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In a strange move for Apple, the company has yet to share 'hard numbers' for iPhone 5C pre-orders. Is this a sign of trouble for the newest iPhone or not?Read More »
iExpander Makes Your iPhone 4 and 4S Bigger and Better than Ever
The iPhone 5 is the new big boy in town, but what if you aren't quite ready to give up on your iPhone 4S just yet? The iExpander might be a great choice for you. It can make the iPhone 4 or 4S bigger, faster and stronger than ever before.Read More »
Turn Your iPhone into a BlackBerry with the Spike QWERTY Keyboard
Designed by SoloMatrix, the Spike case is a protective case for the iPhone, except it comes with a clever bonus. The bottom half contains a QWERTY keyboard that can swing out to the front when you need itRead More »
Cricket To Offer Prepaid iPhone 4S with $55 Unlimited Plan
Up until now, the only way to get an iPhone in the United States is through a postpaid plan. That's going to change on June 22, as Cricket is going to offer the Apple iPhone on a prepaid basis. Yes, you can finally get a prepaid iPhone.Read More »
Stickable Resin Skin For Your iPhone (Video)
our iPhone certainly allows you to take some good photos and you can take some great shots, but having a way to mount your iPhone would even give you greater opportunities for the perfect shot. That's exactly where the new Stickable Resin guard for the iPhone 4 or 4S comes in.Read More »
iPhone Camera Mount Connects With Binoculars, Telescopes, and Microscopes
We've seen products from companies like Lensbaby that let you take more interesting pictures with your iPhone, but this Magnifi case is so much more versatile. It can be adapted to work with even higher end optical instruments, including giant telescopes.Read More »
iPhone 4 Combusts In Hotel Room
A few months back there was a case of an iPhone 4 that basically overheated and exploded in flight over Australia, but this time we have a report of spontaneous iPhone combustion that comes from within the US.Read More »
Gizmon iCA Military Edition Case For The iPhone Is From The Cold War Era
We know that you all love the camera on your iPhone 4S, but what if the device could also look and feel like a classic camera. The Gizmon iCA Military Edition case developed by Four Corner Store for the iPhone 4 and 4S will take you back to the era of military photographers and their Leica range finders.Read More »
Dash: The iPhone Car Stereo Dock (Video)
Your iPhone should be making your life a whole lot easier thanks to all the features that it brings with it. But for accessing all that power while you are driving your car requires complicated docking accessories or different types of cables, or a well trained brain for handling your car and the device simultaneously (not recommended!). But all that will change with the arrival of Dash, a car stereo system custom-made to fit the iPhone 4 and 4S.Read More »
Regis McKenna: 1984 Apple Ad "More Successful Than the Mac Itself."
Most people know about Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, but have you heard of Regis McKenna? McKenna was the mastermind behind the famous 1984 television commercial for Apple and he was the first ad and public relations guy. Looking back, he has some choice words to say.Read More »
AQUA TEK S iPhone Case Loves The Sun But Hates Water (Video)
Although many believe that there is no need for a case for the iPhone, we think that's a really bad idea. That is why we let you know whenever an awesome case is introduced. The new product that you see above is the AQUA TEK S case for iPhone 4 and 4S from Snow Lizard Products, and it does more than just protect your iPhone from falls and hits.Read More »
Overworked Foxconn Employee Outs iPhone 5 Release Date
We have seen a lot of iPhone 5 rumors earlier, but this new one seems to be pretty trustworthy. It comes to us courtesy of the folks over at 9to5Mac who appear to have got the latest info on the next generation iPhone, tentatively called iPhone 5, via a Foxconn worker.Read More »
Top Selling Phones of 2011: iPhone 4S Leads The Way
The undisputed leader of all sales from all carriers that offers the iPhone is the iPhone 4S for last two months of 2011. Who would have thought otherwise? More interesting and telling is the struggle for second place. The Samsung Galaxy S II looks like the leader for the second spot, except for Verizon where Samsung's Galaxy Nexus took the position in December 2011, while in November 2011 it was Motorola's Droid RAZR as Verizon's second big selling phone.Read More »
CES: Swipe And Talk With The Luxa2 Lille Case For iPhone 4S
I know. Just another case, right? Considering that I'm here at the Consumer Electronics Show, I am quite literally surrounded by so many different cases that really aren't all that different from one another, but the Lille Case from Luxa2 actually takes a pretty interesting approach to answering your call.Read More »
Celluon Prodigy: Apple iPhone Battery Case With Infrared Keyboard
CES is not only about smartphones, Ultrabooks and tablets (although all those are what attract us), but also about a lot of upcoming accessories. The Celluon Prodigy is a new battery case for the iPhone 4 and 4S with an intriguing concept.Read More »


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There's a useful download tool that you can use to get started immediately....Read More
Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.
Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists from Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.
Techgoondu writes for the technology user, whether you are a consumer who's new to smartphones or a corporate IT head deploying virtual servers.

subset: commoncrawl


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News in brief
CHESAPEAKE -- Chesapeake United Methodist Church invites all families to an Easter fun day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the church on 2nd Avenue at 5th Street.
Free pictures with the Easter Bunny will be offered along with Easter crafts and games, including decorating Easter eggs. Weather permitting, an Easter egg hunt will be held outside for children of all ages. Hot sandwiches and refreshments will be served, all free of charge.
Easter Sunday worship will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 31.
IRONTON -- Ohio University will host the Second Annual Bobcat Hustle 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on March 23. The proceeds from this race will benefit the Ohio Horse Park Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. The OHPCTH offers guided interaction with horses to those with challenges. Funding raised will go toward building an arena which will allow the program to serve even more people.
Visit www.tristateracer.com for race and registration information. Email Tim Mollett at firstname.lastname@example.com if you have further questions.
IRONTON, Ohio -- Ohio University Southern in Ironton will host a benefit concert for the Ohio Horse Park Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship at 6 p.m. on Saturday,. April 20.
The 1937 Flood String Band will perform, and dinner will be served. Cost is $50 per ticket.
For more information, contact Kelly Hall at firstname.lastname@example.com or at 740-354-9347.
PIKETON, Ohio -- Doing Business With the Ohio Department of Transportation, a workshop for small business owners, is planned for 1-4 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at the OSU Endeavor Center, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio.
Register at sopoc.ecenterdirect.com or call 740-377-4550.
IRONTON -- Lawrence County has updated its subdivision regulations, and they are effective as of Feb. 4, 2013, according to a news release from the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District.
A public hearing was held on Jan. 8, and the regulations were officially adopted at the Jan. 31 meeting of the Lawrence County Commission.
"The regulations contain the content that was in the previous version, with the addition of items that will help in the understanding of what is required, and are laid out in a new format," according to the news release. "This will hopefully make it easier to follow the guidelines when submitting applications."
Ohio Revised Code dictates most of what is required for subdivisions, which are defined as the "act of dividing land and/or the improvement of land for residential, industrial, or commercial structures."
Contact the Soil and Water Office at 740-867-4737 or visit www.lawrenceswcd.org for more information.
IRONTON -- Briggs Lawrence County Public Library offers free programs for preschool children and their caregivers at all five Briggs Library branches.
Briggsy, the Briggs Library canine mascot says, "Join us for Storytime! We'll read funny picture books, learn some rhymes, sing silly songs and more! Then we'll make some really cool stuff at craft time. Storytime is recommended for kids who are ages 3 to 5. Come on! Join the fun!"
The Briggs Library Storytime schedule is:
11 a.m. Mondays at the Ironton library, 321 S. 4th St.
