This study aims to evaluate the application of flower petal-structured electrodes in pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology, with a particular focus on their performance in myocardial tissue ablation. Through a combination of simulation techniques and in vitro experiments, the study investigates the effects of different voltage levels, electrode-to-tissue contact distances, and their impact on ablation depth, continuity, and transmurality. The research methods include the construction of a myocardial tissue simulation model, electric field distribution simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics, and in vitro ablation experiments on potato tissue. The results indicate that as voltage increases, the ablation depth significantly increases. At a voltage of 2500 V, a transmural ablation depth of 4 mm can be achieved, and the ablation area remains relatively continuous. The in vitro experiments confirm the consistency of the simulation results, and pulsed field ablation does not induce significant temperature rise, confirming its non-thermal characteristic. The conclusion suggests that PFA technology requires less electrode contact and offers higher ablation efficiency, providing a new technological pathway for the clinical treatment of atrial fibrillation and effectively reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional ablation techniques.
Electrodes ; Catheter Ablation/instrumentation* ; Computer Simulation ; Flowers ; Atrial Fibrillation/surgery* ; Myocardium

A 40-year-old, gravida 3 para 2 (1-1-0-2), previous primary cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status, presented at a tertiary hospital for confirmation of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed a CSP at 8 2/7 weeks age of gestation with good embryonic cardiac activity, raising concern for early placenta accreta spectrum. A multidisciplinary team composed of an obstetrician, advanced pelvic surgeon, urologist, and anesthesiologist managed the patient. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy, as the patient has a completed family size. Before the procedure, she was given cefuroxime as prophylactic antibiotic. Intraoperatively, there were dense adhesions between the posterior bladder wall and the previous cesarean section scar. Inadvertent injury to the bladder wall was incurred during adhesiolysis. Cystorrhaphy was done by a urologist, while the rest of the surgery was unremarkable, with a 450 ml estimated blood loss. The postoperative course was unremarkable. Bladder rest was achieved by maintaining an indwelling Foley catheter, which remained in place upon discharge on postoperative day 3 and was continued for 7 days thereafter. At follow-up, a successful voiding trial was conducted, confirming the return of normal bladder function.

Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Cesarean Section ; Salpingectomy ; Hysterectomy ; Fetal Distress ; Placenta Accreta ; Cefuroxime ; Catheters ; Cicatrix

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, with developing countries such as the Philippines facing particularly severe impacts due to resource limitations. The most affected by AMR is Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs), including Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs). These are commonly associated with biofilm-forming bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis, which complicates treatment due to antibiotic resistance. The Philippine variety of Psidium guajava, a folklorically used medicinal plant, has shown potential antimicrobial properties that could offer a new avenue for combating resistant pathogens.

METHODS

This study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of crude Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extracts (PGELE) against biofilm-forming S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228). PGELE was tested at five concentrations (ranging from 312.5 µg/mL to 10,000 µg/mL) using two-fold serial dilution to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) using agar dilution count method. For the Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) and Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC), crude PGELE was tested at 0.25 x MIC, 0.5 x MIC, MIC, 2 x MIC and 4 x MIC.

RESULTS

The MIC for PGELE against S. epidermidis was determined to be 2500 µg/mL, and the MBC was 5000 µg/mL, indicating that PGELE exhibits bactericidal activity. In biofilm assays, PGELE demonstrated strong antibiofilm activity at concentrations as low as 625 µg/ mL, inhibiting biofilm formation by more than 50%. However, PGELE did not eradicate preformed biofilms, as indicated by the MBEC results at concentrations ranging from 625 µg/mL to 10,000 µg/mL.

CONCLUSION

Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extracts exhibit antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against S. epidermidis, particularly in preventing biofilm formation. These findings suggest that PGELE could be developed as an effective natural antimicrobial agent for use in healthcare settings to prevent CRBSIs and other infections caused by biofilm-forming pathogens. Further research and development are warranted to explore the potential of PGELE for antimicrobial drug development.

Plants ; Bacteria ; Staphylococcus Epidermidis ; Catheter-related Infections ; Psidium Guajava ; Psidium

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of submucous radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate, and to provide a clinical basis for the surgical treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. Methods:Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and allergic rhinitis who were admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 and underwent bilateral submucous radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate and radiofrequency ablation of the adenoid tonsil were included in the study. Observational and statistical indexes were used to evaluate the curative effect. Results:A total of 51 cases were included in this study, and 43 cases were followed up for half a year. Submucous radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate plus radiofrequency ablation of the adenoid tonsil achieved a good effect （total effective rate 93%）, and there was a statistically significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative symptoms of the children（P<0.05）. There were no complications such as bleeding, Eustachian tube injury, nasal adhesion, or nasal dryness. Conclusion:Under the premise of strict control of surgical indications, children with allergic rhinitis can be treated surgically. Inferior turbinate submucous radiofrequency ablation is more minimally invasive, effective, and safe, and can be used in clinical practice.
Humans ; Turbinates/surgery* ; Rhinitis, Allergic/surgery* ; Radiofrequency Ablation/methods* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Catheter Ablation ; Adolescent

