title: Complications after cryosurgery with new miniature cryoprobes in long hollow bones: an animal trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In vitro studies show that new miniature cryoprobes are suitable for cryoablation of bone tissue. The aim of this animal trial on 24 sheep was to examine the perioperative complications, particularly the danger of embolism, of cryoablation when using miniature cryoprobes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cryoablations with 2 freeze-thaw cycles each were carried out in the epiphysis of the right tibia and the metaphysis of the left femur. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and central venous pressure (CVP) were measured. Throughout the intra- and perioperative phase, heart rate and oxygen saturation by pulse oxymetry, blood gas and electrolytes were monitored regularly. Postoperative complications were examined up to 24 weeks postoperative.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As result, no significant increase of PAP, CVP or heart rate were observed. Blood gases were unremarkable, with pO2 and pCO2 remaining constant throughout the operation. Regarding pH, standard bicarbonate and base excess, only a non-significant shift towards a slight acidosis was seen. There was a mean hemoglobin decrease of 0.5 g/dl. One animal showed postoperative wound infection and wound edge necrosis. No major peri- and postoperative complications associated with cryosurgery of bone were observed, especially regarding clinically relevant pulmonary embolism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgery with new types of miniature cryoprobes appears to be a safe alternative to or a complement to conventional resection of abnormal bone tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cologne, Josef-Stelzmann-Str, 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany. fpopkenm@aol.com
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Popken
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meschede
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Erberich
authors.forename: Timmo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Koy
authors.forename: Marfalda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bosse
authors.forename: Jürgen H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: Peer
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eysel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001831:Body Temperature; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D006339:Heart Rate; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012756:Sheep; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide