Noncontact Speckle Contrast Diffuse Correlation Tomography Of Blood Flow Distributions In Tissues With Arbitrary Geometries, Siavash Mazdeyasna, Chong Huang, Mingjun Zhao, Nneamaka B. Agochukwu, Ahmed A. Bahrani, Lesley Wong, Guoqiang Yu

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

A noncontact electron multiplying charge-coupled-device (EMCCD)-based speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) technology has been recently developed in our laboratory, allowing for noninvasive three-dimensional measurement of tissue blood flow distributions. One major remaining constraint in the scDCT is the assumption of a semi-infinite tissue volume with a flat surface, which affects the image reconstruction accuracy for tissues with irregular geometries. An advanced photometric stereo technique (PST) was integrated into the scDCT system to obtain the surface geometry in real time for image reconstruction. Computer simulations demonstrated that a priori knowledge of tissue surface geometry is crucial for precisely reconstructing the …

Improving Follow-Up Skeletal Survey Compliance In Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma Patients: What's The Fuss About?, Tong Gan, John M. Draus Jr.

Surgery Faculty Publications

Introduction: Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) victims account for a significant percentage of our pediatric trauma population. The skeletal survey (SS) and follow-up skeletal survey (FUSS) are essential in the evaluation of selected NAT patients. We identified that our clinically indicated FUSS completion rate was suboptimal. We hypothesized that implementing an intervention of postdischarge follow-up in our pediatric surgery clinic would improve FUSS completion rates. Methods: A follow-up clinic for NAT patients was established in July 2013. A retrospective review was performed of all suspected NAT cases younger than 2 years old seen at Kentucky Children’s Hospital between November 2012 and February …

Select Biomarkers On The Day Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Predict Poor Patient-Reported Outcomes At 2-Year Follow-Up: A Pilot Study, Christian Lattermann, Caitlin E. -W. Conley, Darren L. Johnson, Emily K. Reinke, Laura J. Huston, Janet L. Huebner, Ching-Heng Chou, Virginia B. Kraus, Kurt P. Spindler, Cale A. Jacobs

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Faculty Publications

Background. The majority of patients develop posttraumatic osteoarthritis within 15 years of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Inflammatory and chondrodegenerative biomarkers have been associated with both pain and the progression of osteoarthritis; however, it remains unclear if preoperative biomarkers differ for patients with inferior postoperative outcomes. Hypothesis/Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare biomarkers collected on the day of ACL reconstruction between patients with "good" or "poor" 2-year postoperative outcomes. We hypothesized that inflammatory cytokines and chondrodegenerative biomarker concentrations would be significantly greater in patients with poorer outcomes. Study Design. Prospective cohort design. Methods. 22 …

Performance Of The Promis In Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Elizabeth J. Scott, Robert Westermann, Nathalie A. Glass, Carolyn Hettrich, Brian R. Wolf, Matthew J. Bollier

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is designed to advance patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments by utilizing question banks for major health domains.

Purpose: To compare the responsiveness and construct validity of the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test (PF CAT) with current PRO instruments for patients before and up to 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: Initially, 157 patients completed the PROMIS PF CAT, Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36 physical function [PF] and general health [GH]), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome …

Immediate Postoperative Pain Scores Predict Neck Pain Profile Up To 1 Year Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion, Owoicho Adogwa, Aladine A. Elsamadicy, Victoria D. Vuong, Ankit I. Mehta, Raul A. Vasquez, Joseph Cheng, Carlos A. Bagley, Isaac O. Karikari

Neurosurgery Faculty Publications

Study Design: Retrospective cohort review.

Objective: To assess whether immediate postoperative neck pain scores accurately predict 12-month visual analog scale-neck pain (VAS-NP) outcomes following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery (ACDF).

