Tape Position Research Articles

The Evaluation of the Effect of Suburethral Transobturator Sling on the Urethra Using Ultrasound Examination

Abstract Background Despite the use of suburethral tapes for many years, the mechanism of their action and the reasons for their failures have not been thoroughly understood. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the TOT tape on changes in urethral mobility depending on its location. Additionally, the urethral funneling was evaluated. Material and methods 57 patients with SUI symptoms had TOT implanted. Ultrasound examinations were performed before and 3–6 months after surgery, among others, urethral length, suburethral tape location, bladder neck mobility, and urethral funneling were evaluated. Results 77.2% of patients were cured, while 22.8% were not cured. After tape insertion, a reduction in bladder neck mobility parameters was observed in the group of patients with preoperative hypermobile urethras, regardless of the therapeutic outcome. The average distance of the tape from the hypoechoic area of the urethra was smaller in cured patients, while the relative tape position did not differ significantly between cured and not cured women. Before surgery, all patients had a long urethral funneling. Postoperatively, all non‑cured patients had a long funneling, while in cured patients, no long urethral funneling was observed. Conclusions The TOT suburethral tape reduced urethral mobility to a similar extent in cured and not cured women. The effect on UM was noticeable in patients with preoperative hypermobile urethrae. The obtained TOT tape locations did not affect the degree of UM reduction. Patients in whom the TOT tape was located closer to the hypoechoic zone of the urethra had a greater chance of effective elimination of SUI symptoms. It was confirmed that the assessment of the urethral funneling during PFS ‑TV may be useful for confirming SUI and for assessing the effects of SUI treatment after suburethral tape implantation.

Enhancement of the cooling performance of a pin fin heat sink based on the chimney effect using aluminum tape

Conventional methods of improving the heat dissipation performance of heat sinks require either modifying existing heat sink geometries or installing additional structures to induce chimney effect. These methods can be problematic to apply if there are limitations of space and cost. In this study, we address the aforementioned problems by developing a novel method of inducing the chimney effect by attaching aluminum tape to a pin fin heat sink. Geometric parameters for optimization were the width and attachment position of the aluminum tape, and changes in the thermal resistance of the pin fin heat sink with a rectangular base were observed according to its orientation angle. First, the widths and attachment positions of the outer and inner aluminum tape strips that minimized the thermal resistance of the heat sink were derived through simulation. The thermal resistance of the heat sink was estimated to be reduced by 10.8% or 7.7%, respectively, only by attaching the outer or the inner aluminum tape strip with optimal width to the top of the pin fin, and it was found to be further reduced by attaching both the outer and inner aluminum tape strips simultaneously. As the next step, the simulation results were verified by experimentally measuring the thermal resistance of actual pin fin heat sinks with and without aluminum tape. It was found that the thermal resistance of the pin fin heat sink was reduced by up to 17.1% by inducing the chimney effect simply through the attachment of both the outer and inner aluminum tape strips with optimal widths to the top of the pin fin. For all heat sink orientation angles tested in the range 0°−180°, the thermal resistance was found to be lower when the aluminum tape was attached than when it was not attached. As a result, the heat dissipation performance could be improved without changing heat sink geometry and by requiring no additional space to install a chimney structure. Our study results show that the safety of heat-generating devices that require heat dissipation can be significantly improved by enhancing the heat dissipation performance of heat sinks if the width and attachment position of the aluminum tape are optimized.

Translabial ultrasound evaluation after tension-free transobturator tape technique: Outcomes based on the tape's position.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of postoperative translabial ultrasound to assess the position of the tape implanted with the tension-free transobturator tape technique. We enrolled women with clinically and urodynamically proven type I or II stress urinary incontinence who were referred for transobturator tape treatment. A total of 50 women underwent a transobturator tape procedure and were included in the analysis. We divided the patients into two study groups (group A and group B), characterized by normal and obstructed flow at least 30 days after the surgical procedure visit, respectively. We performed a translabial ultrasound evaluation to assess the suburethral localization of the sling. On the longitudinal scan, the distance between the bladder neck and the suburethral sling was >10 mm in all patients in group A (16.7 ± 1.6). On the contrary, the values in group B were ≤10 mm (5.3 ± 4.8). Our findings highlight the role of a skilled sonographic operator performing translabial ultrasound as a first-line method for evaluating postoperative transobturator tape procedure and sling positioning. Moreover, translabial ultrasound could be helpful to determine a "cutoff" of the bladder neck to sling distance, as this is related to the onset of the obstruction.

