Complications after cryosurgery with new miniature cryoprobes in long hollow bones: an animal trial.
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.
Popken
Frank
F
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cologne, Josef-Stelzmann-Str, 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany. fpopkenm@aol.com
Meschede
Peter
P
Erberich
Heike
H
Koy
Timmo
T
Bosse
Marfalda
M
Fischer
Jürgen H
JH
Eysel
Peer
P
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
D006454:Hemoglobins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide