Performance of transesophageal echocardiography probe at temperature monitoring during simulated hypothermia and rewarming.

Objective: To determine whether a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe can accurately measure temperature and be used to monitor temperature changes over time without overheating in an experimental model of hypothermia and rewarming.

Methods: A 6L water bath was heated with a sous vide immersion circulator to 24C, 28C, 32C and 36C to simulate severe hypothermia, moderate hypothermia, mild hypothermia, and normothermia. A TEE probe, esophageal temperature probe, and bladder temperature probe were used to measure temperature.

Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in the emergency department: A large single-center experience.

Objective: Electrical cardioversion of ED patients is a well-described treatment strategy for certain patients presenting with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study was to describe the safety and outcomes of this practice in a cohort of patients undergoing ED electrical cardioversion for AF.

Methods: This retrospective health records survey investigated a 5-year cohort of consecutive ED patients presenting with AF who underwent electrical cardioversion in an academic, tertiary ED.

MEMS-based shear characterization of soft hydrated samples.

We have designed, fabricated, calibrated and tested actuators for shear characterization to assess microscale shear properties of soft substrates. Here we demonstrate characterization of dry silicone and hydrated polyethelyne glycol. Microscale tools, including atomic force microscopes and nanoindenters, often have limited functionality in hydrated environments.

Wrist circumference is related to patellar tendon thickness in healthy men and women.

The efficacy of dominant wrist circumference measurements to predict dominant lower extremity patellar tendon thickness at regions of interest for bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft harvest was studied among 24 healthy men and women. Dominant wrist circumference displayed good relationships with dominant lower extremity patellar tendon thickness as determined by two-dimensional diagnostic ultrasound. This initial screening method may assist surgeons as they consider graft selection for patients who may be at risk for developing or exacerbating preexisting patellofemoral joint or knee extensor mechanism conditions with BPTB autograft harvest.

Spleen and retroperitoneum: the essentials.

This is a survey of normal variants and pathologic conditions involving the spleen and retroperitoneum. The study focuses on the various sonographic appearances of trauma, infection, and neoplasm involving these areas in an attempt to complement works dealing specifically with the pancreas, kidneys, and great vessels. Ultrasound-guided intervention (biopsy, drainage) is included.

Comparison of iodixanol with iohexol for delayed pelvic venous opacification: a preliminary study of potential use for CT venography.

Objective: The goal of this prospective randomized study was to determine whether isosmolar contrast material offers an advantage over low-osmolar contrast material for delayed venous opacification in CT venography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We prospectively enrolled 200 adult outpatients.