A highly sensitive pressure sensor based on printed organic transistors with three-dimensionally self-organized organic semiconductor microstructures (3D OSCs) was demonstrated. A unique organic transistor with semiconductor channels positioned at the highest summit of printed cylindrical microstructures was achieved simply by printing an organic semiconductor and polymer blend on the plastic substrate without the use of additional etching or replication processes. A combination of the printed organic semiconductor microstructure and an elastomeric top-gate dielectric resulted in a highly sensitive organic field-effect transistor (FET) pressure sensor with a high pressure sensitivity of 1.07 kPa and a rapid response time of <20 ms with a high reliability over 1000 cycles. The flexibility and high performance of the 3D OSC FET pressure sensor were exploited in the successful application of our sensors to real-time monitoring of the radial artery pulse, which is useful for healthcare monitoring, and to touch sensing in the e-skin of a realistic prosthetic hand.
The implement of endoscopic spinal surgery has minimized the requirement of fusion procedures. However, certain patients still require fusion surgery such as instability. We performed a full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (eTLIF) through a conventional paraspinal approach. Methods: eighteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease underwent eTLIF through paraspinal approach. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the MacNab's criteria; radiological outcome measured with segmental lordosis (SLA), global lumbar lordosis (LLA), disc height (DH) on plain radiograph and percentage of potential fusion mass on CT scan at pre-operative, post-operative and final follow up period. intra operative and post-operative complications noted. Results: Mean age was 63. 71 years and Mean follow-up periods was 7.78 months. In the X-ray result, mean SLA improved in pre-operative/post-operative/ followup period 9.87±2.740/11.79±3.74 0/10.56±3.690 (p>0.01); mean LLA improved 37.1±7.040/ 39.2±7.130/35.7±7.250 (p>0.01). Mean DH improved from 8.97±1.49 mm/12.34±1.39 mm/11.44 ±1.98 mm (p<0.01). In the CT result, Average percentage of fusion mass was 42.61%. VAS was improved, 7.67/3.39/2.5 and ODI was improved, 74.9/34.56/27.76 by each preoperative/postoperative/final follow-up. In the clinical result, excellent was 5 cases and good was 13 cases. Conclusion: eTLIF was competent and viable surgical procedure. The results were excellent in the form of endplate preservation, disc height restoration, minimal post-operative pain with early mobilization. The fusion volume occupies 40% to 50% of disc space is expected to give sufficient fusion.
Distal embolization resulting from carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) occurs mainly in the cerebral hemisphere. We report a case of ophthalmic artery occlusion after carotid revascularization. A 75-year old man received emergency CAS for cervical internal carotid artery occlusion. Two months later, the patient was readmitted for decreased visual acuity. We found ophthalmic artery occlusion that was not noticed soon after CAS. Although ophthalmic artery occlusion after CAS is rare, endovascular neurosurgeons should be aware of this potential complication.
Objective: Thoracolumbar disc herniation is an uncommon disabling spine condition. Methods: There is relatively large dura expansion to lateral recess in the thoracolumbar junction leading to potential hazard in docking and execution of endoscopic transforaminal discectomy. Mobile outside in technique had been executed successfully in lumbar disc herniation, we modified the technique to allow safe docking and execution of discectomy in thoracolumbar junction. Herein, we report a case of thoracic twelve lumbar one disc paracentral disc herniation treated with floating transforaminal endoscopic discectomy under local anesthesia. Results: A 46-year-old man with a 3-months of severe back and radicular pain on the right groin. A diagnosis of right T12/L1 paracentral disc herniation was made, based on clinical and radiological investigations. He underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic thoracolumbar discectomy with floating technique. Over a follow-up of 6 months, a favorable outcome was noted. Conclusion: Floating technique of transforaminal endoscopic thoracolumbar junction discectomy is a safe and an effective surgical approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar disc herniation. In patients with thoracolumbar disc herniation, careful patient selection and evaluation neural elements anatomy in relation to bony anatomy is important in preparation for endoscopic decompression.
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