INTRODUCTION Ultrasonic energy is a mainstay in the armamentarium of surgeons, providing multifunctionality, precision, and control when dissecting and sealing vessels up to 5 mm in diameter. Historically, the inability to seal vessels in the 5-7 mm range has been perceived as an inherent limitation of ultrasonic technology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sealing of vessels up to 7 m...

This paper presents investigations of two special cases of dynamic valve analysis. These special cases arose in the development of a new type of gas field reciprocating compressor. These special cases were for a moving frame of reference (since the discharge valves were integral with the piston) , and for independent mass damping {sealing/damping elements are modelled separately instead of as "...

This thesis treats the development of packaging and integration methods for the cost-efficient encapsulation and packaging of microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices. The packaging of MEMS devices is often more costly than the device itself, partly because the packaging can be crucial for the performance of the device. For devices which contain liquids or needs to be enclosed in a vacuum, the pac...

Plasmalemmal repair is necessary for survival of damaged eukaryotic cells. Ca(2+) influx through plasmalemmal disruptions activates calpain, vesicle accumulation at lesion sites, and membrane fusion proteins; Ca(2+) influx also initiates competing apoptotic pathways. Using the formation of a dye barrier (seal) to assess plasmalemmal repair, we now report that B104 hippocampal cells with neurite...

OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of using the LigaSure vessel sealing system for securing the pedicles during vaginal hysterectomy in comparison with the conventional method of securing the pedicles by suture ligation. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. SETTING Gynaecology Department, Benenden Hospital, Kent. POPULATION One hundred and sixteen women undergoing vaginal hysterec...

BACKGROUND The management of an enterocutaneous fistula poses a significant challenge to surgeons and is often associated with a costly hospital stay and long-term discomfort. The use of fibrin glue in the fistula tract has been shown to promote closure of low output enterocutaneous fistulas. Our previous nonrandomized study demonstrated that autologous platelet-rich fibrin glue treatment signi...

Neuromuscular block results in the loss of muscular tone in the upper airway, which might contribute to the increased postoperative airway morbidity followed by ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) insertion. We compared the pharyngolaryngeal discomfort exerted by the PLMA according to the neuromuscular block. One hundred sixty patients undergoing surgery for breast disease or inguinal hernia w...

OBJECTIVE We modified the LigaSure vessel sealing into a two-step technique without using Endo-GIA stapler for the secondary splenic pedicle control in laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety outcomes of this technique. METHODS Patients (n = 105) scheduled for elective LS were consecutively and prospectively enrolled, including 24 males and 81 females, with...

Vacuum sealing is a therapeutic concept to achieve secure and rapid wound healing in traumatic soft tissue damage. Its application and effect in the treatment of severe buttocks and perianal infection are unclear.We describe a case of buttocks and perianal infection using the vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) technique. A 58-year-old man was admitted with buttocks and perianal severe infection, whi...