Gene symbol: CMD1J. Disease: Dilated cardiomyopathy.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
M Carminati
Publications and source records attributed to M Carminati.
Association of Children with Heart Disease in the World: 10-year experience.
Thousands of children live in developing countries with untreated but correctable congenital heart disease (CHD), and most of them will die simple because they live in poor countries that do not have suitable medical/surgical facilities. The aim of the Association of Children with Heart Disease in the World is to support the operatory and teaching activities of a group of voluntary doctors engaged in the management of children with CHD in developing countries. Since 1992, the association has obtained 160 grants for foreign doctors who have been trained in our hospitals; performed 75 missions abroad, with more than 2150 cases evaluated and 404 cardiac operations performed; obtained millions of dollars worth of donated medical equipment; and constructed two cardiac surgery departments in Syria and Cameroon. Many efforts have been made, but much more can be done as we attain more experience and develop better coordination and collaboration between the international groups engaged in this emerging social need.
Child↗
Transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder in very young symptomatic children.
OBJECTIVES: To analyse safety, efficacy, and follow up results of percutaneous closure of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very young symptomatic children. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: Between March 2000 and March 2003, of 197 patients treated at the authors' institution 18 were symptomatic children aged < or = 3 years old. Seven of these children were < or = 1 year old. Indications for closure were failure to thrive (12 patients) and frequent respiratory infections (six patients). The procedure was carried out under heavy sedation with fluoroscopic control. The Amplatzer duct occluder device was used. Basal physical examinations and echocardiograms were performed before the procedure and at follow up (three, six, and 12 months and yearly thereafter). RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 18.3 (10) months and mean (SD) weight at closure was 9.1 (2.2) kg. Neither death nor any major complications occurred. Complications occurred in three patients aged < or = 1 year. Two patients had a mild inguinal haematoma. One patient had femoral artery thrombosis that was successfully treated by intravenous urokinase. The mean (SD) follow up was 12.8 (8.5) months. No problems occurred. Patients with recurrent respiratory infections had no significant recurrences and children who had failed to thrive had significantly increased growth. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, percutaneous closure of moderate to large PDA in very young symptomatic children is safe, effectively closes the PDA, and solves clinical problems.
Balloon Occlusion↗
[Plastic surgery in day hospital conditions: comparison between two hospital models].
Personal experience of plastic surgery carried out in Day Hospital conditions is reported. The experience took place within the hospital structure through two different organisational models called here transversal and divisional organisation models: characteristic of the former is that it uses a dedicated interdivisional structure within the hospital involving the centralization of all day-surgery activities, whereas the latter organizes Day Surgery activities within the operating unit whose structures it shares. On the basis of a comparison between the two models we were able to note advantages and disadvantages. We can review our experience in brief by stating that our own preference went to the transversal model which presents the indubitable advantage of being a logistic structure which is hinged on daytime activity and is ready therefore to satisfy on the one hand the needs of this type of patient and, on the other, the needs of the structure itself in efficiency terms. We propose to correct the disadvantages of the transversal model which can be outlined in its lack of homogeneity in the pathology treated and in the subtraction of the criterion of clinical priority in waiting lists through the attainment of a critical dimensional threshold such as to permit programmable sessions with patients with homogeneous pathology (i.e. belonging to the same hospital unit) and through the maintenance of a certain number of Day Hospital beds (around 25%) reserved for new emergency clinical cases.
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗
Growth after neonatal arterial switch operation for D-transposition of the great arteries.
The objective of this study was to evaluate growth in infants with d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) who underwent switch operation (anatomical correction) in the early neonatal period. Growth data (at birth and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of age) were retrieved in 23 infants with d-TGA who survived the operation without major complications. Measures were transformed into z scores and compared with normative data for age. Following surgery, infants showed low z scores for weight, height, and head circumference. Weight and height showed a trend to reach normal ranges between 6 and 12 months of age, and the z scores were positive at 24 months. z scores for head circumference were still negative at 24 months of age. No dietary interventions were implemented during this period, and the infants were fed their own mothers' milk or, before discharge, high-calorie, preterm formula. Following anatomical correction for d-TGA in the early neonatal period, infant growth shows a characteristic pattern, with parameters normalized by 12 months of age in most cases. Head growth shows a different pattern, although gross motor development seems unaffected.
Birth Weight↗
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects with the STARFlex device: early results and follow-up.