4:30 p.m. Mondays at the Symmes Valley School library, 14860 Ohio 141
11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Proctorville library, 410 Elizabeth St.
11 a.m. Wednesdays at the South Point library, 317 Solida Road
11 a.m. Thursdays at the Chesapeake library, 11054 County Road 1
Very young children, up to age 3, and their caregivers are invited for Toddler Time at the Ironton library at 11 a.m. Tuesdays for books, crafts and more.
For information contact your local Briggs Library branch.
IRONTON -- Ironton Preferred Fitness is now holding Bootcamp Classes for Women. Personal trainers Viviane Vallance and Theresa Smith will instruct the course.
Classes will include cardio, plyometrics, weight training, and some unique fitness exercises that appeal to the needs of all women. Classes will begin at 8 a.m. Saturdays and will last one hour.
For more information, e-mail email@example.com.
LUCASVILLE, Ohio -- An effort is under way to honor our country's fallen heroes from World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Southern Ohio War Memorial will be going up two miles north of Lucasville, Ohio, on the east side of U.S. 23.
The monument will include the names of all local soldiers who have died in combat from the eight counties of Adams, Fayette, Highland, Lawrence, Jackson, Pike, Ross, and Scioto. The memorial will include an airplane, tank, boat, and helicopter, along with a large monument and all the required flags.
The fundraising effort for this project is under way and donations are being accepted. Checks may be mailed to the Southern Ohio War Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 874, Lucasville, Ohio 45648.
IRONTON -- Area residents are invited to help bring Wreaths Across America to Lawrence County by donating a remembrance wreath to be placed on the headstones of service members laid to rest in the military section of Woodland Cemetery.
The Wreaths Across America project began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath company, made arrangements for remembrance wreaths to be placed in Arlington National Cemetery to honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Volunteers are needed to purchase wreaths, place them on the headstones located in the military section of Woodland Cemetery and remove the wreaths after the honor period conclusion. Additional information will be forthcoming later in the year.
Individual wreaths cost $15 each. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Wreaths Across America c/o Ohio River Bank, 221 Railroad St., Ironton, Ohio 45638.
PROCTORVILLE -- VFW Post 6878 of Proctorville, Ohio, has nearly completed construction of its memorial to veterans.
The next step is to lay engraved memorial paving bricks along the walk surrounding the memorial.
A brick may be purchased for $50. Every memory brick will hold the name, rank, and branch or service of the person that you wish to remember or honor. If that individual died as a result of combat, that brick will be placed around the memorial. If you are honoring an individual, the brick will line the memorial walkway. The brick will be red in color, 4-by-8 inches in size and able to hold up to three 18 letter/space characters per line.
If you would like to see a loved one's brick become a part of this memorial, call Peggy or Albert Baker at 740-886-8121.
IRONTON -- The Ironton Artists Association has a club exhibit of member's art work on display at the Lawrence County Transit Center and the Transit Café located on the corner of 2nd Street and Vernon Street, in Ironton.
The paintings are for sale and a percentage will go to the Transit Center.
The club plans to rotate the art work often and display paintings of Lawrence County today and in the past.
Freedom Farms offering Lil' Riders class
CHESAPEAKE, Ohio -- Freedom Farms is offering a Lil' Riders program to teach children about horses.
Classes are one hour weekly and include lessons on saddles, biology of horses, safety, types of horses, grooming, and types of disciplines. Age groups are 3-6; 7-10; and 11-14.
The class is designed for beginners, but advanced Lil' Rider classes are available for those who have already taken the course.
The seven-week session is $49. Class size is limited.
Freedom Farms is located at 645 Township Road 156 in Chesapeake. For information, call 740-894-5720.
IRONTON -- The Lawrence County Health Department offers Immunization Clinics on the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. for walk-ins and additional times by appointment, and the first Thursday of each month at the Chesapeake WIC center from 1 to 3 p.m.
Prenatal Clinic: Tuesday mornings by appointment.
Family Planning clinics: day and evening appointments are available on Wednesday and Friday for Pap smears, referrals for mammograms, contraception, emergency contraception, STD testing and free HIV testing by appointment.
TB Skin Testing: daily, except Thursday, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Pregnancy testing: 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 3 p.m. Friday.
Child Lead Testing: by appointment.
Physicals: for sports and work from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Fridays and by appointment.
OUS Community Band seeking new members
IRONTON -- The Ohio University Southern Community Band is looking for new members.
Good players on all wind, brass, and percussion instruments are needed. Percussion instruments are provided.
Rehearsals are 5:30-7:15 p.m. Mondays in the Ohio University Southern Community Building on the corner of 9th Street and Bob Lutz Way. Those interested should contact Dr. Pat McCoy, director, at 740-533-4541 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Shawnee State offering GED courses year-round
PORTSMOUTH -- Shawnee State University, in cooperation with Scioto County Adult Basic Literacy Education, is offering courses year round to anyone in the community who is interested in obtaining their GED.
Two orientations are scheduled every Monday and Tuesday at SSU. The program is a preparation course and is completely free. The GED test itself is $40.


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Sight Specific: LACPS and the Politics of Community
January 11-April 7, 2012
The Los Angeles Center for Photographic Studies (LACPS) was first introduced in 1974 as a means to spark creativity and growth in the community through photo based representation. For Southern California photographers, this organization was crucial to the fostering and well-being of a community followed by the creative dialogues that took place with respect to their art practice. Photography was sought as a medium used by artists to explore new ideas, spark creativity, and rekindle communities through an artistic approach. This space is a site for innovative exhibitions that push the boundaries of photographic practice and reclaim a history that has been overlooked.
Curated by Tim B. Wride, Sight Specific: LACPS and the Politics of Community will explore the personalities, programs and impact of the Los Angeles Center for Photographic Studies (LACPS). The exhibition will be structured with photo-documentation as well as video oral histories that will lead the story of how the organization has contextualized the history of photography in its region. Some of the photographs will discuss the contemporary issues surrounding the photographic practice at the time in which it was created. Others will set the stage for the future of image making within and beyond regional boundaries.
Tim B. Wride is a philanthropist and curator with a wealth of experience in the art of photography. He founded the No Strings Foundation, a non-profit foundation established in 2004 with a mission to provide direct funding to U.S. photographic artists, and is now the William and Sarah Ross Soter Curator of Photographs at the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to his Foundation, Wride brings over 14 years of experience as he was the Curator of Photography at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. There, he curated over twenty-five permanent collections and exhibitions, including "Retail Fictions: The Commercial Photography of Ralph Bartholomew" (1997); "Shifting Tides: Cuban Photography after the Revolution" (2001); "Donald Blumberg" (2002); and "Trajectories: The Photographic Work of Robbert Flick" (2004). He also authored the catalogues that accompanied these exhibitions, and contributed the photography component and an anthology essay to the exhibition "Made in California: Art, Image and Identity, 1990-2000" (2000). Some of his other curated works, "To Protect and To Serve: Photography from the LAPD Archives," (2002) have traveled internationally and received wide acclaim. As an independent curator, he is actively researching and mounting exhibitions with major museums internationally. He is also the founder of The Curatorial Eye, offering lectures, seminars, workshops, and mentoring to photographers, collectors, and not-for-profit institutions.
About Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945 - 1980
Pacific Standard Time is a collaboration of more than sixty cultural institutions across Southern California, coming together for six months beginning in October 2011 to tell the story of the birth of the Los Angeles art scene and how it became a major new force in the art world. Each institution will make its own contribution to this grand-scale story of artistic innovation and social change, told through a multitude of simultaneous exhibitions and programs. Exploring and celebrating the significance of the crucial post-World War II years through the tumultuous period of the 1960s and 70s, Pacific Standard Time encompasses developments from modernist architecture and design to multi-media installations; from L.A. Pop to post-minimalism; from the films of the African American L.A. Rebellion to the feminist happenings of the Woman's Building; from ceramics to Chicano performance art; and from Japanese American design to the pioneering work of artists' collectives.
Initiated through $10 million in grants from the Getty Foundation, Pacific Standard Time involves cultural institutions of every size and character across Southern California, from Greater Los Angeles to San Diego and Santa Barbara to Palm Springs.
Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America.


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Apparatus and method for performing surgical procedures within the mediastinum or within the pericardium include an endoscopic cannula that is introduced into the mediastinum and optionally into the pericardium via a subxiphoid incision. A cavity may be initially dilated for advancing the endoscopic cannula using a dilating tool having an inner cannula and an outer expansible sheath that is expansible to exert a laterally expansive force against the surrounding tissue. Surgical instruments such as a pericardial entry device are inserted into a lumen of the endoscopic cannula to grasp a flap of the pericardium, and a cutting tool is extended to cut the flap to create a small opening through which other surgical tools may be introduced. The endoscopic cannula can then be advanced inside the pericardium to access all regions of the heart by sweeping the endoscopic cannula around the heart. Other surgical instruments may be inserted through the opening to perform surgical procedures within the pericardium.
1. A method of performing a cardiac procedure with a rigid cannula and a laterally expandable sheath, comprising the steps of:
(a) incising skin overlying an entry point for the cardiac procedure;
(b) inserting the rigid cannula disposed within the expandable sheath into the incision;
(c) advancing the rigid cannula with the expandable sheath disposed thereon through tissue under endoscopic visualization to form a passage of dissected tissue between the incision and the pericardium; and
(d) laterally expanding the sheath within the passage responsive to withdrawing the rigid cannula through the expandable sheath in a direction toward a proximal end thereof for dilating tissue along the passage to form a working cavity in dilated tissue along the passage.
2. The method of
laterally expanding the sheath responsive to the distal tip withdrawing with the rigid cannula through the sheath in a direction toward the proximal end thereof, leaving the expandable sheath positioned in the passage.
3. The method of
(e) additionally dilating the working cavity to larger lateral dimensions of the distal tip on the rigid cannula responsive to insertion into the expandable sheath positioned within the passage of a surgical tool having lateral dimensions larger than the distal tip on the rigid cannula.
4. The method of
(e) inserting into a proximate end of the expandable sheath positioned within the passage an endoscopic cannula for performing a cardiac procedure in which the endoscopic cannula has a maximal lateral dimension greater than a maximal lateral dimension to which the sheath expanded in response to withdrawal therethrough of the distal tip of the rigid cannula;
(f) advancing the endoscopic cannula within the expandable sheath positioned within the working cavity toward a distal end thereof to laterally expand the expandable sheath and additionally dilate tissue in the working cavity; and
(g) performing a cardiac procedure using the endoscopic cannula.
5. The method of
6. A method of performing a cardiac procedure with a rigid endoscopic cannula and a laterally expandable sheath, comprising the steps of:
incising skin overlying an entry point for the cardiac procedure;
inserting the expandable sheath into the incision;
advancing the endoscopic rigid cannula within the expandable sheath under endoscopic visualization to form a passage of dissected tissue between the incision and the pericardium in response to the endoscopic cannula passing through the expandable sheath in a direction toward a distal end thereof to form a working cavity in dilated tissue along the passage; and
performing a cardiac procedure through the endoscopic cannula.
This application claims priority from provisional applications 60/150,737 filed Aug. 25, 1999, and 60/148,130, filed Aug. 10, 1999, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for performing minimally invasive surgery. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of accessing the mediastinum and the pericardium using a single subxiphoid incision, and using an endoscopic cannula to access all regions of the heart.
2. Description of the Related Art
Several different incisions have traditionally been used to access mediastinal organs, such as the heart (surrounded by the pericardium), the esophagus, and lymphatic glands. Examples of such incisions are sternotomy (a division of the patient's sternum) thoracotomy (an incision between two adjacent ribs) and a subxiphoid incision to create a pericardial window by exposing and excising a portion of the pericardium. For example, a subxiphoid incision has been made to allow excision of the xiphoid, and retraction of the sternum upward to expose the anterior pericardium.
These procedures, however, are all quite invasive, requiring large incisions or open heart surgery. Thoracotomy is additionally invasive as it requires the deflation of one or both lungs, since the approach is via the pleural cavity. Nevertheless, when it is desirable to access other regions of the heart than merely its anterior region, the current practice is to employ these invasive methods to dislodge the heart from its resting place within the pericardium, so that all regions of the heart may be accessed and cardiac procedures performed. For example, to access both left and right sides of the heart, as well as the posterior and anterior regions, surgeons are currently using a partial or full sternotomy (i.e. a partial or full division of the patient's sternum) to gain access to the several regions of the heart by permitting the heart to be rotated or lifted out of its resting place in the chest. Such a procedure, however, is too invasive, and thus not desirable.
With the advent of minimally invasive surgery, approaches have been developed using smaller access incisions or ports. Coronary bypass surgery has been performed on the beating heart through direct incisions in the chest and abdomen, including sternotomies and thoracotomies. A subxiphoid incision has been used to anastomose a gastroepiploic artery to the posterior descending coronary artery for coronary artery bypass. These procedures, however, have been performed under direct vision, and thus still require a fairly large incision to assist the surgeon in observing the field of surgery.
To achieve even less invasive surgery, it is desirable to perform cardiac procedures endoscopically. Endoscopic coronary bypass surgery has been performed on a stopped heart following the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. In this procedure, ports are placed in the intercostal spaces, through the chest wall, to allow placement of the endoscope and operating instruments. This method, however, does not enable the surgeon to access all regions of the heart. With port access surgery or beating heart surgery from a limited thoracotomy, only one side of the heart is accessible. For example, with a left thoracotomy or the introduction of left side ports, surgery is limited only to the left side of the heart. Endoscopic harvesting of the gastroepiploic artery for coronary artery bypass surgery has also been described, involving standard laparoscopic techniques of gas insufflation and introduction of laparoscopic forceps, scissors, and staplers. However, none of these minimally invasive methods allow access to all regions of the heart. Thus, a method and apparatus are needed to allow safe and minimally invasive access to all regions of the heart for performing cardiac procedures.
In addition, conventional procedures such as open heart surgery, port-access surgery using trocar ports and an endoscope, or beating heart surgery through a partial sternotomy or thoracotomy, all require making a large incision in the pericardium to expose the heart. In the prior art, methods of accessing the heart to perform cardiac procedures involved making an incision in the pericardium using a sharp-edged instrument through an incision in the chest. As the heart typically underlies the pericardium contiguously, the surgeon is presented with the difficult task of incising the pericardium without accidentally cutting the heart. To avoid this difficulty during port-access surgery, a second incision into the skin is also required to allow the insertion of forceps to pull the pericardium away from the heart. This allows the incision of the pericardium to be executed more safely. However, this technique requires multiple incisions in the patient and requires the advancement of multiple instruments in separate passageways to the pericardium.
