Fresh Pericardial Valved Conduit for Reconstruction of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract in Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Stenosis or Pulmonary Atresia—Early Results

Objective: To study early results of hand made fresh (autologous/homologous) pericardial valved conduit in achieving right ventricle to pulmonary artery continuity. Method: Between November 2014 and September 2015, 19 cases, with diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary stenosis (PS) or Pulmonary atresia (PA) underwent intracardiac repair and Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT) reconstruction with hand made fresh [autologous (n = 2)/ homologous (n = 17)] pericardial valved conduit. Mean age of the patients at time of surgery was 6.37 years (range 3 months to 18 years), mean weight was 18.52 kilograms (range 6 kg to 40 kg) and mean size of the conduit was 20.7 mm (range 16 mm to 24 mm). Results: All patients had a smooth post-operative course, with mean ICU (Intensive Care Unit) stay of 3.6 days (range 3 days to 6 days) and mean post-operative hospital stay 8.5 days (range 7 days to 16 days). Intra-operative and Post-operative echocardiography revealed moderate Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) in one patient, mild PR in 5 patients and no or trace PR in 13 patients. No patient has developed conduit stenosis or calcification till now. Conclusion: Autologous or homologous pericardial valved conduit provides good early results and is especially suitable for developing world because of zero cost. Long term usefulness of such option remains to be confirmed in terms of dilation, calcification and freedom from intervention.

Effect of safety valve types on the gas venting behavior and thermal runaway hazard severity of large-format prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries

The safety valve is an important component to ensure the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,the effect of safety valve type on the thermal runaway(TR)and gas venting behavior of LIBs,as well as the TR hazard severity of LIBs,are not known.In this paper,the TR and gas venting behavior of three 100 A h lithium iron phosphate(LFP)batteries with different safety valves are investigated under overheating.Compared to previous studies,the main contribution of this work is in studying and evaluating the effect of gas venting behavior and TR hazard severity of LFP batteries with three safety valve types.Two significant results are obtained:(Ⅰ)the safety valve type dominates over gas venting pressure of battery during safety venting,the maximum gas venting pressure of LFP batteries with a round safety valve is 3320 Pa,which is one order of magnitude higher than other batteries with oval or cavity safety valve;(Ⅱ)the LFP battery with oval safety valve has the lowest TR hazard as shown by the TR hazard assessment model based on gray-fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.This study reveals the effect of safety valve type on TR and gas venting,providing a clear direction for the safety valve design.

Safety and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cardiac surgery:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction and a common complication of patients after cardiac surgery,and may be a risk factor for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation,associated with a higher risk of readmission and higher mortality.Early mobilization in the ICU after cardiac surgery has been found to be low with a significant trend to increase over ICU stay and is also associated with a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is an alternative modality of exercise in patients with muscle weakness.A major advantage of NMES is that it can be applied even in sedated patients in the ICU,a fact that might enhance early mobilization in these patients.AIM To evaluate safety,feasibility and effectiveness of NMES on functional capacity and muscle strength in patients before and after cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a search on Pubmed,Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro),Embase and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and April 2023 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that included implementation of NMES in patients before after cardiac surgery.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the PEDro.The primary outcomes were safety and functional capacity and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and function.RESULTS Ten studies were included in our systematic review,resulting in 703 participants.Almost half of them performed NMES and the other half were included in the control group,treated with usual care.Nine studies investigated patients after cardiac surgery and 1 study before cardiac surgery.Functional capacity was assessed in 8 studies via 6MWT or other indices,and improved only in 1 study before and in 1 after cardiac surgery.Nine studies explored the effects of NMES on muscle strength and function and,most of them,found increase of muscle strength and improvement in muscle function after NMES.NMES was safe in all studies without any significant complication.CONCLUSION NMES is safe,feasible and has beneficial effects on muscle strength and function in patients after cardiac surgery,but has no significant effect on functional capacity.

