Detection and Magnetic Source Imaging of Fast Oscillations (40–160 Hz) Recorded with Magnetoencephalography in Focal Epilepsy Patients

We present a framework to detect fast oscillations (FOs) in magnetoencephalography (MEG) and to perform magnetic source imaging (MSI) to determine the location and extent of their generators in the cortex. FOs can be of physiologic origin associated to sensory processing and memory consolidation. In epilepsy, FOs are of pathologic origin and biomarkers of the epileptogenic zone. Seventeen patients with focal epilepsy previously confirmed with identified FOs in scalp electroencephalography (EEG) were evaluated. To handle data deriving from large number of sensors (275 axial gradiometers) we used an automatic detector with high sensitivity. False positives were discarded by two human experts. MSI of the FOs was performed with the wavelet based maximum entropy on the mean method. We found FOs in 11/17 patients, in only one patient the channel with highest FO rate was not concordant with the epileptogenic region and might correspond to physiologic oscillations. MEG FOs rates were very low: 0.02–4.55 per minute. Compared to scalp EEG, detection sensitivity was lower, but the specificity higher in MEG. MSI of FOs showed concordance or partial concordance with proven generators of seizures and epileptiform activity in 10/11 patients. We have validated the proposed framework for the non-invasive study of FOs with MEG. The excellent overall concordance with other clinical gold standard evaluation tools indicates that MEG FOs can provide relevant information to guide implantation for intracranial EEG pre-surgical evaluation and for surgical treatment, and demonstrates the important added value of choosing appropriate FOs detection and source localization methods.     

Localization Value of Magnetoencephalography Interictal Spikes in Adult Nonlesional Neocortical Epilepsy

Few studies have included magnetoencephalography (MEG) when assessing the diagnostic value of presurgical modalities in a nonlesional epilepsy population. Here, we compare single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), video-EEG (VEEG), and MEG, with intracranial EEG (iEEG) to determine the value of individual modalities to surgical decisions. We analyzed 23 adult epilepsy patients with no abnormal MRI findings who had undergone surgical resection. Localization of individual presurgical tests was determined for hemispheric and lobar locations based on visual analysis. Each localization result was compared with the ictal onset zone (IOZ) defined by using iEEG. The highest to the lowest hemispheric concordance rates were MEG (83%) > ictal VEEG (78%) > PET (70%) > ictal SPECT (57%). The highest to lowest lobar concordance rates were ictal VEEG = MEG (65%) > PET (57%) > ictal SPECT (52%). Statistical analysis showed MEG to have a higher hemispheric concordance than that of ictal SPECT (P = 0.031). We analyzed the effects of MEG clustered-area resection on surgical outcome. Patients who had resection of MEG clusters showed a better surgical outcome than those without such resection (P = 0.038). It is suggested that MEG-based localization had the highest concordance with the iEEG-defined IOZ. Furthermore, MEG cluster resection has prognostic significance in predicting surgical outcome.     

Magnetoencephalography-guided epilepsy surgery for children with intractable focal epilepsy: SickKids experience.

We introduced magnetoencephalography (MEG)-guided epilepsy surgery for children with intractable focal epilepsy at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. Surgical candidacy and decisions on surgical procedure for children with intractable focal epilepsy are based on long-term scalp video EEG (VEEG) results, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and the distribution of MEG spike sources. After multidisciplinary discussion at the seizure conference, for the patients requiring intracranial VEEG, custom-made subdural electrode grids are designed using three-dimensional MRI superimposed with MEG spike sources to cover the area of clustered MEG spike sources. At the first surgery, neurosurgeons use the intraoperative neuronavigation system to visualize the area of clustered spike dipoles and somatosensory evoked fields on MEG to place the subdural grid and depth electrodes. At the second surgery, the area of seizure onset and active interictal spike discharges on the intracranial VEEG recording, which usually correlates with the zone of clustered MEG spike sources, is resected. This combination leads to successful surgical outcome to control seizures in these challenging paediatric patients. MEG is a useful tool in children with intractable focal epilepsy to determine the surgical candidacy and focal cortical resection to stop seizures.     

