http://www.ta.ecri.org/hotlineCopyright 2009 ECRINew and Updated Hotline Responsesen-us1/6/2009 3:44:14 PM1/6/2009 3:44:14 PM5htais@ecri.orghttp://www.ta.ecri.org/hotline/prod/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=11029&e=7 Hip disarticulation (HD) is the surgical removal of the entire lower limb at the hip level through the hip joint capsule. Prosthetics are devices designed to replace or restore the functionality or appearance of a missing limb or other body part. Recipients of prostheses are often amputees who may have been affected by a range of diseases and/or conditions including vascular disorders, cancers, or trauma.12/24/2008http://www.ta.ecri.org/hotline/prod/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=11028&e=7 AlloDerm is fabricated by a proprietary method of processing cadaveric skin. This method is designed to produce an acellular dermis that is free of the cells responsible for the antigenic response to allograft skin.12/19/2008http://www.ta.ecri.org/hotline/prod/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=11030&e=7 Before bariatric surgery, patients typically receive education about the surgical options available, the presurgical workup, the surgery itself, and most importantly, the postoperative course.12/19/2008http://www.ta.ecri.org/hotline/prod/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=11031&e=7 Carbon dioxide (CO2) surgical lasers are used primarily to create surgical incisions; to excise or vaporize deeper tissues (e.g., to remove tumors) after incisions; to coagulate very small bleeding vessels; to vaporize surface anomalies (e.g., warts); and to excise or vaporize tissue accessible by both rigid and flexible endoscopes.12/16/2008http://www.ta.ecri.org/hotline/prod/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=10843&e=7 Vascular catheters are devices that allow access to blood vessels of the body. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are tunneled though a vein to the vena cava or right atrium of the heart and are commonly used in the hospital to administer fluids and electrolytes, drugs, parenteral nutrition, and blood components over extended periods of time. Catheters provide convenient intravenous access, but they also increase the risk of infection, including sepsis. Risk factors for infection include duration of catheterization, poor patient hygiene, longer hospital stay, and immunocompromised status.( 5,6 )12/14/2008