Landing Zone Research Articles

Total aortic arch repair with double-fenestrated physician-modified endografts, at least 3-year follow-up

ObjectiveThis study aims to report the efficacy and safety of double-fenestrated physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs) for total aortic arch repair with at least 3 years of follow-up. MethodsAll consecutive patients with a pathological aortic arch who underwent aortic arch repair combined with a homemade double-fenestrated stent graft from 2017 to 2020 were reviewed. Results74 patients were treated for pathological arch conditions with a double-fenestrated PMEG. Of these, 81% were male, the mean age was 69.9 years, and 59% were classified as American Society of Anesthesiology 3 or 4. Thirty-five percent were treated for a postdissection aneurysm, 36% for a degenerative aneurysm, and 14% for acute type B dissection. Fifteen percent had supra-aortic trunk dissection. Fenestration on the subclavian artery was performed in 96%; if not, a carotid-subclavian bypass was carried out. Technical success was 100%. The proximal landing zone is consistently in zone 0. Early outcomes revealed a 3% occurrence of type 1 endoleak, which was successfully treated by prompt reintervention. One retrograde dissection occurred, and one patient died from hemorrhage on an iliac conduit. A 5% stroke rate was reported. During long-term follow-up (mean time 40.7 months), one type 1 endoleak appeared and was successfully treated; no type 2 or type 3 endoleak requiring intervention occurred. No stent fractures or migrations were reported. Four percent of patients required reintervention, but no surgical conversion to open surgical repair was needed on the aortic arch. No patient died from a cause related to the main procedure. ConclusionsTotal aortic arch repair with double-fenestrated PMEGs is associated with acceptable early and midterm major morbidity and mortality. It is suitable for the main aortic pathologies. Moreover, it is easily available for emergency situations.

Modified upside-down technique with Gore tapered iliac limbs for isolated iliac artery aneurysms.

To describe the off-label use of tapered iliac limbs for the treatment of isolated iliac aneurysms with proximal landing zone significantly larger than distal landing zone. Inversion of a Gore Excluder tapered leg (W. L. Gore & Associates Inc, Flagstaff, Arizona) with a modified upside-down technique is described. The endoprosthesis, with the olive at the tip of the releasing system previously cut, is inserted in a tip-to-tip fashion into a 15 Fr introducer sheath. The graft is released inside the introducer. An 18 Fr introducer sheath is advanced up to the proximal sealing zone. Following the removal of the 18 Fr dilator, the 15 Fr introducer with the pre-released graft is inserted co-axially into the 18 Fr introducer. A pre-cut 15 Fr dilator is brought up to the endograft and used as a pusher. A pull-back maneuver of the co-axial system, countertractioning with the dilator maintained in position, allows the delivery of the endograft. This technique might offer a feasible option in case of endovascular exclusion of isolated iliac artery aneurysms with significant landing zone diameter mismatch. Extracorporeal inversion is time-saving and could be safer in terms of graft damage and infection.

A Retrospective Analysis of 10-year Experience on Branched and Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair.

This study aimed to present the early and mid-term outcomes of fenestrated/branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (f/bTEVAR) for aortic arch pathologies. f/bTEVAR represents a less invasive treatment option for aortic arch diseases. Previous published series showed decreased early mortality and morbidity compared to open repair. A single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients, managed with f/bTEVAR (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) between 01.09.11and 30.06.22 was conducted. Primary outcomes were technical success, 30-day mortality and stroke. Data during follow-up and factors affecting early mortality and stroke were analyzed. 209 patients were included (38.3% females; mean age 69.8±3.4years; mean aortic diameter 61±4.7mm); 14.4% were managed urgently. Fenestrations/scallop configuration was used in 39.7%, branched devices in 55.5% and branch/scallop combination in 4.8%. Landing to zone 0 was performed in 65.5% and in zone 1 in 32.1%. Non-native aortas were used for landing in 39.2%. Technical success was 97.1% and 30-day mortality 9.5%. Strokes were identified in 10%; 5.7% major. Non-native proximal aortic landing zone was an independent protective factor for stroke (P=0.002). Post-operative stroke (P<0.001) and pericardial effusion (P<0.001) were independently related to 30-day mortality. The mean follow-up was 21±8 months. The estimated survival and freedom from reintervention rates were 79.5% (standard error; SE3.1%) and 47.1% (SE 4.3%) at 24months, respectively. f/bTEVAR presented high technical success and acceptable 30-day mortality. Non-native proximal landing zone was related to lower stroke rate. Half of patients needed a reintervention within the 24-month follow-up.

