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J Am Heart Assoc 2020 Jul 10:e016203. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Division of Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas TX.

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve outcomes in patients with end-stage heart failure and are increasingly implanted for destination therapy. We describe dynamic estimates of event-free survival with conditional survival probabilities in a destination therapy LVAD population. Methods and Results We studied 8245 adult patients in INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) implanted with a continuous-flow destination therapy LVAD. Read More

Bioact Mater 2020 Dec 23;5(4):832-843. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

School of Medicine, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, China.

Endogenous repair of osteochondral defect is usually limited by the insufficient number of cells in the early stage and incomplete cell differentiation in the later stage. The development of drug delivery systems for sequential release of pro-migratory and pro-chondrogenic molecules to induce endogenous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation is highly desirable for osteochondral regeneration. In this study, a novel, all-silk-derived sequential delivery system was fabricated by incorporating the tunable drug-loaded silk fibroin (SF) nanospheres into a SF porous matrix. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2020 Jul 4. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address:

Background: Interventional treatments of tricuspid regurgitation have been emerging as minimally invasive alternatives. Among those reported transcatheter tricuspid devices, the radial force between the device and native tricuspid annulus is the common principle to be employed for device immobilization. However, this immobilization mechanism may potentially lead to adverse consequences. Read More

Micromachines (Basel) 2020 Jun 25;11(6). Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.

While intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) may be useful in a variety of basic and clinical scenarios, their implementation is hindered by a variety of factors, many of which are related to the stiff material composition of the device. MEAs are often fabricated from high modulus materials such as silicon, leaving devices vulnerable to brittle fracture and thus complicating device fabrication and handling. For this reason, polymer-based devices are being heavily investigated; however, their implementation is often difficult due to mechanical instability that requires insertion aids during implantation. Read More

Brain Stimul 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Department of Neuroscience and Center on Aging, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, BSB Suite 403, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) modifies brain rhythms in the locus coeruleus (LC) via the solitary nucleus. Degeneration of the LC in Parkinson's disease (PD) is an early catalyst of the spreading neurodegenerative process, suggesting that stimulating LC output with VNS has the potential to modify disease progression. We previously showed in a lesion PD model that VNS delivered twice daily reduced neuroinflammation and motor deficits, and attenuated TH-positive cell loss. Read More

Cureus 2020 May 31;12(5):e8375. Epub 2020 May 31.

Cardiology, Capital Cardiology Associates, Albany Medical Center, Albany, USA.

Background It is unclear if the WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific, St. Paul, Minnesota) can be implanted without contrast to prevent complications in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or contrast allergy. Objective The efficiency and safety of WATCHMAN implantation under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guidance and fluoroscopy without contrast use. Read More

Breast J 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine BIOMETRA - Plastic Surgery Unit, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery School, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Every year approximately 1.5 million prostheses are implanted worldwide for breast augmentation and reconstructive indications. The modern breast implant as we know was released to the open market in 1963. Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2020 Jun 26;20(12). Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Department of Computer Engineering, Jeju National University, Jejusi 63243, Jeju Special Self-Governing, Korea.

The emergence of biomedical sensor devices, wireless communication, and innovation in other technologies for healthcare applications result in the evolution of a new area of research that is termed as Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). WBAN originates from Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), which are used for implementing many healthcare systems integrated with networks and wireless devices to ensure remote healthcare monitoring. WBAN is a network of wearable devices implanted in or on the human body. Read More

IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2020 Jul;19(3):333-338

Implantable devices have emerged as a promising industry. It is inevitable that these devices will require a power source to operate in vivo. Thus, to power implantable medical devices, biofuel cells (BFCs) that generate electricity using glucose without an external power supply have been considered. Read More

Small 2020 Jun 30:e2002872. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore.

Obesity is a serious epidemic health problem that can cause many other diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Current approaches to combat obesity suffer from low effectiveness and adverse side effects. Here, a new self-administrable and minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery strategy for home-based long-term treatment of obesity and other diseases is developed. Read More

Eur Cell Mater 2020 Jun 30;39:249-259. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma Research Ulm, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm,

Postoperative implant-associated infections are a severe complication in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. To address this problem, a novel implant coating was recently developed, which allows for the release of low concentrations of bactericidal silver. For an intended use on load-bearing endoprostheses, stable bone integration is required. Read More

Syst Rev 2020 Jun 27;9(1):153. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 101 - 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada.