Percutaneous aortic valve replacement using a W-model valved stent： a preliminary feasibility study in sheep

Background Percutaneous aortic valve replacement is a promising strategy in the treatment of patients with aortic valve stenosis. And many kinds of valved stents have been implanted in selected patients worldwide. However, the clinical experience is still limited. We developed a W-model valved stent and evaluated the feasibility and safety of percutaneous implantation of the device in the native aortic valve position.Methods A self expanding nitinol stent with W-model, containing porcine pericardium valves in its proximal part, was implanted in six sheep by means of a 14 French catheter through the right common iliac artery under guidance of fluoroscopy. During stent deployment the original aortic valve was pushed against the aortic wall by the self expanding force of the stent while the new valve was expanded. These sheep were followed up shortly after procedure with supra-aortic angiogram and left ventriculography. Additionally, one sheep was sacrificed after the procedure for anatomic evaluation.Results It was possible to replace the aortic valve in the beating heart in four sheep. The procedure failed in two sheep due to coronary orifice occlusion in one case and severe aortic valve regurgitation in the other case. One sheep was killed one hour after percutaneous aortic valve replacement for anatomic evaluation. There were no signs of damage of the aortic JntJma, or of obstruction of the coronary orifice,Conclusions Percutaneous aortic valve replacement with a W-model valved stent in the beating heart is possible. Further studies are mandatory to assess safety and efficacy of this kind of valved stent in larger sample size and by longer follow-up period.

Low-temperature characteristicsof rubbers and performance testsof type 120 emergencyvalve diaphragms

Purpose–The type 120 emergency valve is an essential braking component of railway freight trains,butcorresponding diaphragms consisting of natural rubber(NR)and chloroprene rubber(CR)exhibit insufficientaging resistance and low-temperature resistance,respectively.In order to develop type 120 emergency valverubber diaphragms with long-life and high-performance,low-temperatureresistant CR and NR were processed.Design/methodology/approach–The physical properties of the low-temperature-resistant CR and NRwere tested by low-temperature stretching,dynamic mechanical analysis,differential scanning calorimetryand thermogravimetric analysis.Single-valve and single-vehicle tests of type 120 emergency valves werecarried out for emergency diaphragms consisting of NR and CR.Findings–The low-temperature-resistant CR and NR exhibited excellent physical properties.The elasticityand low-temperature resistance of NR were superior to those of CR,whereas the mechanical properties of thetwo rubbers were similar in the temperature range of 0℃–150℃.The NR and CR emergency diaphragms metthe requirements of the single-valve test.In the low-temperature single-vehicle test,only the low-temperaturesensitivity test of the NR emergency diaphragm met the requirements.Originality/value–The innovation of this study is that it provides valuable data and experience for futuredevelopment of type 120 valve rubber diaphragms.

An in vivo model of in situ implantation using pulmonary valved conduit in large animals under off-pump condition

Background The application of pulmonary valved conduit to reconstruct the continuity between right ventricles and pulmonary artery is one of the major surgeries.This study aimed to establish an in vivo model of in situ implantation using pulmonary valved conduit in large animals under off-pump condition to validate the long-term effects of artificial pulmonary valved conduit.Methods Domesticate juvenile male sheep and tissue-engineered poorine pulmonary valved conduit were used for the experiment：30 sheep,weighing （15±3） kg （range 13 to 17 kg） were randomly divided into two groups which were all operated under general anesthesia by off-pump surgery （group 1） and left thoracotomy （group 2）.Two different off-pump surgical methods were used to perform cannulation in sheep pulmonary artery to replace part of sheep pulmonary artery with pulmonary valved conduit which will work together with sheep pulmonary artery and valves.During the experiments,animal survival,complication rates,operating time and blood loss were recorded to compare the results between groups and to establish a surgical method with minimal invasion,simplicity,safety,and high success rates.Results In group 1,a total of 15 cases of surgeries were performed,in which two sheep died; the operative mortality was 13.3％ （2/15）.In group 2,a total of 15 cases of surgeries were performed,and the surgical mortality rate was 0 （0/15）.The operation time and blood loss in group 2 was significantly better than that in group 1.The postoperative echocardiograms showed that,after the surgeries by these two methods,the blood flows were normal,and the valves can open and close freely.Autopsy after 6 months showed that the inner wall and the valves of pulmonary valved conduit were smooth with no thrombus formation.Conclusion These two off-pump methods are feasible and safe with fewer traumas; but the second method is better and particularly suitable for the establishment of a juvenile animal model.

