Innovations in atrial fibrillation ablation.

Background: Catheter-based ablation to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has established itself as a mainstay in the rhythm control strategy of atrial fibrillation. This review article aims to provide an overview of recent advances in atrial fibrillation ablation technology.

Methods: We reviewed the available literature and clinical trials of innovations in atrial fibrillation ablation technologies including ablation catheter designs, alternative energy sources, esophageal protection methods, electroanatomical mapping, and novel ablation targets.

Etiologies of In-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Etiologies of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in general wards may differ from etiologies of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) given the different clinical characteristics of these patient populations. An appreciation for the causes of IHCA may allow the clinician to appropriately target root causes of arrest.

Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were queried from inception until May 31, 2021.

Innovations in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are essential for the management of a variety of cardiac conditions, including tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, and medically refractory heart failure (HF). Recent advancements in CIED technology have led to innovative solutions that overcome shortcomings associated with traditional devices or address unmet needs. Leadless pacemakers, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and extravascular ICDs eliminate lead-related complications common with conventional pacemakers or ICDs.

Acute Cardiac Events in Patients With Severe Limb Infection.

Recent studies have shown an association between infections, such as influenza, pneumonia, or bacteremia, and acute cardiac events. We studied the association between foot infection and myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and/or congestive heart failure. We analyzed the records of 318 consecutive episodes of deep soft tissue infection, gangrene, and/or osteomyelitis in 274 patients referred to a vascular surgery service at a tertiary center.

Outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery performed by surgeons-in-training.

Purpose: To compare intraoperative factors and post-operative outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and manual cataract surgery performed by resident surgeons.

Methods: All cases of FLACS performed by resident surgeons during the 2013-2014 academic year were compared to a control group of manual cataract surgery cases with regards to pre-operative patient data, operative complications, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive prediction error (RPE), and corneal edema.

Results: There were no significant preoperative differences in the FLACS (n = 57) and manual (n = 68) groups.

Evaluation and management of the swollen optic disk in cryptococcal meningitis.

Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common and severe form of cryptococcal infection. In addition to infiltrative and inflammatory mechanisms, intracranial hypertension commonly complicates cryptococcal meningitis and may cause significant visual and neurological morbidity and mortality. The mainstays of treatment for cryptococcal meningitis include standard antifungal therapy, management of intracranial hypertension, and treatment of underlying immunosuppressive conditions.

A Rapid, Simple, Effective, and Inexpensive Reconstructed Nipple Flap Guard.

Nipple reconstruction is a commonly performed component of breast reconstruction. A nipple reconstructed using local skin flaps requires protection from trauma. Here we describe a novel, effective, simple, rapid, inexpensive, and convenient method to protect a reconstructed nipple in the early postoperative period.

The Superomedial Pedicle Wise-Pattern Breast Reduction: Reproducible, Reliable, and Resilient.

The combination of the superomedial pedicle with the traditional Wise-pattern skin resection has gained increasing popularity for its versatility and ability to achieve significant reduction of breast parenchyma and skin envelope with improved contour and lasting results. Here the authors review the pertinent anatomy and discuss their surgical technique and its benefits. In addition, a retrospective chart review of 80 patients (151 breasts) who underwent superomedial pedicle Wise-pattern breast reduction between 2010 and 2014 was performed.

Suprasellar Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor in an Adult.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of the central nervous system (CNS) are a heterogeneous group of embryonal malignancies that are composed of undifferentiated or poorly differentiated neuroepithelial cells. Supratentorial PNET is the second most common CNS embryonal malignancy in children, but it is rare in adults. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with bilateral vision loss and a bitemporal hemianopia.

Optic Neuropathy Due to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Proven With Optic Nerve Sheath Biopsy.

Central nervous system involvement from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occurs infrequently, and manifestations include cognitive and cerebellar dysfunction and cranial nerve palsies. We report a 45-year-old man with CLL believed to be in clinical remission, who presented with vision loss and bilateral optic disc edema. His optic neuropathy due to CLL was proven by optic nerve sheath biopsy, and he experienced visual recovery after treatment with ibrutinib and intrathecal methotrexate.