Lankenau Medical Center

About: Lankenau Medical Center is a healthcare organization based out in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Atrial fibrillation & Medicine. The organization has 436 authors who have published 414 publications receiving 7095 citations. The organization is also known as: Lankenau Hospital.

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery III: Training and Robotic-Assisted Approaches.

Abstract: Minimally invasive mitral valve operations are increasingly common in the United States, but robotic-assisted approaches have not been widely adopted for a variety of reasons. This expert opinion reviews the state of the art and defines best practices, training, and techniques for developing a successful robotics program.

Machine Learning by Ultrasonography for Genetic Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules.

Abstract: Importance Thyroid nodules are common incidental findings. Ultrasonography and molecular testing can be used to assess risk of malignant neoplasm. Objective To examine whether a model developed through automated machine learning can stratify thyroid nodules as high or low genetic risk by ultrasonography imaging alone compared with stratification by molecular testing for high- and low-risk mutations. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic study was conducted at a single tertiary care urban academic institution and included patients (n = 121) who underwent ultrasonography and molecular testing for thyroid nodules from January 1, 2017, through August 1, 2018. Nodules were classified as high risk or low risk on the basis of results of an institutional molecular testing panel for thyroid risk genes. All thyroid nodules that underwent genetic sequencing for cytological results with Bethesda System categories III and IV were reviewed. Patients without diagnostic ultrasonographic images within 6 months of fine-needle aspiration or who received definitive treatment at an outside medical center were excluded. Main Outcomes and Measures Thyroid nodules were categorized by the model as high risk or low risk using ultrasonographic images. Results were compared using genetic testing. Results Among the 134 lesions identified in 121 patients (mean [SD] age, 55.7 [14.2] years; 102 women [84.3%]), 683 diagnostic ultrasonographic images were selected. Of the 683 images, 556 (81.4%) were used for training the model, 74 (10.8%) for validation, and 53 (7.8%) for testing. Most nodules had no mutation (75 [56.0%]), whereas 43 nodules (32.1%) had a high-risk mutation and 16 (11.9%) had an unknown or a low-risk mutation (χ2 = 39.060;P Conclusions and Relevance The study found that the model developed through automated machine learning could produce high specificity for identifying nodules with high-risk mutations on molecular testing. This finding shows promise for the diagnostic applications of machine learning interpretation of sonographic imaging of indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) have distinct cutaneous toxicity profiles: A meta-analysis and review of the literature

Abstract: Purpose Inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is associated with cutaneous adverse effects that increase patient morbidity. Our objective was to examine the skin toxicity profile of anti-VEGFR TKIs and determine the changing incidence in clinical trials.

Primary Pericardial Mesothelioma Unique Case and Literature Review

Abstract: A 72-year-old woman, on warfarin therapy and with a remote history of breast cancer and radiation treatment, presented with a 10-day history of nausea, dyspnea, dry cough, and dizziness. An electrocardiogram showed new-onset atrial fibrillation. Computed tomography of the chest revealed multiple pulmonary emboli and a pericardial effusion. Echocardiography showed a pericardial effusion with tamponade characteristics. The patient's condition deteriorated, and a pericardiectomy was performed. Histologic evaluation confirmed primary pericardial mesothelioma. She underwent palliative treatment and died 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We discuss the patient's case and the nature of primary pericardial mesothelioma, a rare oncologic entity.

Kidney Transplant Outcomes for Prior Living Organ Donors

Abstract: The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network gives priority in kidney allocation to prior live organ donors who require a kidney transplant. In this study, we analyzed the effect of this policy on facilitating access to transplantation for prior donors who were wait-listed for kidney transplantation in the United States. Using 1:1 propensity score–matching methods, we assembled two matched cohorts. The first cohort consisted of prior organ donors and matched nondonors who were wait-listed during the years 1996–2010. The second cohort consisted of prior organ donors and matched nondonors who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation. During the study period, there were 385,498 listings for kidney transplantation, 252 of which were prior donors. Most prior donors required dialysis by the time of listing (64% versus 69% among matched candidates; P=0.24). Compared with matched nondonors, prior donors had a higher rate of deceased donor transplant (85% versus 33%; P<0.001) and a lower median time to transplantation (145 versus 1607 days; P<0.001). Prior donors received higher-quality allografts (median kidney donor risk index 0.67 versus 0.90 for nondonors; P<0.001) and experienced lower post-transplant mortality (hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.46; P<0.001) than matched nondonors. In conclusion, these data suggest that prior organ donors experience brief waiting time for kidney transplant and receive excellent-quality kidneys, but most need pretransplant dialysis. Individuals who are considering live organ donation should be provided with this information because this allocation priority will remain in place under the new US kidney allocation system.