This paper focuses on key issues of the organizational model of the influenza vaccination campaign in Lazio region, Italy, started during the 1999-2000 season. The following crucial features of the model are emphasized: a strong support given by Regional Health Agency; a high level of commitment of local health authorities; a considerable involvement of general practitioners; the appropriation of economical incentives related to different levels of coverage; an "ad hoc " information system. The model resulted in a remarkable increase of the number of vaccinations among elderly population (from about 420,000 in the 2000-2001 vaccination campaign to about 560,000 in the successive campaign) and of the correspondent levels of coverage (from 45.7% in the 2000-2001 vaccination campaign to 59.2% in the successive campaign). Nevertheless, further efforts should be provided to better identify population at risk, and to reach the most disadvantaged groups. Moreover, actions are to be performed to assess health and economic benefits of vaccination campaign, in order to improve the efficiency of health care planning programs.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The CO2 laser beam in the surgical treatment of cerebral tumours.

Several cases of supratentorial gliomas and meningiomas were operated on since May 1977 with the help of CO2 laser infrared beam, generated by the Sharplan 791 He unit, with an adjustable output up to 50 Watts. Defocused laser beam has been found to be useful in direct attack on the tumour, through a vaporization of the neoplastic tissue. So the tumour could be progressively excavate with a loss of blood comparatively lower than with classical method. Haemostasis was quite good on diffuse capillary bleeding, but not on arterial or venous haemorragies, where the use of electrocoagulation was necessary. Extirpation especially, of meningiomas, was easier and less traumatic with the laser beam, and the destruction of infiltrating glial tumours was facilitated too.

Astrocytoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Modified Holter Rickham reservoir: a device percutaneous photodynamic treatment of cystic malignant brain tumors.

A modified Holter Rickham reservoir which permit the percutaneous photodynamic treatment of cystic malignant brain tumors, is described. Through this device it is possible to introduce in the tumoral cyst both the photosensitizer drug and the optical fibers, carriers of the light in order to induce the photodynamic process. This treatment, if necessary, can be repeated over and over again, simply through a skin perforation.

Brain Diseases↗

PubMedDate not supplied