Initial Outcomes of the Gore TAG Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis for Endovascular Repair of Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

Endovascular repair of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) has dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality of intervention. Injuries requiring zone 2 coverage of the aorta traditionally require left subclavian artery (LSA) sacrifice or open revascularization. Furthermore, these injuries are associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality and long-term morbidity. Here we report 1-year outcomes of total endovascular repair of BTAI with the GORE® TAG® Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis for LSA preservation. Across 34 investigative sites, 9 patients with BTAI requiring LSA coverage were enrolled in a nonrandomized, prospective study of a single-branched aortic endograft. The thoracic branch endoprosthesis device allows for graft placement proximal to the LSA and incorporates a single side branch for LSA perfusion. This initial cohort included 8 male and 1 female patient with a median age of 43 (22,76) and 12months of follow-up. Five total years of follow-up are planned. All participants had grade 3 BTAI. All procedures took place between 2018 and 2019. The median injury severity score was 2 (0, 66). The median procedure time was 109min (78, 162). All aortic injuries were repaired under general anesthesia and with heparinization. A spinal drain was used in one patient. Post-deployment balloon angioplasty was conducted in one case at the distal landing zone. There was one asymptomatic LSA branch occlusion 6months after repair. It was attributed to the purposeful proximal deployment of the branch stent to accommodate an early vertebral takeoff. The occlusion did not require revascularization. There were no strokes, mortalities, or aortic adverse events (migration, endoleak, native aortic expansion, dissection, or thrombosis) through 12months of follow-up. Initial cohort outcomes suggest that endovascular repair of zone 2 BTAI is feasible and has favorable outcomes using the thoracic branch device with LSA preservation. Additional cases and longer-term follow-up are required for a definitive assessment of the device'ssafety and durability in traumatic aortic injuries.

Surgical Treatment for Type A Aortic Dissection after Endovascular Aortic Repair: A 12-year, Single-Center Study.

This study aims to investigate the clinical manifestations, operative techniques, and outcomes of patients who undergo open repair after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). From January 2010 to June 2022, 113 consecutive type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients underwent secondary open operation after TEVAR at our institution, and the median interval from primary intervention to open surgery was 12 (1.9-48.0) months. We divided the patients into two groups (RTAD (retrograde type A dissection) group, N = 56; PNAD (proximal new aortic dissection) group, N = 57) according to their anatomical features. Survival analysis during the follow-up was evaluated using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve and a log-rank test. The 30-day mortality was 6.2% (7/113), the median follow-up period was 31.7 (IQR 14.7-65.6) months, and the overall survival at 1year, 5years, and 10years was 88.5%, 88.5%, and 87.6%, respectively. Fourteen deaths occurred during the follow-up, but there were no late aorta-related deaths. Three patients underwent total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement 1year after a second open operation. The RTAD group had a smaller ascending aorta size (42.5 ± 7.7mm vs 48.4 ± 11.4mm; P < .01) and a closer proximal landing zone (P < .01) compared to the PNAD group. However, there were no differences in survival between the two groups. TAAD can present as an early or a late complication after TEVAR due to stent-grafting-related issues or disease progression. Open operation can be performed to treat TAAD, and this has acceptable early and mid-term outcomes. Follow-up should become mandatory for patients after TEVAR because these patients are at increased risk for TAAD.

Land Zoning, Permits, and Tax-Related Guidelines for Agritourism Operators in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The purpose of this review paper is to create a piece of one-stop communication about important land zoning and land use, permits and tax guidelines for farmers venturing into agritourism in the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA. It also examines and complements prior studies on the distribution of agritourism in Virginia. A systematic literature review is conducted. Foundational legal prerequisites for agritourism and other emerging factors for the distribution of agritourism in Virginia are identified. Farmers must invest in what they are legally expected of and also learn how best to protect themselves and their business from law infringement before and during agritourism operations. Additionally, the complementary findings of the factors of agritourism distribution can guide farmers strategically in Virginia. This review paper contributes to agritourism literature and demonstrates the relevance of safety and protection against avoidable liability. This article provides excellent grounds to begin conversations with specialists such as attorneys, tax analysts, and insurance companies who can help Virginia farmers assess risk and put their businesses on the best track.