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of the coblation resection of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts under self-retaining laryngoscopy. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 22 patients with lingual thyroglossal duct cysts admitted to our hospital from December 2016 to December 2023. There were 16 males and 6 females, aged 2 years to 12 years and 3 months（mean: 4 years 1 month; median: 3 years 3 months）. The lingual thyroglossal duct cysts were removed by coblation under self-retaining laryngoscopy. If the cysts could not be removed completely, the epithelial cells of the remaining cysts would be ablated. Results:There were 22 cases of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts，13 cases （59.1%） of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts had laryngeal stridor and dyspnea. The postoperative follow-up period is 3 months to 7 years. 11 cases （50.0%） underwent secondary laryngoscopic evaluation.There were 4 cases of recurrence （18.2%）, with no laryngeal obstruction,bleeding, or nerve damage. Conclusion:Laryngeal stridor and dyspnea are the main clinical symptoms of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts in children. The coblation resection of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts under self-retaining laryngoscopy is safe and effective. Cyst recurrence correlates strongly with residual cyst walls, emphasizing the need for enhanced intraoperative visualization and refined surgical precision.
Humans ; Thyroglossal Cyst/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Laryngoscopy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Catheter Ablation/methods*

Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the most severe complication of indwelling intravascular catheters and one of the most common causes of intensive care unit (ICU)- or hospital-acquired infections. Once CLABSI occurs, it significantly increases the risk of mortality, long of hospital stay, and healthcare economic burden. In recent years, multiple large-scale clinical studies on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CLABSI have been completed, providing evidence-based medical support for related practices. Additionally, evolving global trends in antibiotic resistance epidemiology and the development of novel antimicrobial agents necessitate adjustments in clinical management strategies. Based on these developments, the Chinese Society of Critical Care Medicine has updated and revised the Guideline on the Prevention and Treatment of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections (2007). This guideline was developed following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system for evidence quality assessment. Guided by clinical questions, the working group initiated the process by defining key clinical issues, conducting literature searches, screening studies, performing meta-analyses, and synthesizing evidence-based findings to draft preliminary recommendations. These recommendations underwent iterative revisions through expert panel reviews, remote and in-person meetings, and two rounds of voting by the Standing Committee of the Chinese Society of Critical Care Medicine before finalization. The guideline comprises 52 recommendations, focusing on adult patients with central venous catheters in ICU. Key areas addressed include: selection of catheter insertion sites and techniques, catheter type and design, catheter management, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CLABSI. The guideline aims to provide ICU healthcare professionals with best practices for central line management, ensuring standardized clinical protocols for adult CLABSI.
Humans ; Catheter-Related Infections/therapy* ; Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects* ; Bacteremia/therapy* ; Intensive Care Units ; Cross Infection/prevention & control*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in indwelling duration, clinical scenarios, and complications between the modified midline catheter (MMC) and the central venous catheter (CVC) in the treatment of patients in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) and the risk factors for complications based on real-world data. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The adult patients admitted to the medical ICU of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and had undergone placement of either a MMC or a CVC between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, were consecutively enrolled by querying the hospital's electronic medical record system. Based on the type of catheter inserted, the patients were divided into the MMC group and the CVC group. The two groups were compared regarding the selection of catheters in the context of different underlying diseases, the actual clinical application after catheterization, catheter-related complications, the international normalized ratio (INR) and platelet count (PLT) during puncture and catheterization, the length of ICU stay, total length of hospital stay, catheter indwelling duration, and mortality during hospitalization. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors for catheter removal. RESULTS: Among the 274 patients, 52 received a MMC and 222 received a CVC. The utilization rate of MMC was significantly higher than that of CVC in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cardiovascular disease, and cancer [ARDS: 92.3% (48/52) vs. 70.3% (156/222), cardiovascular disease: 84.6% (44/52) vs. 54.5% (121/222), cancer: 30.8% (16/52) vs. 17.1% (38/222), all P < 0.05]. However, the use of MMC was significantly lower than CVC when vasoactive drug infusion was required [57.7% (30/52) vs. 79.7% (177/222), P < 0.05]. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the MMC group had a catheter indwelling time ≥ 12 days as compared with the CVC group [32.7% (17/52) vs. 13.5% (30/222), P < 0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences in other underlying diseases, venous access usage, INR and PLT during puncture and catheterization, length of ICU stay, total length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality of patients between the two groups. Regarding catheter-related complications, although the incidence of partial or complete catheter removal in the MMC group was significantly higher than that in the CVC group [36.5% (19/52) vs. 5.4% (12/222), P < 0.05], the incidence of puncture site fluid leakage, puncture site skin allergy, and deep vein thrombosis were significantly lower than those in the CVC group [puncture site fluid leakage: 1.9% (1/52) vs. 22.1% (49/222), puncture site skin allergy: 0% (0/52) vs. 20.7% (46/222), deep vein thrombosis: 3.8% (2/52) vs. 16.7% (37/222), all P < 0.05]. Furthermore, the proportion of patients experiencing three or more types of complications in the MMC group was significantly lower than that in the CVC group [5.8% (3/52) vs. 17.6% (39/222), P < 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for catheter removal identified the use of a MMC [odds ratio (OR) = 8.518, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 3.710-19.560, P < 0.001] and a catheter indwelling time ≥ 12 days (OR = 3.133, 95%CI was 1.297-7.567, P = 0.011) as independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS MMC was more frequently used in patients with ARDS, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, whereas CVC was primarily employed for vasoactive drug infusion. The use of MMC and a longer indwelling time were identified as independent risk factors for catheter removal. Despite a higher removal rate, the overall incidence of complications was significantly lower with MMC than with CVC. These findings suggest that MMC could serve as a routine alternative to CVC in most of clinical scenarios, provided that measures are implemented to prevent removal.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Intensive Care Units ; Catheterization, Central Venous/methods* ; Central Venous Catheters ; Risk Factors ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Catheters, Indwelling ; Aged

