Advances In Medical Technology Research Articles

Family Planning in Genetic Optic Atrophies in Israel, a Case Series and a Discussion of Ethical Considerations.

Patients with genetic optic atrophies must navigate all stages of life with their visual impairment, including the important milestone of family planning. Advances in genetic testing now allows physicians and affected families to consider medical help with the aim of preventing blindness through preconception, preimplantation, and perinatal methods. This case series presents 4 patients with different genetic optic atrophies (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy [LHON], autosomal dominant optic atrophy, Wolfram syndrome, and papillorenal syndrome) who were followed by the Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit at a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2023 and were of child-bearing age. The aim of this study was to increase understanding in family planning options for patients with optic atrophies, raise awareness of the solutions available, and provide guidance for clinicians to support their patients. Advances in medicine, genetics, and medical technology allow multidisciplinary teams to assist patients in fulfilling their desire for a genetically healthy offspring. Customized solutions can be designed to meet the specific challenges posed by each type of genetic optic atrophy. The solutions proposed in this series are based on genetic testing done in the parents, which then allows to plan medical and genetic intervention individually. The solutions opted for in this series range from the decision to not have another child until PGD (Preimplantation genetic diagnosis). We describe how genetic advancements have made it possible for patients with the 4 most common hereditary optic atrophies to fulfill their wish to have children without visually threatening genetic mutations. We also review the recent literature on the penetrance of optic atrophy in OA-mutation carriers and raise 2 significant ethical considerations: the reduction of a future life to a non-life-threatening impairment and that of public expenditure for non-life-threatening conditions.

Adjunctive Testing Using Biospectral Emission Sequencing: Bioregulatory Intelligence Technology in Parallel With the Goals of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine.

The many advancements in medical technology of the last century have continually sought to improve the sensitivity of testing and the specificity of treatment of human maladies. Conventional physical and pharmaceutical treatment is largely an imprecise process, stimulating the impetus for the advancement of machine learning-enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) medical technologies. Biospectral Emission Sequencing (BES) is a bioregulatory intelligence (BI) technology already in use as an adjunct to conventional testing. Biospectral Emission Sequencing provides a functional system of dynamic real-time adjunctive testing and treatment selection. This paper discusses the parallel technologies of present and future AI and BI technologies in medicine.

Next-generation monitoring in obstetrics: Assessing the accuracy of non-piezo portable ultrasound technology.

The emergence of handheld ultrasound devices capable of connecting to cell phones or tablets heralds a significant advancement in medical technology, particularly within the field of obstetrics. These devices offer the promise of immediate bedside ultrasound examinations, potentially revolutionizing patient care by enabling fetal assessments in diverse settings. This prospective study aimed to validate the reliability of non-piezo, chip-based handheld ultrasound devices in clinical obstetric practice. Conducted in a university hospital obstetric ward, the study included 100 pregnant women between 17 and 41 weeks of gestation. Participants underwent ultrasound examinations using both conventional and portable point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices to compare the accuracy in estimating fetal weight and other parameters, such as cardiac activity, fetal presentation, placental location, and amniotic fluid volume. The reliability and agreement between the devices were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, and Pearson correlation coefficients. The results show a near-perfect agreement (0.98) and correlation (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) for estimated fetal weight and most biometry measurements between the two types of ultrasound devices, with slight deviations in head circumference and amniotic fluid index measurements. Subgroup analysis revealed variations in agreement and correlation rates with higher BMI and advanced gestational age, indicating areas for further refinement. These findings affirm the high reliability of handheld ultrasound devices for basic obstetric ultrasound evaluations, supporting their integration into daily clinical practice. This technology improves the flexibility and immediacy of prenatal care, although further research is needed to optimize its application across patient populations and treatment settings.

Spatial-aware contrastive learning for cross-domain medical image registration.