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 82 patients undergoing elective ACDF surgery at a major academic medical center. Patient reported outcomes measures VAS-NP scores were recorded on the first postoperative day, then at 6-weeks, 3, 6, and 12-months after surgery. Multivariate correlation and logistic regression methods were utilized to determine whether immediate postoperative VAS-NP score accurately predicted 1-year patient reported VAS-NP Scores.

Results: Overall, 46.3% male, 25.6% were …

Non-Retrieval Of Inferior Vena Cava Filters As A Patient Safety Concern: Evaluation Of A New Process Improvement Project To Increase Retrieval Rates In A Vascular And Interventional Radiology Clinic, Joshua Brown, Jeffery Talbert, Ryan Pennington, Qiong Han, Driss Raissi

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Background: Retrieval of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) is important to decrease the long-term risk of complications associated with indwelling devices. Our hospital experienced low retrieval rates and implemented a low-cost intervention and evaluation for quality improvement. The working hypothesis was that a simple, mailed letter intervention could increase retrieval rates by increasing patient and primary care provider knowledge of the need for retrieval.

Methods: For all prospective patients who received a retrievable IVCF during the intervention period from January 1, 2014 to February 29, 2016, patients and their primary care providers were mailed letters encouraging contact with the clinic …

In-Hospital Mortality And Post-Surgical Complications Among Cancer Patients With Metabolic Syndrome, Tomi Akinyemiju, Swati Sakhuja, Neomi Vin-Raviv

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important etiologic and prognostic factor for cancer, but few studies have assessed hospitalization outcomes among patients with both conditions.

Methods

Data was obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS). Study variables were assessed using ICD-9 codes on adults aged 40 years and over admitted to a US hospital between 2007 and 2011 with primary diagnosis of either breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. We examined in-hospital mortality, post-surgical complications, and discharge disposition among cancer patients with MetS and compared with non-MetS patients.

Results

Hospitalized breast (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.20–0.46), …

Outcome Of Patients With Small Vessel Vasculitis After Renal Transplantation: National Database Analysis, Amr El-Husseini, Sherif Saleh, Omer Hamad, Xiaonan Mei, Ana L. Castellanos, Daniel L. Davenport, Roberto Gedaly, B. Peter Sawaya

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background. Small vessel vasculitis commonly affects the kidney and can progress to end-stage renal disease. The goal of this study is to compare outcomes of patients who received a renal transplant as a result of small vessel vasculitis (group A) with those who received kidney transplants because of other causes (group B). Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing registry data for adult primary kidney transplants from January 2000 to December 2014. Group A patients (N = 2196) were compared with a group B (N = 6588); groups were case matched for age, race, sex, …

Muscle Activity During Maximal Isometric Forearm Rotation Using A Power Grip, Joseph Scott Bader, Michael R. Boland, Desney Greybe, Arthur J. Nitz, Timothy L. Uhl, David A. Pienkowski

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study aimed to provide quantitative activation data for muscles of the forearm during pronation and supination while using a power grip. Electromyographic data was collected from 15 forearm muscles in 11 subjects while they performed maximal isometric pronating and supinating efforts in nine positions of forearm rotation. Biceps brachii was the only muscle with substantial activation in only one effort direction. It was significantly more active when supinating (µ = 52.1%, SD = 17.5%) than pronating (µ = 5.1%, SD = 4.8%, p < .001). All other muscles showed considerable muscle activity during both pronation and supination. Brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, pronator quadratus and pronator teres were significantly more active when pronating the forearm. Abductor pollicis longus and biceps brachii were significantly more active when supinating. This data highlights the importance of including muscles additional to the primary forearm rotators in a biomechanical analysis of forearm rotation. Doing so will further our understanding of forearm function and lead to the improved treatment of forearm fractures, trauma-induced muscle dysfunction and joint replacements.

The Impact Of The Nurse Practitioner In Pre-Admission Testing: A Comparative Review, Laurel A. Robinson

DNP Projects

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of pre-admission testing (PAT) surgical clinic pre and post implementation of the APRN for patient assessment. Cancellation and delay occurrences for scheduled surgeries will be compared during two time periods on patients on the surgical schedule at Norton Women and Children’s Hospital (NWC).