Standardized Bench Test Evaluation of Biomechanical Characteristics of Stents Used in Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Revalvulation.

Pre-stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is commonly performed before percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI), to relieve obstruction, prevent valved stent fractures, and provide a landing zone. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the stents currently used to perform pre-stenting of the RVOT. We assessed five commercially available stents: Cheatham-Platinum Stent ("CP Stent"), AndraStent XL, AndraStent XXL, Optimus XL, and Optimus XXL. Following stent deployment at nominal pressure, radial and longitudinal elastic recoils and radial resistance were measured. The bending stiffness of the stents crimped onto the balloons was also evaluated. Three samples were tested for each stent. Our study showed no significant difference between the stent platforms in terms of radial elastic recoil, which was relatively low (< 10%). The longitudinal elastic recoil was also low for all the devices (< 5%). Significant differences were observed in radial resistance (P < 0.001). CP Stent and AndraStent XL exhibited the highest radial resistances. The bending stiffnesses of the stents crimped on their balloons were significantly different (P < 0.00001). Optimus XL and XXL were more flexible than the other stents. This study highlights the significant differences between the stents currently used in RVOT pre-stenting. Stents with good radial resistance are preferred, especially for calcified vessels, and flexibility is crucial for tortuous vessels. We proposed an algorithm for selecting the most suitable stent according to the need for radial force and flexibility, which will help inform clinicians considering RVOT revalvulation.

SUITABLE LANDING SITE SELECTION FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES USING AIRBORNE LASER SCANNING POINT CLOUD

Abstract. In the context of autonomous landing for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), selecting a suitable landing site is crucial. This research presents a new method for automatically identifying safe landing sites based on point cloud data acquired through an airborne laser scanning (ALS) system. The proposed approach begins by detecting flat regions using principal component analysis (PCA) and region-growing algorithms. Subsequently, a terrain complexity assessment is conducted through plane fitting using an enhanced progressive sample consensus (PROSAC) algorithm. This assessment assists in identifying the most suitable landing site within a specified landing zone. The method's effectiveness is demonstrated through experiments conducted on two distinct natural terrains from the DALE dataset. The results show that the proposed approach can accurately classify landing zones and identify preferred sites that meet safety criteria. This study's findings underscore the proposed method's effectiveness and feasibility in improving the safety and reliability of autonomous UAV landings.

Influence of plant growth regulators on fruit drop, fruit retention and fruit yield of mango (Mangifera indica l.) cv. Amrapali under west central table land zone of Odisha

Farmers in the western region of Odisha are grappling with issues related to low fruit set, fruit drop, and erratic yield in mango cultivation. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a pivotal role in addressing fruit drop at different developmental stages by modulating the nutritional and hormonal status of the plant. This study aims to investigate the impact of specific PGRs on fruit drop, fruit retention, and overall yield of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Amrapali in the West Central Table Land zone of Odisha. The experimental setup was implemented at the research plot of the College of Horticulture, Chiplima, Sambalpur, following a randomized block design with ten treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments involved various concentrations of three PGRs: NAA, GA3, and 2,4-D, applied during the pea and marble stages of fruit growth. The outcomes indicated that the application of 30 ppm GA3 significantly mitigated fruit drop, with comparable efficacy observed for 30 ppm 2,4-D. GA3 positively influenced fruit retention, particularly Treatment T7 (30 ppm GA3), exhibiting the highest retention percentages at 30, 60, and 90 days post-spraying. Furthermore, GA3 at 30 ppm resulted in the maximum average fruit weight and volume. The highest number of harvested fruits per plant and maximum yield per plant were recorded in Treatment T7. These findings underscore the potential of GA3 in alleviating fruit drop, enhancing fruit retention, and improving overall yield in mango cultivation, specifically for the Amrapali variety in the West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha.

Endovascular aortic repair in patients with Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome is safe and durable when employed by a multi-disciplinary aortic team.

