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Biomedical subjects

K E McIntyre

Publications and source records attributed to K E McIntyre.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

The effect of alcohol in isolated blunt splenic trauma.

The effect of alcohol on trauma patients is controversial, with numerous authors citing no difference in mortality in acutely intoxicated patients. The purpose of our study was to retrospectively investigate the effect of alcohol in adult patients with isolated blunt splenic injury. From 1980 through 1989, 47 adult patients with splenic trauma as the only major injury were admitted to the Trauma Service. There were 37 males and ten females with a mean age of 29 years (range, 15 to 61). Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 44 (94%) of the injuries. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients with a mean blood alcohol level of 185 mg/dl (range, 15 to 380). In Group 2 there were 23 patients without detectable blood alcohol. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, Abbreviated Injury Severity Score, initial hematocrit, and grade of splenic injury. Hypotension was present in 13 patients (55%) in Group 1 versus six patients (26%) in Group 2 (p less than 0.05). Significant abnormalities in clotting studies were present on admission in six patients (25%) in the alcohol-detected group versus one in the other group (p less than 0.05). Blood transfusion requirements in the first 24 hours were significantly greater in Group 1 (mean, 3.9 units) versus Group 2 (mean, 0.5 units) (p less than 0.001). If alcohol was present, there was much less chance for splenic conservation, as 18 patients (75%) underwent splenectomy versus seven patients (30%) in the nonalcohol group (p less than 0.05). There was one death and this occurred in a patient acutely intoxicated who suffered a cerebral infarct.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Timing of carotid endarterectomy after acute stroke.

An arbitrary delay of at least 6 weeks before performing carotid endarterectomy after acute stroke has been recommended based on anecdotal reports. This prolonged interval may increase the danger of recurrent neurologic deficit before surgery. From September 1978 to September 1988, carotid endarterectomy was performed on 140 patients at variable intervals after stroke. Eleven patients had temporary stroke, which left 129 patients with neurologic symptoms that persisted for 3 weeks or had a cortical infarct on CT scanning. A prospective therapeutic protocol was applied to 82 patients admitted with acute stroke. They were observed until neurologic recovery reached a plateau, based on clinical observation by a neurologist, before performing angiography and carotid endarterectomy (group I). Forty-seven patients were not seen until after recovery from stroke was established (group II). At initial presentation, the severity of neurologic deficit was classified as mild, moderate, or severe in 31%, 58%, and 11%, respectively. Recovery before operation was registered as complete in 11%, mild residual in 66%, moderate residual in 21%, and severe residual in 2%. Group I patients (n = 82, 64%) were operated on within 6 weeks of stroke and group II (n = 47, 36%) were operated on at varying times after 6 weeks. No significant difference was found in the incidence of cerebrovascular events (1.2% vs 4.2%) and deaths (1.3% vs 2.1%) between groups I and II with respect to the timing of carotid endarterectomy, and no significant difference was found between patients operated on at 2, 4, 6, or more than 6 weeks after stroke.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

The management of splenic trauma in the adult patient with blunt multiple injuries.

An analysis of 106 adult patients with blunt multiple organ injury and splenic trauma was carried out during an eight year period. Three groups were studied--group 1, splenectomy; group 2, splenorrhaphy, and group 3, observation. There was no statistically significant difference in initial blood pressure, pulse or hematocrit among the three groups. The mean injury severity score (ISS) was higher for those in groups 1 and 2 (26.8 and 25.6, respectively) versus patients in group 3 (17.9) (p). There were a total of 38 intra-abdominal injuries in 34 patients of which 21 required surgical repair. No patient in the nonoperative group required laparotomy for a missed associated intra-abdominal injury. There were a total of 15 intra-abdominal complications related to splenic management. In the observation group, seven patients ultimately required laparotomy for continued splenic bleeding. In the splenorrhaphy group, the complication rate was significantly lower versus the other two groups (p). We concluded that, if technically feasible, splenorrhaphy is a safe procedure in the multiply injured patient in the absence of hypotension and coagulopathy. Nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma should be viewed with caution because of the high failure rate in the multiply injured patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Value of radiographs and bone scans in determining the need for therapy in diabetic patients with foot ulcers.

