Signal fluctuations in a fluorescence time trace on nanosecond time scales can be induced by specific quenching interactions that report on the dynamics of biomolecules. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is an analysis tool to investigate dynamic processes on time scales from pico- to milliseconds or longer. Under certain conditions, e.g. in a solvent of high viscosity, a fluorescence labeled dynamic biomolecule yields multiple independent correlation decays due to rotational and translational diffusion, fluorescence quenching interactions, and fluorophore photophysics. We compared parameter estimation for FCS data with multiple correlation decays by dynamical fingerprint analysis and by the non-linear Levenberg-Marquardt fitting procedure and identified conditions for which dynamical fingerprint analysis can be of advantage. In this context we identified a previously unrecognized photophysical process in ATTO655 that introduces fluorescence intermittency on nanosecond time scales that is absent in MR121. The optimized fitting procedure is used to resolve the viscosity dependence of fluorescence quenching for photoinduced electron transfer probes.

The success of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a treatment for terminal left-side heart failure is still restrained by some severe complications associated with mechanical circulatory support. Pump thrombus still affects many patients. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic options include

The ultimate goal in the treatment of end-stage heart failure is the recovery of cardiac function following mechanical assistance of the left ventricle. The HVAD™ pump (HeartWare Inc.) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be explanted without resternotomy. This article demonstrates that the use of a custom-made mechanical plug (manufactured by INNOVO Solutions GmbH), which can be inserted into the LVAD's sewing ring, is feasible. This mechanical plug explicitly designed for device explantation is a viable alternative to the current standard of care. This article adopts a less invasive technique to explant the pump. The following case illustrates this technique.

The success of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a treatment for terminal left-side heart failure is still restrained by some severe complications associated with mechanical circulatory support. Pump thrombus still affects many patients. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic options include augmentation of anticoagulation and antiplatelet medication, intravenous or catheter-guided thrombolysis, and pump exchange. Heart transplantation would be a desirable option in this population, but unfortunately, it is only theoretical given the increasing number of LVAD implants and decreasing number of organ donors. A retrograde washout maneuver may be a treatment option in pre-pump thrombosis in selected patients. Therefore, the decision should be made on an individual basis after balancing the risks and benefits of different treatment approaches.

Purpose: Ventricular assist devices (VADs) improve heart failure outcomes, yet the challenge of reducing bleeding, stroke, and infection persists. Biomarkers related to these adverse events were evaluated with a next-generation, totally magnetically suspended (TMS) VAD in comparison to other blood pumps. Method: Bovine whole blood or human plasma was circulated through benchtop flow loops with an Abbott CentriMag (CM) or HeartMate II (HMII), or a CH Biomedical USA BrioVAD (N = 5 tests). Flows were maintained at 4.5 L/min against an afterload of 75 mmHg. Samples were collected hourly for 6 hours. Plasma free hemoglobin was measured by spectroscopy. Normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) was calculated as described in ASTM F1841-19. VWF function (VWF:CB/Ag) was quantified using VWF:CB and VWF:Ag assay kits; VWF multimer distribution was determined using agarose-gel electrophoresis and in-gel immunofluorescent staining. Statistical significance was determined using an ANOVA (NIH) or regression analysis (VWF:CB/Ag) followed by a post-hoc Tukey test for significance between specific devices. Results: The CM and BrioVAD exhibited significantly lower hemolysis than the HMII