Long-Term Outcomes Following Lumbar Nucleus Replacement.

Background: Nucleus replacement devices are designed to replace the native pain-generating lumbar nucleus while preserving the annulus fibrosus, endplates, and natural motion. The DASCOR Disc Arthroplasty Device seemed to perform well clinically but was discontinued in 2009. While there are no commercially available NRDs today, the potential advantages of using such devices have prompted a renewed interest in further developing the technology and assessing long-term outcomes for the DASCOR device.

A bench study of inhaled nitric oxide delivery during high frequency percussive ventilation.

Background: Safe and effective delivery of inhaled nitric oxide (INO) requires the appropriate interface of ventilator and INO delivery device.

Methods: We compared INO delivery using four configurations with the Transport Sinusoidal Bronchotron® and INOmax DSIR Plus in a lung model. Ventilator settings and lung model values were held constant.