Erzincan Merkez

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two regional anesthesia techniques, the Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block and the Deep Iliacus Plane Block (DIPB), for managing pain in patients undergoing surgery for intertrochanteric femur fractures. These fractures are common in elderly patients and cause significant pain, especially during positioning for spinal anesthesia and postoperatively. The study aims to determine which block provides better pain relief with minimal motor impairment. The study is a prospective, single-center, double-blind randomized controlled trial involving at least 75 patients aged 18 to 75 years with ASA physical status I to III. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group receiving intravenous analgesia only, a group receiving the PENG block, or a group receiving the DIPB. Both blocks involve ultrasound-guided injection of 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine before surgery. Surgery is performed under spinal anesthesia using a standard protocol. Participants will be monitored with routine hemodynamic measures and oxygen during the perioperative period. Pain during positioning for spinal anesthesia and postoperative pain at several time points up to 24 hours will be assessed using validated scales. Motor and sensory block assessments will be conducted, and additional analgesic use will be recorded. The study includes careful blinding of patients and outcome assessors to the block type to ensure unbiased results.

Researchers are exploring the role of a protein called Mitofusin-1 (Mfn1) found in saliva as a potential marker for gum disease called periodontitis. The study includes healthy individuals, people with mild to severe periodontitis, and smokers with severe periodontitis. The goal is to understand how Mfn1 levels relate to disease severity and how they change after treatment. This research may help improve diagnosis and monitoring of periodontitis. Participants will provide saliva samples and undergo clinical examinations of their gums and teeth. Those with periodontitis will receive a standard treatment called non-surgical periodontal therapy, which involves cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots to help gums heal. Saliva samples will be collected by having participants drool into a tube. The study will measure Mfn1 levels before treatment and again three months after treatment. During the study, participants will have saliva collected and receive dental examinations to assess gum health and disease status. Researchers will track changes in Mfn1 protein levels to see if they correspond to improvements in gum disease after treatment. The study includes follow-up visits three months post-treatment to evaluate treatment response and safety. Overall participation lasts at least three months from the initial sample collection to the follow-up assessment.

Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can delay recovery, decrease patient satisfaction, and increase the need for pain medications. The adductor canal block (ACB) is commonly used to manage pain while preserving motor function, but it mainly targets the front and inner parts of the knee and does not fully relieve pain from the back of the knee. This study aims to find the best combination of nerve blocks for managing pain after TKA by comparing three blocks—the sciatic nerve block, BiFeS block, and IPACK block—when each is added to the adductor canal block. The trial is a prospective, randomized controlled study conducted at a single center. Patients aged 18 to 75 years undergoing elective unilateral primary TKA will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Each group will receive a mid-adductor canal block combined with either a sciatic nerve block, BiFeS block, or IPACK block. All blocks use an ultrasound-guided injection of 20 mL of local anesthetic (a mix of bupivacaine and saline). Standard spinal anesthesia will also be used during surgery. Blinding procedures ensure that outcome assessors and other staff do not know group assignments. Participants will be monitored closely after surgery with pain scores measured at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. Motor function will be assessed using the Modified Bromage Scale and tests of ankle and toe movement. Use of rescue opioids and time to first opioid dose will be recorded. Quality of recovery will be evaluated with a questionnaire 24 hours after surgery. All patients will receive standard multimodal pain relief. The study will last 12 months, with careful safety and efficacy evaluations throughout the postoperative period.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Occlutech Atrial Flow Regulator (AFR) device in patients with Heart Failure. This international, multicenter follow-up study aims to identify any unknown side effects and better understand when this device should or should not be used. The study focuses on patients with chronic symptomatic heart failure and monitors their health for up to 36 months after the device implantation. Participants will receive the Occlutech AFR device, which is an interatrial shunt implanted through a minimally invasive transcatheter procedure. The treatment is done according to the device's instructions and routine clinical practice by experienced physicians. The study includes regular follow-up visits and evaluations that last for three years after implantation to assess the device's performance and safety. During the study, participants will have their vital signs checked and undergo laboratory tests, ECGs, echocardiograms, and complete quality of life questionnaires. Researchers will track major adverse cardiovascular and neurological events for one year after implantation as a primary outcome. The study monitors patients closely throughout the follow-up period to evaluate how well the device works and to detect any side effects or complications.