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Biomedical subjects

T Onuki

Publications and source records attributed to T Onuki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[New forceps for a sutureless patch technique using sheet materials].

Intraoperative air leaks are often treated by a sutureless patch technique using a fibrin tissue-adhesive collagen fleece or synthetic materials with fibrin sealant. Intraoperatively, the technique of using these materials has been troublesome, therefore air leaks fail to close. Akicette has been applied as an easy sutureless patch technique for air leaks. Seven air leaks (5 were lung cancers, 2 were spontaneous pneumothorax) were treated with Akicette. Akicette is simple to operate with, and can easily carry sheet materials. Using Akicette, the sheet materials tightly adhered onto surrounding the pleural defect without any sliding on the wet lung surface. Akicette is feasible tool for a sutureless patch technique and is useful to easily place the sheet materials.

Biocompatible Materials↗

[Simulation of lung lobe resection with personal computer].

Various patterns of branching are seen for pulmonary arteries and veins in the lung hilum. However, thoracic surgeons usually cannot expect to discern much anatomical detail preoperatively. If the surgeon can gain an understanding of individual patterns preoperatively, the risks inherent in exposing the pulmonary vessels in the hilum can be avoided, reducing invasiveness. This software will meet the increasing needs of them in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) which prefer lesser dissections of the vessels and bronchus of hilum. We have produced free application software, where we can mark on pulmonary arteries, vein, bronchus and tumor of the successive images of computed tomography (CT). After receiving a compact disk containing 60 images of 2 mm CT slices, from tumor to hilum, in DICOM format, we required only 1 hour to obtain 3-dimensional images for a patient with other free software (Metasequoia LE). Furthermore, with Metasequoia LE, we can simulate cut the vessels and change the figure of them 3-dimensionally. Although the picture image leaves much room for improvement, we believe it is very attractive for residents because they can simulate operations.

Computer Simulation↗

[Clinical study on video-assisted thoracic surgical simultaneously stapled subsegmentectomy for peripheral lung tumors].

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to confirm the safety and validity of video-assisted thoracic surgical simultaneously stapled subsegmentectomy (simultaneously stapling of all subsegmental bronchi and vessels in their natural construction). METHODS: The clinicopathologic information of the 10 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgical simultaneously stapled subsegmentectomy for primary lung cancer (6) and metastatic lung tumor (4) were reviewed retrospectively. The patient population consisted of 7 men and 3 women with a mean age of 70.2 years. RESULTS: Median operative time was 201 minutes. Average blood loss was 76 ml. Mean duration of thoracic drainage was 3 days. There was no surgical mortality. Recurrence was diagnosed in 2 of 6 lung cancer patients (each of contralateral lung metastasis and brain metastasis), and 1 of 2 died 26 months after the operation. All patients have been followed for a mean period of 30.4 months with no local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracic surgical simultaneously stapled subsegmentectomy is safe and may be an acceptable alternative to segmentectomy, and wedge resection for strictly selective patients with peripheral lung tumors.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Stenting in obstruction of superior vena cava; clinical experience with the self-expanding endovascular prosthesis].

From August 1997 to December 2002, 14 consecutive patients with superior vena cava syndrome with the self-expanding endovascular prosthesis. Diagnoses were adenocarcinoma in 6, small cell carcinoma in 4, squamous cell carcinoma in 1, metastatic lung cancer in 2, and invasive thymoma in 1. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured on their admission and perioperative period. Expecting only 1 patient complete symptomatically relieved within 3 days of stent implantation. Superior vena cava pressure or radial pressure of the stent was sufficient to relieve obstruction. Preoperative ANP level were normal, BNP level were increased. Postoperatively both ANP level and BNP level were slightly increased under intravenous dopamine hydrochloride. Implantation of the self-expanding stent endovascular prosthesis for superior vena cava syndrome provides rapid symptomatic relief and improves the patient's quality of life.

Adult↗

[Squamous cell carcinoma caused by dysplasia on the bullous wall].

