Use of virtual reality for procedural planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

This study sought to evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) tools in procedural planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A prospective study involving 11 patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement was conducted. A multidetector computed tomography was used to acquire and segment the anatomy of the access route and landing zone.

Targeted metabolomic approach in men with carotid plaque.

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse the presence of several metabolites related to atherosclerosis in the plasma of patients with unstable carotid plaque and in the plasma of healthy subjects.

Materials And Methods: We included 20 patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy and 20 healthy subjects as a control group. All the subjects recruited were male.

Intermediate Care Unit After Cardiac Surgery: Impact on Length of Stay and Outcomes.

Introduction And Objectives: Current postoperative management of adult cardiac surgery often comprises transfer from the intensive care unit (ICU) to a conventional ward. Intermediate care units (IMCU) permit hospital resource optimization. We analyzed the impact of an IMCU on length of stay (both ICU and in-hospital) and outcomes (in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmissions) after adult cardiac surgery (IMCU-CS).