BACKGROUND: The STARFlex (SF) device is a CardioSEAL (CS) double-umbrella device that has been modified by the addition of a self-centering mechanism comprised of nitinol springs connected between the two umbrellas and a flexible core wire with a pin-pivoting connection. This paper compares the results of atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with CardioSEAL and STARFlex devices. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 1996 and March 2000, 117 patients underwent ASD closure with CardioSEAL (n = 79) and STARFlex (n = 38). The mean age (17 years), weight (49 kg), and ASD size (15 mm) were similar in the two groups. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia with both fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring. IMMEDIATE RESULTS: The devices were successfully implanted in all patients. Ten patients had multiple ASDs. A single device was used in four patients (CardioSEAL in three, STARFlex in one), while a simultaneous placement of two CardioSEAL (one patient) or two STARFlex (five patients) were performed in six patients. The results are summarized as follows: [table: see text] Follow-Up Results: On follow-up clinical exam, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, and echocardiograms were obtained at 1, 6, and 12 months. [table: see text] During follow-up there were no deaths, endocarditis, rhythm disturbances, or other complications. Arm fractures were observed almost exclusively with large CardioSEAL devices (40 mm, less frequently with 33 mm), and only in one 33-mm STARFlex device. There were no clinical complications related to fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The STARFlex device seems to offer better results than the CardioSEAL, with significantly lower rates of residual shunts and arm fractures.
Adolescent↗
Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale in patients with cryptogenic stroke.
BACKGROUND: About 50% of patients with cryptogenic stroke have a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The recurrence rate of paradoxical embolism is higher if a PFO is detected. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with PFO and > or = 1 thromboembolic event due to paradoxical embolism were included in the study (23 males, 12 females, mean age 47.8 +/- 14 years, mean weight 75 +/- 15 kg). Twenty-three patients had a transient ischemic attack whereas 12 experienced an ischemic stroke. Twenty-nine patients had one thromboembolic event, 4 patients had two thromboembolic events, and 2 patients had three thromboembolic events. The implantation procedure was performed, as previously reported, under general anesthesia, fluoroscopic guidance and during transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: The implantation procedure was successful in all patients. There were no complications related to the procedure. Four different devices were implanted (Amplatzer 3 patients; Cardioseal 12 patients; Starflex 12 patients, PFO Star 8 patients). The procedure time and fluoroscopic time were 50 +/- 21.8 and 12.2 +/- 8.3 min respectively. At transesophageal echocardiography performed after the procedure, 11 patients had a trivial shunt. None of the patients had a residual shunt at 1 month of follow-up. The mean follow-up was 12.3 +/- 8 months (median 11.0 months, range 3-37 months). In no patient did recurrence of a thromboembolic event occur during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous PFO closure is a feasible and safe technique for the prevention of recurrent paradoxical embolism.
Adult↗
Primary stenting of native aortic coarctation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aortic Coarctation↗
Familial occurrence of isolated right ventricular hypoplasia.
Isolated right ventricular hypoplasia is a rare congenital anomaly. This condition is usually associated with a communication between the atria in the form of a patent foramen ovale or secondum atrial septal defect. We describe a familial occurrence of this rare disease. A 1-day-old male child and his 34-year-old father were found to have isolated right ventricular hypoplasia with atrial septal defect. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance is likely for this rare congenital anomaly.
Adult↗
A European multicentric experience using the CardioSEal and Starflex double umbrella devices to close interatrial communications holes within the oval fossa.
In this review, we describe the experience from 13 European centres using the CardioSEAL and Starflex double umbrella devices to close interatrial communications within the oval fossa (so-called 'secundum' defects). Between October 1996 and April 1999, the procedure was attempted in 334 patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean weight of 44kg. The mean measured stretched diameter of the defect was 15 mm. In the overall group, the defect was solitary in 245 patients (73%), multiple in 21 (6%), associated with an aneurysm of the flap valve in 15 (5 %), was represented by patency of the oval foramen in 44 (13%), and was a fenestration in a Fontan repair in 9 (3%). In all patients, the devices were inserted under general anesthesia, using fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiographic control. Implantation was achieved in 325 (97,3%). The device embolized within either a few minutes or a few hours in 13 patients (4%). Of these, uncomplicated surgical repair was undertaken in 10, while the device was retrieved in 3 using catheters and a second device was successfully implanted. Residual shunting was detected immediately after the procedure in 41% of the patients, with the incidence decreasing to 31% at discharge, 24% at 1 month, 21% at 6 months, and 20.5% at one year. During the period of follow-up, elective surgical repair became necessary in two patients, due to malposition of the device in one, and late embolization in the other. Fractures of arms were seen in 6.1 %, most commonly with the largest devices. All those with fractured arms of the device were asymptomatic, and no clinical complications related to the fractures were observed. There were no arrhythmias, endocarditis, valvar distortion, thromboembolic events, or other complications. After one year of follow-up, clinical success, defined as complete closure of the defect or presence of only a trivial leak, had been obtained in 92.5% of the patients. We conclude, therefore, that these devices produce excellent results when used to close defects of small to moderate size. Results are less than optimal, or else complications ensure, when attempts are made to close very large defects.
