Population pharmacokinetic and safety analysis of ropivacaine used for erector spinae plane blocks.

Introduction: Erector spinae plane blocks have become popular for thoracic surgery. Despite a theoretically favorable safety profile, intercostal spread occurs and systemic toxicity is possible. Pharmacokinetic data are needed to guide safe dosing.

Innovative use of biotrace tempo pacemaker lead following cardiac surgery.

The Tempo® Temporary Pacing Lead is a temporary, transvenous, active fixation pacemaker lead used exclusively in structural heart and electrophysiology procedures since regulatory approval in 2016. We utilized the Tempo lead for four patients undergoing redo-robotic cardiac surgery in which surgical epicardial leads could not be placed. No failure-to-pace events were encountered and patients were able to participate in various levels of physical activity without limitation.

Applications for nitric oxide in halting proliferation of tumor cells.

Tumor resistance to cytotoxic therapeutics coupled with dose-limiting toxicity is a serious hurdle in the field of medical oncology. In the face of this obstacle, nitric oxide has emerged as a powerful adjuvant for the hypersensitization of tumors to more traditional chemo- and radio-therapeutics. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that nitric oxide donors have the potential to function independently in the clinical management of cancer.