Echocardiography
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Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an effective parameter for assessing right ventricular (RV) function in echocardiographic studies. The preload dependency of TASPE has not been explored. ⋯ Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion not only correlates with RVEF, but also is dependent on RV volume. The cut-off value and predictive accuracy of TAPSE for detecting RV dysfunction vary with different RV volumes.
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Recent improvements in 3D TEE post processing rendering techniques referred to as TrueVue (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA). It allows for novel photorealistic imaging of cardiac structures including left atrial appendage (LAA) and its closure devices. Here we present TrueVue images of the LAA prior to and after LAA exclusion/occlusion using various percutaneous and surgical techniques. TrueVue may improve delineation of LAA anatomy prior to occlusion as well as visualization of occluder device position within the LAA.
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The appropriate depth of right internal jugular venous (RIJV) catheterization is still under debated. In this study, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used to develop a prediction formula for fixed RIJV catheter depth. ⋯ TEE is an effective method for determining the appropriate insertion depth for an RIJV catheter. The prediction formula can be used as a reference for future RIJV catheterizations via the middle approach.
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Secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to define CRT effects on left ventricular (LV) and mitral valve (MV) geometry, and their correlation with MR severity. ⋯ Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with LBBB and secondary MR results in LV and MV geometric reverse remodeling and decreases MR severity. Extent of baseline MV tethering is independently associated with persistent MR at follow-up.