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Myopic vitreopathy features precocious fibrous vitreous liquefaction and early posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). It is unclear whether visual function is affected by myopic vitreopathy and PVD. This study assessed the relationships among axial length, structural vitreous density, PVD, and visual function.Retrospective case-control study.Ultrasonography measurements were made of axial length, logMAR VA, contrast sensitivity function (CSF [Freiburg acuity contrast test]), and quantitative B-scan ultrasonography.Seventy-nine subjects (45 men and 34 women; mean age: 49 ± 14 years) were analyzed. Axial lengths ranged from 22 to 29.2 mm (mean: 24.9 ± 1.8 mm; myopic eyes: 26.35 ± 1.35 mm; and nonmyopic eyes: 23.45 ± 0.75 mm; P.001). With increasing axial length there was greater vitreous echodensity (R: 0.573; P.01) and degradation in CSF (R: 0.611; P.01). Subgroup analyses found that myopic eyes (- 3 diopters) had 37% more vitreous echodensity than nonmyopic eyes (762 ± 198 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 557 ± 171 AU, respectively; P.001) and that CSF was 53% worse in myopic eyes (3.30 ± 1.24 Weber index [%W]) than in nonmyopic eyes (2.16 ± .59 %W; P.001). Myopic eyes with PVD had 33% greater vitreous echodensity (815 ± 217 AU; P.001) and 62% degradation in CSF (3.63 ± 2.99 %W) compared to nonmyopic eyes with PVD (613 ± 159 AU; 2.24 ± 0.69 %W; P.001, each). Limited vitrectomy was performed in 11 of 40 cases (27.5%), normalizing vitreous echodensity and CSF in each case.Axial myopia is associated with increased fibrous vitreous liquefaction and echodensity, as well as profound degradation of CSF. PVD in myopic eyes is associated with even more structural and functional abnormalities, normalized by limited vitrectomy. These findings may explain some common complaints of myopic patients with respect to vision and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Time from symptom onset of testicular torsion to detorsion predicts likelihood of testicular salvage. We aimed to reduce time from door-to-incision to under 120 minutes a...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common complication following office-based lower urinary tract procedures. While the American Urological Association Best Practice St...

Background The personal health and professional impact of physician pregnancy requires further study. We performed a comprehensive scoping review of physician pregnancy to synthesize and assess the evidence to aid decision-making for relevant stakeholders. Methods A search of 7 databases resulted in 3733 citations. 407 manuscripts were included and scored for evidence level. Data were extracted into themes using template analysis. Results Physician pregnancy impacted colleagues through perceived increased workload and resulted in persistent stigmatization and discrimination despite work productivity and academic metrics being independent of pregnancy events. Maternity leave policies were inconsistent and largely unsatisfactory. Women physicians incurred occupational hazard risk and had high rates of childbearing delay, abortion, and fertility treatment; obstetric and fetal complication rates compared to controls are conflicting. Conclusions Comprehensive literature review found that physician pregnancy impacts colleagues, elicits negative perceptions of productivity, and is inadequately addressed by current parental leave policies. Data are poor and insufficient to definitively determine the impact of physician pregnancy on maternal and fetal health. Prospective risk-matched observational studies of physician pregnancy should be pursued.

