Previous literature has indicated that nursing personnel face the second highest rate of occupational injury and illness. Assistive equipment, such as lift and transfer aids, has helped lower work task demands and reduce back stress on patient handlers. However, limited attention has been paid to the safety, comfort and dignity of the patient in postoperative care. Research on the efficacy of self-transfer aids for patients who require limited or no assistance by nursing personnel is insufficient. Ratings of comfort and security have only been evaluated for nursing home residents in a pilot field study, in which residents rated assistive devices as generally equal to or more secure and comfortable than manual transfer methods. The first study reports the laboratory evaluation of bed rising with the use of two self-transfer aids and bed rising unassisted. The objective was to determine muscle activity during bed rising tasks with and without the use of a bed assistive device using surface electromyography (EMG). Twenty male (n = 9; age, 33.7 ± 8.0 years) and female (n = 11; age, 34.5 ± 23.9 years) participants, with normal body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.4 to 24.9, took part in the study. Mean and peak activity was recorded from three abdominal muscle sites. The results indicated bed rising with the use of a self-transfer device significantly reduced muscle activity compared to bed rising unassisted. Anchoring the devices at a higher height and elevating the torso further reduced muscle activity. Although no differences were observed between devices using EMG, results from the usability survey and final ranking indicated favorable ratings for the ABNOSTRAINTM prototype compared to the Bed Pull-up. A second study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a bed assistive device in a patient population. The objective was to compare self-perceived recovery measures and usage of pain medication between patients in the control (n = 8; age, 34.0 ± 6.3years) and device (n = 7; 40.7 ± 12.4) groups. A total of fifteen female participants undergoing either abdominal hysterectomy (n = 6) or Cesarean-section (n = 9) procedures were recruited for the study. Both groups completed a total of twelve questionnaires over a five-week recovery period. Responses to self-perceived recovery measures were significantly different. In general, the device group reported higher levels of energy, less pain interference, lower perceived pain, less reliance on pain medication and returned to activities of daily living faster than the control group. The results from the study provide clinicians or other practitioners information on the benefits of bed assistive devices for patients during postoperative recovery. Age and surgery differences should be considered when suggesting bed movement patterns with assistive intervention. / Master of Science

Apesar dos grandes avanços na medicina perioperatória, as operações vasculares ainda estão associadas a elevada morbi-mortalidade. A fisiopatologia dos eventos perioperatórios é complexa, envolvendo a instabilização de placas ateroscleróticas, o que não é contemplado nos algoritmos para estratificação de risco cardíaco perioperatório. Acreditamos que a identificação de características relacionadas à instabilização de placas incipientes, como alterações na reatividade vascular e maior atividade inflamatória, pode melhorar a acurácia da estimativa de risco e a análise do comportamento perioperatório destas características pode elucidar importantes mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Estudamos 100 pacientes com indicação de operação vascular e aferimos por meio de ultrassom-Doppler de artéria braquial, a hiperemia reativa (HR), marcador de função microvascular, e a dilatação mediada pelo fluxo (DMF), marcador de função endotelial, antes e após a operação. Analisamos também os níveis de proteina-C reativa ultra-sensível (PCR-us). A operação foi realizada em 96 pacientes e 27 deles apresentaram algum evento até o 30º dia pós-operatório: 4 óbitos cardíacos, 5 infartos agudos do miocárdio, 2 acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos, 2 elevações isoladas de troponina, 1 embolia de pulmão, 2 reoperações e 11 óbitos não cardíacos. Detectamos disfunção endotelial em 70% dos pacientes, mas não observamos nenhum padrão característico de comportamento perioperatório da DMF, ou associação significativa entre a mesma e os eventos. Observamos significativo aumento da PCR-us após a intervenção cirúrgica (0,5mg/dL x 3,01mg/dL, P=0,001), mas sem associação com eventos. Identificamos forte associação entre disfunção microvascular, representada pela menor velocidade de fluxo na artéria braquial durante a hiperemia reativa, e eventos: 81 cm/s + 20 x 95 cm/s + 28 ( P= 0,02). Concluímos que a identificação de disfunção microvascular no pré-operatório pode estratificar o risco de complicações perioperatórias e que embora não tenhamos observado piora da vasodilatação mediada pelo fluxo, não podemos afastar que haja piora da função endotelial no perioperatório. O aumento de PCR-us denota grande diátese inflamatória, que pode estar relacionada à disfunção endotelial. / Despite great advances in perioperative care, major vascular surgeries are still related to high morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of perioperative cardiac events is complex and comprehends atherosclerotic plaque instability, witch is not contemplated in the current algorithms for cardiac risk estimation. We hypothesized that the identification of characteristics related to predisposition for plaque instability, such as abnormalities in the vascular reactivity, is very promising and the characterization of this parameter`s behavior in the perioperative setting contributes to the better understanding of event\'s pathophysiology. We prospectively studied a cohort of 100 patients, candidates for elective major vascular surgery and assessed, by Doppler ultrasound in the brachial artery, reactive hyperemia(RH), a marker of microvascular function, and flow mediated dilation(FMD), a marker of endothelial function, before and after surgery. We also obtained C-reactive protein-high sensitive assay (CRP-hs) before and after surgery. Ninety six patients were submitted to the planned vascular surgery and 27 patients had an event up to the 30º postoperative day. We observed 4 cardiac deaths, 5 acute myocardial infarctions, 2 isolated troponin elevations, 2 ischemic strokes, 1 pulmonary embolism, 2 reoperations and 11 noncardiac deaths. Results: although there was no significant difference in the preoperative FMD between patients with and without events: 4.83% + 6.81 x 5.88% + 6.00 (p= .457), respectively, low RH response, measured as lower peak flow velocity in RH, was associated to events: 81 cm/s + 20 x 95 cm/s + 28 (p=0,02). There was no significant difference in the preoperative CRP-hs between groups (median: 0.51mg/dL (IQR 2.12) x 0.41mg/dL (IQR 0.59), p= .234). There was no significant difference between FMD before and after surgery but we detected an almost 6-fold increase in CRP-hs after surgery: 0.50mg/dL x 3.01mg/dL (p < .001), respectively. Our study demonstrated that microvascular dysfunction is closely related to perioperative events after major vascular surgery and is a better marker of perioperative risk than endothelial dysfunction, in specific conditions.

As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) são células estromais não-hematopoiéticas que possuem capacidade de diferenciação, sendo capazes, de diferenciar em diversos tecidos. As MSCs residem em vários tecidos vêm sido isoladas de diferentes tecidos, tais como cartilagem, tendão, tecido adiposo, do vaso e sangue umbilical, além de tecidos fetais . O isolamento e caracterização das populações mesenquimais no modelo ovino se faz importante, visto que ele é usado em ensaios pré-clínicos ortopédicos . Nesse estudo foram utilizados 5 amostras de sangue de cordão umbilical e 5 amostras de tecido adiposo peri-renal, provenientes de 10 ovinos fêmeas adultas. As coletas foram realizadas através de cirurgia para que o material coletado fosse o mais asséptico possível. Essas amostras foram submetidas a diferentes protocolos de isolamento, com a finalidade de se testar o mais eficiente. Somente um protocolo de cada tecido mostrou-se eficiente no isolamento da MSCs, porém nenhuma dessas amostras manteve-se viável após a primeira passagem. / Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are non hematopoietic stromal cells that are able to differentiate through several tissues . MCSs home in several tissues and are being isolated from different tissues, such cartilage, tendon, adipose tissue, vessels and umbilical blood, and also from fetal tissues . The isolation and characterization of mesenchymal cells in sheep are important, because it is used in orthopedic pre-clinical trials . In this study were used 5 samples of umbilical blood and 5 samples of perirenal adipose tissue from 10 female sheep. All the samples were obtained through surgery, to harvest aseptic samples. These samples were tested in different protocols to evaluate the more efficient. Just one protocol from each source showed significant results in isolation, although none of the samples survived trough the first passage.

