Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to L Bloch.
A Soviet nuclear pacemaker is described. It is a large VOO bipolar pacemaker, probably nonprogrammable. It has unique electrode connectors. No isotope leak or excessive radiation hazard was detected. Because we had no knowledge of its end-of-life markers and because of the impossibility of assuming long-term safety, the device was removed.
A 26-year-old woman with severe pliable mitral stenosis underwent successful balloon mitral valvuloplasty at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. The indication for intervention was severe shortness of breath during most daily activities, despite combined beta-blocker and diuretic treatment (FC III, NYHA). After use of a 2 x 19 bifoil balloon there was significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement. Shortness of breath disappeared, the mean mitral valve diastolic gradient decreased from 24 to 7 mmHg and the mitral valve area increased from 0.8 to 1.8 cm. There were no complications of the treatment, and estimated radiation exposure of the fetus was less than 0.2 rad. Subsequent abdominal ultrasound examination revealed normal fetal functioning. 2.5 months after mitral dilatation delivery was normal. Balloon mitral valvuloplasty may safely be used instead of surgery as a palliative procedure for relief of symptoms in pregnant women with severe pliable mitral stenosis.
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