A comparative study on the transbrachial and transfemoral approaches for the treatment of superior mesenteric artery lesions.

BACKGROUND: Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) lesions present a significant challenge in endovascular surgery. Both the transbrachial (TBA) and the transfemoral (TFA) approaches have been employed for the treatment of these lesions, but the comparative effectiveness of these methods remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TBA and TFA at a tertiary center between June 2020 and February 2023. Key parameters including technical success, procedural details, and complication rates were examined. RESULTS: In a study of 99 patients, 66 underwent Transfemoral Approach (TFA) and 33 underwent Transbrachial Approach (TBA). No significant age or gender differences were noted between groups. TFA procedures were longer (90.0 vs 63.5 min, p = 0.002) and had higher fluoroscopy times (59.0 vs 43.0 min, p = 0.02) and selective SMA times (366.0 vs 245.0 min, p = 0.038) compared to TBA, especially with a smaller aortomesenteric angle (<90°). Technical success rates were high in both groups (TFA 97%, TBA 93.9%, p = 0.60). Complication rates were similar between groups, with no significant predictors for access site complications identified. CONCLUSION: Both the TBA and the TFA are effective for the treatment of SMA lesions, with TBA potentially offering advantages in terms of efficiency and patient recovery, particularly in cases with certain anatomy. No significant differences in complication rates were found between the two groups. Further research, including prospective randomized trials, is needed to confirm these findings.

Emergency EVAR for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ruptured Into the Duodenum With an Aortic Dissection.

We report a case of aortoduodenal fistula formed after an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured into the duodenum. There is also an aortic dissection involving the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery and renal arteries. Successful treatment was achieved through endovascular aortic repair, followed by anti-infective and supportive therapy over 3 months.

Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filter Trapped Embolus: A Risk Factor of Detachment of Thrombus Analysis Based on a Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Up to now, the indications of inferior vena cava filter placement still remain controversial in the academic field. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of detachment of thrombus and to evaluate the necessity of inferior vena cava filter placement to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2892 patients participated in the multicenter prospective observational study from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, and underwent retrievable inferior vena cava filter (RIVCF) placement in 103 centers in China. The primary endpoint of the study was RIVCF trapped embolus detected by inferior vena cava venography/ultrasound/computed tomography scanning or visible macroscopic thrombus before or during RIVCF retrieval. The relative factors of RIVCF trapped embolus were analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 61.0 (50.0-71.0) years. Retrievable inferior vena cava filter trapped embolus occurred in 308 patients (10.65%). The fracture location, surgery location, and endovascular intervention differed between RIVCF trapped embolus and non-RIVCF trapped embolus groups (p<0.001, respectively). By multivariate analysis, RIVCF trapped embolus were less common in older patients (odds ratio [OR]=0.998; p<0.001) and more common in patients with below-the-knee fracture (OR=1.093, p=0.038), thigh fracture (OR=1.118, p=0.007), and pelvis surgery (OR=1.067, p=0.016). In addition, compared with patients without endovascular intervention, patients with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) + catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) were more prone to develop RIVCF trapped embolus (OR=1.060, p=0.010). However, RIVCF trapped embolus was less common in patients with CDT (OR=0.961, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb fracture, pelvis surgery, and PMT + CDT are prone to cause trapped embolus. As a trapped embolus often represents the possibility of severe pulmonary embolism, lower limb fracture, pelvis surgery, and PMT + CDT could be risk factors of fatal pulmonary embolism. Due to the low incidence of trapped embolus, it is not necessary to place filters in elderly patients and CDT-only patients. CLINICAL IMPACT: The purpose of this paper is to standardize the use of inferior vena cava filter and avoid unnecessary filter implantation through the summary and analysis of a large number of clinical data. At the same time, more attention should be paid to and active treatment should be given to high-risk groups of pulmonary embolism.

A Novel Endovascular Robotic System for Treatment of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease: First-in-Human Experience.