Surgical outcome after complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve: comparison between bovine jugular vein-valved conduit and monocusp-valve patch

Background The prognosis of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve (TOF/APV) without operation is poor. We evaluated the surgical outcome of TOF/APV in a single center. Methods Twenty-two TOF/APV patients underwent complete surgical correction in our hospital. Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction was performed using bovine jugular vein (BJV)-valved conduit implantation (n=10), homograft-valved conduit implantation (n=2), or monocusp-valve patch (n=10). Health-related quality of life (QOL) was evaluated during follow-up. Results The overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 86.4±7.3% (confidence interval 69.4–97.2%). The survival rates were significantly different between patients with and without bronchial stenosis (40 and 100%, P=0.0003, log-rank test). The survival of patients aged>6 months was higher than those≤6 months (100 vs. 40%, P=0.0003, log-rank test). Patients with BJV-valved conduits had higher systolic gradients from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery (RV–PA) compared to those with monocusp-valve patches. BJV-valved conduit implantation was a risk factor for post-operative pulmonary-valve stenosis. The QOL score for patients with BJV-valved conduits was lower than those with monocusp-valve patches (P<0.05). No reoperation was performed during follow-up. Conclusions Bronchial stenosis and lower age (≤6 months) were the main factors influencing post-operative survival. The use of a BJV-valved conduit was a main reason for RV–PA restenosis;thus, the use of a BJV-valved conduit may increase the need for repeat intervention and decrease the post-operative quality of life.

The use of fluoroscopy for detecting hypertensive lung edema due to prosthetic valve dysfunction: a case report

Heart valve diseases affect more than one hundred million people around the world,which are a serious cause of illness and mortality.[1]Among the valve diseases,mitral valve insufficiency ranks second in the list of valve diseases requiring surgical repair in Europe.[2]Prosthetic valve replacement is the standard treatment in cases where repair is not sufficient for valve diseases.[3]Mechanical and bioprosthetic valves can be preferred for replacement,mechanical valves are more durable and require lifelong use of anticoagulants.The disadvantage of bioprosthetic valves is early degeneration,and infective reoperation is required due to the formation of endocarditis.[4-5]The risk of thromboembolism,lifetime anticoagulant use and complications related to anticoagulation remain disadvantages of valve surgery.[3]The most important complication requiring urgent intervention is valve dysfunction due to thrombosis.It usually occurs due to inappropriate use of the anticoagulants.[6]Surgical treatment is used for severe obstructions,such as thrombi larger than 10 mm.Thrombolytic therapy can be applied in small thrombi and in cases where surgical intervention is risky.

Psychological Status and Warfarin Therapy in Patients after Valve Replacement during the COVID-19 Pandemic:A Cross-sectional Study

Objective The standardization of warfarin anticoagulant therapy is the key to lifelong treatment for patients after heart valve replacement.The present study explored the possible risk factors for anxiety and depression during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic and analyzed the influence of psychological state on medication safety.Methods Eligible patients received a web-based questionnaire survey via the Wenjuanxing platform during outpatient visits.Depression was evaluated by the Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS).Anxiety was evaluated by the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS).Medication adherence was evaluated by the Morisky scale.Results A total of 309 patients(aged 52.2±11.4 years)were included in the present study.The SDS score of all included patients was 36.9±9.4 points,of which 11(3.6%)patients were diagnosed as having depression.The SAS score of all included patients was 43.1±9.3 points,of which 71(23%)patients were diagnosed as having anxiety.Seven patients(2.3%)had both anxiety and depression.Logistic regression analysis revealed that only monthly income was an independent influencing factor for depression.Regarding anxiety,patients who underwent repeated operations had a 2.264-fold greater risk,and patients who received combination medication had a 2.140-fold greater risk.More bleeding events and coagulation disorders could be observed in patients with anxiety,depression or both.When anxiety occurred,patients showed worse medication adherence.However,depression had no significant effect on medication adherence.Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic,the detection rate of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression was high,which seriously affected the medication safety of warfarin.Analysis of its influencing factors will provide a reference for further standardized regulation of warfarin anticoagulant therapy after valve replacement.