Background: Capacity to deliver outpatient care for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) may soon be outweighed by need. This systematic review aims to investigate the comparative effectiveness, safety, and cost for virtual or remote clinic interventions for patients with CIEDs and explores how outcomes may be influenced by patient or system factors in-depth.

Methods: We will perform a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Proquest Dissertations & Theses, other EBM Reviews, and trial registry databases. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2020 Jun 26. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.

Purpose: Since 2001, hypoglossal nerve stimulators have been implanted in patients with obstructive sleep apnea around the world, initially in trial situations but more recently also in regular care settings. Medium term data indicate effectiveness and tolerability of treatment. However, when assessing the safety of the procedure, the safe feasibility of explantation or reimplantation must also be considered. Read More

J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2020 Apr- Jun;32(2):165-168

Cardiology, Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan.

Background: With increased rate of permanent pacemaker's (PPM) implantation, the rate of complication also increased many folds. Infection in pacemakers is one of the dreaded complications which need a multidisciplinary approach in its management.

Methods: All patients with permanent pacemakers, who presented with infection of device, were admitted in our unit. Read More

Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2020 19;28:e3304. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Enfermagem, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.

Objective: to analyze the evidence available in the literature about the lowest necessary dose of heparin to maintain the patency of the totally implanted central venous catheter in adult cancer patients.

Method: an integrative literature review, carried out in the following databases: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências de Saúde, Sciverse Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, including thirteen studies.

Results: the evidence showed that the dose of heparin (300 IU/ml) is the most used in maintaining the patency of the totally implanted central venous catheter. Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2020 Jun 19;20(12). Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Institute of Sensors, Signals, and Systems, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems have become increasingly suitable solutions for the electrical powering of advanced multifunctional micro-electronic devices such as those found in current biomedical implants. The design and implementation of high power transfer efficiency WPT systems are, however, challenging. The size of the WPT system, the separation distance between the outside environment and location of the implanted medical device inside the body, the operating frequency and tissue safety due to power dissipation are key parameters to consider in the design of WPT systems. Read More

Acta Biomater 2020 Jun 20. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China; National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing 100176, China. Electronic address:

The biodegradable metallic devices undergo stress/strain-induced corrosion when they are used for load-bearing applications. The stress/strain induced-corrosion behavior causes differences in corrosion rate, corrosion morphology, strain distribution and mechanical performance of the devices. One representative example is the biodegradable stent. Read More

Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2020 Jun;38(3):338-342

Dept. of Implantology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 530102, China.

Adequate bone volume is the primary condition for successful dental implants. However, sufficient bone volume is often encountered in the vertical direction, but the bone volume in the buccolingual direction is insufficient, making it less suitable to be implanted. If the traditional spitting technique is used in the mandible, fracture and necrosis can easily occur in the labial (buccal) bone plate due to the absence of elasticity, thick cortical bone, poor blood supply, and anastomotic branch. Read More

J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2020 Jun 22. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No. 134, Street East, Fuzhou, 350001, China.

Purpose: The occurrence of cardiac pacemaker pocket infection has markedly increased and has become a new problem facing cardiovascular internists. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of treating cardiac pacemaker pocket infection using negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients who are unwilling or unable to have their cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) removed.

Methods: From March 2013 to April 2019, NPWT was applied to 26 patients with cardiac pacemaker pocket infection who were unwilling or unable to have their CIEDs removed. Read More

Bull Math Biol 2020 Jun 22;82(7):83. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South Pine Street, MSTF 436, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.

The regions with high non-physiological shear stresses (NPSS) are inevitable in blood-contacting medical devices (BCMDs) used for mechanically assisted circulatory support. NPSS can cause platelet activation and receptor shedding potentially resulting in the alteration of hemostatic function. In this study, we developed a dissipative particle dynamics model to characterize clot formation (platelet-collagen and inter-platelet adhesion) of NPSS-traumatized blood at a vascular injury site. Read More

Biomaterials 2020 Jun 15;255:120178. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Germany; BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Germany.

Structural biocompatibility is a fundamental requirement for chronically stable bioelectronic devices. Newest neurotechnologies are increasingly focused on minimizing the foreign body response through the development of devices that match the mechanical properties of the implanted tissue and mimic its surface composition, often compromising on their robustness. In this study, an analytical approach is proposed to determine the threshold of conformability for polyimide-based electrocorticography devices. Read More

Contemp Clin Trials 2020 Jun 19:106066. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Texas Tech University, Permian Basin, TX, USA.

