Longitudinal dynamics of circulating miRNAs in a swine model of familial hypercholesterolemia during early atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a complex progressive disease involving intertwined biological mechanisms. We aimed to identify miRNA expression dynamics at the early stages of atherosclerosis using a large swine model (Wisconsin Miniature Swine, WMS). A total of 18 female pigs; 9 familial hypercholesterolemic (WMS-FH) and 9 normal control swine (WMS-N) were studied.

Performance, safety, and biocompatibility of a novel PFO closure device in a long-term porcine model.

Background: As the catheter-based device closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is expanding, novel devices aim to address the limitations of first-generation occluders (e.g. bulk, erosion, dislodgment).

Device safety assessment of bronchoscopic microwave ablation of normal swine peripheral lung using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the safety of bronchoscopic microwave ablation (MWA) of peripheral lung parenchyma using the NEUWAVE™ FLEX Microwave Ablation System, and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) using the MONARCH™ Platform in a swine model.

Methods: Computed tomography (CT)-guided RAB MWA was performed in the peripheral lung parenchyma of 17 Yorkshire swine (40-50 kg) and procedural adverse events (AEs) documented. The acute group (day 0,  = 5) received 4 MWAs at 100 W for 1, 3, 5, and 10 min in 4 different lung lobes.

Intracoronary Imaging of Vulnerable Plaque-From Clinical Research to Everyday Practice.

The introduction into clinical practice of intravascular imaging, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and their derivatives, allowed for the in vivo assessment of coronary atherosclerosis in humans, including insights into plaque evolution and progression process. Intravascular ultrasound, the most commonly used intravascular modality in many countries, due to its low resolution cannot assess many features of vulnerable plaque such as lipid plaque or thin-cap fibroatheroma. Thus, novel methods were introduced to facilitate this problem including virtual histology intravascular ultrasound and later on near-infrared spectroscopy and OCT.