Quantitative microdialysis using modified ultraslow microdialysis: direct rapid and reliable determination of free brain concentrations with the MetaQuant technique.

The only method to quantify free extracellular levels of drugs in the brain of living animals is microdialysis. However, quantitative microdialysis has been hampered by methodological issues for decades. The problems arise from the need to establish the in vivo recovery for appropriate quantitation.

The Saanen goat as an animal model for post-laryngectomy research: practical implications.

A modern way of voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy includes the use of shunt valves and tracheostoma valves. Problems of fixation to the surrounding tissue are a major drawback in the use of the shunt valve, heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters and, especially, the tracheostoma valve. To solve these problems different tissue connectors were developed.

In vivo experiments with tracheostoma tissue connector prototypes.

In cancer patients who have undergone total surgical removal of the larynx, ideally voice rehabilitation should be performed using a shunt valve (placed in a fistula of the tracheo-esophageal wall) and a tracheostoma valve (TSV) to enable hands-free tracheo-esophageal speech. A tracheostoma is created by suturing the trachea into the lower anterior part of the neck, and a TSV is a device that can be placed at the stoma. Unfortunately, many patients are unable to use a TSV, mainly due to fixation difficulties.

Experimental results of the tracheoesophageal tissue connector for improved fixation of shunt valves in laryngectomized patients.

Background: After total laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation using a tracheoesophageal shunt valve, patients often have valve-related complications such as leakage. To solve these problems, a tracheoesophageal tissue connector (TE-TC) was devised to serve as an interface between the patient's tissue (trachea and esophagus) and the shunt valve.

Methods: The TE-TC is a permucosal connection constructed from a titanium ring (filled with a silicon rubber plug) combined with polypropylene or titanium mesh.

In vitro assessment of the unloading and perfusion capacities of the PUCA II and the IABP.

The PUCA II pump is a minimally invasive intra-arterial left ventricular assist device that can be used as an alternative for the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). In this study, we assessed the cardiac unloading and organ perfusion capacities of both PUCA II and IABP in an in vitro set up, consisting of a heart simulator and a silicone arterial tree, mimicking anatomical geometry and flow distribution. The IABP was positioned in the descending aorta, while the PUCA II was tested both in 'trans-aortic' and 'abdominal' positions.