Association of Body Surface Area versus Body Mass Index on Outcomes in Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Background: Numerous studies have indicated that increased obesity in patients with established peripheral artery disease (PAD) is inversely associated with disease prognosis, a phenomenon coined as the "obesity paradox". A major cause of criticism in studies investigating the obesity paradox is the use of body mass index (BMI) as a surrogate marker in defining and quantifying the degree or severity of obesity. We conducted a retrospective review to verify whether the obesity paradox persists in patients with PAD when using body surface area (BSA) as an alternative anthropometric measure.

Virtual Reality: The Future of Invasive Procedure Training?

Invasive procedures are associated with adverse events that are both hazardous to patients and expensive to treat. A trainee is expected to perform complex sterile invasive procedures in a dynamic environment under time pressure while maintaining patient safety at the highest standard of care. For mastery in performing an invasive procedure, the automatism of the technical aspects is required, as well as the ability to adapt to patient conditions, anatomic variability, and environmental stressors.

Comprehensive Training Model for Procedural Guidance of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair: Divide and Conquer Approach.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of the mitral valve is a complex procedure requiring continuous image guidance with 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. In this context, the role of the echocardiographer is of paramount importance. Training in interventional echocardiography for procedures such as TEER requires comprehending the complicated workflow of the hybrid operating room and advanced imaging skills that go beyond traditional echocardiography training to guide the procedure.

Grooming Future Physician-scientists: Evaluating the Impact of Research Motivations, Practices, and Perceived Barriers Towards the Uptake of an Academic Career Among Medical Students.

Purpose: To evaluate the research trends and underlying motivations that shape intentions for the future uptake of an academic career among medical students. Further, to investigate the barriers and sought-after interventions which may optimise research outcomes in a resource-limited setting.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 294 undergraduate (UG) medical students in Karachi, Pakistan.