Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Emerg Med 2019 Apr 16. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Emergency Medicine Department, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.

Background: Heart failure is a major public health problem in the United States. Increasingly, patients with advanced heart failure that fail medical therapy are being treated with implanted ventricular assist devices (VADs).

Objective: This review provides an evidence-based summary of the current data for the evaluation and management of implanted VAD complications in an emergency department context. Read More

PLoS One 2019 17;14(4):e0214991. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Christian Doppler Laboratory for Restoration of Extremity Function, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Drop foot is a frequent abnormality in gait after central nervous system lesions. Different treatment strategies are available to functionally restore dorsal extension during swing phase in gait. Orthoses as well as surface and implantable devices for electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve may be used in patients who do not regain good dorsal extension. Read More

FP Essent 2019 Apr;479:30-34

Womack Army Medical Center Department of the Army, WAMC Stop A 2817 Reilly Rd, Ft Bragg, NC 28310-7301.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an abrupt and unexpected death presumed to be due to cardiac causes. The primary etiologic mechanism is cardiac arrest due to an arrhythmia. Cardioverter-defibrillators detect abnormal arrhythmia and abort the rhythm with an electrical shock. Read More

Vascular 2019 Apr 16:1708538119844041. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

1 Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.

Objectives: A hostile proximal neck anatomy is the most common cause of abdominal aorta endovascular aneurysm repair failure leading to a higher risk of device migration, proximal type I endoleak, and subsequent open surgical repair. Endostapling is a technique to attain better fixation of the endograft to the aortic wall, and the only available device in the USA is Aptus Heli-FX EndoAnchor system (Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). Preliminary data have shown efficacy and safety of its use, and the aim of this study is to assess device-related adverse events in real-world clinical use. Read More

Neural Plast 2019 11;2019:6286197. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Gloriana Therapeutics, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Methods: Human ARPE-19 cells engineered to secrete high levels of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were encapsulated into hollow fiber membranes. The devices were implanted into the rat striatum 1 week prior to striatal quinolinic acid injections. Animals were evaluated using a battery of validated motor tests, and histology was performed to determine the extent of GDNF diffusion and associated prevention of neuronal cell loss and behavioral deficits. Read More

Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019 Apr 12. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2501 Speedway, Room 7.620, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.

The tricuspid leaflets coapt during systole to facilitate proper valve function and, thus, ensure efficient transport of deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Between their open state and closed state, the leaflets undergo large deformations. Quantification of these deformations is important for our basic scientific understanding of tricuspid valve function and for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. Read More

J Neurosurg 2019 Apr 12:1-7. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

OBJECTIVEIntrathecal drug delivery devices (IDDDs) are a mainstay in the treatment of spasticity and refractory pain. While these devices have been shown to greatly improve the quality of life for patients, they also have a high perioperative complication and failure rate. A major complication of IDDD implantation is infection. Read More

PLoS One 2019 12;14(4):e0214513. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.

Background: Unloading of failing hearts by left ventricular assist devices induces an extensive cardiac remodeling which may lead to a reversal of the initial phenotype-or to its deterioration. The mechanisms underlying these processes are unclear.

Hypothesis: Heterotopic heart transplantion (hHTX) is an accepted model for the study of mechanical unloading in rodents. Read More

J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019 Apr 11;16(1):49. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Background: Replacement of a lost limb by an artificial substitute is not yet ideal. Resolution and coordination of motor control approximating that of a biological limb could dramatically improve the functionality of prosthetic devices, and thus reduce the gap towards a suitable limb replacement.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the control resolution and coordination exhibited by subjects with transhumeral amputation who were implanted with epimysial electrodes and an osseointegrated interface that provides bidirectional communication in addition to skeletal attachment (e-OPRA Implant System). Read More

ASAIO J 2019 Apr 4. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

From the Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology.

Current continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) decrease peripheral vascular pulsatility, which may contribute to side effects such as bleeding and thrombotic events. However, the actual impact of manipulating LVAD pump speed, revolutions per minute (rpm), on peripheral (brachial) pulsatility index (brachial PI), in patients with heart failure implanted with a HeartWare (HVAD) or HeartMateII (HMII) LVAD is unknown. Therefore, blood velocities (Doppler ultrasound) in the brachial artery were recorded and brachial PI calculated across rpm manipulations which spanned the acceptable clinical outpatient range: 360 rpm (HVAD, n = 10) and 1200 rpm (HMII, n = 10). Read More

Artif Organs 2019 Apr 11. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has been implicated in playing an important role in platelet activation during hemostasis and thrombosis involving platelet-matrix interaction and platelet aggregation. Its role in non-physiological shear stress (NPSS)-induced platelet activation relevant to high-shear blood contacting medical devices (BCMDs) is unclear. In the context of blood cells flowing in BCMDs, platelets are subjected to NPSS (>100 Pa) with very short exposure time (<1 sec). Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2019 26;6:56. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Implanted and non-implanted medical devices, including artificial joints, are widely accepted to improve the quality of life of patients. While implant survival rates of over 80% can be accepted for artificial joints, there is still a large need to achieve higher survival rates at 15 years or longer to reduce the need for revisions due to implant failure before the end of the patient's life. Therefore, artificial joints are constantly improved with design changes and new designs, including modified or new materials. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Medical Department of Continuity of Care and Disability, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital St. Orsola-Malpighi.

Patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical therapy can be treated with left ventricular assist devices, implanted to augment or replace left ventricular function. The most common postoperative complications are infection; bleeding; thromboembolic events; device malfunction; depression, and neurological dysfunction (stroke, transient ischemic attacks, encephalopathy). Their onset contributes to the interruption and delay in commencing a physiotherapy program. Read More

ESC Heart Fail 2019 Apr 9. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Section of Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Medicine, Kaufman Center for Heart Failure Treatment and Recovery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J3-4, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.

Cardiogenic shock from biventricular failure that requires acute mechanical circulatory support carries high 30 day mortality. Acute mechanical circulatory support can serve as bridge to orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) in selected patients. We report a patient with biventricular failure secondary to rapidly progressive cardiac sarcoidosis refractory to medical management who was bridged to OHT with Impella 5. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2019 Apr 4. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

CRF-Skirball Center for Innovation, Orangeburg, NY, United States of America; Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, United States of America. Electronic address:

Background: New generation bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) promise to improve the outcomes of current generation BRS technologies by decreasing wall thickness while maintaining structural strength. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical behavior and vascular healing profile of a novel thin-walled (98 μm) sirolimus-eluting ultrahigh molecular weight BRS (Magnitude, Amaranth Medical) to the Absorb everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular).

Methods And Results: In vitro biomechanical testing showed lower number of fractures on accelerated cycle testing over time (at 21K cycles = 20. Read More

Polymers (Basel) 2018 Sep 10;10(9). Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.

When stainless steel is implanted in human bodies, the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility must be considered. In this study, first, a protective organic silicone film was coated on the surface of stainless steel by a plasma deposition technique with a precursor of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSZ). Then, ultraviolet (UV) light-induced graft polymerization of -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and acrylic acid (AAc) in different molar ratios were applied onto the organic silicone film in order to immobilize thermos-/pH-sensitive composite hydrogels on the surface. Read More

Magn Reson Med 2019 Apr 7. Epub 2019 Apr 7.

Department of Radiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of in vivo imaging of human pancreatic ductal cells by OATP1B3 reporter gene under MRI.

Methods: A human cell line (PANC-1) derived from the pancreatic ductal epithelium was used in this study. After transduction of OATP1B3, the cellular physiological functions and the ability of intracellular uptake of the MRI contrast medium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) were examined. Read More

Infection 2019 Apr 6. Epub 2019 Apr 6.

Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, MEB 362, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Ceftaroline fosamil (CPT) is the only available beta-lactam antibiotic with in vitro and in vivo activities against MRSA. There is currently limited clinical experience with CPT in complicated MRSA BSI. Read More

J Mol Biol 2019 Apr 5. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. Electronic address:

Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are amphipathic, alpha-helical peptides that are secreted by staphylococci in high amounts in a quorum-sensing-controlled fashion. Studies performed predominantly in Staphylococcus aureus showed that PSMs structure biofilms, which results in reduced biofilm mass, while it has also been reported that S. aureus PSMs stabilize biofilms due to amyloid formation. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Apr;12(4):622-636

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. Electronic address:

With the expanding use of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIEDs) in an ever-aging population, the looming problem of CIED-associated interference with the tricuspid valve is significant. The first pacemaker was implanted in 1958 for severe symptomatic bradycardia. The concept of a device to avert sudden cardiac death (i. Read More

JAMA Dermatol 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Department of Dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.

Orthop J Sports Med 2019 Mar 26;7(3):2325967119834933. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

Knee Research Center, Yagi Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

Background: In several anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ASB-ACLR) procedures, the femoral and tibial tunnel apertures are created at different locations within the native ACL attachment area.