We experienced a squamous cell lung carcinoma caused by dysplasia around the bullous wall after right upper lobectomy by tuberculosis. A case is 70 years old male who was resected right upper lobe caused by tuberculosis 50 years ago. He was pointed out an abnormal shadow on the chest X-ray in March 2002. There were bullous change in right lung field on the chest computed tomography (CT). There was appeared a tumor contiguous to the bullous wall. A part of bullous wall surrounding the tumor was thickened bronchio-alveolar lavage gave proof of squamous cell carcinoma. Right basal segmentectomy and subcarinal lymph node dissection was done, because of severe adhesion a right middle lobe. Radiation therapy at the mediastinum is performed, because of positive subcarinal lymph nodes. It is rare case of squamous cell carcinoma caused by dysplasia, we reported.

Aged↗

[Inadvertent coil migration that required urgent thoracotomy during embolization for the treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula].

A 70-year-old woman was referred to our department because of a solitary nodular shadow, 2 cm in diameter, in the right mid zone on a chest X-ray. Chest computed tomography revealed a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) in S4 of the right lung. Although the patient did not present with PAVF-related symptoms or hypoxemia, in view of the threat of serious complications, a therapeutic decision was made for coil embolization of the pulmonary artery feeding the PAVF. During the endovascular embolization procedure, the coil migrated into the mitral valve chordae tendinae. Urgent thoracotomy was therefore performed and the coil was safely retrieved from the site. Via the same thoracotomy incision, the PAVF with its surrounding tissue was also resected from the right lobe of the lung. The inadvertent coil migration in this patient may be explained by the fact that the fistula was not large enough to allow the coil to stay in place for the prevention of blood flow from the feeding vessel. These findings indicate that surgical resection of PAVF should be selected when the size of the fistula is too small for coil embolization. Otherwise, if transcatheter embolization is preferred, the detachable balloon approach may be appropriate.

Aged↗

Propagation of surface plasmon polariton in nanometre-sized metal-clad optical waveguides.

Using a local anodic-oxidation method with a probe tip of a scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM) as the electrode, we have fabricated an oxide core with subwavelength dimensions on metal. The propagation of the surface plasmon polariton (SPP), which is excited at the interface between the oxide core and the metal clad, has been investigated using the same SNOM. Altering the wavelength of input light from 532 nm to 830 nm, the propagation length of the SPP extends from 2 micro m to 6 micro m. We carried out a simulation of the SPP propagation, and obtained a similar wavelength dependence.

Journal Article↗

Near-field observation of carrier diffusion in GaAs quantum structures under high magnetic fields.

Photoluminescence from a two-dimensional electron-gas system in GaAs single hetero-structures was investigated using a scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM) operated at cryogenic temperatures under high magnetic fields. The local intensity of the luminescence increased 600-fold that at 0 T as the magnetic field was increased up to 6 T. The enhancement depended on the spatial resolution of the SNOM. These characteristics are explained by the suppression of the diffusion of photocarriers caused by the Lorentz force in magnetic fields.

Journal Article↗

[Video-assisted thoracic surgery for the resection of pulmonary metastases].

We report the use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) as a treatment or pulmonary metastases. Between July 1994 and March 2002, 75 patients were treated for metastatic lung tumor by VATS. These patients included 45 males and 30 females with an average age of 60.6 years. Their primary diseases were Colon cancer (38), renal cell carcinoma (12), breast cancer (6), seminoma (3), thyroid carcinoma (3), parotid cancer (2), pharyngeal cancer (2) and the others (9). Tumor size ranged from 6 to 62 mm in diameter. A preoperative high resolution spiral computed tomography (CT) scan was used to locate the nodule in all patients. Ten recurrence cases were performed re-resection by VATS approach with an average period was 22 month. We conclude that VATS is a good candidate for the resection of lung metastases in the selected cases.

Adult↗

[Total aortic arch replacement for distal aortic arch aneurysm with adhered left lung: report of a case].

