INTRODUÇÃO: A craniotomia pterional é uma das técnicas mais utilizadas em neurocirurgia. É uma craniotomia que tem constantemente sido comparada com técnicas alternativas utilizadas para acessar alvos anatômicos similares. Esta craniotomia, contudo, apresenta desvantagens, necessitando de dissecção completa do músculo temporal. Prognósticos estéticos desfavoráveis são comuns e atribuídos à atrofia do músculo temporal e do tecido adiposo adjacente ou à lesão do ramo frontal do nervo facial. A neurocirurgia moderna busca equilibrar o balanço entre o traumatismo cirúrgico tecidual e a exposição microcirúrgica. Algumas modificações técnicas têm sido sugeridas para reduzir o tamanho da craniotomia pterional, visando reduzir o traumatismo tecidual e melhorar os resultados estéticos. Entretanto, estas modificações não permitem exposição cirúrgica suficiente nem garante resultados cosméticos melhores. Esta tese descreve uma nova técnica, denominada craniotomia minipterional, e compara a exposição anatômica por ela proporcionada com a da craniotomia pterional convencional. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: A exposição anatômica proporcionada pelas craniotomias pterional e minipterional foram comparadas em oito lados de cabeça de espécimes anatômicas usando um sistema computadorizado de localização estereotáxica (Optotrak 3020, Nothern Digital, Waterloo, ON, Canada) para medir uma área hexagonal pré-definida de exposição cirúrgica, um microscópio robótico (Surgiscope; Elekta Instruments, Inc, Atlanta, GA) para quantificar a exposição angular de três alvos anatômicos (bifurcações das artérias carótida interna e da artéria cerebral e o ponto médio da artéria comunicante anterior), e um sistema de neuronavegação (Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies, Louisville, CO) para avaliar os limites da exposição cirúrgica de cada craniotomia. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística utilizando análise de variância (ANOVA) RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças estatísticas na área de exposição cirúrgica total entre as duas craniotomias (pterional=1524,7 +/- 305,0 mm2; minipterional = 1469,7 +/- 380,3 mm2; p>0,05) ou entre os componentes ipsilateral, intermédio e contralaterais da área total (p>0,05). Nenhuma diferença foi observada na exposição angular ao longo dos eixos longitudinal e transversal para os três alvos anatômicos considerados (bifurcações das artérias carótida interna e da artéria cerebral média e o ponto médio da artéria comunicante anterior) (p>0,05). Exceto para o segmento distal do compartimento opérculo-insular da cisterna sylviana, nenhuma diferença significativa nos limites da exposição cirúrgica das duas craniotomias foi evidenciada pelo sistema de neuronavegação. CONCLUSÃO: A craniotomia minipterional propicia exposição cirúrgica comparável àquela oferecida pela craniotomia pterional. / INTRODUCTION: Pterional craniotomy is one of the most used and versatile approaches in neurosurgery. It constitutes a standard against which alternative surgical techniques to the same anatomic targets have been compared for years. This technique, however, is not without disadvantages. It requires complete dissection of the temporalis muscle. Poor outcomes are common and can be attributed to atrophy of the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal fat pad or to injury of the frontal branch of the facial nerve. Contemporary neurosurgical techniques strive to balance the need to minimize tissue trauma and to maximize anatomic exposure. Many surgical modifications have been described to minimize the size of the pterional craniotomy in an effort to decrease tissue trauma and improve cosmetic outcomes. In many instances, however, these modifications neither ensure a sufficient anatomic exposure nor guarantee satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. This thesis describes a novel technique, the minipterional craniotomy, and compares its anatomic exposure with that provided by the pterional technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomic exposure offered by the minipterional and pterional techniques were compared in eight sides of cadaver heads using a computerized tracking system (Optotrak 3020, Nothern Digital, Waterloo, ON, Canada) to measure a predefined hexagonal area of surgical exposure, a robotic microscope (Surgiscope; Elekta Instruments, Inc, Atlanta, GA) to quantify angular exposure in the transverse and longitudinal axis for three anatomic targets (bifurcations of internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries and the middle point of the anterior communicating artery), and an image-guidance system (Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies, Louisville, CO) to evaluate the limits of exposure for each craniotomy. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using ANOVA. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the total area of surgical exposure between the two craniotomies (pterional=1524.7 +/- 305.0 mm2; minipterional = 1469.7 +/- 380.3 mm2; p>0.05) or among the ipsilateral, middle, and contralateral components of the area (p>0.05). There were no differences in angular exposure along the longitudinal and transverse axis angles for the three selected targets, the bifurcations of internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries, and the anterior communicating artery (p> 0.05). Except for the distal portion of the operculoinsular compartment of the sylvian fissure, no significant differences in the limits of the surgical exposure through the pterional and minipterional were apparent on the image-guidance system. CONCLUSION: The minipterional craniotomy provides comparable surgical exposure to that offered by the pterional technique.