Few treatment options exist for patients with difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). One potentially efficacious treatment is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): chronic stimulation of the vagus nerve using an implanted stimulator. Given a series of recent VNS clinical studies, including a large, five-year naturalistic investigation, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reconsidered the previous non coverage determination and announced coverage for patients participating in a "coverage with evidence" trial. Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2020 Jun 10;78:105077. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Xpert Orthopedie Amsterdam/SCORE (Specialized Center of Orthopedic Research and Education), Laarderhoogtweg 12, 1101EA Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

Background: Trial fitting of the acetabular component in uncemented total hip replacement is traditionally done by trial cups. Since trial cups do not resemble the real press-fit obtained by the definitive cup, a dynamic trial inserter, called the X-pander ®, was developed to mimic the real amount of press-fit. However, the concern is raised of losing the initial press-fit by using the X-pander® due to pre-expansion of the acetabulum. Read More

Pneumologie 2020 Jun 17;74(6):371-373. Epub 2020 Jun 17.

Abteilung für Kardiologie, Rhythmologie und konservative Intensivmedizin, Augusta-Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.

History:  An 80-year old female was referred to our hospital with left internal carotid artery stenosis and a childhood history of hemoptysis.

Investigations And Diagnosis:  The ECG showed 2nd degree Mobitz atrio-ventricular block. The chest x-ray and computerized tomography identified a shift of the mediastinum and the heart to the left. Read More

J Mater Chem B 2020 Jun 19. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.

Neural implants that are based on mechanically adaptive polymers (MAPs) and soften upon insertion into the body have previously been demonstrated to elicit a reduced chronic tissue response than more rigid devices fabricated from silicon or metals, but their processability has been limited. Here we report a negative photoresist approach towards physiologically responsive MAPs. We exploited this framework to create cross-linked terpolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate by photolithographic processes. Read More

J Neural Eng 2020 Jul 10;17(4):046001. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Monash Vision Group, Monash University, Clayton Vic 3800, Australia. Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Vic 3800, Australia. Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Vic 3800, Australia. Department of Surgery, Monash University, Clayton Vic 3800, Australia. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed.

Objective: Cortical vision prostheses aim to restore visual percepts to those who have lost sight by delivering electrical stimulation to the visual cortex. These devices need to be implanted intracranially using subdural or intracortical microelectrodes, and should preferably dispense with the need of transcranial wiring. The risks of cortical tissue injury from mechanical trauma, material biocompatibility, heat generation, electrical stimulation and long-term immune responses need to be evaluated. Read More

ACS Nano 2020 Jun 23. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China.

Long-term and low-dose photodynamic therapy for treating tumors requires a sustainable energy supply. The power source technology of batteries and wireless charging for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) may cause inconveniences during treatment. In addition, the development of telemedicine and Internet medicine put forward higher demands on treatment methods, such as better patient compliance and autonomous management. Read More

J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020 Jun 16. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Departments of Neurology and Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder of movement worldwide. To date, only symptomatic treatments are available. Implantation of collagen-encapsulated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) is being developed as a novel therapeutic approach to potentially modify PD progression. Read More

Arch Med Sci 2020 21;16(4):764-771. Epub 2019 May 21.

Department of Electrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) have a strong position in the prevention of sudden death. Nowadays, the most commonly used high-energy cardiac devices are transvenous ICDs. A new technology of totally subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICD) was invented and recently introduced into clinical practice in order to reduce lead-related complications of conventional ICDs. Read More

Biochem Soc Trans 2020 Jun;48(3):867-879

Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC-IMAG/SyNaBi (UMR 5525), 38000 Grenoble, France.

In 1968 Wolfson et al. published the concept for producing energy inside the body using catalytic electrodes exposed to the body fluid as an electrolyte and utilising naturally occurring fuels such as glucose. Since then, the technology has advanced to enhance the levels of power using enzymes immobilised within three-dimensional bioelectrodes that are nanostructured. Read More

Adv Sci (Weinh) 2020 Jun 28;7(11):1903392. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

School of Pharmacy University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK.

