Laura Del Signore’s Post

Innovative Computational Tools for Enhancing Cardiovascular Surgery Outcomes We are proud to present here Eirini Kardampiki, PhD doctoral thesis “Development of Computational Tools for Cardiovascular Applications,” discussed at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. This research develops computational tools to support cardiovascular surgeries, specifically Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) and the modified Blalock–Taussig shunt (MBTS). EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with aortic diameters over 3 cm, but it faces complications like guidewire-induced deformations and post-operative thrombus formation. To address these, a pipeline using Reduced Order Modelling (ROM) and Finite Elements (FE) simulations was created to predict aortic configurations in real-time, aiding intraoperative navigation. Additionally, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis identified thrombus-prone regions in stent-grafts, finding Zenith Alpha more susceptible due to higher recirculation and shear strain rates. For MBTS, which addresses cyanotic heart diseases by implanting a synthetic shunt between the subclavian and pulmonary arteries, a static ROM trained on CFD data was developed to recommend personalized shunt morphology, improving implant sizing. The research demonstrated the ROM’s significant precision and potential clinical integration. In summary, the studies developed tools for real-time predictions and thrombus formation analysis to enhance surgical outcomes. You can read the presentation and the full thesis here: https://lnkd.in/ddvDM2Ht #simulation #cfd #rbf #rbfmorph #rom #cardiovascular #surgery #medicaldevices #innovation #bioengineering #aneurysm #medicaldevicedesign #medicaldeviceproducers #biotech #ansys #lsdyna #python

Medical Digital Twins enabled! I strongly recommend a read to the thesis of Eirini Kardampiki, PhD who successfully defended her PhD within our MeDiTATe-project. Ansys Digital Twin Ansys Structures

The recently published study titled "Using Novel Segmentation Technology to Define Safe Corridors for Minimally Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion," looked into how Brainlab Elements Smartbrush can be used to redefine safe corridors for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF). The study utilized this tech to pre-operatively segment anatomical landmarks, particularly the nerve roots, to calculate the optimal approach for the MIS procedure.   The key takeaway from this paper is that digital information is invaluable in guiding clinical decision-making and aiding in the selection of the optimal operative approach for each patient.   Huge congrats to the principal investigator, @Muhammad Abd-El-Barr MD PhD FAANS from the Department of Neurosurgery at @Duke University School of Medicine as well as the other authors: Troy Tabarestani, David Salven, David Sykes, Anas Bardeesi, Alyssa Bartlett, Timothy Wang, Mounica Paturu, Christopher Dibble, Christopher Shaffrey, Wilson Ray, John Chi, Walter Wiggins.   According to Dr. Abd-El-Barr this technology “allows for greater understanding of the bony and nervous structures while accessing the disc space and 'seeing through' the bone to ensure safe and efficient interbody work.”   Check out the study, "Using Novel Segmentation Technology to Define Safe Corridors for Minimally Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion", here: https://lnkd.in/eyS9GAAG   #clinicalstudy #medtech #digitalhealth #surgery #spinesurgery

A recent publication in Science Translational Medicine highlights a new tool aimed at improving the understanding of cerebrovascular issues that lead to strokes.    Researchers have developed a miniature probe that fits within the microcatheters used in brain surgery, providing high-resolution images from inside cerebral arteries. The study involved 32 patients with diverse cerebrovascular conditions, including aneurysms, ischemic strokes, and arterial stenoses.    By providing a clear view from within the vessels, this technology could substantially impact the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.   #healthtech #innovation #healthcareinnovation

🔍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 🧠 At Easiofy Solutions, we understand the critical role of imaging modalities like #MRI, CT, and PET scans in brain tumour surgery planning. These technologies are key in achieving precise tumour characterisation and delineation, essential for effective radiotherapy planning. MRI for brain tumour and #CT for brain tumour provide detailed anatomical insights, while PET scans for brain tumour offer crucial functional imaging. Combining these modalities, known as trimodality imaging or PET/CT/MRI trimodality, revolutionises three-dimensional tumour visualisation. This integrated approach surpasses individual imaging techniques' limitations, enhancing tumour contouring's accuracy. A PET/MRI fusion can be combined with a planning CT, or a PET/CT can be registered to an MRI for a comprehensive view. This trimodal approach ensures optimal imaging in the treatment position, often utilising a patient transfer system to minimise movement. With MRI compatible equipment and high-performance MRI coils, we can maximise the synergistic effects of these technologies. The impact of this advanced imaging is profound, especially for brain tumour imaging. The precision and inter-observer agreement achieved through trimodality imaging is transforming clinical routines and outcomes. #BrainTumorSurgeryPlanning #ImagingModalities #MRIForBrainTumor #CTForBrainTumor #PETScansForBrainTumor #TumorCharacterization #TumorDelineation #TrimodalityImaging #RadiotherapyPlanning #ThreeDimensionalVisualization #FunctionalImaging #AnatomicalImaging #PETMRIFusion #PlanningCT #PseudoCT #PatientTransferSystem #MRICoils #HeadAndNeckCancerImaging #BrainTumorImaging

