Journal of Bionic Memory

Pain measurement methods and pain measurement system design

Hakan Caglar — 2023-09-29

The measurement of pain, which is one of the common problems of human beings, is extremely important in terms of determining the method and program that is planned to be applied to eliminate it. Therefore, the most important step in pain treatment will be to determine the pain value first. Today, there are many methods used to assess pain. In this article, the importance of pain assessment, the methods used in pain assessment and the importance of the algometer device, which is widely used in the pain assessment process, will be discussed. In addition, the features of the algometer device designed with tension spring and potentiometer structure will be explained.

Our outcomes of aortic valve sparing reimplantation (David procedure) in patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and type A aortic dissection

Erhan Renan Ucaroglu — 2023-09-29

Aim: To present our outcomes with David procedure in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms (AAA) and type A aortic dissection (AD).

Methods: Thirty-six patients, aged between 38-75 years, followed-up in the cardiovascular surgery clinic of our hospital were included in the study. Patients’ demographic data such as age and gender, type of dissection, urea and creatinine values, length of stay in the ICU, duration of hospitalization were recorded. Outcomes of postoperative and long-term ecography were analyzed.

Results: Of the 36 patients included in the study, 26 (72.22%) were male and 10 (22.78%) were female. The mean age of all patients was 60 ± 10 years. Ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA) was found in 20 (55.56%) patients and type A aortic dissection (AD) in 16 (44.44%) patients. In the postoperative echocardiography, 7 (23.33%) patients were normal, while 2 (6.67%) had trace aortic insufficiency, 17 (56.67%) patients had mild aortic insufficiency, 3 (10.00%) patients had moderate aortic insufficiency and 1 (3.33%) severe aortic insufficiency. Echocardiography performed one month after the operation revealed normal pathology in 10 (33.33%) trace aortic sufficiency in 2 (6.67%) patients, mild aortic insufficiency in 17 (56.67%) patients, and moderate aortic insufficiency in 1 (3.33%) patient.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that aortic valve-sparing reimplantation (David) procedure can be safely and effectively performed in patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and type A aortic dissection. It eliminates the need for a mechanical prosthesis and its complications.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on glaucoma

Neslihan Sevimli — 2023-09-29

Aim: To observe the course of glaucoma progression after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment of patients with glaucoma.

Methods: This observational case-control study included a total of 74 patients with COVID-19 infection who were diagnosed with glaucoma previously. The study focused on the left eye of 37 patients each was treated as an inpatient (group 1) or outpatient (group 2). Age, gender, existence of systemic and ocular diseases, symptoms, laboratory results, drugs used for COVID-19 and glaucoma, length of hospital stay, intraocular pressure (IOP), and central corneal thickness (CCT) values were recorded. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (ppRNFLT), ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer complex thickness (GCIPLT), and vertical cup-disc (C-D) ratio results were compared before and after COVID-19 treatment in both groups.

Results: A significant increase was observed in IOP and a significant decrease was observed in GCIPLT in both groups (groups 1 and 2 for both values p<0.01 and p=0.02, respectively) after COVID-19 infection. In both groups, the mean difference (MD) for IOP and GCIPLT values were higher in group 1. Although ppRNFLT values decreased in both groups, a significant decrease was observed in group 1 after COVID-19 infection (p=0.03). The mean C-D ratio was higher after COVID-19 infection in groups 1 and 2. (p=0.04 and p=0.051, respectively). CCT did not show a significant difference in either group (p>0.05).

Conclusion: PpRNFLT and GCIPLT values were reduced and IOP and C-D ratio values were increased in glaucoma patients after COVID-19 infection. Infection progression was observed to be worse in the inpatient group.

Ageless window in minimally invasive cardiac surgery: Periareolar incision

Ayhan Muduroglu — 2023-09-29

Aim: To present the experiences and outcomes in patients who underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery via periareolar incision.

Methods: A total of 17 patients who underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery via periareolar incision were included in the study. Patients’ demographic data such as age and gender, diagnosis, type of procedure, postoperative complications and outcomes were recorded and retrospectively reviewed.

Results: In the study population, 11 patients (64.7%) were female and 6 patients (35.3%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 57.6±16.3 years. In a patient with very large breast, the surgical incision was converted from periareolar to submammary incision due to poor exposure. Mortality occurred in one patients due to vasoplegic syndrome.

Conclusion: The present analysis revealed that periareolar incision was a safe, effective and cosmetically satisfactory method for patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.