JACC. Cardiovascular imaging
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JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Aug 2011
Pre-operative left atrial mechanical function predicts risk of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery.
The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial (LA) mechanical function, as measured by LA total emptying fraction (TEF), is a predictor for the development of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following cardiac surgery. ⋯ LA TEF is an independent predictor of POAF and is a stronger predictor of POAF than LAVmaxI is. Impaired LA mechanical function may help to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from prophylaxis for POAF.
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JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Jul 2011
ReviewClinical utility of multimodality LA imaging: assessment of size, function, and structure.
The reservoir, conduit, and contractile functions of the left atrium are integral to overall cardiac performance. Recent advances in cardiac imaging offer the accurate assessment of LA phasic functions and structure, using techniques such as 3-dimensional echocardiography, color tissue Doppler imaging, and speckle tracking, as well as cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ This review article highlights and contrasts the imaging of the size, mechanics, and structure of the left atrium using multiple modalities. The authors discuss recent studies on the clinical applications of the various techniques in disease conditions.
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JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Jul 2011
Influence of atrial function and mechanical synchrony on LV hemodynamic status in heart failure patients on resynchronization therapy.
The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial and ventricular function in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). ⋯ AS is associated with preserved atrial contractility and atrial synchrony, resulting in optimal LV diastolic filling, stroke volume, and LV systolic mechanics. This pacing mode maximizes LV performance and the hemodynamic benefit of CRT in patients with heart failure.
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JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Jul 2011
Effects of surgical ventricular reconstruction and mitral complex reconstruction on cardiac oxidative metabolism and efficiency in nonischemic and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) on cardiac efficiency as a surrogate marker for cardiac function and oxidative metabolism in patients with severe heart failure. ⋯ Combined surgery with SVR and mitral complex reconstruction reduced LV volume in association with improvement of cardiac efficiency in patients with severe heart failure.