Journal of cardiovascular medicine
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Sep 2011
Case ReportsAcute aortic dissection: a case report showing penetrating thoracic aortic ulcer and infrarenal aortic rupture.
An acute aortic syndrome with simultaneous presence of a penetrating aortic ulcer, an intramural haematoma, a thoracic aortic dissection and an abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture has not previously been reported. Herein, we describe our experience with a patient treated by endovascular means with an 8-year follow-up.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Aug 2011
Cryptogenic cerebral ischemia: clinical usefulness of a flexible ultrasound diagnostic algorithm for detection of patent foramen ovale.
Paradoxical thromboembolism across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be involved in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic strokes. We tested the feasibility and the clinical usefulness of an early screening for PFO combining different ultrasound techniques in patients with acute cerebral ischemia of undetermined cause. ⋯ A combined ultrasound approach based on a flexible diagnostic algorithm improved our ability to detect a PFO or alternative stroke cause in patients with acute cerebral ischemia of undetermined cause and to optimize secondary stroke prevention.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Jul 2011
Cardiologists' workflow in small to medium-sized German hospitals: an observational work analysis.
Due to recent changes in national health policy and a subsequent increase in clinicians' workload, medical residents in Germany feel that the growing burden of documentation duties leaves too little time for direct patient care. Thus, to describe the daily workflow in cardiology wards with more accuracy, this real-time observational study detailed all tasks performed by resident cardiologists during daily shifts at German hospitals. ⋯ Ward rounds, meetings and administrative duties took up two-thirds of an average workday. Little time was spent on direct patient care relative to other clinical tasks such as paperwork and management. High rates of interruptions and multitasking were found. As the medical workforce is valuable, changes in the organization of workflow should be made in order to minimize residents' administrative duties and paperwork; thus, cardiologists' job satisfaction might increase.