Natural cycle in-vitro fertilization in couples with unexplained infertility: impact of various factors on outcome

This study evaluated outcome in 117 couples with unexplained infertility who underwent 162 attempts at natural cycle in-vitro fertilization (NIVF) between 1991 and 1993. An egg was obtained in 138 cycles and a single embryo was transferred in 89 cycles. There were 16 implantations (four biochemical pregnancies, three clinical abortions and nine live births). The implantation rate per embryo was 16/89 (18.0%), which translated into a live birth rate per egg collection of 9/138 (6.5%). The impact factors that were assessed included oocyte quality, sperm quality, embryo quality and woman's age. The outcome measures used were fertilization/inseminated egg and implantation/replaced embryo. All embryo transfers were of single embryos. We conclude that, in couples with unexplained infertility, outcome following NIVF is affected by both egg and sperm quality and by the age of the woman. Embryo quality was independent of the above factors but was also critical for successful implantation.      

局麻下颅内动脉狭窄支架置入术的可行性研究

目的：探讨在清醒状态下颅内动脉狭窄支架置入术的可行性及临床意义。方法：2007年2月到2008年1月,在局麻下应用血管内支架置入术治疗颅内动脉狭窄患者12例,其中颈内动脉系狭窄7例,椎-基底动脉系狭窄5例。结果：本组12例均成功接受了血管内支架置入,术中患者清醒,配合良好,无不良反应。术后6个月复查DSA提示,颅内动脉狭窄程度由原来的67．5％±9．5％下降至9．5％±2．8％（P〈0．01）。随访12～23个月,12例患者症状均改善,无卒中发生。结论：局麻下行血管内支架置入术治疗颅内动脉狭窄,可将重要并发症的危险性降到最低;颅内动脉痛觉神经并不敏感,完全可以承受介入支架置入操作。     

MEG Coherence and DTI Connectivity in mTLE

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a noninvasive imaging method for localization of focal epileptiform activity in patients with epilepsy. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive imaging method for measuring the diffusion properties of the underlying white matter tracts through which epileptiform activity is propagated. This study investigates the relationship between the cerebral functional abnormalities quantified by MEG coherence and structural abnormalities quantified by DTI in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Resting state MEG data was analyzed using MEG coherence source imaging (MEG-CSI) method to determine the coherence in 54 anatomical sites in 17 adult mTLE patients with surgical resection and Engel class I outcome, and 17 age- and gender- matched controls. DTI tractography identified the fiber tracts passing through these same anatomical sites of the same subjects. Then, DTI nodal degree and laterality index were calculated and compared with the corresponding MEG coherence and laterality index. MEG coherence laterality, after Bonferroni adjustment, showed significant differences for right versus left mTLE in insular cortex and both lateral orbitofrontal and superior temporal gyri (p < 0.017). Likewise, DTI nodal degree laterality, after Bonferroni adjustment, showed significant differences for right versus left mTLE in gyrus rectus, insular cortex, precuneus and superior temporal gyrus (p < 0.017). In insular cortex, MEG coherence laterality correlated with DTI nodal degree laterality (\(R^{2} = 0.46; p = 0.003)\) in the cases of mTLE. None of these anatomical sites showed statistically significant differences in coherence laterality between right and left sides of the controls. Coherence laterality was in agreement with the declared side of epileptogenicity in insular cortex (in 82 % of patients) and both lateral orbitofrontal (88 %) and superior temporal gyri (88 %). Nodal degree laterality was also in agreement with the declared side of epileptogenicity in gyrus rectus (in 88 % of patients), insular cortex (71 %), precuneus (82 %) and superior temporal gyrus (94 %). Combining all significant laterality indices improved the lateralization accuracy to 94 % and 100 % for the coherence and nodal degree laterality indices, respectively. The associated variations in diffusion properties of fiber tracts quantified by DTI and coherence measures quantified by MEG with respect to epileptogenicity possibly reflect the chronic microstructural cerebral changes associated with functional interictal activity. The proposed methodology for using MEG and DTI to investigate diffusion abnormalities related to focal epileptogenicity and propagation may provide a further means of noninvasive lateralization.     

