Methodist DeBakey cardiovascular journal
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Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J · Jan 2013
ReviewVentricular assist devices (VAD) therapy: new technology, new hope?
Ventricular assist devices are commonly utilized in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. Advances in continuous flow technology have improved efficiency, size, implantability, extended support, and overall patient outcomes. This has led to an expanded role of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) clinical use and applications. This review describes the advances and current state of LVAD devices and provides a future outlook for this technology.
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Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J · Jul 2012
ReviewAcute kidney injury after cardiovascular surgery: an overview.
Acute kidney injury is a complication of open-heart surgery that carries a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that postoperative renal function deterioration in cardiovascular surgery patients increases in-hospital mortality and adversely affects long-term survival. Identifying individuals at risk for developing AKI and aggressive early intervention is extremely important to optimize outcomes. This paper provides an overview of the etiology, prognostic markers, risk factors, and prevention of AKI and treatments that may favorably affect outcomes.
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Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J · Jul 2012
Case ReportsA mid-ventricular variant of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) was initially recognized in Japan in 1990. The typical patient is a postmenopausal woman with symptoms that mimic an acute coronary syndrome generally following physical or emotional stress. The EKG will typically have dynamic ST segment changes, while the angiogram will usually show normal coronary arteries. ⋯ Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. Left ventriculogram showed hypokinesis of the midventricular segment and hyperdynamic apical and basal regions. Although the exact mechanism of TC is unknown, several theories include loss of estrogen, catecholamine or neurohumoral stimulation, coronary artery spasm, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction.
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Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J · Apr 2012
ReviewTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): access planning and strategies.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has proven to be a viable tool for the high-surgical-risk population with severe aortic valve stenosis. Vascular access complications are not uncommon with TAVR and may increase early and late mortality. Avoiding these serious complications is the goal. ⋯ TAVR teams should be familiar and comfortable with these approaches as each of them has its own advantages and weaknesses. The best option is usually one in which the procedure is tailored to the patient. The present review examines our current access planning and strategies for TAVR.