Laser Fenestration of Aortic Stent-Grafts Followed by Noncompliant vs Cutting Balloon Dilation: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

Purpose: To examine the effects of in situ laser fenestration and subsequent balloon dilation (noncompliant vs cutting) on the graft fabric of 4 aortic stent-graft models.

Method: In an in vitro setup, the Zenith TX2, Talent, Endurant, and Anaconda aortic stent-grafts (all made of polyester graft material) were subjected to laser fenestration with a 2.3-mm-diameter probe at low and high energy in a physiologic saline solution followed by balloon dilation of the hole.

The use of EndoAnchors to rescue complicated TEVAR procedures.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and outcomes of EndoAnchor use in the endovascular repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVARs) performed with the use of EndoAnchors between December 2012 and January 2016. Primary study endpoints included freedom from migration, freedom from aortic- related intervention, and freedom from post-operative type I or type III endoleak.

Bar Code Medication Administration Technology: Characterization of High-Alert Medication Triggers and Clinician Workarounds.

Background: Bar code medication administration (BCMA) technology is gaining acceptance for its ability to prevent medication administration errors. However, studies suggest that improper use of BCMA technology can yield unsatisfactory error prevention and introduction of new potential medication errors.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of high-alert medication BCMA triggers and alert types and discuss the type of nursing and pharmacy workarounds occurring with the use of BCMA technology and the electronic medication administration record (eMAR).

Identification, localization and interaction of SNARE proteins in atrial cardiac myocytes.

Atrial cardiac myocytes secrete the vasoactive hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) by both constitutive and regulated exocytotic fusion of ANP-containing large dense core vesicles (LDCV) with the sarcolemma. Detailed information, however, regarding the identity and function of specific membrane fusion proteins (SNARE proteins) involved in exocytosis in the endocrine heart is lacking. In the current study, we identified SNARE proteins and determined their association with ANP-containing secretory granules using primary cultures of neonatal and adult rat atrial cardiac myocytes.