New generation aspiration catheter: Feasibility in the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Aim: To report our preliminary experience with a new generation aspiration catheter in the treatment of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods: A retrospective database search for pulmonary artery embolectomy since introduction of the Pronto .035" and XL extraction catheter (Vascular Solutions, Minneapolis, MN) at our institution in 10/2009 was performed.

Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for synergistic enhancement of cancer treatment by combinatorial radio frequency thermolysis and drug delivery.

Few-layer, carbon-coated, iron (C/Fe) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized with controlled sizes ranging from 7 to 9 nm. The additional loading of two anti-cancer drugs, doxorubicin and erlotinib, was achieved through - stacking onto the carbon shells. Controlled release of the drugs was successfully triggered by radio frequency (RF) heating or pH variation.

Gastrostomy tube placement without nasogastric tube: a retrospective evaluation in 85 patients.

Purpose: Our study evaluated techniques for percutaneous gastrostomy (G)-tube placement without the use of a nasogastric (NG) tube. Instead, direct puncture of a physiologic air bubble or effervescent-enhanced gastric bubble distention was performed in patients with upper digestive tract obstruction (UDTO) or psychological objections to NG tubes.

Materials And Methods: A total of 886 patients underwent G-tube placement in our department during a period of 7 years.