Electric-controlled pressure relief valve for enhanced safety in liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery packs

The liquid-cooled battery energy sto rage system(LCBESS) has gained significant attention due to its superior thermal management capacity.However,liquid-cooled battery pack(LCBP) usually has a high sealing level above IP65,which can trap flammable and explosive gases from battery thermal runaway and cause explosions.This poses serious safety risks and challenges for LCBESS.In this study,we tested overcharged battery inside a commercial LCBP and found that the conventionally mechanical pressure relief valve(PRV) on the LCBP had a delayed response and low-pressure relief efficiency.A realistic 20-foot model of an energy storage cabin was constructed using the Flacs finite element simulation software.Comparative studies were conducted to evaluate the pressure relief efficiency and the influence on neighboring battery packs in case of internal explosions,considering different sizes and installation positions of the PRV.Here,a newly developed electric-controlled PRV integrated with battery fault detection is introduced,capable of starting within 50 ms of the battery safety valve opening.Furthermore,the PRV was integrated with the battery management system and changed the battery charging and discharging strategy after the PRV was opened.Experimental tests confirmed the efficacy of this method in preventing explosions.This paper addresses the safety concerns associated with LCBPs and proposes an effective solution for explosion relief.

A novel mouse model of calcific aortic valve stenosis

Background:Calcific aortic valve stenosis(CAVS)is one of the most challenging heart diseases in clinical with rapidly increasing prevalence.However,study of the mecha-nism and treatment of CAVS is hampered by the lack of suitable,robust and efficient models that develop hemodynamically significant stenosis and typical calcium deposi-tion.Here,we aim to establish a mouse model to mimic the development and features of CAVS.Methods:The model was established via aortic valve wire injury(AVWI)combined with vitamin D subcutaneous injected in wild type C57/BL6 mice.Serial transthoracic echocardiography was applied to evaluate aortic jet peak velocity and mean gradi-ent.Histopathological specimens were collected and examined in respect of valve thickening,calcium deposition,collagen accumulation,osteogenic differentiation and inflammation.Results:Serial transthoracic echocardiography revealed that aortic jet peak velocity and mean gradient increased from 7 days post model establishment in a time depend-ent manner and tended to be stable at 28 days.Compared with the sham group,sim-ple AVWI or the vitamin D group,the hybrid model group showed typical pathological features of CAVS,including hemodynamic alterations,increased aortic valve thicken-ing,calcium deposition,collagen accumulation at 28 days.In addition,osteogenic dif-ferentiation,fibrosis and inflammation,which play critical roles in the development of CAVS,were observed in the hybrid model.Conclusions:We established a novel mouse model of CAVS that could be induced efficiently,robustly and economically,and without genetic intervention.It provides a fast track to explore the underlying mechanisms of CAVS and to identify more effec-tive pharmacological targets.

Switching Frequency Improvement of a High Speed on/off Valve Based on Pre-excitation Control Algorithm

The high-speed on/off valve(HSV)serves as the fundamental component responsible for generating discrete fluids within digital hydraulic systems.As the switching frequency of the HSV increases,the properties of the generated discrete fluid approach those of continuous fluids.Therefore,a higher frequency response characteristic of HSV is the key to ensure the control accuracy of digital hydraulic systems.However,the current research mainly focuses on its dynamic performance,but neglect its FRC.This paper presents a theoretical analysis demonstrating that the FRC of the HSV can be enhanced by minimizing its switching time.The maximum switching frequency(MSF)is mainly determined by opening dynamic performance when HSV operates with low switching duty ratio(SDR),whereas the closing dynamic performance limits the MSF when HSV operates with high SDR.Building upon these findings,the pre-excitation control algorithm(PECA)is proposed to reduce the switching time of the HSV,and consequently enhance its FRC.Experimental results demonstrate that PECA shortens the opening delay time of HSV by 1.12 ms,the closing delay time by 2.54 ms,and the closing moving time by 0.47 ms in comparison to the existing advanced control algorithms.As a result,a larger MSF of 417 Hz and a wider controllable SDR range from 20%to 70%were achieved at a switching frequency of 250 Hz.Thus,the proposed PFCA in this paper has been verified as an effective and promising approach for enhancing the control performance of digital hydraulic systems.

