Geometric Changes in Mitral Valve Apparatus during Long-term Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy as Assessed with Cardiac CT.

Purpose To assess long-term geometric changes of the mitral valve apparatus using cardiac CT in individuals who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Materials and Methods Participants from a randomized controlled trial with cardiac CT examinations before CRT implantation and at 6 months follow-up (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01323686) were invited to undergo an additional long-term follow-up cardiac CT examination.

Predicted vs Observed Valve to Coronary Distance in Valve-in-Valve TAVR: A Computed Tomography Study.

Background: Preprocedural computed tomography (CT) workup with assessment of virtual transcatheter heart valve-to-coronary ostia (VTC) distance and transcatheter heart valve-to-sinus (VTS) distances is recommended to assess the risk of coronary obstruction following valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Objectives: The authors sought to investigate the agreement of predicted VTC and VTS distances and observed post-TAVR anatomy on CT and their relationship with transcatheter heart valve (THV) expansion and deployment conditions.

Methods: Fifty-one patients who underwent a balloon-expandable ViV procedure were included in this study.

Late Balloon Valvuloplasty for Transcatheter Heart Valve Dysfunction.

Background: Transcatheter heart valve (THV) dysfunction with an elevated gradient or paravalvular leak (PVL) may be documented late after THV implantation. Medical management, paravalvular plugs, redo THV replacement, or surgical valve replacement may be considered. However, late balloon dilatation is rarely utilized because of concerns about safety or lack of efficacy.

Evaluation of facial symmetry after jaw reconstruction surgery.

The current study proposes a 3D objective method of evaluating facial symmetry after reconstructive surgery of orofacial structures. 3D models of the craniofacial and soft tissue surfaces were reflected about the mid-sagittal plane. The original model was aligned with the reflection and the best plane of symmetry was found.

Radiofrequency excitation-related Na MRI signal loss in skeletal muscle, cartilage, and skin.

Purpose: To assess the sodium MRI signal loss resulting from typically used RF excitation pulses in human skeletal muscle, patellar cartilage, and skin.

Methods: A double flip-angle experiment was performed 3 times on the knees of 5 healthy volunteers with prescribed ω = γB of 1.67 kHz, 0.

A 3D bioprinted hydrogel mesh loaded with all-trans retinoic acid for treatment of glioblastoma.

Treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), as the most lethal type of brain tumor, still remains a major challenge despite the various therapeutic approaches developed over the recent decades. GBM is considered as one of the most therapy-resistant human tumors. Treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and radiotherapy in GBM patients has led to 30% of two-year survival rate (American Brain Tumor Association), representing a demanding field to develop more effective therapeutic strategies.