Understanding the use of evidence-based medical therapy in patients with peripheral artery disease: A qualitative study using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases Framework.

Introduction: The global burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been increasing. Guidelines for PAD recommend evidence-based medical therapy (EBMT) to reduce the risks of cardiovascular events and death but the implementation of this is highly variable. This study aimed to understand the current practices regarding EBMT prescription in PAD patients and the key barriers and facilitators for implementing PAD guidelines.

3-year clinical outcomes of A Singapore VenaSeal™ real world post-market evaluation Study (ASVS) for varicose vein ablation.

Introduction: Medium-term clinical outcome data are lacking for cyanoacrylate glue (CAG) ablation for symptomatic varicose veins, especially from the Asian population.

Objectives: Aim was to determine the 3-year symptomatic relief gained from using the VenaSeal™ device to close refluxing truncal veins from the Singaporean ASVS prospective registry.

Methods: The revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS) and three quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were completed to assess clinical improvement in venous disease symptoms along with a dedicated patient satisfaction survey.

A case study of pyelolymphatic backflow demonstrated on CT.

Pyelolymphatic backflow is a rare type of pyelolymphatic fistula that occurs in cases of urinary obstruction. This phenomenon may help to decompress an acutely obstructed kidney, and therefore, alleviate renal function from deteriorating. Pyelolymphatic backflow has specific imaging characteristics best shown on CT urography.

Pilot single-arm study to investigate the efficacy and safety of endovenous Microwave ablations for treatment of varicose veins in Singapore - one year results of the registry.

Objectives: Aim was to report a prospective two-centre Singaporean experience using Endovenous Microwave Ablation (EMA) to treat symptomatic primary great saphenous vein reflux. We evaluated 1-year safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction.

Methods: 50 patients (63 limbs; 29 females; mean age 58.

Improved Productivity Using Deep Learning-assisted Reporting for Lumbar Spine MRI.

Background Lumbar spine MRI studies are widely used for back pain assessment. Interpretation involves grading lumbar spinal stenosis, which is repetitive and time consuming. Deep learning (DL) could provide faster and more consistent interpretation.

Use of Blue Light in the Management of Chronic Venous Ulcer in Asian Patients: A Case Series.

Chronic venous ulcers, often complicated by late diagnosis and persistent infections, present major clinical and financial challenges. Recently, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been shown to be effective in overcoming physiological impairments such as hemostasis and inflammation, accelerating the wound healing process. This case series summarises our experience in the treatment of two Asian patients with lower-extremity chronic venous ulcers using PBMT with blue light.

Cardioprotection mediated by exosomes is impaired in the setting of type II diabetes but can be rescued by the use of non-diabetic exosomes in vitro.

Many patients with ischaemic heart disease also have diabetes. As myocardial infarction is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients, treatments that increase cell survival in response to ischaemia and reperfusion are needed. Exosomes-nano-sized, lipid vesicles released from cells-can protect the hearts of non-diabetic rats.

Functional Kidney Bioengineering with Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Renal Progenitor Cells and Decellularized Kidney Scaffolds.

Recent advances in developmental biology and stem cell technology have led to the engineering of functional organs in a dish. However, the limited size of these organoids and absence of a large circulatory system poses limits to its clinical translation. To overcome these issues, decellularized whole kidney scaffolds with native microstructure and extracellular matrix (ECM) are employed for kidney bioengineering, using human-induced pluripotent-stem-cell-derived renal progenitor cells and endothelial cells.

Incidence and predictors of side-branch compromise in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

Objective: We aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of side-branch compromise (SBC) in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Background: Little data exist on SBC in AMI patients, especially in the drug-eluting stent era.

Methods: We recruited 174 patients who underwent primary PCI over a 12-month period.

Determination of the severity of underlying lesions in acute myocardial infarction on the basis of collateral vessel development.

Background: We aimed to address the conflict over whether the underlying lesion that leads to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is representative of low-grade or high-grade stenosis. Because the development of collateral vessels is an indication of ischemia, their presence was used as a surrogate marker for the existence of a high-grade lesion.

Methods: Coronary angiography was used to assess 159 patients, divided into two groups, with (Rentrop 1-3) and without (Rentrop 0) collateral vessels, who had AMI with ST-segment elevation for which they underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention with the implantation of a coronary stent and had baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 0/1 flow.