Cardiology in the young
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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.
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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 · Dec 2002
Comparative StudyDoes age at the time of elective cardiac surgery or catheter intervention in children influence the longitudinal development of psychological distress and styles of coping of parents?
To assess the influence of age at a cardiac procedure of children, who underwent elective cardiac surgery or interventional cardiac catheterisation for treatment of congenital cardiac defects between 3 months and 7 years of age, on the longitudinal development of psychological distress and styles of coping of their parents. ⋯ Age of the children at the time of elective cardiac surgery or catheter intervention did not influence the course of psychological distress of their parents, nor the styles of coping used by the parents. Future research should investigate in what way the age at which these cardiac procedures are performed influences the emotional and cognitive development of the children.
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Cardiology in the young · May 2002
Comparative StudyPreoperative identification of coronary arterial anatomy in complete transposition, and outcome after the arterial switch operation.
Perceived correlation between the coronary arterial anatomy in patients with complete transposition, and the outcome of the arterial switch procedure, has made preoperative identification of their patterns standard practice. ⋯ We conclude that complex coronary arterial anatomy does not preclude a successful arterial switch procedure, although patients with a single coronary artery, or other arterial patterns, had a slightly longer hospital course. Preoperative echocardiographic evaluation is comparable to nonselective coronary angiography. Irrespective of complexity, nonetheless, the coronary arteries can successfully be translocated, obviating the need for preoperative coronary angiography.