Hypothesis: Graft length changes during knee motion will be different among ASB-ACLR procedures with different femoral and tibial tunnel aperture locations.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Read More

J Sex Med 2019 Apr;16(4):596-601

Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.

Introduction: We describe a novel physiologic penile prosthesis that uses shape memory alloy properties to mimic the transition between a flaccid and erect penis using magnetic induction instead of hydraulic pressure.

Aim: To evaluate the parameters of magnetic induction to activate a shape memory alloy implantable penile prosthesis.

Methods: We prototyped an implantable penile prosthesis cylinder using temperature-tuned nickel titanium alloy tubes laser cut to specifications. Read More

Nat Biomed Eng 2019 Jan 16;3(1):27-36. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.

Metronomic (that is, low-dose and long-term) photodynamic therapy (mPDT) for treating internal lesions requires the stable fixation of optical devices to internal tissue surfaces to enable continuous, local light delivery. Surgical suturing-the standard choice for device fixation-can be unsuitable in the presence of surrounding major nerves and blood vessels, as well as for organs or tissues that are fragile, change their shape or actively move. Here, we show that an implantable and wirelessly powered mPDT device consisting of near-field-communication-based light-emitting-diode chips and bioadhesive and stretchable polydopamine-modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) nanosheets can be stably fixed onto the inner surface of animal tissue. Read More

J Psychosom Res 2019 May 5;120:39-45. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

University of Kentucky College of Nursing, RICH Heart Program, Lexington, KY, United States.

Background: The prevalence of multi-morbidity in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients is approximately 25%. Multi-morbidity is associated with poor health and psychological outcomes in this population and may affect ICD recipients' quality-of-life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological distress (anxiety, depressive symptoms, and Type-D personality) in ICD recipients with varying levels of comorbidities, and to examine the association between multi-morbidity burden and QOL in this population. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2019 ;1968:147-171

Wallenberg Laboratory, Division of Experimental Infection Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.

It is estimated that over 80% of bacterial infections are associated with biofilm formation. Biofilms are organized bacterial communities formed on abiotic surfaces, such as implanted or inserted medical devices, or on biological surfaces, such as epithelial linings and mucosal surfaces. Biofilm growth is advantageous for the bacterial organism as it protects the bacteria from antimicrobial host factors and allows the bacteria to reside in the host without causing excessive inflammation. Read More

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2019 Apr 29;23(2):e56-e79. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona.

This article discusses instrumented spinal surgeries, the radiologic assessment of spinal fixation hardware, and the potential complications of spinal hardware. Radiography is the standard for the postoperative assessment of spinal hardware. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a valuable role in the detection of hardware and postsurgical-related complications such as infection, pseudarthrosis, and malpositioned instrumentation. Read More

Kyobu Geka 2019 Mar;72(3):194-197

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries accounts for less than 1% of congenital heart diseases, and is defined as ventriculoarterial and atrioventricular discordance. We report a case of a 56-year-old woman complaining of persistent cough, who was diagnosed with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and dextrocardia. Moderate regurgitation of the systemic tricuspid valve was revealed. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Mar;98(13):e15018

Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Huangpi District, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.

Rationale: Old periprosthetic femoral fractures (OPFFs) around a tumor prosthesis of the knee present formidable problems for orthopedic oncologists; large bone defects and inappropriate biomechanics of the revision implant design can impair successful reconstruction. Limited literature is available on the reconstruction of OPFFs using revision combined with massive allograft following resection of a bone tumor around the knee joint. In this study, we present the first reported case in the English literature of a limited revision followed by several segmental allografts for the reconstruction of the knee joint. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Mar;98(13):e15008

Department of Cardiology, Panyu Central Hospital.

Rationale: Transradial access (TRA) is common for cardiac catheterization, but radial artery spasm (RAS) is suggested to be highlighted. Severe radical artery spasm could be solved by a relative novel approach called "sheathless technique," using a Tiger diagnostic catheter.

Patient Concerns: A 73-year-old woman presented to our institution with a recurrent feeling of discomfort in her chest. Read More

NASN Sch Nurse 2019 Mar 28:1942602X19836439. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

SHNIC Program Coordinator, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD.