BACKGROUND: To assess the feasibility and first-in-human experience of a novel endovascular robotic system for treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: Between November 2021 and January 2022, consecutive patients with obstructive lower extremity PAD and claudication (Rutherford 2-5) with >50% stenosis demonstrated on angiography were enrolled in this study. Lower extremity peripheral arterial intervention was performed using the endovascular robotic system, which consisted of a bedside unit and an interventional console. The primary endpoints were technical success, defined as the successful manipulation of the lower extremity peripheral arterial devices using the robotic system, and safety. The secondary endpoints were clinical success, defined as 50% residual stenosis at the completion of the robot-assisted procedure without major adverse cardiac events and radiation exposure. RESULTS: In total, 5 patients with PAD were enrolled in this study (69.2±6.0 years; 80% men). The novel endovascular robotic system successfully completed the entire procedure of endovascular treatment of lower extremity PAD. Conversion to manual operation, including advancement, retracement, rotation of the guidewires, catheters, sheaths, deployment, and release of the balloons and stent grafts, was not necessary. We achieved the criteria for clinical procedural and technical success in all patients. No deaths, myocardial infarctions, or ruptures occurred in the period up to 30 days after the procedure, and no device-related complications were observed. The robotic system operator had 97.6% less radiation exposure than that at the procedure table, with a mean of 1.40±0.49 µGy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the robotic system. The procedure reached technical and clinical performance metrics and resulted in significantly lower radiation exposure to the operators at the console compared with that at the procedure table. CLINICAL IMPACT: There were some reports about several robotic systems used in the peripheral arterial disease, but no robotic system was able to perform entire procedure of endovascular treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD).To solve this problem, we designed a remote-control novel endovascular robotic system. It was the first robotic system that can perform entire procedure of endovascular treatment of PAD worldwide. A novelty retrieval report about this is provided in the supplementary materials.The robotic system is compatible with all commercial endovascular surgical devices currently available in the market, including guidewires, catheters and stent delivery systems. It can perform all types of motion, such as forward, backward, and rotation to meet the requirements of all types of endovascular procedures. During the operation, the robotic system can perform these operations in a fine-tuned manner, so it is easy to cross the lesions, which is the key factor influencing the success rate of the operation. In addition, the robotic system can effectively reduce the exposure time to radiation, thereby reducing the risk of occupational injury.

A novel endovascular robotic-assisted system for endovascular aortic repair: first-in-human evaluation of practicability and safety.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the practicability and safety of a novel endovascular robotic system for performing endovascular aortic repair in human. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 2021 with 6 months post-operative follow-up. Patients with aortic aneurysms and clinical indications for elective endovascular aortic repair were enrolled in the study. The novel developed robotic system is applicable for the majority of commercial devices and various types of endovascular surgeries. The primary endpoint was technical success without in-hospital major adverse events. Technical success was defined as the ability of the robotic system to complete all procedural steps based on procedural segments. RESULTS: The first-in-human evaluation of robot-assisted endovascular aortic repair was performed in five patients. The primary endpoint was achieved in all patients (100%). There were no device- or procedure-related complications or no in-hospital major adverse events. The operation time and total blood loss in these cases were equal to those in the manual procedures. The radiation exposure of the surgeon was 96.5% lower than that in the traditional position while the radiation exposure of the patients was not significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical evaluation of the novel endovascular aortic repair in endovascular aortic repair demonstrated practicability, safety, and procedural effectiveness comparable to manual operation. In addition, the total radiation exposure of the operator was significantly lower than that of traditional procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study applies a novel approach to perform the endovascular aortic repair in a more accurate and minimal-invasive way and lays the foundation for the perspective automation of the endovascular robotic system, which reflects a new paradigm for endovascular surgery. KEY POINTS: • This study is a first-in-human evaluation of a novel endovascular robotic system for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). • Our system might reduce the occupational risks associated with manual EVAR and contribute to achieving a higher degree of precision and control. • Early evaluation of the endovascular robotic system demonstrated practicability, safety, and procedural effectiveness comparable to that of manual operation.

The effect of different frames filters on the prevention of pulmonary embolism in fracture patients subsequent with deep venous thrombosis on a multicenter prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: A retrievable inferior vena cava filter (RIVCF) is used for the prevention of a pulmonary embolism, especially originated from deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, which frame of RIVCF has an better effect on the specific thrombus has not been reported. METHODS: All patients enrolled underwent RIVCF placement in the study, and the placement and retrieval followed the respective instructions of different brands of RIVCFs. During the study period, the frame of the filter, the combined fracture site and operation, and the filter trapped embolus (TE) were collected. The primary observation indicators of this study were the occurrence of TE in two frames of filters and different fracture sites. Secondary observation indicators were the occurrence of TE with two different frames filters in different fracture site and surgical site subgroups. RESULTS: In all 2892 patients enrolled, RIVCF TE was detected in 308 cases (10.7%) according to our definition. Among them, there were 1968 cases of fusiform RIVCF and 924 cases of umbrella RIVCF. There were 663 patients combined with fractures before DVT. The incidence of TE was significantly higher in patients with fusiform RIVCF (230 [74.68%]) than in those with umbrella RIVCF (78 [25.32%]) (P < .05). In patients with below-the-knee fracture surgery, there was significant difference in the incidence of TE between the two frames of RIVCF (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This conclusion suggests that, in patients with DVT secondary to below-the-knee fracture, the detached thrombus may be more suitable for prophylaxis with fusiform frame RIVCF.

Novel Endovascular Interventional Surgical Robotic System Based on Biomimetic Manipulation.

Endovascular therapy has emerged as a crucial therapeutic method for treating vascular diseases. Endovascular surgical robots have been used to enhance endovascular therapy. However, to date, there are no universal endovascular surgical robots that support molds of different types of devices for treating vascular diseases. We developed a novel endovascular surgical robotic system that can independently navigate the intravascular region, advance and retract devices, and deploy stents. This robot has four features: (1) The bionic design of the robot can fully simulate the entire grasping process; (2) the V-shaped relay gripper waived the need to redesign special guidewires and catheters for continuous rotation; (3) the handles designed based on the feedback mechanism can simulate push resistance and reduce iatrogenic damage; and (4) the detachable design of the grippers can reduce cross-infection risk and medical costs. We verified its performance by demonstrating six different types of endovascular surgeries. Early evaluation of the novel endovascular robotic system demonstrated its practicability and safety in endovascular surgeries.

NORAD Promotes the Viability, Migration, and Phenotypic Switch of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells during Aortic Dissection via LIN28B-Mediated TGF-ß Promotion and Subsequent Enhanced Glycolysis.

Glucose metabolism reprogramming is an important reason for the functional remodeling, growth, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). It is also an important basis for the occurrence and development of aortic dissection (AD), but the specific regulatory factors are not clear. Noncoding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) is dysfunctional in many diseases, but the role of NORAD in AD etiology is unclear. We first established a vascular remodeling cell model of AD, and the expression of NORAD in VSMCs was significantly increased. Functional experiments showed that inhibition of NORAD could downregulate the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Meanwhile, silencing NORAD could also inhibit the flux of glycolysis, suggesting that NORAD may aggravate AD by promoting glycolysis. In addition, mechanism studies have shown that NORAD can exert VSMCs-regulating function by recruiting LIN28B to bind to TGF-ß mRNA, which subsequently facilitates the expression of TGF-ß1 (transforming growth factor ß1). The recovery experiment also showed that overexpression of TGF-ß could reverse the inhibitory effect of NORAD knockdown on VSMCs in terms of proliferation, migration, and glycolysis. Collectively, these results indicated that the NORAD/LIN28B/TGF-ß axis promoted cell proliferation and migration through regulating aerobic glycolysis in VSMCs. Therefore, NORAD may regulate the occurrence of AD by affecting the reprogramming of glucose metabolism, and NORAD can be recognized as a good target for VSMC phenotypic intervention and AD treatment.

