Cardiology in the young
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Cardiology in the young · Feb 2003
Comparative StudyTransthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography prior to closure of atrial septal defects in children.
Our aims were to use transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography to assess the morphology of atrial septal defects in children prior to closure, and to compare the three-dimensional echocardiographic data with transcatheter and surgical findings. ⋯ Transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography proved accurate in measuring the maximal diameter and rims of atrial septal defects within the oval fossa. This non-invasive method will be valuable in selecting children for transcatheter or surgical closure of such defects.
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Cardiology in the young · Feb 2003
The clinical pathway for fast track recovery of school activities in children after minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is now becoming standard in the correction of simple congenital cardiac malfbrmations. We introduced a clinical pathway for fast track recovery of school activities in children after minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and assessed the function of the pathway in children with atrial or ventricular septal defects, comparing minimally invasive surgery to repair through a conventional full sternotomy. ⋯ We conclude that minimally invasive cardiac surgery can safely be performed in children. In addition to its cosmetic role, the technique has added value in promoting early return to normal school life, including gymnastics.