A Simple and Efficient Device for Demonstrating Cross-sectional Anatomy of the Head

Described in this article is a novel device that facilitates study of the cross-sectional anatomy of the human head. In designing our device, we aimed to protect sections of the head from the destructive action of handling during anatomy laboratory while also ensuring excellent visualization of the anatomic structures. We used an electric saw to create 15-mm sections of three cadaver heads in the three traditional anatomic planes and inserted each section into a thin, perforated display box made of transparent acrylic material. The thin display boxes with head sections are kept in anatomical order in a larger transparent acrylic storage box containing formaldehyde solution, which preserves the specimens but also permits direct observation of the structures and their anatomic relationships to each other. This box-within-box design allows students to easily view sections of a head in its anatomical position as well as to examine internal structures by manipulating individual display boxes without altering the integrity of the preparations. This methodology for demonstrating cross-section anatomy allows efficient use of cadaveric material and technician time while also giving learners the best possible handling and visualization of complex anatomic structures. Our approach to teaching cross-sectional anatomy of the head can be applied to any part of human body, and the value of our device design will only increase as more complicated understandings of cross-sectional anatomy are required by advances and proliferation of imaging technology. Anat Sci Educ 3: 141-143, 2010. (C) 2010 American Association of Anatomists

Prótese vascular derivada do látex

CONTEXTO: O desenvolvimento de prótese vascular tem sido vital para os avanços e realizações da cirurgia vascular reconstrutora durante as últimas 5 décadas. OBJETIVOS: Desenvolver um novo modelo de prótese vascular microperfurada, confeccionada em tecido recoberto com um composto derivado do látex natural da seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis) e avaliar sua perviedade, trombogenicidade, biocompatibilidade e o processo de cicatrização, além de algumas propriedades mecânicas (adaptabilidade, elasticidade, impermeabilidade e possibilidade de sutura), utilizando como controle a prótese de politetrafluoretileno expandido no mesmo animal. MÉTODOS: Quinze cães foram separados em três grupos de cinco animais. Implantou-se a prótese de tecido e látex microperfurada e, no membro pélvico contralateral, a prótese de politetrafluoretileno expandido em todos os cães. O seguimento pós-operatório foi de 4, 8 e 12 semanas. A apreciação dos resultados foi feita segundo as avaliações clínicas dos pulsos, complicações (coleção líquida, deiscência, granuloma e infecção), arteriografias, análise macroscópica e elétron-micrografias de varredura. RESULTADOS: Os testes estatísticos aplicados não evidenciaram diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) em relação às complicações pós-operatórias e perviedade dos enxertos. Ambas as próteses integraram-se adequadamente aos tecidos circunvizinhos, com um tecido de incorporação formado por fibras colágenas. Constatou-se a presença de neoíntima recoberta por endotélio em toda a extensão da superfície luminal da prótese de tecido e látex microperfurada. Ao contrário, na prótese de politetrafluoretileno expandido, o desenvolvimento endotelial sobre a superfície neointimal limitou-se às regiões próximas às anastomoses. CONCLUSÕES: A prótese de tecido e látex microperfurada demonstrou qualidades estruturais (adaptabilidade, elasticidade, impermeabilidade e possibilidade de sutura) satisfatórias como substituto vascular. Estimulou o crescimento endotelial além das regiões de contato com a artéria nas anastomoses e foi biocompatível no sistema arterial do cão, apresentando adequada integração tecidual

Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Viability of Skin Flap in Rats Subjected to Deleterious Effect of Nicotine

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 830-nm laser in blocking the action of nicotine on the viability of skin flap. Background data: The authors have analyzed the deleterious effect of cigarette smoke or nicotine on the skin flap alone with evidence of increased skin necrosis in the flap. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups of eight animals each: Group 1 (control), subjected to a surgical technique to obtain a flap for cranial base, laser irradiation simulation, and a subcutaneous injection of saline; Group 2, similar to Group 1, with subcutaneous injection of nicotine (2mg/kg/day) for a period of 1 week before and 1 week after surgery; and Group 3, similar to Group 2, with skin flaps subjected to a lambda 830-nm laser irradiation. The laser parameters used were: power 30 mW, beam area 0.07cm(2), irradiance 429 mW/cm(2), irradiation time 84 sec, total energy 2.52J, and energy density 36J/cm(2). The laser was used immediately after surgery and for 4 consecutive days, in one point at 2.5 cm of the flap cranial base. The areas of necrosis were examined by two macroscopic analyses: paper template and Mini-Mop (R). The pervious blood vessels were also counted. Results: The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and post-test contrast orthogonal method (multiple comparisons), showing that the laser decreased the area of necrosis in flaps subjected to nicotine, and consequently, increased the number of blood vessels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The laser proved to be an effective way to decrease the area of necrosis in rats subjected to nicotine, making them similar to the control group