METHODS: This study was a single-center, pre and post implementation retrospective comparative study of the impact of the NP led PAT unit at Norton Women and Children’s Hospital (NWC) in terms of delay and cancellation rates for day-of-surgery. The sample consisted of 411 patients for …

A Breast Prosthesis Infection Update: Two-Year Incidence, Risk Factors And Management At Single Institution, Ashley Nadia Boustany, Shady Elmaraghi, Nneamaka Agochukwu, Benjamin Cloyd, Adam J. Dugan, Brian Rinker

Surgery Faculty Publications

Background: Infection following augmentation and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction can cause significant physical and psychological distress for patients. It may delay adjuvant therapies and compromise aesthetic outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify modifiable risk factors for infection and identify common bacterial isolates to achieve optimal outcomes for patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction over a 2-year period. In each case, we documented demographics, co-morbidities, complications and antibiotic use. We reviewed treatments, infectious species cultured where applicable and all outcomes.

Results: A total of 292 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-five …

Emergency Department Repair Of Blunt Right Atrial Rupture Utilizing Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Samuel P. Carmichael, Michael C. Bounds, Alexis E. Shafii, Phillip K. Chang

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) with free wall rupture carries a high risk of pre-hospital death. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been utilized as a bridge to repair of cardiac lesions in select patients. We present an interesting case of emergency department repair of right atrial rupture with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Laparoscopic Harvest Of The Rectus Abdominis For Perineal Reconstruction, Nneamaka Agochukwu, Alisha Bonaroti, Sandra Beck, James Liau

Surgery Faculty Publications

The rectus abdominis is a workhorse flap for perineal reconstruction, in particular after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Laparoscopic and robotic techniques for abdominoperineal surgery are becoming more common. The open harvest of the rectus abdominis negates the advantages of these minimally invasive approaches. (Sentence relating to advantages of laparoscopic rectus deleted here.) We present our early experience with laparoscopic harvest of the rectus muscle for perineal reconstruction. Three laparoscopic unilateral rectus abdominis muscle harvests were performed for perineal reconstruction following minimally invasive colorectal and urological procedures. The 2 patients who underwent APR also had planned external perineal skin reconstruction with local …

Report Of The Ishlt Working Group On Primary Lung Graft Dysfunction Part Iii: Mechanisms: A 2016 Consensus Group Statement Of The International Society For Heart And Lung Transplantation, Andrew E. Gelman, Andrew J. Fisher, Howard J. Huang, Maher A. Baz, Ciara M. Shaver, Thomas M. Egan, Micheal S. Mulligan

Surgery Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Causes, Timing, And Impact Of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Interruption For Surgery (From The Paris Registry), Mikkel Schoos, Jaya Chandrasekhar, Usman Baber, Aarti Bhasin, Samantha Sartori, Melissa Aquino, Birgit Vogel, Serdar Farhan, Sabato Sorrentino, Annapoorna Kini, Mitchell Kruckoff, David J. Moliterno, Timothy D. Henry, Giora Weisz, C. Michael Gibson, Ioannis Iakovou, Antonio Colombo, P. Gabriel Steg, Bernhard Witzenbichler, Alaide Chieffo, David Cohen, Thomas Stuckey, Cono Ariti, George Dangas, Stuart Pocock, Roxana Mehran

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Temporary interruption of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is not infrequently required in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to describe the procedures and outcomes associated with DAPT interruption in patients treated with DAPT following successful PCI from the Patterns of non-adherence to anti-platelet regimens in stented patients registry (n = 5018). DAPT interruption was prespecified as physician recommended cessation forcohort, 490 patients (9.8%) experienced 594 DAPT interruptions over 2 years following PCI. Only 1 antiplatelet agent was interrupted in 57.2% cases and interruption was frequently recommended by noncardiologists (51.3%). Where type of surgery was reported, majority of DAPT …