<p>Sweden’s health care is continuously subjected to economical cutbacks, which results in enormous workloads. To prevent problems that arise in these situations, it is of great importance to take measures to increase the efficiency of the working process. This goal can be obtained by increasing our knowledge of the body, under both normal and sickly conditions. That is, by sharing knowledge of the various medical service units within Stockholm’s county council and thus elaborates diagnostics. Both clinical and scientific competence must be at hand within several medical fields, whereas the width is a condition for specialized surgery and education within different categories.</p><p>The purpose of this essay is to describe the profits/advantages by using telemedicine at Karolinska university hospital in Huddinge as support service for the structural changes made by Stockholm’s county council, this from county council economics perspectives.</p><p>The decision that all abdominal surgery was to be performed at Karolinska was based on the knowledge and experience that by concentrating a certain type of special care to a single location, that knowledge will be maximized (the more patients, the more practice), which will ease the prospects of high-quality health care, education as well as research.</p><p>Telemedicine as a support service means specialist availability through telemedicine information technique and healthcare time efficiency. This in the form of traveling hours, new evaluation of already remitted patients and time consumption due to inferior examination. The increase in efficiency will result in cost-benefits for Stockholm’s county council and entirely new grounds fore coworkers and patients.</p><p>The new system will lead to that the most highly qualified within a certain area of expertise are available through exchange of knowledge, going from specialist to doctor. As a result, the patients will faster receive the proper care.</p> / <p>Ekonomiska besparingar sker kontinuerligt inom sjukvården i Sverige, vilket innebär enorma arbetsbelastningar. För att förhindra problem som kan uppstå i och med detta är det viktigt med åtgärder som leder till effektivisering av arbetsprocessen. Det kan uppnås genom att öka kunskapen om vår kropp under normala och sjukliga förhållanden, dvs. genom att utveckla diagnostiken via kunskapsutbyten vid de olika sjukvårdsenheterna inom Stockholm Läns Landsting. Både klinisk och vetenskaplig kompetens måste finnas inom ett stort antal medicinska fält och bredden är en förutsättning för högspecialiserad kirurgi och utbildning inom olika kategorier.</p><p>Syftet med denna uppsats är att beskriva lönsamheten, med användning av telemedicin på Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset i Huddinge som stödtjänst till de strukturella förändringar som SLL har beslutat om (koncentration av specialistkirurgi till sjukhuset), ur ett landstingsekonomiskt perspektiv.</p><p>Beslutandet om att all övre abdominell specialkirurgi skulle utföras på Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset i Huddinge grundades utifrån kunskapen och erfarenheten om att koncentration av en viss typ av specialistvård på ett och samma ställe leder till att all specialistkunskap koncentreras och utvecklas på ett ställe (större patientmassa, ”mer träning”) vilket gör det lättare för vidare högkvalificerad vård, utbildning och forskning.</p><p>Telemedicin som stödtjänst innebär specialisttillgänglighet genom telemedicinsk informationsteknik och vårdtidsvinster i form av restider, ny bedömning av redan bedömda patienter och minskad tidsåtgång pga. undermålig undersökning. Effektiviseringen leder till kostnadsbesparingar för Stockholms Läns Landsting och innebär helt andra förutsättningar för medarbetare och patienter. Det nya arbetssättet gör att de bästa inom området finns tillgängliga för de berörda sjukhusen genom kunskapsöverföring från specialisten till läkaren. På så sätt kommer patienten fortare till rätt behandling.</p>

Sweden’s health care is continuously subjected to economical cutbacks, which results in enormous workloads. To prevent problems that arise in these situations, it is of great importance to take measures to increase the efficiency of the working process. This goal can be obtained by increasing our knowledge of the body, under both normal and sickly conditions. That is, by sharing knowledge of the various medical service units within Stockholm’s county council and thus elaborates diagnostics. Both clinical and scientific competence must be at hand within several medical fields, whereas the width is a condition for specialized surgery and education within different categories. The purpose of this essay is to describe the profits/advantages by using telemedicine at Karolinska university hospital in Huddinge as support service for the structural changes made by Stockholm’s county