Identification of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Surgical Critically Ill Patients by Using the HIT Expert Probability Score: An Observational Pilot Study.

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) remains a challenging diagnosis especially in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate for the first time the diagnostic accuracy of the HIT Expert Probability (HEP) score in the early identification of HIT in SICU patients. Methods: The HEP and 4Ts scores were calculated in all patients with suspected HIT during their stay in our SICU.

Spread of clonal linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in an intensive care unit associated with linezolid exposure.

The aim of the study was to determine factors associated with spread of linezolid (LNZ)-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU). A case-control study was conducted in one French adult surgical ICU. From January 2012 to December 2016, patients with at least a single positive LNZ-resistant S.

The A-test--reliability of functional recovery assessment during early rehabilitation of patients in an orthopedic ward.

Background/aim: There are few tests for evaluation of functional abilities of patients surgically treated for hip fractures or osteoarthritis during early rehabilition period. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability (interobserver reproducibility and internal consistency) of the A-test, an original test for functional recovery evaluation during early rehabilitation of patients in an orthopedic ward.

Methods: The investigation included 105 patients (55 patients with hip osteoarthritis that underwent arthroplasty and 50 surgically treated patients with hip fracture).

Pain, functional status, social function and conditions of habitation in elderly unilateraly lower limb amputees.

Background/aim: Few authors are involved in home rehabilitation of amputees or their reintegration into the community. It has been remarked that there is a discontinuity between the phases of the amputee rehabilitation in Serbia. The aim of the study was to establish pain characteristics and functional status of amputees two months after the amputation and to determine their social function and the conditions of their habitation.

A haptic device for guide wire in interventional radiology procedures.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a minimally invasive procedure where thin tubular instruments, guide wires and catheters, are steered through the patient's vascular system under X-ray imaging. In order to perform these procedures, a radiologist has to be trained to master hand-eye coordination, instrument manipulation and procedure protocols. The existing simulation systems all have major drawbacks: the use of modified instruments, unrealistic insertion lengths, high inertia of the haptic device that creates a noticeably degraded dynamic behavior or excessive friction that is not properly compensated for.

A real-time haptic interface for interventional radiology procedures.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a minimally-invasive surgery technique (MIS) where guidewires and catheters are steered in the vascular system under X-ray imaging. In order to perform these procedures, a radiologist has to be correctly trained to master hand-eye coordination, instrument manipulation and procedure protocols. This paper proposes a computer-assisted training environment dedicated to IR.

Real-time haptic interface for VR colonoscopy simulation.

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic medical procedure where the colon of the patient is examined. This minimally invasive technique is performed with a colonoscope, a long tube with an integrated imaging device at its tip. The doctors performing these procedures require high skills in multiple domains such as hand-eye coordination, visualization, safety and ease at guiding flexible endoscopes.