New suture probe canaloplasty combined with suprachoroidal collagen implantation.

Purpose: To present the modified surgery technique of new suture probe canaloplasty with a specially prepared monofilament 4.0 polypropylene suture combined with suprachoroidal drainage (ScD) and collagen sheet implantation for non-penetrating glaucoma surgery.

Methods: Prospective study with a twelve months follow-up.

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery learning curve.

The learning curve in minimally invasive colorectal surgery is a constant subject of discussion in the literature. Discordant data likely reflects the varying degrees of each surgeon's experience in colorectal, laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Several factors are necessary for a successful minimally invasive colorectal surgery training program, including: Compliance with oncological outcomes; dissection along the embryological planes; constant presence of an expert tutor; periodic discussion of the morbidity and mortality rate; and creation of a dedicated, expert team.

Echocardiographic analysis of acute effects of percutaneous mitral annuloplasty on severity of secondary mitral regurgitation.

Aims: Percutaneous mitral annuloplasty (PMA) represents a new treatment option for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) being associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The present study was aimed to evaluate whether or not acute effects on SMR severity can quantitatively be assessed after PMA.

Methods And Results: PMA was performed in 30 patients (mean age 76 ± 9; 37% males) with moderate (n = 14) or severe (n = 16) SMR.

Regional Disparities of Left Atrial Appendage Wall Contraction in Patients With Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) exhibit impaired left atrial appendage (LAA) function. However, regional characteristics of LAA function in patients with AF are not defined.

Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 1,195) undergoing transesophageal echocardiography at a university hospital were included.

Hemodynamic responses to upright tilt at sea level and high altitude.

Hemodynamic responses to upright tilt were studied in eight young men at sea level (SL); after 1 h at 4,300 m simulated altitude (SA); and at 18 h, 66 h and 114 h during residence at 4,300 m (HA). Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), calf blood flow (CBF), blood pressure (BP) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were obtained during supine rest and after 13 min of 60 degrees head-up tilt using an impedance monitor and electrosphygmomanometer. SL to HA changes in blood volume (BV) were calculated from hematocrit and hemoglobin values.

Use of a rapid ultrafiltration technique in the determination of plasma glycerol.

The use of plasma ultrafiltrates in the enzymatic analysis of glycerol has been compared with filtrates prepared by using metaphosphoric acid and heat denaturation. The results which were obtained with these three methods of deproteinization are comparable; however, the membrane ultrafiltration technique is the simplest of the procedures and yields an undiluted filtrate which is free of foreign ions.