Comparison of retropubic tension-free vaginal tape inserted on two different height positions

Introduction and hypothesisSurgical treatment using the mid-urethral tape has become a gold standard in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. Many urogynecologists use ultrasound during the postoperative follow-up. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the position of the tape in the mid- or distal-urethra could influence the subjective assessment after surgery in 1-month control based on questionnaires of genitourinary symptoms, UDI6-SF and VAS scale.MethodsA group of 76 patients using a synthetic tension-free retropubic vaginal tape after anti-incontinence surgery was retrospectively included in this study. In a postoperative follow-up, the synthetic tape detection was performed using introital ultrasound, and its position was determined as a quotient T/U (T = distance between the external urethral orifice and the lower edge of the tape, U = urethral length). The patients were divided into two groups of 38 patients: one group with the position of the tape in the distal urethra (T/U ≤ 0.24) and the other group with the tape localised in the mid-urethra (T/U = 0.25–0.37). The correlation between the height of the tape position and the subjective assessment was evaluated in both groups of patients in the 1-month control.ResultsNo association was found between the height of the tape position in a group of patients after anti-incontinence surgery with a T/U value not exceeding 0.375 and the subjective assessment or the value of Vres.ConclusionsThe height of the tape position, with the T/U not exceeding 0.375, has no impact on the subjective assessment of the surgical anti-incontinence treatment in 1-month control.

Ultrasonography and clinical outcomes following anti-incontinence procedures (Solyx™ tape): a 3-year post-operative review.

Our primary objective was to study objective and subjective outcomes of patients with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) following Solyx™ at 3-year follow-up. Our secondary objective was to evaluate ultrasonographic tape and bladder neck position and mobility. Records of 88 women who received Solyx™ surgery between September 2015 and December 2017 were reviewed. Ultrasonographic sling evaluation was performed at 6months and 3 years postoperatively. Primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure of stress incontinence, defined as no involuntary urine leakage during filling cystometry, 1-h pad test < 2g and negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 Question 3. Subjective and objective cure rates at 3 years were 85.2% and 87.5%, respectively, with no complications reported. QOL improvements were maintained. Bladder neck position and mobility had no significant change between 6-month and 3-year follow-up. Tape position demonstrated significant shifts in the y-axis at both rest and Valsalva and in the x-axis at Valsalva between 6 months and 3 years; overall mobility was unchanged. Percentile of sling location remained unchanged at 60.1%, as did percentage of urethral kinking (67.9%) achieved. Risk factors for failure were bladder neck hypomobility postoperatively and no urethral kinking postoperatively. There was good sustained objective and subjective cure with improved QOL in women who underwent Solyx™ for USI at 3-year follow-up. Ultrasonographic evaluation showed a tape position shift upwards and backwards with unchanged tape and bladder neck mobility. Percentile of sling location and rates of dynamic kinking were maintained.

Fermentasi Tape dan Minas dalam Perspektif Hukum Islam

This study aimed to analyze the position of tape and minas in the perspective of Islamic law, starting from the manufacturing process to its form into fermented food and drinks. This research was a qualitative research with a legal-formal approach to analyze the legal status of halal and haram fermentation of tape and minas. The results showed that the process of making tape and minas used a non-alcoholic fermentation system, namely fermentation that does not aim to form high levels of alcohol by using certain alcohol so that the element of haram is not found in the manufacturing process. In terms of legal status, the existence of tape and minas is seen from the aspect of the substance contained in the form of ethanol as part of high alcohol content. In terms of legal status, the existence of tape and minas is seen from the aspect of the substance contained in the form of ethanol as part of high alcohol content.