The Specialized Health Needs Interagency Collaboration (SHNIC) program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute is a community-based program that provides on-site training and technical assistance to safely manage the integration of children with special health needs into educational and community settings. SHNIC frequently receives seizure education requests throughout the school year, specifically regarding vagus nerve stimulation. Vagus nerve stimulation involves an implanted medical device used to deliver electrical pulses to the vagus nerve for additional seizure management. Read More

ACS Nano 2019 Apr 9. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Max Planck-EPFL Lab for Molecular Nanoscience and Technology and Institute of Physics, EPFL , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland.

Biological systems are able to control the assembly and positioning of proteins with nanoscale precision, as exemplified by the intricate molecular structures within cell membranes, virus capsids, and collagen matrices. Controlling the assembly of biomolecules is critical for the use of biomaterials in artificial systems such as antibacterial coatings, engineered tissue samples, and implanted medical devices. Furthermore, understanding the dynamics of protein assembly on heterogeneous templates will ultimately enable the control of protein crystallization in general. Read More

Cardiol J 2019 Mar 26. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Background: Among patients with implanted cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED), ipsilateral upper extremity vein stenosis or occlusion (VSO) is observed more frequently than the in general population. However, there are no data available concerning relationship between hemostatic markers (and their dynamics) and occurrence of VSO. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of beta-thromboglobulin, von Wilebrand factor, fibrynogen and D-dimer for VSO development among first time CIED recipients. Read More

Pain Med 2019 Mar 25. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Anesthesia Pain Care Consultants, Tamarac, Florida.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the wireless Freedom Spinal Cord Stimulator (WSCS) System for the treatment of chronic back and/or leg pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refractory to standard medical treatment utilizing 10-kHz stimulation (high-frequency [HF]) in comparison with 10-1,500-Hz stimulation (low-frequency [LF]) waveforms.

Methods: Ninety-nine subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either HF or LF stimulation waveforms utilizing the same Freedom WSCS System. All subjects were implanted with two 8-electrode arrays in the exact same anatomical positions within the dorsal epidural spinal column, with the top electrode positioned at the T8 and T9 vertebrae levels, respectively, and the wireless receiver placed under the skin in a subcutaneous pocket. Read More

Nat Commun 2019 03 21;10(1):1302. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 15213, PA, USA.

Humans and vocal animals use vocalizations to communicate with members of their species. A necessary function of auditory perception is to generalize across the high variability inherent in vocalization production and classify them into behaviorally distinct categories ('words' or 'call types'). Here, we demonstrate that detecting mid-level features in calls achieves production-invariant classification. Read More

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2019 Feb;65(2):216-221

Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052 PR China.

Objective: Aortic dissecting aneurysms involving visceral arteries are difficult for clinical treatment. This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of multi-layer bare stents technique in the treatment of aortic dissecting aneurysms involving visceral arteries.

Method: The clinical data of 16 patients of aortic dissecting aneurysm involving visceral artery treated with multi-layer bare stents technique from March 2013 to March 2017 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Read More

Sci Rep 2019 Mar 19;9(1):4867. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.

Antibiotic resistance is becoming a global scourge with 700,000 deaths each year and could cause up to 10 million deaths by 2050. As an example, Staphylococcus epidermidis has emerged as a causative agent of infections often associated with implanted medical devices. S. Read More

J Biomed Nanotechnol 2019 May;15(5):857-877

The possibility of composite nanofibers being able to regenerate bone is an attractive proposition. Adenosine, which occurs naturally in humans, has been shown to promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoprogenitor cells. In this study, electrospun nanofibers of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHBV) doped with adenosine were demonstrated to exhibit excellent capacity for bone regeneration, after optimization of the electrospinning process. Read More

Pain Med 2019 Mar 19. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to identify the reasons for explanation of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) devices and to further quantify the proportions and time lines of these causes of explantation in order to determine improvement opportunities for the development of best practices. Design. Retrospective, single academic center. Read More

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019 Apr 18;116(14):6954-6963. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030;

Large mandibular defects are clinically challenging to reconstruct due to the complex anatomy of the jaw and the limited availability of appropriate tissue for repair. We envision leveraging current advances in fabrication and biomaterials to create implantable devices that generate bone within the patients themselves suitable for their own specific anatomical pathology. The in vivo bioreactor strategy facilitates the generation of large autologous vascularized bony tissue of customized geometry without the addition of exogenous growth factors or cells. Read More

Bioengineering (Basel) 2019 Mar 17;6(1). Epub 2019 Mar 17.

Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation, Parkview Health, 10622 Parkview Plaza Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46845, USA.

