Subcutaneous chronic implantable defibrillation systems in humans

The recent introduction of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) has raised attention about the potential of this technology for clinical use in daily clinical practice. We review the methods and results of the four studies conducted in humans for approval of this innovative technology for daily practice. Two studies using a temporary S-ICD system (acute human studies) were conducted to search for an appropriate lead configuration and energy requirements. For this purpose, 4 S-ICD configurations were tested in 78 patients at the time of transvenous (TV)-ICD implantation. The optimal configuration was tested in 49 more patients to comparatively assess the subcutaneous defibrillation threshold (S-DFT) versus the standard TV-ICD. Long-term implants were evaluated in 55 patients using an implanted system (chronic human study). The acute humans studies led to an optimal S-ICD configuration comprising a parasternal electrode and left anterolateral thoracic pulse generator. Both configurations successfully terminated 98% of induced ventricular fibrillation (VF), but significantly higher energy levels were required with S-ICD than with TV-ICD systems (36.6?±?19.8 J vs. 11.1?±?8.5 J). In the chronic study, all 137 VF episodes induced at time of implant were detected with a 98% conversion rate. Two pocket infections and four lead revisions were required during 10?±?1 months of follow-up. During this period, survival was 98%, and 12 spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias were detected and treated by the device. These data show that the S-ICD systems here consistently detected and converted VF induced at time of implant as well as sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurring during follow-up (248).     

Pumpers, skypers, surfers and texters: technology to improve the management of diabetes in teenagers

A variety of innovative technologies are available to assist with the management of diabetes in teenagers. Technologies include devices that assist with the direct day-to-day management of diabetes including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. These devices are being used more and more with teenagers as a means of improving treatment adherence and glycaemic control. In addition, telehealth is being used to deliver care and support around diabetes management issues for teens with diabetes. Telehealth used in diabetes care for teens includes cell phones and video-conferencing. The goal of this telehealth technology is to support health behaviours and implement behavioural change strategies in a way that is more integrated into the everyday lives of patients and even in the context in which the behaviours occur in 'real time'. Finally, information and support via the Internet are gaining acceptance and use among teens with diabetes as an effective means of strategies for improved diabetes self-care. All three of these broad uses of technology in diabetes in teens represent flexible, innovative, and accessible approaches to improving both diabetes management and glycaemic control in this 'at risk' population.     

Circumoral complications in hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy — a case of simple lip reconstruction?

We report a case of a 7-year-old Bangladeshi boy who caused himself oral incontinence by self-mutilation. The patient was known to suffer from hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type V. As definitive management, a full dental clearance was performed along with reconstruction of the lower lip with a good functional and aesthetic outcome. He did not experience any adverse effects from the full dental clearance with regard to feeding, nutrition or development. We discuss the dilemma and challenges raised in the management of this patient and highlight the need for a multi-disciplinary specialist input for what appeared to be a simple case of lip reconstruction for a plastic surgeon.     

Lumbar spinal fusion with β-TCP granules and variable Escherichia coli–derived rhBMP-2 dose

Background contextThe ideal tissue-engineered solution for any bone graft substitute is to assist in the rapid formation of bone and facilitate fusion.PurposeThe present study aims to evaluate this E-BMP-2 (Escherichia coli–derived human bone morphogenetic protein-2) in ovine posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) to examine the influence of dose and overall performance in a model with similar graft size and diffusive challenges to the human.Study design/settingIn vivo large animal model study.MethodsAn adult ovine PLF was performed in 30 animals with groups of E-BMP-2 with a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) carrier at three different dosages, β-TCP alone, and autograft from the iliac crest. The fusions were assessed by radiography (X-ray and microcomputed tomography), mechanical testing, and hard-tissue histology with bone labels at 6, 8, and 10 weeks along with routine paraffin histology at 12 weeks.ResultsResults showed increasing new bone and fusion rate with E-BMP-2 dose, whereas β-TCP alone was largely resorbed and did not achieve fusion in this model at 12 weeks. Autograft showed similar grading for the amount of bone between the transverse processes but a lower fusion rate than β-TCP/E-BMP-2 groups. Bone labels revealed new bone formation at all time points for the E-BMP2 groups, whereas the autograft group showed active bone formation at 10 weeks. Beta-tricalcium phosphate displayed reliable incorporation into the decorticated host bone, whereas limited new bone was found between the transverse processes. At the center of the fusion mass, increased E-BMP-2 dose led to increased incorporation of β-TCP by new bone.ConclusionsThese results suggest that E-BMP-2 was capable of producing posterolateral fusion in the ovine model that is equal to or superior to autologous graft in terms of fusion rate and mechanical strength. E-BMP-2 dose had considerable influence on β-TCP granule resorption.     

(R)-2-Phenylpyrrolidine Substituted Imidazopyridazines: A New Class of Potent and Selective Pan-TRK Inhibitors

相似文献