Near-infrared fluorescent coatings of medical devices for image-guided surgery.

Rapidly expanding field of image-guided surgery needs new materials for near-infrared imaging with deep tissue penetration. Here, we introduce near-infrared coating of equipment (NICE) for image-guided surgery based on a series of lipophilic cyanine-7.5 dyes with bulky hydrophobic counterions and a biocompatible polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate).

Handling topological changes during elastic registration : Application to augmented reality in laparoscopic surgery.

Purpose: Locating the internal structures of an organ is a critical aspect of many surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgery, associated with augmented reality techniques, offers the potential to visualize inner structures, allowing for improved analysis, depth perception or for supporting planning and decision systems.

Methods: Most of the current methods dealing with rigid or non-rigid augmented reality make the assumption that the topology of the organ is not modified.

Laparoscopy as the initial approach for epiphrenic diverticula.

Background: Most epiphrenic diverticula traditionally have been approached through a left thoracotomy. Because laparoscopy provides excellent exposure to the distal esophagus and decreases the morbidity of thoracoscopy or thoracotomy, we have used it preferentially since 1997 and routinely since 2001. This study describes our experience with this approach.

Interstitial lung disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease: key role of esophageal function tests in the diagnosis and treatment.

Context: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in patients with respiratory disorders and interstitial lung fibrosis from diverse disease processes. However, a cause-effect relationship has not been well demonstrated. It is hypothesized that there might be more than a coincidental association between GERD and interstitial lung damage.

[Study of biliary anatomy in living related liver transplantation].

Background: Anatomic variations of the biliary tree are frequent and increase complications after liver transplantation.

Aim: To describe the anatomy of the bile ducts of donors and recipients of living related liver transplantation.

Methods: From March 1998 to September 2002, the study was retrospective (23 transplantations).