The prevalence of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices with remote monitoring capabilities continues to grow, resulting in increased volume and complexity of biomedical data. These data can provide diagnostic information for timely intervention and maintenance of implanted devices, improving quality of care. Current remote monitoring procedures do not utilize device diagnostics to their potential, due to the lack of interoperability and data integration among proprietary systems and electronic medical record platforms. Read More

J Vis Exp 2019 Feb 26(144). Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Harvard Medical School;

The quest to understand how neural circuits process information in order to drive behavioral output has been greatly aided by recently-developed optical methods for manipulating and monitoring the activity of neurons in vivo. These types of experiments rely on two main components: 1) implantable devices that provide optical access to the brain, and 2) light-sensitive proteins that change neuronal excitability or provide a readout of neuronal activity. There are a number of ways to express light-sensitive proteins, but stereotaxic injection of viral vectors is currently the most flexible approach because expression can be controlled with genetic, anatomical, and temporal precision. Read More

Circulation 2019 Mar 17. Epub 2019 Mar 17.

Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands.

Stroke is a devastating complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) the odds of which can be reduced by use of oral anticoagulation based on the stroke risk score. Patients with asymptomatic clinical AF have a similar stroke risk as patients with symptomatic clinical AF. Thus far, electrocardiographic- (ECG) or Holter monitor-detected AF is a prerequisite before use of oral anticoagulation, because the guideline recommendations are based on studies that included only ECG- or Holter-detected AF ('clinical' AF). Read More

Clin Res Cardiol 2019 Mar 16. Epub 2019 Mar 16.

Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.

Background: Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are increasingly used as long-term treatment for advanced heart failure. However, survival after VAD implantation is still unsatisfactory, and no specific outpatient follow-up algorithms have been formally established. Here, we evaluate the effect of an intensified follow-up protocol (IFUP) on survival rates and VAD-associated complications. Read More

Thromb Res 2019 Mar 6;177:117-121. Epub 2019 Mar 6.

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 725 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital, Box 710, 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Implanted vascular access devices (IVADs) have significantly improved the management of cancer patients. These patients are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and IVADs are a known risk factor. We sought to assess the incidence of IVAD-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (IVAD-related UEDVT) associated with BioFlo® IVADs (Angiodynamics, Inc. Read More

Artif Organs 2019 Mar 13. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Department of Pharmacy Services, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement has become a standard of care in advanced heart failure treatment. Bleeding is the most frequently reported adverse event after LVAD implantation and may be increased by antithrombotic agents used for prevention of pump thrombosis. This retrospective cohort included 85 adult patients implanted with a Heartmate II LVAD. Read More

Nat Commun 2019 03 11;10(1):1168. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.

Multisensory integration is particularly important in the human olfactory system, which is highly dependent on non-olfactory cues, yet its underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we use intracranial electroencephalography techniques to record neural activity in auditory and olfactory cortices during an auditory-olfactory matching task. Spoken cues evoke phase locking between low frequency oscillations in auditory and olfactory cortices prior to odor arrival. Read More

Biomacromolecules 2019 Apr 20;20(4):1465-1477. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , 114 28 Stockholm , Sweden.

The history of resorbable polymers containing glycolide, lactide, ε-caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate, with a special emphasis being placed on the time frame of the 1960s-1990s is described. Reviewing the history is valuable when looking into the future perspectives regarding how and where these monomers should be used. This story includes scientific evaluations indicating that these polymers are safe to use in medical devices, while the design of the medical device is not considered in this report. Read More

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019 Apr 21;11(13):12367-12378. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science , University College London , Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street , London W1W 7TS , U.K.

The rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections from contaminated surfaces in hospitals or implanted medical devices has led to increasing interest in new antibacterial surfaces. Photoactivatable surfaces that can generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species under exposure to ambient light is a promising approach to inactivation of surface-borne microorganisms. There is growing interest in the use of quantum dots (QDs) as light-harvesting agents for photobactericidal applications, but the cadmium in commonly used QDs will restrict clinical application. Read More

J Vasc Access 2019 Mar 11:1129729819834512. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

1 Department of Surgery, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan.

Background:: Totally implantable venous access devices are valuable tools for total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and long-term intravenous therapy. However, late catheter fracture is a well-known complication of totally implantable venous access device, particularly in Groshong silicone catheter. Recently, a specific type of totally implantable venous access device made with Groshong silicone has been introduced to facilitate power injection of contrast medium for enhanced computed tomography. Read More