Abstract: During curative cancer surgery, magnetic retraction could offer advantages over retraction by graspers because of reduced tissue trauma and with the potential for noncontact retraction. To realize magnetic retraction, magnetic fluid was injected into harvested porcine stomachs and an external permanent magnet was used to retract the ferromagnetized tissue. The magnetic forces of four ferrofluids were measured. The results of these experiments showed that iron-oxide-nanoparticle-based ferrofluids do not provide the required retraction force. However, sufficient retraction force is obtained by ferromagnetic microparticles fluids (stainless steel 410, denoted MP-SS410) by virtue of their high magnetization and saturation. In ex vivo surgical retraction experiments, MP-SS410 powder was dispersed in phosphate-buffered saline and other fluids. These ferrofluids were injected into the submucosal layer of harvested porcine stomachs at different concentrations and volumes. The inoculum generated a magnetic retraction force linearly proportional to the concentration and injected volume. Ex vivo surgical retraction, and dissection and resection were possible with a simple magnetic probe. The results of this study indicate that ferromagnetization of tissue can be used to facilitate localized tissue retraction and resection.
Notes: Wang, Zhigang xD;Wang, Lijun xD;Brown, Stuart I xD;Frank, Tim G xD;Cuschieri, Alfred xD;Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't xD;United States xD;IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering xD;IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2009 Sep;56(9):2244-52. Epub 2008 Dec 2.
Abstract: Abstract Background Magnetic retraction has potential advantages over existing direct physical retraction means (e.g., forceps) in terms of providing complete atraumatic retraction, avoiding tumour cell exfoliation as well as offering the possibility of noncontact retraction. This paper describes a pilot study of surface magnetic retraction of the gastric mucosa to facilitate resection. Methods Fifteen porcine stomach specimens were used in this pilot study. The uniaxial tensile properties of retracted mucosa were initially studied using a tensiometer. Magnetic media of ferromagnetic microparticles (stainless steel 410) dispersed in cyanoacrylate liquid were prepared at four different concentrations, and a neodymium permanent magnet was used to magnetically retract the media. The media was finally surface-glued to the target mucosa for performing a simulated surgical procedure. Results The force measurement data show that the retraction forces increased as the concentrations of microparticles and magnetic media volumes increased. A magnetic media concentration of 2 g/mL was most suitable since it offered sufficient retraction force from a small volume of applied media, e.g., the observed magnetic forces exerted on 50 μL of media were 1.42 N by a 3-mm magnet and 3.75 N by a 6-mm magnet, respectively, both being more than sufficient for the mucosal retraction. The additional forces required for dissection with four alternative instruments, i.e., electrosurgery hook, snares, scalpel or scissors, were also measured, e.g., the total force required to retract up to 10 mm and resect the mucosa with snares was 0.36 ± 0.17 N. In a simulated surgical procedure (resection of gastric mucosa with glued magnetic medium) retraction by the magnet allowed resection of the tented mucosa by an electrosurgical snare. Conclusion Surface ferromagnetisation of target mucosal tissues could enable magnetic retraction for endoscopic surgery.
Abstract: We have developed a prototype middle-ear hearing implant which uses a multilayer piezoelectric actuator. In this series of experiments the actuator was attached to the medial wall of the attic so that it makes contact with the body of the incus. Initial in vitro evaluation has been carried out using a laser vibrometer (Polytec CLV) to measure stapes velocity. Stapes displacement is calculated by mathematical integration. The device used in this way is particularly effective at transmitting high frequency sound to the stapes. When switched off the actuator impairs the transmission of sound to the ossicular chain at low frequencies, but this effect is only 7 dB at most. The stapes displacements resulting from the action of the implant have a linear relationship with the voltages used to drive the system. The high capacitance of the present actuator means that its power requirements are higher than that of other comparable devices. An optimal method of coupling the device to the incus has yet to be identified.
Notes: Mills, R P xD;Wang, Z G xD;Abel, E W xD;Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't xD;England xD;The Journal of laryngology and otology xD;J Laryngol Otol. 2001 May;115(5):359-62.
Abstract: Abstract A force measurement device has been designed to monitor the mechanical properties of fracture site with external fixation. Forces are measured through electric resistance strain gauges mounted on fixation framework and the measurement results are displayed on an LCD screen. The device features a force range of 0–10 kg with linearity and repeatability less than 1% and accuracy less than 0.1 kg.