council, this from county council economics perspectives. The decision that all abdominal surgery was to be performed at Karolinska was based on the knowledge and experience that by concentrating a certain type of special care to a single location, that knowledge will be maximized (the more patients, the more practice), which will ease the prospects of high-quality health care, education as well as research. Telemedicine as a support service means specialist availability through telemedicine information technique and healthcare time efficiency. This in the form of traveling hours, new evaluation of already remitted patients and time consumption due to inferior examination. The increase in efficiency will result in cost-benefits for Stockholm’s county council and entirely new grounds fore coworkers and patients. The new system will lead to that the most highly qualified within a certain area of expertise are available through exchange of knowledge, going from specialist to doctor. As a result, the patients will faster receive the proper care. / Ekonomiska besparingar sker kontinuerligt inom sjukvården i Sverige, vilket innebär enorma arbetsbelastningar. För att förhindra problem som kan uppstå i och med detta är det viktigt med åtgärder som leder till effektivisering av arbetsprocessen. Det kan uppnås genom att öka kunskapen om vår kropp under normala och sjukliga förhållanden, dvs. genom att utveckla diagnostiken via kunskapsutbyten vid de olika sjukvårdsenheterna inom Stockholm Läns Landsting. Både klinisk och vetenskaplig kompetens måste finnas inom ett stort antal medicinska fält och bredden är en förutsättning för högspecialiserad kirurgi och utbildning inom olika kategorier. Syftet med denna uppsats är att beskriva lönsamheten, med användning av telemedicin på Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset i Huddinge som stödtjänst till de strukturella förändringar som SLL har beslutat om (koncentration av specialistkirurgi till sjukhuset), ur ett landstingsekonomiskt perspektiv. Beslutandet om att all övre abdominell specialkirurgi skulle utföras på Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset i Huddinge grundades utifrån kunskapen och erfarenheten om att koncentration av en viss typ av specialistvård på ett och samma ställe leder till att all specialistkunskap koncentreras och utvecklas på ett ställe (större patientmassa, ”mer träning”) vilket gör det lättare för vidare högkvalificerad vård, utbildning och forskning. Telemedicin som stödtjänst innebär specialisttillgänglighet genom telemedicinsk informationsteknik och vårdtidsvinster i form av restider, ny bedömning av redan bedömda patienter och minskad tidsåtgång pga. undermålig undersökning. Effektiviseringen leder till kostnadsbesparingar för Stockholms Läns Landsting och innebär helt andra förutsättningar för medarbetare och patienter. Det nya arbetssättet gör att de bästa inom området finns tillgängliga för de berörda sjukhusen genom kunskapsöverföring från specialisten till läkaren. På så sätt kommer patienten fortare till rätt behandling.

Apesar dos grandes avanços na medicina perioperatória, as operações vasculares ainda estão associadas a elevada morbi-mortalidade. A fisiopatologia dos eventos perioperatórios é complexa, envolvendo a instabilização de placas ateroscleróticas, o que não é contemplado nos algoritmos para estratificação de risco cardíaco perioperatório. Acreditamos que a identificação de características relacionadas à instabilização de placas incipientes, como alterações na reatividade vascular e maior atividade inflamatória, pode melhorar a acurácia da estimativa de risco e a análise do comportamento perioperatório destas características pode elucidar importantes mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Estudamos 100 pacientes com indicação de operação vascular e aferimos por meio de ultrassom-Doppler de artéria braquial, a hiperemia reativa (HR), marcador de função microvascular, e a dilatação mediada pelo fluxo (DMF), marcador de função endotelial, antes e após a operação. Analisamos também os níveis de proteina-C reativa ultra-sensível (PCR-us). A operação foi realizada em 96 pacientes e 27 deles apresentaram algum evento até o 30º dia pós-operatório: 4 óbitos cardíacos, 5 infartos agudos do miocárdio, 2 acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos, 2 elevações isoladas de troponina, 1 embolia de pulmão, 2 reoperações e 11 óbitos não cardíacos. Detectamos disfunção endotelial em 70% dos pacientes, mas não observamos nenhum padrão característico de comportamento perioperatório da DMF, ou associação significativa entre a mesma e os eventos. Observamos significativo aumento da PCR-us após a intervenção cirúrgica (0,5mg/dL x 3,01mg/dL, P=0,001), mas sem associação com eventos. Identificamos forte associação entre disfunção microvascular, representada pela menor velocidade de fluxo na artéria braquial durante a hiperemia reativa, e eventos: 81 cm/s + 20 x 95 cm/s + 28 ( P= 0,02). Concluímos que a identificação de disfunção microvascular no pré-operatório pode estratificar o risco de complicações perioperatórias e que embora não tenhamos observado piora da vasodilatação mediada pelo fluxo, não podemos afastar que haja piora da função endotelial no perioperatório. O aumento de PCR-us denota grande diátese inflamatória, que pode estar relacionada à disfunção endotelial. / Despite great advances in perioperative care, major vascular surgeries are still related to high morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of perioperative cardiac events is complex and comprehends atherosclerotic plaque instability, witch is not contemplated in the current algorithms for cardiac risk estimation. We hypothesized that the identification of characteristics related to predisposition for plaque instability, such as abnormalities in the vascular reactivity, is very promising and the characterization of this parameter`s behavior in the perioperative setting contributes to the better understanding of event\'s pathophysiology. We prospectively studied a cohort of 100 patients, candidates for elective major vascular surgery and assessed, by Doppler ultrasound in the brachial artery, reactive hyperemia(RH), a marker of microvascular function, and flow mediated dilation(FMD), a marker of endothelial function, before and after surgery. We also obtained C-reactive protein-high sensitive assay (CRP-hs) before and after surgery. Ninety six patients were submitted to the planned vascular surgery and 27 patients had an event up to the 30º postoperative day. We observed 4 cardiac deaths, 5 acute myocardial infarctions, 2 isolated troponin elevations, 2 ischemic strokes, 1 pulmonary embolism, 2 reoperations and 11 noncardiac deaths. Results: although there was no significant difference in the preoperative FMD between patients with and without events: 4.83% + 6.81 x 5.88% + 6.00 (p= .457), respectively, low RH response, measured as lower peak flow velocity in RH, was associated to events: 81 cm/s + 20 x 95 cm/s + 28 (p=0,02). There was no significant difference in the preoperative CRP-hs between groups (median: 0.51mg/dL (IQR 2.12) x 0.41mg/dL (IQR 0.59), p= .234). There was no significant difference between FMD before and after surgery but we detected an almost 6-fold increase in CRP-hs after surgery: 0.50mg/dL x 3.01mg/dL (p < .001), respectively. Our study demonstrated that microvascular dysfunction is closely related to perioperative events after major vascular surgery and is a better marker of perioperative risk than endothelial dysfunction, in specific conditions.

As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) são células estromais não-hematopoiéticas que possuem capacidade de diferenciação, sendo capazes, de diferenciar em diversos tecidos. As MSCs residem em vários tecidos vêm sido isoladas de diferentes tecidos, tais como cartilagem, tendão, tecido adiposo, do vaso e sangue umbilical, além de tecidos fetais . O isolamento e caracterização das populações mesenquimais no modelo ovino se faz importante, visto que ele é usado em ensaios pré-clínicos ortopédicos . Nesse estudo foram utilizados 5 amostras de sangue de cordão umbilical e 5 amostras de tecido adiposo peri-renal, provenientes de 10 ovinos fêmeas adultas. As coletas foram realizadas através de cirurgia para que o material coletado fosse o mais asséptico possível. Essas amostras foram submetidas a diferentes protocolos de isolamento, com a finalidade de se testar o mais eficiente. Somente um protocolo de cada tecido mostrou-se eficiente no isolamento da MSCs, porém nenhuma dessas amostras manteve-se viável após a primeira passagem. / Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are non hematopoietic stromal cells that are able to differentiate through several tissues . MCSs home in several tissues and are being isolated from different tissues, such cartilage, tendon, adipose tissue, vessels and umbilical blood, and also from fetal tissues . The isolation and characterization of mesenchymal cells in sheep are important, because it is used in orthopedic pre-clinical trials . In this study were used 5 samples of umbilical blood and 5 samples of perirenal adipose tissue from 10 female sheep. All the samples were obtained through surgery, to harvest aseptic samples. These samples were tested in different protocols to evaluate the more efficient. Just one protocol from each source showed significant results in isolation, although none of the samples survived trough the first passage.