BACKGROUND: The promising results of the Solitaire Flow Restoration (FR) With the Intention for Thrombectomy (SWIFT) trial recently led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of theSolitaire FR stent retriever device for recanalization of cerebral vessels in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
OBJECTIVE: To report the early postmarket experience with this device since its FDA approval in the United States, which has not been previously described.
318 patients (mean age 63 years, range 19-94) who underwent MITLIF were followed over 7 years. Patients presented with spondylolisthesis (n = 236,
74%), and degenerative disc disease (n = 82, 26%). Health care quality of life measures studied were Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form-36 (SF36) for 7 years. Other outcomes analyzed included pre- operative co-morbidities, age, bone quality, and complications.Mick J. Perez-Cruet M.D., M.S.
In this study 43 patients underwent minimally invasive transforminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF) using the Staxx XD expandable interbody device. Preoperative and postoperative morphometric data (intervertebral height, foraminal height, subluxation) was collected based on plain radiographs. A validated full set of Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) Measures, including Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and SF-36 were also collected preoperativelyand postoperatively.
Mick J. Perez-Cruet, M.D., M.S
There is currently no biologic therapy to repair or restore a degenerated intervertebral disc. A potential solution may rest with embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which have a potential to grow indefinitely and differentiate into a variety of cell types in vitro. Prior studies have shown that ESCs can be encouraged to differentiate toward specific cell lineages by culture in selective media and specific growth environment.
Read more: In vivo intervertebral disc regeneration using stem cell - derived chondroprogenitors
Mick J. Perez-Cruet, M.D., M.S.
Spine surgery as we know it has changed dramatically over the past 2 decades. More patients are undergoing minimally invasive procedures. Surgeons are becoming more comfortable with these procedures, and changes intechnology have led to several new approaches and products to make surgery safer for patients and improve patient outcomes.
Read more: Complication management with minimally invasive spine procedures
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in the United States and currently affects one in eight older Americans. 
The most common signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease include difficulties with cognition, memory and behavior and these deficits can progress such that patients ultimately require assistance with daily activities. As the population ages, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is projected to increase by...
Read more: External Beam Radiotherapy: Beta-Amyloid Plaque Reduction