With the rapid advancement of medical imaging technologies, precise image analysis and diagnosis play a crucial role in enhancing treatment outcomes and patient care. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as pivotal technologies in medical imaging, exhibit unique advantages in bone imaging and soft tissue contrast, respectively. However, cross-domain medical image registration confronts significant challenges due to the substantial differences in contrast, texture, and noise levels between different imaging modalities. The purpose of this study is to address the major challenges encountered in the field of cross-domain medical image registration by proposing a spatial-aware contrastive learning approach that effectively integrates shared information from CT and MRI images. Our objective is to optimize the feature space representation by employing advanced reconstruction and contrastive loss functions, overcoming the limitations of traditional registration methods when dealing with different imaging modalities. Through this approach, we aim to enhance the model's ability to learn structural similarities across domain images, improve registration accuracy, and provide more precise imaging analysis tools for clinical diagnosis and treatmentplanning. With prior knowledge that different domains of images (CT and MRI) share same content-style information, we extract equivalent feature spaces from both images, enabling accurate cross-domain point matching. We employ a structure resembling that of an autoencoder, augmented with designed reconstruction and contrastive losses to fulfill our objectives. We also propose region mask to solve the conflict between spatial correlation and distinctiveness, to obtain a better representation space. Our research results demonstrate the significant superiority of the proposed spatial-aware contrastive learning approach in the domain of cross-domain medical image registration. Quantitatively, our method achieved an average Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 85.68%, target registration error (TRE) of 1.92 mm, and mean Hausdorff distance (MHD) of 1.26 mm, surpassing current state-of-the-art methods. Additionally, the registration processing time was significantly reduced to 2.67 s on a GPU, highlighting the efficiency of our approach. The experimental outcomes not only validate the effectiveness of our method in improving the accuracy of cross-domain image registration but also prove its adaptability across different medical image analysis scenarios, offering robust support for enhancing diagnostic precision and patient treatmentoutcomes. The spatial-aware contrastive learning approach proposed in this paper introduces a new perspective and solution to the domain of cross-domain medical image registration. By effectively optimizing the feature space representation through carefully designed reconstruction and contrastive loss functions, our method significantly improves the accuracy and stability of registration between CT and MRI images. The experimental results demonstrate the clear advantages of our approach in enhancing the accuracy of cross-domain image registration, offering significant application value in promoting precise diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. In the future, we look forward to further exploring the application of this method in a broader range of medical imaging datasets and its potential integration with other advanced technologies, contributing more innovations to the field of medical image analysis andprocessing.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of the Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors Guidelines: Assessing Their Impact on Brain Tumor Clinical Practice.

Clinical guidelines direct healthcare professionals toward evidence-based practices. Evaluating guideline impact can elucidate information penetration, relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with evolving medical knowledge and technological advancements. As the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors marks its 40th anniversary in 2024, this article reflects on the tumor guidelines established by the Section over the past decade and explores their impact on other publications, patents, and information dissemination. Six tumor guideline categories were reviewed: low-grade glioma, newly diagnosed glioblastoma, progressive glioblastoma, metastatic brain tumors, vestibular schwannoma, and pituitary adenomas. Citation data were collected from Google Scholar and PubMed. Further online statistics, such as social media reach, and features in policy, news, and patents were sourced from Altmetric. Online engagement was assessed through website and CNS+ mobile application visits. Data were normalized to time since publication. Metastatic Tumor guidelines (2019) had the highest PubMed citation rate at 26.1 per year and webpage visits (29 100 page views 1/1/2019-9/30/2023). Notably, this guideline had two endorsement publications by partner societies, the Society of Neuro-Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology, concerning antiepileptic prophylaxis and steroid use, and the greatest reach on X (19.7 mentions/y). Citation rates on Google Scholar were led by Vestibular Schwannoma (2018). Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma led Mendeley reads. News, patent, or policy publications were led by low-grade glioma at 1.5/year. Our study shows that the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors guidelines go beyond citations in peer-reviewed publications to include patents, online engagement, and information dissemination to the public.

