A new device for the treatment of thromboembolic strokes.

We present data concerning the design and testing of a new clot-sucking device for possible use in the extraction of blood clots that arise during thromboembolic strokes. Our data indicate that a jelly-like mass of 0.02 g (of an artificial clot) can be removed from plastic tubing using this vortex-creating device, which has an optimal diameter of 1 mm, in conjunction with a 6F arterial catheter that is 110-cm long and using applied suction pressures of about 50 cm Hg.

Sequential metatarsal fatigue fractures secondary to abnormal foot biomechanics.

Sequential fatigue fractures of the fourth, second, and third metatarsals in the same foot are reported for a military aviator in the absence of abnormal stresses or underlying bone disease. The likely etiological factor is altered foot biomechanics, as identified in pedobarographic assessment. We have reviewed the literature regarding multiple metatarsal stress fractures.