In addition to requiring several incisions, the conventional techniques also typically require the incision in the pericardium to be lengthy. The sharp-edged instrument must slice a cut of sufficient length to allow the insertion of other surgical tools into the pericardium. At the end of the cardiac procedure, it is desirable to close the pericardial incision if possible, to reduce fibrous adhesions to the heart and pericarditis. With endoscopic port-access surgery, a long pericardial incision is difficult to close, due to the complexity of endoscopic suturing.
Another problem arising in conventional cardiac procedures is the dissection of a working tunnel from the initial incision to the pericardium. Mechanical probing of heart tissue may cause severe or dangerous cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Therefore, it is desirable to use a small dilating instrument to create the initial tunnel. However, the instruments currently available to perform cardiac procedures are typically large, and therefore a larger cavity must be dissected to allow these instruments to pass through to the pericardium. Although using a larger dilator may create the necessary space, a larger dilator may cause damage to the heart by causing cardiac arrhythmias as discussed above. If a smaller dilator is used to minimize this potential trauma, the working cavity may not be large enough to allow the larger instruments required in the procedure to be advanced to the pericardium. A further problem with conventional dilators such as balloon dissectors is that such tools exert shear force on the surrounding tissue as they are advanced in the body. Shear force has a tendency of causing vessel avulsion and tissue abrasion.
Various other schemes and devices have been previously devised in an attempt to enter the pericardium via a small portal of entry, or via a percutaneous puncture site. None of these systems permit reliable, safe entry under direct, endoscopic visualization. U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,810 (Grabek) describes a grasping instrument with jaws that grasp the pericardium followed by advancement of a needle through a bore in the shaft of the instrument. The needle extends between the closed jaws of the device, into the pericardium. This concept suffers from unreliability, as it is difficult to ensure that the needle will pierce between two layers of pericardium that are compressed by the jaws of the device, without an active technique of holding the two opposed layers of pericardium apart. Thus, as there is no central cavity in a flap of pericardium grasped by the instrument jaws, a needle advanced down a central bore of the instrument may easily end up outside of the pericardium, or embedded in the pericardium, instead of lying between the two layers of pericardium pinched together by the jaws. Also, axial advancement of the needle carries the potential of myocardial puncture. Needle entry with the Grabek device must be verified by subsequent passage of a guidewire into the pericardial sac, or by infusion of fluid or contrast material through the needle into the pericardial cavity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,216 (Igo et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,013 (Schmidt) both describe tubes that are placed in contact with the pericardium, applying a vacuum to pull a bleb of tissue into the tube, followed by penetration of the pericardial bleb with a needle. These techniques are unreliable, because there is generally a layer of fatty tissue adherent to the pericardial surface, and suction may pull fat into the tube instead of pericardium.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,428 (Chin et al.) describes a clamp with distal points that grasp a flap of pericardium, allowing a guidewire to be advanced within tubular guides to puncture through the pericardium. A tube may follow the guidewire into the intra pericardial space. This design may cause myocardial trauma due to the sharp pointed grasping clamp. The multiple steps of pericardial grasping, pericardial puncture, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion render this technique impractical.
Therefore, apparatus and methods are needed to provide safe and minimally invasive access to all regions of the heart during cardiac procedures, requiring a minimum number of incisions, and without requiring a long incision either for initial access or at the pericardium. The proposed technique of this application allows reliable and safe entry into the pericardium under continuous endoscopic visualization.
Apparatus and methods for using the apparatus are disclosed for providing safe and minimally invasive access to mediastinal structures, including the heart surrounded by the pericardium. More specifically, the apparatus and methods are directed to accessing the pericardium via a subxiphoid approach, accessing the heart within the pericardium, and performing cardiac procedures thereon.
The surgical apparatus preferably used for performing the surgical method of this invention is an endoscopic cannula comprising a cannula, a transparent tip located at the distal end of the cannula, and an endoscope preferably positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The cannula has at least one lumen, and one or more additional lumens for advancement of surgical tools. The transparent tip is preferably tapered to provide better visualization by offsetting and retracting tissue away from the field of view. Still more preferably, the transparent tip has a generally conical shape. The transparent tip is preferably removable and replaceable, such that it may be removed when it is desired to obtain a sharper image of the surgical site.
In a preferred embodiment, the endoscopic cannula may comprise an access port positioned at a proximal end of the cannula, for receiving surgical instruments into an instrument lumen of the cannula. Such a preferred endoscopic cannula further comprises an endoscopic eyepiece, skewed relative to the proximal end of the endoscope, for facilitating the viewing of a surgical site through the endoscope while minimizing interference with surgical instruments introduced into the cannula.
In an alternative embodiment, the cannula of the endoscopic cannula is articulable, and the cannula further comprises a wire lumen, a wire, and an articulating lever. The wire is positioned within the wire lumen, having a distal end attached to a distal end of the cannula. The articulating lever is positioned near the proximal end of the cannula, attached to the proximal end of the wire, for tensioning the wire in a first position to cause the distal end of the cannula to bend away from alignment with the proximal end of the cannula, and for relaxing the wire in a second position to position the distal end of the cannula substantially aligned with the proximal end of the cannula.
Using the methods of this invention, the endoscopic cannula is either directly advanced to the mediastinum or alternatively, a cavity is first dilated and the endoscopic cannula is advanced through the dilated cavity. Once the endoscopic cannula is advanced into the mediastinum, surgical tools are advanced through the one or more additional lumens acting as access ports, and surgical procedures are performed within the mediastinum. In directly advancing the endoscopic cannula, the endoscopic cannula is inserted directly into the initial subxiphoid incision and is guided, under endoscopic visualization, to the surgical site. Alternatively, a cavity toward the surgical site may be first dilated using a dilation tool according to this invention, and the cannula may be subsequently advanced within the dilated cavity. The second method is advantageous because as the dilation tool generally has a smaller diameter than the endoscopic cannula, initially inserting the dilation tool minimizes trauma to the heart and reduces the chance of ventricular fibrillation due to irritation of the heart with a large diameter instrument.
The dilation tool optionally used to dilate a cavity for the endoscopic cannula has an inner cannula having an elongated body, a transparent tip at the distal end of the elongated body, an endoscope, and an outer expandable sheath. Preferably, the dilation tool has a small maximal dimension which minimizes trauma to the pericardium upon reaching the pericardium. The inner cannula has a tip having an enlarged region positioned distal to a distal end of the outer expandable sheath. The inner cannula is withdrawn through the outer expandable sheath, and the expandable sheath dilates a cavity concurrent to the retraction of the tip. The expandable sheath exerts a radial force against the surrounding tissue as the tip is retracted through the sheath. The radial force provides a less traumatic dilation than conventional dilation techniques such as using a bougie dilation, in which shear force is directly applied to surrounding tissue.
Once the cavity is dilated, the endoscopic cannula is then inserted into the incision and advanced into the proximal end of the expandable sheath. As the endoscopic cannula is advanced to the pericardium through the sheath, it will also cause the expandable sheath to expand further and dilate the working tunnel to a sufficient size to accommodate the endoscopic cannula. The expandable sheath provides the additional benefit of guiding the endoscopic cannula to the proper position at the pericardium. Alternatively, the endoscopic cannula is inserted directly into the initial incision without dilation.
Where the endoscopic cannula is used to perform cardiac procedures within the pericardium, a tool is needed to incise an opening into the pericardium for inserting the endoscopic cannula into pericardium. A preferred tool to be inserted into the lumen of the endoscopic cannula for providing entry through the pericardium is a pericardial entry instrument in accordance with the present invention. The pericardial entry instrument includes a grasping tool for gripping a portion of the pericardium, and a cutting tool slidably disposed on the outside of the grasping tool for cutting the gripped portion of the pericardium. In a preferred embodiment, the pericardial entry instrument is utilized under endoscopic visualization. The pericardial entry instrument is advanced through a lumen of the endoscopic cannula and toward the pericardium, where it is then used to cut an opening into the pericardium for advancing other surgical tools into the pericardium.