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has emerged as a major global cardiovascular disease in the 21st century. In China, there are greater than 12 million patients with AF, and its incidence continues to rise. AF affects patients' quality of life and significantly increases the risks of mortality, stroke, heart failure, cognitive impairment, and dementia. In recent years, multiple clinical guidelines have expanded the indications for catheter ablation and raised its level of recommendation. Concurrently, there has been a rapid and sustained increase in the number of AF ablation procedures performed across China. Among these, radiofrequency catheter ablation remains the most used method. Consequently, the Chinese Heart Rhythm Society of the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering, in collaboration with 40 arrhythmia centers and 60 leading clinical experts specializing in AF catheter ablation, developed a comprehensive set of standards. These standards were developed based on extensive clinical experience accumulated in recent years and the latest national and international AF guidelines and consensus documents. They address five critical domains: periprocedural management, intra-atrial septal puncture, anatomical reconstruction and electroanatomic mapping, ablation, and complication identification and management. By providing a structured framework, these standards aim to guide AF catheter ablation practice, thereby enhancing procedural safety and efficacy.
Humans ; Catheter Ablation/standards* ; Atrial Fibrillation/surgery* ; China

This study aims to improve the quality of clinical treatment and nursing care to standardize perioperative management for patients with liver tumors undergoing co-ablation system therapy. The Committee of Ablation Therapy in Oncology, China Anti-Cancer Association; the Expert Committee on Ablation Therapy; Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO); and the Committee of Interventional, Perioperative, and Interventional Physician Branch of Chinese Medical Doctors Association organized medical and nursing experts in China. Based on the clinical practice of co-ablation system therapy in China and relevant domestic literature, an expert consensus about perioperative management was developed. The expert consensus included the key points of perioperative management, prevention, and care of complications; discharge guidance; and follow-up management for patients undergoing co-ablation system therapy of liver tumors. The consensus on the perioperative management of co-ablation system therapy for liver tumors has finally been formulated, serving as a reference and application for medical personnel in relevant fields based on hospital and patient conditions in clinical work.
Humans ; Liver Neoplasms/surgery* ; Perioperative Care ; Consensus ; Catheter Ablation

Image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) has been widely used in the treatment of liver tumors. MRI-guided thermal ablation of liver tumors offers several advantages, including the absence of ionizing radiation; excellent soft-tissue contrast; multi-parametric and multiplanar imaging; non-invasive, real-time temperature monitoring of the thermal field during the procedure; and accurate post-procedural assessment of therapeutic efficacy. To standardize and promote MRI-guided thermal ablation for liver tumors in China, advance the technological development of IGTA for tumor treatment, and enhance the efficacy of "precision ablation" for hepatic tumors, this expert consensus (2025 edition) was collaboratively developed by national experts from multiple societies and committees through multidisciplinary discussions. The contributing groups included the Society of Tumor Ablation Therapy of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, the Ablation Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), the Tumor Ablation Subgroup of the National Health Commission Comprehensive Interventional Therapy Quality Control Center, the Expert Group on Tumor Ablation Therapy of the Chinese Medical Doctors Association, and the Tumor Ablation Committee of the Chinese College of Interventionalists. The main contents of the consensus include: (1) indications, contraindications, and characteristics of MRI-guided thermal ablation for liver tumors; (2) MRI magnets, guidance sequences, and MRI-compatible thermal ablation equipment and instruments; and (3) protocols for MRI-guided thermal ablation of liver tumors, efficacy assessment, and the prevention and management of complications.
Humans ; Liver Neoplasms/surgery* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Consensus ; China ; Catheter Ablation/methods* ; Ablation Techniques/methods* ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted