Expert review of medical devices最新文献

Background: Early Feasibility Studies (EFS) support early-stage evaluation of novel technologies. Under the European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2017/745), National Competent Authorities (NCAs) assess these investigations. However, little is known about their organizational readiness and ability to assess complex technologies in a consistent and coordinated manner.

Research design and methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted via an online survey and virtual workshop involving 23 NCAs. Outcome measures included assessor assignment models, qualifications, training, use of external experts, sponsor dialogue mechanisms, and preparedness for emerging technologies. Data were thematically analyzed to assess systemic readiness and capacity.

Results: There is variability in the documentation of clinical investigation phases and assessment practices. Gaps in NCA resources were notable in digital health technology (DHTs) and artificial intelligence-enabled medical devices (AIeMD) and statistics. Dialogue mechanisms were present in 63% of NCAs and associated with improved submission quality. Training was fragmented and use of external experts limited. NCAs emphasized regulatory strain due to rising complexity.

Conclusions: There is significant variability in assessor qualifications and practices. These differences limit the consistency of regulatory oversight under the MDR. Establishing structured training programs, and harmonized sponsor dialogue mechanisms will be critical to supporting regulatory preparedness and coherence.

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and increasingly recognized condition, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of IE is more challenging in patients with implanted cardiac devices such as cardiac implantable electronic devices, left ventricular assist devices, and left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

Areas covered: This review focuses on the contemporary roles and applications of multi-modality imaging in the evaluation of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices related infection and IE. The role of multi-modality imaging in the diagnosis of patients with native or prosthetic valve IE is beyond the scope of this review. A literature search of the PubMed database was performed between 1 June 2024, and 30 June 2025. Relevant articles on the subjects of 'infective endocarditis,' 'multi-modality imaging,' and 'implanted cardiac devices' were utilized in our review.

Expert opinion: The growing utilization of cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED) demands improvement in the detection of CIED-related infections. Contemporary guidelines have considered utilizing multimodality imaging to diagnose IE. The incremental value of multimodality imaging remains to be rigorously examined. Large observational studies from tertiary centers might serve as the starting point toward building a strong evidence base.

Introduction: Successful biliary cannulation is crucial for the efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Failure to achieve cannulation can lead to procedure failure, highlighting the importance of mastering various cannulation techniques, particularly in challenging cases.

Areas covered: This article examines advanced biliary cannulation techniques, including guidewire-assisted methods, precut sphincterotomy, and rendezvous procedures. The literature search encompassed PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to April 2024, focusing on randomized trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews evaluating efficacy and safety.

Expert opinion: This paper advocates for a structured, algorithmic approach to cannulation, emphasizing early recognition of difficulty and strategic escalation to advanced techniques to enhance success rates and minimize complications like post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central, and ScienceDirect were searched till April 2025. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled under a random-effects model using Review Manager. The Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2.0) tool was used for quality assessment. Funnel plots were assessed for publication bias.

Results: Eight randomized controlled trials, including 11,632 patients undergoing TAVI, were analyzed. Use of CEPDs showed a non-significant reduction in all strokes (RR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.74-1.15, p = 0.48) and disabling stroke (RR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.57-1.12, p = 0.18). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.71-1.67, p = 0.70), acute kidney injury (AKI) (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.44-2.11, p = 0.93), disabling bleeding (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.28-3.31; p = 0.94) and major vascular complications (RR 1.25, 95% CI: 0.56-2.78, p = 0.59).

Conclusion: CEPD did not significantly reduce the incidence of ischemic lesions or neurocognitive decline. Current evidence does not support a statistically significant clinical benefit of CEPD use during TAVI. While trends suggest a potential reduction in stroke, larger trials are needed to establish the significance of these results.

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) often develops early but remains clinically silent, as dyspnea appears usually after substantial fibrosis. Reduced activity from musculoskeletal limitations further delays recognition. This study assessed alveolar-capillary permeability using 99mTc-DTPA aerosol scintigraphy in dcSSc patients and correlated clearance rates with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study at a tertiary center in South India (December 2018-January 2021), patients fulfilling ACR/EULAR 2013 dcSSc criteria underwent 99mTc-DTPA aerosol scintigraphy, HRCT, and spirometry.