In a preferred method, the pericardial entry device is advanced tangentially to the pericardium to allow the grasping tool to grasp a flap of the pericardium without endangering the underlying heart. Once a flap of the pericardium is grasped, the cutting tool is extended to the cut the flap, creating a small opening into which other surgical tools may be introduced. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting tool is a tubular cutting device which creates a circular opening which facilitates the introduction of other surgical tools. Due to the small circumference of the tubular cutter, the opening in the pericardium is also small. One embodiment of a method of performing a cardiac procedure used in conjunction with the described apparatus comprises first making a single subxiphoid incision to provide initial access into the patient's body, inserting an endoscopic cannula into the incision, advancing the endoscopic cannula to the mediastinum under endoscopic visualization, and performing the surgical procedure with the mediastinum. Optionally, the method further includes initially providing a dilated cavity for passing the endoscopic cannula into the mediastinum as previously described, and performing the surgical procedure within the mediastinum.
As the pericardium, enclosing the heart, resides in the mediastinum, one major application of the methods according to the present invention is for performing cardiac procedures within the pericardium. For these procedures, the endoscopic cannula is advanced under endoscopic visualization, as described previously, either directly into the initial subxiphoid incision or after first dilating a cavity using a dilation tool as described herein. Upon reaching the pericardium, a flap of the pericardium is gripped using a pericardial entry instrument as described herein, and the flap is cut to create an opening in the pericardium. Alternatively, the pericardial entry instrument may be aligned substantially tangentially to the pericardium under endoscopic visualization in gripping a flap of the pericardium. In cutting the pericardium, this invention contemplates cutting the flap of the pericardium away from the underlying heart.
The subxiphoid approach method is particularly advantageous as it enables the surgeon to access all regions of the heart, that is a 360 degree access capability including the anterior, posterior, left and right regions of the heart. Using one embodiment of this method, the cannula is initially inserted into the pericardium via an incision near the apex of the heart and then swept over the anterior and posterior surfaces of the heart. It should be noted that while entry near the apex of the heart aids the surgeon by providing a landmark for easier recognition of the position of the endoscopic cannula within the body, such an entry is not required by this invention and other entry positions, such as entry in the posterior region of the heart, are also contemplated. Once inside the pericardium, the cannula can be maneuvered around the heart substantially because of the subxiphoid entry and the flexibility of soft tissue around the heart. Thus, all regions of the heart may be accessed without the need for invasively lifting or rotating the heart to access posterior or lateral vessels and structures.
The subxiphoid access method is quite advantageous over conventional methods. As this procedure is performed under endoscopic visualization it is minimally invasive. In addition, as the approach is through a subxiphoid incision, there is no need to go through the pleural cavity and thus no need to deflate the lungs. Also, although the method requires only a single incision (that is, the subxiphoid incision), using this method access is gained to all regions of the heart. Conventionally, such extensive access to the heart has only been possible using invasive methods such as pericardial window, open heart surgery, or port access surgery using several incisions and ports. Thus, using the subxiphoid access method as herein described, the surgeon may access all regions of the heart with a single incision, without needing to go through the pleural cavity.
In particular, the subxiphoid access methods of this invention are advantageous over the methods disclosed in the Grabek, Igo and Schmidt patents. As described above, the Grabek method is unable to reliably enter the pericardium, as there is no central cavity in a flap of pericardium grasped by the instrument jaws, and needle entry with the Grabek device must be verified. In contrast, the instrument of this application uses a tube to cut along a flap of pericardium grasped by jaws, under direct visualization. There is no ambiguity regarding success or failure of the pericardial entry, as the pericardial hole is observed as it occurs. The methods disclosed in Igo and Schmidt both employ vacuum to grasp the pericardium into a tube, followed by needle entry into the pericardial bleb formed by the vacuum. Both of these schemes inherit the deficiency of the Grabek device, with its unreliable needle entry. In addition, these two schemes find it difficult to form a bleb of pericardium in the clinical situation. The great majority of human patients have a layer of fatty tissue adherent to the pericardial surface. Suction devices, particularly those used in a percutaneous manner under fluoroscopic guidance, will pick up fat rather than pericardium, leading to unsuccessful pericardial needle entry.
In the device of the present application, the endoscopic cannula with the transparent tapered tip is used to bluntly dissect a path to the pericardium, through the fat and connective tissue. Direct visualization allows verification that the pericardial surface is clean and devoid of adherent fat. Application of the pericardial entry instrument may occur under visual guidance on an exposed pericardial surface.
While the methods according to the present invention are substantially described with reference to performing cardiac procedures within the pericardium, the invention is not limited to those procedures only. In an alternative embodiment of the method, after making the subxiphoid incision and inserting the endoscopic cannula in the incision, the endoscopic cannula is advanced to the mediastinum under endoscopic visualization. The surgical procedure is then performed on structures, other than the heart, that are located within the mediastinum, for example the esophagus and the lymphatic glands. For example, a biopsy may be taken from a lymphatic gland using this procedure.
Inner cannula 108 preferably has a relatively small diameter, for example 7 mm, which minimizes the probing force exerted on the heart caused by advancement of the dilation tool 100 to the anterior surface of the pericardium. The use of larger cannulas to isolate the anterior surface of the pericardium has a greater tendency to cause cardiac arrhythmias. However, in order to introduce pericardial puncture or entry instruments to the surgical site, an endoscopic cannula with an access port must be advanced to the pericardium, and these cannulas typically have larger diameters, for example 12 mm in diameter. Therefore, a cavity is preferably initially dilated to accommodate these larger cannulas.
In use of tool 100, as shown in
Expandable sheath 124 has two resilient connectors 144, a first resilient connector 144(1) near the proximal part of the sheath 124 and a second resilient connector 144(2) near the distal end of the sheath 124. The resilient connectors 144 are preferably elastic bands and contract the two shells 136(1) and (2) against inner cannula 108. The resiliency of connectors 144 allows expandable sheath 124 to expand along the longitudinal split as an object of greater diameter is advanced or withdrawn through sheath 124. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the distal end of the expandable sheath 124 is chamfered to facilitate easier removal of the tip 104 through the expandable sheath 124. The proximal end of the expandable sheath 124 is attached to slide mount 128 which retains shells 136(1) and (2) of expandable sheath 124 in axial alignment as sheath 124 expands. Slide mount 128 is preferably composed of a hard plastic or other rigid material having a slot 140 disposed to fit in tracts or grooves in the proximal ends of the expandable sheath 124.
In a preferred embodiment, one shell of the expandable sheath 124, lower shell 136(2) in
In step 212, following advancement of the dilation tool 100 to the desired position in the body, expandable sheath 124 is held in place as inner cannula 108 is retracted through expandable sheath 124, as shown in
The inner cannula tip 104 glides along the outer edges of the two shells 136 during cannula withdrawal. The generally rigid structure of the split shells radially displaces the surrounding tissue as the shells part or separate, thus dilating the cavity initially created by advancement of dilation tool 100 as shown in step 212. Thus, substantially all of the force resulting from withdrawing cannula tip 108 is exerted on the edges of the shells 136, and not on the tissue. Shear force has the tendency of causing vessel avulsion and tissue abrasion, and its avoidance during dilation is preferable. However, in accordance with the present invention, only radial force is exerted on the tissue by the split shells 136, which reduces any trauma to the tissue from the dilation process. The dilation of the cavity facilitates subsequent insertion into the lumens of larger diameter instruments, particularly the endoscopic cannula of the present invention, as shown in step 216.
