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Thoracic epidural anesthesia improves functional recovery from myocardial stunning in conscious dogs.

The effects of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) on the contractile performance of ischemic and postischemic myocardium have not been well investigated. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of TEA on severity and duration of myocardial stunning in an experimental model for sublethal acute myocardial ischemia. Seven dogs were chronically instrumented for measurement of heart rate (HR), left atrial (LAP), aortic and left ventricular pressure (LVP), LV dP/dtmax' and myocardial wall-thickening fraction (WTF). An occluder around the left anterior descending artery (LAD) allowed induction of reversible LAD ischemia. TEA was performed with lidocaine 4 mg/kg through a chronically implanted epidural catheter at the second thoracic level. Regional myocardial blood flow was determined with colored microspheres. Two experiments were performed in a cross-over design on separate days: Experiment 1, induction of 10 min of LAD ischemia without TEA; and Experiment 2, induction of 10 min of LAD ischemia with TEA. WTF was measured at baseline (BL) and predetermined time points until complete recovery from ischemic dysfunction occurred. LAD ischemia caused a significant decrease of LAD-WTF with (-28% +/- 5.1% versus BL) and without TEA (-15.5% +/- 5.3% versus BL). After 3 h of reperfusion, WTF as percent of BL values was significantly higher with TEA (P < 0.001). BL values of WTF were reached after 24 h with TEA and after more than 48 h without TEA (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences for mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), LVP, LAP, and LVdP/dtmax between the groups during ischemia and reperfusion. In nonischemic myocardium TEA caused an increase of subendocardial blood flow. During ischemia neither the subendocardial/subepicardial nor the occluded/ normal zone blood flow was affected by TEA. TEA attenuates myocardial stunning in conscious dogs. This finding is consistent with data regarding a reduction of infarct size due to TEA.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗

Effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane, enflurane, and halothane on left ventricular diastolic performance in dogs.

The effects of volatile anesthetics on active (ventricular relaxation) and passive (chamber stiffness) indices of diastolic function and on left ventricular filling rates in dogs were studied to determine how these agents affect left ventricular diastolic performance. Thirty-five mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to receive sevoflurane, isoflurane, enflurane, or halothane. Left ventricular pressure waveforms, phonocardiograms, and echocardiograms were recorded after administering the anesthetics at concentrations of 0% (control), 1%, 2%, and 3%. Ventricular relaxation was defined as the time constant of the decline in left ventricular pressure. Chamber stiffness was derived from the ventricular pressure-volume relationship during passive filling. Rapid filling rate, slow filling rate, and atrial filling rate were obtained from echocardiograms and phonocardiograms. No change in the time constant or in chamber stiffness was observed at any concentration of sevoflurane or isoflurane. However, the highest studied concentration of enflurane and halothane produced a significant increase in the time constant and in chamber stiffness. Rapid filling rate as well as atrial filling rate decreased significantly with the volatile anesthetics, especially with enflurane and halothane. Sevoflurane and isoflurane did not alter ventricular relaxation or chamber stiffness, but did affect diastolic function as manifested by their alteration of filling rates. In contrast, enflurane and halothane each prolonged ventricular relaxation and increased chamber stiffness. With the administration of the volatile anesthetics, the rapid filling rate decreased with the deterioration of diastolic function; in addition, atrial filling rates decreased and did not compensate for the reduction in early ventricular filling.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Echocardiographic evidence of left atrial abnormality in young patients with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Usual assessment of left atrial size by 2-dimensional echocardiography in the anteroposterior dimension often underestimates the true atrial size. We compared 15 young patients (< or =50 years old) with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to age-matched controls, and measured atrial size in the inferosuperior and mediolateral dimensions. These additional measurements and atrial volumes were significantly increased compared with control patients, revealing that patients with apparent "lone" paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may have subtle structural abnormalities of the left atrium.

Adult↗

Superior vena cava obstruction after Mustard repair of d-transposition of the great arteries.

