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Design and Integration of a Laser-Based Materials Deposition System
This paper aims to demonstrate the design process of an integrated five-axis Laser-Based Material Deposition (LBMD) system for rapid prototyping application. Several design evaluation methods are selected and applied to the design of the system. A three-dimensional graphical simulation software package was used as a decision making aid and as an analysis tool
in the design process. Hardware integration of a five-axis computer numerical controlled (CNC) vertical milling machine, a 2.5 KW Nd:YAG laser and a linear table is discussed. A brief introduction to the system software and control architecture is also summarized. Some important design issues and considerations specific to Laser Based Material Deposition process are suggested.Mechanical Engineerin
Correlation between spinal column length and the spread of subarachnoid hyperbaric bupivacaine in the term parturient
Background: Anaesthetists frequently tailor the subarachnoid local anaesthetic dosage according to parturient height to achieve sensory blockade up to the T4 dermatome for lower segment Caesarean sections (LSCSs). Studies that have been conducted have demonstrated that height does not affect the spread of subarachnoid hyperbaric bupivacaine. This study aimed to find the correlation between the spinal column length of termparturients and the highest level of sensory blockade after spinal anaesthesia.Methods: The authors studied 60 singleton term parturients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II scheduled for elective LSCSs. The length of the spinal column was taken as an averageof three measurements from the C7 spinous process to the sacral hiatus in a sitting upright and facing forward position. Spinal anaesthesia was given by administering 1.8 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 25 μg fentanyl through the L3/L4 or L4/L5 intervertebral space. The level of sensory blockade was assessed using pin-prick testing for pain sensation. Linear regression analysis was used to analyse the correlation; R < 0.25 indicates no correlation with the level of significance being < 0.05.Results: The spinal column lengths measured were between 42.2 cm and 85.8 cm (median: 58.5 cm). Spinal anaesthesia given was adequate for all patients, with the highest levels of anaesthesia ranging from T8 to T2 with sensory levels between T6 and T4. The parturients’ spinal column length showed no correlation with the highest level of sensory blockade achieved, namely R = 0.11.Conclusions: The study found no correlation between the parturients’ spinal column length and the highest level of sensory blockade achieved.Keywords: spinal anaesthesia; spinal column; hyperbaric bupivacaine; parturients; lower segment Caesarean section (LSCS