A 76-year-old man with a history of pleuritis and a cerebral infarct underwent a total arch replacement for an aneurysm of the distal aortic arch. Computed tomography revealed a true aneurysm having a maximum diameter of 70 mm as well as pleural thickening and calcification. Total arch replacement with selective cerebral perfusion was performed through median sternotomy and left thoracotomy. The myocardial ischemic time was shortened by reperfusion from the right axillary artery after the anastomosis of the proximal ascending aorta and the brachiocephalic artery. After the other branches of the arch were anastomosed, a distal anastomosis through the left thoracotomy was then performed using the pull-through method, enabling minimal decortication of the adhered lung. Our surgical procedure for distal arch aneurysm with adhered lung involves the addition of a left thoracotomy, but the reduction in the myocardial ischemic time and lung injury are of benefit.

Aged↗

[Surgical management of acute empyema].

Basic principles apply to the management of all forms of acute empyema: investigation and treatment of the underlying infection, drainage of purulent collection, obliteration of the space, and treatment of the associated intercurrent medical conditions. From July 1999 to May 2001, we performed surgical treatment in 11 patients for acute empyema. There were 4 cases of the fibrinopurulent phase and 7 cases of the organizing phase. Surgical procedure was 7 open thoracotomies and 4 thoracoscopies. The mean operating time was 154.2 +/- 36.6 minutes and blood loss during surgery was 344.7 +/- 274.8 ml. There was no procedure-related morbidity. In conclusion, early aggressive surgical approach is a feasible method for treatment of acute empyema.

Acute Disease↗

Thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax in older patients.

BACKGROUND: Secondary pneumothorax is more common in older pneumothorax patients. Therefore, we set out to investigate the usefulness of thoracoscopic surgery in this group. METHODS: A total of 59 operations were performed on patients aged > or = 50 years, with the goal of excising only the lesions responsible for air leaks by using the minimum degree of dissection. If the patients were found to have numerous bullae, the lesions responsible were identified by pleurography. The duration of chest tube drainage, hospital stay, and recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: The air leaks stopped and all patients were discharged without drains. Postoperative drainage time was 3.8 +/- 3.0 days. Postoperative hospital stay was 10.8 +/- 9.2 days. Six patients died of other diseases, but there was only one recurrence of pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: We consider video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), with the goal of excising only the lesions responsible for air leaks, to be particularly efficacious in older pneumothorax patients.

Aged↗

The role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of the small peripheral pulmonary nodule.

BACKGROUND: The use of imaging techniques to detect small peripheral pulmonary nodules often results in a missed diagnosis. Thoracoscopy had limited application until recently, when advances in technology allowed thoracic surgeons greater visualization and mobility within the chest. METHODS: Between September 1992 and June 1997, 81 patients were treated for small peripheral pulmonary nodules by pulmonary wedge excision using video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques. The patients were 39 men and 42 women with an average age of 59.5 years. RESULTS: A definitive diagnosis was obtained in all cases. Malignancies were found in 44 patients (55%), which involved primary lung cancer in 28 patients and metastatic lesions in 16 patients. The rate of malignancy in nodules measuring 1 cm or less was 18%. There was no operative mortality or morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy is a more effective and less invasive diagnostic tool for small peripheral pulmonary nodules.

Female↗

Surgical management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

We report surgical resections in 3 patients with active multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. All cases involved strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin and patients who were poor candidates for medical therapy alone. We conducted pulmonary resections (partial resection in case 1, lobectomy in case 2, and segmentectomy in case 3). The optimum multiple-drug regimen, based on drug susceptibility studies, was used preoperatively and postoperatively. In all cases, sputum smears and cultures yielded negative results postoperatively, and continue to be negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to date. It is recommended that, if localized disease is present and medical treatment is likely to fail, pulmonary resection be conducted for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Adult↗

Bullectomy is beneficial in the pulmonary blood flow/driving pressure relationship in bullous emphysema patients.

OBJECTIVES: Few physiological studies have been on pulmonary circulation, including the relationship between pulmonary blood flow and driving pressure, and viscosity changes arising from hematocrit changes before versus after lung volume reduction Surgery or bullectomy in emphysematous patients. METHODS: We studied the relationship between pulmonary blood flow and driving pressure before and after bullectomy using a unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion test based on pulmonary blood flow fractions obtained by pulmonary blood flow scintigraphy in 7 patients with pulmonary emphysema associated with bullae. RESULTS: Among the 7 undergoing bullectomy, the pulmonary blood flow/driving pressure relationship decreased in 5 and was unchanged in 2. Of the 11 lungs treated by bullectomy, this relationship decreased in 8 lungs, but not 3 (p < 0.01). No significant difference was seen in oxygen partial pressure in arterial and mixed venous blood or hematocrit. CONCLUSION: We concluded that bullectomy shifted the pulmonary blood flow/driving pressure relationship downword in some cases with significant bullae.