Prognostic indices with brief and standard CBT for panic disorder: I. Predictors of outcome

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the management of panic disorder (PD) is now well established, there have been few studies of predictors of outcome with this patient group using clinical effectiveness trial data, a hypothesis-testing model, and a dependent measure of clinically significant change.METHOD: The data for this study came from a randomized controlled trial of three forms of CBT delivery for PD with and without agoraphobia (two 6-week CBT programmes, one of which was computer assisted, and one therapist-directed 12-week CBT programme), comprising a total of 186 patients across two sites. Based on previous related research, five hypothesized predictors of post-treatment and follow-up outcome were identified and examined, using a series of bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The results in general supported the hypotheses. Strength of blood/injury fears, age of initial onset of panic symptoms, co-morbid social anxieties and degree of agoraphobic avoidance were predictive of both measures of post-treatment outcome. Degree of residual social difficulties and the continued use of anxiolytics at post-treatment were also shown to predict poor outcome at the 6-month follow-up. However, strength of continuing dysfunctional agoraphobic cognitions by the end of active treatment did not predict outcome at follow-up for the sample as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of consistent predictors of outcome with CBT has many clinical and research benefits. As CBT, however, is being delivered increasingly in a variety of brief formats, further research is required to identify moderators of response to these 'non-standard' treatment formats.     

双扩张器重叠埋置与单个扩张器埋置术皮肤扩张效果与并发症发生率的差异研究

目的比较单腔双扩张器重叠埋置术与单个扩张器埋置术的皮肤扩张率、扩张皮瓣的即时回缩率及并发症发生率。方法在入我院行扩张器埋置术的病例中随机选取50例进行研究。50例患者共67个区域施行扩张器埋置术,其中39处行单腔双扩张器重叠埋置术,28处行单个扩张器埋置术。测量扩张前、后扩张区皮肤面积,计算皮肤扩张率。扩张器取出前后,分别测量扩张皮瓣中段固定两点距离,计算即时回缩率。同时观察并发症,统计并发症发生率。结果单腔双扩张器重叠埋置与单个扩张器埋置术的皮肤扩张率分别为（117．57±17．225）％、（109．89±9．824）％,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;单腔双扩张器重叠埋置扩张皮瓣即时回缩率为（27．85±14．234）％,单个扩张器埋置术即时回缩率为（29．04±13．55）％,两者比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;双扩张器重叠埋置共39处中6处发生并发症,总发生率15．38％,单个扩张器埋置共28处中4处发生并发症,总发生率14．29％,两组发生率差异元统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论单腔双扩张器重叠埋置法可增加皮肤扩张率,且扩张皮瓣即时回缩率及并发症发生率与单个扩张器埋置术比较无显著差异,故增加了可供利用的扩张皮肤量,具有临床应用前景。     

Mineral apposition rates provide significant information on long-term effects in BMP-induced bone regeneration

In this study, a CaP biomaterial was used as a carrier for rhBMP-2. Biomaterials were investigated in calvarial and femoral defects using a rabbit animal model, with unloaded biomaterials serving as control. Fluorochrome labels were administered at days 14 and 70. Specimens were retrieved after 12 weeks for histological analysis. When area fractions were assessed by conventional histomorphometry, no significant effect of rhBMP-2 on the amounts of regenerated bone and residual biomaterial were seen by 12 weeks. After mineral appositional rate (MAR) measurement using double labels, calculation yielded significantly higher MARs for defects at both implantation sites, when compared with surrounding bone, whether or not biomaterials were loaded with rhBMP-2. Analyzing the effect of rhBMP-2, both defect sites showed significantly higher MARs in the rhBMP-2 group. MARs of bone surrounding the defects had also been elevated significantly by rhBMP-2 at calvarial and femoral implantation sites. It is concluded that MAR measurement is suitable to identify long-term effects of rhBMP-2 on bone formation at a time when conventional histomorphometry using fractional area determination is inadequate. Also, by MAR assessment, effects of rhBMP-2 on surrounding bone can be documented.     

Learning curve in navigated total knee replacement. A multi-centre study comparing experienced and beginner centres

This study analyzes the OrthoPilot navigation system's (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, FRG) learning curve in beginner vs. experienced centres. We conducted a prospective, controlled, multi-centre study in 13 European orthopedic centres. Overall, 368 total knee replacements (TKR) were included in this study, with 150 TKR performed in experienced centres (control group) and 218 TKR in beginner centres (study group). The study parameters were implantation accuracy, clinical outcome, operation time and complications. No difference was found between both groups, except for operating time which was significantly longer in the study group. However, this increase in operating time disappeared after 30 implantations in all beginner centres. So, we conclude that the system's learning curve levels off at this point. Given the high accuracy of implantation when using the OrthoPilot navigation system, we believe this learning curve to be acceptably low.     