Purpose Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) can been subdivided into tractional and degenerative subtypes. This cross-sectional cohort study compared structural and functional characteristics in these subtypes hypothesizing that tractional LMH has a higher prevalence of vitreopapillary adhesion and tangential traction (macular pucker), whereas degenerative LMH has more ellipsoid zone disruption and worse vision, measured three different ways. Methods Tractional LMH (n = 22) and degenerative LMH (n = 15) were distinguished by optical coherence tomography criteria. Separate spectral domain optical coherence tomography scanning of the macula and optic disk was performed. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity function (Weber Index, %W), and the degree of visual distortions (3-dimensional threshold Amsler grid; % volume lost [%VL]) were quantified. Results Vitreopapillary adhesion was present in 14/22 (64%) tractional, but in only 3/15 (20%) degenerative LMH (P = 0.006). Macular pucker was present in 19/22 (86%) tractional, but in only 8/15 (53%) degenerative LMH (P = 0.011). Ellipsoid zone disruption was present in 13/15 (87%) degenerative, but in only 2/22 (9%) tractional LMH (P = 0.0001). Visual acuity was better in tractional than degenerative LMH (P = 0.006), as was contrast sensitivity function (tractional = 3.44 ± 1.07 %W, degenerative = 4.66 ± 1.73 %W; P = 0.015). Visual distortions were less in tractional (0.33 ± 0.61 %VL) than in degenerative (0.85 ± 0.68 %VL) LMH (P = 0.014). Conclusion Structure and visual function differ significantly in subtypes of LMH. Tractional LMH has 3-fold higher prevalence of vitreopapillary adhesion and 2-fold higher prevalence of macular pucker. Degenerative LMH has 9-fold more ellipsoid zone disruption, worse visual acuity and contrast sensitivity function, and 3-fold more distortions. Thus, outer retinal integrity seems more closely correlated with vision than anterior structural abnormalities in LMH.

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser treatment is performed on vitreous floaters, but studies of structural and functional effects with objective outcome measures are lacking. This study evaluated Nd:YAG laser effects by comparing participants with vitreous floaters who previously underwent laser treatment with untreated control participants and healthy persons without vitreous floaters using quantitative ultrasonography to evaluate vitreous structure and by measuring visual acuity and contrast sensitivity function to assess vision.Retrospective, comparative study.One eye was enrolled for each of 132 participants: 35 control participants without vitreous floaters, 59 participants with untreated vitreous floaters, and 38 participants with vitreous floaters previously Nd:YAG-treated. Of these, 25 were dissatisfied and sought vitrectomy; 13 were satisfied with observation.The 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-39) to assess participant visual well-being, quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) to measure vitreous echodensity, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and contrast sensitivity function (CSF) to evaluate vision.Results of NEI-VFQ-39, QUS, BCVA, and CSF.Compared with control participants without vitreous floaters, participants with untreated vitreous floaters showed worse NEI-VFQ-39 results, 57% greater vitreous echodensity, and significant (130%) CSF degradation (P0.001 for each). Compared with untreated eyes with vitreous floaters, Nd:YAG-treated eyes had 23% less vitreous echodensity (P0.001), but no differences in NEI-VFQ-39 (P = 0.51), BCVA (P = 0.42), and CSF (P = 0.17) results. Of 38 participants with vitreous floaters who previously were treated with Nd:YAG, 25 were dissatisfied and seeking vitrectomy, whereas 13 were satisfied with observation. Participants seeking vitrectomy showed 24% greater vitreous echodensity (P = 0.018) and 52% worse CSF (P = 0.006). Multivariate linear regression models confirmed these findings.As a group, participants previously treated with Nd:YAG laser for bothersome vitreous floaters showed less dense vitreous, but similar visual function as untreated control participants with vitreous floaters. Because some treated eyes showed less dense vitreous and better visual function than those of untreated control participants, a prospective randomized study of Nd:YAG laser treatment of vitreous is warranted, using uniform laser treatment parameters and objective quantitative outcome measures.

Context A 2009 systematic review synthesized data between 1987 and 2007 and revealed a higher prevalence of smoking among sexual minority populations than among heterosexuals. Subsequently, growing attention to tobacco use among sexual minority populations has spurred more literature on this issue because higher tobacco use prevalence has been found in certain sexual minority subgroups relative to others. However, a population-level synthesis of tobacco use prevalence by sexual minority subgroup has not been done for the past decade. Evidence acquisition Investigators conducted a meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for U.S.-based studies published between 2007 and 2020 that specifically reported tobacco use prevalence among adults and separated the sexes and gays/lesbians versus bisexuals. Using random-effects models, meta-prevalence estimates, 95% CIs, and heterogeneity (I2) were calculated for each sexual minority subgroup. Evidence synthesis A total of 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The highest current cigarette use prevalence estimates were found among bisexual women (37.7%), followed by lesbians (31.7%), gay men (30.5%), and bisexual men (30.1%). Heterosexual men (21.0%) and women (16.6%) had the lowest prevalence. Conclusions Tobacco use prevalence among sexual minorities during 2007–2020 remained at similarly high levels as those during 1987–2007, and tobacco use disparity between sexual minorities and heterosexuals persisted in the past decade. Significant heterogeneity existed in tobacco use across sexual minority subgroups, with bisexual women having the highest prevalence. These findings are critical for increasing decision maker's awareness and action to address sexual minorities’ persistent high prevalence of tobacco use, particularly among bisexual women.

Clinical development of Hu5c8, a monoclonal antibody against CD40L intended for treatment of autoimmune disorders, was terminated due to unexpected thrombotic complications. These life-threatening side effects were not discovered during preclinical testing due to the lack of predictive models. In the present study, we describe the development of a microengineered system lined by human endothelium perfused with human whole blood, a "Vessel-Chip." The Vessel-Chip allowed us to evaluate key parameters in thrombosis, such as endothelial activation, platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, fibrin clot formation, and thrombin anti-thrombin complexes in the Chip-effluent in response to Hu5c8 in the presence of soluble CD40L. Importantly, the observed prothrombotic effects were not observed with Hu5c8-IgG2σ designed with an Fc domain that does not bind the FcγRIIa receptor, suggesting that this approach may have a low potential risk for thrombosis. Our results demonstrate the translational potential of Organs-on-Chips, as advanced microengineered systems to better predict human response.

Contrast sensitivity function (CSF) declines with age. When unassociated with cataracts, this is hypothesized to be due to macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thinning. However, other studies found associations with increased vitreous echodensity and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). We investigate the relationship between CSF, vitreous echodensity, PVD, and GCC thickness as related to age in the same subjects. Age, CSF (Weber index: %W), vitreous echodensity (quantitative ultrasonography [QUS]), lens status (phakia or pseudophakia), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and GCC thickness (SD-OCT) were evaluated in 57 eyes of 57 subjects with (n = 32, mean age = 62 years) and without (n = 25, mean age = 44 years) PVD (P

A computational model of vitreous oxygen consumption and transport predicts that limited vitrectomy will result in lower retrolental oxygen levels than extensive vitrectomy, and that higher retrolental oxygen would promote cataractogenesis. This study compared the incidence and timing of cataract surgery after limited versus extensive vitrectomy for vitreous opacities.Ninety-six phakic eyes in 75 patients (aged 55±14 years) underwent limited 25 G vitrectomy with preservation of 3 to 4 mm of retrolental vitreous and without surgical posterior vitreous detachment induction. Of these 96 eyes, 48 eyes in 37 patients (aged 56±14 years) had a minimum of 24 months' follow-up and were compared with 23 eyes from 18 patients (aged 63±8 years) who underwent extensive vitrectomy.Limited vitrectomy patients were older than extensive vitrectomy patients (P0.015), yet only 17 of 96 eyes (18%) required cataract surgery after limited vitrectomy (mean follow-up = 20±17 months). In eyes with a minimum follow-up of 24 months, 17 of 48 eyes (35%; age = 53-81 years) with limited vitrectomy required cataract surgery, versus 20 of 23 eyes (87%; age = 50-75 years) with extensive vitrectomy (P0.0001). Just before cataract surgery, visual acuity was comparable in each group (0.47±0.18 in the limited vitrectomy group vs. 0.54±0.30 in the extensive vitrectomy group; P = 0.23). Cataract surgery occurred an average of 12.4±5.1 months after limited vitrectomy, compared with 7.3±3.9 months after extensive vitrectomy (P0.002).The incidence of cataract surgery was lower after limited vitrectomy, which had a longer interval until cataract surgery compared with extensive vitrectomy. These findings are consistent with the computational model of oxygen consumption and transport and suggest clinical strategies to mitigate postvitrectomy cataractogenesis.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) on contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in previously normal eyes, with the hypothesis that PVD reduces CSF. Design Prospective observational case series. Methods At a single clinical practice 28 eyes were evaluated: 8 eyes of 8 adults (mean age 54.4 ± 10.1 years; range 39–68 years) with normal CSF documented by Freiburg Acuity Contrast Testing (Weber index: %W) who subsequently experienced PVD, as confirmed by ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography; 8 fellow eyes without PVD; and 12 control eyes: 9 eyes with PVD in patients who chose observation and 3 fellow eyes without PVD. Results At study entry there was no significant difference in CSF of fellow eye controls (mean 1.44 ± 0.27 %W; range 1.06–2.00 %W) and eyes that subsequently developed PVD (1.81 ± 0.61 %W; P = .146; range 1.01–2.69 %W). Following PVD there was a 52.5% reduction in CSF (2.76 ± 0.30 %W; P = .001; range 2.25–3.14 %W). CSF in the patients who chose limited vitrectomy (2.51 ± 0.46 %W; range 2.03–3.06 %W) was 41.8% worse than in the eyes with PVD of patients who chose observation (1.46 ± 0.21 %W; P = .001; range 1.08–1.87 %W). After vitrectomy, CSF improved by an average of 43.2%, normalizing in each case at 1 month (CSF 1.51 ± 0.28 %W; P = .001; range 1.14–2.00 %W), 3 months (1.38 ± 0.10 %W; P = .0002; range 1.28–1.51 %W), and 12 months (1.34 ± 0.34 %W; P = .0001; range 1.01–1.89 %W, n = 5) postoperatively, attaining the same CSF as the control fellow eyes (1.34 ± 0.20 %W; range 1.06–1.56 %W). Conclusion PVD is associated with significant reduction in CSF of previously normal eyes. This quantifiable negative impact on visual function can distinguish patients who are not significantly bothered by vitreous floaters from those with clinically significant symptoms.