Isogeometric Analysis of Hyperelastic Material Characteristics for Calcified Aortic Valve

This study explores the implementation of computed tomography(CT)reconstruction and simulation techniques for patient-specific valves,aiming to dissect the mechanical attributes of calcified valves within transcatheter heart valve replacement(TAVR)procedures.In order to facilitate this exploration,it derives pertinent formulas for 3D multi-material isogeometric hyperelastic analysis based on Hounsfield unit(HU)values,thereby unlocking foundational capabilities for isogeometric analysis in calcified aortic valves.A series of uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests is executed to obtain an accurate constitutive model for calcified active valves.To mitigate discretization errors,methodologies for reconstructing volumetric parametric models,integrating both geometric and material attributes,are introduced.Applying these analytical formulas,constitutive models,and precise analytical models to isogeometric analyses of calcified valves,the research ascertains their close alignment with experimental results through the close fit in displacement-stress curves,compellingly validating the accuracy and reliability of the method.This study presents a step-by-step approach to analyzing themechanical characteristics of patient-specific valves obtained fromCT images,holding significant clinical implications and assisting in the selection of treatment strategies and surgical intervention approaches in TAVR procedures.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk young population:A double edge sword?

Since the advent of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)in 2002,it has now become the default interventional strategy for symptomatic patients presenting with severe aortic stenosis,particularly in intermediate to highsurgical risk patients.In 2019,the United States Food and Drug Administration approved TAVR in low-risk patients based on two randomized trials.However,these breakthrough trials excluded patients with certain unfavorable anatomies and odd profiles.While currently there is no randomized study of TAVR in young patients,it may be preferred by the young population given the benefits of early discharge,shorter hospital stay,and expedite recovery.Nonetheless,it is important to ruminate various factors including lifetime expectancy,risk of pacemaker implantation,and the need for future valve or coronary interventions in young cohorts before considering TAVR in these patients.Furthermore,the data on long-term durability(>10 years)of TAVR is still unknown given most of the procedures were initially performed in the high or prohibitive surgical risk population.Thus,this editorial aims to highlight the importance of considering an individualized approach in young patients with consideration of various factors including lifetime expectancy while choosing TAVR against surgical aortic valve replacement.

Bicuspidization Using the Open-Sleeve Technique for Congenital Aortic Stenosis during Infancy

Congenital aortic stenosis(cAS)frequently requires intervention during the neonatal or infantile period.However,surgical repair is challenging because of the narrow surgical space.We performed bicuspidization using the open-sleeve technique for cAS with a unicuspid aortic valve in two patients.Postoperatively,the patients were doing well without reintervention for the aortic valve for 8 and 6 years,respectively.Their aortic annular diameter increased along with somatic growth.Bicuspidization for neonates or infancy can be performed safely using the open-sleeve technique as its midterm results have been satisfactory.

Quality of life and functional capacity in patients after cardiac surgery intensive care unit

Coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis are prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide,leading to morbidity and mortality.Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)have therapeutic benefits,including improved postoperative quality of life(QoL)and enhanced patient functional capacity which are key indicators of cardiac surgery outcome.In this article,we review the latest studies of QoL outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.Many standardized instruments are used to evaluate QoL and functional conditions.Preoperative health status,age,length of intensive care unit stay,operative risk,type of procedure,and other pre-,intra-,and postoperative factors affect postoperative QoL.Elderly patients experience impaired physical status soon after cardiac surgery,but it improves in the following period.CABG and SAVR are associated with increases of physical and mental health and functional capacity in the immediate postoperative and the long long-term.Cardiac rehabilitation improves patient functional capacity,QoL,and frailty following cardiac surgery.

