Cardiovascular Medicine

2 pages, 1708 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Right Ventricular Function Before LVAD Implantation

by Nicolas Barras, Xavier Jeanrenaud, Julien Regamey, Patrick Yerly, Aurélien Roumy, Matthias Kirsch and Roger Hullin

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 69-71; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00463 - 15 Mar 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 51

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices are increasingly used to treat selected advanced heart failure patients, because of the limited number of donors available for heart transplantation. Newer generation devices portend a lower complication rate, and outcomes are now similar to orthotopic heart transplantation. However, [...] Read more.

Left ventricular assist devices are increasingly used to treat selected advanced heart failure patients, because of the limited number of donors available for heart transplantation. Newer generation devices portend a lower complication rate, and outcomes are now similar to orthotopic heart transplantation. However, despite an increase in the number of implants in the last years, 25% of patients develop right ventricular failure, which remains a major concern. Careful preoperative right ventricular function evaluation is mandatory, and novel echocardiographic load-independent right ventricular function parameters are validated as outcome predictors in these patients. We report the two first HeartMate III implantations in Switzerland, with description of the echocardiographic work-up that helped the perioperative management in regard to the right ventricular function. Full article

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1 pages, 1479 KB

Open AccessReply

Author’s Reply

by Fabian Nietlispach and Francesco Maisano

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00468 - 15 Mar 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 36

Abstract

With pleasure we read the letter to the Editor by Kühne et al. [...] Full article

3 pages, 2204 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Loss of Biventricular Pacing: What’s the Problem?

by Sylvie Cochard and Jürg Schläpfer

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00469 - 15 Mar 2017

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Abstract

A 74-year-old man with a long history of ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and a severely depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 15% went to the hospital because of dyspnoea and epigastric discomfort for six days, triggered by an emotional event [...] Full article

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7 pages, 1733 KB

Open AccessReview

Value of Echocardiography in Chronic Dyspnea

by Patrick Badertscher and Beat A. Kaufmann

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00464 - 15 Mar 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 44

Abstract

In chronic dyspnoea, cardiac and pulmonary aetiologies predominate, but multiple causes are present in up to one third of patients. Because of the multiple possible aetiologies, the evaluation of chronic dyspnoea remains challenging. Initial diagnostic testing should include at least a complete blood [...] Read more.

In chronic dyspnoea, cardiac and pulmonary aetiologies predominate, but multiple causes are present in up to one third of patients. Because of the multiple possible aetiologies, the evaluation of chronic dyspnoea remains challenging. Initial diagnostic testing should include at least a complete blood count, chest x-ray and an electrocardiogram. If there is an ongoing suspicion of a cardiac origin, echocardiography comes into play. Echocardiography is the first-line diagnostic imaging test for detecting myocardial, valvular or pericardial disease as an aetiology for chronic dyspnoea. In addition, echocardiography may aid in the diagnosis of thromboembolic disease and in pulmonary artery hypertension. Echocardiography also provides additional important information such as the severity and extent of the disease. In our review we will discuss the different causes of chronic dyspnea and we will highlight the strengths and limitations of echocardiography when evaluating these disorders. When interpreted together with the clinical presentation, echocardiography is a fundamental diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with chronic dyspnoea and contributes to directing further management. Full article

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5 pages, 1750 KB

Open AccessReview

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonates and Children

by Martin Schmiady, Carsten Döll, Anna Cavigelli-Brunner, Alexander Konetzka, Sebastian Bründler, Yvonne Kröger, Hitendu Dave, Michael Hübler and Martin Schweiger

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00462 - 15 Mar 2017

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 40

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a general term that describes the short- or long-term support of the heart and/or lungs in neonates, children and adults. It offers a treatment option for severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure from neonate to adult. Used as venoarterial [...] Read more.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a general term that describes the short- or long-term support of the heart and/or lungs in neonates, children and adults. It offers a treatment option for severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure from neonate to adult. Used as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), it remains the most commonly used modality for short- to mid-term mechanical support of the failing circulation in children. The aim of this article is to review the clinical indications, different circuits, technical options, patient management, and potential risks and benefits of this therapy for children. As ECMO therapy is an overwhelming event for the whole family we also highlight the role of psychosocial counselling and support for the parents. Full article

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1 pages, 1479 KB

Open AccessArticle

LAA Occluders for All Patients with Atrial Fibrillation - An Overreaching Statement

by Michael Kühne, Tobias Reichlin, Beat Schaer, Stefan Osswald and Christian Sticherling

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 467; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00467 (registering DOI) - 15 Mar 2017

Viewed by 39

Abstract

With great interest we read the article by Ghenzi et al. on “The evolving role of le atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion” published in the November 16th issue of Cardiovascular Medicine [...] Full article

1 pages, 1579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Right Ventricle Metastasis of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma

by Verena Charlotte Wilzeck, Tilo Niemann and Christpher Hansi

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 466; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00466 (registering DOI) - 15 Mar 2017

Viewed by 31

Abstract

A 79-year-old female was diagnosed with a pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) of the left lower lobe (stage IB) and underwent an open lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection. Because of the early tumour stage, the molecular genetic characteristics of the tumour and the [...] Read more.

A 79-year-old female was diagnosed with a pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) of the left lower lobe (stage IB) and underwent an open lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection. Because of the early tumour stage, the molecular genetic characteristics of the tumour and the patient’s advanced age [...] Full article

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1 pages, 1491 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Special Communication

by Thomas F. Lüscher

Cardiovasc. Med. 2017, 20(3), 465; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2017.00465 - 15 Mar 2017

Viewed by 38

Abstract

Berufung von PD Dr. Ronald K. Binder als Chefarzt Kardiologie am Universitären Lehrkrankenhaus Wels- Grieskirchen [...] Full article

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Cardiovasc. Med., Volume 20, Issue 3 (03 2017) – 8 articles

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