Progress in the Optimization of Compositional Design and Thermomechanical Processing of Metastable β Ti Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

Over the past few years, significant research and development in the manufacturing industry related to the medical field has been done. The aim has been to improve existing biomaterials and bioimplants by exploring new methods and strategies. Beta titanium alloys, known for their exceptional strength-to-modulus ratio, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and ease of shaping, are expected to play a crucial role in manufacturing the next generation of biomedical equipment.

Role of endoscopic stents and selective minimal access drainage in oesophageal leaks: feasibility and outcome.

Background: Leaks following oesophageal surgery are considered to be amongst the most dreaded complications and contributory to postoperative mortality. Controversies still exist regarding the best option for the management of oesophageal leaks due to lack of standardized treatment protocols. This study was designed to analyse the feasibility outcome and complications associated with placement of removable, fully covered, self-expanding metallic stents for oesophageal leaks with concomitant minimally invasive drainage when appropriate.

The 'modified triple staple' technique: a variant stapling technique for anastomosis after low anterior resection.

Introduction: Stapled techniques of coloanal anastomosis in anterior resection have gained widespread acceptance over hand anastomosis. We believe a modification of the 'triple staple technique' has ergonomic advantages over existing stapling methods and present our technique and experience here.

Methods: Fifty consecutive patients underwent anterior resection with a concomitant defunctioning ileostomy in 44 (86%) patients.

Esophageal function testing with combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry: multicenter study in healthy volunteers.

Background & Aims: Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM) assesses esophageal function by simultaneous measurement of both pressure and bolus transit. Normative data for this method have not been published. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for combined MII-EM and to correlate liquid and viscous bolus transit by impedance with esophageal contractions by manometry.

Redefining gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

Background: The detection of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has to date been limited to acid exposure observed on 24-h pH monitoring. It is clear, however that nonacid reflux can be a significant clinical problem. Recently, as impedance technology with the capacity to detect all types of reflux (acid, nonacid, liquid, mixed, and air) has been developed.

Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal motility disorders.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has emerged as an excellent primary treatment for patients with dysphagia secondary to achalasia. A laparoscopic rather than thoracoscopic approach has stood the test of time. An antireflux procedure combined with the myotomy is crucial to the maintenance of the antireflux barrier.

Cytokeratin and DAS-1 immunostaining reveal similarities among cardiac mucosa, CIM, and Barrett's esophagus.

Objective: The normal histology at the gastroesophageal junction, and in particular the nature of cardiac mucosa, remains in dispute. Likewise, the relationship of intestinal metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction (CIM) to Barrett's and intestinal metaplasia of the stomach (GIM) is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the immunostaining characteristics of cardiac mucosa and CIM and compare their staining pattern with that of other foregut mucosal types.

Etiology of intestinal metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction.

Background: Intestinal metaplasia occurs in the esophagus as a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and in the stomach secondary to H. pylori infection. The etiology of intestinal metaplasia limited to the gastroesophageal junction or cardia (CIM) is disputed.

Vagal-sparing esophagectomy: a more physiologic alternative.

Objective: To evaluate the function of the vagal nerves and the gastric reservoir after vagal-sparing esophagectomy.

Summary Background Data: Esophagectomy as currently performed includes division of the vagal nerves and surgical alteration of the stomach, with attendant postoperative dumping, diarrhea, reduced meal capacity, and weight loss. Vagal-sparing esophagectomy has been introduced as a technique for removal of the esophagus while preserving the vagal nerves and gastric reservoir.

A safe and noninvasive test for vagal integrity revisited.

Hypothesis: Measurement of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) response to sham feeding and pharmacological stimulation is a safe, noninvasive, and sensitive test for vagal integrity.

Design: Interventional study with control arms.

Setting: Tertiary center for esophageal surgery.