Carol A. Slomski

Scrotal incarceration of the ureter with crossed renal ectopia: case report and literature review.

To our knowledge only 18 cases of ureteral herniation into the groin have been reported in the literature. We encountered a patient with crossed renal ectopia and ureteral incarceration into a right indirect inguinal hernia. Based on analysis of the presentation and management of our patient combined with a review of the literature we conclude that patients with urinary symptoms and a groin hernia should undergo preoperative urological evaluation, all hernias containing a ureter should be repaired and ureteral resection rarely is necessary during the hernia repair.

Is Routine Postoperative Chest X-Ray Necessary after Fluoroscopic-Guided Subclavian Central Venous Port Placement?

BACKGROUND Two uncommon but serious complications after subclavian central venous port (SCVP) placement are pneumothorax (PNX) and malposition of the catheter. Chest x-rays (CXR) are commonly obtained after SCVP placement to identify these complications, but their use is controversial. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective review of SCVP placements to establish the incidence of PNX or catheter malposition identified exclusively by postprocedure CXR. RESULTS Between July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2006, 205 patients underwent elective SCVP placement. Although 4 patients (2%) sustained a PNX, none was identified by routine postprocedure CXR. Postprocedure clinical symptoms (3 to 72 hours later) prompted repeat CXR, which identified the PNX. Five patients (2.4%) had catheter malposition recognized by intraoperative fluoroscopy and corrected intraoperatively. No malpositioned catheters were identified on postprocedure CXR. CONCLUSIONS In our study, incidence of PNX after SCVP placement was low, and PNX was not detected by intraoperative fluoroscopy or by routine postprocedure CXR. We conclude that the practice of routine postprocedure CXR after SCVP placement is not necessary and should be replaced with diagnostic chest radiography only if symptoms develop.

Supermedia Interface for Internet-based Telediagnostics of Breast Pathology

We present our development of a supermedia interface for telediagnostics of breast pathology via the Internet. Supermedia is the incorporation of multiple media and data streams, such as audio, video, ultrasound images, and tactile and haptic sensor data for enhanced telepresence capabilities. Our supermedia interface comprises an anthropomorphic arm/hand equipped with haptic and tactile sensing, ultrasound imaging capabilities, a physician interface capable of rendering both haptic and tactile information, and two-way audio and video. The supermedia interface was tested via the Internet and enables telediagnostics. Preliminary experiments with silicone breast models have demonstrated the e fectiveness of the supermedia interface for telediagnostics. The interface is expected to enhance and improve the diagnostic performance of breast pathology as well as promote telediagnostics in remote areas and for patients with cultural barriers.

Supermedia Interface for Internet Based Tele-diagnostics of Breast Pathology

This paper presents our development of a supermedia interface for tele-diagnostics of breast pathology via Internet. Supermedia is the incorporation of multiple media and data streams, such as audio, video, ultrasound images, and tactile and haptic sensor data for enhanced telepresence capabilities. Our supermedia interface is comprised of an anthropomorphic arm/hand equipped with haptic and tactile sensing, ultrasound imaging capabilities, a physician interface capable of rendering both haptic and tactile information, and two-way audio and video. The supermedia interface was tested via the Internet and enables tele-diagnostics. Preliminary experiments had demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed supermedia tele-diagnostic interface. That is, it will greatly enhance and improve the diagnostic performance as well as promote the tele-diagnostics of breast pathology in remote areas a reality

Networked Human/Robot Cooperative Interface for Tele-diagnostics of Breast Pathology

This paper presents our development of a network-enabled human/robot cooperative interface for tele- diagnostics of breast pathology. To enhance telepresence capabilities, our human/robot interface is comprised of an anthropomorphic arm/hand equipped with haptic and tactile sensing, ultrasound imaging capabilities, a physician interface capable of rendering both haptic and tactile information, and two-way audio and video. This cooperative and multimedia interface was tested via the Internet and enables tele-diagnostics. Preliminary experiments had demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed human/robot tele-diagnostic interface. That is, it will greatly enhance and improve the diagnostic performance as well as promote the tele-diagnostics of breast pathology in remote areas a reality.