The potential of label-free nonlinear optical molecular microscopy to non-invasively characterize the viability of engineered human tissue constructs

Nonlinear optical molecular imaging and quantitative analytic methods were developed to non-invasively assess the viability of tissue-engineered constructs manufactured from primary human cells. Label-free optical measures of local tissue structure and biochemistry characterized morphologic and functional differences between controls and stressed constructs. Rigorous statistical analysis accounted for variability between human patients. Fluorescence intensity-based spatial assessment and metabolic sensing differentiated controls from thermally-stressed and from metabolically-stressed constructs. Fluorescence lifetime-based sensing differentiated controls from thermally-stressed constructs. Unlike traditional histological (found to be generally reliable, but destructive) and biochemical (non-invasive, but found to be unreliable) tissue analyses, label-free optical assessments had the advantages of being both non-invasive and reliable. Thus, such optical measures could serve as reliable manufacturing release criteria for cell-based tissue-engineered constructs prior to human implantation, thereby addressing a critical regulatory need in regenerative medicine.     

Regional Differences in the Sensitivity of MEG for Interictal Spikes in Epilepsy

MEG interictal spikes as recorded in epilepsy patients are a reflection of intracranial interictal activity. This study investigates the relationship between the estimated sources of MEG spikes and the location, distribution and size of interictal spikes in the invasive ECoG of a group of 38 epilepsy patients that are monitored for pre-surgical evaluation. An amplitude/surface area measure is defined to quantify and rank ECoG spikes. It is found that all MEG spikes are associated with an ECoG spike that is among the three highest ranked in a patient. Among the different brain regions considered, the fronto-orbital, inter-hemispheric, tempero-lateral and central regions stand out. In an accompanying simulation study it is shown that for hypothesized extended sources of larger sizes, as suggested by the data, source location, orientation and curvature can partly explain the observed sensitivity of MEG for interictal spikes.     

MRI and clinical evaluation of collagen-covered autologous chondrocyte implantation (CACI) at two years

We present our experience with the collagen-covered autologous chondrocyte implantation (CACI) technique. Thirty two implantations were performed in 31 patients. Clinical outcome was measured using the KOOS score and the 6-minute walk test, as well as an MRI scoring protocol (75% of patients had a complete data set for MRI follow-up) to describe the repair tissue generated by CACI. We have also correlated our MRI results with our clinical outcome. To the authors knowledge there are no comparative studies of MRI and clinical outcome following CACI in the current literature. Patients demonstrated an increased walk distance that improved significantly from 3 months to 24 months postoperatively (p<0.05). Analysis of the KOOS results demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) improvement in four of the five subscales from 3 months to 24 months after CACI, with the most substantial gains made in the first 12 months. Patients demonstrated an increased MRI outcome score over time that improved significantly from 3 months to 24 months postoperatively (p<0.05). We observed an 8% incidence of hypertrophic growth following CACI. We report one partial graft failure, defined by clinical, MRI and histological evaluation, at the one year time point. In contrast to the current literature we report no incidence of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) following CACI. This research demonstrates that autologous chondrocytes implanted under a type I/III collagen patch regenerates a functional infill material, and as a result of this procedure, patients experienced improved knee function and MRI scores. Whilst our results indicated a statistically significant relationship between the MRI and functional outcome following CACI, MRI cannot be used as surrogate measure of functional outcome following CACI, since the degree of association was only low to moderate. That is, functional outcome following CACI cannot be predicted by the morphological MRI assessment of the repair tissue at the post-surgery time points to 24 months.     

Identifying auditory cortex encoding abnormalities in schizophrenia: The utility of low‐frequency versus 40 Hz steady‐state measures

