Clinical Outcomes of Second- versus First-Generation Carotid Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Single-cohort studies suggest that second-generation stents (SGS; “mesh stents”) may improve carotid artery stenting (CAS) outcomes by limiting peri- and postprocedural cerebral embolism. SGS differ in the stent frame construction, mesh material, and design, as well as in mesh-to-frame position (inside/outside). Objectives: To compare clinical outcomes of SGS in relation to first-generation stents (FGSs; single-layer) in CAS.

In-hospital mortality and major complications related to radiofrequency catheter ablations of over 10 000 supraventricular arrhythmias from 2005 to 2020: individualized case analysis of multicentric administrative data.

Aims: The incidence of in-hospital post-interventional complications and mortality after ablation of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) vary among the type of procedure and most likely the experience of the centre. As ablation therapy of SVT is progressively being established as first-line therapy, further assessment of post-procedural complication rates is crucial for health care quality.

Methods And Results: We aimed at determining the incidence of in-hospital mortality and bleeding complications from SVT ablations in German high-volume electrophysiological centres between 2005 and 2020.

Impact of Adenosine on Wavefront Propagation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From Global Noncontact Charge Density Mapping of the Left Atrium.

Background Adenosine shortens action potential duration and refractoriness and provokes atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adenosine on mechanisms of wavefront propagation during atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results The study included 22 patients undergoing catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody prevalence in adult patients with short bowel syndrome-A German multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Not all patients suffer from a severe course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, demanding a definition of groups at risk. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) has been assumed to be a risk factor, because of the complexity of disease, the need for interdisciplinary care, and frequent contact with caretakers. We aimed to establish data on the course of infection and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in SBS patients in Germany.

The "hump" a new arthroscopic phenomenon guiding for reliable therapy of osteochondritis dissecans of variable stability status.

Introduction: Despite 150 years of research, there are currently no reliable morphological characteristics that can be used to differentiate between stable and unstable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions in the knee joint. Arthroscopic probing is still the gold standard. In arthroscopic evaluation, a previously undescribed pattern of a cartilaginous convex elevation ("hump") was identified as a new feature and potential sign of JOCD in transition to instability.

Visualization of the distal tibial plafond articular surface using four established approaches and the efficacy of instrumented distraction: a cadaveric study.

Purpose: Direct visualization is a very effective method in accomplishing adequate articular surface reconstruction in fracture repair. This study investigates distal tibial plafond articular surface visibility using the anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral approaches, the effect of instrumented distraction on visibility, and which zones of the articular surface are visible for each approach.

Methods: The anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral approaches to the distal tibial plafond were performed on 16 cadaveric ankle specimens.

Reversed and Antegrade Iliac Side Branch Stentgraft as an Alternative or Rescue Maneuver in Complex (Thoraco)Abdominal Endovascular Aortic Repair to Preserve Renal Perfusion.

Purpose: To describe a technique that can preserve renal perfusion in failed bridging stent implantation of renal arteries or as intentional procedure in emergency cases, when the (thoraco)abdominal aneurysm anatomy does not meet the criteria for instructions for use of an "off-the-shelf" graft. The technique is based on reversed or antegrade integration of a standard iliac side branch graft into the aortic stentgraft system, which allows cannulation of (accessory) renal vessels.

Technique: A standard iliac side branch prosthesis is deployed and re-sheathed in reversed direction on the back table.

Management and Outcome of Failed Percutaneous Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Plasty: Insight From an International Registry.

Objectives: This study evaluated the incidence, management, and outcome of patients who experienced MitraClip (Abbott Vascular) failure secondary to loss of leaflet insertion (LLI), single leaflet detachment (SLD), or embolization.

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip is an established therapy for the treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR), but no data exist regarding the prevalence and outcome according to the mode of clip failure.

Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2020, we retrospectively screened 4,294 procedures of MitraClip performed in 19 centers.

Efficacy and safety of ECG-synchronized pulsatile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the clinical setting: The SynCor Trial.

Introduction: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are increasingly used as a treatment option in resuscitation or in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Prophylactic implantation in high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HRPCI) is another upcoming indication. The i-cor ECG-synchronized cardiac assist device combines the hemodynamic support of a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) with the ability to generate a pulsatile flow and thus decreasing adverse effects of VA-ECMO on myocardial function.

Double-Layered Quadriceps Tendon Autografts Provide Lower Failure Rates and Improved Clinical Results Compared With Hamstring Tendon Grafts in Revision ACL Reconstruction.

Background: We developed a quadriceps-tendon graft technique using a double-layered, partial-thickness, soft tissue quadriceps tendon graft (dlQUAD) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This technique allows simple femoral loop button fixation and a limited harvest depth of the quadriceps tendon.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing revision ACLR using the dlQUAD technique compared with a hamstring tendon graft (HT).

Antiarrhythmic drug therapy after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation-Insights from the German Ablation Registry.

Data on the optimal treatment strategy for antiarrhythmic drug therapy (AAD) after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are inconsistent. The present study investigates whether postinterventional AAD leads to an improved long-term outcome. Patients from the prospective German Ablation Registry (n = 3275) discharged with or without AAD after catheter ablation for AF were compared regarding the rates of recurrences, reablations and cardiovascular events as well as patient reported outcomes during 12 months follow-up.