In one embodiment, expandable sheath 124 remains in position within the patient's body (not shown) in the dilated cavity created by removing inner cannula 108 as shown in
Advancement of the larger cannula dilates the dissection cavity to the exact size necessary to accommodate the larger cannula. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the cavity is dilated no larger than required to accommodate the surgical tools used in the procedure. In the prior art, a surgeon would have to estimate the amount of dilation required for a procedure, and would have to repeatedly dilate the tunnel if the surgeon underestimated the amount of dilation required. Conversely, over-estimating the amount of dilation required leads to unnecessary trauma. This is avoided through the use of the expandable sheath 124 which expands concurrent with the size of the tool inserted.
In another embodiment, the expandable sheath 124 is slidably attached to the inner cannula 108. In this embodiment, the inner cannula 108 is retracted through the expandable sheath 124 as described above, but the expandable sheath remains positioned at the distal end of the dilation tool 100. After dilation has been achieved using the expandable sheath 124, the entire dilation tool 100 is removed from the body.
As previously mentioned, dilation tool 100 will be generally used with a larger diameter instrument, for facilitating the insertion of the larger diameter instrument by dilating a cavity to the surgical site within the patient's body. One such larger diameter instrument is an endoscopic cannula according to the present invention. Referring now to
In a preferred embodiment, endoscope 740 is used with an eyepiece 704 skewed at a right or oblique angle to endoscope 740 to allow eyepiece 704 to be positioned away from the plane in which access port 718 resides. This arrangement prevents interference between a video camera 730 (attached to the eyepiece 704 of the endoscope) and a handle of a pericardial entry instrument (not shown).
The endoscope is approximately 4-5 mm in diameter, and the access port 718 is approximately 7 mm in diameter. Access port 718 is sufficiently wide to permit the introduction of the necessary surgical tools for the operation. Endoscope 740 in the endoscopic cannula 700 is sealed inside a transparent tapered tip 708, preserving visualization as the endoscopic cannula 700 comes in contact with tissue fluid, blood, or pericardial fluid.
Preferably, endoscopic cannula 700 is substantially straight as shown in
As previously discussed, endoscopic cannula 700 is used in conjunction with surgical instruments, which are inserted either concurrently or sequentially into an access port lumen of the endoscopic cannula. One such surgical instrument is the pericardial entry instrument of the present invention.
In one embodiment, an extension limiter 410 is disposed near the proximal end of the instrument 400 to restrict the range of axial translation of the cutting tool 408. The extension limiter 410 allows the surgeon to push the cutting tool 408 forward without fear of accidentally advancing the cutting tool 408 through the pericardium. into the underlying heart. The cutting tool 408 cuts a small (approximately 5 mm diameter) hole in the pericardium responsive to being advanced into the gripped flap and being rotated upon contact. The procedure is preferably performed under direct vision through endoscopic visualization to avoid injury to the heart, which lies in contact with the inner surface of the pericardium.
The pericardial entry instrument 400 also includes a ratchet lock 420. The ratchet lock 420 is disposed as a part of scissor handle 424. When scissor handle 424 is closed, the grasping tool jaws 412 are closed. The ratchet lock 420 locks the jaws 412 into their closed position when the scissor handle 424 is closed. This allows the flap of pericardial tissue to be held securely while the cutting tool 408 is advanced into the tissue.
In the pericardial entry instrument 400, application of the forceps jaws in a tangential relationship to the surface of the heart at the site of pericardial entry ensures that no injury occurs to the heart. The cutting tool is in intimate contact with the forceps jaws. As it slices through the flap of pericardium held in the jaws, the cutting tube also lies tangential to the surface of the heart, and the surface of the heart is moved away without being cut. In contrast, if the pericardium were to be grasped by the distal tips of the forceps jaws, advancement of the cutting tool would occur in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the heart. Entry into the heart muscle would be much more likely.
As shown in
Once a hole has been formed in the pericardium, the cannula may be advanced through the hole to access the heart. The pericardial entry instrument may be removed from the working lumen, and a variety of instruments may be inserted through the working lumen to perform procedures on the heart. For example, an electrode may be advanced through the working lumen to perform epicardial ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachyarrhythmias. A radiofrequency probe or a simple mechanical probe may be used to pierce the myocardium in multiple sites for transmyocardial revascularization (TMR). A needle may be advanced through the working lumen to inject undifferentiated muscle cells into infracted areas of the heart for the procedure of cellular cardiomyoplasty. Angiogenic pharmacologic agents may be injected into the myocardium. Devices may be inserted through the working lumen. A cardiac reinforcement device, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,077,218 and 6,085,754 to Alferness (incorporated herein by reference) and improvements thereof, may be inserted through the working lumen to surround the heart and restrict its volume in congestive heart failure. A linear stapler or a suture loop may be applied to the base of the atrial appendage, to seal off its opening and prevent ejection of blood clot into the cerebral circulation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.
In the above procedures, the transparent tip 104 performs a dual role. First, it retracts the pericardium from the epicardial surface of the heart, to allow visualization of the instrument inserted through the working lumen. Second, it allows continuous endoscopic visualization of the desired area of the heart, as the instrument is guided to perform the respective cardiac procedure.
As the dilation tool 100 has a relatively small diameter, its use before the advancement of larger diameter instruments minimizes the risk of trauma to the surgical site. In step 808, the bluntly dissected cavity created in steps 804 and 806 is dilated by withdrawing inner cannula 108 through expandable sheath 124 of dilation tool 100, leaving sheath 124 in place as shown in
The generally rigid structure of the split shells radially displaces the surrounding tissue as the shells part or separate, thus dilating the cavity initially created by advancement of dilation tool 100. Thus, substantially all of the force resulting from withdrawing cannula tip 108 is exerted on the edges of the shells 136, and not on the tissue. Shear force has the tendency of causing vessel avulsion and tissue abrasion, and its avoidance during dilation is preferable. However, in accordance with the present invention, only radial force is exerted on the tissue by the split shells 136, which reduces any trauma to the tissue from the dilation process. The dilation of the cavity facilitates subsequent insertion into the lumens of larger diameter instruments, particularly the endoscopic cannula of the present invention, as shown in
As shown in
Alternatively, the mediastinum 950 may be accessed without initially dilating a cavity using dilation tool 100, as shown in the alternative flow chart in
Where the mediastinal organ of interest is the heart (situated within the pericardium), the method is generally as described above until the larger diameter instrument reaches the pericardium. Referring now to FIGS. 8B and 10A-E and 11A, in step 850 a subxiphoid incision is made and the linea alba is incised according to conventional practice, as shown in
Upon reaching the pericardium as shown in
In step 862, pericardial entry 400 instrument is removed from access port 718 of endoscopic cannula 700, and other desired surgical instruments are inserted through access port 718 to operate on the heart within the pericardium. In an alternative embodiment, endoscopic cannula 700 includes more than one access port, such that removal of the pericardial entry instrument is not necessary for the insertion of other surgical instruments. In still another embodiment, the access port is of a sufficient size so that several surgical instruments may be inserted concurrently. The surgical and therapeutic operations which can be performed at this point include but are not limited to such procedures as epicardial mapping and ablation for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, pericardial window, myocardial biopsy, intrapericardial drug delivery, inserting a needle to inject cardiac muscle cells or undifferentiated satellite cells for cellular cardiomyoplasty, inserting a cannula to inject pharmacological agents for angiogenesis, robotic, cutting, stabilizing, and anastomotic instruments for performing coronary artery bypass or coronary artery bypass grafting, or positioning a laser or other energy probe or mechanical piercing element to pierce the heart muscle for transmyocardial revascularization. In addition, the atrial appendage may be ligated and transected to prevent embolism in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, for example by advancing a suture loop through the endoscopic cannula to cinch off the atrial appendage to prevent migration of blood clots which frequently form in the appendage from migrating out and travelling to the brain.
