Catheter manipulation analysis for objective performance and technical skills assessment in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Purpose: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) demands precise and efficient handling of surgical instruments within the confines of the aortic anatomy. Operational performance and dexterous skills are critical for patient safety, and objective methods are assessed with a number of manipulation features, derived from the kinematic analysis of the catheter/guidewire in fluoroscopy video sequences.

Methods: A silicon phantom model of a type I aortic arch was used for this study.

The use of robotic endovascular catheters in the facilitation of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Objectives: The use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is rapidly increasing with advances in technology and improved clinical outcomes. Adoption of robotic catheter technologies could have a role in TAVI, in different stages of the procedure, to improve endovascular tool manipulation and potentially reduce the risk of cerebral embolization. The aim was to determine whether there are advantages in using a robotic catheter for TAVI in the initial stages of the procedure; aortic arch navigation and valve crossing.

In patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis is vacuum-assisted closure superior to conventional therapy?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether vacuum-assisted closure therapy (VAC) is superior to conventional therapy for treating post-sternotomy mediastinitis. Altogether >261 papers were found using the reported search, of which 9 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question.

Coronary artery fistula draining into pulmonary artery and optimal management: a review.

Coronary artery fistula is a rare congenital malformation of high variability. The disease is illustrated with a description of a case example. The management of patients with coronary artery fistulas remains controversial.

Tissue engineering: revolution and challenge in auricular cartilage reconstruction.

External ear reconstruction for congenital deformity such as microtia or following trauma remains one of the greatest challenges for reconstructive plastic surgeons. The problems faced in reconstructing the intricate ear framework are highly complex. A durable, inert material that is resistant to scar contracture is required.

Tissue-engineered heart valve: future of cardiac surgery.

Background: Heart valve disease is currently a growing problem, and demand for heart valve replacement is predicted to increase significantly in the future. Existing "gold standard" mechanical and biological prosthesis offers survival at a cost of significantly increased risks of complications. Mechanical valves may cause hemorrhage and thromboembolism, whereas biologic valves are prone to fibrosis, calcification, degeneration, and immunogenic complications.

Gold revolution--gold nanoparticles for modern medicine and surgery.

Nanotechnology is a new and exciting branch of science which offers enormous potential for development of medicine and surgery. Gold nanoparticles (GNP) is just one of a variety of nano products which will be available for physician of the future. GNP will give us more effective treatments and diagnosis.