To measure the effects of macular pucker (MP) on macular structure and quantify function by measuring visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and distortions. The effects of surgery were quantitatively evaluated using these measures.Prospective, comparative case series.Fifty-three patients with unilateral MP and normal fellow eyes: 24 operated MP subjects, 17 unoperated controls, and 12 reproducibility subjects.Posterior vitreous detachment was diagnosed by ultrasound and ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD) was determined by OCT, which also measured macular thickness and volume. Vision was assessed, by measuring VA (logMAR) and CS (Freiburg acuity contrast testing: Weber index, %W). A visual distortions index (%DI) was calculated using 3-dimensional threshold Amsler grid testing. Comparisons to controls were performed before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy/membrane peel without chromodissection.Posterior vitreous detachment (ultrasound), EZD (OCT), macular thickness and volume (OCT), VA (logMAR), CS (%W), distortions (%DI).Posterior vitreous detachment was present in 90% of MP eyes, but only 50% of fellow eyes (P 0.001). All structural and functional indices were worse (28% to 5-fold) in the 24 operated MP eyes than the 17 unoperated MP eyes (P0.001). Before surgery, EZD was present in 33% of operated MP eyes but none of the unoperated MP eyes (P0.02). The macula was thicker (514±85 μm vs. 257±59 μm; P0.001) with greater volume (3.22±0.56 μl vs. 2.14±0.22 μl; P0.001) in operated MP eyes than normal fellow eyes. Before surgery, MP eyes had VA = 0.53 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/67) vs. controls = 0.21 (20/32); P0.001; CS was 8.61±5.36 %W vs. controls = 3.71±1.47 %W (P0.001); and distortions were 7.61±12.6 %DI vs. controls = 0.13±0.61 %DI (P0.001). EZD was associated with worse VA (P0.01) and CS (P0.03) before and after surgery. Each outcome measure improved progressively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, but only %DI and macular volume normalized.These quantitative measures characterize the impact of MP on macular structure and function. All indices improved after surgery, but only distortions and macular volume normalized. Contrast sensitivity measurements and quantification of distortions can objectively assess visual dysfunction in MP and may be useful outcome measures of therapy.