Ovarian Cysts, Vaginal Bleeding And Hypothyroidism In A 4-Year-Old Female With Down Syndrome: A Case Of Van Wyk-Grumbach Syndrome, Suniah S. Ayub, Ana Ruzic, Janice A. Taylor

Surgery Faculty Publications

Van Wyk-Grumbach Syndrome (VWGS) is a constellation of symptoms including precocious puberty without adrenarche, delayed bone age, ovarian cysts, and hypothyroidism. We report here a four-year-old Down Syndrome patient who presented for evaluation of abdominal distension, vaginal bleeding, and bilateral ovarian cysts. Her work-up and management demonstrates the importance of screening for hypothyroidism in Down Syndrome, as well as considering the diagnosis of VWGS when evaluating a patient with precocious puberty and an apparent intra-abdominal surgical process. Given the presence of ovarian masses, a surgical emergency such as ovarian torsion or rupture must be ruled out. Even when the diagnosis …

Open Vesicocalicostomy For The Management Of Transplant Ureteral Stricture, Margaret M. Higgins, Jonathan P. Walker, Michael F. Daily, Shubham Gupta

Urology Faculty Publications

A 59-year-old male developed a proximal stricture of his transplant ureter ten years after a living donor renal transplant. Endoscopic management was unsuccessful, and the patient was temporized with percutaneous nephrostomy tubes for months. Eventually, it became clear he would require surgical revision. Intraoperatively, complete fibrosis of the renal hilum, and intrarenal location of the pelvis precluded the planned pyelovesicostomy. A successful open vesicocalicostomy was performed, anastomosing a bladder flap to a lower pole calix. The patient remains recurrence free after 6 months of follow-up.

The Use Of Intraosseous Needles For Injection Of Contrast Media For Computed Tomographic Angiography Of The Thoracic Aorta, Michael A. Winkler, Cynthia Talley, Connor Woodward, Alexander Kingsbury, Frank Appiah, Hossam Elbelasi, Kevin P. Landwehr, Xingzhe Li, Dominik Fleischmann

Radiology Faculty Publications

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and quality of computed tomographic angiography of the thoracic aorta (CTA-TA) exams performed using intraosseous needle intravenous access (ION-IVA) for contrast media injection (CMI).

Methods

All CTA-TA exams at the study institution performed between 1/1/2013 and 8/14/2015 were reviewed retrospectively to identify those exams which had been performed using ION-IVA (ION-exams). ION-exams were then analyzed to determine aortic attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Linear regression was used to determine how injection rate and other variables affected image quality for ION-exams. Patient electronic medical records were reviewed to identify any …

Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, And Metabolism Of The Dna-Decoy Ayx1 For The Prevention Of Acute And Chronic Post-Surgical Pain, Julien Mamet, Scott Harris, Michael Klukinov, David C. Yeomans, Renee R. Donahue, Bradley K. Taylor, Kelly Eddinger, Tony Yaksh, Donald C. Manning

Physiology Faculty Publications

Background: AYX1 is an unmodified DNA-decoy designed to reduce acute post-surgical pain and its chronification with a single intrathecal dose at the time of surgery. AYX1 inhibits the transcription factor early growth response protein 1, which is transiently induced at the time of injury and triggers gene regulation in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord that leads to long-term sensitization and pain. This work characterizes the AYX1 dose-response profile in rats and the link to AYX1 pharmacokinetics and metabolism in the cerebrospinal fluid, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord.

Results: The effects of ascending dose-levels of AYX1 on mechanical …

Effect Of Social Support And Marital Status On Perceived Surgical Effectiveness And 30-Day Hospital Readmission, Owoicho Adogwa, Aladine A. Elsamadicy, Victoria D. Vuong, Ankit I. Mehta, Raul A. Vasquez, Joseph Cheng, Carlos A. Bagley, Isaac O. Karikari

Neurosurgery Faculty Publications

Study Design: Retrospective cohort review.

