Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Early and late complications associated with transcatheter occlusion of secundum atrial septal defect.
The goal of this study was to report the early and late complications experienced in atrial septal defect (ASD) transcatheter closure. ⋯ Our series of patients with ASD by transcatheter occlusion shows that the procedure is safe and effective in the vast majority of cases. To further reduce the complications rate, the criteria of device selection according to ASD morphology and some technical tips during implantation are discussed.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Comparative StudyOverproduction of platelet microparticles in cyanotic congenital heart disease with polycythemia.
We sought to clarify the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of abnormal coagulation in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) with polycythemia; we evaluated the production of platelet microparticles (MPs), platelet degranulation and aggregation response, as well as the correlations of these variables with polycythemia. ⋯ Platelet MPs are overproduced in patients who have CCHD with polycythemia, probably due to a high shear stress derived from blood hyperviscosity. Circulating incompetent platelets, which have already been activated, as well as MPs, might play an important role in the coagulation abnormalities identified in such patients.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Low event rate for stress-only perfusion imaging in patients evaluated for chest pain.
We sought to demonstrate the safety of stress-only perfusion imaging among patients with low to medium probability of coronary disease being evaluated for chest pain. ⋯ These results support stress-only imaging in patients with low to medium probability for CAD as a safe, time- and cost-efficient imaging modality.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialThe impact of body mass index on short- and long-term outcomes inpatients undergoing coronary revascularization. Insights from the bypass angioplasty revascularization investigation (BARI).
We sought to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on short- and long-term outcomes after initial revascularization with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). ⋯ Body mass index appears to have a differential impact on short- and long-term outcomes after coronary revascularization. These results underscore the need for further research to identify factors responsible for the apparent short-term protective effect of a higher BMI in patients undergoing PTCA and to study the impact of weight reduction on the long-term survival of obese patients undergoing CABG.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialInitial experience with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator incorporating cardiac resynchronization therapy.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) incorporating biventricular pacing. ⋯ Incorporating biventricular pacing in an ICD is feasible and leads to an improvement of heart failure symptoms. Therefore, this therapy may become an option for patients who need ICD therapy in the presence of severe heart failure.