Impact of intrinsic sphincter deficiency on mid-urethral sling outcomes.

Our primary objective was to study outcomes of patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) following mid-urethral slings (MUS) at 1-year. Our secondary objective was to delineate factors affecting success in these patients. Six hundred eighty-eight patients who had MUS between January 2004 and April 2017 were reviewed retrospectively; 48 women were preoperatively diagnosed with ISD. All completed urodynamic studies and validated quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires at baseline and 1 year. Primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure of stress incontinence, defined as no involuntary urine leakage during filling cystometry and 1-h pad test < 2g and negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 Question 3. Ultrasound was performed to determine tape position, urethral mobility and kinking at 1 year. Women with ISD had significantly lower objective and subjective cure rates of 52.1% and 47.9%, respectively, compared to an overall of 88.2% and 85.9%. QOL scores significantly improved in those with successful surgeries. The sling type did not make a difference. Multivariate logistic regression identified reduced urethral mobility [OR 2.11 (1.24-3.75)], lower maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) [OR 1.61 (1.05-3.41)] and tape position [OR 3.12 (1.41-8.71)] to be associated with higher odds of failed slings for women with ISD. Although there are good overall success in women undergoing MUS, those with ISD have significantly lower cure rates at 1 year. Factors related to failure include reduced urethral mobility, low MUCP and relative tape position further away from the bladder neck. Optimal management of patients with ISD and reduced urethral mobility remains challenging.

Controlling Capillary Flow Rate on Lateral Flow Test Substrates by Tape.

Controlling capillary flow rate of sample liquid is of high interest for lateral flow tests, since the flow rate can affect the dissolution and mixing of the immunoreagents and the efficiency of immunoreactions. Here we develop a facile method to adjust the capillary flow rate on lateral flow test substrates by using tape to cover the surface of substrates. We test this method on the traditional lateral flow test substrate—nitrocellulose and a novel lateral flow test substrate—synthetic paper, which is a porous media made by interlocked off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE) micropillars. We found that after the surface was covered by tape, the average flow rate decreased to 61% of the original flow rate on nitrocellulose, while the average flow rate increased to at least 320% of the original flow rate on synthetic paper. More interesting, besides the increase of flow rate, the volume capacity of synthetic paper also increases after covered by tape. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of length and position of tape on the capillary flow rate for nitrocellulose. A longer tape will lead to a smaller flow rate. The influence of tape of same length on the flow rate is bigger when the tape is placed closer to the loading pad. These results can help in the flow rate control on lateral flow test substrates, and potentially improve the performance of lateral flow tests.

Experimental and numerical studies on current distribution in stacks of HTS tapes for cable-in-conduit-conductors

Cable-in-conduit conductors comprised of twisted stacks of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes constitute a very promising technology by virtue of their easy manufacturing process, flexibility capabilities, and high current densities. In a cable, the current distribution among tapes is one of the key parameters affecting the cable performances. The distribution of current is affected mainly by the self-field configuration (ultimately related to the cable layout) and the termination resistances. In this paper we present a 2D finite element (FE) model, based on the T-A formulation, which computes the magnetic field and current distribution in stacked tapes. This model has been used to describe the experimental V–I results obtained in cables in which different current distributions among tapes are expected. The first case refers to V–I curves of stacks of HTS tapes inserted into ducts formed in the extruded aluminium cylindrical core for a straight cable. The excellent agreement between the experimental findings and the simulation results can be explained in terms of uniform current distribution within the tapes stack, up to the superconducting to normal transition. The second sample, an Al-slotted core Cable-In-Conduit-Conductor, has been bent down to a radius of 0.15 m, and from the measured V–I characteristic of each individual tape, a different tape degradation depending on the tape position within the stack was recorded. The model is able to reconstruct the V–I of the stacks from the characteristic curves of the individual tapes with a satisfactory agreement. The finite element analysis reveals non-uniform current distribution among the tapes, which could expose the cable to a potentially irreversible damage during operation. The proposed FE model constitutes a useful tool for the analysis and predictions of HTS CIC conductor performances and represents a suitable basis for the implementation of more complex models aimed at the design of specific and large applications of this conductor in the next future.

Alternative method of sowing canola hybrids using adhesive tape

ABSTRACT Canola, which has tiny oil-producing seeds, requires care during planting, so that there is an ideal number of plants. The aim of this study is to evaluate alternative method of sowing using adhesive tape and the influence it has on the emergence and vigor of the seedlings of different canola hybrids and define the best positioning of the adhesive tape for the formation of the experimental field. The study was carried out at the Seed Laboratory at the Universidade Federal de Goias. The tests were conducted with hybrid canola seeds (Hyola: 50, 61, 433, 571CL and 575CL). The seed characterization was performed in terms of physiological quality. They were then sown: without adhesive tape; seeds arranged on adhesive tape with the tape facing down, sideways and up, with a completely randomized experimental design, in a 5x4 factorial scheme. The evaluations were performed: emergence, speed of emergence index and first seedling emergence count in sand. The use of the adhesive tape did not interfere in the emergence of canola hybrids seedlings, with the Hyola 571CL characterized as having the best performance while the Hyola 50 and 61 had inferior performances.

The role of TVT position in relation to the pubic symphysis in eliminating the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and urethral funneling.

The introduction of suburethral sling was a breakthrough in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. The method is highly effective. However, the mechanism of action of a sling and the reasons for surgical failures are not fully understood. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of sling-pubic symphysis distance on eliminating the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and urethral funneling. Materials and methods: The analysis included 106 patients who reported 3 to 6 months after sling placement for a follow-up visit encompassing clinical examination and standard ultrasonography. We evaluated the position of sling in relation to the pubic symphysis, urethral length, as well as urethral funneling length and width. Results: Cure criteria were met by 91 patients. Elimination of urethral funneling was achieved in 76.9% (n = 70) of cured patients. Urethral funneling was still present, yet shorter by a mean of 10.2 mm (p = 0.02) than before surgery in the remaining cured patients. There was a 32.5% reduction in the mean relative length of urethral funneling (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found in the pre- and postoperative funneling width. The tape-pubic symphysis distance was lower in cured women: 23.2 mm vs. 26.1 mm in failed women (p = 0.04). Similar observations were made for cured patients with persistent urethral funneling vs. failed patients (22.47 mm vs. 26.0 mm, p = 0.027). There were no differences between cured patients without urethral funneling and cured patients with persistent postoperative funneling (23.5 mm; 22.5 mm; p = 0.417). Conclusions: Tape position in relation to the pubic symphysis is important for the elimination of stress urinary incontinence. Sling location closer to the pubic symphysis reduces the length of urethral funneling, but has no effects on its width in cured patients with persistent postoperative funneling.

Bending Behavior of HTS Stacked Tapes in a Cable-in-Conduit Conductor With Twisted Al-Slotted Core

In this paper, we report on the experimental study of the bending behavior, at 77 K, of a cable-in-conduit conductor composed of a stack of REBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x (REBCO) tapes inserted into a helical duct formed in the extruded aluminum cylindrical core. The investigation was carried out by powering each single tape individually. By the analysis of the single tape I c dependence as a function of the bending radius, R b , the effect of bending strain as a function of tape position inside the stack was investigated for each tape. The results evidence the good bending strain tolerance of all the tapes, showing the onset of degradation at R b ≈ 0.25 m, ascribed to the slippage occurring among tapes within the stack. Interestingly, the decrease in the intertape contact resistance between neighboring tapes with respect to the straight cable condition reveals that the bending stress results in a beneficial additional transverse load on the stacks, which leads to a more uniform compaction of tape stack. The experimental I c behavior with R b has been explained considering that the current transfer mechanism among tapes might mitigate the degradation of the tape I c due to the bending strain. The identification of the mechanisms acting on individual tapes under cable bending conditions is a relevant achievement in perspective of the interpretation of the electromechanical behavior of the conductor with all tapes powered in parallel.

Sonographic sling position and cure rate 10-years after TVT- O procedure.

AimTo examine the position of the TVT-O sling 10 years postoperatively and its association with outcome.MethodsA total of 124 patients who received a TVT-O sling at two centers in 2004 and 2007 were invited for follow-up. The position of the sling on perineal ultrasound was described relative to the bladder neck and the lower margin of the pubic symphysis at rest and on Valsalva. Objective cure was defined as a negative cough stress test at 300 ml. Subjective cure was evaluated with the Kings´ Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Incontinence Outcome Questionnaire (IOQ), Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire (FSFI) and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement score (PGII).Results78 of 124 patients (57%) were available for follow-up 10 years after surgery. I Eleven (14%) had undergone reoperation and were excluded. Tapes were visualized in the remaining 67 (54%) women. The subjective and objective cure rates in this sub-cohort were 67% (45/67) and 77% (52/67), respectively. In these 67 women the mean distances from the bladder neck to the proximal edge of the tape (BNTD) during Valsalva maneuver were significantly higher in cured women compared to the not-cured women (11.2 vs. 9.4mm). The distance between tape and urethra (TUD) was significantly lower in cured vs. not cured patients (2.6 vs. 4.1mm). All women with a TUD of >5mm (n = 5) were incontinent. Tape position was not associated with overactive bladder symptoms.ConclusionsTape position near the bladder neck and large distance to the urethra is associated with incontinence 10 years after TVT-O.

Introital ultrasound in the diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms following anti-incontinence surgery using a synthetic midurethral tape

Introduction and hypothesisSurgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women using a synthetic midurethral tape has become a standard procedure. One of the complications observed postoperatively are lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The aim was to analyze the role of introital ultrasound in the identification of patients at risk for developing LUTS after surgical treatment using synthetic tape.MethodsA group of 50 patients suffering from LUTS following anti-incontinence surgery using synthetic tape was included in this study. The patients with pelvic organ prolapse and coexisting overactive bladder-wet before surgery were excluded. The control group consisted of 50 patients after the same treatment without any complications and with a good outcome. Tape visualization was performed using introital two-dimensional ultrasound. The assessment of the Tape Index (T/U) enabled us to divide the study group into the two subgroups with the tape index value of 0.375 as a borderline. The correlation between the tape position and the occurrence of LUTS was evaluated using a Chi-squared test.ResultsIn the group of patients suffering from LUTS, the tape was found to be closer to the bladder neck (the lower edge of the tape was more than 37.5% of the urethral length) and it was statistically significant (Chi-squared = 19.87, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe tape position in the proximal urethra may have an impact on the postoperative occurrence of LUTS. The simple method of introital ultrasound could allow the identification of patients at risk for the development of LUTS after anti–incontinence surgery using synthetic tape.

Management of Urethral Lesions and Urethrovaginal Fistula Formation Following Placement of a Tension-Free Suburethral Sling: Evaluation From a University Continence and Pelvic Floor Centre.