Objective: To determine whether higher levels of social support are associated with improved surgical outcomes after elective spine surgery.

Methods: The medical records of 430 patients (married, n = 313; divorced/separated/widowed, n = 71; single, n = 46) undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic medical center were reviewed. Patients were categorized by their marital status at the time of surgery. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complication rates were collected. All patients had prospectively collected outcomes measures and a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patient reported outcomes instruments (Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form-36, and visual …

Anatomic Femoral And Tibial Tunnel Placement During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Anteromedial Portal All-Inside And Outside-In Techniques, Jeremy M. Burnham, Chaitu S. Malempati, Aaron Carpiaux, Mary Lloyd Ireland, Darren L. Johnson

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Faculty Publications

Tunnel malposition is one of the most common technical reasons for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure. Small changes in tunnel placement can result in significant differences in outcome. More anatomic placement of the tunnels can lead to greater knee stability and a more accurate reproduction of native knee kinematics. This Technical Note describes 2 tibial tunnel–independent methods to obtain anatomic femoral tunnel placement. The all-inside anteromedial portal technique requires only minimal surgical incisions but allows precise femoral tunnel placement. However, hyperflexion of the knee is required, adequate surgical assistance is necessary, and this technique may be susceptible to graft-tunnel mismatch. …

Technical Considerations In Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction For Operative Techniques In Orthopaedics, Jeremy M. Burnham, Elmar Herbst, Thierry Pauyo, Thomas Pfeiffer, Darren L. Johnson, Freddie H. Fu, Volker Musahl

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Faculty Publications

As the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction continues to increase, the rate of revision surgery continues to climb. Revision surgery has inherent challenges that must be addressed to achieve successful results. The cause of the primary ACL reconstruction failure should be determined and careful preoperative planning should be performed to address the cause(s) of failure. Each patient undergoing revision surgery should undergo a thorough history and physical examination, receive full-length alignment radiographs, lateral radiographs, 45° flexion weight-bearing posteroanterior radiographs, and patellofemoral radiographs. The 3-dimensional computed tomography scan should be performed to assess tunnel position and widening. Magnetic resonance …

Disparities In Stage-Appropriate Therapy For Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In Kentucky, Jeremiah T. Martin

Theses and Dissertations--Clinical Research Design

Lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer related mortality. Lung cancer screening aims to detect treatable cancers, however survival advantage will only be seen with early and appropriate stage-directed therapy. This study aims to understand recent rates of therapy for early-stage lung cancer in Kentucky, and to explore potential sources of disparities in treatment and outcomes. A Kentucky Cancer Registry query was performed of all NSCLC cases treated in the state from 2005-2014. Of 39,763 lung cancer patients, 10,622 were clinically operable. Of these, overall 40% did not receive surgery, while 16% did not receive any stage-appropriate local …

Factors Influencing Preference For Surgical Choice Among Women With Early Stage Breast Cancer, Susan G. Yackzan

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States with over 60% of cases diagnosed as early stage disease. For those women without prohibiting clinical or cosmetic concerns, a choice between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy can be made. Either choice confers equivalent survival. The decision-making process also involves consideration of recurrence risk as well as management of the unaffected, contralateral breast for both future surveillance and risk reduction. In recent years, increasing rates of mastectomy with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy have been reported among women with unilateral, early stage breast cancer. If eligible for a choice among …

Evaluation Of An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Pathway In Two Hospitals, Jennifer A. Janes

DNP Projects

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway utilized at two Norton Healthcare facilities for colorectal and gynecological surgeries. The specific aim is to examine the impact on patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and costs.

METHODS: This was a multi-center, pre-post implementation retrospective study of the impact of ERAS pathways on colorectal surgery patients at Norton Audubon Hospital (NAH) and gynecological surgery patients at Norton Women’s and Children's Hospital (NWCH). The sample included 399 patients including patients from both hospitals, pre- and post-ERAS.