The subxiphoid pericardial access method as herein described is particularly advantageous as it enables the surgeon to access all regions of the heart, that is a 360 degree view including the anterior, posterior, left and right regions of the heart. Referring now to
As described above, once a larger diameter instrument, for example endoscopic cannula 700, is inserted into the pericardium (either through a cavity dilated by expandable sheath 124, as shown in
The several apparatus of the various aspects of the present invention have been discussed in relation to a subxiphoid access surgical method. However, use of the apparatus disclosed herein, that is an endoscopic cannula, a dilation tool, and a pericardial entry instrument, and is not limited to use with the subxiphoid access method. While the subxiphoid access method is preferred because of its minimally invasive nature, other methods of access may also be used, for example using an incision in the intercostal region and advancing the endoscopic cannula through the incision to gain access to the pleural cavity. In such a procedure, the pleural membrane and the pericardial membrane, which lie in contact with one another, are grasped and punctured using the pericardial entry instrument to reach the heart. In addition, the methods described herein are not limited to accessing mediastinal structures (which includes the pericardium). For example, procedures requiring access to the peritoneum, the dura mater, or any membrane overlying a sensitive organ, for example, the spine, the brain, or the stomach, also benefit from the use of the apparatus and method described above.
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NCSOFT Europe was established in 2004 in Brighton, England (refresh this page for another view of the city, above) and is responsible for publishing all of NCSOFT's games in Europe. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, a casual work environment and the seaside just 10 minutes walk away!
IMPORTANT NOTE: All of NCSOFT Europe's job openings are for full time, on-site employees. We do not employ 'remote' staff. Potential employees must be able to work legally in the United Kingdom, and must either reside near Brighton, England or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is potentially available.
Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted for interviews. All candidates must supply their initial CV/resume and covering letter in English.
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of the Shuttle: Literature in English
Voice of the Shuttle -
Anglo-Saxon & Medieval
For other related sources, see History Websites Medieval.
Voice of the Shuttle - Renaissance & 17th Century
Renaissance Literary Resources
Early English Books Online (EEBO)
Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet
Voice of the Shuttle - Restoration & 18th Century
Eighteenth Century Collections Online
Internet Library of Early Journals
Voice of the Shuttle - The Romantics
British Women Romantic Poets, 1789-1832
Corvey Women Writers on the Web
Keats-Shelley Journal Bibliography
You will find below Victorian literature and culture resources not listed on the Literary Resources collection maintained by Jack Lynch of Rutgers.
Voice of the Shuttle - Modern British and American
Twentieth-Century British, Irish and Commonwealth Literary Resources
The International Virginia Woolf Society
Voice of the Shuttle - American Literature
American Studies at University of Virginia
Perspectives in American Literature (PAL)
Voice of the Shuttle - Other Literatures in English
Literary Resources - Other National Literatures
African Literature and Writers on the Internet
Postcolonial and Postimperial Literature in English
Postcolonial Literature from literaryhistory.com
Here are some open access sites where you can access a wide variety of e-texts. For sites which concentrate on e-texts from a particular literary category or period, try looking under relevant headings in this website guide; for subscription resources, see Primary Sources.
Electronic Text Center at the University of Virginia
Latino Literature: Poetry, Drama and Fiction
Internet Library of Early Journals


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Gift Guide2012
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Avalanche Fruit Stand
By Learning Resources
In this balancing game, preschoolers learn about colors and numbers while practicing their fine motor, categorizing and spatial reasoning skills. Whip that spinner, and use the large tweezers to carefully pick a fruit off the stand that matches the color on the spinner. Just make sure you don't start a fruit avalanche! The first person with one fruit of each kind wins. The play fruit that goes with the game is bright, with great rubber tactile quality. This game puts the fun in kindergarten readiness. (Learning Resources, $14.93)
Fun Learning Ideas
Find Activities by Grade
Find Worksheets by Grade


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LOA has a highly active parent community that contributes its time, talent and treasures to enrich the academic experience of every LOA student.
2014-15 Parents Association Officers
President - Scott Pattison
Vice President - Caitlin Darby
Secretary - Heidi Kalpak
Treasurer -Cindi Herring
A. Every parent or guardian of a student enrolled in Lake Oconee Academy is a member of the Parent Association and shall have individual voting rights.
B. Every full or part-time teacher or administrator at Lake Oconee Academy is a non-voting member of the Parent Association. Every full or part-time teacher or administrator at Lake Oconee Academy who is also a parent shall have individual voting rights
The LOA Parent Association is organized for the purpose of:
A. Supporting the education of children at Lake Oconee Academy.
B. Promoting the general welfare of Lake Oconee Academy.
C. Disseminating pertinent information to the entire parent body and serving as an advocate of all children of Lake Oconee Academy.
D. Fostering closer working relationships among school, parents, faculty and the Board of Governors.
E. Providing a forum for the sharing of ideas that will benefit Lake Oconee Academy.
F. Mobilizing support for the Annual Giving Fund, fundraising projects, and other special development efforts of Lake Oconee Academy.
G. Supporting the faculty and administration of Lake Oconee Academy by serving as tutors, coaches, mentors and chaperones, and by welcoming guests to the campus.
H. Supporting the efforts of Lake Oconee Academy to engage parents in the education of their children
I. The Parent Association will not take an official position on any material issue until it has been authorized by the general body of the Parent Association through its voting process and assures that it follows the vision and mission of Lake Oconee Academy as stated in the "Charter" and interpreted and communicated by the Lake Oconee Academy Board of Governors or their designee.


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Dice Sets
Dice sets, especially 7-piece RPG dice sets. Everything from metal dice sets and stone dice sets to pearlized and magma dice sets. Also includes other sets of dice such as 10d6 crystal dice sets.
7-piece Set of Swirly Crystal RPG Dice (Blue)$9.75A complete set of 7 swirled crystal dice: 1D4, 1D6, 1D8, 2D10, 1D12, and 1D20. Cool and mysterious, this blue- and black-swirled RPG dice set evokes images of a foreboding and awesome ancient power. Blue and black with gold numerals. Learn More
Set of 7 Blue Smoke Spectrum Dice$6.75
Out of stockA complete set of 7 polyhedral dice with gold numerals on magma-swirled red, blue and yellow dice. Learn More
Giant 34mm Silk Blue Dice Set$14.95
Out of stockThis is a full set of 34mm Silk Blue dice that feel satisfying in the palm of your hand. This set come complete with 7 Giant dice in total and a plastic case for easy access. These are Amazingly Large Dice! Learn More


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Whether you've just started your pet-sitting business or have been in the pet-sitting industry for years, advertising your pet-sitting services is likely a top priority. And, if you are like most pet sitters, promoting your services without breaking the bank is also a top concern.
