A proposal of multiplace hyperbaric chamber for animal experimentation and veterinary use

To develop a project of hyperbaric chamber that allows its safe and reliable use in veterinary and animal experimentation. Methods: Based on the technical specifications for the construction of hyperbaric chambers for human beings, it has been developed a design of a chamber with dimensions and characteristics for the use of a midsize animal, (dog or pig), as well as a multiple chamber for the use in small animals (mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits or cats). The technical specifications allowed that the chamber could be used both for veterinary use and for use in experiments on Health Sciences. Results: A chamber with the following characteristics was built: ASTM A36 steel for the manufacture of the master cylinder and rear cover; front door built in 5052 aluminum; internal diameter of 50.5 cm and 83.0 cm in length; weight 160Kg and internal area of 150cm3; internal space to accommodate 2 acrylic baskets; 150mm high, 280mm wide and 690mm in length. It was capable of supporting a maximum of hydrostatic pressure test of 3.0 to 4.0 BAR ACT and maximum working pressure of 2.0 BAR or 3.0 ACT; equipped with security devices and valves that triggers with load of 2.2 BAR or 3.2 ACT. Tests for engineering and biological use on animals showed the effectiveness of the device. Conclusion: The development of the project enabled the construction of a hyperbaric chamber with security features and reliability comparable to those required by the legal and technical specifications of a hyperbaric chamber human use.Desenvolver um projeto de câmara hiperbárica que permita o seu uso seguro e confiável em veterinária e em animais de experimentação de pequeno e médio porte. Métodos: Baseados em especificações técnicas de construção de câmaras hiperbáricas de seres humanos, foi desenvolvido uma adaptação de projeto de uma câmara com dimensões e características para uso em animal de médio porte (cão ou porco), assim como câmara múltipla para animais de pequeno porte (camundongos, ratos, hamsters, coelhos ou gatos). O atendimento às especificações técnicas deve permitir a sua utilização tanto para uso veterinário quanto para uso em experimentação em Ciências da Saúde. Resultados: Uma câmara com as seguintes características foi construída: aço ASTM A36 para a confecção do cilindro principal e tampo traseiro, tampo frontal (porta) construído em alumínio 5052, diâmetro interno de 50,5cm e 83,0cm de comprimento; peso de 160Kg e espaço interno de 150cm3; espaço para acomodar 2 cestas de acrílico de 150mm de altura, 280mm de largura e 690mm de comprimento; capacidade para suportar um máximo de pressão hidrostática teste de 3,0BAR ou 4,0 ACT e uma pressão máxima de trabalho de 2,0 BAR ou 3,0 ACT; equipado com dispositivos e válvulas de segurança que disparam com carga de 2,2 BAR ou 3,2 ACT. Os testes de engenharia e de uso biológico com animais mostraram a efetividade do equipamento. Conclusão: O desenvolvimento do projeto permitiu a confecção de uma câmara hiperbárica com características de segurança e confiabilidade comparável às exigidas pelas especificações técnicas e legais de uma câmara para tratamento hiperbárico

Factors influencing the outcome of paediatric cardiac surgical patients during extracorporeal circulatory support

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a common modality of circulatory assist device used in children. We assessed the outcome of children who had ECMO following repair of congenital cardiac defects (CCD) and identified the risk factors associated with hospital mortality.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From April 1990 to December 2003, 53 patients required ECMO following surgical correction of CCD. Retrospectively collected data was analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Median age and weight of the patients were 150 days and 5.4 kgs respectively. The indications for ECMO were low cardiac output in 16, failure to wean cardiopulmonary bypass in 13, cardiac arrest in 10 and cardio-respiratory failure in 14 patients. The mean duration of ECMO was 143 hours. Weaning off from ECMO was successful in 66% and of these 83% were survival to hospital-discharge. 37.7% of patients were alive for the mean follow-up period of 75 months. On univariate analysis, arrhythmias, ECMO duration >168 hours, bleeding complications, renal replacement therapy on ECMO, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest after ECMO were associated with hospital mortality.</p> <p>On multivariate analysis, abnormal neurology, bleeding complications and arrhythmias after ECMO were associated with hospital mortality. Extra and intra-thoracic cannulations were used in 79% and 21% of patients respectively and extra-thoracic cannulation had significantly less bleeding complications (p = 0.031).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>ECMO provides an effective circulatory support following surgical repair of CCD in children. Extra-thoracic cannulation is associated with less bleeding complications. Abnormal neurology, bleeding complications on ECMO and arrhythmias after ECMO are poor prognostic indicators for hospital survival.</p