Evaluation of Photon-Counting CT for Spectral Imaging in Cardiovascular Applications: Impact of Lumen Size, Dose, and Patient Habitus.

Objectives: This study evaluates the performance of a clinical dual-source photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) system in quantifying iodine within calcified vessels, using 3D- printed phantoms with vascular-like structures lined with calcium.

Methods: Parameters assessed include lumen diameters (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm), phantom sizes (S: 20×20 cm, M: 25×25 cm, L: 30×40 cm, XL: 40×50 cm, representing the 99th percentile of US patient sizes), and iodine concentrations (2, 5, and 10 mg/mL). Scans were performed at radiation dose levels of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mGy to systematically evaluate iodine quantification accuracy and spectral imaging performance.

Multicenter Perioperative Results with a New Endoscopic Powered Stapler in Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

Advancements in surgical stapling devices play a crucial role in improving outcomes for bariatric procedures. This study evaluates the performance and safety of a new endoscopic stapler (EnDrive® Beluga) regarding perioperative results across multiple bariatric surgery types. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 112 patients who underwent bariatric procedures using the Beluga stapler at two centers in the United Arab Emirates and Kenya over a 6-month period (June-December 2023).

The Effect of the Size of Gold Nanoparticle Contrast Agents on CT Imaging of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CT imaging with contrast agents is commonly used for visualizing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in UC patients. Contrast agents that provide enhanced imaging performance are highly valuable in this field.

Laparoscopic Vertical Clip Gastroplasty with BariClip Experience, Complications, Literature Review, and Proposal of Modification of the Original Technique.

Laparoscopic vertical clip gastroplasty (LVCG) with BariClip is a recent procedure that appears to be safe Gentileschi et al. (Obes Surg 33(1):303-12, 2023). The initial complications reported include erosion, slippage, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Assessing the stability of photon-counting CT: insights from a 2-year longitudinal study.

Objective: Among the advancements in computed tomography (CT) technology, photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) stands out as a significant innovation, providing superior spectral imaging capabilities while simultaneously reducing radiation exposure. Its long-term stability is important for clinical care, especially longitudinal studies, but is currently unknown. This study sets out to comprehensively analyze the long-term stability of a first-generation clinical PCCT scanner.