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os enxertos vasculares sintéticos disponíveis atualmente apresentam baixos índices de patência, quando utilizados na revascularização de vasos de pequeno calibre, e possuem resultados inferiores quando comparados ao uso de veias autólogas em derivações infrageniculares. Nova prótese de pequeno calibre confeccionada em silicone (polidimetilsiloxano, PDMS) com reforço de tecido de poliéster foi desenvolvida e comparada à prótese de PTFE. OBJETIVOS: Analisar, em modelo experimental em coelhos, o tubo de PDMS como material para prótese vascular e compará-lo a prótese de PTFE. MÉTODOS: Quarenta coelhos foram submetidos a interposição na aorta infrarrenal de próteses de 4mm de diâmetro, sendo 20 animais com PDMS e 20 com PTFE (grupo controle). Foi medido o tempo de clampeamento e realizada arteriografia retrógrada da aorta para avaliar a patência das próteses. Para avaliar a endotelização das próteses foi realizada microscopia eletrônica de maneira amostral pareada. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco animais (62,5%) não apresentaram intercorrências pós-operatórias; oito (20%) morreram precocemente e sete (17,5%) ficaram paraplégicos no pós-operatório imediato (e foram sacrificados), sendo que esses animais não foram incluídos nas análises de patência. Não foi observada diferença entre os grupos quanto à evolução com complicações pós-operatórias (p=0,526) e quanto ao tempo de clampeamento da aorta (p=0,299). A patência em 30 dias foi de 100% para as duas próteses. Aos 60 dias, a taxa de patência do PDMS foi de 92,3% (± 7,4), e de 73,8% (±13,1) em 90 dias; as próteses de PTFE tiveram taxas de patência de 87,5% (± 11,7) aos 60 e 90 dias. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre as taxas de patência dos grupos (p=0,62). Não houve diferença siginificativa entre os grupos quanto ao grau de estenose das próteses patentes (p=0,650) à avaliação angiográfica. A microscopia eletrônica mostrou crescimento endotelial limitado às regiões próximas às anastomoses nos dois tipos de próteses. CONCLUSÃO: O PDMS mostrou-se passível de utilização como prótese vascular, com resultados comparáveis aos do PTFE no modelo utilizado / INTRODUCTION: Synthetic vascular grafts currently available have suboptimal patency rates in small-diameter vessels and inferior outcomes in below-the-knee arterial bypass procedures when compared to the use of autologous vein. A new small vessel prosthesis made of silicone (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) and reinforced with polyester fabric was developed and compared to the standard PTFE prosthesis. OBJECTIVES: On a rabbit experimental model, we compared the outcomes of new PDMS vascular prostheses with PTFE vascular prostheses. METHODS: Forty rabbits underwent infra-renal aorta replacement with 4 mm diameter prostheses, twenty animals with PDMS and twenty animals with PTFE (control group). Aortic clamping time was measured and retrograde aortic angiography was performed to assess patency. Histological graft samples were examined by electron microscopy to evaluate prostheses endothelialization. RESULTS: Twenty-five (62,5%) animals had good surgical outcome; eight animals (20%) expired and seven animals (17.5%) became paraplegic (and subsequently sacrificed) during early follow up and were not included in anastomosis patency analysis. Postoperative complications (death, paraplegia) rates (p=0,526) and aortic clamping times (p=0,299) were comparable in both groups. Patency rates in 30 days were 100% for both grafts. At 60 days, patency rate for PDMS was 92,3% (±7,4), and 73,8% (±13,1) at 90 days. PTFE grafts had patency rates of 87,5% (±11,7) at 60 and 90 days. No statistically significant difference was found in between groups for patency rates (p=0,62). No statistically significant difference for stenosis was found on angiographical analysis in between groups (p=0,650). Electron microscopy revealed limited anastomotic endothelial ingrowth in both prostheses used. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model, PDMS and PTFE vascular prostheses had comparable outcomes and PDMS prosthesis could be used as a vacular graft

Background: General anesthesia usually requires mechanical ventilation, which is traditionally accomplished with constant tidal volumes in volume- or pressure-controlled modes. Experimental studies suggest that the use of variable tidal volumes (variable ventilation) recruits lung tissue, improves pulmonary function and reduces systemic inflammatory response. However, it is currently not known whether patients undergoing open abdominal surgery might benefit from intraoperative variable ventilation. Methods/Design: The PROtective VARiable ventilation trial ('PROVAR') is a single center, randomized controlled trial enrolling 50 patients who are planning for open abdominal surgery expected to last longer than 3 hours. PROVAR compares conventional (non-variable) lung protective ventilation (CV) with variable lung protective ventilation (VV) regarding pulmonary function and inflammatory response. The primary endpoint of the study is the forced vital capacity on the first postoperative day. Secondary endpoints include further lung function tests, plasma cytokine levels, spatial distribution of ventilation assessed by means of electrical impedance tomography and postoperative pulmonary complications. Discussion: We hypothesize that VV improves lung function and reduces systemic inflammatory response compared to CV in patients receiving mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia for open abdominal surgery longer than 3 hours. PROVAR is the first randomized controlled trial aiming at intra- and postoperative effects of VV on lung function. This study may help to define the role of VV during general anesthesia requiring mechanical ventilation.