High-power and high-efficiency operation of 1.3 µm-wavelength InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with metal reflector.

We demonstrate high-output-power and high-efficiency operation of 1.3-µm-wavelength InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). By introducing a metal reflector and adjusting the phase of the reflected light via optimization of the thickness of the p-InP cladding layer, we successfully achieve an output power of approximately 400 mW with the slope efficiency of 0.

High-power CW oscillation of 1.3-µm wavelength InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers.

We demonstrate high-power continuous-wave (CW) lasing oscillation of 1.3-µm wavelength InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). Single-mode operation with an output power of over 100 mW, a side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of over 50 dB, and a narrow single-lobe beam with a divergence angle of below 1.

Mid-Term Patency of Spiral Saphenous Vein Graft for Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome.

Reports documenting the mid-term patency of spiral saphenous vein grafts for superior vena cava syndrome in patients with advanced thoracic malignancy are, so far, scarce. The present report describes a 69-year-old man who suffered superior vena cava syndrome due to malignant invasion by advanced lung cancer. Since the huge mass in the anterior mediastinum was unresectable, a bypass from the left innominate vein to the right atrium using an autologous spiral saphenous vein graft was surgically created.

Continous-wave lasing operation of 1.3-μm wavelength InP-based photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers using MOVPE regrowth.

We report on electrically driven InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), which possess a deep-air-hole photonic crystal (PC) structure underneath an active region formed by metal-organic vapor-phase-epitaxial (MOVPE) regrowth. Single-mode continuous-wave (CW) lasing operation in 1.3-μm wavelength is successfully achieved at a temperature of 15°C.

Hybrid Repair for Mega-Aortic Syndrome due to Giant Cell Aortitis in a Heart Failure Patient.

The present report describes a case of mega-aortic syndrome accompanied with severe aortic regurgitation in a 75-year-old man who underwent a two-stage hybrid repair. Intraoperative pathologic findings at the first repair, consisting of Bentall operation and total arch replacement with a Lupiae graft, aided the identification of the giant cell aortitis. Despite complicating hemorrhagic stroke, steroid therapy was initiated and endovascular repair was subsequently completed.

Antegrade thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta.

Purpose: We performed antegrade thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta in selected high-risk patients scheduled for open surgery, in whom an iliofemoral or abdominal aortic approach was not feasible. We present our initial experience with this approach.

Methods: Of 16 consecutive patients who underwent antegrade endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta at our institution, 3 had an emergency intervention for rupture and 3 had an urgent intervention for impending rupture or complicated aortic dissection.

Cusp-Level Chordal Shortening for Non-Rheumatic Mitral Anterior Leaflet Prolapse in a Patient with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

The case is reported of mitral valve repair with cusp-level chordal shortening for non-rheumatic mitral anterior leaflet prolapse. The simple and easily reproducible cusp-level shortening procedure consists of plication of the redundant chorda underneath the leaflet. Provided the chorda is thick enough, this procedure is more likely to be applied to regional mitral anterior prolapse due to elongation of the chorda, even in patients with non-rheumatic heart disease.

Symmetrical papillary muscle approximation for functional mitral regurgitation with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

The cases are reported of mitral valve repair with symmetrical papillary muscle approximation from heads to bases close to cardiac apex for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). The two papillary heads attaching the chordae to both leaflets from the posteromedial papillary muscle were approximated parallel to the solitary head of the anterolateral papillary muscle. This procedure permits an even reduction of lateral shift of the papillary muscle, resulting in an elimination of mitral tethering, and provides a satisfactory and durable mitral valve repair with good outcomes in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and FMR.

[Cardiac perforation with a passive fixation lead penetrating ventricular septum; report of a case].

A 81-year-old female developed diaphragm twitching 2 days after the intravenous implantation of pacemaker (DDD mode) with passive fixation leads. A computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy revealed the lead perforating the interventricular septum and the ventricular wall without any sign of pericardial effusion. Surgical procedure through median sternotomy was performed, and the penetrated lead was removed.

Successful closure of a patent ductus arteriosus using an aortic stent graft.

Closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the elderly is a high-risk procedure due to the fragility of the aorta and aneurysmal changes in the ductus. Stent grafting has emerged as a method for treating aortic disease. We describe a case in which this endovascular technique was successfully performed for closure of a PDA with aneurismal change in a high-risk patient.

[Application of partial median sternotomy in cardiac surgery in patients with tracheostoma].

Median full-sternotomy carries a risk of sternal infection and lethal mediastinitis in cardiac surgery. We performed open-heart surgery through partial median sternotomy in 5 patients with tracheostomy. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 3 patients, aortic valve replacement in 1, and mitral valve replacement in 1.