Percutaneous ventricular assist device for higher-risk percutaneous coronary intervention in surgically ineligible patients: Indications and outcomes from the OPTIMUM study.

Background: Indications and outcomes for percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) use in surgically ineligible patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain poorly characterized.

Aims: We sought to describe the use and timing of pVAD and outcome in surgically ineligible patients.

Methods: Among 726 patients enrolled in the prospective OPTIMUM study, clinical and health status outcomes were assessed in patients who underwent pVAD-assisted PCI and those without pVAD.

Novel 3D-printed foot orthoses with variable hardness: A comfort comparison to traditional orthoses.

Custom foot orthoses are used to treat a variety of foot pathologies. However, orthotic production requires significant hands-on fabrication time and expertise to produce orthoses that are both comfortable and effective. This paper introduces a novel 3D printed orthosis and fabrication method that utilizes custom architectures to produce variable-hardness regions.

Outcomes of Medical Therapy Plus PCI for Multivessel or Left Main CAD Ineligible for Surgery.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is increasingly used to revascularize patients ineligible for CABG, but few studies describe these patients and their outcomes.

Objectives: This study sought to describe characteristics, utility of risk prediction, and outcomes of patients with left main or multivessel coronary artery disease ineligible for coronary bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: Patients with complex coronary artery disease ineligible for CABG were enrolled in a prospective registry of medical therapy + PCI.

Kidney disease risk factors do not explain impacts of low dietary protein on kidney function and structure.

The kidneys balance many byproducts of the metabolism of dietary components. Previous studies examining dietary effects on kidney health are generally of short duration and manipulate a single macronutrient. Here, kidney function and structure were examined in C57BL/6J mice randomized to consume one of a spectrum of macronutrient combinations (protein [5%-60%], carbohydrate [20%-75%], and fat [20%-75%]) from weaning to late-middle age (15 months).