Gunshot energy transfer profile in ballistic gelatine, determined with computed tomography using the total crack length method

By measuring the total crack lengths (TCL) along a gunshot wound channel simulated in ordnance gelatine, one can calculate the energy transferred by a projectile to the surrounding tissue along its course. Visual quantitative TCL analysis of cut slices in ordnance gelatine blocks is unreliable due to the poor visibility of cracks and the likely introduction of secondary cracks resulting from slicing. Furthermore, gelatine TCL patterns are difficult to preserve because of the deterioration of the internal structures of gelatine with age and the tendency of gelatine to decompose. By contrast, using computed tomography (CT) software for TCL analysis in gelatine, cracks on 1-cm thick slices can be easily detected, measured and preserved. In this, experiment CT TCL analyses were applied to gunshots fired into gelatine blocks by three different ammunition types (9-mm Luger full metal jacket, .44 Remington Magnum semi-jacketed hollow point and 7.62 × 51 RWS Cone-Point). The resulting TCL curves reflected the three projectiles' capacity to transfer energy to the surrounding tissue very accurately and showed clearly the typical energy transfer differences. We believe that CT is a useful tool in evaluating gunshot wound profiles using the TCL method and is indeed superior to conventional methods applying physical slicing of the gelatine.

Complications associated with the arterial puncture closure device--Angio-Seal

BACKGROUND: Arterial puncture closure devices (APCD) are frequently used after cardiac catheterization. Here, the diagnosis and therapy of femoral artery complications after the use of the Angio-Seal APCD is reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Angio-Seal APCD was deployed in 1600 patients undergoing transfemoral catheterization. RESULTS: In 7 of 1600 cases (0.4%) vascular complications occurred following Angio-Seal deployment. Diagnosis was made by duplex sonography. Intraoperative findings consisted of a complete occlusion with dissection of the femoral artery in all patients. In 6 cases, the femoral bifurcation had to be reconstructed after endarterectomy. Follow-up is complete with a mean of 6 months. CONCLUSION: The Angio-Seal device should not be used for closure of the superficial femoral artery and in patients with severe arteriosclerosis. The application of arteriography as well as the use of ultrasound-guided puncture is advisable. In all cases, surgical intervention was successful and an adequate therapy for management of complications.