Introduction The complication of tape erosion in the urethra following placement of a retropubic (TVT) or transobturator (TOT) tension-free suburethral vaginal sling or an accidental iatrogenic transurethral tape position can result in the formation of a urethrovaginal or vesicovaginal fistula. The objective of the investigation is the evaluation of the management of such rare complications. Patients and Methods Retrospective analysis of 14 patients who were treated for a urethral lesion or urethrovaginal fistula formation status post TVT/TOT placement between June 2011 and February 2018 in the Tübingen University Department of Gynaecology. Results As surgical therapy, 57.1% (n = 8) cases underwent vaginal fistula closure using a Martius flap of the labium majus and in 21.4% (n = 3) using a vaginal rotation skin flap. In 21.4% (n = 3), exclusively vaginal suture reconstruction of the urethra following excision of the tape running transurethrally or tape erosion was performed. 50% (n = 7) of the patients had lasting continence postoperatively without any further need for therapy. In 28.6% (n = 4), there was ongoing stress urinary incontinence, in 21.4% (n = 3) mixed urinary incontinence. Six of the 7 patients with persistent incontinence underwent new placement of a tension-free suburethral retropubic sling (TVT) an average of 8.8 months (5 – 13 months) postoperatively which was uncomplicated in all patients and achieved satisfactory continence. The 3 patients with mixed urinary incontinence and persistent urgency components additionally received anticholinergic medication. During the time period investigated, there were no long-term complications, in particular no recurrent fistulas. Conclusion The rare but relevant complications of a urethral erosion, transurethral tape position or urethrovaginal fistula formation status post TVT/TOT placement can be successfully managed via vaginal surgery. Persistent postoperative urinary incontinence with the need for a two-phase repeat TVT placement following sufficient wound healing must be preoperatively clarified.

Does the suburethral sling change its location?

To ascertain whether a phenomenon of sling migration exists after suburethral sling placement, whether this might be responsible for suboptimal sling location and persistent incontinence, and whether a link exists between sling dislocation or migration and risk factors, such as obesity or age. The present prospective cohort study was carried out in a group of 244 patients who underwent retropubic sling implantation. Sling location was determined by means of pelvic floor ultrasound, and calculated relative to the individual patient's urethral length measured before the procedure. The sling location was visualized on 1 day, and 1 and 6 months post-surgery. Overweight/obese and elderly patients were analyzed separately to assess the possible influence of those factors on sling location. The mean urethral length in the studied cohort was 28.76 ± 3.67 mm. The mean tape position 1 day post-surgery was 66.18 ± 8.43% of the urethral length, and it did not change 1 and 6 months post-surgery in the whole group. Similar results were obtained in elderly and overweight/obese patients. Suboptimal sling location appears to result from incorrect surgical technique, and should be diagnosed and treated early after the primary surgery. Sling location does not change after mid-term follow up.

Pelvic Floor 3D Ultrasound of Women with a TVT, TVT-O, or TVT-S for Stress Urinary Incontinence at the Three-year Follow-up.

Objective Using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US), we aimed to compare the tape position and the angle formed by the sling arms in different techniques of mid-urethral sling insertion for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence, three years after surgery. In addition, we examined the correlations between the US findings and the clinical late postoperative results. Methods A prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 170 patients who underwent a sling procedure between May 2009 and December 2011 was performed. The final sample, with US images of sufficient quality, included 26 retropubic slings (tension-free vaginal tape, TVT), 42 transobturator slings (tension-free vaginal tape-obturator, TVT-O), and 37 single-incision slings (tension-free vaginal tape-Secur, TVT-S). The images (at rest, during the Valsalva maneuver, and during pelvic floor contraction) were analyzed offline by 2 different observers blinded against the surgical and urinary continence status. Group comparisons were performed using the Student t-test, the chi-squared and the Kruskal-Wallis tests, and analyses of variance with Tukey multiple comparisons. Results Differences among the groups were found in the mean angle of the tape arms (TVT = 119.94°, TVT-O = 141.93°, TVT-S = 121.06°; p < 0.001) and in the distance between the bladder neck and the tape at rest (TVT = 1.65 cm, TVT-O = 1.93 cm, TVT-S = 1.95 cm; p = 0.010). The global objective cure rate was of 87.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 90.5%, TVT-S = 83.8%; p = 0.701). The overall subjective cure rate was of 83.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 88.5% and TVT-S = 78.4%; p = 0.514). The slings were located in the mid-urethra in 85.7% of the patients (TVT = 100%, TVT-O = 73.8%, TVT-S = 89.2%; p = 0.001), with a more distal location associated with obesity (distal: 66.7% obese; mid-urethra: 34% obese; p = 0.003). Urgency-related symptoms were observed in 23.8% of the patients (TVT = 30.8%, TVT-O = 21.4%, TVT-S = 21.6%; p = 0.630). Conclusions The angle formed by the arms of the sling tape was more obtuse for the transobturator slings compared with the angles for the retropubic or single-incision slings. Retropubic slings were more frequently located in the mid-urethra compared with the other slings, regardless of obesity. However, the analyzed sonographic measures did not correlate with the urinary symptoms three years after the surgery.