Thirty-two diabetic patients with foot ulcers were evaluated. Twenty-five patients had foot radiographs, technetium-99m bone scans, and wound and bone cultures; the remaining seven patients had all the studies except bone scanning. Bone changes compatible with osteitis were present on 15 of 32 foot radiographs (47 percent) and on 16 of 25 bone scans (64 percent). Bacterial growth was present in 27 of 32 wounds (84 percent) and 23 of 32 bone cultures (72 percent). Twelve of 23 patients (52 percent) with positive bone cultures had evidence of bone destruction and periosteal reaction on radiographs. The remaining 11 of 23 patients (48 percent) without radiographic signs of osteitis had bacterial growth from their bone cultures. Bone scans were positive in 12 of 18 patients (67 percent) with positive bone cultures and negative in 6 of 18 positive bone cultures (33 percent). We conclude that neither foot radiographs, technetium-99m bone scans, nor wound cultures should be used as the sole criterion for determining the use of antibiotic therapy or amputation in diabetic patients with foot ulcers.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Fibrinolytic treatment of residual thrombus after catheter embolectomy for severe lower limb ischemia.

Intraoperative intraarterial fibrinolytic therapy (IIFT) was employed in 28 patients with acute limb ischemia. In 17 patients, significant residual calf thrombus was demonstrated by completion arteriography after standard balloon catheter thromboembolectomy, whereas in 11, pretreatment arteriography was not obtained. With the patient systemically heparinized, a bolus of fibrinolytic agent was instilled into the distal vessels below an inflow occlusion clamp. Among the 17 patients under angiographic control, arteriography was repeated after 30 minutes and a second bolus was injected if significant residual thrombus was still present. Successful lysis was achieved in 88% of these 17 limbs and streptokinase (SK) and urokinase (UK) were equally effective. The dosage of SK varied between 50,000 and 150,000 units (seven patients) and of UK between 35,000 and 150,000 units (21 patients). Serum fibrinogen levels declined significantly after IIFT (t test; p less than 0.05), but the average level remained within the normal range. Major bleeding developed in two patients, both of whom received SK and underwent a concomitant major abdominal vascular procedure, with a severe fall in fibrinogen values to 10 and 17 mg/dl. A minor groin hematoma occurred in one patient treated with UK. There was a significant difference in the incidence of bleeding between SK (2/7) and UK (1/21) (chi 2; p less than 0.05). Compartment syndrome developed in six limbs (21%). Amputation was required in two patients (7%). There was no correlation between prolongation of ischemia time as a result of IIFT and the incidence of compartment syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Catheterization↗
PubMed1989

Intraoperative arteriography: comparison of conventional screen-film with photostimulable imaging plate radiographs.

This prospective study compared images obtained with a photostimulable imaging plate with matched images obtained with a conventional screen-film combination in 26 patients undergoing intraoperative arteriography. Diagnostic accuracy of the two techniques was assessed objectively, and image quality was assessed subjectively. In 16 patients (62%), the radiation exposure was reduced by 50% for the imaging plate technique by decreasing the mAs level generally used for the screen-film combination. Because of the dynamic range of the imaging plate system, no repeat examinations were necessary, while 12% of the screen-film studies had to be repeated because of over- or under-penetration. Imaging plate studies required 6% more time for processing than screen-film studies. Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis indicated no difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two imaging techniques. Subjective evaluation also revealed no difference in observer preference for imaging plate or screen-film studies. The imaging plate technique is an excellent alternative to screen-film studies in the operating room.

Angiography↗
PubMed1989

Subclavian artery-to-innominate vein fistula: a case caused by subclavian venous catheterization.

Arteriovenous fistulas caused by subclavian vein catheterization occur rarely. Most subclavian vein catheters are inserted through an infraclavicular subclavian venipuncture with passage of a vessel dilator and peel-away sheath over a guidewire. We report a previously undescribed complication of this technique, namely, a right subclavian artery-to-right innominate vein fistula. The mechanism of injury was perforation through the opposing walls of the respective vein and artery due to stiffness of the vessel dilator that could not negotiate the curve from the subclavian vein to the innominate vein. Measures to avoid this complication are described.

Arteriovenous Fistula↗
PubMed1989

Aortic blebs: possible site of aneurysm rupture.

Although the growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms are commonly explained by Laplace's law, the final events that precede aneurysm rupture are not fully understood. Local excrescences within the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms were observed in four of five patients studied with preoperative CT scanning, and were removed from six patients at the time of surgery. These protrusions were filled with thrombus, and on histologic examination marked attenuation of the aortic wall, focal loss of elastic fibers, and inflammatory cell infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and occasional multinucleate giant cells were seen. The presence of these blebs and their microscopic characteristics suggest their potential as a mechanism for rupture and recognition of this deformity by use of abdominal CT scanning may indicate the necessity for prompt surgical intervention. Further careful clinicopathologic correlation is required to clearly establish these localized defects in the aneurysm wall as a cause for rupture.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Gastrointestinal bleeding after aortic surgery. The role of laparotomy to rule out aortoenteric fistula.

