Three-dimensional virtual reconstruction with DocDo: A novel interactive tool to score renal mass complexity

The pre-operative knowledge of the complexity of a renal mass is the cornerstone to plan a partial nephrectomy(PN) [1]. Given the multiple issues characterizing it - size, protrusion out from renal parenchyma, longitudinal and coronal location, proximity to the hilum - nephrometric scoring systems have been proposed during the last decade[2, 3]; RENAL and PADUA classifications are the mostly used [4-6]

Different approaches for bladder neck dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: the Aalst technique

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bladder neck dissection is one of the most delicate surgical steps of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) [1, 2], and it may affect surgical margins rate and functional outcomes [3, 4]. Given the relationship between outcomes and surgical experience [5–7], it is crucial to implement a step-by-step approach for each surgical step of the procedure, especially in the most challenging part of the intervention. In this video compilation, we described the techniques for bladder neck dissection utilized at OLV Hospital (Aalst, Belgium). Surgical Technique: We illustrated five different techniques for bladder neck dissection during RARP. The anterior technique tackles the bladder neck from above until the urethral catheter is visualized, and then the dissection is completed posteriorly. The lateral and postero-lateral approaches involve the identification of a weakness point at the prostate-vesical junction and aim to develop the posterior plane – virtually until the seminal vesicles – prior to the opening of the urethra anteriorly. Finally, we described our techniques for bladder neck dissection in more challenging cases such as in patients with bulky middle lobes and prior surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. All approaches follow anatomic landmarks to minimize positive surgical margins and aim to preserve the bladder neck in order to promote optimal functional recovery. All procedures were performed with DaVinci robotic platforms using a 3-instruments configuration (scissors, fenestrated bipolar, and needle driver). As standard protocol at our Institution, urinary catheter was removed on postoperative day two [8]. Conclusions: Five different approaches for bladder neck dissection during RARP were described in this video compilation. We believe that the technical details provided here might be of help for clinicians who are starting their practice with this surgical intervention

Experimental measurements of spin period in randomly-birefringent spun fibers

We present a POTDR-based technique to measure the spin period of randomly-birefringent spun fibers. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with the nominal spin periods of ad hoc drawn fibers

Measure of spin period in randomly birefringent low-PMD fibers

We present a polarization-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer-based method for measuring the spin period in randomly birefringent long single-mode spun fibers. Several samples of ad hoc drawn fibers have been tested to measure the spin period and to control the quality of spin process. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with the nominal values

Polarization optical fiber sensor for distributed current monitoring

A new technique to distributedly monitor intense current along high energy electric cables is presented and experimentally validated. The new technique is based on the distributed polarization measurement of Rayleigh backscattered light and on Faraday rotation of polarization induced by the electric current owing in the cable. While current monitoring by Faraday rotation in optical fibers is among the first examples of optical fiber sensors, this is the first time, to best of our knowledge, that a distributed current sensor is implemented. Preliminary experimental tests have been performed on a 40-m-long electric cable, with currents varying from 0 kA to 2:5 kA, using standard telecommunication fibers non-optimized to the specific aim. Results confirm the viability of the approach

Ultra low PMD fibers for long-haul high-capacity systems

We present a new type of single mode fiber with efficiently reduced and controlled DGD. This task is obtained by means of spinning optimization that allows balancing of the intrinsic fiber birefringence