Tape transport control with suppression of time-varying tension disturbances

Disturbance suppression in the transport system of tape drives is essential for achieving high volumetric densities in tape storage, as improved tension control will enable operation with thinner tape media. In addition, tension variations lead to dimensional changes in the cross-track direction of the tape that must be accounted for in the track width budget. Hence, better tension control enables a higher track density. Furthermore, fluctuations of the tape velocity and tension around the nominal values impact the performance of the data channels, and consequently also the achievable areal recording density. In a tape transport system, disturbances are mainly induced by reel eccentricities that lead to time-varying tension disturbances. In this paper, the tension disturbances are first characterized using a strain-gauge sensor included in one of the rollers that determine the tape path. Then, a second characterization method that does not rely on a strain-gauge sensor is introduced. The new method is based on an estimate of the tension variation signal, which is derived from the difference of head lateral position measurements obtained by reading servo patterns on two adjacent servo bands. A tension feedback system is proposed, which uses time-varying controllers that adapt their frequency characteristics depending on the longitudinal tape position. The closed-loop system is designed to enhance disturbance suppression at the reel rotation frequencies. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed tape transport control system.

Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements of the suburethral tape location obtained in pelvic floor ultrasound performed with a transvaginal probe.

IntroductionImplants used to treat patients with urogynecological conditions are well visible in US examination. The position of the suburethral tape (sling) is determined in relation to the urethra or the pubic symphysis.Aim of the studyThe study was aimed at assessing the accuracy of measurements determining suburethral tape location obtained in pelvic US examination performed with a transvaginal probe.Material and methodsThe analysis covered the results of sonographic measurements obtained according to a standardized technique in women referred for urogynecological diagnostics. Data from a total of 68 patients were used to analyse the repeatability and reproducibility of results obtained on the same day.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient for the repeatability and reproducibility of the sonographic measurements of suburethral tape location obtained with a transvaginal probe ranged from 0.6665 to 0.9911. The analysis of the measurements confirmed their consistency to be excellent or good.ConclusionsExcellent and good repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements of the suburethral tape location obtained in a pelvic ultrasound performed with a transvaginal probe confirm the test’s validity and usefulness for clinical and academic purposes.

Role of intrinsic sphincter deficiency with and without urethral hypomobility on the outcome of tape insertion

Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is a known risk factor for therapy failure after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) insertion. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the severity of ISD alone or other factors such as urethral mobility and tape localization influence outcomes. One hundred and nine women with urodynamically determined ISD, a TVT insertion, and a 6-month follow-up visit were included. Urethral length, mobility, and tape localization were evaluated by pelvic floor sonography. Patients were classified into three urethral mobility groups (hypomobile, normomobile, hypermobile). Surgical outcome was assessed by a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Therapeutic success rate after TVT insertion was 81.6%. The severity of ISD did not associate with therapy failure. But urethral mobility (P < 0.0001), relative tape position (P = 0.0003), and tape-urethra distance (P < 0.0001) differed between cured and not cured patient groups. Patients with a relative tape position toward 1/2 of urethral length had a higher cure rate. Significantly different cure rates (P = 0.0003) were found for hypomobile (67%), normomobile (76%), and hypermobile (100%) urethras. For ISD patients with a hypomobile urethra, highest cure rates were obtained for tape-urethra distances between 2.5 and 3.5 mm. The reduced cure rate for ISD patients was due to the subgroup with a hypomobile urethra. A prospective study is needed to confirm that slightly shorter tape-urethra distances and a relative tape position more toward the mid-urethra will lead to better outcomes for this patient group.