Safety and efficacy of renal denervation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: A systematic analysis of clinical trials was performed in order to assess the effectiveness and risks of bilateral renal denervation (RDN) in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted of all clinical trials exploring the effectiveness of RDN in patients with HF who had reduced (<50%) EF. Primary outcomes were NYHA class, 6-min walk test, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and other cardiac parameters including left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left atrium diameter (LAD).

Assessment of Factors Impacting Long-Term Utilization of Tracheoesophageal Speech Among Laryngectomees.

Objective(s): To evaluate complication rate and abandonment rate after tracheoesophageal puncture and to assess factors associated with these outcome measures.

Methods: Retrospective review of laryngectomy patients seen at a single academic institution between 1/1/2003 and 12/1/2018. Charts reviewed for demographics, medical comorbidities, tumor characteristics, surgical data, adjuvant treatment history, and complications related to laryngectomy or tracheoesophageal puncture.