Superior vena caval obstruction following Mustard repair of d-transposition of the great arteries is usually relieved by partial or complete revision of the intra-atrial repair. We employed a different approach in a patient with isolated total obstruction of the superior vena caval pathway, who suffered from fatigue, venous congestion in the upper part of the body and mild hydrocephalus. A 12 mm polytetrafluoroethylene tube was interposed between the left innominate vein and the left (functionally right) atrial appendage. Early and medium-term relief was demonstrated by repeat catheterization of the right heart and computed tomography brain scan three months postoperatively. The rationale for use of prosthetic material in the venous system is discussed and the need for long-term follow-up is stressed.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis↗

Echocardiographic design of a multicenter investigation of free-living elderly subjects: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

The Framingham study has shown by M-mode echocardiography that left ventricular hypertrophy is a powerful, independent predictor for the development of coronary heart disease and that increased left atrial dimension has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. No previous population-based study has evaluated the risk factor correlates and predictive value for coronary heart disease and stroke of two-dimensional and Doppler, as well as M-mode, echocardiography. The Cardiovascular Health Study is a multi-year prospective epidemiologic study of 5201 men and women older than 65 recruited from four geographic sites in the United States. The main objectives of incorporating echocardiography were to determine whether echocardiographic indices, or changes in these indices, are (1) correlated with traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke; and (2) independent predictors of morbidity and mortality for coronary heart disease and stroke. Echocardiographic measurements of interest include those related to global and segmental left ventricular systolic and diastolic structure and function and left atrial size. For each subject, a baseline echocardiogram was recorded in super-VHS tape using a standard protocol and equipment. All studies were sent to a reading center where images were digitized and measurements were made using customized computer algorithms. Calculated data and images were stored on optical disks to facilitate retrieval and future comparisons in longitudinal studies. A second echocardiogram is scheduled in year 7, with a goal of determining whether changes in cardiac anatomy or function over a 5-year period are important predictors of morbidity or mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke. Quality control measures included standardized training of echocardiography technicians and readers, technician observation by a trained echocardiographer, periodic blind duplicate readings with reader review sessions, phantom studies, and quality control adults.

Allied Health Personnel↗

Estimation of left ventricular filling pressures using two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in adult patients with cardiac disease. Additional value of analyzing left atrial size, left atrial ejection fraction and the difference in duration of pulmonary venous and mitral flow velocity at atrial contraction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether left atrial size and ejection fraction are related to left ventricular filling pressures in patients with coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: In patients with coronary artery disease, left ventricular filling pressures can be estimated by using Doppler mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables. However, because these flow velocities are age dependent, additional variables that indicate elevated left ventricular filling pressures are needed to increase diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Echocardiographic left atrial and Doppler mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables were correlated with left ventricular filling pressures in 70 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: Left atrial size and volumes were larger and left atrial ejection fractions were lower in patients with elevated left ventricular filling pressures. Mean pulmonary wedge pressure was related to mitral E/A wave velocity ratio (r = 0.72), left atrial minimal volume (r = 0.70), left atrial ejection fraction (r = -0.66) and atrial filling fraction (r = -0.66). Left ventricular end-diastolic and A wave pressures were related to the difference in pulmonary venous and mitral A wave duration (both r = 0.77). By stepwise multilinear regression analysis, the ratio of mitral E to A wave velocity was the most important determinant of pulmonary wedge (r = 0.63) and left ventricular pre-A wave (r = 0.75) pressures, whereas the difference in pulmonary venous and mitral A wave duration was the most important variable for both left ventricular A wave (r = 0.75) and left ventricular end-diastolic (r = 0.80) pressures. The sensitivity of a left atrial minimal volume > 40 cm3 for identifying a mean pulmonary wedge pressure > 12 mm Hg was 82%, with a specificity of 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial size, left atrial ejection fraction and the difference between mitral and pulmonary venous flow duration at atrial contraction are independent determinants of left ventricular filling pressures in patients with coronary artery disease. The additive value of left atrial size and Doppler variables in estimating filling pressures and the possibility that left atrial size may be less age dependent than other mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity variables merit further investigation.