In the quality control of surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, there is an urgent need to constantly image myocardial blood flow perfusion. Scientists from China’s Capital Medical University have devised an imaging system composed of a #Mikrotron #EoSens 4CXP CoaXPress CMOS camera that was demonstrated to measure a high blood flow rate far better than existing technology. #TKH #SVSVISTEK #machinevision #imaging #science #research #healthcare #lifescience

Time has fascinated the history of humanity since its origins: in particular, preand post-Aristotelian philosophy, Galilean science, Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, and Enrico Fermi’s quantum physics. The space-time in the theory of relativity is an indissoluble variable - there is no space without time and vice versa. Organ protection from ischemia is a matter of time in relation to the technique; there are many different cardioplegia solutions of varying compositions used for myocardial arrest and protection in cardiac surgery, and the choice of cardioplegia is often up to institution or surgeon preference. In our experience the use of DN solution increases temporarily hemodilution in extracorporeal circulation and is a variable that acts directly on colloid oncotic pressure (COP), determined by all plasma proteins in the intraand extravascular compartments, and plays a key role in transcapillary fluid movement. A decreased COP increases transcapillary fluid movement, which leads to tissue edema and, combined with hemodilution, may compromise peripheral tissues oxygenation and end-organ perfusion. The reduction of hemoglobin content has an impact during CPB on corrective action for red blood cell, hypothermia, and ultrafiltration uses, and it also has an impact on the oxygen delivery (DO₂) - there is ample evidence that an indexed DO₂< 280 ml/min/m2 exposes the patients to postoperative risk and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). The use of DN solution for the abovementioned aspects in the MiECC in particular for hemodilution variable appears in contrast, despite the literature being clearly in favor of this methodology in the context of conventional extracorporeal circulation. But there is another aspect we should ask ourselves when choosing myocardial protection solution: 1) Should it be chosen in relation to time according to the surgical technique? 2) Should it be chosen in relation to patient typology and multi-organ preservation during and after CPB? From this point of view, there is no myocardial solution that integrates the answer to these two questions, and consequently the one that meets the benefits and objectives set by MiECC is the BC solution. The literature on minimally invasive cardiac surgery, independently of the myocardial solution used, showed a significant association between cross-clamping time and mortality, low cardiac output syndrome, and AKI, so moving towards a more physiological CPB such as the MiECC is perhaps the most reliable answer.

New Publication: Unusual Multiple and #Bilateral Combinations of #Arterial and #Neural #Variations in the Axillae of Single #Cadaver Nerve During the dissection of the axillae and upper limbs of an 80-year-old male donor, multiple vascular and neural variations were encountered. On the right side, the thoracoacromial artery and the lateral thoracic artery were absent. On the left side the subscapular artery was absent, and the posterior cord of the brachial plexus gave branch to two upper subscapular nerves and then divided into radial nerve and a common stem that branched into thoracodorsal nerve, lower subscapular nerve, nerves to teres major and minor muscles and the axillary nerve. Additionally, in the left arm there was a variant communication between the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve. Although the existence of these variations is well documented in the literature as individual entities or few combinations, the occurrence of such multiple variations in a single cadaver in a limited area of the body involving vessel and nerves is not common. A multitude of variations in a small area of the body such as this can be a source of diagnostic and imaging interpretation errors. Unpredictable iatrogenic injuries can also occur during various procedures in the area such as during preparation of muscle flap, mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery of the breast and other clinical procedures including shoulder arthroplasty. SUBMISSION OPEN: Submit your manuscript at editor.javccr@researchconnect.press https://lnkd.in/eR3SZ3Cc

The Neuroclast model:

A new study suggests that clinical spine imaging using commercially available 0.55T #mri systems is feasible and provides acceptable diagnostic quality for evaluating many routine spinal pathologies. Furthermore, the study highlights the substantial 86 percent inter-reader agreement on diagnosis with low-field #mri at 0.55T, underscoring its reliability. Additionally, the potential for reduced costs and easier siting further positions low-field MRI as a cost-efficient alternative with statistically supported diagnostic capabilities for routine spinal pathologies. Wether you are considering replacing an aged fleet, or generate additional revenue by adding MR services to your practice; the Free.Max might be the answer to both challenges. Let us know and we will be happy to help. #radiology #spinesurgeon #spinehealth #orthopedicsurgery #painmanagement #siemenshealthineers