Evaluation of mitral chordae tendineae length using four-dimensional computed

BACKGROUND Mitral valvuloplasty using artificial chordae tendineae represents an effective surgical approach for treating mitral regurgitation.Achieving precise measurements of artificial chordae tendineae length(CL)is an important factor in the procedure;however,no objective index currently exists to facilitate this measurement.Therefore,preoperative assessment of CL is critical for surgical planning and support.Four-dimensional x-ray micro-computed tomography(4D-CT)may be useful for accurate CL measurement considering that it allows for dynamic three-dimensional(3D)evaluation compared to that with transthoracic echocardiography,a conventional inspection method.AIM To investigate the behavior and length of mitral chordae tendineae during systole using 4D-CT.METHODS Eleven adults aged>70 years without mitral valve disease were evaluated.A 64-slice CT scanner was used to capture 20 phases in the cardiac cycle in electrocardiographic synchronization.The length of the primary chordae tendineae was measured from early systole to early diastole using the 3D image.The primary chordae tendineae originating from the anterior papillary muscle and attached to the A1-2 region and those from the posterior papillary muscle and attached to the A2-3 region were designated as cA and cP,respectively.The behavior and maximum lengths[cA(ma),cP(max)]were compared,and the correlation with body surface area(BSA)was evaluated.RESULTS In all cases,the mitral anterior leaflet chordae tendineae could be measured.In most cases,the cA and cP chordae tendineae could be measured visually.The mean cA(max)and cP(max)were 20.2 mm±1.95 mm and 23.5 mm±4.06 mm,respectively.cP(max)was significantly longer.The correlation coefficients(r)with BSA were 0.60 and 0.78 for cA(max)and cP(max),respectively.Both cA and cP exhibited constant variation in CL during systole,with a maximum 1.16-fold increase in cA and a 1.23-fold increase in cP from early to mid-systole.For cP,CL reached a plateau at 15%and remained elongated until end-systole,whereas for cA,after peaking at 15%,CL shortened slightly and then moved toward its peak again as end-systole approached.CONCLUSION The study suggests that 4D-CT is a valuable tool for accurate measurement of both the length and behavior of chordae tendineae within the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

Navigating postoperative complications:Uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

Altwijri and Alsirhy reported a case of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome after an Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation surgery in an advanced primary open-angle glaucoma patient,being the first ever recorded of its kind.The author describes the position of the tube as the origin of the anterior chamber inflam-mation and hyphema,which resolved shortly after shortening and relocating it.This publication emphasizes the importance of precise implant positioning and close-up patient follow-up after glaucoma filtration surgery as an important standard for healthcare providers.

Rates, predictors, and causes of readmission after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)is a revolutionary procedure for severe aortic stenosis.The coexistence of chronic kidney disease(CKD)and TAVR introduces a challenge that significantly impacts patient outcomes.AIM To define readmission rates,predictors,and causes after TAVR procedure in CKD stage 1-4 patients.METHODS We used the national readmission database 2018 and 2020 to look into readmission rates,causes and predictors after TAVR procedure in patients with CKD stage 1-4.RESULTS Out of 24758 who underwent TAVR and had CKD,7892(32.4%)patients were readmitted within 90 days,and had higher adjusted odds of being females(adjusted odds ratio:1.17,95%CI:1.02-1.31,P=0.02)with longer length of hospital stay>6 days,and more comorbidities including but not limited to diabetes mellitus,anemia,and congestive heart failure(CHF).CONCLUSION Most common causes of readmission included CHF(18.0%),sepsis,and complete atrioventricular block.Controlling readmission predictors with very close followup is warranted to prevent such high rate of readmission.

Uveitis glaucoma hyphema syndrome as a result of glaucoma implant: A case report

BACKGROUND Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure(IOP)that damages the optic nerve,leading to blindness.The Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV)is a glau-coma drainage implant device that is used in glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP.A possible complication after any ocular surgery however is hyphema,which can itself progress to uveitis glaucoma hyphema(UGH)syndrome on rare occasions.UGH syndrome has not yet been reported as a complication of AGV implantation.CASE SUMMARY Here,we have reported a case of a 55-year-old female who developed both hyphema and pigmentation as a result of AGV implantation.We confirmed UGH syndrome secondary to AGV implantation after the patient underwent another surgery to shorten and reposition the AGV tube.After the second surgery,the patient’s IOP was reduced,and she had a clear cornea and no signs of hyphema.CONCLUSION This first report of UGH syndrome as a complication of AGV implantation reminds clinicians that frequent follow-up is paramount.