Atrial Function, Left↗

Partial improvement in pulmonary function after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to assess the changes in pulmonary function after a successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) in 23 consecutive patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lung function preprocedure and postprocedure were evaluated by spirometric flow, static pulmonary volumes, and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). At baseline, a reduction in small airways flow (maximal expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity, 70 +/- 29% of predicted value; maximal expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity, 55 +/- 26% of predicted value) and an increase in DLCO (118 +/- 29%) and Krough Index (KCO; 123 +/- 29% of predicted value) were observed. PBMV caused an improvement in hemodynamic parameters with an increase in mitral valve area (from 1.0 +/- 0.3 to 1.9 +/- 0.5 cm(2); p < 0.001) and a decrease in left atrial pressure (from 17 +/- 3 to 12 +/- 5 mm Hg; p < 0.001). These changes were associated with a significant increase in FVC (from 2.8 +/- 0.84 to 2.9 +/- 0.80 L; p < 0.05) and in FEV(1) (from 2.2 +/- 0.72 to 2.3 +/- 0.68 L; p < 0.05). A decrease in DLCO was observed after PBMV (from 26.7 +/- 7 to 22.5 +/- 5.4 mL/min/mm Hg; p < 0.001; and KCO, from 6.2 +/- 1.4 to 5.2 +/- 1.2 mL/min/mm Hg/L; p < 0.001). No significant changes in small airways flow were detected, suggesting only a partial improvement in pulmonary congestion. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the initial impairment of lung function in patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis is only partially ameliorated by PBMV.

Adult↗

Pulmonary venous flow dynamics before and after balloon mitral valvuloplasty as determined by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography.

The pattern of left atrial filling was studied in 14 patients with severe mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm before and immediately after successful balloon mitral valvuloplasty by transesophageal pulsed Doppler echocardiography of the left superior pulmonary vein. Mean mitral valve orifice area increased from 0.8 +/- 0.1 to 2.2 +/- 0.3 cm2 (p less than 0.0001), and left atrial mean pressure decreased from 30 +/- 5 to 12 +/- 4 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001) after the procedure. After balloon mitral valvuloplasty, significant increases in peak systolic pulmonary velocity (35 +/- 16 to 44 +/- 10 cm/s; p less than 0.01), systolic flow velocity time integral (3.3 +/- 1.5 to 5.9 +/- 2.0 cm; p less than 0.001) and the ratio of systolic/diastolic pulmonary venous flow velocity time integrals (0.8 +/- 0.4 to 1.4 +/- 0.5; p less than 0.001) were observed. An acute increase in mitral valve orifice area caused no significant changes in peak diastolic forward flow velocity (40 +/- 7 to 41 +/- 9 cm/s; p = not significant [NS]), diastolic forward flow velocity time integral (4.3 +/- 1.7 to 4.6 +/- 1.8 cm; p = NS) and atrial flow reversal velocity (30 +/- 3 to 35 +/- 3 cm/s; p = NS) compared with at baseline. The results suggest that in patients with severe mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm, left atrial filling is biphasic with a diastolic preponderance, and successful mitral valvuloplasty is associated with an immediate increase in pulmonary venous systolic forward flow.

Adult↗

Mechanisms and predictors of transient left ventricular dysfunction early after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The immediate effects of balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) on left ventricular (LV) function in patients with mitral stenosis are still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms and potential clinical, echocardiographic and hemodynamic predictors of transient LV dysfunction occurring in patients with mitral stenosis early after successful percutaneous BMV. METHODS: Sixty patients without residual mitral regurgitation were divided into two groups according to the changes in the left atrial (LA) pressure 15 min after successful BMV: 18 patients (group A) did not present with any reduction in LA pressure, and underwent nitroglycerin administration (0.4 mg, sublingually). The remaining 42 patients (group B) presented with a decrease in LA pressure. RESULTS: At baseline, both the mitral valve gradient and area assessed at echocardiography and during cardiac catheterization were similar in groups A and B. Group A patients presented with, however, higher LV early- and end-diastolic pressures and peak V waves during cardiac catheterization both prior to and 15 min after BMV than group B patients (all p values < 0.05). In group A, nitroglycerin administration was associated with a decrease in LV end-diastolic pressure (p = 0.049), LA pressure (p < 0.001), and peak V wave (p < 0.001) that was still persistent 30 min after its administration, reaching values similar to those observed in group B early after BMV. At multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors of LV dysfunction early after BMV were found to be LV early- (p = 0.015) and end-diastolic (p = 0.023) pressures at baseline and the Wilkins' score (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: After successful BMV a transient lack of LV adaptation to the increased LV preload resulting in a persistently elevated LA pressure is predicted by higher baseline LV diastolic filling pressures and higher Wilkins' scores. It is promptly and steadily reversed by nitroglycerin administration through a transient LV unloading, thus allowing a correct hemodynamic evaluation of the immediate results of the procedure.

