The management of patients on oral anticoagulation undergoing coronary stent implantation: a survey among interventional cardiologists from eight European countries

To evaluate the current management, and adherence to recommendations, of patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing coronary stent implantation (PCI-S).

Tinnitus before and 6 months after cochlear implantation

In this prospective multicenter study, tinnitus loudness and tinnitus-related distress were investigated in 174 cochlear implant (CI) candidates who underwent CI surgery at a Swiss cochlear implant center. All subjects participated in two session, one preoperatively and one 6 months after device activation. In both sessions, tinnitus loudness was assessed using a visual analogue scale and tinnitus distress using a standardized tinnitus questionnaire. The data were compared with unaided pre- and postoperative pure tone thresholds, and postoperative speech reception scores. 71.8% of the subjects reported tinnitus preoperatively. Six months after CI surgery 20.0% of these reported abolition of their tinnitus, 51.2% a subjective improvement, 21.6% no change and 7.2% a deterioration. Of the 49 (28.2%) subjects with no tinnitus preoperatively, 5 developed tinnitus 6 months after CI. These 5 had poorer speech understanding after CI surgery with their device than the group who remained tinnitus free. We found no correlation between tinnitus improvement, age, duration of tinnitus, or change in unaided hearing thresholds between the two sessions.

A 3-center comparison of 1-year mortality outcomes between transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement on the basis of propensity score matching among intermediate-risk surgical patients

This study sought to compare all-cause mortality in patients at intermediate surgical risk undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Surgical planning tool for robotically assisted hearing aid implantation

PURPOSE : For the facilitation of minimally invasive robotically performed direct cochlea access (DCA) procedure, a surgical planning tool which enables the surgeon to define landmarks for patient-to-image registration, identify the necessary anatomical structures and define a safe DCA trajectory using patient image data (typically computed tomography (CT) or cone beam CT) is required. To this end, a dedicated end-to-end software planning system for the planning of DCA procedures that addresses current deficiencies has been developed. METHODS :    Efficient and robust anatomical segmentation is achieved through the implementation of semiautomatic algorithms; high-accuracy patient-to-image registration is achieved via an automated model-based fiducial detection algorithm and functionality for the interactive definition of a safe drilling trajectory based on case-specific drill positioning uncertainty calculations was developed. RESULTS :    The accuracy and safety of the presented software tool were validated during the conduction of eight DCA procedures performed on cadaver heads. The plan for each ear was completed in less than 20 min, and no damage to vital structures occurred during the procedures. The integrated fiducial detection functionality enabled final positioning accuracies of [Formula: see text] mm. CONCLUSIONS :    Results of this study demonstrated that the proposed software system could aid in the safe planning of a DCA tunnel within an acceptable time.

Intraperitoneal mesh implantation for fascial dehiscence and open abdomen

Postoperative fascial dehiscence and open abdomen are severe postoperative complications and are associated with surgical site infections, fistula, and hernia formation at long-term follow-up. This study was designed to investigate whether intraperitoneal implantation of a composite prosthetic mesh is feasible and safe.

Immediate and delayed transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells improve muscle force after skeletal muscle injury in rats

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising approach for regaining muscle function after trauma. Prior to clinical application, the ideal time of transplantation has to be determined. We investigated the effects of immediate and delayed transplantation. Sprague-Dawley rats received a crush trauma to the left soleus muscle. Treatment groups were transplanted locally with 2 × 10(6) autologous MSCs, either immediately or 7 days after trauma. Saline was used as sham therapy. Contraction force tests and histological analyses were performed 4 weeks after injury. GFP-labelled MSCs were followed after transplantation. The traumatized soleus muscles of the sham group displayed a reduction of twitch forces to 36 ± 17% and of tetanic forces to 29 ± 11% of the non-injured right control side, respectively. Delayed MSC transplantation resulted in a significant improvement of contraction maxima in both stimulation modes (twitch, p = 0.011; tetany, p = 0.014). Immediate transplantation showed a significant increase in twitch forces to 59 ± 17% (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in contraction forces between muscles treated by immediate and delayed cell transplantation. We were able to identify MSCs in the interstitium of the injured muscles up to 4 weeks after transplantation. Despite the fundamental differences of the local environment, which MSCs encounter after transplantation, similar results could be obtained with respect to functional muscle regeneration. We believe that transplanted MSCs residing in the interstitial compartment evolve their regenerative capabilities through paracrine pathways. Our data suggest a large time window of the therapeutical measures.

Combined pars plana phacofragmentation, vitrectomy, and Artisan lens implantation for traumatic subluxated cataracts

PURPOSE: To report on the outcome of combined pars plana phacofragmentation, vitrectomy, and Artisan lens implantation in the management of subluxated cataracts. METHODS: This prospective, interventional, nonrandomized case series included nine eyes of seven consecutive adult patients with traumatic lens subluxation. Pre- and postoperative data (complete manifest refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination findings, intraocular pressure, fundus status, numerical density of endothelial cells, corneal thickness, and complications) were collected prospectively for all patients. RESULTS: After a median postoperative follow-up of 12 months (range, 8-18 months), a mean spherical equivalent of -0.50 +/- 0.87 diopter (range, +1 to -1.50 diopter) was achieved. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 1 (preoperatively) to 0.1 (postoperatively) (P = 0.007, Wilcoxon test). Median endothelial cell losses of 15 +/- 8% (P = 0.008) and 14 +/- 16% (P = 0.011) were registered at follow-ups of 1 month and 12 months, respectively. Postoperative complications included chronic intraocular inflammation and superior corectopia. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure appears to be a safe, accurate, stable, and efficacious option for the management of traumatic subluxated cataracts in adults. However, longer-term data are needed to evaluate the corneal endothelium.