According to the responses to PSI's 2011 State of the Industry Survey, most professional pet sitters are taking advantage of the easiest, free form of advertising: Word-of-mouth! In fact, 93.4% of the pet sitters responding indicated they rely on word-of-mouth advertising. Other popular forms of conventional advertising included:
PSI's latest survey on social media also found that more than half of professional pet sitters are also using at least one social media platform to promote their pet-sitting services—another great free option!
If you are looking for low-cost and free ways to promote your new pet-sitting business—or if you've been in business for years but are looking for new ways to promote your services on a shoestring budget—check out these ideas.
PSI suggests these ten free or low-cost ways to promote your pet-sitting business:
1. Take advantage of (free) local media attention! Send press releases to your local media announcing new employees, new services offered and significant business anniversary dates. Also send seasonal press releases (winterweather tips for pets, for example) or releases announcing special events (Professional Pet Sitters Week™, etc.). PSI members, don't forget to access the free pet-sitter press release templates in the Members' area of petsit.com and check out these tips on how to get your pet-sitting business featured in your local news.
2. Post your business card on hospital bulletin boards. Chances are convalescing patients are unable to walk their dog or clean the litter box. Your services would be greatly appreciated by someone looking for help.
3. Get social! Set up a free Facebook business page or Twitter account for your pet-sitting business. Not sure where to start? PSI's latest social media survey found that the majority of pet sitters choose to promote their services on Facebook. Check out these previous posts to see how other professional pet sitters are using social media and to find some helpful tips on what to post on your Facebook page—and advice for social media etiquette.
4. Always give out business cards to those you do business with. This includes the hair dresser, dry cleaner and bank. Also, when eating out locally, make sure you leave a business card with your tip. (Remember the tip! If you are not tipping your server, you probably shouldn't leave a business card!)
5. You must give to receive. Consider making a donation (certificate for free pet-sitting services) to a local charity auction. It's a great way to help out a local organization, garner free advertising for your business and spread the word about your services to a new client base.
6. Don't leave home without them—your business cards, that is. Whether you are at a dog park, networking event, grocery store or simply strolling down the street with Rover, keep your business cards handy. Pets are great icebreakers and wonderful sources of conversation. And it may lead to future business!
7. Be on the lookout for signs of a pet-owning household. As you are walking clients' dogs or even in your own neighborhood, be looking for signs of a pet-owning household—outdoor dog runs, fencing, etc. Leave door hangers at homes that have invisible fence flags and signs. Be sure to inquire about any local ordinances. For example, in some areas putting fliers, signs, etc. on mailboxes is not permitted.
8. Get the most bang for your business-card buck. Be sure to make use of the back of your business card. Include a client testimonial, territory served, number of pet sits completed or your business slogan. You may also consider using the backside of the card for a coupon ($5 off your first visit, etc.). If your company is on Facebook or Twitter, be sure to include that information as well. Also be sure that your contact information is included and easy-to-read.
9. Go where the food is! Don't forget about your local feed store or retail pet food outlet. People who have pets always buy pet food and pet supplies. Check with the owner to see if you can leave your brochures on the counter or post fliers on a bulletin board inside the store.
10. Don't forget your online listings! Make sure your pet-sitting business is listed on PSI's Pet Sitter Locator (PSI members, use these instructions to view your Locator information and make sure your listing is up-to-date), as well as local online directories like Google Places and Bing Local. If you are searching for other online pet-sitter directories to include your listing, be sure to read this post on what you need to know about online pet-sitter directories.
More Low-Cost Marketing Ideas from Fellow Pet Sitters:
PSI also recently posted this question about low-costing marketing ideas on the PSI Facebook page:
"Pet sitters, we're wrapping up a blog post for next week on the best low-cost marketing ideas. Do you have a great low-cost marketing idea that has helped your business?"
Here are some of the tips from fellow professional pet sitters on Facebook:
Let us know which free or low-cost marketing ideas have worked for you!
Have you tried any of the ideas shared in this post? Did they work (or not work) for your pet-sitting business? Or, do you have other marketing tips that have been successful for your pet-sitting business?
Share your experiences, suggestions and comments below.
If you are considering pet sitting—or maybe you are already a pet sitter but not a member of Pet Sitters International—download the free PSI Information Pack to learn how PSI can help take your pet-sitting business to the next level.
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© 2015 www.petsit.com


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Autism Signs: Your Month-by-Month Guide
Early diagnosis of autism can make a dramatic difference. Here are some signs that may indicate your baby should have a developmental evaluation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- She doesn't respond to loud noises.
- She doesn't follow moving objects with her eyes.
- She doesn't grasp and hold objects.
- She doesn't smile at people.
- She doesn't babble.
- She doesn't pay attention to new faces.
Understanding Autism: Sensory Issues


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It was 13 years ago today that Liverpool beat Alaves 5-4 at the Westfalenstadion in the UEFA Cup final - and to mark the occasion, our weekly Kop 10 feature counts down the Reds' greatest wins over Spanish opposition.
On a topsy-turvy night in Dortmund, the game went to extra-time with the scores tied at 4-4 after Jordi Cruyff equalised in the final moments of normal time.
Gary McAllister's 116th minute free-kick was then turned home by Alaves defender Delfi Geli - and Gerard Houllier's men raced across the turf in joy, having clinched the trophy for a third time in the club's history.
But how does this sensational victory match up to famous wins over the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid throughout Liverpool's illustrious past? Our Kop 10 attempts to find out.
Tell us your favourites here, click the arrow below to get started and share your memories of each match in the comments section at the bottom of the pages you flick through.
Submit your views in the box below. Alternatively, you can debate these issues with fellow fans on our Message Boards or blog about them on The Kop
The views expressed here are not those of Liverpool Football Club (read more)


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E.R. Bradley's Hole In One
Posted by Jim & Victoria on 02/16/2012
Delicious! Docked our boat at the newly built docks, and walked over for a delicious lunch! Our new hot spot!


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07 Jul, 2014
Back Issues: New Rochelle Collection has Arrived! Hundreds of Great Titles!
Posted by Midtown Comics in: Blog | No Comments
07 Jul, 2014
Posted by Midtown Comics in: Blog | No Comments
03 Jun, 2013
Posted by Raphael in: Opinion | No Comments
Midtown Bloggerinos! Raph here, and with the hot temperatures here, that means it's blockbuster season! With movies like Iron Man 3, Star Trek: Into Darkness, Fast 6, and the upcoming Man of Steel, Hollywood is preparing for a season of big explosions, but comics also are about to get things going: between Superman Unchained, Trinity War, Infinity, the next chapter of Saga, and many others, there's lots of action to pack into those 22 pages of comic. Here are some of my favorite action-adventures from recent memory. They are all collected into trade paperbacks or are original graphic novels, so you can get all your bang in one space.
02 Jun, 2011
Posted by Raphael in: Blog|Opinion|Previews | No Comments
Midtown Bloggerino! Ready for the summer?!? Summer is here, (and humid in NYC), and to heat things up in the comics world, DC decided to do a little thing… REBOOT THEIR ENTIRE UNIVERSE!!!
01 Jun, 2011
Posted by Raphael in: Blog|Opinion|Random|Reviews | No Comments
Hello Midtown Blogger League of America! (or wherever you're from!), Raph here this week and I got some twee views as well as something different. I thought I'd get into a little something we fanboys (and girls) like to do: talk about our favorite things in comics. This time, I want to take a look at some alternate realities, particularly with the Ultimate Universe going through major upheaval and the DCU being re-written in Flashpoint… I wanted to look at some universes and tales that I've enjoyed in the four color founts of fun that are comics… gotta get this Stan Lee Alliteration bug out of my system…