The aim of this study was to report on mid-term outcomes after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in patients with Marfan (MFS) or Loeys-Dietz (LDS) syndrome. We analysed data from 2 European centres of patients with MFS and LDS undergoing EVAR. Patients were analysed based on (i) timing of the procedure (planned versus emergency procedure) and (ii) the nature of the landing zone (safe versus non-safe). The primary end-point was freedom from reintervention. Secondary end-points were freedom from stroke, bleeding and death. A population of 419 patients with MFS (n = 352) or LDS (n = 67) was analysed for the purpose of this study. Thirty-nine patients (9%) underwent EVAR. Indications for thoracic endovascular aortic repair or EVAR were aortic dissection in 13 (33%) patients, aortic aneurysm in 22 (57%) patients and others (intercostal patch aneurysm, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, pseudoaneurysm, kinking of frozen elephant trunk (FET)) in 4 (10%) patients. Thoracic endovascular repair was performed in 34 patients, and abdominal endovascular aortic repair was performed in 5 patients. Mean age at 1st thoracic endovascular aortic repair/EVAR was 48.5 ± 15.4 years. Mean follow-up after 1st thoracic endovascular aortic repair/EVAR was 5.9 ± 4.4 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of reinterventions between patients with non-safe landing zone and the patients with safe proximal landing zone (P = 0.609). Furthermore, there was no increased probability for reintervention after planned endovascular intervention compared to emergency procedures (P = 0.916). Mean time to reintervention, either open surgical or endovascular, after planned endovascular intervention was in median 3.9 years (95% confidence interval 2.0-5.9 years) and 2.0 years (95% confidence interval -1.1 to 5.1 years) (P = 0.23) after emergency procedures. EVAR in patients with MFS and LDS and a safe landing zone is feasible and safe. Endovascular treatment is a viable option when employed by a multi-disciplinary aortic team even if the landing zone is in native tissue.

Short-term results of fenestrated physician-modified endografts for type1a endoleak after conventional thoracic endovascular aortic repair

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of physician-modified fenestrated stent grafts (PMEGs) in treating type 1a endoleak after conventional thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in aortic arch pathologies. MethodsPatients who developed a type 1a endoleak after conventional TEVAR were included in the study. They underwent treatment with fenestrated PMEGs, which involved single or double fenestration for the supra-aortic trunks. ResultsTwenty patients were treated with PMEGs between October 2018 and November 2023. Among them, 25% received single fenestrated PMEGs and 75% received double fenestrated PMEGs. The technical success rate was 100% for both types. Eighty percent of the PMEGs had a landing zone in zone 0, whereas 20% had a landing zone in zone 2. There were no in-hospital deaths. After 30 days, 1 patient died as the result of an aortic-related cause (retrograde dissection). The mean follow-up time was 16.5 months (range, 0-60 months). No major adverse events such as stroke or spinal ischemia were reported. No type 1 or type 3 endoleaks were observed, and one type 2 endoleaks required peripheral endovascular reintervention. ConclusionsThe treatment of type 1a endoleaks using fenestrated PMEGs after conventional TEVAR for aortic arch pathologies is a viable option. It is associated with acceptable rates of early and midterm major morbidity and mortality.

A Tale of a Trail on How It Takes 5 Days of Kawasaki Disease to Initiate Coronary Artery Injury and Change the Lives of Children.

Many articles written on Kawasaki disease explain the disease and the history of an acute inflammatory dysregulation that typically affects preschool children and does not spare older ones. Six decades have passed since the discovery of the disease in Japan, yet there are parts of the world where the disease passes unacknowledged, diagnosis is delayed, or basic treatments are not readily available. The burden of Kawasaki disease is on every health-care provider who attends to children's health. It takes 5 days for the disease to initiate coronary artery injury in a child's heart, compared to 5 decades of lifetime atherosclerosis. Challenges facing patients, families, and physicians may not be overcome unless we advocate for the disease recognition and seek support for affordable, timely treatment, impactful research, and dissemination of knowledge. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive review of the history of Kawasaki disease and how it has affected children's health worldwide over the last 6 decades. The review also raises current challenges facing the fight against Kawasaki disease. In an effort to bring Kawasaki disease advocates together in a landing zone, an internet hub for Kawasaki disease experts and enthusiasts has been created: the International Kawasaki Disease Society (presently a concept idea) and a dedicated website, www.ikds-org.