To describe our institutional experience with cytoreductive/consolidative radical cystectomy (CCRC) for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) and to investigate clinicopathologic features predicting prolonged cancer specific survival (CSS) following CCRC. We performed IRB-approved review of our cystectomy database, and identified 43 patients with metastatic UC who underwent CCRC. Baseline demographics, chemotherapy regimen, clinicopathologic features, and perioperative complications were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS) and CSS were estimated from the time of CCRC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of improved CSS after CCRC. Of the 43 patients, 32 (74.4%) had clinical evidence of distant metastases, while 11 harbored occult metastases on the surgical specimen. The most common site of metastasis was the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, found in 30 patients. Solitary metastases were found in 22 patients (51.1%). Forty-one (95%) patients received chemotherapy prior to CCRC. Disease progression was detected in 35 patients after CCRC (median PFS 5.9 months), and 34 died of metastatic cancer (median CSS 12.3 months). On multivariate analysis, patients with solitary metastases were found to have improved CSS compared to those with multiple metastases (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.16–5.90, p = 0.02), with median CSS of 26.0 months vs. 7.9 months (p

Vitreous floaters can lower visual acuity (VA) and degrade contrast sensitivity function (CSF). Limited vitrectomy improves VA and normalizes CSF, but long-term results in a large series with objective quantitative outcome measures are lacking.Case series.One hundred ninety-five eyes of 145 patients (87 men, age = 57.6 ± 4.3 years; 58 women, age = 61.5 ± 12.0 years) reporting bothersome vitreous floaters were compared to 70 age-matched controls. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) alone was the cause in 96/195 (49.2%), myopic vitreopathy alone was the cause in 30/195 (15.4%), PVD with myopic vitreopathy was the cause in 56/195 (28.7%), and asteroid hyalosis was the cause in 13/195 eyes (6.7%).Limited vitrectomy with 25-gauge instruments was performed without surgical PVD induction, preserving 3 to 4 mm of retrolental vitreous in phakic eyes. Follow-up averaged 32.6 ± 23.5 months (range, 3-115 months), with 2 years or more in 144 eyes, 3 years or more in 69 eyes, 4 years or more in 51 eyes, and 5 years or more in 24 eyes.Visual acuity, 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ) results, CSF (Weber index), and quantitative ultrasonography results.After surgery, vitreous echodensity decreased by 94.1% (P0.0001) and VFQ results improved by 19.3% (P0.0001). Preoperative VA was 0.68 ± 0.21, improving to 0.77 ± 0.19 after surgery (P0.0001). Preoperative CSF was degraded by 91.3% compared with controls (P0.0001), normalizing at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after surgery (P0.00005 for each). There were no cases of endophthalmitis. There were 3 retinal tears and 3 retinal detachments that underwent successful repair. Clinically significant vitreous hemorrhage developed in 2 patients, clearing spontaneously. Two macular puckers and 4 recurrent floaters from new PVD were cured by re-operation. Cataract surgery occurred in 21 of 124 patients (16.9%; mean age, 64 ± 7 years; none younger than 53 years), an average of 13.1 ± 6.8 months after vitrectomy.Limited vitrectomy for Vision Degrading Vitreopathy decreases vitreous echodensity, improves patient well-being, improves VA, and normalizes CSF. The long-term efficacy and safety profiles suggest this may be a safe and effective treatment for clinically significant vitreous floaters, warranting a prospective randomized trial.

The purpose of this project is to test the effectiveness of using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) structural angles to increase the capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Two ½-scale beams with different reinforcement configurations were loaded to approximately twice the yield displacement, unloaded, and subsequently repaired and reloaded to failure. Results indicate that the PVC attachments increased the capacity of the beams by 10-15%. While the increase in strength was modest, it may be sufficient for cases in which only minor improvement is necessary and thus does not justify the high cost of other repair techniques.