Outcomes of Zone 1 Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair With Fenestrated Surgeon-Modified Stent-Graft for Aortic Arch Pathologies.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of zone 1 thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with fenestrated surgeon-modified stent-graft (SMSG) for aortic arch pathologies. METHODS: Between March 2016 and November 2020, 34 consecutive patients underwent zone 1 TEVAR with fenestrated SMSG for aortic arch pathologies. Outcomes included technical success, perioperative, and follow-up morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 34 patients were treated with zone 1 TEVAR with fenestrated SMSG. Twenty-four (70.6%) patients presented with type B aortic dissections, 9 (26.5%) patients presented with aneurysms (7 located on the lesser curvature side of aortic arch), 1 (2.9%) patient presented with type Ia endoleak after previous TEVAR owing to traumatic aortic dissection. The proximal landing zone for all patients were in zone 1, and all supra-aortic trunks were reconstructed, except for one left subclavian artery. Technical success was achieved in all cases. The 30-day estimated survival (±SE) was 90.9% ± 5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77.0%-97.0%]. The 30-day estimated freedom from reintervention (±SE) was 87.9% ± 5.7% (95% CI: 73.4%-95.3%). At a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 12-68 months), 2 patients died, including 1 aortic-related death and 1 non-aortic-related death. One patient had reintervention 13 months after the operation owing to type Ia endoleak. All supra-aortic trunks were patent. The estimated survival (±SE) during follow-up was 85.1% ± 6.2% (95% CI: 69.9%-93.6%). One (2.7%) patient had stroke. The estimated freedom from reintervention (±SE) during follow-up was 84.2% ± 6.5% (95% CI: 69.9%-93.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Zone 1 TEVAR with fenestrated SMSG is an alternate option for treatment of aortic arch pathologies in experienced centers.

The Detrimental Role of Intraluminal Thrombus Outweighs Protective Advantage in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pathogenesis: The Implications for the Anti-Platelet Therapy.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common cardiovascular disease resulting in morbidity and mortality in older adults due to rupture. Currently, AAA treatment relies entirely on invasive surgical treatments, including open repair and endovascular, which carry risks for small aneurysms (diameter < 55 mm). There is an increasing need for the development of pharmacological intervention for early AAA. Over the last decade, it has been increasingly recognized that intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is involved in the growth, remodeling, and rupture of AAA. ILT has been described as having both biomechanically protective and biochemically destructive properties. Platelets are the second most abundant cells in blood circulation and play an integral role in the formation, expansion, and proteolytic activity of ILT. However, the role of platelets in the ILT-potentiated AAA progression/rupture remains unclear. Researchers are seeking pharmaceutical treatment strategies (e.g., anti-thrombotic/anti-platelet therapies) to prevent ILT formation or expansion in early AAA. In this review, we mainly focus on the following: (a) the formation/deposition of ILT in the progression of AAA; (b) the dual role of ILT in the progression of AAA (protective or detrimental); (c) the function of platelet activity in ILT formation; (d) the application of anti-platelet drugs in AAA. Herein, we present challenges and future work, which may motivate researchers to better explain the potential role of ILT in the pathogenesis of AAA and develop anti-platelet drugs for early AAA.

Anatomical Feasibility Study on Novel Ascending Aortic Endograft With More Proximal Landing Zone for Treatment of Type A Aortic Dissection.