RESULTS: The ERAS pathway lead to a significant reduction in …

The Surgical Infection Society Revised Guidelines On The Management Of Intra-Abdominal Infection, John E. Mazuski, Jeffrey M. Tessier, Addison K. May, Robert G. Sawyer, Evan P. Nadler, Matthew R. Rosengart, Phillip K. Chang, Patrick J. O'Neill, Kevin P. Mollen, Jared M. Huston, Jose J. Diaz Jr., Jose M. Prince

Surgery Faculty Publications

Background: Previous evidence-based guidelines on the management of intra-abdominal infection (IAI) were published by the Surgical Infection Society (SIS) in 1992, 2002, and 2010. At the time the most recent guideline was released, the plan was to update the guideline every five years to ensure the timeliness and appropriateness of the recommendations.

Methods: Based on the previous guidelines, the task force outlined a number of topics related to the treatment of patients with IAI and then developed key questions on these various topics. All questions were approached using general and specific literature searches, focusing on articles and other information published …

Compact Heat Exchanger For Veno-Venous Perfusion-Induced Systemic Hyperthermia Systems, Dongfang Wang, Joseph B. Zwischenberger

Surgery Faculty Patents

A compact heat exchanger for vena-venous perfusion-induced hyperthermia includes an integral pneumatic pump and a hollow tubule heat exchange array. A vena-venous perfusion-induced hyperthermia system incorporating the compact heat exchanger is described. The heat exchanger provides a compact, efficient design allowing a lesser heat exchanging surface area and lesser required pumping power compared to conventional systems. In turn, the system provides a shorter blood circuit compared to conventional systems, allowing maintaining a lower blood temperature than such conventional systems while supplying sufficiently heated blood to patient visceral organs to provide a therapeutic effect, such as in supplementing chemotherapy drugs.

Cellular And Morphological Alterations In The Vastus Lateralis Muscle As The Result Of Acl Injury And Reconstruction, Brian W. Noehren, Anders H. Andersen, Peter A. Hardy, Darren L. Johnson, Mary Lloyd Ireland, Katherine L. Thompson, Bruce Damon

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Individuals who have had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and reconstruction continue to experience substantial knee extensor strength loss despite months of physical therapy. Identification of the alterations in muscle morphology and cellular composition are needed to understand potential mechanisms of muscle strength loss, initially as the result of the injury and subsequently from surgery and rehabilitation.

Methods: We performed diffusion tensor imaging-magnetic resonance imaging and analyzed muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis of both the affected and unaffected limbs before surgery and again from the reconstructed limb following the completion of rehabilitation. Immunohistochemistry was done to determine …

Early Detection Of Idiopathic Scoliosis In Adolescents, M. Timothry Hresko, Vishwas Talwalkar, Richard Schwend

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Faculty Publications

The early detection of idiopathic scoliosis has been advocated since the 1950s and ’60s, concurrent with the development in the modern era of ambulatory spinal orthoses to treat scoliosis in adolescents. This led to the development of screening programs for specific populations, as evidenced by school screening programs in the United States and public health systems in Europe and Asia. Over time, the value of population screening in terms of optimal health care and economics has been debated in the popular press, by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and by professional societies. Recent studies on the effectiveness of bracing …

Outcomes Of External Repair Of Heartmate Ii™ Lvad Percutaneous Leads, Jay D. Pal, Claudius Mahr, Jason W. Smith, Todd F. Dardas, Jay Pinette, David J. Farrar, Nahush A. Mokadam

The VAD Journal

Background: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) receives power via a percutaneous lead connected to an external controller and batteries. At times, this lead can be damaged during normal wear, as well as by traumatic fracture, which may jeopardize the functionality of the LVAD. If there is significant internal damage, surgical replacement of the LVAD is required. However it is possible to repair externally damaged leads by replacing the distal portion of the lead to avoid pump replacement. We report the overall experience and outcomes in patients with external lead repairs.

Methods: A procedure for full …