What can be done to prevent fat embolization to the chest and the brain?
Many investigators have provided excellent reports which examine the effect of reamer design. A Reamer / Irrigator / Aspirator (RIA) has been introduced (Image 1) which permits single pass reaming with intramedullary suction/irrigation to reduce the intramedullary pressure.
Reamer / Irrigator / Aspirator (RIA) - Davos 4/1/97
|
Work from Davos shows a dramatic reduction in the pressure with the vacuum-irrigation system.
Besides modifying the reamer and the reaming technique, Ross Leighton has done some excellent work on venting the femur and reducing intramedullary pressure.