Surgery Godfather-Chapter 470 - 428: The Serious Professor Liang

The challenging aspect of this case is that the deformity is not yet fixed and is dynamically changing.

Ordinary osteotomy is only suitable for static deformities and cannot cope with future growth and development.

Osteotomy itself can cause damage and interfere with the development of the spine, making the problem complex and variable.

If an external fixator could be used for correction, all the challenges would be resolved. However, designing such a fixator is no easy task.

The distance between concept and reality is far.

Back in his office from the ward, Professor Liang sits down and asks, "At what stage is your external fixator?"

Medical devices and drugs have strict procedures from research to application. Compared to drugs, the regulations for medical devices are much more lenient.

"The design is mature, and we are now preparing to conduct animal tests. We need a group of juvenile monkey models with scoliosis. We are in contact to acquire test monkeys and find methods to create scoliosis models. The whole process will take some time, so we plan to let the child go home and return after a while," Yang Ping explains the progress.

In fact, in the system’s space, Yang Ping has completed the entire experimental process. However, the system’s space is the system’s space, and reality is reality; the experiment must be redone in the real world.

For this child, Yang Ping has conducted countless research experiments in the system’s space, and screened various technologies, such as epiphyseal blocking technology.

This technology involves the selection of some points on the spine’s epiphyseal, causing a slow growth, leading to an imbalance in the growth and development of different parts of the spine.

Scoliosis is a result of this growth imbalance, and using epiphyseal blocking technology could theoretically counteract this imbalance.

Theoretically, during the growth process, the deformation of the spine would adjust naturally.

In a simple bending model, the growth of the convex side slows down, and the concave side speeds up, creating an imbalance. Eventually, the bend straightens out.

This curved stick theory is the theoretical basis for applying the epiphyseal blocking technique in orthopedics.

This technology is currently being used in the correction of simple joint deformities in children.

For example, for children with true X-shaped or O-shaped legs, children’s long bones have epiphyses and growth plates on both ends, an ideal correction effect can be achieved by simply controlling the growth plates through surgery.

The trauma is small, recovery is quick, and there is no need to cut the bone; for adults with X-shaped or O-shaped legs, the only option is osteotomy and correction.

This surgery uses the principle of epiphyseal blocking, called temporary hemiepiphysiodesis. Temporary means that the blockage caused by the surgery is not permanent and should be suspended once the purpose is achieved, letting the epiphyseal resume growth; hemiepiphysiodesis means to stop the growth of part of the epiphyseal while allowing the other parts to continue to grow.

Like a simple curved stick model, for the knee joint, if the medial part is controlled and the lateral part continues to grow, the medial side grows slower and the lateral side grows more quickly, the knee joint bends inward, turning a normal knee joint into an O-shaped structure and vice versa into an X-shape.

If it was initially an O-shaped leg, blocking the lateral side and letting the medial side grow quickly, the knee joint grows and bends outward, correcting the deformity; the opposite is true for X-legs.

This technology is applicable for X or O-shaped legs of the knee joint because the deformity is simple, just bending inward or outward.

However, the spine is three-dimensional, finding a control point is extremely difficult. Even if a control point is found, the degree of blocking is hard to control, which may result in the spine transforming from one type of deformity to another.

So Yang Ping has given up applying epiphyseal blocking technology, and instead chose Ilizarov’s tension-stress theory.

Yang Ping has conducted a large number of experiments in the system’s space, consuming many points, finally obtaining valuable data, and improving the external fixator to a clinically useful level.

Yang Ping asks Song Zimo to take out the mobile hard disk, connect it to the computer, where the detailed drawings of the external fixator’s design are stored.

Upon hearing that it was a detailed drawing, Professor Liang waves his hand, "Just knowing that it’s at the stage of animal testing is enough, I don’t need to see the details."

Professor Liang is renowned in the academic circles for this; he doesn’t claim to be the first author for his students’ work that he didn’t play a key role in, and he doesn’t add his name to any work in which he didn’t substantively participate. He never encroaches upon his students’ research results.

He also constantly reminds his students that no matter how they obtain others’ achievements, they must cite sources when writing an article or using it in public, to indicate that it is a quote.

As a member of the National Political Consultancy Committee, one of Professor Liang’s proposals is to increase penalties for violations of intellectual property rights. Without effective penalties, violators will act recklessly. The disregard for intellectual property severely suppresses actual creators’ motivation.

Yang Ping did not expect Professor Liang to take this matter so seriously, and quickly explains, "This is merely a device blueprint, just a part of the technology, and can be disclosed."

As long as Yang Ping says it can be disclosed, there’s no harm in taking a look. Only then does Professor Liang nod in agreement.

The blueprint in the mobile hard drive is very detailed: exploded views, 3D images, images of each part, a set of graphical displays showing the application principles.

Yang Ping explains the principle and some details of this device based on the images.

This device, from the theoretical foundation to mechanical design, is very mature and can be directly applied in clinical trials. The only thing missing now is supporting animal experiment data.

Is Yang Ping’s research talent so high? A single innovation can be so mature; once the animal experiment is done, it could immediately enter clinical application.

For this kind of device, from concept to diagrams, with all the trial and error, even a full team would take several years, and success is not guarantee.

Now that he has presented one that is already mature, did he start researching this immediately after graduation?

In reality, Yang Ping experienced countless failures in the system space before succeeding, consuming millions of points. If it weren’t successful, he wouldn’t dare to continue spending points.

Professor Liang didn’t delve too deeply, after all, regardless of the reasons, the product was already in front of them, so he said, "This set of equipment is very mature, just lacking animal experiments. We have a collaborative laboratory with the Chinese University of Hong Kong which uses experimental monkeys to study scoliosis. This lab is located in Guilin, Guangxi, and has been operational for three years, accumulating a lot of data. The data is now available to you. Director Hu, how many juvenile monkeys do we have in our current models?"

"These experimental monkeys are all crab-eating macaques, which should be very suitable for research. What age of monkeys do we need? Under six years old?" Professor Liang asked.

"Yes, that’s great. I was just thinking about making a trip to Guangxi to see the experimental monkey base there." Yang Ping knew that their laboratory was located in Guilin because it was convenient to obtain experimental monkeys. Guangxi has the largest experimental monkey breeding base in the country.

"I’ll get on it right away!" Director Hu noted Professor Liang’s words.

Professor Liang showed a bit of displeasure: "Don’t wait later, do it now. It’s a matter of a few words, ask now."

"Alright, right away!" Director Hu was used to Professor Liang’s style, but he was still a little embarrassed.

In front of everyone, Director Hu made a phone call to inquire about the situation at the Guilin laboratory. Besides a few people who handle daily management, everyone else is from Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the Chinese University of Hong Kong on rotation.

The models for the scoliosis of experimental monkeys need to be created after the monkeys are purchased, which is a process. Therefore, if the experiment starts soon, they need to find out if there is sufficient stock.

"There is! Thirty-four juvenile monkeys! All have completed health quarantine and immunization plans and are ready to start the experiment at any time." Director Hu replied.

"Thirty-four, that’s enough!" Professor Liang did a quick calculation.

"Gather them all for Dr. Yang’s project experiment. Xiao Yang, if you agree, we can cooperate on this part. We can help you complete your animal experiment. What do you think? We won’t put our names on the paper, just let us have the priority to observe the first batch of experimental cases." Professor Liang did not want to take advantage of the young people. He sincerely wanted to use his resources to help Yang Ping.

"Thank you, Professor Liang." Yang Ping agreed.

Actually, it wouldn’t be overstepping to add their names, as they are indeed helping to complete the animal experiment, but since this is Professor Liang’s style, Yang Ping didn’t bring it up and just went with his way.

"Xiao Yang, you send a detailed experimental plan over there. They will complete the animal experiment. Director Hu is in charge of the liaison for this subject." With a few words from Professor Liang, the cooperation on this subject was decided.

Cooperating on the subject can stimulate everyone’s progress together and avoids isolating oneself.

Just like the production of enterprises, they can possess the core technology and let upstream and downstream cooperative enterprises do the rest. If everyone does everything themselves, it will reduce efficiency.

After visiting the ward and the operating room, there was endless conversation with Yang Ping, which left Director Han and Dean Xia unable to join the conversation. They just shook their heads and sighed.

That night everyone had dinner together. Those accompanying included Professor Su, Dean Xia, Director Han, Director Tian, and several directors of the orthopedics department, all the doctors of the comprehensive orthopedics department, and the Peking Union Medical College Hospital advanced study group.

When Professor Su saw Yang Ping, he was exceptionally cordial. If it hadn’t been for the occasion, he would have wanted Yang Ping to sit next to him. Ever since Yang Ping returned from the United States, Professor Su has always wanted to find an opportunity to meet Yang Ping.

This time at the Golden Knife Award, Yang Ping won the championship, and Su Yixuan was awarded the best surgical nurse. The two won awards together, and Professor Su and his wife laughed every time they talked about it.

Both husband and wife were also anxious. Why hadn’t their daughter told them about her relationship, and why hadn’t she brought Yang Ping to meet them? They wanted to urge her a few times, but held back.

This time, the battle for talent between Peking Union Medical College Hospital and 301, Professor Su also heard about it, he has been watching it closely. He did not know which hospital Yang Ping would eventually choose, based on his comprehensive analysis, he estimated that Yang Ping would likely stay where he was, but it was hard to guess what a young man was thinking.

He knew that by being nearer, Nandu Affiliated Hospital One had an advantage, but Professor Su knew just like he’s seeing it in a mirror.

Yang Ping’s everything in Sanbo is currently going smoothly. There was no need to relocate, and even if he did, going to Peking Union Medical College Hospital or 301 would be stronger than Nandu Affiliated Hospital One.

Therefore, Professor Su was not in a hurry or agitated. He was as steady as a mountain and had planned how to proceed. He knew that whether it was Yang Ping or his daughter, neither wanted to develop under his wings. Otherwise, Su Yixuan would not have been working at Sanbo Hospital.

"Professor Su!" Yang Ping had already raised his glass.

In the green-themed dinner, everyone was drinking beverages. Professor Su quickly raised his cup: "Xiao Yang, your performance in the Golden Knife Award was extraordinary, especially that scoliosis operation, it made my heart beat."

"Professor Su overpraises, my method is just a little improvement on the basis of my predecessors." Yang Ping was being humble in front of his father-in-law.

This kid, Professor Su felt joy in his heart, he was being humble when he should be, and proud when he should be. He loved this character.

"When will you come to Affiliated Hospital One and visit us? Nanchen always mentions you." Professor Su put down his cup.

"Xiao Yang and your son are in contact?" Professor Liang was greatly surprised, and at the same time was puzzled, why didn’t Su Qingyun, who is famous for cherishing talents, make any moves towards Yang Ping?

Su Nanchen graduated from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and all the clinical courses were completed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, so Professor Liang was naturally familiar with him.

Seeing Professor Liang’s puzzled eyes, Director Han understood, but he just laughed. No matter what, Su Qingyun would have to recognize him as a father-in-law.