INTRODUÇÃO: Tem-se afirmado que a via de acesso minimamente invasiva na artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ) por não agredir o músculo quadríceps femoral permite reabilitação mais precoce. A fim de verificar a influência da preservação do aparelho extensor no ato cirúrgico, avaliou-se a força da musculatura extensora e flexora do joelho em pacientes submetidos à ATJ por duas vias de acesso diferentes. MÉTODOS: Este estudo comparou, no período de janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2006, os valores de torque máximo e de trabalho total obtidos por dinamometria isocinética aos seis meses de pós-operatório. Foram avaliados 12 indivíduos submetidos à ATJ por via de acesso minimamente invasiva e 8 indivíduos submetidos à ATJ por via de acesso transquadricipital. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística dos valores de torque máximo e de trabalho total absolutos e corrigidos pelo peso corporal não demonstrou diferença entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não há diferença de força da musculatura extensora e flexora do joelho aos seis meses de cirurgia. / INTRODUCTION: It has been stated that for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the minimally invasive approach permits earlier rehabilitation because it is not prejudicial for the femoral quadriceps muscle. To verify the influence of preserving the extensor apparatus during surgery, strength of the knee extension and flexion muscles was evaluated in patients submitted to TKA with different approaches. METHODS: The values of maximum torque and total work obtained by isokinetic dynamometry six months after surgery were compared for the MIS group of 12 individuals submitted to TKA by the minimally invasive surgical approach and the Control group of eight others submitted to TKA by the transquadricipital approach, between January 2005 and July 2006. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the absolute values of maximum torque and total work corrected by body weights did not show a difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the extension and flexion strength of the knee muscles six months after surgery.

Introdução: A neurocirurgia minimamente invasiva já é uma realidade em muitos centros em todo o mundo. A aplicação de conceitos antigos com a incorporação de novas tecnologias permite o emprego de medidas menos invasivas, mas com a mesma eficácia e segurança. O real papel destas técnicas e o seu efeito sobre a evolução dos doentes ainda é nebuloso. Objetivos: avaliar a segurança e resultados da técnica minimamente invasiva na clipagem de aneurismas cerebrais de circulação anterior e determinar o momento seguro para alta hospitalar. Materiais: Cento e onze doentes adultos com diagnóstico de aneurismas não rotos de circulação anterior foram randomicamente distribuídos e submetidos a cirurgia por um acesso minimamente invasivo (grupo de estudo - 36 pelo acesso transpalpebral e 34 através de craniotomias minipterional reduzida) ou acesso pterional clássico (grupo controle - 41 doentes). O endoscópio acoplado a um telefone celular foi utilizado juntamente com o microscópio durante as cirurgias do grupo de estudo. Os doentes do grupo de estudo foram submetidos a um protocolo específico para avaliação da segurança da alta hospitalar precoce. Foram avaliados desfechos cirúrgicos, clínicos/funcionais, estéticos e sobre qualidade de vida. Resultados: Em ambos os grupos, os dados demográficos e as características dos aneurismas foram similares. O tempo médio das cirurgias foi menor no grupo de estudo (214 min. vs 292 min, p = 0,0008). A necessidade de transfusão sanguínea foi menor no grupo de estudo (1 doente vs 7 doentes, p = 0,018). O número de eventos isquêmicos foi menor no grupo de estudo (4 doentes vs 8 doentes, p = 0,07), mas os eventos com repercussão clínica foram semelhantes (2 doentes vs 3 doentes, p = 0,53). A presença de colo residual na angiografia controle foi menor no grupo de estudo (6 doentes vs 11, p = 0,021), mas foram todos colos pequenos, 1,75 ± 0,68 mm, sendo que apenas um doente do grupo controle foi reoperado. A paralisia do ramo frontal do nervo facial foi menor no grupo de estudo, tanto a temporária (3 vs 14, p = 0,008) quanto a definitiva (0 vs 4, p = 0,032). A atrofia do músculo temporal foi menos frequente e mais leve no grupo de estudo (9 vs 14, p = 0,012). No grupo de estudo, 91,4% dos doentes receberam alta precoce no dia seguinte da cirurgia e nenhum doente apresentou evento adverso por este motivo. Os doentes do grupo de estudo ficaram assintomáticos mais rapidamente no pós-operatório (pela avaliação da