Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia

About: Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia is a healthcare organization based out in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Heart failure & Vitamin D and neurology. The organization has 288 authors who have published 357 publications receiving 9276 citations.

Successful interventional treatment of a retrosternal pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.

Abstract: Pseudoaneurysm of the aorta is a rare, but potentially dangerous complication after cardiac surgery, trauma or infective aortitis. Potential fatal risk of rupture with severe hemorrhage exists, so that treatment is necessary. Surgical management carries a high morbidity and mortality rate. Using an endovascular transcatheter method seems to be a promising option for treatment of aortic pseudoaneurysms. We report a case of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm, which was diagnosed 11 years after cardiac surgery and treated successfully by implantation of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.

Unusual Complication With Transcatheter Closure of an Atrial Septal Defect Prevented by Adequate Imaging

Abstract: A 44-year-old woman with progressive dyspnea was referred for transcatheter closure of a recently diagnosed secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). Chest x-ray showed prominent pulmonary arteries, a mild pulmonary volume overload, and a moderate right ventricular enlargement (Figure 1). ECG demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with mild repolarization disturbances in leads III and avL, an incomplete right bundle-branch block, and an indifferent axis with normal time intervals (Figure 2). Cardiac catheterization revealed a significant left-to-right shunt (Qp:Qs=2.9) and coronary angiography a type RII …

Left Atrial Volumes and Phasic Function in Healthy Children: Reference Values Using Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography.

Abstract: Background Evaluation of left atrial (LA) size and function is important in congenital and acquired pediatric cardiac disease. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) offers noninvasive assessment of cardiac volumes and phasic function independent of geometric assumptions. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to establish pediatric reference values for LA 3DE volumes and phasic function based on a large cohort of healthy children. Methods LA data sets of 432 subjects (0 days-222 months) were analyzed prospectively using a vendor-independent software. LA volumes (maximal [Vmax], minimal [Vmin], and before atrial contraction) as well as phasic function (active and passive emptying fraction [EF]) were assessed. For volumes, sex-specific reference values, percentiles, and z-scores were calculated by the LMS method of Cole and Green. Results Absolute volumes increased with age and body surface area. Active EF and relative duration of atrial emptying tended to increase with increasing R-R intervals, while passive EF decreased. Reproducibility of volumes was very good (intra- and interobserver variability for Vmax and Vmin (mean bias ± SD, 0.1 ± 0.9 mL and 0.7 ± 2.8 mL). Volumes were well correlated with cardiac magnetic resonance measurements showing known underestimation of volumes by 3DE (mean bias ± SD, Vmax –14.2 ± 14 mL; Vmin –11.5 ± 10 mL). Conclusions Pediatric LA volumes and phasic function indices were reproducibly measured by 3DE. The provided pediatric reference values can be the basis for evaluation of the LA by 3DE and contribute to detection of LA dysfunction and follow-up of patients with congenital heart diseases.

Management of Angina Pectoris

Abstract: Progress in prevention as well as drug and interventional therapy has improved the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disorders. Many patients at risk have advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), have had multiple coronary interventions, and present with significant co-morbidity. Despite adequate risk factor modulation and often several revascularization procedures, some of these patients still have refractory angina pectoris. Apart from advanced CAD and insufficient collateralization, the cause is often endothelial dysfunction. For this situation, one treatment option is neuromodulation. Controlled studies suggest that, in patients with chronic refractory angina pectoris, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides a relief from symptoms equivalent to that provided by surgical therapy, but with fewer complications and lower rehospitalization rates. SCS may result in significant long-term pain relief with improved quality of life. In patients with refractory angina undergoing SCS, some studies have shown not only a symptomatic improvement, but also a decrease in myocardial ischemia and an increase in coronary blood flow. Discussion is ongoing as to whether this is a direct effect on parasympathetic vascodilation or merely a secondary phenomenon resulting from increased physical activity following an improvement in clinical symptoms. Results from nuclear medical studies have sparked discussion about improved endothelial function and increased collateralization. SCS is a safe treatment option for patients with refractory angina pectoris, and its long-term effects are evident. It is a procedure without significant complications that is easy to tolerate. SCS does not interact with pacemakers, provided that strict bipolar right-ventricular sensing is used. Use in patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators is under discussion. Individual testing is mandatory in order to assess optimal safety in each patient.