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and EEG have identified poststimulus low frequency and 40 Hz steady‐state auditory encoding abnormalities in schizophrenia (SZ). Negative findings have also appeared. To identify factors contributing to these inconsistencies, healthy control (HC) and SZ group differences were examined in MEG and EEG source space and EEG sensor space, with better group differentiation hypothesized for source than sensor measures given greater predictive utility for source measures. Fifty‐five HC and 41 chronic SZ were presented 500 Hz sinusoidal stimuli modulated at 40 Hz during simultaneous whole‐head MEG and EEG. MEG and EEG source models using left and right superior temporal gyrus (STG) dipoles estimated trial‐to‐trial phase similarity and percent change from prestimulus baseline. Group differences in poststimulus low‐frequency activity and 40 Hz steady‐state response were evaluated. Several EEG sensor analysis strategies were also examined. Poststimulus low‐frequency group differences were observed across all methods. Given an age‐related decrease in left STG 40 Hz steady‐state activity in HC (HC > SZ), 40 Hz steady‐state group differences were evident only in younger participants' source measures. Findings thus indicated that optimal data collection and analysis methods depend on the auditory encoding measure of interest. In addition, whereas results indicated that HC and SZ auditory encoding low‐frequency group differences are generally comparable across modality and analysis strategy (and thus not dependent on obtaining construct‐valid measures of left and right auditory cortex activity), 40 Hz steady‐state group‐difference findings are much more dependent on analysis strategy, with 40 Hz steady‐state source‐space findings providing the best group differentiation.     

数控机床金属导板辅助无牙颌种植的实验研究

目的　探讨利用数控机床（computer numerical control, CNC）制造个性化下颌无牙颌金属种植导板的新方法。 方法　8具下颌无牙颌标本随机分为两组,分别运用CNC技术加工出金属导板、运用快速成型（rapid prototyping, RP）技术加工出树脂导板并测量其在体外实验中辅助置钉的精确性。 结果　CNC与RP导板在下颌骨中部水平面上的绝对偏差分别为(0.23±0.14) mm、(1.01±0.27) mm,差异有统计学意义（P=0.000）;在矢状面上分别为(0.30±0.24) mm、(0.95±0.24) mm,差异有统计学意义（P=0.000）。 结论　在体外实验中,CNC金属下颌无牙颌种植导板辅助种植精确性高于RP树脂导板。     

Detectable levels of interleukin-18 in uterine luminal secretions at oocyte retrieval predict failure of the embryo transfer

BACKGROUND: Most implantation failures after successful in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) result from inadequate uterine receptivity. There is currently no way to predict this receptivity. METHODS: We investigated whether the detection of interleukin-(IL)18 by ELISA in uterine luminal secretions might predict implantation failure. Secretions of 133 patients enrolled in our IVF-ET program were sampled by uterine flushing immediately before oocyte retrieval. We assessed the following outcomes: pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and implantation rate per embryo transferred. RESULTS: Interleukin-18 was detected in the flushing fluid of 38 patients (28.6%). Although the two groups were comparable for all other characteristics (age, etiology, ovarian reserve, number of embryos transferred, quality of embryos), all outcome variables differed significantly. The pregnancy rate was 37.9% in the IL-18 - ve group and 15% in the IL-18 + ve group, the multiple pregnancy rate 27.7% and 0%, and the implantation rate per embryo transferred 19.4% and 6.7% (all comparisons, P=0.02). Only embryos meeting good quality criteria were transferred to 65 patients: 50 IL-18 - ve and 15 IL-18 + ve. The pregnancy rate was 51% for the IL-18 - ve group and 20% for the IL-18 + ve group, the multiple pregnancy rate 36% and 0.0%, respectively, and the implantation rate 29% and 8.3% (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This non-invasive and simple method predicted inadequate uterine receptivity, independent of embryo quality.     

Permanent impairment of embryo development by hydrosalpinges

Recent reports suggest a deleterious effect of hydrosalpinges on pregnancy outcome for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and improvement following surgical treatment. We compared the effect of hydrosalpinx on pregnancy outcome in 286 patients having 348 IVF cycles and followed the development of untransferred embryos for 7 days to determine if hydrosalpinges affect oocyte quality or embryo development. The delivery rate per retrieval was significantly lower for patients with hydrosalpinx, but was restored by surgical treatment to that of patients without hydrosalpinx. However, the implantation rate per embryo transferred and normal blastulation of untransferred embryos, which were significantly decreased in patients with hydrosalpinx, and growth arrest and degeneration of untransferred embryos, which were significantly increased compared to patients without hydrosalpinx, were not restored by surgical treatment of hydrosalpinges. We conclude that surgical treatment of hydrosalpinges decreases early pregnancy loss and improves pregnancy outcome, possibly by diminishing reversible deleterious effects exerted on the endometrium. As we have seen in our laboratory, hydrosalpinges may have a permanent negative influence on ovarian function, follicular development and oocyte quality since implantation of transferred embryos and normal blastulation of untransferred embryos remain low, and in-vitro growth arrest and degeneration remain high despite surgical treatment of hydrosalpinges.      