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os enxertos vasculares sintéticos disponíveis atualmente apresentam baixos índices de patência, quando utilizados na revascularização de vasos de pequeno calibre, e possuem resultados inferiores quando comparados ao uso de veias autólogas em derivações infrageniculares. Nova prótese de pequeno calibre confeccionada em silicone (polidimetilsiloxano, PDMS) com reforço de tecido de poliéster foi desenvolvida e comparada à prótese de PTFE. OBJETIVOS: Analisar, em modelo experimental em coelhos, o tubo de PDMS como material para prótese vascular e compará-lo a prótese de PTFE. MÉTODOS: Quarenta coelhos foram submetidos a interposição na aorta infrarrenal de próteses de 4mm de diâmetro, sendo 20 animais com PDMS e 20 com PTFE (grupo controle). Foi medido o tempo de clampeamento e realizada arteriografia retrógrada da aorta para avaliar a patência das próteses. Para avaliar a endotelização das próteses foi realizada microscopia eletrônica de maneira amostral pareada. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco animais (62,5%) não apresentaram intercorrências pós-operatórias; oito (20%) morreram precocemente e sete (17,5%) ficaram paraplégicos no pós-operatório imediato (e foram sacrificados), sendo que esses animais não foram incluídos nas análises de patência. Não foi observada diferença entre os grupos quanto à evolução com complicações pós-operatórias (p=0,526) e quanto ao tempo de clampeamento da aorta (p=0,299). A patência em 30 dias foi de 100% para as duas próteses. Aos 60 dias, a taxa de patência do PDMS foi de 92,3% (± 7,4), e de 73,8% (±13,1) em 90 dias; as próteses de PTFE tiveram taxas de patência de 87,5% (± 11,7) aos 60 e 90 dias. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre as taxas de patência dos grupos (p=0,62). Não houve diferença siginificativa entre os grupos quanto ao grau de estenose das próteses patentes (p=0,650) à avaliação angiográfica. A microscopia eletrônica mostrou crescimento endotelial limitado às regiões próximas às anastomoses nos dois tipos de próteses. CONCLUSÃO: O PDMS mostrou-se passível de utilização como prótese vascular, com resultados comparáveis aos do PTFE no modelo utilizado / INTRODUCTION: Synthetic vascular grafts currently available have suboptimal patency rates in small-diameter vessels and inferior outcomes in below-the-knee arterial bypass procedures when compared to the use of autologous vein. A new small vessel prosthesis made of silicone (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) and reinforced with polyester fabric was developed and compared to the standard PTFE prosthesis. OBJECTIVES: On a rabbit experimental model, we compared the outcomes of new PDMS vascular prostheses with PTFE vascular prostheses. METHODS: Forty rabbits underwent infra-renal aorta replacement with 4 mm diameter prostheses, twenty animals with PDMS and twenty animals with PTFE (control group). Aortic clamping time was measured and retrograde aortic angiography was performed to assess patency. Histological graft samples were examined by electron microscopy to evaluate prostheses endothelialization. RESULTS: Twenty-five (62,5%) animals had good surgical outcome; eight animals (20%) expired and seven animals (17.5%) became paraplegic (and subsequently sacrificed) during early follow up and were not included in anastomosis patency analysis. Postoperative complications (death, paraplegia) rates (p=0,526) and aortic clamping times (p=0,299) were comparable in both groups. Patency rates in 30 days were 100% for both grafts. At 60 days, patency rate for PDMS was 92,3% (±7,4), and 73,8% (±13,1) at 90 days. PTFE grafts had patency rates of 87,5% (±11,7) at 60 and 90 days. No statistically significant difference was found in between groups for patency rates (p=0,62). No statistically significant difference for stenosis was found on angiographical analysis in between groups (p=0,650). Electron microscopy revealed limited anastomotic endothelial ingrowth in both prostheses used. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model, PDMS and PTFE vascular prostheses had comparable outcomes and PDMS prosthesis could be used as a vacular graft