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BACKGROUND Cervico-mediastinal hemangiomas in adulthood are rare and slow-growing vascular tumors. The optimal treatment for giant hemangiomas is controversial. In asymptomatic cases, clinical observation is generally recommended. METHODS We report the transoral resection of a pharyngolaryngeal hemangioma (diameters of 44 × 56 × 39 mm) with tracheal involvement and mediastinal extension. Clinically, the patient had throat foreign body sensation, severe dyspnea and stridor. The hemangioma was first embolized by injecting ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) transorally, and then the obstructive aspect of the tumor was resected with a bipolar and ultrasonic clamp (ThunderBeat®, Olympus). RESULTS Two months after surgery, nasal fiberendoscopy showed complete disappearance of the vascular mass at the larynx and hypopharynx, with a normal mobility of the larynx. CONCLUSION In symptomatic patients, surgical reduction of large pharyngolaryngeal hemangiomas may be feasible by direct embolization and transoral ultrasonic resection. Both may provide an almost bloodless surgical field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1239-1242, 2017.

The viscoelastic response of multilayer polymeric films (sandwiches) of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer has been experimentally analyzed. We propose an equation to predict the mechanical response of the sandwich films from the data experimentally obtained for the monomaterial films. The equation is based on the hypothesis that the layers independently contribute to the final response and that there are no interfacial effects. The predictive character of the equation permits us to conclude that the response of the sandwich does not significantly depend on the individual layer thickness but only on the volume fraction of the EVOH in the system. More important, we find a strong sensitivity of the response to the processing conditions, which we quantitatively describe. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1960–1968, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Purpose: The primary objectives of this trial were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of treatment and to gain a preliminary indication of the effectiveness of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections into the anal sphincters of faecally incontinent patients. Methods: Between April 2004 and February 2006, we conducted a prospective, single-arm, procedure optimization study of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections in 21 subjects with well-characterized faecal incontinence and an intact external anal sphincter at two Australian hospitals. Results: There was a significant decrease in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS) (P= 0.0005) and the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index score (P= 0.005) after treatment. At 12 months post-treatment, the mean CCFFIS had decreased by 37% (P= 0.0021), and 47% of subjects had a ≥50% improvement in CCFFIS. There were significant improvements in embarrassment (P= 0.0455) and coping/behaviour (P= 0.0056) domains of the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life. At 12 months, the mean anal canal length had increased by 29% (P= 0.066), with 40% of patients demonstrating increases of 50% or more. There were no further improvements following retreatment. Conclusions: Ethylene vinyl alcohol injection into the anal intersphincteric plane is feasible and well tolerated. Improvement in faecal incontinence compared with baseline was seen. Retreating initial non-responders was not successful.

Anticoagulation used in hemodialysis treatment brings with it the risk of hemorrhagic complications and the possible consequences associated with chronic heparin administration. These problems have not been satisfactorily addressed to date. This study examined a new dialysis method that does not require the administration of anticoagulants. Dialysis is performed for 3 h with a continuous infusion of 750 ml of physiological saline solution in predilution mode and using filters made of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer membranes. Eleven patients with chronic uremia underwent more than 2,000 dialysis treatments performed with 9 episodes of coagulation of the dialyzer or blood tubings (0.43%). An evaluation of individual treatments revealed a high degree of biocompatibility and only a scanty activation of coagulation. Blood depuration efficacy was very good as evaluated from pretreatment and posttreatment routine blood chemistries. The technique described here represents a simple and effective method for performing regular dialysis treatment and does not require anticoagulant therapy.

The proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) image patterns of (ethylene–vinyl alcohol) copolymer (EVOH)/dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gels with various ethylene contents were measured to elucidate the process of solvent exchange between DMSO and water in the gels soaked in water. The results of these experiments indicate that the rate of solvent exchange between DMSO and water in the gels increased with an increase in the ethylene content of EVOH copolymers. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 504–508, 2002

Objective: 1) Histopathologically characterize glomus jugulare paragangliomas preoperatively embolized with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAC). 2) Describe histopathological differences between glomus jugulare paragangliomas preoperatively embolized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and EVAC.Method: Case series of glomus jugulare paragangliomas preoperatively embolized with EVAC. The tumors were subsequently resected at a tertiary care center between 2003 and 2010. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, and histopathological analysis of the preoperatively embolized tumors was performed.Results: Glomus jugulare paragangliomas embolized with EVAC demonstrated 100% or near 100% occlusion of arterial vessels by histopathological analysis, whereas in previous studies PVA demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of embolization. Even when resection was performed several months after embolization, there was no revascularization of EVAC embolized vessels, whereas PVA embolized vessels have dem...