Use of nitinol-U clips and flow characteristics of LIMA-LAD anastomoses.

The aim of this study was to compare flow characteristics of LIMA-LAD anastomoses constructed using two different techniques. Thirty patients underwent MIDCAB using either simple continuous suture (20) or separate nitinol U-clips (10). Intraoperative transit time flow measurements were recorded.

Transfer of training in robotic-assisted microvascular surgery.

Background: Transfer of training refers to the ability to transfer acquired skills from one discipline to another. This study aims to determine whether experience in traditional freehand microsurgery facilitates mastery of robotic microsurgery.

Methods: Microsurgical anastomoses of coronary arteries harvested from explanted pig models were used to demonstrate whether prior experience with microsurgery is required in learning robot-assisted microsuturing.

Feasibility of robotic-assisted microvascular anastomoses in plastic surgery.

In this pilot trial in piglets, the authors demonstrated the feasibility of applying robot technology to vascular microsurgery. This preliminary work suggests certain advantages of the robot, which should encourage more rigorous study for its full exploitation.

Pediatric burns with snap-cap fireworks.

Snap-caps are marketed as a relatively safe pyrotechnic (explosive) device for children 8 years and older. Individually, the snap-caps pose very little threat because the amount of explosive compounds contained in each is limited to 1 mg. However, the accidental explosion of numerous snap-caps may cause significant burns.

The effects of restricted work hours on clinical training.

Resident education has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. With the implementation of restricted work hours on clinical training, questions have arisen whether these restricted hours will affect clinical competency. This manuscript attempts to answer this question through a survey performed to assess the perception of residents about duty-hour restrictions and the potential effect on residents' clinical exposure.