Association of Relative Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Area and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Related Paravalvular Leak

BackgroundPost-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), paravalvular leak (PVL) is a quality metric associated with worse clinical outcomes. Transcatheter heart valve (THV) sizing is based primarily on the systolic annular size without regard to the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), which also lies within the THV landing zone. We hypothesized that LVOT size relative to the annulus is associated with post-TAVR PVL. MethodsData from consecutive patients undergoing TAVR in a single high-volume center from January 2018 to March 2019 were used. Pre-TAVR data from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) were collected. Relative LVOT area was defined as LVOT area/annular area during systole. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate association with post-TAVR mild or greater PVL by transthoracic echocardiography before discharge. ResultsAmong 293 patients (median age, 81.1 years; female, 49.5%; White, 88.0%), 81.6% received SAPIEN 3 and 18.4% received CoreValve THV models. Aortic valve morphology was bicuspid in 10.9% of patients. Prevalence of mild or greater PVL was 23.5% (mild in 20.1%). Relative LVOT area had a significant inverse association such that the odds of mild or greater PVL decreased significantly with every 1% increase in relative LVOT area (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98; P = .002). There was no interaction between the type of implanted valve and the relative LVOT area. Patients in the highest relative LVOT tertile had significantly lower odds of mild or greater PVL (adjusted odds ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21-0.87; P = .018 vs first tertile). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing TAVR with the newer generation of THV (SAPIEN 3 and CoreValve models), a relatively narrower LVOT area vs annular area was independently associated with increased odds of mild or greater PVL before discharge.

Early results of transcatheter electrosurgical aortic septotomy for endovascular repair of chronic dissecting aortoiliac aneurysms

ObjectiveEndovascular repair of chronic dissecting aortoiliac aneurysms is challenging given the rigid septum, compressed true lumen (TL), and target vessels frequently originating in the false lumen. We have used transcatheter electrosurgical aortic septotomy (TEAS) before stent graft implantation under intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fusion guidance. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of TEAS during complex endovascular repair of dissecting aneurysms. MethodsFrom 2021 to 2023, 17 patients underwent TEAS. The primary end point was technical success, with secondary end points of proximal and distal seals, target vessel instability, aortic and iliac TL and cross-sectional area (CSA) expansion, and aortic-related death. During the procedure, the aortic septum is crossed through a pre-existing entry or via electrocautery-activated 0.018-in. Astato XS20 wire (Asahi-Intecc) under IVUS and fusion guidance. The penetrated wire is then snared in the false lumen and pulled through the ipsilateral femoral access. A 1-cm length of the middle of the Astato wire coating is kinked in a three-sided polygonal configuration, denuded the inner surface of the wire using a no. 15 blade, and positioned at the apex of the septum. Both ends of the Astato wire are insulated with 0.018-in. microcatheters, and the back end of the wire is denuded and connected to cautery. Gentle traction is applied to the wire, and short bursts of electrocautery cutting are applied at 60 to 80 W. ResultsThe technical success of the septotomy was 100%. No incidence of visceral or lower extremity malperfusion, vascular injury, or distal embolization occurred. Of the 17 patients, 4 underwent thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, 2 underwent endovascular aortic repair, and 11 underwent fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair after septotomy. All target vessels were successfully stented. A distal landing zone seal with exclusion of the false lumen was achieved in 16 of the 17 patients (94.1%). One patient required embolization of the false lumen of the celiac artery after septotomy. The TL mean diameter and CSA of the descending thoracic aorta after septotomy was expanded by 7.01 ± 1.9 mm (relative mean diameter expansion, 42.3%; P < .0001) and 2.71 ± 0.4 cm2 (relative mean CSA expansion, 57.3%, P<.0001). For patients who required septotomy through the common iliac arteries, the mean TL was expanded by 8.1 ± 3.7 mm (relative mean diameter expansion, 76%; P < .0001) and 1.76 ± 0.91 cm2 (relative mean CSA expansion, 209%; P < .0001). The 1-year freedom from target vessel instability was 91%. ConclusionsThe use of IVUS and fusion-guided TEAS offers a promising technique to facilitate TL expansion and false lumen exclusion in chronic dissecting aortic aneurysms before repair. The durability and long-term outcomes of this technique in a larger cohort remain to be elucidated.

Deep L1 Stochastic Optimal Control Policies for Planetary Soft Landing

In this paper, a novel deep-learning-based solution is introduced to the Powered Descent Guidance problem, grounded in principles of nonlinear Stochastic Optimal Control (SOC) and Feynman–Kac theory. Our algorithm solves the problem by framing it as an L1-SOC problem for minimum fuel consumption. Additionally, it can handle practically useful control constraints and nonlinear dynamics and enforces state constraints as soft constraints. This is achieved by building off of recent work on deep forward-backward stochastic differential equations and differentiable neural-network layers for nonconvex optimization based on stochastic search. In contrast to previous approaches, our algorithm does not require convexification of the constraints or linearization of the dynamics and is empirically shown to be robust to stochastic disturbances and the initial conditions of the spacecraft. After training offline, our control policy can be activated once the spacecraft is within a prespecified radius of the landing zone and at a prespecified altitude, in other words, the base of an inverted cone with the tip at the landing zone. We demonstrate empirically that our controller can successfully and safely land all trajectories initialized in the vicinity of the base of this cone as well as with randomization in the starting velocities and spacecraft mass while minimizing fuel consumption.