The frequency and causes of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding occurring after aortic surgery were evaluated retrospectively to determine the incidence of aortoenteric fistula (AEF) in relation to other causes and to place in perspective the role of laparotomy for the diagnosis of AEF. Two hundred fifty-three patients in whom aortic prostheses have been inserted were observed for a mean of 46 months. Seventy-four bleeding episodes occurred in 21% of patients between 1 and 108 months after surgery (mean 29 months). Only one AEF appeared that was associated with GI bleeding, for an incidence of 1.4% of bleeding episodes and 0.4% of grafts inserted. No diagnostic workup for GI bleeding was performed for 20 of the 74 episodes and no AEFs were noted in this group during a mean follow-up of 28 months. Diagnostic evaluation was done for the remaining 54 episodes. No cause for bleeding was identified in 16 patients and no AEF developed in this group during a mean follow-up of 26 months. A potential bleeding site was identified in 38 patients, of whom 30 had intrinsic GI lesions and no subsequent evidence of AEF during a mean follow-up of 28 months. Laparotomy for a suspected AEF was recommended for the remaining eight episodes in eight patients and was performed in six patients. An AEF was seen in one patient with abnormality found on preoperative CT scanning; an intrinsic GI lesion was identified in three patients; and no pathologic condition was found in the remaining two (negative laparotomy rate, 33%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aorta, Abdominal↗
PubMed1988

Transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure monitoring to determine severity of limb ischemia and to predict surgical outcome.

Transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure (PO2 and PCO2) foot monitoring was compared with ankle Doppler-derived systolic pressure regarding their respective abilities to discriminate the severity of limb ischemia before vascular reconstruction and to predict surgical outcome early in the postoperative period. Transcutaneous PO2 (tcPCO2), foot-chest tcPO2 index, transcutaneous PCO2 (tcPCO2), foot tcPO2/tcPCO2 index (tcPO2/tcPCO2), ankle Doppler systolic pressure (AP), and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) were determined in 89 revascularized limbs. The measurement of tcPO2 and foot-chest tcPO2 was found to be more sensitive to degrees of severity of limb ischemia and more closely associated with the outcome of revascularization than AP and ABI. TcPCO2 and tcPO2/tcPCO2 were not useful in assessment of the vascular patient undergoing reconstructive surgery. Before operation, tcPO2 less than or equal to 22 torr and foot-chest tcPO2 less than or equal to 0.46 indicate severe limb ischemia requiring urgent revascularization. After operation, tcPO2 less than or equal to 22 torr and foot-chest tcPO2 index less than or equal to 0.53 indicate that revascularization is likely to fail. We conclude that tcPO2 monitoring, as a metabolic test of actual tissue perfusion, is a more reliable indicator of preoperative limb ischemia and postoperative outcome of revascularization than hemodynamic, Doppler-derived pressure tests.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

The necessity for long-term antibiotic therapy with positive arterial wall cultures.

The results of treatment after excision of infected arterial grafts were analyzed as a function of aortic/arterial wall cultures and duration of antibiotic therapy in 33 patients. Four patients died during surgery and 29 patients were observed for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 76 months. Negative arterial wall cultures (NAwC) were found in 16 patients, three of whom died of multiple-organ failure and sepsis but none of whom had aortic/arterial disruption/hemorrhage. Positive arterial wall cultures (PAwC) were found in 13 patients, seven of whom received short-term, broad-spectrum antibiotics for less than 10 days (PAwC-STA) and six of whom received long-term culture-specific antibiotic therapy (intravenous therapy for 6 weeks and oral therapy for 6 months) (PAwC-LTA). Five of seven patients in the PAwC-STA group died of aortic disruption or hemorrhage, one patient had severe hemorrhage caused by disintegration of a saphenous vein patch over the common femoral artery, and one patient had a recurrent aortoenteric fistula. There were 10 episodes of arterial disruption/hemorrhage in those seven patients. All episodes of aortic/arterial disruption/hemorrhage occurred in the PAwC-STA subgroup (seven of seven patients) and none occurred in the PAwC-LTA subgroup (none of six patients) (0.005 less than p less than 0.001). The incidence of aortic/arterial disruption/hemorrhage was significantly different between overall PAwC (7 of 13 patients) vs NAwC (none of 16 patients) (0.005 less than p less than 0.001) and NAwC-STA (none of 16 patients) vs PAwC-STA (seven of seven patients) (0.001 less than p less than 0.0005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Prospective comparison of noninvasive techniques for amputation level selection.