escala de Rankin, p = 0,0026), mas não houve diferença entre os grupos dentre as pontuações acima de 1 na escala de Rankin modificada. Um doente do grupo controle faleceu no pós-operatório (0,9%). Conclusões: Os resultados demonstraram que as alternativas minimamente invasivas propostas são seguras e tem resultados clínicos e cirúrgicos iguais ou superiores ao tratamento clássico em vários quesitos. A alta precoce nestes doentes é possível e segura. O acesso nanopterional ou transpalpebral é uma alternativa melhor em relação à craniotomia pterional clássica para tratar aneurismas não rotos da circulação anterior / Introduction: Minimally invasive neurosurgery is already a reality in many centers across the world. The application of old concepts with the incorporation of new technologies allows the use of less invasive measures with the same effectiveness and safety. However, the real role of these techniques and their effect on the outcome of patients is still obscure. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and results of minimally invasive techniques in brain aneurysm clipping and determine the possibility of early hospital discharge. Methods: 111 adult patients with unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms were randomized and underwent a minimally invasive surgical approach, (36 by transpalpebral approach and 34 through a reduced minipterional craniotomy) or classical pterional approach (41 patients). The endoscope coupled to a smart phone was used along with the microscope during surgery (study group only). Patients in the study group were subjected to a specific protocol for assessment of early hospital discharge. Surgical, clinical/functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated along with long term quality of life. Results: In both groups, the demographics and characteristics of aneurysms were similar. The average time of surgery was lower in the study group (214 min. vs. 292 min, p = 0.0008). The need for blood transfusion was lower in the study group (1 patient vs 7 patients, p = 0.018). The number of ischemic events was lower in the study group (patients 4 patients vs. 8, p = 0.07), but events with clinical significance were similar (3 patients vs. 2 patients, p = 0.53). The presence of residual neck on control angiography was lower in the study group (6 patients vs 11, p = 0.021), but only small ones were found, 1.75 ± 0.68 mm, and only one control group patient required reoperation for this reason. The paralysis of the frontal branch of the facial nerve was lower in the study group, both temporary (3 vs 14, p = 0.008) and definitive (0 vs. 4, p = 0.032). The atrophy of the temporal muscle was less frequent and less severe in the study group (9 vs 14, p = 0.012). Most patients in the study group (91.4%), were discharged on the next day of the surgery and no patients had any related adverse events. Patients in the study group got asymptomatic faster (assessed by the Rankin scale, p = 0.26), but there was no difference between the groups among scores above 1 on the modified Rankin scale. One control group patient died postoperatively (0,9%). Conclusions: The results showed that the proposed minimally invasive alternatives are safe. Clinical and surgical results are equal or superior to conventional treatment in several topics. Early discharge in these patients is possible and safe. The described approaches (nanopterional or transpalpebral) are better alternatives to the classical pterional craniotomy to treat unruptured aneurysms of the anterior circulation

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização das técnicas minimamente invasivas vem se difundindo principalmente após o desenvolvimento da técnica robótica, principalmente em patologias com alta incidência como a neoplasia da próstata. Apesar da cirurgia minimamente invasiva aparentemente proporcionar menor dor no pós-operatório, ainda assim alguns pacientes necessitam opióides que possuem efeitos colaterais indesejáveis. O uso de medicações adjuvantes durante o intraoperatório, como a Dexmedetomidina (DEX) pode diminuir o seu uso pelo efeito poupador de opióides e analgésico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o impacto do uso da DEX em pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia radical robótica. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo em cem pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia radical robótica. Quarenta e oito pacientes não utilizaram DEX, e 52 pacientes receberam dexmedetomidina na dose de 0,3 a 0,7mcg/kg/h no intraoperatório e desligado meia hora antes do final do procedimento. Durante o procedimento e no pós-operatório receberam analgésico opióide e não opióide sob prescrição ou a critério do anestesiologista. O consumo de medicação opióide e não opióide e escores de dor através do consumo de analgésicos foram avaliados durante a RPA, POI e 1PO, dividindo os pacientes em quatro grupos (sem DEX, nem Morfina; somente DEX; DEX com morfina; Morfina apenas). RESULTADOS: Nossos resultados demonstraram que a utilização de DEX no intra-operatório levou a um aumento da utilização de morfina na RPA, comparado aos grupos (28,1%, 38,5%, 25% e 15,4%, necessitaram de mais do que 5 mg de morfina na RPA) (p=0,135). Os pacientes que tomaram apenas DEX também demonstraram mais dor forte (84,6%) e menos pacientes sem dor (15,4%) (p=0,001). A DEX foi responsável pela diminuição da utilização de analgésico não opioide na RPA do grupo onde somente a DEX foi utilizada e nenhum paciente necessitou de analgésico não opioide e do grupo onde houve associação de DEX e morfina (2,8%), sendo que nos outros 2 grupos 12,5% necessitaram (p=0,083) O grupo que recebeu DEX e morfina foi o que menos recebeu morfina na RPA (59% não recebeu nenhuma morfina) (p=0,135). No POI e no 1PO, 100% dos pacientes não receberam nenhuma morfina (p=0,555). Este último grupo de pacientes também apresentou menor dor, sendo que 48,7% não apresentou dor na RPA e 51,3% na avaliação durante o POI (p=0,001). A combinação das duas drogas levou a uma impressionante redução da dor no POI (10,3%), de aproximadamente 8 vezes menos dor forte do que no grupo sem utilização de nenhuma droga (81,3%) (p=0,000). CONCLUSÃO: Portanto a utilização da DEX durante o intra-operatório não mostrou resultado favorável na diminuição do consumo de morfina, na diminuição da dor dos pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia radical robótica, mas, quando usamos morfina associado a morfina houve uma melhora nos resultados da dor e diminuição significativa de consumo de morfina no período pós-operatório / Introduction: Minimally invasive techniques are spreading in high incidence diseases like prostate cancer. Patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures seem to have a better pain control but many still require opioid analgesia that can induce undesirable side effects. The use of adjuvant agents as DEX intraoperatively can be desirable for their analgesic and opioid sparing effect. Purpose: Evaluate the impact of DEX use in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. Methods: The present retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Forty-eight patients did not receive DEX was the control group and fifty-two received DEX infusion at a rate of 0,3-0,7mcg/kg/h and discontinued 30 minutes before the end of the procedure. Patients received opioid and non-opioid analgesia under prescription and anesthesiologist discretion. Opioid and non-opioid analgesia consumption and pain scores (measured by opioid and non-opioid analgesia consumption) were collected on postoperative period, immediate postoperative period and first postoperative period. Results: Our results demonstrated that compared with the groups(28,1%, 38,5%,25% e 15,4% had more than 5mg of morphine on postoperative care unit), patients that received DEX intraoperatively, required higher doses of morphine on postoperative care unit.The DEX group presented more patients with severe pain (84,6%) and fewer without pain(15,4%).The use of DEX intraoperatively lead to a reduction of non-opioid use in postanesthesia care unit and neither patients had non opioid analgesia , when morphine is associated to DEX 2,8% received, and with the other two groups 12,5% (p=0,083). The DEX and morphine received less morphine than the other groups on postanesthesia care unit (59% received any morphine)(p=0,135).On immediate postoperative period and first postoperative period , 100% received any morphine(p=0,555), this group had more patients with lesser pain, 48,7% had no pain on postanesthesia care unit e 51,3% on immediate postoperative period. The combination of DEX and morphine lead to an impressive reduction of pain on immediate postoperative period(10,3%),patients had about 8 times less severe pain than the group that did not receive neither morphine or DEX(81,3%)(p=0,000).Conclusion: The use of DEX infusion was not suitable regarding morphine spare and reduction of pain of the patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. An association between DEX and Morphine seems to be the best option to relieve post-op pain and decrease morphine usage

