Cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator: a implant in a COVID-19 patient by an echo-guided axillary venous approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously revolutionized the management of patients who need an implanted cardiac implantable electronic device. We report, for the first time, a successful cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator implantation procedure in an 82-year-old man affected by COVID-19, recent myocardial infarction, second-degree 2:1 atrioventricular block and left bundle branch block.

Synergistic Effect of ,-Dimethylformamide and Hydrochloric Acid on the Growth of MAPbI Perovskite Films for Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as a promising next-generation electrical power generating tool. However, imperfections in perovskite films are one of the crucial factors preventing the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Passivation has proven to be an effective strategy to reduce the density of defect states in perovskite crystals and inhibit ion migration.

Cardiac arrest in type II Kounis syndrome after oral intake of amoxicilline.

Background: Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined as the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome related to allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. KS is currently classified into three variants, based on coronary arteries status. This syndrome is often neglected or misdiagnosed in clinical practice.

Ultrasound-guided venipuncture for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices: A single-center, retrospective study.

Background: The venous access for the insertion of permanent leads of cardiac implantable electronic devices is often achieved by venous cutdown of the cephalic vein, or by "blind" puncture of the subclavian vein using anatomical landmarks, or by fluoroscopy-assisted methods.

Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed our clinical experience to verify the feasibility, the safety, and efficacy of the adoption of ultrasound-guided puncture/cannulation of the axillary vein for this purpose.

Results: Nine hundred eighty-seven leads were placed during 548 consecutive procedures, accessing the axillary vein in the infraclavicular area using real-time ultrasound guidance.

[Heart failure in Apulia Region - Italy (Local Health Unit Barletta-Andria-Trani): analysis of the therapeutic pathways, healthcare resource consumption and related costs.].

Background: Heart failure (HF) is commonly reported, it is estimated to affect 10% of subjects aged over 70 years. Objectives of this study were to describe clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with HF diagnosis, to analyze therapeutic pathways and to estimate healthcare resources consumption.

Methods: Data on patients aged ≥18 years with a hospitalization discharge diagnosis of HF between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2014 and in treatment with HF-related drugs were extracted from the administrative databases of the Italian Local Health Unit of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BT).

Chest tube simulator: development of low-cost model for training of physicians and medical students.

Objective: by using a 3D printer, to create a low-cost human chest cavity simulator that allows the reproduction of the closed chest drainage technique (CCD), comparing its effectiveness with that of the animal model.

Methods: it was made a 3D printing of the bony framework of a human thorax from a chest computerized tomography scan. After printing the ribs, we performed tests with several materials that contributed to form the simulation of the thoracic cavity and pleura.

Modifying Perovskite Films with Polyvinylpyrrolidone for Ambient-Air-Stable Highly Bendable Solar Cells.

One major drawback that prevents the large-scale practical implementation of perovskites is their susceptibility to performance degradation in humid environments. Here, we achieved uniform, stable perovskite films within a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer frame via mild solution processing in ambient air with over 60% relative humidity. In addition to facilitating film formation, the hydrophobic PVP served to protect the perovskite grains from atmospheric moisture.

Histological and ultrastructural evaluation of human decellularized matrix as a hernia repair device.

Recently, interest has been increasing for human decellularized matrices, due to their ability to reduce numerous side effects related to hernia repair. To date, only animal studies investigated the biological interaction post-implant of human decellularized matrices for soft tissue repair. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological response one year post implant of human decellularized matrix, through morphological analysis of human biopsies.

[Conservative treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa: 9 years of follow-up].

Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF-P) is one of the rare complications of endocarditis or, more rarely, of surgical trauma. This condition is characterized by a pseudoaneurysm in the intra-annular area between the mitral valve and the aortic valve communicating with the outflow tract of the left ventricle, between the coronary or noncoronary left aortic valve and the front flap of the mitral valve. Nowadays, surgery is recommended to avoid further growth and complications.

Isolated Congenital Left Ventricular Diverticulum: A Case Report and Differential Diagnosis.

We describe a case of an incidental finding of diverticulum in a patient presented to the Emergency Department for atypical chest pain, and we analyze the challenging differential diagnosis with aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and ventricular cleft.

[Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis].

We report a case of isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis evaluated with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in a previous intravenous drug user. Although right-sided infective endocarditis is common in this population, the involvement of the pulmonary valve without infection of the tricuspid valve is a rare condition.

Membranes of left atrial appendage: real appearance or "pitfall".

The membranes of left atrial appendage (LAA) cavity are very rare entity. To date, only five cases of a membrane involving LAA have been described. In this report, we describe two different cases: in Case 1, we show image of a "real" nonobstructive membrane within the body of LAA, but in Case 2 we show a linear image, mimicking a membrane within the body of LAA.

The incidence and clinical course of caseous calcification of the mitral annulus: a prospective echocardiographic study.

Background: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common echocardiographic finding. Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is, on the other hand, a less known, rarely described variant, seen as a round mass with a central echolucent area composed of a puttylike admixture of fatty acids, cholesterol, and calcium. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of CCMA, assess its morphologic changes over the course of time, and evaluate the patients' characteristics and clinical outcome on follow-up.