This study prospectively compared the following tests for their accuracy in amputation level selection: transcutaneous oxygen, transcutaneous carbon dioxide, transcutaneous oxygen-to-transcutaneous carbon dioxide, foot-to-chest transcutaneous oxygen, intradermal xenon-133, ankle-brachial index, and absolute popliteal artery Doppler systolic pressure. All metabolic parameters had a high degree of statistical accuracy in predicting amputation healing whereas none of the other tests had statistical reliability. Amputation site healing was not affected by the presence of diabetes mellitus nor were the test results for any of the metabolic parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Control of infection in the diabetic foot: the role of microbiology, immunopathology, antibiotics, and guillotine amputation.

Newer culture techniques have demonstrated that diabetic foot infections are polymicrobial, involving both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. These infections are characteristically foul-smelling and create immense tissue destruction. Occasionally, despite the absence of clostridial organisms, subcutaneous gas may be present. The importance of adequate surgical debridement has been emphasized. In the event of advancing, unremitting infection involving the foot, ankle guillotine amputation may be a life-saving technique. Finally, the role of host-defense mechanism in diabetes is important. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytosis are energy-dependent processes that are deficient in the diabetic. Better diabetic control with maintenance of normal blood sugars and avoidance of ketoacidosis may be the key to prevention of these morbid, lower extremity infections.

Amputation, Surgical↗
PubMed1986

The value of carotid endarterectomy in reducing the morbidity and mortality of recurrent stroke.

Survivors of ischemic stroke are at high risk of sustaining recurrent strokes, which tend to be more severe and are often fatal. Controversy exists regarding whether or not carotid endarterectomy (CEA) achieves its objectives of preventing recurrent stroke and reducing subsequent death in such patients. Therefore, we analyzed the records of 275 consecutive patients who underwent 350 CEAs between 1977 and 1983 and identified 95 patients (34.5%) who had suffered a preoperative stroke, which was the primary indication for operation. All had either full recovery (13.7%) or only mild (63.2%) or moderate (23.1%) neurologic deficits at the time of operation. Patients with severe deficits did not undergo operation. The operations were performed whenever the neurologic recovery had reached a plateau, without a specific interim waiting period between the stroke and the operation. The combined operative morbidity/mortality rate was 2.7% (three patients), both deaths caused by stroke in patients with mild preoperative neurologic deficits and one (0.9%) nonfatal postoperative stroke involving the retina in a patient who also had a mild preoperative deficit. Long-term follow-up averaged 32 months (range, 6 to 72 months). No ipsilateral recurrent strokes occurred during this period after CEA. Life-table analysis revealed a recurrent stroke rate of 3.2% (0.64% per year) and a 5-year survival rate of 81.3%. Patients who were neurologically normal at the time of operation had a cumulative 5-year survival rate of 90.9%. None of the late deaths was due to recurrent stroke.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1985

External carotid artery reconstruction: its role in the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Twenty-one patients who underwent 22 external carotid artery reconstructions for cerebral ischemia were reviewed. Ten patients had amaurosis fugax, 9 had hemispheric ischemia, and 2 were asymptomatic. With the exception of one patient, all had ipsilateral internal carotid artery occlusion and either external carotid stenosis or a cul-de-sac of the occluded internal carotid artery. Six patients had ipsilateral common carotid occlusions. The operative technique has been presented. There were no operative strokes or new neurologic deficits. All patients were relieved of symptoms. Patients were followed a mean of 32 months. During follow-up, 3 ipsilateral transient ischemic attacks occurred during the first 3 months. Four strokes occurred (one ipsilateral and three contralateral) from 4 to 33 months postoperatively. Ipsilateral stroke rate by life table analysis was 1 percent per year. These data suggest that external carotid artery reconstruction is a safe, effective, and durable therapeutic alternative for management of patients with cerebral ischemia and an ipsilateral occluded internal carotid artery. External carotid endarterectomy eliminates a potential source of emboli and increases cerebral perfusion. Because of the increase in cerebral blood flow, subsequent extracranial-to-intracranial bypass may be unnecessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Guillotine amputation in the treatment of nonsalvageable lower-extremity infections.

Primary definitive amputation performed in the presence of distal-extremity infection carries the risk of wound infection and additional limb loss. We reviewed 75 below-knee amputations performed for nonsalvageable foot infections. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: group 1 underwent open ankle guillotine amputation followed by definitive below-knee amputation, and group 2 underwent primary definitive below-knee amputation. In group 1, 97% of patients achieved primary healing after revision, and none required amputation at a higher level. In group 2, 78% of patients achieved primary healing, but 11% required revision of the amputation to the above-knee level. These data supported the following conclusion: guillotine ankle amputation followed by below-knee amputation for the nonsalvageable, infected lower extremity is associated with a significantly lower amputation failure rate than primary definitive amputation.

Aged↗