Analysis of Variance↗

Study of P wave morphology in lead V1 during supraventricular tachycardia for localizing the reentrant circuit.

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a benign form of tachycardia that generally does not require costly evaluation. The purpose of this study was to describe a new sign permitting delineation of the mechanism of SVT by analysis of the P wave in lead V1 and the left atrial electrogram, which may be registered by the esophageal electrode. Among 146 patients with SVT, 72 had a ventriculoatrial interval greater than 70 msec. The P wave in lead V1 during SVT was discernible in 69 of them. The precession of the left atrial electrogram on the P wave in lead V1 was always associated with reentry through a left lateral (n = 37) or posteroseptal (n = 4) accessory atrioventricular (AV) connection. When the P wave in lead V1 preceded or occurred simultaneously with the left atrial electrogram, reentry was through either the AV node or a right-sided accessory AV connection. On the other hand, although the P wave in lead V1 was more frequently negative in reentry through a right-sided connection and positive in reentry through a left-sided connection, the polarity was not specific enough to identify the reentry. The precession of the left atrial electrogram recorded by the esophageal electrode on the P wave in lead V1 during SVT was a specific criterion of reentry through a left accessory AV connection, and this technique could be useful for preliminary localization of the accessory connection before electrophysiologic study.

Adolescent↗

Decreased and abnormal left ventricular filling in acute heart failure: role of pericardial constraint and its mechanism.

Pericardial constraining force is minimal in normal hearts; however, it is considered to be prominent in moderate to severe heart failure. Thus, effects of the pericardium on pulsed Doppler transmitral flow velocity pattern were examined in 17 dogs with acute left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular dysfunction with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure > or = 15 mm Hg was produced by injection of microspheres into the left coronary artery. Transmitral flow velocity pattern, left atrial and left ventricular diameters, and high-fidelity left atrial and left ventricular pressures were recorded before and after pericardiectomy. In five of the 17 dogs, mitral regurgitation with giant "v" wave of left atrial pressure occurred with reductions of left ventricular systolic pressure and peak rate of the left ventricular pressure fall (dP/dt) after pericardiectomy. In the other 12 dogs, peak early and late diastolic filling velocities increased with a decrease in left ventricular minimal pressure and increases in left arterial and left ventricular diameters and left atrial and left ventricular compliance after pericardiectomy. In these 12 dogs, left atrial to left ventricular crossover pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and references for left ventricular relaxation did not change after pericardiectomy. Thus the release from pericardial constraining force in severe heart failure may increase chamber compliance of the left ventricle and left atrium and, in turn, increase peak early and late diastolic filling velocities through an increment in forward transmitral pressure gradient. Increased pericardial constraining force is a possible cause limiting left ventricular filling and hence cardiac output in heart failure.

Acute Disease↗

Change of left atrial systolic pressure waveform in relation to left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

The relation between the left atrial systolic pressure waveform and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was observed in 17 patients who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Left atrial pressure and left ventricular pressure were simultaneously recorded from a multisensor catheter before and during angiotensin infusion. Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure were 133 +/- 17 and 12.3 +/- 3.2 mm Hg, respectively, before angiotensin infusion and increased to 168 +/- 18 (p less than 0.01) and 19.4 +/- 4.5 mm Hg (p less than 0.01), respectively, during infusion. The left atrial systolic pressure curve consisted of two positive waves--a first wave (A) and a second wave (A'). The A and A' wave pressures were 11.6 +/- 2.3 and 10.2 +/- 3.9 mm Hg, respectively, before angiotensin infusion and 16.5 +/- 2.9 (p less than 0.01) and 18.1 +/- 4.7 mm Hg (p less than 0.01), respectively, during infusion. The ratio of A'/A of left atrial systolic pressure was 0.81 +/- 0.27 before angiotensin infusion and 1.08 +/- 0.14 (p less than 0.01) during infusion. The ratio of A' to A of left atrial systolic pressure was linearly related to left ventricular end-diastolic pressure before and during (p less than 0.01) angiotensin infusion. The amplitude of the A wave exceeded that of the A' wave at normal left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. However, as the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased either at rest or during angiotensin infusion, the amplitude of the A' wave increased and often exceeded that of the A wave. These results suggest that the second (A') wave might be attributed to the increased reflection associated with increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

Adult↗

Comparative effects of volume loading on pulmonary venous flow in dogs with normal heart and with myocardial ischemia.

