Association Between the Japanese Version of the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation and Adjustment Disorder in Japanese Patients Using Ventricular Assist Devices as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation.

Objective: Ventricular assist device (VAD) serves as either a bridge to transplantation (BTT) or destination therapy (DT) for end-stage heart failure. In Japan, the extended wait time for heart transplants can make VAD usage for BTT comparable in duration to DT in other countries. Previous studies suggest that while DT patients experience improved quality of life post-VAD implantation, BTT patients often see a decline after two years.

Effect of Posterior Decompression on the Spinal Cord of Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Finite Element Analysis.

Objective: Thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) causes myelopathy. Although posterior decompression for T-OPLL has shown positive results, patients with kyphotic curvatures often endure poor outcomes. Posterior decompression with fusion (PDF) has demonstrated better results compared to posterior decompression alone.

Utilization of condoliase therapy versus surgery for lumbar disc herniation and comparison of post-treatment motor improvement.

Study Design: Double-center retrospective study.

Purpose: Utilization trends in interventional treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have not yet been examined. Furthermore, limited information is currently available on motor recovery with condoliase therapy.