IX Forum of Pediatric Surgeons of Russia

The traditional IX Forum of Pediatric Surgeons of Russia took place on November 9–11, 2023, at the Izmailovo Hotel, Moscow. The plenary session of the forum included the presentation of the S.D. Ternovsky Prize, “for his great contribution to the development of domestic pediatric surgery”, wherein Professor L.I. Budkevich gave an assembly speech “Combustiology of childhood — a first-person view” (online). Professor A.Yu. Razumovsky presented a report and historical documentary film dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yuri F. Isakov during the plenary session. The report “Pediatric surgery of the Russian Federation. Figures and Facts” was delivered by Professor D.A. Morozov. The plenary session ended with a message from Professors E.V. Yudina and O.G. Mokrushina, “Antenatal diagnosis of congenital defects”. The video session “How I Do It” included 17 presentations with original medical technologies. The working meeting of the main freelance pediatric surgeons of the constituent entities of Russia and department heads of pediatric surgery was combined with a meeting of the specialized commission “Pediatric surgery” of the Ministry of Health of Russia and was chaired by D.A. Morozov and A.Yu. Razumovsky. The scientific program of the forum included symposia (14), round tables (4), a seminar, and a workshop. Overall, the scientific program included 169 reports, and 645 specialists participated in the forum in person. In total, 1,674 participants were registered at the forum. The total broadcast duration of the forum on the Internet was 49.5 hours. On the final day of the forum, a traditional competition of scientific research works of young scientists transpired. The IX Forum of Pediatric Surgeons of Russia was a scientific and practical event of a federal scale, showing, in an interactive format, the evolution and time frame of current problems of our specialty. The content of the reports and discussion results determined the vector of further scientific development and ways of introducing new organizational solutions and advanced medical technologies into clinical practice.

A Clinical Construct: Research, Experimentation, and Education at the Johns Hopkins Hospital

Background: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, the first U.S. institution to integrate medical education with practice, has served as a critical case study in understanding the evolution of American medical institutions in response to advancements in medical science, education, and technology. However, the role of architecture and design in informing those institutional practices has not been sufficiently explored. Aim: This study examines the intricate interplay between architecture and medicine in the late nineteenth century through a historical analysis of the design, construction, and early operation of the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, focusing on how this interdisciplinary relationship shaped both the hospital’s physical environment and institutional practices. Methods: This paper utilizes historical analysis to investigate the design, construction, and operations of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. By examining primary archival materials, it details how architectural strategies addressed scientific, technological, and educational advancements. Results: The investigation reveals that the hospital’s architecture not only facilitated medical research, experimentation, and education but also embodied a novel blend of scientific inquiry and architectural design. Conclusions: The Johns Hopkins Hospital exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating architectural design with medical science. This case study underscores the enduring significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, offering insights into contemporary practices and the future of hospital design and medical education and practice in academic communities.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Utilizing Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Algorithm for Integrating Multi-Omics Data and Clinical Features

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases affecting women worldwide, with a significant impact on patient's health and quality of life. Despite advances in medical technology and research, breast cancer diagnosis remains a challenge due to its complexity involving various biological and clinical factors. Several previous studies have focused on detecting this disease with optimal accuracy, but the selection of appropriate algorithms and methods is key to achieving this goal. This study aims to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis by using the ANN algorithm and data balancing method, SMOTE. This research uses Multi-Omic data and Clinical Features obtained in general from Kaggle. The research process is carried out in several stages, namely Data Collection, Preprocessing, Oversampling, Modeling, and Evaluation. This research successfully obtained an increase in accuracy, which was able to achieve an accuracy of 99.30%. This research shows that early detection of breast cancer with ANN algorithm and data balancing using SMOTE can improve accuracy performance in early detection of breast cancer. Given the use of data in this study is not too large, it is recommended for further research to use a larger dataset to validate the strength of the model that has been built on more varied data.

Enhanced heart disease prediction in remote healthcare monitoring using IoT-enabled cloud-based XGBoost and Bi-LSTM

The advancement of medical technology has brought about a significant transformation in remote healthcare monitoring, which is crucial for providing customized care and ongoing observation. This is especially important when it comes to controlling long-term illnesses like high blood pressure, which raises the risk of heart disease considerably, especially in older people. This methodology achieves greater accuracy by combining regular medical monitoring and Electronic Clinical Data (ECD) from complete medical records with physical data from patients' routine medical monitoring. This innovative technique enhances the area of cardiac disease prediction. A technique that uses cutting-edge machine learning models and IoT technology to meet this demand. In particular, we use the powerful Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm to effectively examine big datasets and extract important characteristics to improve prediction accuracy. The deep learning model Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) is used to further enhance prediction skills to extract complex temporal patterns from patient data. It outperformed naive Bayes, decision trees, and random forests with our approach, achieving a greater prediction accuracy of 99.4 %. With the combination of Internet of Things technologies and sophisticated machine learning models, this paper offers a novel approach to remote healthcare monitoring.