Effect of uterine leiomyomata on the results of in-vitro fertilization treatment

The effect of uterine leiomyoma on infertility is subject tocontroversy. Two main mechanisms associating leiomyomata andinfertility have been suggested: the obstruction of gamete transportand impaired implantation. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is aunique setting for examining the effect of leiomyomata on theimplantation rate. This study was designed to determine theimpact of uterine leiomyomata on the results of IVF. In a retrospectiveanalysis of IVF cycles, 46 women with documented uterine leiomyomawere compared with a control group with mechanical infertility.The implantation rate and pregnancy outcome in relation to theleiomyoma were observed. Implantation (22.1%/transfer, 6.8%/embryo)and abortion rates (36%)in the study group were similar to theresults in the control group with pure mechanical factor. Ananalysis of IVF results according to the hysteroscopic pretreatmentfindings revealed that impaired implantation is associated withleiomyoma only where uterine intracavitary abnormalities co-exist.We conclude that implantation rate and pregnancy outcome areimpaired in women with uterine leiomyomata only when they causedeformation of the uterine cavity. In patients with leiomyomataassociated with an abnormal uterine cavity, surgical treatmentshould be considered prior to IVF because of the reduced implantationrate.     

颅内自膨式支架Enterprise治疗缺血性脑卒中颈内动脉狭窄的远期效果：随机对照临床试验方案

BACKGROUND: The Enterprise stent system is a closed-loop, recoverable self-expanding stent that is effective in the treatment of intracranial aneurysm. However, most studies on the treatment of intracranial aneurysm after ischemic stroke are case series or case reports. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the Enterprise stent system for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis in patients with atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. METHODS: We will perform a single-center, double-blind, randomized parallel-controlled trial at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, China. A cohort of 100 patients with atherosclerotic ischemic stroke will be included after obtaining written informed consent from participants or their guardians, and then randomly allocated to undergo either Enterprise self-expanding intracranial stent implantation in combination with antiplatelet medication (stent implantation group, n= 50) or only antiplatelet medication (drug group, n= 50) for treatment of carotid artery stenosis. Four time points (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 years after stent implantation or antiplatelet medication) will be selected for outcome observation and evaluation. The primary outcome will be the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, which is used to evaluate neurologic deficits. The secondary outcomes will be the Barthel index and carotid stenosis rate. The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Captical Medical University, China (approval number: GJCY16012) and will be performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, formulated by the World Medical Association. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02802072). DISCUSSION: There is a lack of randomized controlled studies addressing the long-term effects of the Enterprise self-expanding intracranial stent system for carotid artery stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke. This study will investigate and further confirm the clinical significance of the Enterprise stent system in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke.     

Delivery rates after in-vitro fertilization following bilateral salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinges: a case control study.

This retrospective case-control study assessed the impact of bilateral salpingectomy due to uni- or bilateral hydrosalpinges on the outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in a large consecutive series of patients. The effect of bilateral salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinges on pregnancy outcome was compared in 139 patients (263 cycles) and 139 age-matched controls with tubal infertility without hydrosalpinges (296 cycles). The delivery rates per initiated cycle as well as the implantation rates were equal in the two groups (21.7 versus 21.6% and 19 versus 21%). The number of embryos, the cleavage stage, and the embryo morphology score were equal in the two groups. Among 92 patients treated with 182 IVF cycles who underwent salpingectomy between 1.5 and 5 years prior to their first IVF cycle, the delivery and the implantation rates were 22.5 and 20.5% respectively. Of the patients with salpingectomy after an average of 1.7 failed IVF cycles and who re-entered the IVF programme 3 and 6 months subsequent to surgery, 47 were treated with 83 IVF cycles. The live birth and the implantation rates after surgery in this group were 20.5 and 20% respectively. It is concluded that bilateral salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinges restores a normal delivery as well as implantation rate after IVF treatment compared to controls. A favourable outcome is also found in patients operated on after repeated IVF failures. Furthermore, a normal live birth rate as well as a high implantation rate is maintained for at least three IVF cycles subsequent to surgical treatment.