Objective: Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and open surgery is the best treatment option. Development of endovascular repair devices for TAAD will benefit patients deemed unfit for open surgery. In this study, we performed a thorough investigation of anatomical features in Asian patients with TAAD to learn about the patient eligibility of a novel ascending aortic endograft technique. Methods: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of TAAD cases in our institution from January 2015 to November 2021 were reviewed, and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed with the Endosize software (Therenva, Rennes, France). Anatomic structures including length measured along centerline and greater/lesser curvature, ascending aorta/aortic root dimensions, as well as location of entry tear and extent of dissection were analyzed. Results: A total of 158 patients were included [median age 58 years, interquartile range (IQR), 30-76 years; 115 males, 72.8%]. In 99 (62.7%) of the cases, entry tear was distal to the sinotubular junction (STJ). In 106 (67.1%) of the cases, the pathology proximally extended into the aortic root, which was intramural hematoma in 37 (23.4%) of the cases, and the aortic root was free from the pathology in 52 (32.9%) of the cases. The median distance from the STJ to the proximal edge of the ostium of the innominate artery (IA) measured along the centerline was 65 mm (IQR 58-74 mm). The median distance from the distal edge of the higher coronary ostium to the STJ was 7.95 mm (IQR 5.625-10.9 mm). The bare metal stent part was set between the edge of the higher coronary ostium and the STJ. In our series, 63 (39.9%) of the cases had this distance >10 mm. The relative difference was <20% between the STJ and the proximal edge of the ostium of the IA in 92 (58.2%) of the cases. Ascending aorta radius of curvature was 52.2 mm (IQR 43.7-63.7 mm). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that 56.3% of the TAAD cases would be amenable to endovascular repair by the novel ascending aortic endograft, with sufficient landing zone free of the dissected aorta.

Outcomes of Total Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair with Surgeon-Modified Fenestrated Stent-Grafts on Zone 0 Landing for Aortic Arch Pathologies.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of total endovascular aortic arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-graft on zone 0 landing for aortic arch pathologies. METHODS: Between June 2016 and October 2019, 37 consecutive patients underwent total endovascular arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-grafts on zone 0 landing. Outcomes included technical success, perioperative and follow-up morbidity and mortality, and branch artery patency. RESULTS: During the study period, 37 patients were treated with total endovascular aortic arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-graft. Twenty-one (56.8%) patients were diagnosed with aortic dissections, 15 (40.5%) patients with aneurysms, and 1 (2.7%) patient required reintervention due to endoleak and sac expansion from previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair for thoracoabdominal aneurysm. The proximal landing zone for all patients were in zone 0, and all branch arteries of aortic arch were reconstructed. Technical success was achieved in 34 cases (91.9%). Three (8.1%) patients had fenestrations misaligned with target arteries, and the chimney technique was applied as a complementary measure. Thirty-day mortality rate was 5.4% (n=2). Thirty-day stroke rate was 5.4% (n=2). Thirty-day reintervention rate was 2.7% (n=1). At a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 3-49 months), 5 (13.5%) patients died, including 2 aortic-related deaths, 1 nonaortic-related death, and 2 deaths of unknown reason. One (2.7%) patient had stroke. Four patients (10.8%) had reintervention during the follow-up, including 2 cases of left subclavian artery occlusion and 2 cases of type II endoleak. The estimated survival (±SE) at 2 years was 72.4%±9.7% (95% CI 53.4%-91.4%). The estimated freedom from reintervention (±SE) at 2 years was 87.4%±5.9% (95% CI 75.84%-98.96%). CONCLUSIONS: Total endovascular aortic arch repair with surgeon-modified fenestrated stent-grafts on zone 0 landing is an alternate option for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies in experienced centers.

Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with fenestrated surgeon-modified stent-graft for type B aortic dissections involving the aortic arch.