Adolescent↗
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect with a new flexible, self-centering device (the STARFlex Occluder).
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of the STARFlex Occluder for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects with difficult anatomy. Transcatheter closure of the defect was attempted and successfully performed in 5 patients; the "stretched" defect diameter ranged from 12 to 24 mm and the implanted devices ranged from 23 to 33 mm.
Cardiac Catheterization↗
Long-term follow-up of stents implanted to relieve peripheral pulmonary arterial stenosis: hemodynamic findings and results of lung perfusion scanning.
In recent years, percutaneous placement of stents has been used as an alternative to surgery or balloon angioplasty for the treatment of adults with peripheral pulmonary arterial stenosis. This therapy has also been proposed for children, but questions still remain about its indications in this group of patients. We describe here the results of intravascular placement of stents in a group of 29 patients, with a mean age of 12+/-7 (range 3-31) years and weighing 35+/-19 (range 11-74) kg. All were affected by postsurgical or congenital isolated pulmonary arterial stenosis, and have now been followed for 38+/-19 (range 6-65) months. The early hemodynamic results have been excellent, with a significant reduction of the pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, the systolic pressure gradient, and the ratio of systolic pressures in the pulmonary and systemic circuits, and with a significant increase of the diameter of the stented vessels in all the patients. Of the 29 patients, 24 have been recatheterized 18+/-10 months after the procedure, demonstrating the stability of the results, with a low incidence of late restenosis, this seen in only 1 patient (2%). Lung perfusion scanning, performed in 17 patients each year after the follow-up catheterization, has showed that the results are maintained at long-term follow-up (51+/-9 months).
Adolescent↗
Aortic balloon dilatation for congenital aortic stenosis: report of 90 cases (1986-98).
OBJECTIVE: To review 12 years of experience of balloon aortic valvoplasty in childhood. DESIGN: Early and mid-term clinical and instrumental evaluation of 104 consecutive balloon aortic valvoplasties performed from 1986 to 1998. SETTING: A tertiary referral centre for congenital heart disease. PATIENTS: 90 patients with congenital aortic stenosis: 20 neonates (group 1), 16 infants (group 2), and 54 children (group 3). INTERVENTIONS: Balloon aortic valvotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Doppler and peak to peak aortic gradient before and after valvoplasty, degree of aortic regurgitation before and after valvoplasty, early and late mortality, need for repeat intervention or surgery. RESULTS: Balloon aortic valvoplasty produced a gradient reduction of > 50% in 59 patients, 12 having a residual peak to peak gradient of > 50 mm Hg. Early mortality included three procedure related and six procedure unrelated deaths. There were no intraprocedural deaths. Grade III aortic regurgitation occurred in 20 patients. Five non-lethal complications occurred. At a mean follow up of 5.1 (group 1), 5.7 (group 2), and 7.6 years (group 3), survival was 75%, 88%, and 96%, respectively. Redilatation was performed in three patients in group 1, one in group 2, and 10 in group 3. Surgery was necessary for six in group 1, one in group 2, and eight in group 3. Freedom from events at last follow up was 50%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. There was a residual maximum Doppler gradient of < 30 mm Hg in 22 patients and > 60 mm Hg in 23; 50 patients have mild to moderate aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon aortic valvoplasty is effective and repeatable and offers good palliation for congenital aortic stenosis in childhood.
Adolescent↗
[Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: role of interventional hemodynamics].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Heart Septal Defects, Atrial↗
[Interventional hemodynamics in pediatric cardiology].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aortic Dissection↗
Surgical closure of muscular ventricular septal defects using double umbrella devices (intraoperative VSD device closure).