Results: Among 61 participants, the mean DTPA clearance half-time (T½) was 48.11 ± 23.99 minutes. Patients with ILD had significantly faster clearance than those without ILD (44.06 ± 17.37 vs 63.03 ± 37.28 minutes, p = 0.01). T½ correlated negatively with Warrick's CT score (r = -0.310, p = 0.015) and positively with FVC (r = 0.287, p = 0.026). ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.646 (95% CI 0.455-0.837); at a cutoff of 49.62 minutes, sensitivity was 68.6% and specificity 60%. The specificity increased to 80% and 90% for cutoffs of 36.83 and 35.48 minutes, respectively.

Conclusion: DTPA clearance was significantly faster in dcSSc patients with ILD. Aerosol scintigraphy may detect early alveolar-capillary dysfunction before radiologic or spirometric changes. Further studies incorporating DLCO and longitudinal follow-up are warranted.

Introduction: Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV) offers a compelling, more physiological alternative to conventional positive pressure ventilation (PPV). By mimicking natural breathing dynamics, NPV inherently reduces the potential for ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Despite its mid-20th-century decline due to bulkiness, recent technological advancements have fueled a substantial resurgence of interest in its therapeutic applications.

Areas covered: This narrative review traces the historical evolution and modern advancements in negative pressure ventilators. The literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, with key terms including 'negative pressure ventilation,' 'iron lung,' 'cuirass ventilator,' 'Exovent,' and 'ventilator-induced lung injury.' It included peer-reviewed research and reviews in English and Chinese up to September 2024, aiming to provide comprehensive context by emphasizing recent advances while encompassing foundational studies.

Expert opinion: NPV is an underutilized modality with significant potential to limit VILI and improve hemodynamic stability, especially in niche clinical scenarios. Future translational success depends on addressing three key hurdles: enhancing portability, ensuring a robust body-seal, and achieving precise man-machine synchronization. With continued innovation and clinical validation, NPV is poised for broader adoption in both intensive care and remote settings.

Introduction: In 2020, the sutureless Perceval PLUS aortic valve was introduced, featuring a new anticalcification treatment (FREE) and a shorter inflow ring in the XL size. We aimed to evaluate its early outcomes compared to earlier Perceval S design.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1136 patients who received the Perceval bioprosthesis between 2007 and 2022, including 222 implanted with the Perceval PLUS. Patients implanted with the Perceval S were divided into two groups (S-OLD and S-NEW) depending on the sizing strategy. Survival, hemodynamic performance, and pacemaker implantation rates were assessed.

Results: The cohort had a mean age of 77 years and a EuroSCORE II of 6.3%. The observed 30-day mortality was similar across groups (3.7%, p = .326). Perceval PLUS demonstrated significantly improved hemodynamics, with lower peak (20.44 ± 8.95 mmHg) and mean gradients (11.44 ± 5.12 mmHg) compared to the S design (p < .001). A permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rate of 5.3% was achieved in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in the PLUS group.

Conclusion: Early results from the Perceval PLUS show a secure profile with maintained benefits from the Perceval platform. The Perceval PLUS shows improved hemodynamics in comparison with the Perceval S and achieves low PPI rate.

Introduction: Device-based treatment of patients with resistant hypertension has become an important adjunct to medical therapy, although its place in clinical practice has not yet been fully established. The present minireview discusses the current state of affairs of such treatment modalities. We searched the literature in PubMed and MEDLINE for all relevant papers.

Areas covered: Most information is available for renal denervation, baroreceptor activation therapy and endovascular baroreflex amplification. Of these, most data have been obtained in randomized trials of renal denervation. Other treatments that are still under investigation are carotid body ablation, cardiac neuromodulation, deep brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation. Although all these techniques have originally been developed for hypertension, they are used more and more in heart failure.

Expert opinion: Currently, renal denervation is the only technique that may turn into a meaningful clinical treatment. It is effective, has a acceptable safety profile and is relatively easy to implement. Yet, more information is needed regarding long-term safety and effects on hard cardiovascular endpoints such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. All other forms of device-based treatment are not yet sufficiently developed.