Bio-impedance measurements are widely used to assess various physiological parameters.
Contemporary skin electrodes for bio-impedance measurements are cumbersome and novel
electrode designs are needed to allow fast and easy placement, long-term stability and user
comfort. This investigation introduces dry, printed, bio-compatible electrode arrays, made
of screen-printed carbon and inkjet-printed PEDOT:PSS that measure bio-impedance noninvasively
and stably. Two contact impedance measurements yield the lowest normalized
values of soft electrodes reported to date. Four contact bio-impedance measurements
from the radial, ulnar, common carotid and superficial temporal arteries were performed,
demonstrating the ability to capture blood pulsation in different areas with small form
factor. Owing to the unique properties of the printed electrodes reported here, we were
able to demonstrate for the first time blood pulsation in the face, continuous blood pulsation
measurement during simultaneous muscle activation and signal stability over many hours.
Electric bicycles and scooters have gained popularity among riders; studies assessing these device-related injuries have not specified ocular trauma. Our study examined the types and risk factors for ocular and periocular injuries associated with electric devices compared to motorcycle accidents. The study was conducted on the National Trauma Registry database from 20 trauma centers, including patients involved in accidents with electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles between 2014 to 2019. Injured riders were assigned into two groups: motorcycle group (M) and electric bicycle & scooter group (E). Data such as gender, age, protective gear use, ocular injury type, injury severity score (ISS), and ocular surgery were captured. Logistic regression models were conducted for injury types and the need for surgery. 8181 M-riders and 3817 E-riders were involved in an accident and hospitalized. E-riders suffered from ocular injury more than M-riders. Males were most vulnerable and the ages of 15–29. Orbital floor fracture was the most common injury, followed by ocular contusion, eyelid laceration, and other ocular wounds. Electric bicycle and scooter riders are more likely to suffer from ocular injury than motorcycle riders. Riders without helmets are at greater risk for injuries, specifically orbital floor fractures. ISS of 16 + was associated with injury demanding ocular surgery.
The importance of facial muscles is evident in the critical role they play in numerous functions. The purpose of some actions (e.g. chewing, swallowing) is clear. Others, such as yawning and the expression of emotion are more elusive. Despite their ubiquity, the manner by which facial muscles affect physiological processes is not clear. In particular, how facial muscles affect blood flow has received little attention. Here we present a new wearable approach to investigate the face. Soft electrode arrays were used to detect subtle changes in blood flow in the temporal superficial artery following muscle activity. Changes in response to muscle activation are clearly evident and conspicuously more complex than in the forearm. Simultaneous bio-potential and bio-impedance mapping of the face unravels the complex manner by which these muscles help shape human physiology.
Introduction Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) is a common treatment modality for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Previous studies have advocated the importance of undergoing a cystoscopy prior to an IPP procedure and whether the costs outweigh the benefits. Cystoscopies assist in diagnosing Lower Urinary Tract Obstructions (LUTO) such as BPH with obstruction, urethral strictures, bladder stones, and bladder tumors. These pathologies can cause complications in patients who undergo IPP, as well as unnecessary costs for canceling or aborting surgery. Due to these risks, cystoscopies may be a necessary pre-operative procedure prior to implantation. However, cystoscopies can be costly and there is an increased risk of infection. As a result, the cost-benefit analysis of performing this procedure in patients prior to IPP placement remains controversial. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of incidental findings found during cystoscopy, to determine if this procedure should be routinely implemented in clinical practice prior to IPP placement Methods We performed a retrospective study which identified all patients undergoing “de novo” IPP surgery, performed from May 2019 until May 2022, by two high volume implant surgeons. A review of all patients who underwent direct vision internal urethrotomy, or cystoscopy procedure prior to surgery was performed. The study population consists of men who underwent cystoscopy procedure prior to inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery in the office setting. Only patients who had no previous history of penile implantation were included. All clinical notes, patient demographics, comorbidities and surgical outcomes were reviewed. Results 224 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the 224 patients who underwent cystoscopy, prior to implantation, 153 (68%) had no previous history of cystoscopy procedure, while 28 (12%) had prior robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). This cohort consisted of 40 (18%) patients whose cystoscopy findings lead to other urological procedures prior to IPP surgery. These findings included 15 patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH, which required a TURP, 18 patients with previously unknown bladder tumors, which required a TURBT, and 7 patients with bladder stones which required cystolithotomy. Other incidental findings which did not require surgery included 24 (11%) patients found to have urethral strictures treated with traditional urethral dilation, with only 3 requiring cold knife therapy. 27 patients diagnosed with prostatic strictures secondary to previous prostatic procedures including TURP, Urolift, Microwave Therapy, cryotherapy, etc. These patients were dilated with the scope at the time of procedure. There were 3 patients that presented with kidney stones in the bladder which did not require additional procedures. Of this cohort, 8 (3.5%) patients had post-procedural infections that were treated with a conservative course of antibiotics and did not require further treatment. Conclusions In patients with no previous history of urologic evaluation, a pre-operative cystoscopy procedure can be an invaluable tool to help prevent unnecessary complications or misdiagnosed pathology, such as bladder cancer or urethral strictures. Unplanned intraoperative cystoscopies and interventions can be costly and may be avoided with a simple in office cystoscopy prior to penile implantation. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast, Boston Scientific
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