An Inexpensive Conceptual Training Model for Transvenous Pacemaker Placement.

Introduction: Emergent transvenous (TV) pacemaker placement can be life-saving, but it has associated complications. Emergency medicine (EM) educators must be able to teach this infrequent procedure to trainees.

Methods: We constructed a conceptually-focused, inexpensive training model made from polyvinyl chloride pipes and connectors, vinyl tubing, and a submersible pump.

Emergency Department Thoracotomy: A Cost-Effective Model for Simulation Training.

Background: Simulation provides a safe learning environment where high-stakes, low-frequency procedures can be practiced without the fear of being unsuccessful or causing harm. Emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is one such procedure. Realistic thoracotomy models are expensive and not readily available.

The effect of air exposure on leucocyte and cytokine activation in an in-vitro model of cardiotomy suction.

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to cause a systemic inflammatory and immune response.

Objective: An in-vitro model of cardiotomy suction was designed to quantify the effects of incrementally increased air-blood exposure on leucocyte marker CD11b and cytokine activation in two common anticoagulants, heparin and citrate.

Methods: Fresh human blood was exposed to increasing amounts of air flow for ten minutes.

The Effect of Ex Situ Perfusion in a Swine Limb Vascularized Composite Tissue Allograft on Survival up to 24 Hours.

Purpose: To test the potential for the ex situ limb perfusion system to prolong limb allograft survival up to 24 hours.

Methods: We used 20 swine for the study. In group 1 (control), 4 limbs were perfused with heparin solution and preserved at 4°C for 6 hours.

Ex Situ Limb Perfusion System to Extend Vascularized Composite Tissue Allograft Survival in Swine.

Background: Organ perfusion systems have successfully been applied in solid organ transplantations. Their use in limb transplantation and replantation has not been widely investigated. In this study, we tested the potential for ex situ perfusion system to prolong limb allograft viability in a swine forelimb amputation/replantation model.

Haemodynamic and renal sympathetic responses to V1b vasopressin receptor activation within the paraventricular nucleus.

What is the central question of this study? Does antagonism of V1b receptors prevent the haemodynamic and renal sympathetic nerve responses that occur with application of exogenous vasopressin into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of conscious, chronically instrumented rats? What is the main finding and its importance? Microinjection of vasopressin into the PVN increased mean arterial pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity, all of which were inhibited by pre-injection of the PVN with the V1b antagonist, nelivaptan. The administered vasopressin did not enter the peripheral circulation or increase plasma vasopressin. Ganglionic blockade prevented each of the responses, consistent with mediation by enhanced sympathetic output rather than an increase in circulating vasopressin.

Effect of air exposure and suction on blood cell activation and hemolysis in an in vitro cardiotomy suction model.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) elicits a systemic inflammatory response. The cause may include surface-induced leukocyte activation and hemolysis. A study was designed to describe the effects of both suction and an air-blood interface independently and in combination on leukocyte and platelet activation, and hemolysis in an in vitro model.