Macrophages play a central role in orchestrating immune responses to foreign materials, which are often responsible for the failure of implanted medical devices. Material topography is known to influence macrophage attachment and phenotype, providing opportunities for the rational design of "immune-instructive" topographies to modulate macrophage function and thus foreign body responses to biomaterials. However, no generalizable understanding of the inter-relationship between topography and cell response exists. Read More

Artif Organs 2020 Jun 12. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Department of Advanced Cardiopulmonary Therapies and Transplantation, Center for Advanced Heart Failure, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common complication following placement of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with advanced heart failure. Secondary events arising as a result of GI bleeding have not been well-described. Furthermore, attribution of these events to bleeding is complicated by the interruption or de-intensification of antithrombotic therapy while bleeding is controlled. Read More

J Am Coll Cardiol 2020 Jun;75(23):2892-2905

Division of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: The United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart allocation policy designates patients on ECMO or with nondischargeable, surgically implanted, nonendovascular support devices (TCS-VAD) to higher listing statuses.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether temporary circulatory support-ventricular assist devices (TCS-VAD) have a survival advantage over extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to transplant.

Methods: The UNOS database was used to conduct a retrospective analysis of adult heart transplants performed in the United States between 2005 and 2017. Read More

Regen Biomater 2020 Jun 11;7(3):271-281. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.

Development of viable cell estimation method without sacrificing proliferation and functions of cells cultured on regenerative biomaterials is essential for regenerative engineering. Cytotoxicity and depletion of resazurin are critical but often overlooked limitations that hindered applications of resazurin in viable cell estimation. The present work found that cytotoxicity and depletion of resazurin depended on cell concentration, resazurin concentration and resazurin incubation time. Read More

J Interv Cardiol 2020 17;2020:3070427. Epub 2020 May 17.

Erasmus University Medical Center, Office Bd 171-'s Gravendijkwal 230 3015 CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

RESPOND is a prospective, single-arm study enrolling 1014 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. The objective of this analysis is to assess the impact of cerebral embolic protection (CEP) devices and prosthetic valve repositioning on the risk of neurologic complications in patients treated with the fully repositionable Lotus Valve in the RESPOND postmarket study. Valve repositioning and CEP use were at the operators' discretion. Read More

Neuron 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address:

A major challenge for miniature bioelectronics is wireless power delivery deep inside the body. Electromagnetic or ultrasound waves suffer from absorption and impedance mismatches at biological interfaces. On the other hand, magnetic fields do not suffer these losses, which has led to magnetically powered bioelectronic implants based on induction or magnetothermal effects. Read More

Physiol Rep 2020 Jun;8(11):e14479

Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

Despite advancements in pharmacotherapies, glycemia is poorly controlled in type 2 diabetic patients. As the vagus nerve regulates energy metabolism, here we evaluated the effect various electrical vagus nerve stimulation strategies have on glycemia and glucose-regulating hormones, as a first step to developing a novel therapy of type 2 diabetes. Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, the abdominal (anterior) vagus nerve implanted, and various stimulation strategies applied to the nerve: (a) 15 Hz; (b) 4 kHz, or 40 kHz and; (c) a combination of 15 Hz and 40 kHz to directionally activate afferent or efferent vagal fibers. Read More

Front Neurosci 2020 19;14:434. Epub 2020 May 19.

Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University Hannover and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Hanover, Germany.

A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that partially restores hearing to people suffering from profound hearing loss. Although CI users, in general, obtain a very good reception of continuous speech in the absence of background noise, they face severe limitations in the context of music perception and appreciation. The main reasons for these limitations are related to channel interactions created by the broad spread of electrical fields in the cochlea and to the low number of electrodes that stimulate it. Read More

Equine Vet J 2020 Jun 7. Epub 2020 Jun 7.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias in horses are diagnosed by auscultation or electrocardiogram (ECG), which results in a low sensitivity for detecting arrhythmias that occur sporadically. Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are small ECG devices placed subcutaneously, to automatically detect arrhythmias in human patients.

Objectives: To test ILRs ability to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses. Read More

ESC Heart Fail 2020 Jun 5. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Heart Valve Center Mainz, Center for Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.

Aims: Mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon Mitral Contour System (CMCS) reduces secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) and leads to reverse left ventricular remodelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the CMCS on the mitral valve annulus (MA) and left atrial volume (LAV).

Methods And Results: We retrospectively evaluated the data of all patients treated with the CMCS at our centre. Read More

Front Chem 2020 15;8:364. Epub 2020 May 15.

School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China.

Implantable optical sensing devices that can continuously monitor physiological temperature changes hold great potential toward applications in healthcare and medical field. Here, we present a conceptual foundation for the design of biocompatible temperature sensing device by integrating renal clearable luminescent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with silk film (AuNPs-SF). We found that the AuNPs display strong temperature dependence in both near-IR fluorescence intensity and lifetime over a large temperature range (10-60°C), with a fluorescence intensity sensitivity of 1. Read More

Vasc Endovascular Surg 2020 Aug 4;54(6):487-496. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Department of Surgery, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center/West Virginia University, Charleston Area Medical Center, Vascular Center of Excellence, WV, USA.

