Linking QKD Testbeds across Europe.

Quantum-key-distribution (QKD) networks are gaining importance and it has become necessary to analyze the most appropriate methods for their long-distance interconnection. In this paper, four different methods of interconnecting remote QKD networks are proposed. The methods are used to link three different QKD testbeds in Europe, located in Berlin, Madrid, and Poznan.

Robotic Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass in Patients With Low Ejection Fraction.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary bypass (R-TECAB) has been shown to be a safe and effective technique with excellent outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of R-TECAB in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to report our midterm outcomes with up to 7-year follow-up. All patients undergoing R-TECAB at our institution between July 2013 and July 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing THUNDERBEAT to the Maryland LigaSure energy device in laparoscopic left colon surgery.

Background: The THUNDERBEAT is a multi-functional energy device which delivers both ultrasonic and bipolar energy, but there are no randomized trials which can provide more rigorous evaluation of the clinical performance of THUNDERBEAT compared to other energy-based devices in colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of THUNDERBEAT energy device to Maryland LigaSure in patients undergoing left laparoscopic colectomy.

Methods: Prospective randomized trial with two groups: Group 1 THUNDERBEAT and Group 2 LigaSure in a single university hospital.

STS INTERMACS Database: The Key to Conduct Single-Arm Trials in Advanced Heart Failure Patients.

Background: Safe introduction of novel mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices into clinical practice is a challenging process. Single-arm trials using a control arm from existing database is an effective alternative that could be applied for regulatory approval. This study analyzes the capability of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database to establish objective performance criteria and select patient population that could be used for future single-arm MCS trials.

The Role of Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Technologies in Morbid Obesity Treatment: Review and Critical Appraisal of the Current Clinical Practice.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Availability of different procedures with low complication rates, performed through a minimally invasive approach, have caused profound positive effect on patient's quality of life and has led to their worldwide, rapid expansion of the field. The laparoscopic revolution has introduced the concept of lowering more and more the treatments' invasiveness, leading to a change in the researchers' mentality.