Future cardiology
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As a method to prevent recurrent paradoxical embolism and therefore cryptogenic stroke, catheter-based patent foramen ovale closure was first reported in 1992. Since then numerous different devices have been designed to prevent paradoxical embolism. The development of new devices has risen pretty rapidly. ⋯ The primary aim is to create a device which is easy to implant and able to prevent paradoxical embolism. Additional goals are to minimize early and late complications, such as thrombembolism, erosion of adjacent structures, thrombus formation or atrial arrhythmia. This review gives an overview of the data and the current literature regarding long-term complications (follow-up > or = 1 month) after patent foramen ovale closure with current devices and presents the initial, midterm and late results after patent foramen ovale closure with newer devices.
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Review
Pathological and physiological left ventricular hypertrophy: echocardiography for differentiation.
Distinguishing physiological left ventricular hypertrophy of an athlete's heart from that of pathological left ventricular (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) can be difficult despite the advent of new imaging techniques. Nevertheless, the final diagnosis is of utmost importance as it will have a profound impact on an individual's life. A diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy essentially excludes an individual from sport and strenuous exertion and necessitates the need for further tests and treatment, as well as the screening of family members. ⋯ Discussion will also focus on the newer and emerging echocardiographic techniques for this purpose. The term 'hypertrophic cardiomyopathy' is used to describe the nonobstuctive form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as this review article focuses on distinguishing the 'mild' form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from an athlete's heart. When the more severe obstructive form is being described, the term 'hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy' is used.