A MAUDE database analysis on the new generation of active bone conduction hearing implants.

Objective: To analyze medical device reports (MDR) submitted to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Manufacturer and User Device Facility Experience (MAUDE) database to identify adverse events (AEs) in patients implanted with novel active bone conduction hearing implants (BCIs).

Methods: We conducted a search of the FDA MAUDE database on the newest generation of BCIs. Data were collected concerning device malfunctions, patient injuries, factors triggering these incidents, and the subsequent actions taken.

Changes in management of head and neck malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: Despite multiple studies from high-income countries, reports from low- and middle-income countries on the impact of COVID-19 on head and neck cancer care remain sparse. This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer patients at a tertiary reference centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods: We included 228 patients with malignant head and neck tumours evaluated and treated between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021.

Early Results With the New Active Bone-Conduction Hearing Implant: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The bone conduction implant (BCI) 602 is a new transcutaneous BCI with smaller dimensions. However, limited patient numbers restrict the statistical power and generalizability of the current studies. The present systematic review and meta-analysis summarize early audiological and medical outcomes of adult and pediatric patients implanted with the BCI 602 due to mixed or conductive hearing loss.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on management of surgically treated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the treatment of cancer patients, particularly in terms of treatment choices. This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of surgically treated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients, focusing specifically on changes in treatment modalities. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 102 patients who underwent surgical treatment for LSCC between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021, at our tertiary medical center.

Experience With the New Active Transcutaneous Bone-Conduction Implant With Smaller Dimensions.

Objective: Recently, the Bonebridge 602 implant was introduced. Its smaller dimensions facilitate implantation even in surgically demanding cases. However, in extreme anatomical conditions, implant lifts are still required.

Smart Artificial Soft Tissue - Application to a Hybrid Simulator for Training of Laryngeal Pacemaker Implantation.

Surgical simulators are safe and evolving educational tools for developing surgical skills. In particular, virtual and hybrid simulators are preferred due to their detailedness, customization and evaluation capabilities. To accelerate the revolution of a novel class of hybrid simulators, a Smart Artificial Soft Tissue is presented here, that determines the relative position of conductive surgical instruments in artificial soft tissue by inverse resistance mappings without the need for a fixed reference point.

Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Vibrant Soundbridge Users Requiring Cochlear Implantation.

Less than 20% of patients with sensorineural hearing loss (HL) provided with the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) experience a progressive HL and warrant cochlear implantation (CI). The aim of this study was to identify possible predictors of progressive HL prior to VSB implantation. This retrospective study included all consecutive ears with sensorineural HL provided with the VSB between 1998 and 2016.

The Effect of Vitamin D on Coronary Atherosclerosis: A Propensity Score Matched Case-Control Coronary CTA Study.

Background: Vitamin D supplementation may be associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) events, but the data are controversial. It remains speculative whether vitamin D supplementation has a direct effect on coronary atherosclerosis. We therefore set out to assess the influence of vitamin D supplementation on the coronary atherosclerosis profile quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a retrospective case-control cohort study.

Thrombolysis and clinical outcome in patients with stroke after implementation of the Tyrol Stroke Pathway: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis for ischaemic stroke remains underused worldwide. We aimed to assess whether our statewide comprehensive stroke management programme would improve thrombolysis use and clinical outcome in patients.

Methods: In 2008-09, we designed the Tyrol Stroke Pathway, which provided information campaigns for the public and standardised the entire treatment pathway from stroke onset to outpatient rehabilitation.

Oblique propagation of activation allows the detection of uncoupling microstructures from cardiac near field behavior.

Wave fronts of cardiac activation, when propagating oblique to the fiber axis, reveal small fractionations and distortions in extracellular potential waveforms Phi(e) as well as in parameters derived from Phi(e) like dPhi(e)/dt and the gradient of Phi(e), the cardiac near field E. dPhi(e)/dt shows multiple deflections and E changes its morphology forming abnormal or even two or multiple subsequent loops. We analyze segments of such irregular loops of E obtained from in-vitro experiments and from computer simulation of a 2D-tissue sheet with a longitudinal oriented obstacle.

Accuracy of local conduction velocity determination from non-fractionated cardiac activation signals.

Local velocity and direction of cardiac excitation spread can be estimated from four extra-cellular electric potential waveforms recorded simultaneously by closely-spaced electrodes. In this work, three methods for the determination of these parameters in case of non-fractionated electrograms were compared. Waveforms recorded during in-vitro experiments were analyzed in terms of their noise components.

A new floating sensor array to detect electric near fields of beating heart preparations.

A new flexible sensor for in vitro experiments was developed to measure the surface potential, Phi, and its gradient, E (electric near field), at given sites of the heart. During depolarisation, E describes a vector loop from which direction and magnitude of local conduction velocity theta can be computed. Four recording silver electrodes (14 microm x 14 microm) separated by 50 microm, conducting leads, and solderable pads were patterned on a 50 microm thick polyimide film.

[Ruptured aneurysm of the aortic sinus of Valsalva (author's transl)].

Three cases of ruptured aneurysm of the aortic sinus of Valsalva (one each into the right atrium, right ventricle and pulmonary artery) are reported and clinical as well as haemodynamic features described. It is pointed out that the right sinus is most frequently involved, the non-coronary one only rarely, and the left one only quite exceptionally. The clinical findings depend on the size, site and direction of the rupture and its haemodynamic consequences.