Objectives: This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the early and midterm outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with fenestrated surgeon-modified stent-graft (f-SMSG) for type B aortic dissections (TBAD) involving the aortic arch. Methods: From March 2016 to April 2021, 47 consecutive patients were treated using TEVAR with f-SMSG. All patients were diagnosed with TBAD involving the aortic arch. Results: In total, 47 patients with TBAD involving the aortic arch were treated with f-SMSGs. There were 21 zone 1 and 26 zone 2 TEVAR, and 65 arteries were revascularized successfully with fenestrations. Technical success was achieved in 46 patients (97.88%). The 30-day estimated survival (± SE) and reintervention was 93.6 ± 1.0% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 92.6-94.6%) and 91.5 ± 1.2% (95% CI, 90.3-92.7%), respectively. During a median follow-up of 51 months (range, 16-71 months), 1 patient died of rupture of aortic dissection (AD) and 3 patients died of non-aortic-related reasons. Reintervention was performed for four patients, including two patients of type IA entry flow and two patients of type IB entry flow. No occlusion of the supra-aortic trunk was observed. The estimated survival and reintervention (± SE) at 4 years was 88.7 ± 1.4% (95% CI, 87.3-90.1%) and 84.8 ± 1.5% (95% CI, 83.3-86.3%), respectively. Conclusion: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair with f-SMSG is an alternative treatment option for TBAD involving the aortic arch in high-volume centers.

Long-Term Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Repair for Aortic Arch Dissection Using Customized Single-Branched Fenestrated Stent-Graft.

OBJECTIVES: To report outcomes of thoracic endovascular repair using customized single-branched fenestrated stent-grafts in treatment of aortic arch dissections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2009 and November 2011, 16 patients with aortic arch dissections underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair utilizing customized unibody single-branched fenestrated stent-graft (UBFSG) in our institution. RESULTS: All 16 patients were male with mean age of 54.50 ± 11.33. The technical success rate was 100%. 30-day mortality rate was 6.25% (n = 1). The median follow-up period was 98 months (range, 0-119). During follow-up, 4 nonaorta-related deaths were recorded. Two (2) cases of left subclavian artery occlusion were observed 12 and 14 months after the operation. Two (2) patients had another successful endovascular repair in time, including one case of type Ib endoleak occurred 100 months after the operation and one case of stent-graft induced new entry tear 38 months after the operation. No stroke and migration of stent-grafts were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The branched fenestrated stent-graft may be an effective alternative treatment for aortic arch dissections unfit for open surgery.

Development status of telesurgery robotic system.

As an emerging field, telesurgery robotic system is changing the traditional medical mode and can delivery remote surgical treatment anywhere in the world. Advances in telesurgery robotic technology achieve the remote control beyond the current limitation of distance and special medical environment. This review introduces the development history, the current status and the potential in future of the telesurgery robotic system. In addition, it presents the construction of control platform and the application, especially in trauma treatment, as well as the challenge in clinic.

Endovascular treatment with in-vitro fenestration and sac filling technique for ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with Behcet's disease.

PURPOSE: We provided an endovascular strategy of treating ruptured aortic aneurysm with Behcet's Disease. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old man was diagnosed ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with Behcet's Disease according to his eye damage history, high level of ESR and C-reactive protein and the imaging result. We used in-vitro fenestration of the stent-graft combined with in-stent technique to occlude the ruptured aortic aneurysm and preserve the blood supply from the aorta for visceral arteries in emergency. Sac filling technique was used to treat the endoleak to quickly prevent bleeding. The patient kept post-operative immunotherapy for 1 year. CONCLUSION: The patient had a good prognosis in the reduction of the cavity of aortic aneurysm to the normal size without any complications in a year follow-up.

A Novel Universal Endovascular Robot for Peripheral Arterial Stent-Assisted Angioplasty: Initial Experimental Results.

