorpion specimens collected, which belonged to three families: Buthidae, Scorpionidae, and Hemiscorpiidae. There were five species: Mesobuthus phillipsii (Pocock), Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier), Hemiscorpius lepturus (Peters), Orthochirus iranus (Kovarik), and Scorpio maurus (Linnaeus). All species were classified as epigean (92.2 %) and fossorial (7.8 %) guilds. In conclusion, the high prevalence of scorpion envenomation and distribution of dangerous scorpion species in Ramshir suggest the necessity for educational and preventive programs to decrease scorpionism incidence in terms of scorpion control, patient treatment, and prevention measures.

Evaluation and comparison of the effect of hypothermia and ozone on ischemia–reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle in rats

BackgroundTourniquet-induced ischemia–reperfusion, which affects local and distant organs, is very common in orthopedic surgery. Hypothermia is used in traumatic tissue during ischemic period commonly. Ozone (O3) has been recommended as a novel therapeutic agent in various medical conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the effect of hypothermia (H) and O3 on ischemia–reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle in rats by measuring oxidative parameters and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels. Materials and methodsEighteen rats (Wistar albino) were separated into five groups randomly (sham, IR, IR + H, IR + O3, IR + H + O3; n = 6). The lower right extremity of all rats was subjected to 2 h of ischemia and 22 h of reperfusion clamping the common iliac artery and using the rubber-band technique at the level of the lesser trochanter under general anesthesia. Two hours of hypothermia were applied during the first 2 h of reperfusion in two groups. O3 was applied in two groups. All rats were sacrificed after the IR period with high dose of anesthesia. The tibialis anterior muscle and blood were saved. Levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, MDA, NOx, and interleukin-1β were measured in the muscle. Creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes were measured in serum. Immunohistochemical iNOS staining was performed on muscle samples. ResultsThe levels of MDA, NOx, and interleukin-1β in muscle were raised in the IR group compared with those in the sham group. The same parameters were lower in the groups of IR + H, IR + O3, and IR + H + O3 compared with those in the IR group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in muscle were lower in the IR group compared with those in the sham group; however, same parameters were higher in the groups of IR + H, IR + O3, and IR + H + O3 compared with those in the IR group. Score and intensity of iNOS staining in skeletal muscle in the IR group was increased compared with that in the sham group and decreased in the groups of IR + H, IR + O3, and IR + H + O3 compared with that in the IR group. Levels of creatinine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and K in the three treatment groups decreased compared with those in the IR group. ConclusionsThese findings showed that hypothermia, which has more affect, and O3 decreased the tourniquet-induced IR injury in the rat's muscle-skeletal system by reducing the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters and enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Hypothermia and O3 had no synergistic effect. Hypothermic reperfusion and O3 preconditioning might be beneficial in skeletal muscle IR injury-associated tourniquet.

Laparoscopic liver resection using a rubber band retraction technique: usefulness and perioperative outcome in 100 consecutive cases.

Although laparoscopic liver resection is increasingly performed worldwide, surgeons still face technical challenges because of the variety of procedures used according to tumor location. In the current study, we introduce a unique retraction method using an elastic rubber band and present its learning curve in addition to the perioperative outcomes of 100 consecutive patients. A series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection using a rubber band technique between August 2008 and June 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. All the study patients underwent the rubber band technique as a method to expose the parenchymal resection plane. The study subjects consisted of 56 males and 44 females with a mean age of 56.7 ± 9.6 years. There were a total of four open conversions. There was no postoperative mortality. Eighty-five patients underwent minor resection, and 15 patients underwent major resection. Among the 85 patients who underwent a minor resection, 65 patients who had favorably located tumors were compared with the 20 patients who had unfavorably located tumors. A comparison of perioperative outcomes revealed a significant difference in operative time (197.3 ± 81.9 vs. 245.9 ± 116.8 min, P = 0.040) but no differences in any other parameters. There were three (4.6 %) and one (5 %) open conversions in the favorable and unfavorable tumor location group, respectively (P = 0.954). The postoperative complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups [4 (6.2 %) vs. 1 (5 %), P = 0.848]. In the learning curve analysis, operative time and blood loss for left lateral sectionectomy (n = 14) and left hepatectomy (n = 12) and minor limited resections for posterosuperior lesions (n = 20) reached a plateau after approximately ten cases. The retraction technique describes here using an elastic rubber band is a useful approach that results in a safe laparoscopic liver resection. Moreover, this can be applied proficiently after a reasonable learning curve.

Optimizing multiple sequence alignments using a genetic algorithm based on three objectives: structural information, non-gaps percentage and totally conserved columns

Multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) are widely used approaches in bioinformatics to carry out other tasks such as structure predictions, biological function analyses or phylogenetic modeling. However, current tools usually provide partially optimal alignments, as each one is focused on specific biological features. Thus, the same set of sequences can produce different alignments, above all when sequences are less similar. Consequently, researchers and biologists do not agree about which is the most suitable way to evaluate MSAs. Recent evaluations tend to use more complex scores including further biological features. Among them, 3D structures are increasingly being used to evaluate alignments. Because structures are more conserved in proteins than sequences, scores with structural information are better suited to evaluate more distant relationships between sequences. The proposed multiobjective algorithm, based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, aims to jointly optimize three objectives: STRIKE score, non-gaps percentage and totally conserved columns. It was significantly assessed on the BAliBASE benchmark according to the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.01). This algorithm also outperforms other aligners, such as ClustalW, Multiple Sequence Alignment Genetic Algorithm (MSA-GA), PRRP, DIALIGN, Hidden Markov Model Training (HMMT), Pattern-Induced Multi-sequence Alignment (PIMA), MULTIALIGN, Sequence Alignment Genetic Algorithm (SAGA), PILEUP, Rubber Band Technique Genetic Algorithm (RBT-GA) and Vertical Decomposition Genetic Algorithm (VDGA), according to the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P < 0.05), whereas it shows results not significantly different to 3D-COFFEE (P > 0.05) with the advantage of being able to use less structures. Structural information is included within the objective function to evaluate more accurately the obtained alignments. The source code is available at http://www.ugr.es/~fortuno/MOSAStrE/MO-SAStrE.zip.

Removal of a titanium alloy ring

British Journal of Hospital MedicineVol. 72, No. 9 Case ReportRemoval of a titanium alloy ringS Bleibleh, J Childs, M BaqaiS BleiblehSearch for more papers by this author, J ChildsSearch for more papers by this author, M BaqaiSearch for more papers by this authorS Bleibleh; J Childs; M BaqaiPublished Online:16 Aug 2013https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2011.72.9.529AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Fejjal N, Belmir R, El Mazouz S et al. (2008) Finger avulsion injuries: A report of four cases. Indian J Orthop 42(2): 208–11 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarKapickis M, Kutz JE (2007) Titanium alloy ring crush injury. Am J Emerg Med 25(9): 1084 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarUrbaniak JR, Evans JP, Bright DS (1981) Microvascular management of ring avulsion injuries. J Hand Surg Am 6(1): 25–30 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarWilliams D (2001) The golden anniversary of titanium biomaterials. Med Device Technol 12(7): 8–11 Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byRing Removal: A Comprehensive Review of TechniquesThe Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol. 63, No. 2Evaluation of a two rubber band technique for finger ring removalThe Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Vol. 98, No. 5Review of techniques for the removal of trapped rings on fingers with a proposed new algorithmThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol. 31, No. 11 1 September 2011Volume 72Issue 9ISSN (print): 1750-8460ISSN (online): 1759-7390 Metrics History Published online 16 August 2013 Published in print 1 September 2011 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedThe authors would like thank to Dr David Kendrick who was involved with this patient's management along with Barrow Fire Brigade and Furness General Hospital Works Department.PDF download

Liquid sclerotherapy for posttraumatic arteriovenous fistula of the radialis indicis artery

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with posttraumatic arteriovenous fistula of the right radialis indicis artery. The patient was admitted because a pulsatile lesion appeared on her hand after blunt trauma. Liquid sclerotherapy using 3% polidocanol in combination with distal protection using the rubber band technique was undertaken, which resulted in complete disappearance of the arteriovenous fistula. At 1 year after the endovascular therapy, the arteriovenous fistula had completely disappeared, and no further complications had occurred.

Pour l’utilisation du sulfate de magnésium dans la prévention de la crise d’éclampsie en cas de prééclampsie

Tourniquet-induced ischemia–reperfusion, which affects local and distant organs, is very common in orthopedic surgery. Hypothermia is used in traumatic tissue during ischemic period commonly. Ozone (O3) has been recommended as a novel therapeutic agent in various medical conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the effect of hypothermia (H) and O3 on ischemia–reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle in rats by measuring oxidative parameters and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels.Eighteen rats (Wistar albino) were separated into five groups randomly (sham, IR, IR + H, IR + O3, IR + H + O3; n = 6). The lower right extremity of all rats was subjected to 2 h of ischemia and 22 h of reperfusion clamping the common iliac artery and using the rubber-band technique at the level of the lesser trochanter under general anesthesia. Two hours of hypothermia were applied during the first 2 h of reperfusion in two groups. O3 was applied in two groups. All rats were sacrificed after the IR period with high dose of anesthesia. The tibialis anterior muscle and blood were saved. Levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, MDA, NOx, and interleukin-1β were measured in the muscle. Creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes were measured in serum. Immunohistochemical iNOS staining was performed on muscle samples.The levels of MDA, NOx, and interleukin-1β in muscle were raised in the IR group compared with those in the sham group. The same parameters were lower in the groups of IR + H, IR + O3, and IR + H + O3 compared with those in the IR group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in muscle were lower in the IR group compared with those in the sham group; however, same parameters were higher in the groups of IR + H, IR + O3, and IR + H + O3 compared with those in the IR group. Score and intensity of iNOS staining in skeletal muscle in the IR group was increased compared with that in the sham group and decreased in the groups of IR + H, IR + O3, and IR + H + O3 compared with that in the IR group. Levels of creatinine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and K in the three treatment groups decreased compared with those in the IR group.These findings showed that hypothermia, which has more affect, and O3 decreased the tourniquet-induced IR injury in the rat's muscle-skeletal system by reducing the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters and enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Hypothermia and O3 had no synergistic effect. Hypothermic reperfusion and O3 preconditioning might be beneficial in skeletal muscle IR injury-associated tourniquet.