Clinical comparative analysis of 3D printing-assisted extracorporeal pre-fenestration and Castor integrated branch stent techniques in treating type B aortic dissections with inadequate proximal landing zones

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the clinical effects of two distinct surgical approaches, namely 3D printing-assisted extracorporeal pre-fenestration and Castor integrated branch stent techniques, in treating patients with Stanford type B aortic dissections (TBAD) characterized by inadequate proximal landing zones.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with left subclavian artery (LSA) reconstruction at our center from January 2022 to July 2023. Based on the different surgical approaches, the patients were divided into two groups: the group assisted by 3D printing for extracorporeal pre-fenestration (n = 44) and the group using the castor integrated branch stent (n = 40). Clinical indicators: including general patient information, operative time, surgical success rate, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, re-intervention rate, and mortality, as well as postoperative aortic remodeling, were compared between the two groups. The endpoint of this study is the post-TEVAR mortality rate in patients.ResultsThe surgical success rate and device deployment success rate were 100% in both groups, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). However, the group assisted by 3D printing for extracorporeal pre-fenestration had a significantly longer operative time (184.20 ± 54.857 min) compared to the group using the castor integrated branch stent (152.75 ± 33.068 min), with a statistically significant difference (t = 3.215, p = 0.002, P < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction and beak sign was significantly lower in the group assisted by 3D printing for extracorporeal pre-fenestration compared to the castor-integrated branch stent group, demonstrating statistical significance. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of other postoperative complication rates and aortic remodeling (P > 0.05). Notably, computed tomography angiography images revealed the expansion of the vascular true lumen and the reduction of the false lumen at three specified levels of the thoracic aorta. The follow-up duration did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups (10.59 ± 4.52 vs. 9.08 ± 4.35 months, t = 1.561, p = 0.122 > 0.05). Throughout the follow-up period, neither group experienced new endoleaks, spinal cord injuries, nor limb ischemia. In the castor-integrated branch stent group, one patient developed a new distal dissection, prompting further follow-up. Additionally, there was one case of mortality due to COVID-19 in each group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of re-intervention rate and survival rate (P > 0.05).ConclusionBoth 3D printing-assisted extracorporeal pre-fenestration TEVAR and castor-integrated branch stent techniques demonstrate good safety and efficacy in treating Stanford type B aortic dissection with inadequate proximal anchoring. The 3D printing-assisted extracorporeal pre-fenestration TEVAR technique has a lower incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction and beak sign, while the castor-integrated branch stent technique has advantages in operative time.

Early and Midterm Outcomes of Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair Using In Situ Laser Fenestration.

The aim of this study is to present single-center outcomes in patients treated with in situ laser fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair (LFTEVAR) for various aortic arch pathologies and assess the impact of increasing experience. The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was followed. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected single aortic center data was conducted, including baseline information and peri- and post-operative outcomes of consecutive patients managed with LFTEVAR for aortic arch pathologies. Patients were enrolled from April 1, 2017 to January 31, 2023. The cohort was dichotomized to compare early (2017-2019) and late experience (2020-2023). Primary outcomes were peri-operative mortality and cerebrovascular morbidity. Thirty patients were included (63.3% males, mean age 69.8±9.6 years); 21.4% presented with aortic ruptures. Aortic aneurysm involving the aortic arch was the most frequent pathology (53.3%). Forty target vessels (TVs) were revascularized, including 19 left subclavian arteries (47.5%) and 17 left common carotid arteries (42.5%). Double fenestrations were performed in 10 patients. The proximal landing zone was Ishimaru zone 0 in 5 patients (16.7%) and zone 1 in 13 patients (43.3%). Technical success was 93%. No spinal cord ischemia was recorded, and 3 patients (10%) suffered a post-operative stroke, of which 1 was major (3.3%). The median follow-up was 12 months (range=1-48 months). Thirty-day and follow-up mortality rates were 13.5% and 15.3%, respectively. Target vessel instability was 10%, of which 3.8% required reintervention. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the early and late experience groups. Laser fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair of the aortic arch performed in experienced aortic centers is associated with low early mortality and stroke rates. It is a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients considered unfit for open repair. Custom-made devices for arch pathologies requiring urgent repair are not an option because of manufacturing delays. Off-the-shelf devices with single branch arch prostheses, and outside IFU techniques such as parallel-grafts and surgeon-modified endografts have been proposed in this setting. Another off-the-shelf alternative is in situ laser fenestration thoracic endovascular repair (LFTEVAR), which addresses many limitations of the other off-the-shelf options. Our study reports the outcomes of 30 patients treated with LFTEVAR, showing that it is a viable therapeutic option in patients considered unfit for open repair acknowledging that sufficient experience with complex endovascular aortic repair is mandatory to achieve acceptable outcomes in these high-risk patients with challenging aortic anatomies.