OBJECTIVES: Surgical closure of some muscular ventricular septal defects has been proven to be difficult. In order to simplify the surgical technique we have used intraoperatively Rashkind double umbrella devices to occlude muscular ventricular septal defects. METHODS: On the basis of haemodynamic and echocardiographic study five children aged 4, 6, 7, 14 and 41 months were considered suitable candidates for intraoperative closure of muscular ventricular septal defects (midmuscular in three cases, apical in two) by Rashkind devices. Three of them had previously undergone pulmonary artery banding at 10, 11 and 41 days, respectively. During hypothermic cardiopulmonary by pass a delivery system was introduced across the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and then passed through the ventricular septal defect; the distal umbrella of a 17 mm device was opened in the left ventricular cavity; a traction was applied to the introducer and the proximal umbrella was opened on the right side straddling the interventricular septum; the device was then secured on the right side by few stitches. In one case because of the wide diameter of the ventricular septal defect two umbrellas were used. The surgical procedure was completed with debanding and/or closure of other defects close to the aortic or tricuspid valve. RESULTS: Immediate results, tested by epicardial or transesofageal echo, showed a minimal residual shunt in 4 patients and a moderate shunt in one. No early deaths occurred. A complete atrioventricular block developed in 1 patient who had an additional perimembranous defect closed with a prosthetic patch: a permanent pace maker was inserted 3 months after the operation. There was a late death for untractable right ventricular failure in 1 patient who had a large residual shunt erroneously considered moderate. In this patient, the size of the defect was underestimated both preoperatively then intraoperatively. The four survivors are doing well with no signs of hemodynamically significant residual shunts. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Rashkind umbrella devices for closing intraoperatively muscular defects can be helpful to standard surgical techniques when technical problems make patch closure difficult. Its use avoid the need of left ventriculotomy. Careful definition of the size of the defect is mandatory to select suitable candidates.
Angiocardiography↗
Transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts using controlled-release coils.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts using controlled-release coils. DESIGN: Transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts was attempted in 52 patients using controlled-release coils. SETTING: For the study, four tertiary paediatric cardiology units were used, two of which were in the U.K., one in Italy and one in Turkey. PATIENTS: The 52 patients ranged in age between 3-5 months and 61 years (median 3-5 years), and weighted between 4.5 kg and 62 kg. The duct diameters were 1 mm to 6.5 mm. RESULTS: In four patients the ducts were too large for safe release of the coils. In the remaining 48, one coil was inserted in 33 patients, two coils in nine, three coils in four and four coils in two patients. Immediately at the end of the procedure, the duct was completely occluded in 26/47 (55%) patients. Haemolysis occurred in one patient, in whom the coil was removed by a snare catheter and a large umbrella device was implanted with resolution of the haemolysis. Coil embolization to the pulmonary artery occurred in five (10%) patients. All were easily retrieved and replaced by larger coils. At the latest follow-up by colour Doppler echocardiography, the duct was completely occluded in 44/47 (94%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts by controlled-release coils is effective and safe. Even when more than one coil is inserted the technique is still less cumbersome and considerably cheaper than transcatheter umbrella closure.
Child, Preschool↗
[Radiofrequency perforation in pulmonary valve atresia and intact ventricular septum].
METHODS: Four neonates with Pulmonary Atresia and intact Ventricular Septum underwent Radiofrequency Valvotomy in our institution from October 1994 to June 1995. All patients had "membranous" atresia with confluent and normal size pulmonary branches; one of them had abnormal tricuspid tensor apparatus and severe right ventricular outflow tract hypertrophy. The right ventricle was considered of sufficient size to support biventricular circulation in all cases. In three patients the pulmonary arteries were supplied by the arterial duct maintained open with intravenous infusion of Prostaglandins. The other patient had previously undergone a modified left Blalock Taussig shunt in another institution. The cardiac catheterization was performed by the femoral venous and arterial routes, under general anesthesia. After delineating the atretic valve with angiography, a 5 French right Judkins catheter was placed in the right ventricular outflow tract just beneath the membrane. A 2 french radiofrequency catheter (Cerablate PA 120 Osypka) was then passed through the right Judkins; with a mean energy of 5-10 watts over 3-5 seconds the valve was perforated. After a predilation with a 2,5 mm balloon catheter (New Probe USCI or Cobra SCIMED), the valve was dilated with balloon catheters 20 to 30% larger than the anulus (Cristal Balloon BALT). RESULTS: In all cases the procedure was successful without any complication; a significant decrease of right ventricular pressure and an excellent antegrade flow across the valve were achieved. Two patients were weaned from prostaglandins by sixth and eighth day after the procedure. The patient with previous Bialock Taussig shunt showed a complete recovery of the right ventricle, but four months later underwent surgery for shunt closure and enlargement of the left pulmonary branch. These three patients are well at latest follow-up (5-10 months), with normal biventricular circulation. The other patient remained duct-dependent and was operated on of outflow patch and shunt nine days after the procedure, with good result; he unfortunately died the tenth postoperative day for complications of hemopericardium related to epicardial wires removal. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion radiofrequency valvotomy is the first choice procedure in cases suitable for biventricular repair. In selected patients it may represent a definitive treatment.
Angiography↗