INTRODUÇÃO: Tem-se afirmado que a via de acesso minimamente invasiva na artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ) por não agredir o músculo quadríceps femoral permite reabilitação mais precoce. A fim de verificar a influência da preservação do aparelho extensor no ato cirúrgico, avaliou-se a força da musculatura extensora e flexora do joelho em pacientes submetidos à ATJ por duas vias de acesso diferentes. MÉTODOS: Este estudo comparou, no período de janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2006, os valores de torque máximo e de trabalho total obtidos por dinamometria isocinética aos seis meses de pós-operatório. Foram avaliados 12 indivíduos submetidos à ATJ por via de acesso minimamente invasiva e 8 indivíduos submetidos à ATJ por via de acesso transquadricipital. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística dos valores de torque máximo e de trabalho total absolutos e corrigidos pelo peso corporal não demonstrou diferença entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não há diferença de força da musculatura extensora e flexora do joelho aos seis meses de cirurgia. / INTRODUCTION: It has been stated that for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the minimally invasive approach permits earlier rehabilitation because it is not prejudicial for the femoral quadriceps muscle. To verify the influence of preserving the extensor apparatus during surgery, strength of the knee extension and flexion muscles was evaluated in patients submitted to TKA with different approaches. METHODS: The values of maximum torque and total work obtained by isokinetic dynamometry six months after surgery were compared for the MIS group of 12 individuals submitted to TKA by the minimally invasive surgical approach and the Control group of eight others submitted to TKA by the transquadricipital approach, between January 2005 and July 2006. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the absolute values of maximum torque and total work corrected by body weights did not show a difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the extension and flexion strength of the knee muscles six months after surgery.

Ce travail reprend les études d’évaluation d’une plateforme instrumentale dédiée à la chirurgie mitrale mini-invasive vidéo-assistée, et du télémanipulateur Da Vinci pour la réalisation d’anastomose mammaire interne / IVA à thorax fermé.) Evaluation du Portaclamp. Cette étude clinique a porté sur 20 patients opérés de chirurgie cardiaque sous CEC et a confirmé la simplicité d’utilisation du système, son efficacité et l’absence de morbidité ou complication induite. L’étude chez le porc des effets histologiques sur la paroi de l’aorte des trois clamps (l’endo-clamp, le clamp Chitwood et le Portaclamp) a révélé une atteinte majeure de l’endothélium aortique induite par l’endo-clamp . 2) Evaluation du Portapleg. Le Portapleg est un dispositif auto-suturant de cardioplégie antérograde constitué d’un clip en Nitinol restant implanté sur l’aorte. Une étude sur 20 patients a été rapportée avec comme critère principal le temps de saignement du site de ponction après injection de protamine. Le système a montré son efficacité hémostatique dans tous les cas sans événement secondaire. 3) Evaluation du Mitrax’s. C’est un cône en plastique polymère auto ajustable et auto expansible, qui repousse de façon symétrique et concentrique les parois de l’oreillette. Une étude prospective de son efficacité a été réalisée chez 62 patients opérés de chirurgie mitrale vidéo-assistée de façon consécutive. L’indice de satisfaction a été en moyenne 4.6, témoin d’une exposition optimale de la valve mitrale avec une vision endoscopique ou directe de la valve mitrale jugée excellente. 4) Analyse comparative des techniques mini-invasives de revascularisation de l’IVA par pontage mammaire (Port Access, MIDCAB, TECAB). Cette étude prospective a porté sur 160 patients ; à trois mois, le taux de réintervention sur l’IVA était : PA-CABG, 0% ; MIDCAB, 1.8% ; TECAB, 10% ; p<0.01. A trois ans, les taux actuariels de survie sans réintervention étaient : PA-CABG, 100% ; MIDCAB, 98±5 % ; TECAB, 88±8 % ; p<0.05. / This thesis is based on the evaluation studies of an instrumental platform dedicated to video assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, and of the robotic Da Vinci system in LAD bypass with mammary artery in a closed chest approach. 1) Evaluation of Portaclamp. In 20 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with Portaclamp, a clinical study showed that the clamping system is safe, fast and easy and does not generate undue morbidity. In a pig model, severe lesions of the intima were observed on the clamping spot with the endoclamp, in comparison with Portaclamp and Chitwood clamp. 