524 Background: The strategy of surgical extirpation of the primary tumor in the setting of metastatic disease has gained acceptance for a variety of solid tumors. The role of cytoreductive/consolidative radical cystectomy (CCRC) for metastatic urothelial cancer (UC) is unknown. We aimed to describe our institutional experience with CCRC for metastatic UC and to investigate clinicopathologic features predicting prolonged cancer specific survival (CSS) following CCRC. Methods: We performed IRB approved review of our bladder cancer database, and identified 32 patients with metastatic cancer originating from the lower urinary tract who underwent CCRC. Of these, two patients had non−UC histology. Baseline demographics, regimen of chemotherapy, clinicopathologic features, and perioperative complications were collected. Progression free survival (PFS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) were estimated from the time of CCRC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of improved CSS after CCRC. Results: Of the 32 patients, 19 (59%) had clinical evidence of distant metastases, while 13 were found to harbor occult metastases on the surgical specimen. The most common site of metastasis was the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, found in 17 patients. Solitary metastases were found in 19 patients (59%). Twenty−eight (88%) patients received chemotherapy prior to CCRC. Disease progression was detected in 29 patients after CCRC (median PFS 4.5 mo), while 28 died of metastatic cancer (median CSS 11.7 mo). On multivariate analysis, patients with solitary metastases were found to have improved CSS compared to those with multiple metastases (HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.06−5.92, p = 0.04), with median CSS of 16.9 mo vs. 5.6 mo (p = 0.003). Median postoperative LOS was 10 days. Overall, 59% suffered postoperative complications, including one perioperative mortality. Conclusions: CCRC is feasible in the setting of metastatic UC, with comparable perioperative morbidity and mortality to RC with curative intent. Patients with solitary metastasis demonstrated longer CSS than those with multiple metastases, and should be considered candidates for future trials evaluating the role of CCRC for metastatic UC.

The strategy for the collection of information (i.e., data) for model development is called experimental design. Optimal design seeks to maximize the information content under constraints of time and sampling. In the system identification literature the dominant strategy has been the method of pseudo random sequences (PRS). However, this work demonstrates that statistical design of experiments (SDOE) can provide greater information content as quantitatively measured by the D-optimal criterion.

Patients with an acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) have extremely poor prognosis. Lung transplantation (LT) is not routinely performed in this group. Our study compares outcomes after LT in patients with IPF with and without an acute exacerbation at the time of LT. Of forty-one patients with IPF who underwent LT, fourteen were identified as having AE-IPF at the time of hospitalization. Descriptive statistics for the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test and the Fisher9s exact test. Survival data were evaluated using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier plots. Patients with AE-IPF had higher mean pulmonary artery pressures prior to LT (44.3 mmHg for AE-IPF, 27.0 mmHg for IPF, p = 0.002), and spent more days in hospital prior to LT (7.6 days for AE-IPF, 0.6 days for IPF, p = 0.004). Histological exam of explanted tissue showed diffuse alveolar damage on a interstitial pneumonia background, fibroblastic foci, and honeycombing. Secondary causes for exacerbation such as cytopathologic changes or evidence of chronic thromboemboli were not seen. The median hospital stay was 14.5 days for AE-IPF patients and 13.0 days for IPF patients (p = 0.762). The median ICU stay was 7 days for AE-IPF patients and 9 days for the IPF patients (p = 0.516). Median follow-up was 18 months (0 – 64 months). 90-day survival was 85.7% for the AE-IPF patients and 81.5% for the IPF patients (p = 0.678). One-year survival was 78.6% for the AE-IPF and 77.8% for the IPF groups, respectively (p = 0.865). In this cohort, similar clinical outcomes were observed in patients undergoing LT for AE-IPF and IPF. LT may be a viable option in patients with AE-IPF.

Combined Thoracic Organ and Liver Transplantation in Multi-Organ End-Stage Patients As a Successful Therapeutic Strategy B. Ramlawi, L.J. Garcia-Morales, J.D. Estep, H. Seethamraju, R.B. Kesavan, B.A. Bruckner, A.D. Parulekar, P.J. Kolodziejski, J. Nguyen, K.N. Chmielowiec, G.P. Noon, O. Gaber, M. Loebe. Cardiovascular Surgery, Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.