Purpose: Our objective was to determine significant predictors of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) following Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) and to further develop a simple and clinically orientated risk score model.

Methods: A retrospective review of data from the Society of Vascular Surgery/Vascular Quality Initiative national data set was performed for all patients undergoing TEVAR from January, 2014 to June 2018. Preoperative demographics, procedure-related variables, and clinical details related to SCI were examined. Read More

Intern Med 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Advocate Christ Medical Center, USA.

Abnormal hemodynamics are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. Given the invasiveness and unfeasibility of routine right heart catheterization, non-invasive methodologies to monitor hemodynamics are needed. The CardioMEMS™ device is a recently developed technology that enables remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures via an implanted sensor located in the distal left pulmonary artery. Read More

Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2020 Aug;13(4):485-493

Department of Orthopaedics, San Antonio Military Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, JBSA-Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA.

Purpose Of Review: The complexity of the human extremity, particularly the upper extremity and the hand, allows us to interact with the world. Prosthetists have struggled to recreate the intuitive motor control, light touch sensation, and proprioception of the innate limb in a manner that reflects the complexity of its native form and function. Nevertheless, recent advances in prosthesis technology, surgical innovations, and enhanced rehabilitation appear promising for patients with limb loss who hope to return to their pre-injury level of function. Read More

J Heart Lung Transplant 2020 May 16. Epub 2020 May 16.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.

Introduction: Regional outcomes after implantation of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have not been described. We examined differences in patient selection, survival, and adverse events across 3 geographic regions of the world: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

Methods: Using data from The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support registry, all adult patients implanted with a continuous-flow LVADs were included in this International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support analysis (n = 15,560), of whom, 9,988 (64%) received axial-flow devices and 5,572 (36%) received centrifugal-flow devices. Read More

Pediatrics 2020 Jun;145(Suppl 3):S269-S284

Patient Safety Enhancement Program and Center for Clinical Management Research, US Department of Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Objectives: Vascular access device decision-making for pediatric patients remains a complex, highly variable process. To date, evidence-based criteria to inform these choices do not exist. The objective of the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters in pediatrics (miniMAGIC) was to provide guidance on device selection, device characteristics, and insertion technique for clinicians, balancing and contextualizing evidence with current practice through a multidisciplinary panel of experts. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2020 May 29. Epub 2020 May 29.

Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN. Electronic address:

Background: Inferior perioperative outcomes for women receiving major vascular surgery are well established in the literature in multiple arterial distributions. Therefore, this study was completed to determine the perioperative and durability results associated with women undergoing complex aortic reconstruction using the Zenith Fenestrated platform (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN).

Methods: A retrospective review of a fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) database capturing all ZFENs performed at our institution between October 2012 and March 2019 was completed. Read More

Front Microbiol 2020 14;11:670. Epub 2020 May 14.

Infection and Immunity Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Percutaneous devices are a key technology in clinical practice, used to connect internal organs to external medical devices. Examples include prosthesis, catheters and electrical drivelines. Percutaneous devices breach the skin's natural barrier and create an entry point for pathogens, making device infections a widespread problem. Read More

J Card Fail 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Cardiology Division, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.

Background: Aortic insufficiency (AI) is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), whereas its impact on the HeartMate 3 LVAD cohorts remains uninvestigated. We aimed to investigate the clinical impact of AI on patients with HeartMate 3 LVADs.

Methods And Results: Consecutive 61 patients (median age 54 years; 67% male) implanted with HeartMate 3 LVAD between 2015 and 2019 were enrolled and underwent echocardiography at 3 months after LVAD implantation. Read More

Orv Hetil 2020 06;161(24):1015-1019

Általános Orvostudományi Kar, Klinikai Központ, Fül-Orr-Gégészeti és Fej-Nyaksebészeti Klinika,Pécsi Tudományegyetem Pécs.

Due to the remarkable development in the field of hearing implantation, almost all kinds of hearing loss can be successfully rehabilitated. The first Hungarian Codacs™ (Cochlear's direct acoustic cochlear stimulator; Cochlear, Sydney, Australia) implantation was performed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs. This electromechanical middle-ear implant can be offered for patients with bilateral, severe to profound, mixed-type hearing loss. Read More