Addressing the challenges of integrating digital health technologies to measure patient-centred outcomes in clinical registries.

Longitudinal patient registries generate important evidence for advancing clinical care and the regulatory evaluation of health-care products. Most national registries rely on data collected as part of routine clinical encounters, an approach that does not capture real-world, patient-centred outcomes, such as physical activity, fatigue, ability to do daily tasks, and other indicators of quality of life. Digital health technologies that obtain such real-world data could greatly enhance patient registries but unresolved challenges have so far prevented their broad adoption.

Modelled impact of virtual fractional flow reserve in patients undergoing coronary angiography (VIRTU-4).

Background: The practical application of 'virtual' (computed) fractional flow reserve (vFFR) based on invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) images is unknown. The objective of this cohort study was to investigate the potential of vFFR to guide the management of unselected patients undergoing ICA. The hypothesis was that it changes management in >10% of cases.

Comparison of storage solutions on saphenous vein endothelial function using immunofluorescence. A pilot study.

Background: Our aim was to establish which of the current and novel storage fluids caused the least harm to the endothelium of the saphenous vein.

Methods: Unmanipulated samples of saphenous vein were obtained. This vein was exposed to four fluids, DuraGraft, Plasma-Lyte, autologous blood and sodium chloride, and a control medium.

Antithrombotic therapy after heart valve surgery: contemporary practice in the UK.

Objectives: There is a lack of high-quality data informing the optimal antithrombotic drug strategy following bioprosthetic heart valve replacement or valve repair. Disparity in recommendations from international guidelines reflects this. This study aimed to document current patterns of antithrombotic prescribing after heart valve surgery in the UK.

Antithrombotic therapy after heart valve intervention: review of mechanisms, evidence and current guidance.

As the population ages and treatment options for heart valve disease increase, the number of patients with intracardiac valve prostheses is growing rapidly. Although all devices have the potential to cause thrombus formation, the propensity depends on the type of prosthesis as well as risk of the individual patient. Mechanical valve prostheses carry the highest (and persistent) risk of thromboembolism, and these patients require anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (warfarin).