European heart journal
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European heart journal · Jun 2000
Multicenter StudyTranscatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects. Initial results and value of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography.
To examine the feasibility of transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects using two Amplatzer devices simultaneously and to describe the importance and the role of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in the selection and closure of such defects. ⋯ The use of more than one Amplatzer septal occluder to close multiple atrial septal defects is safe and effective. The use of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography provided useful information for transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects using two devices. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography enhanced our ability to image and understand the spatial relationship of the atrial septal defect anatomy.
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European heart journal · Jun 2000
Multicenter StudyDiagnosing syncope in clinical practice. Implementation of a simplified diagnostic algorithm in a multicentre prospective trial - the OESIL 2 study (Osservatorio Epidemiologico della Sincope nel Lazio)
In some patients with syncope health care is inappropriate and ineffective. In a recent observational investigation in community hospitals of the Lazio region of Italy (the OESIL study) 54.4% of patients admitted with syncope from the emergency room were discharged without a conclusive diagnosis. ⋯ The use of specific, simplified diagnostic guidelines and algorithms results in an improvement of overall clinical performance. However, the development of such decision-making aids should carefully consider the local circumstances of daily clinical practice.