Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus and Ectasia Using Riboflavin/Dextran or Riboflavin/Methylcellulose...
KeratoconusCorneal EctasiaThis study is being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of isotonic riboflavin for corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus and corneal ectasia. will determine the safety and efficacy of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) performed with two different riboflavin formulations for reducing corneal curvature.
Safety and Effectiveness of the PXL-Platinum 330 System for Corneal Cross-Linking in Eyes With Corneal...
KeratoconusPellucid Marginal Corneal Degeneration1 moreTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the PXL Platinum 330 system for performing corneal cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of ectatic disorders.
Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Versus Endoscopic Stricturotomy for Short Crohn's Strictures
Crohn DiseaseCrohn's disease (CD) related strictures can be treated endoscopically by endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) or endoscopic stricturotomy (EST). EBD is is the established endoscopic treatment for short strictures in Crohn's disease. However, roughly half had recurrent symptoms and two third require surgery after EBD. ES have been used initially for endoscopic treatment of patients for whom EBD was unsuccessful. Subsequently it was shown that ES is a better modality for treating CD related strictures (specially short and anastomotic strictures) than EBD lowering the risk of future surgery and procedure related perforation albeit with an increased risk of bleeding. ES was shown to be non-inferior to re-do surgery in chronic pouch anastomotic sinus in ulcerative colitis (UC) and ileocolic anastomotic strictures in CD thus reducing surgical morbidity. However, these two modalities have not been compared in a randomized controlled manner. We aimed to compare the two endoscopic treatments with regard to clinical success, need for surgery or additional endoscopic procedure and safety in patients with CD who have short (<3 cm), predominantly fibrotic stenosis excluding those in the small bowel not accessible by endoscope/colonoscope.
Clinical Of Chocolate Balloon Dilatation Versus Plain Balloon Dilatation to Treat Arteriosclerosis...
AtherosclerosisIschemiaThis is a Prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate the difference of safety,effectiveness between chocolate balloon and plain balloon dilatation in treatment of infrapopliteal artery lesions.
Accelerated Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus and Ectasia Using Pulse or Continuous...
KeratoconusCorneal EctasiaCorneal collagen crosslinking has been demonstrated as an effective method of reducing progression of both keratoconus and post-refractive corneal ectasia, as well as decreasing the steepness of the cornea in these pathologies. Performing an accelerated CXL procedure with pulsed UVA light may increase the oxygenation of the cornea, which may improve the crosslinking efficacy.
Dietary Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2) and Cornea Cross-Linking
KeratoconusCornea EctasiaCorneal ectasia is characterized by irregularity and thinning of the cornea, causing the cornea to bulge forward and cause distorted vision and impaired visual acuity. Corneal ectasia is a complication after refractive (LASIK) surgery. It is also the primary problem in keratoconus, a gradually progressive inherited condition that typically is manifested in young adulthood, more commonly in women. Treatment approaches to stabilize the cornea's shape include rigid contact lenses, surgical implantation of stiff plastic intrastromal corneal ring segments, a collagen cross-linking procedure and, in severe cases, cornea transplantation. The collagen cross-linking procedure involves topical application of a concentrated riboflavin (vitamin B2) solution after the corneal epithelium is scraped, followed by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. UV light stimulates riboflavin to form new bonds (cross links) between the cornea's connective tissue, giving the cornea additional strength to maintain its shape and prevent the need for transplantation. The cost of one treatment using this system is $2,500 to $3,500. A small prospective study including 7 patients with keratoconus was started on a trial of oral riboflavin and 15 minutes of natural sunlight exposure daily. These patients reported no adverse effects and preliminary results showed corneal stabilization and/or corneal flattening in all 7 patients It is hypothesized that dietary riboflavin and natural sunlight is as effective in corneal crosslinking as the currently FDA approved Avedro therapy. If the clinical study confirms the investigators' early observations of the benefits of this approach, coupled with animal studies that document corneal cross-linking, the investigators will have data to pursue funding for larger clinical and animal studies. This has the potential to save millions of dollars in health care costs and ease the burden of treatment in patients who require therapy to induce corneal cross-linking to stabilize the cornea's shape.
Anal Dilatation Plus Probiotics Before Ileostomy Reduction for Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
Low Anterior Resection SyndromeThis is randomized, phase 2 trial in patients with rectal cancer undergoing sphincter-preserving proctectomy and temporary ileostomy, to explore the effects of anal dilatation plus probiotics administered per anus before ileostomy reduction in relieving postoperative bowel dysfunction known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS).
Antithrombotic Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Coronary Artery Ectasia
Acute Coronary SyndromeCoronary Artery EctasiaThe optimal anti-thrombotic therapy to prevent recurrent ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery ectasia (CAE) remains unclear. OVER-TIME is an investigator initiated, exploratory, open label, single center, randomized clinical trial comparing dual antiplatelet therapy (acetyl-salicylic acid plus a P2Y12 inhibitor) with the combination of an antiplatelet monotherapy (a P2Y12 inhibitor) plus a low dose anticoagulant (rivaroxaban, 15mg oral dose) for the prevention of recurrent ischemic events among patients with CAE. The investigators aim to enroll 60 patients with CAE and acute coronary syndromes. After recruitment, patients are randomized to (a) standard of care (dual antiplatelet regimen) or (b) the combination of antiplatelet monotherapy and low dose anticoagulant. Patients will be followed for at least 12 months. The OVER-TIME study aims to assess the efficacy of the regimen in prevention of major cardiovascular events and its security in bleeding events in acute coronary syndromes among patients with CAE. OVER-TIME is the first randomized controlled trial to assess different antithrombotic strategies in patients with CAE and acute coronary syndrome, and its results will offer preliminary data for the prevention of major cardiovascular events and bleeding events in this group of patients.
Comparison of Standard vs. Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking
KeratoconusEctasia CornealThe study objective is to compare accelerated and standard corneal crosslinking for treatment of progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia.
Clinical Trials of Pulsed Sonic Balloon Dilatation Catheter and Pulsed Sonic Generater
Coronary Calcified DiseaseThe prospective, multicenter, single- arm study is designed to verify the safety and efficacy of pulsed sonic balloon dilatation catheter and pulsed sonic generater in the treatment of coronary calcification lesions.