Real-world experience of CPX-351 as first-line treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

To investigate the efficacy and toxicities of CPX-351 outside a clinical trial, we analyzed 188 patients (median age 65 years, range 26-80) treated for therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML, 29%) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC, 70%). Eighty-six percent received one, 14% two induction cycles, and 10% received consolidation (representing 22% of patients with CR/CRi) with CPX-351. Following induction, CR/CRi rate was 47% including 64% of patients with available information achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity (<10) as measured by flow cytometry.

Endovascular entry closure of a late type A aortic dissection after implantation of a self-expanding transcatheter heart valve (Evolut R): a case report.

Background: Late Stanford type A aortic dissections (TAADs) are a very rare complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Surgery is the treatment of choice, but perioperative mortality (25%) and neurological complications (18%) remain high.

Case Summary: An 85-year-old male patient presented with acute chest pain 5 months after a transfemoral Evolut R 34 mm transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation.

Clinical results after very early, early and late arthroscopic arthrolysis of the knee.

Purpose: Impaired patient outcome can be directly related to a loss of motion of the knee following surgical procedures. If conservative therapy fails, arthroscopic arthrolysis is an effective procedure to improve range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing very early (< 3 months), early (3 to 6 months), and late (> 6 months) arthroscopic arthrolysis of the knee.

Additional lateral extra-articular tenodesis in revision ACL reconstruction does not influence the outcome of patients with low-grade anterior knee laxity.

Introduction: There is limited evidence on the indications of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) in revision ACLR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the LET in patients with revision ACLR with preoperative low-grade anterior knee laxity.

Methods: Between 2013 and 2018, 78 patients who underwent revision ACLR with preoperative low-grade anterior knee laxity [≤ 5 mm side-to-side difference (SSD)] were included in the retrospective cohort study.

Breast Cancer Cell-Derived Adenosine Enhances Generation and Suppressor Function of Human Adaptive Regulatory T Cells.

Introduction: Adaptive regulatory T cells (Tr1) are induced in the periphery by environmental stimuli. CD73 expression and adenosine (ADO) production by tumor cells may influence Tr1 generation and their immunosuppressive activity.

Material And Methods: Tr1 were generated in co-cultures of CD4+CD25neg T cells, autologous immature dendritic cells (iDC), and irradiated ADO-producing CD73+ or non-producing CD73neg breast cancer (BrCa) cell lines (TU).

Spatial and temporal variability of rotational, focal, and irregular activity: Practical implications for mapping of atrial fibrillation.

Background: Charge density mapping of atrial fibrillation (AF) reveals dynamic localized rotational activation (LRA), irregular activation (LIA) and focal firing (FF). Their spatial stability, conduction characteristics and the optimal duration of mapping required to reveal these phenomena and has not been explored.

Methods: Bi-atrial mapping of AF propagation was undertaken using AcQMap (Acutus Medical) and variability of activation patterns quantified up to a duration of 30 s.

A case report of cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation in a patient with situs inversus abdominalis and levocardia.

Background: Cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (cbPVI) is a standardized treatment of atrial fibrillation. In complex anatomies, radiofrequency ablation (rfPVI) is usually preferred. We describe the first cbPVI in a rare patient with SI and levocardia.

Clinical performance and exercise hemodynamics in patients with severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation and chronic atrial fibrillation.

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the functional capacity and hemodynamics at rest and during exercise in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and severe functional symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (AF-FTR).

Background: Symptoms and clinical performance of severe AF-FTR mimic the population of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Severe AF-FTR is known to be associated with an adverse prognosis whereas less is reported about the clinical performance including exercise capacity and hemodynamics in patients symptomatic AF-FTR.

Comparison of Clinical Examination and Various Imaging Modalities in the Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer.

 Squamous cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (HNSCC) is the most common tumor entity of malignant processes in the head and neck area. Due to the metastasizing behavior of these tumors, the staging is indispensable for the treatment planning and requires imaging techniques, which are sensitive, specific, and as far as possible cost-effective, to benefit ultimately the patient and to ensure optimal care.  The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical examination including palpation, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of neck metastases to make the correct indication for a neck dissection.

Lower Failure Rates and Improved Patient Outcome Due to Reconstruction of the MCL and Revision ACL Reconstruction in Chronic Medial Knee Instability.

Background: Concomitant lesion of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is associated with a greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare two medial stabilization techniques in patients with revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and concomitant chronic medial knee instability.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Higher Acceleration/Ejection Time Ratio Predicts Impaired Outcome in Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Background: Acceleration time (AT)/ejection time (ET) ratio is a marker of aortic valve stenosis (AS) severity and predicts outcome in moderate-severe AS.

Methods: We explored the association of increased AT/ET ratio on prognosis in 1530 asymptomatic patients with presumably mild-moderate AS, normal ejection fraction, and without known diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Patients were part of the SEAS study (Simvastatin Ezetimibe Aortic Stenosis).