RBT-L: A location based approach for solving the Multiple Sequence Alignment problem

This paper presents a novel approach to solve the Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) problem. The Rubber Band Technique: Location Base (RBT-L) introduced in this paper, is inspired by the elastic behaviour of a Rubber Band (RB) on a plate with poles. RBT-L is an iterative optimisation algorithm designed and implemented to find the optimal alignment for a set of input protein sequences. RBT-L is tested with one of the well-known benchmarks (BALiBASE 2.0) in this field. The obtained results show the superiority of the proposed technique even in the case of formidable sequences.

RBT-GA: a novel metaheuristic for solving the multiple sequence alignment problem

BackgroundMultiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) has always been an active area of research in Bioinformatics. MSA is mainly focused on discovering biologically meaningful relationships among different sequences or proteins in order to investigate the underlying main characteristics/functions. This information is also used to generate phylogenetic trees.ResultsThis paper presents a novel approach, namely RBT-GA, to solve the MSA problem using a hybrid solution methodology combining the Rubber Band Technique (RBT) and the Genetic Algorithm (GA) metaheuristic. RBT is inspired by the behavior of an elastic Rubber Band (RB) on a plate with several poles, which is analogues to locations in the input sequences that could potentially be biologically related. A GA attempts to mimic the evolutionary processes of life in order to locate optimal solutions in an often very complex landscape. RBT-GA is a population based optimization algorithm designed to find the optimal alignment for a set of input protein sequences. In this novel technique, each alignment answer is modeled as a chromosome consisting of several poles in the RBT framework. These poles resemble locations in the input sequences that are most likely to be correlated and/or biologically related. A GA-based optimization process improves these chromosomes gradually yielding a set of mostly optimal answers for the MSA problem.ConclusionRBT-GA is tested with one of the well-known benchmarks suites (BALiBASE 2.0) in this area. The obtained results show that the superiority of the proposed technique even in the case of formidable sequences.

Removal of a tight ring by the rubber band technique

Removal of a tight ring by the rubber band technique

Rubber band as external assist device to provide simple grip for quadriplegic patients.

The rubber band as an external assist device provides an effective grip for the hand of high spinal cord injury quadriplegic patients. This technique can also be useful for preoperative patients who are undergoing physical and occupational therapy or to assess patients' needs for surgery. The rubber band as an adaptive device is preferred because of its availability, low visibility, and ease of application. We attempt to provide a more standardized method of the rubber band technique and to popularize it.

Silicone Rubber Band for Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization

In 1974, Yoon and associates (Am J Obstet Gynecol 120:132, 1974) described a new approach in which laparoscopic tubal occlusion was accomplished by utilizing the silicone rubber band technique. Recognizing the great advantages of the new technique in eliminating potential thermal injury associated with electrocoagulation, the authors have utilized the Yoon silicone rubber band technique in these institutions over the past 20 months. Thus far the procedure has been performed in 304 patients without any major complications. In the hope of eliminating and/or reducing possible pregnancy-failure rates, in 110 cases. In addition to application of the silicone band, the tube within the band was transected with non-electrical Seigler biopsy forceps. This, we believe, should provide an interesting long-term comparative study.

Incidental tubal ligation with Falope Ring Applicator at the time of cholecystectomy

An incidental tubal ligation with a Falope Ring Applicator at the time of cholecystectomy was described in a procedure on a 37-year-old woman gravida 2 para 2. A vertical midline upper abdominal incision was made and cholecystectomy performed. At the end of the procedure the tubes were visualized bilaterally with aid of a Semms uterine cannula. The tubes were picked up with the Falope Ring Applicator and the silicone rubber bands placed over the tented portions. It is suggested that elective tubal sterilization with the silicone rubber band technique can easily be performed at the time of upper abdominal operation without adding substantial operative time or morbidity.

A preliminary report on a new laparoscopic sterilization approach: The silicone rubber band technique

A preliminary report is given of a new laparoscopic sterilization approach with the use of silicone rubber bands. A description of the laparoscope silicone rubber band applicator, as well as its operative utilization, is provided. One hundred cases have been completed without any major problems. No statement can be made at this time as to the incidence of failure. The described technique eliminates the need for the thermoenergy which is used in tubal occlusion and thus removes the cause of intestinal burns. The potential for successful future tubal reopening procedures should be greater with this procedure.