Aged↗

Nitinol stent for the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of implantation of a nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) stent for the treatment of malignant or benign tracheobronchial stenosis. METHODS: We evaluated 18 patients (14 men and 4 women) who received 24 nitinol stents, between November 1997 and May 2000. All 18 patients had severe dyspnea caused by tracheobronchial stenosis. The underlying condition was malignant disease in 15 patients, and benign tracheal collapse in the other 3 patients. RESULTS: Implantation of the stent was successfully performed in all patients. Seventeen patients experienced immediate clinical improvement in respiratory symptoms. The remaining 1 patient with a bronchial fistule after lobectomy did not benefit, and died of pneumonia at 16 days after the implantation. In 15 patients, the procedure was performed using a flexible bronchoscope under local anesthesia alone, while the remaining 3 patients needed intravenous sedation. There was no complication resulting from the stent implantation. Among the 3 patients with benign tracheal collapse, 2 patients were alive at 746 and at 401 days after the stent implantation, at the time of this report. One patient with cicatricial stenosis after intubation died of heart failure due to previous myocardial infarction. Among the 15 patients with malignant disease, 4 patients have survived for 177 to 305 days to date, while the other 11 patients have died of primary malignancy with a mean survival duration of 60.2 days. CONCLUSION: The nitinol stent was effective in treating malignant or benign tracheobronchial stenosis, and had some remarkable advantages compared with other tracheobronchial stents. In stenting, most procedures can be performed using flexible bronchoscope under local anesthesia.

Adult↗

Measurement of antiacetylcholine receptor antibody in patients with thymoma without myasthenia gravis complications.

OBJECTIVE: Some patients with thymoma reported to show higher antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers without the preoperative occurrence of myasthenia gravis and some have suffered postoperative complications of myasthenia gravis despite being negative for antiacetylcholine receptor antibody preoperatively. We evaluated changes in antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers and the occurrence of myasthenia gravis in thymoma patients. METHODS: Subjects were 31 of 44 patients with thymoma undergoing thymothymectomy at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital between 1987 to 1999 in whom antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers were measured preoperatively. We studied postoperative changes in antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers and the presence or absence of myasthenia gravis. RESULTS: Eight patients were positive for antiacetylcholine receptor antibody preoperatively, suggesting the presence of subclinical myasthenia gravis. Neither postoperative changes in antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers nor the occurrence of myasthenia gravis was observed in these 8 patients. Recurrent thymoma and rapid elevation of antiacetylcholine receptor antibody titers were observed postoperatively in 1 patient negative for antiacetylcholine receptor antibody preoperatively, resulting in manifestation of myasthenia gravis symptoms. CONCLUSION: We found no correlation between preoperative titers and myasthenia gravis symptoms. Rapid titer elevation indicates the occurrence of myasthenia gravis symptoms or the recurrence of thymoma.

Adult↗

Wallstent endovascular prosthesis for the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the clinical outcome of self-expanding Wallstent endovascular prosthesis in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome due to malignant tumors. METHODS: Eleven patients with malignant superior vena cava syndrome were treated by percutaneous implantation of the self-expanding Wallstent endovascular prosthesis across the stricture site. Patency was defined by the absence of symptoms and signs of superior vena cava syndrome. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 experienced complete symptomatic relief within 3 days of stent implantation. The remaining 1 did not benefit, and required a second procedure, dying of heart failure 5 days after stent implantation. Ten patients remain symptomatically free of superior vena cava syndrome to date or until death in follow-up lasting 17 to 227 days. CONCLUSION: Implantation of the self-expanding Wallstent endovascular prosthesis for malignant superior vena cava syndrome provides rapid symptomatic relief and improves the patient's quality of life.

Adult↗