BACKGROUND: The bottleneck of the development of endovascular interventional robot is that it cannot fully adapt to commercialized endovascular devices, such as guidewires, catheters, and stents, and cannot complete the entire procedure of endovascular treatment, for instance, stent implantation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the novel universal endovascular interventional robot can adapt to different commercialized endovascular devices and accomplish the entire procedure of endovascular treatment of peripheral vascular disease. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The novel universal endovascular interventional robot consists of 2 components: a master surgeon console and a robotic platform with 4 manipulators. An adult pig was served as the experimental animal. Bilateral iliac artery stent implantation was performed on the pig by the endovascular interventional robot using commercialized guidewires, catheters, and stent delivery systems. RESULTS: The novel universal endovascular interventional robot can adapt to commercialized endovascular devices, and most interventional procedures, such as insertion, withdrawal, and rotating, can be done through remote control. By coordinating multiple manipulators, complex actions such as superselection, crossing action, or implantation of self-expanding bare stent can be realized. The entire procedure took about 50 minutes, and the total exposure time of the surgeon was less than 1 minute. Postoperative angiography showed that the position of the stent grafts was accurate. The procedure was stable without any stent or surgical-related complications. CONCLUSION: The novel universal endovascular interventional robot can realize peripheral arterial stent-assisted angioplasty with commercialized devices. Through the design improvement, the problem related to stent implantation is solved, and the remote operation is realized throughout the endovascular procedure.

Intrinsic Biotaxi Solution Based on Blood Cell Membrane Cloaking Enables Fullerenol Thrombolysis In Vivo.

We report the construction of blood cell membrane cloaked mesoporous silica nanoparticles for delivery of nanoparticles [fullerenols (Fols)] with fibrinolysis activity which endows the active Fol with successful thrombolysis effect in vivo. In vitro, Fols present excellent fibrinolysis activity, and the Fol with the best fibrinolysis activity is screened based on the correlation between Fols' structure and their fibrinolysis activity. However, the thrombolytic effect in vivo is not satisfactory. To rectify the unsatisfactory situation and avoid the exogenous stimuli, a natural blood cell membrane cloaking strategy with loading the active Fol is chosen to explore as a novel thrombolysis drug. After cloaking, the therapeutic platform prolongs blood circulation time and enhances the targeting effect. Interestingly, compared with platelet membrane cloaking, red blood cell (RBC) membrane cloaking demonstrates stronger affinity with fibrin and more enrichment at the thrombus site. The Fol with RBC cloaking shows quick and efficient thrombolysis efficacy in vivo with less bleeding risk, more excellent blood compatibility, and better biosafety when compared with the clinical drug urokinase (UK). These findings not only validate the blood cell membrane cloaking strategy as an effective platform for Fol delivery on thrombolysis treatment, but also hold a great promising solution for other active nanoparticle deliveries in vivo.

The High Permeability of Nanocarriers Crossing the Enterocyte Layer by Regulation of the Surface Zonal Pattern.

The intestinal epithelium is a major barrier that limits the absorption of oral drugs. The integrity of the epithelial tissue is a very important factor for preventing intestinal diseases. However, destabilization of the epithelium can promote the transportation of nanocarriers and increase the absorption of oral drugs. In our research, three different gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of the same size but with differing negative surface charge were designed and constructed as a model to determine the surface properties crucial for promoting absorptivity and bioavailability of the nanocarriers. The higher the ratio of surface carboxyl groups on GNPs, the higher capacity to induce transepithelial electrical resistance change and cell monolayer tight junction opening with higher permeability. The half carboxyl and half methyl surfaced GNPs displayed unique zonal surface patterns exhibited the greater ability to pass through intestinal epithelial cell layer but had a relatively small influence on tight junction distribution.

Au Nanoparticles Attenuate RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Suppressing Pre-Osteoclast Fusion.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated terminal cells that originate from a hematopoietic monocyte/macrophage lineage. Excessive osteoclast formation in vivo can lead to bone metabolic diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lytic bone metastases of cancer cells. Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are inorganic nanoparticles with outstanding biocompatibility. We assessed their effect on osteoclastogenesis and found that pre-osteoclast fusion induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colonystimulating factor (M-CSF) was suppressed by AuNPs. Cell migration and actin ring formation were also significantly inhibited. Finally, AuNPs reduced osteoclast bone absorption function. Interestingly, we observed altered fusogenic gene expression in treated pre-osteoclasts. Our results suggest that AuNPs have potential as a therapeutic agent for osteoclast-related bone metabolism diseases.