Intratumoral Heterogeneity, Chemoresistance and Lymph Node Landing Zone Prognosis in Testicular Tumors Based on Histopathological Characteristics.

Existing data on the histopathological correlation of testicular tumors with lymph node prognosis have been poorly explored. We aimed to investigate the relationship of the histopathological properties of testicular tumors with lymph nodes and their involvement with chemoresistance and heterogeneity of testicular tumors. Patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) were selected for histopathological correlation of testicular tumor with lymph nodes and its relationship with chemoresistance and heterogeneity. Histopathological and radiological parameters associated with the risk of chemoresistance and tumor progression were measured pre- and post-chemotherapy. Binomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were implemented to determine the predictors of progression and adverse overall patient survival. All categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test, while Pearson's R coefficient determined the correlation. Male patients who were diagnosed with NSGCT from March 2017 to December 2018 at Guwahati Medical College, Guwahati, India, were included in this study. Lymph node groups were predominantly incriminated with the EYST or EYS groups and minimally linked with the pure E and YCS groups. Furthermore, the highest number of lymph node stations was associated with pre-chemotherapy. In salvage chemotherapy in the form of VIP, we found exciting outcomes, as approximately 41% of cases responded positively, especially in the EYS group. Our study classifies NSGCT according to the most favorable histopathological grouping and explores the tumoral response in different intrinsic and extrinsic variables. Our analysis can serve as a triumphant histopathological nomogram for a sublime management protocol to deal with the onerous histological pairing in NSGCT.

Effect of Nitrogen on the Performance of Finger Millet in Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha, India

An experiment was conducted to find out performance of finger millet varieties to different levels of nitrogen under rainfed condition in kharif season of 2019 to 2021 at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Semiliguda, Koraput, Odisha, India. Four varieties of finger millet (Kalua, OEB- 602, Bhairabi and Arjun) and three different nitrogen levels (40, 60 and 80 kg/ha) along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The varieties were taken in the main plots and different nitrogen levels were assigned to the sub plots. The results revealed that highest number of tillers (6.1/hill), fingers (8.3/ear head), finger length (8.8 cm) along with maximum grain yield (2491 kg/ha), net return (Rs. 39464 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.94) were obtained with finger millet variety Arjun followed by Bhairabi. The application of 80 kg N/ha gave highest number of tillers (5.7/hill), fingers (7.7/ear head), finger length (8.4 cm) and grain yield (2399 kg/ha) with highest net return (Rs. 36237 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.86). From the present investigation, it can be concluded that finger millet variety Arjun can be grown with application of 80 kg N/ha along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium for maximum yield and economic return.

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a case report

BackgroundPercutaneous pulmonary valve implantation has become an attractive method of dysfunctional right ventricle outflow tract treatment.Case presentationWe describe a unique case of a 20-year-old Caucasian male patient with a complex cyanotic heart defect, namely pulmonary atresia, with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect after Rastelli-like surgery at the age of 5 years with homograft use. At the age of 20 years, the patient needed percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation owing to homograft dysfunction. Despite unusual course of the coronary arteries, balloon testing in the landing zone of the right ventricle outflow tract excluded potential coronary artery compression. Then, after presentation, a Melody valve was implanted successfully in the pulmonary valve position. The 8-year follow-up was uneventful.ConclusionThis is likely the first description of a percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in such anatomy. Such a procedure is feasible; however, it requires exceptional caution owing to the anomalous coronary arteries course, which can be the reason for their compression.