Objective: To evaluate the performance of the left atrial time-to-peak (TTP) derived from time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography (TR-MRA) as a noninvasive indicator of left atrial pressure (LAP) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 92 patients who underwent cardiac TR-MRA and catheter-based LAP measurements prior to catheter ablation for AF between January 2021 and December 2022. TR-MRA–derived TTP was measured in the left atrium using contrast-enhanced time-signal intensity curves. Catheter-based LAP measured during sinus rhythm served as the reference standard, with high LAP defined as ≥15 mmHg. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed, with LAP as the dependent variable and echocardiographic parameters as covariates. The diagnostic performance of TTP for high LAP was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Among the 92 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 60 ± 10 years; 70 male), 70 (76.0%) had low LAP, and 22 (23.9%) had high LAP. Mean TTP was significantly longer in patients with high LAP than in those with low LAP (25.1 ± 6.9 s vs.16.9 ± 5.7 s, P < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression analysis, TTP remained independently associated with LAP (β = 0.46, P < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated good discriminative performance of TTP for identifying high LAP, with an area under the curve of 0.834 (95% confidence interval, 0.742–0.904). Using a TTP cutoff of >19.6 seconds, the sensitivity and specificity for identifying elevated LAP levels were 81.8% (18/22) and 75.7% (53/70), respectively. Conclusion TR-MRA–derived TTP showed a significant independent association with invasively measured LAP. It may serve as a reliable noninvasive imaging marker for identifying high LAP in patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation.

The trend toward miniaturization and multi-functionalization of implantable medical devices is shifting the paradigm of medicine from treatment to prevention and precision management; however, it faces a bottleneck due to the energy density limits of batteries. Existing power transfer technologies based on electromagnetic induction or radio frequency cause rapid efficiency degradation and electromagnetic interference issues in micro-scale devices. This paper reviews laser-based optical wireless power transfer technology as an innovative alternative to these issues, with particular emphasis on its potential medical applications. We provide an in-depth analysis of strategies to maximize penetration depth using near-infrared windows and light propagation characteristics within biological tissue, optimization of conversion efficiency through bandgap engineering of silicon (Si) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) based photovoltaic cells, and the latest wavefront shaping and optical phased array technologies to overcome dynamic scattering. Furthermore, by chronologically organizing research trends over the past 20 years, we discuss the paradigm shift from passive devices to active intelligent systems and present the technical and regulatory challenges for clinical adoption based on international safety standards (IEC 60825-1, ISO 14708-1), ultimately providing a technical roadmap for the energy autonomy of next-generation bio-electronic medicine.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.

Purpose: This study investigated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of partial trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty with a suture button for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis over a 2-year follow-up period. Methods: This retrospective study involved 17 patients with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis (Eaton and Littler stage II or III) treated with partial trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty using a suture button. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale for pain, the Quick DASH score, pinch and grip strength, and thumb range of motion. The trapezial space ratio (TSR) was used as a radiologic parameter to evaluate radiologic outcomes immediately postoperatively, at 6 months, and at the final follow-up. Results: The study included 17 patients (female, 16 and male, 1) with an average age of 63.2 years (range, 56–70 years). Surgery was performed on the dominant hand in nine cases and the nondominant hand in eight. Significant improvements were observed in clinical outcomes. The TSR significantly decreased up to 6 months postoperatively, but there was no significant change from 6 months onward. Complications included button irritation (n=1), a metacarpal fracture (n=1), and flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture (n=1), which were subsequently treated. At the last follow-up, significant improvements in functional outcomes were observed in comparison to the preoperative status. Conclusion The procedure demonstrated significantly improved clinical outcomes over a 2-year follow-up. This method is less invasive than other surgical techniques because it preserves part of the trapezium, making it a favorable surgical option in patients with early basal thumb arthritis (below Eaton stage III).

Purpose: This study investigated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of partial trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty with a suture button for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis over a 2-year follow-up period. Methods: This retrospective study involved 17 patients with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis (Eaton and Littler stage II or III) treated with partial trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty using a suture button. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale for pain, the Quick DASH score, pinch and grip strength, and thumb range of motion. The trapezial space ratio (TSR) was used as a radiologic parameter to evaluate radiologic outcomes immediately postoperatively, at 6 months, and at the final follow-up. Results: The study included 17 patients (female, 16 and male, 1) with an average age of 63.2 years (range, 56–70 years). Surgery was performed on the dominant hand in nine cases and the nondominant hand in eight. Significant improvements were observed in clinical outcomes. The TSR significantly decreased up to 6 months postoperatively, but there was no significant change from 6 months onward. Complications included button irritation (n=1), a metacarpal fracture (n=1), and flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture (n=1), which were subsequently treated. At the last follow-up, significant improvements in functional outcomes were observed in comparison to the preoperative status. Conclusion The procedure demonstrated significantly improved clinical outcomes over a 2-year follow-up. This method is less invasive than other surgical techniques because it preserves part of the trapezium, making it a favorable surgical option in patients with early basal thumb arthritis (below Eaton stage III).

Purpose: This study investigated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of partial trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty with a suture button for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis over a 2-year follow-up period. Methods: This retrospective study involved 17 patients with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis (Eaton and Littler stage II or III) treated with partial trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty using a suture button. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale for pain, the Quick DASH score, pinch and grip strength, and thumb range of motion. The trapezial space ratio (TSR) was used as a radiologic parameter to evaluate radiologic outcomes immediately postoperatively, at 6 months, and at the final follow-up. Results: The study included 17 patients (female, 16 and male, 1) with an average age of 63.2 years (range, 56–70 years). Surgery was performed on the dominant hand in nine cases and the nondominant hand in eight. Significant improvements were observed in clinical outcomes. The TSR significantly decreased up to 6 months postoperatively, but there was no significant change from 6 months onward. Complications included button irritation (n=1), a metacarpal fracture (n=1), and flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture (n=1), which were subsequently treated. At the last follow-up, significant improvements in functional outcomes were observed in comparison to the preoperative status. Conclusion The procedure demonstrated significantly improved clinical outcomes over a 2-year follow-up. This method is less invasive than other surgical techniques because it preserves part of the trapezium, making it a favorable surgical option in patients with early basal thumb arthritis (below Eaton stage III).

Objective: Primary frozen shoulder causes significant pain and progressively restricts shoulder movements. Diagnosis is made clinically based on patient history and physical examination. Management is mainly non-invasive owing to its self-limiting clinical course. However, clinical practice guidelines for frozen shoulder have not yet been developed in Korea. The developed guidelines aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder. Methods: A guideline development committee reviewed the literature from four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KMbase). Using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework, the committee formulated two backgrounds and 16 key questions to address common clinical concerns. Recommendations were made using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Results: Diabetes, thyroid disease, and dyslipidemia significantly increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Although frozen shoulder is often self-limiting, some patients may experience long-term functional disabilities. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging should be used as adjunctive tools alongside clinical diagnosis, and rather than as independent diagnostic methods. Noninvasive approaches, such as medications, physical modalities, exercises, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy, may reduce pain and improve shoulder function. Other noninvasive interventions have limited evidence, and their application should be based on clinical judgment. Intra-articular steroid injections are recommended for treatment, and physiotherapy or hydrodilation with steroid injections can also be beneficial. Conclusion These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating primary frozen shoulder.