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Show 195 This procedure is requiring a trip down to x-ray and time spent under the fluoroscopy machine. Dr. Chappie is trying to place a tiny tube into the space just outside the dura, far enough in and high enough up that it will flood the area with the blood. If enough blood coagulates in the right places, my dura will be patched. "I think you've been there long enough, Doctor." It is the radiologist watching this part of the procedure. Dr. Chappie has had her hands under the fluoroscopy, trying to thread the tube into the right space, for some time. The radiologist is concerned that she is receiving too much x-ray. "Mmmmmm," Dr. Chappie is acknowledging his concern but she is ignoring his warning. After ten more minutes, she steps back from the hard table and clasps her hands together. "I think we've got it!" Her whole face is shining her conquest. "Now for the hard part," she is saying. I am looking up at her, not understanding how much more difficult it could be. She has poked and prodded in a nerve-enriched area for at least thirty minutes. |