Muscular tension in ear surgeons during cochlear implantations: does a new microscope improve musculoskeletal complaints?

Purpose: Musculoskeletal complaints and fatigue are commonly described symptoms in daily work of ear nose and throat surgeons using a microscope. Long ear surgical procedures are associated with prolonged microscope use, which can lead to unconsciously tense and uncomfortable body posture. The digital microscope RoboticScope allows visualization of surgical site through a Head-Mounted Display, independent from camera head and is therefore much easier on the back, as the sitting position can be adjusted flexibly.

Two different methods to digitally visualize continuous electrocochleography potentials during cochlear implantation: a first description of feasibility.

Purpose: The study explores the potential of real-time electrocochleographic potentials (ECochG) visualization during electrode insertion using digital microscopes such as RoboticScope (BHS®). Collaborative software development of the MAESTRO Software (MED-EL®) offers continuous ECochG monitoring during implantation and postoperative hearing evaluation, addressing previous time constraints. The study aims to assess software applicability and the impact of real-time visualization on long-term residual hearing preservation.

Nonfunctional TGF-β/ALK1/ENG signaling pathway supports neutrophil proangiogenic activity in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/ALK1/ENG signaling pathway maintains quiescent state of endothelial cells, but at the same time, it regulates neutrophil functions. Importantly, mutations of this pathway lead to a rare autosomal disorder called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), characterized with abnormal blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). As neutrophils are potent regulators of angiogenesis, we investigated how disturbed TGF-β/ALK1/ENG signaling influences angiogenic properties of these cells in HHT.

Outcome in octogenarian patients with lower extremity artery disease after endovascular revascularisation: a retrospective single-centre cohort study using in-patient data.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical benefit of endovascular revascularisation (EVR) in octogenarian (aged ≥80 years) patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD).

Design: Retrospective single-centre study.

Setting: University hospital with a specialised centre for vascular medicine.

Sex-related differences in outcome after endovascular revascularization for lower extremity artery disease.

Sex-related differences may influence the outcome of endovascular revascularization (EVR) in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) even under optimized healthcare supply. LEAD patients who underwent EVR at the Department of Cardiology I - Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, University Hospital Muenster, Germany between 2014 and 2016 were included into the retrospective study. Detailed information on risk factors and co-morbidities, medication, LEAD related measures, and interventional parameters were assessed.