2) Evaluation of Portapleg. Portapleg is an auto-suturing system dedicated to antegrade cardioplegia delivery, and based on a Nitinol clip left implanted on the aorta. In 20 patients, the closure of the puncture aortic hole and the haemostasis after protamine were obtained in all cases. The procedure did not generate undue morbidity and there was no device-related adverse event. 3) Evaluation of Mitrax’s. The Mitrax’s retractor is a pattern cut polymer sheet, self-expanding and auto-adjusting. The effectiveness of Mitrax’s was evaluated in 62 patients who consecutively underwent a video-assisted mitral valve procedure. The global satisfaction index was 4.6±0.5, demonstrating the effectiveness of the device which provides optimal exposure and excellent direct vision. 4) Comparative analysis of minimally invasive techniques for LAD revascularization with mammary artery graft (Port Access, MIDCAB, TECAB). In a prospective study, 160 patients were included. At 3-month postoperatively, the end-point of LAD reintervention were PA-CABG, 0%; MIDCAB, 1.8%; TECAB, 10%; p=0.01. At 3-year, reintervention-free survival was significantly lower in the TECAB group: PA-CABG, 100% ; MIDCAB, 98±5 % ; TECAB, 88±8 % ; p<0.05.

[Truncated abstract] Approximately 35% of women worldwide have stress incontinence, which is defined as involuntary leakage of urine on effort, exertion, or on sneezing and coughing. There are various surgical techniques for stress incontinence; however, minimally invasive operations are increasingly being chosen by surgeons and their patients. Of these procedures, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) has a cure rate of approximately 90% and is now perceived as the standard technique for stress incontinence. Reported complications of TVT include arterial laceration, bladder perforation, bowel perforation, de novo urgency, dyspareunia, excessive blood loss, haematoma, nerve injuries, urethral erosion, urge incontinence, urinary tract infection, vascular injury, vaginal mesh erosion, voiding dysfunction and death. Suprapubic urethral support sling (SPARC) is a very similar minimally invasive operation and early indications suggested that the success rate for treating stress incontinence was expected to be identical or better than those obtained with the earlier TVT approach, with possibly fewer adverse perioperative events. Our trial sought to establish equivalence between TVT and SPARC in relation to short-term complications and efficacy. OBJECTIVES The primary outcome was bladder perforation. Secondary outcomes were blood loss, voiding difficulty, urgency, and cure of stress incontinence symptoms. METHOD A randomised controlled one-sided equivalence trial (RCT) was conducted in Perth, Western Australia during 2003 and 2004 by researchers in the School of Population Health, University of Western Australia (UWA) and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH). Patients were recruited from the public Urology/Urogynaecology Clinic at the primary women's hospital and the consultant surgeons' private practices. ... However, acute urinary retention requiring a return to theatre to loosen the tape (TVT 0%, SPARC 6.5%; OR: [infinity], 95% CL: 2.2, [infinity]; p=0.002) and subjective short-term cure (TVT 87.1%, SPARC 76.5%; OR: 2.07, 95% CL: 1.13, 3.81; p=0.03) were statistically significantly different. CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with clinical equivalence between TVT and SPARC in relation to the incidence of bladder perforation. No statistically significant difference was found between TVT and SPARC in blood loss, urgency or short-term objective cure of stress incontinence at the six week post-discharge visit to the surgeon. However, the tapes were more difficult to adjust correctly in SPARC procedures and a statistically significant number of patients required a return to theatre for loosening of the tape (TVT 0/147, 0% and SPARC 10/154, 6.5%, p=0.002). Compared with SPARC, TVT was statistically significantly higher for subjective short-term cure. In ii relation to vaginal mesh erosion, TVT was lower than SPARC, though not statistically significantly. Overall, voiding difficulty (loosening of the tape), urgency and vaginal mesh erosion were the most important clinical problems. This randomised controlled trial demonstrates the importance of testing new devices which appear to be similar, but which may have clinically relevant differences. A follow up study to assess the long-term efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape and suprapubic urethral support sling and associated complications is planned.

