The concept of xenotransplantation is very complex. It made most sense to show this as a step-by-step cycle in this illustration: Initially, a scientist edits the DNA structure. Next, the heart destined for transplantation grows in the genetically modified pig. After procurement, the heart is perfused to assess it and get it ready for surgery. The implantation of the heart into a human completes the cycle. While somewhat simplified, the schematic captures the complexity of xenotransplantation and related ethical issues.

Xenotransplantation requiring genetic modification of the donor DNA.

Hemodialyzer in tandem with a urea selective membrane, followed by a dedicated urea removal unit.

• The use of third-generation left ventricular assist devices confer a significant improvement in quality of life.
• These outcomes are a useful tool in patient selection and the decision-making process for left ventricular assist device implantation.
• The role of quality of life assessment in future trials is important.

Influence of extracorporeal cytokine adsorption on hemodynamics in severe acute pancreatitis—results of the PACIFIC trial.

We investigated hemolysis in a magnetically levitated axial Couette flow device typical of a rotary VAD over a controlled range of shear rate. The Index of Hemolysis was a function of shear rate, yet largely independent of hematocrit, bulk viscosity, or the suspension media viscosity. We recommended that future investigations of shear-induced blood damage report findings with respect to the viscosity-neutral term of shear rate, in addition to the bulk whole blood viscosity measured at an appropriate shear rate.

This study presents a cell-secreted ECM-conditioned PCL electrospun scaffolds with improved biomechanical and biological properties for bioengineering of skin wound dressing. The scaffold is modified by coating or plasma treatment, and the cells are cultured on the scaffolds. Finally, the cells/scaffold constructs are decellularized by an optimized decellularization with complete removal of the cells and minimal elimination of the secreted ECM. The ECM-conditioned PCL mat shows improved hydrophilic properties with enhanced biocompatibility and angiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo.

Using an adaptive gastric electrical stimulation protocol which increases the stimulation energy proportionally to the excess of food intake in dogs, we obtained:

• - A significant decrease of food intake with respect to baseline (−42% by week 4).
• - A significant decrease of food intake rate during the STIM period compared to the SHAM (−60% at week 4).
• - A significant increase of the postprandial frequency of the gastric slow waves (+11% STIM vs. SHAM), as measured with a noninvasive cutaneous system.

Smaller extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae provided targeted partial and full support in a mechanical cardiovascular simulator with minimal differences in patient hemodynamics but exponential changes in arterial cannula inlet pressures. AOC, PAC – Aortic and pulmonary arterial compliance chambers; SVC, PVC – Systemic and pulmonary venous compliance chambers; LV, RV, LA, RA – Left and right ventricles and atria; AV, MV, PV, TV – Aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves; SVR, PVR – lumped systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance; SQ, PQ, EQ – Systemic, pulmonary, and ECMO flow meters; Pump, Ox – ECMO blood pump and oxygenator.

A balance of work was derived from dynamic pressure-flow measurements of the native left ventricle and HeartMate II LVAD for both full and partial bypass conditions. The area enclosed by the counterclockwise H–Q loops increased with ejection fraction shifted position with LVAD speed. Partial bypass conditions produced systolic flow through the aortic valve which was accompanied by energy reduction during the rest of the cardiac cycle. The additional terms added to the external work balance provides a validated theory for use in LVAD design and control to assess a wide range of patient-specific conditions.

The contribution of diafiltration and adsorption to continuous hemodiafiltration clearance (CL_CHDF) of vancomycin (VCM) using a polyacrylonitrile and sodium methallyl sulfonate copolymer membrane coated with polyethylenimine (AN69ST) or a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane was investigated. Diafiltration predominantly contributed to CLCHDF of VCM using AN69ST and PMMA membranes. When diafiltration rather than adsorption mainly contributes to the CL_CHDF of VCM, the CL_CHDF could be predicted from the effluent flow rate and serum albumin level, at least in vitro.

• The biomechanical compatibility of artificial anal sphincter and intestinal tissue is a key issue in clinical application of artificial anal sphincter.
• This paper presented a design of an artificial anal sphincter with constant force.
• The constant force properties and safety of this novel device was evaluated by experiment conducted in pig intestine with various thicknesses.
• The safety of the artificial anal sphincter was verified by testing the surface contact stress of pig intestine under the clamping of artificial anal sphincter.

HbV has sustained antiarrhythmic effect in 85% hemodilution model by ameliorating electrical remodeling and improving arrhythmogenic modifying factors such as cardiac autonomic function, left ventricular function and spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias in subacute phase. These findings are useful in now conduction clinical trial of HbV.

Calcium supplementation is important for safety of regional citrate anticoagulation. In this study, we proposed a mathematical model including various types of filters based on the clearance of creatinine, phosphate and calcium for estimation of calcium supplementation during RCA-IHD. We also validated our model in 12 sessions of intermittent hemodialysis. (A) Dialysis circuit for intermittent hemodialysis using regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). (B) Comparison of the actual clearance of n-Ca with the clearance of BUN and the hematocrit-adjusted clearance of creatinine and phosphate given in the dialyzer leaflet. (C) Linear regression analysis of the actual clearance of n-Ca. (D) The changes of ionized calcium levels during hemodialysis with guidance of the mathematical model during the treatment.

LVADs, notably the HM3, produce EMI that interferes with the communication between an ICD and its respective programmer. The only safe way to regain connectivity is to increase the distance between the VAD and the ICD.

• Patient's characteristics are gathered over 2 days. For every consecutive datapoint, an alarm is triggered if the specified probability threshold is reached.
• Algorithm achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in cross-validation and on the test group.
• It could be installed to work directly with the device controller and provide clinicians with automatic readings analysis.

Inflow cannula malposition (inflow cannula angle <10°) derived from standard chest X-rays serves as a risk factor for neurological dysfunction, ischemic stroke and worse survival in HeartMate 3 patients.

Mortality in patients with refractory PCS after CABG and consecutive ECLS treatment remains high. Failing end-organ recovery under ECLS support despite optimized concomitant medical therapy is an indicator of adverse outcomes in this specific patient cohort. Moreover, total-arterial revascularization might be beneficial for cardiac recovery in patients suffering PCS after CABG and following ECLS treatment.

This qualitative study addresses the relatively new question of burden and coping in left ventricular assist device patients. Interviews with 18 destination therapy patients were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. The results highlight 10 psychosocial, health and treatment-related burdens, 15 problem-and emotion-focused coping strategies and 5 resources used for coping. Implications for future research and clinical practice are developed. For example, certain health care aspects play a decisive role for psychosocial and clinical outcomes that have rarely been researched before.

In an animal model of Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal (ECCO₂R), we documented that regional acidification using a hemofilter reduces platelet activation and vitamin-K-dependent coagulation-factor consumption.