Diversity, equity and inclusiveness in healthcare: A primary care perspective.

Addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in health care is a multidimensional challenge. From a US perspective, the third-party payment system has disempowered and depersonalized health-care delivery. The net result is wasteful and inefficient use of human and financial resources, burnout among providers, as well as care inequities. Financial integration at the point of patient care is essential to aligning the needs of patients with advances in medical technology. Complexity theory offers valuable insights into the roles of government, intermediaries and patients. The government must focus on equity as a rule compiler and referee of the system. Patient and providers who are actively engaged in shared decision-making will naturally address the diverse needs of multitudinous communities. Intermediaries address inclusion by connecting resources with the point of care. In a dynamic, emerging health-care system that serves diverse communities, patient and community-based financing, vouchers and defined contributions are necessary first steps in addressing cultural diversity, inclusion and equity.

The Future of Total Elbow Arthroplasty: A Statistical Forecast Model for Germany.

This study provides a statistical forecast for the development of total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) in Germany until 2045. The authors used an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), Error-Trend-Seasonality (ETS), and Poisson model to forecast trends in total elbow arthroplasty based on demographic information and official procedure statistics. They predict a significant increase in total elbow joint replacements, with a higher prevalence among women than men. Comprehensive national data provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Statistisches Bundesamt) were used to quantify TEA's total number and incidence rates. Poisson regression, exponential smoothing with Error-Trend-Seasonality, and autoregressive integrated moving average models (ARIMA) were used to predict developments in the total number of surgeries until 2045. Overall, the number of TEAs is projected to increase continuously from 2021 to 2045. This will result in a total number of 982 (TEAs) in 2045 of mostly elderly patients above 80 years. Notably, female patients will receive TEAs 7.5 times more often than men. This is likely influenced by demographic and societal factors such as an ageing population, changes in healthcare access and utilization, and advancements in medical technology. Our projection emphasises the necessity for continuous improvements in surgical training, implant development, and rehabilitation protocols.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: the latest on diagnosis, molecular profiling, and systemic treatments.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is expected to be ranked second in the next 10 years due to poor prognosis and a rising incidence. Distant metastatic PDAC is associated with the worst prognosis among the different phases of PDAC. The diagnostic options for PDAC are convenient and available for staging, tumor response evaluation, and management of resectable or borderline resectable PDAC. However, imaging is crucial in PDAC diagnosis, monitoring, resectability appraisal, and response evaluation. The advancement of medical technologies is evolving, hence the use of imaging in PDAC treatment options has grown as well as the utilization of ctDNA as a tumor marker. Treatment options for metastatic PDAC are minimal with the primary goal of therapy limited to symptom relief or palliation, especially in patients with low functional capacity at the point of diagnosis. Molecular profiling has shown promising potential solutions that would push the treatment boundaries for patients with PDAC. In this review, we will discuss the latest updates from evidence-based guidelines regarding diagnosis, therapy response evaluation, prognosis, and surveillance, as well as illustrating novel therapies that have been recently investigated for PDAC, in addition to discussing the molecular profiling advances in PDAC.

Susac syndrome: ophthalmological and auditory manifestations in a patient with headache: case report

IntroductionThe first case reports of Susac Syndrome emerged in 1979 due to two young female patients presenting with the clinical triad of multifocal encephalopathy, occlusion of the central retinal artery branch, and sensorineural hearing loss, as well as histopathological findings of microinfarctions in the gray and white matter of the brain. The clinical features of the syndrome have been documented in approximately 500 cases published worldwide, making it extremely rare. Headache is a prominent complaint by patients with Susac syndrome. Its pathophysiology remains unknown, with immune and genetic factors being most related to the retino-cochleo-cerebral clinical manifestations. Since its first description, the scientific community has been paying greater attention to the syndrome, especially with advances in medical technology and the availability of complementary exams.Case reportIn this study, We present a case report of a woman experiencing progressive pulsatile temporal headaches for two years, associated with decreased visual acuity for three months and simultaneous hypoacusis on the left, who was incorrectly diagnosed and treated for multiple sclerosis.CommentThe literature review discusses Susac Syndrome and its microvascular complications, highlighting the multidisciplinary approach necessary for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive long-term management.