No description available.

The use of injectable biomaterials is growing as the demands for minimally invasive procedures, and more easily applicable implants become higher, but their availability is still limited due to the difficulties associated to their design. Each year, more than 700,000 vertebral compression fractures (VCF’s) are reported in the US and 500,000 VCF’s in Europe due to primary osteoporosis only. VCF’s can compromise the delicacy of the spinal canal and also cause back pain, which affects the patient’s quality of life. Vertebroplasty was developed in the 80’s, and has proven to be a safe minimally invasive procedure that can, quickly and sustainably, relieve the pain in patients experiencing VCF’s. However, biomaterials for vertebroplasty still have limitations. For instance, ceramic bone cements are difficult to distinguish from the bone using X-ray techniques. On the other hand, acrylic bone cements may cause adjacent vertebral fractures (AVF’s). Large clinical studies have indicated that 12 to 20% vertebroplasty recipients developed subsequent vertebral fractures, and that 41 to 67% of these, were AVF’s. This may be attributed to the load shifting and increased pressure on the adjacent endplates reached after vertebroplasty with stiff cements. The primary aim of this thesis was to develop better injectable biomaterials for spinal applications, particularly, bone cements for vertebroplasty. Water-soluble radiopacifiers were first investigated to enhance the radiopacity of resorbable ceramic cements. Additionally, different strategies to produce materials that mechanically comply with the surrounding tissues (low-modulus bone cements) were investigated. When a suitable low-modulus cement was produced, its performance was evaluated in both bovine bone, and human vertebra ex vivo models. In summary, strontium halides showed potential as water-soluble radiocontrast agents and could be used in resorbable calcium phosphates and other types of resorbable biomaterials. Conversely, linoleic acid-modified (low-modulus) cements appeared to be a promising alternative to currently available high-modulus cements. It was also shown that the influence of the cement properties on the strength and stiffness of a single vertebra depend upon the initial bone volume fraction, and that at low bone volume fractions, the initial mechanical properties of the vertebroplasty cement become more relevant. Finally, it was shown that vertebroplasty with low-modulus cements is biomechanically safe, and could become a recommended minimally invasive therapy in selected cases, especially for patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential efficacy of percutaneous image-guided interventions over open surgical interventions. The conventional image-guided procedures are limited by the freehand technique, requiring mental 3D registration and hand-eye coordination for needle placement. The outcomes of these procedures are associated with longer duration and increased patient discomfort with high radiation exposure. Previously, a static image overlay system was proposed for aiding needle interventions. Certain drawbacks associated with the static system limited the clinical translation. To overcome the ergonomic issues and longer calibration duration associated with static system, an adjustable image overlay system was proposed. The system consisted of monitor and semi-transparent mirror, attached together to an articulated mobile arm. The 90-degree mirror-monitor configuration was proposed to improve the physician access around the patient. MicronTracker was integrated for dynamic tracking of the patient and device. A novel method for auto-direct calibration of the virtual image overlay plane was proposed. Due to large mechanical structure, the precise movement was limited and consumed useful space in the procedure room. A mobile image overlay system with reduced system weight and smaller dimensions was proposed to eliminate the need for mechanical structure. A tablet computer and beamsplitter were used as the display device and mirror respectively. An image overlay visualization module of the 3D Slicer was developed to project the correct image slice upon the tablet device. The system weight was reduced to 1 kg and the image overlay plane tracking precision (0.11mm STD=0.05) was similar to the printed physical markers. The auto-calibration of the image overlay plane can be done in two simple steps, away from the patient table and without additional phantom. Based on the successful pre-clinical testing of the previous static system, the mobile image overlay system with reduced weight, increased tracking precision and easier maneuverability, can be possibly hand-held by the physician to explore the image volume over the patient and be used for a wide range of procedures. The mobile image overlay system shall be classified as Class II device as per FDA regulations, do not require extensive verification and validation efforts and further improves the commercialization opportunities. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-06-26 18:51:03.958