Retrospective evaluation of neonates with fatal congenital lung malformation: A single center 15-year forensic autopsy experience.

Congenital lung malformation (CLM) is a leading cause of infant mortality. Clinical methods for diagnosing CLM mainly rely on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and Doppler. However, forensic identification of the cause of death in neonates is challenging. Unequivocal classification criteria for CLM are missing as its forensic identification is ambiguous. Therefore, we aimed to analyze neonatal death cases at our center to assist in identifying those with congenital lung malformation. This retrospective study identified and classified the causes of deaths of neonates autopsied between January 2008 and April 2023. All cases born alive and died within 28 days with a clear time of death were selected, and forensic experts reviewed their records. The manner, cause of death, and other characteristics were noted and discussed. This retrospective study reveals a steady increase in autopsy cases from 2008 to 2015, attributed to improved parental consent, heightened awareness of autopsy importance, and enhanced medical resources. However, a subsequent decline post-2015 is observed, potentially influenced by advancements in medical technology and prenatal examination protocols. The top causes of neonatal mortality include respiratory diseases, asphyxia, congenital dysplasia, and fetal distress. Congenital lung malformations, particularly bronchopulmonary malformations, constitute a significant portion of congenital anomalies. This study underscores the importance of standardized autopsies and histopathological examinations in diagnosing and understanding CLM. Future research should focus on expanding case collections and elucidating the genetic basis of CLM to improve forensic management and outcomes.

Enhancing Healthcare Decision-Making: Comparison Between Health Technology Assessments and Access to Medical Care in a High-income Country vs. Low/middle Income Countries

Background: Healthcare decision-making is a complex process that involves evaluating the value, efficacy, and accessibility of medical technologies and interventions. Health Technology Assessments (HTA) in high-income countries (HICs) have become a cornerstone of evidence-based healthcare decision-making. This systematic evaluation framework, exemplified by its robust, impartial examination of various medical technologies, plays a pivotal role in establishing the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health technologies. In contrast, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) frequently contend with resource constraints and intricate healthcare systems characterized by fragmentation and limited access to advanced medical technologies. As formalized HTA processes may be less established, limiting comprehensive evaluations, decision-making may rely on regulatory approval, clinical guidelines, or international recommendations in LMICs. Similarly, access to medical care in high-income settings, such as the presence of universal healthcare coverage and well-developed health systems, contributes to equitable access to a wide range of medical services. In LMICs, challenges related to healthcare infrastructure, funding, and health workforce shortages hinder access to essential medical care, leading to inequities in health outcomes. This short review aims to compare the approaches to healthcare decision-making in high-income and low/middle-income countries, with a specific focus on HTAs and access to medical care.

Predicting Lung Cancer Survival to the Future: Population-Based Cancer Survival Modeling Study.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with late diagnoses often resulting in poor prognosis. In response, the Lung Ambition Alliance aims to double the 5-year survival rate by 2025. Using the Taiwan Cancer Registry, this study uses the survivorship-period-cohort model to assess the feasibility of achieving this goal by predicting future survival rates of patients with lung cancer in Taiwan. This retrospective study analyzed data from 205,104 patients with lung cancer registered between 1997 and 2018. Survival rates were calculated using the survivorship-period-cohort model, focusing on 1-year interval survival rates and extrapolating to predict 5-year outcomes for diagnoses up to 2020, as viewed from 2025. Model validation involved comparing predicted rates with actual data using symmetric mean absolute percentage error. The study identified notable improvements in survival rates beginning in 2004, with the predicted 5-year survival rate for 2020 reaching 38.7%, marking a considerable increase from the most recent available data of 23.8% for patients diagnosed in 2013. Subgroup analysis revealed varied survival improvements across different demographics and histological types. Predictions based on current trends indicate that achieving the Lung Ambition Alliance's goal could be within reach. The analysis demonstrates notable improvements in lung cancer survival rates in Taiwan, driven by the adoption of low-dose computed tomography screening, alongside advances in diagnostic technologies and treatment strategies. While the ambitious target set by the Lung Ambition Alliance appears achievable, ongoing advancements in medical technology and health policies will be crucial. The study underscores the potential impact of continued enhancements in lung cancer management and the importance of strategic health interventions to further improve survival outcomes.

The Role of Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis and its Complications

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains associated with high morbidity and mortality rates despite advances in medical technology, diagnostics, and treatment. Hospital mortality for IE reaches up to 22%, with a five-year mortality rate of 40%. Globally, the incidence of IE has increased, with recent figures indicating 13.8 cases per 100,000 annually, up from 1.5–11.6 per 100,000 reported between 1990 and 2010. A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care center in Korea demonstrated a significant rise in the monthly incidence of IE from 2.0 in 2005 to 3.8 in 2017. This increase is attributed to the enhanced utilization of diagnostic tools such as echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). The 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines incorporated complementary imaging modalities like Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography-CT (SPECT/CT), 18F-FDG PET/CT, and Cardiac CT, alongside traditional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The 2023 ESC guidelines further expanded these algorithms to include Cardiac CTA, MRI, PET/CT, and WBC SPECT. However, transthoracic, and transesophageal echocardiography remain the primary and essential diagnostic tools for suspected IE. This review examines the role of echocardiography in diagnosing IE, highlighting typical ultrasound findings, valve damage, and associated complications. Ultrasound is pivotal for early detection and prognosis of IE, identifying vegetations, abscesses, pseudoaneurysms, and fistulas. New vegetations typically appear irregular and oscillate, with transthoracic echocardiography detecting vegetations larger than 5mm with 90% sensitivity. Detailed echocardiographic assessment provides critical insights for the surgical management of IE and enhances the understanding of IE’s complex pathology.

The impact of psychological factors on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes: a comprehensive review

This comprehensive review explores the significant impact of psychological factors on the outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments. Despite the advancements in medical technology enhancing the physical success rates of IVF procedures, the psychological well-being of individuals undergoing these treatments plays a crucial role in their overall effectiveness. This paper delves into the various psychological stressors faced by couples, including anxiety, depression, and stress, and their direct correlation with IVF treatment outcomes. By examining a wide range of studies, this review highlights the importance of psychological interventions and support systems in improving the success rates of IVF treatments. Furthermore, it discusses the current gaps in the literature and suggests directions for future research. The findings of this review underscore the necessity of integrating psychological care into fertility treatments to address the mental health needs of individuals undergoing IVF, thereby enhancing their quality of life and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Through a detailed analysis of existing research and methodologies, this paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the psychosocial aspects of IVF and encourage the development of more holistic treatment approaches.

Planar antenna design for contactless energizing applications: resonance analysis

Advances in medical technology suggest that the application of implantable medical devices or Smart Hospital Devices (SHD) can enhance the control and treatment of chronic disorders. However, most of these developments require an electrical power source for operation, making the use of batteries unfeasible. This paper presents the design and resonance analysis of four different geometries for the fabrication of planar antennas as an alternative to a contactless power supply. Previously published software [19] was used to calculate the electrical parameters for each coil design. Operating trials were executed under laboratory conditions, and a bracket manufactured using polylactic acid (PLA) through a 3D printer was used to accurately define the distances between coils to achieve correct alignment between them. Based on the experimental results, it was possible to calculate the resonant frequency of the inductive links at a 5 mm spacing. Similarly, it is possible to calculate the capacitive effect necessary to improve the resonant circuit in different transmitter-receiver planar antenna pairs. The most efficient combination to induce voltage in these links is to use the hexagonal profile design as a transmitter and receiver antenna, applying a sinusoidal signal with 8 MHz frequency.

The role of ventricular assist device in the management of advanced heart failure: a literature review

The ventricular assist device has become a reliable and enduring therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure, with over 22,000 implantations to date. Initially designed as a bridge-to-transplant option but now it has become permanent cure for patients with acute heart failure. VAD has significant advancements in medical management and technology, particularly with the introduction of newer-generation devices, have greatly enhanced patient outcomes. This progress has led to an increasing use of ventricular assist devices as a destination therapy. Nonetheless, the substantial burden of adverse events remains a critical challenge in the current state of ventricular assist device therapy, despite this, its viable alternative of heart transplantation as it has solved the complications of donor heart and proved significant success among patient with acute heart failure.