The influences of cardiac loading conditions and left ventricular performance on pulmonary venous flow are poorly understood. The authors studied the effects of volume loading on the pattern of pulmonary venous flow in normal and ischemic hearts. Thirteen anesthetized dogs were equipped with a transit-time ultrasonic flow probe around the left upper pulmonary vein. In 6 of the dogs, the left anterior descending artery was ligated to induce myocardial ischemia. The remaining 7 dogs had normal hearts. Heart rate was fixed at 110 beats/minute by right atrial pacing. Dextran was infused from the femoral vein until mean left atrial pressure increased 3 mm Hg above the baseline value in both groups. In normal heart, systolic pulmonary venous flow volume (SI) increased significantly, but early diastolic flow volume (DI) did not show a significant change during volume loading. The ratio of SI/DI increased significantly (1.12 +/- 0.34 vs 2.11 +/- 0.49, P < 0.05). After ligation of the left anterior descending artery, the SI and DI decreased significantly. The ratio of SI/DI did not show a significant change (0.88 +/- 0.32 vs 0.87 +/- 0.30, ns). In dogs with myocardial ischemia, volume loading caused increases in the SI and DI. However, no significant change was observed in the ratio of SI/DI (0.87 +/- 0.30 vs 0.97 +/- 0.36, ns). These findings demonstrate that left ventricular performance influences the alteration in pulmonary venous flow pattern that is caused by systemic volume loading.

Animals↗

Prognostic value of changes over time in exercise capacity and echocardiographic measurements in patients with chronic heart failure.

AIMS: This study sought to examine the predictive values of changes over time in exercise capacity and echocardiographic measurements of ventricular dimensions or function in predicting mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with chronic heart failure (58 men, mean [+/-SD] age 60+/-10 years, mean peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) 18.2+/- 5.9 ml. kg(-1). min(-1), mean left ventricular ejection fraction 38.9+/-15. 8%) who underwent both treadmill exercise testing and echocardiographic examination on two occasions, separated by 19+/-15 months were followed-up for a mean of 17 months (interquartile range 9-30 months). During the follow-up period, 19 patients (30%) died and three (4.8%) underwent heart transplantation. Of measurements taken at a single time-point (visit 2) exercise duration, peak VO(2), ventilatory response to exercise (VE/VCO(2)), left atrial diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were found, by Cox proportional-hazard analysis, to predict the outcome in these patients (all P<0.05). Of the changes in parameters between visit 1 to visit 2, only changes in peak VO(2)per year (P=0.026) predicted non-transplanted survival (independent of changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and VE/VCO(2)). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis patients with increased peak VO(2)over time (n=28) showed a better prognosis at 2 years (cumulative survival 75% [95% confidence interval: 56-95%] than those with a decrease in peak VO(2)(n=34, cumulative survival 50% [95% confidence interval: 31-68%]). CONCLUSIONS: Although single estimates of peak VO(2), VE/VCO(2)and left ventricular ejection fraction have significant prognostic importance in patients with chronic heart failure, when monitoring changes over time only peak VO(2)remains a significant predictor of outcome.

Adult↗

Pathophysiology of cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

The treatment of cardiogenic shock using inotropic agents and vascular volume expansion places an added burden on the heart. The resultant increase in cardiac work may cause myocardial ischemia and lead to cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used to treat cardiogenic shock. It supports systemic circulation, assures diastolic perfusion of the myocardium, and reduces cardiac workload. The rise in blood pressure associated with restoring systemic circulation afterloads the heart and can cause left atrial hypertension and pulmonary edema. ECMO does not automatically reduce cardiac work, especially in the presence of residual shunts. Left atrial drainage or decompression may be essential in certain patients both to avert pulmonary edema and to reduce cardiac work.

Atrial Function, Left↗

Impact of low pulmonary vascular pressure on ventilator-induced lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of low pulmonary vascular pressure on ventilator-induced lung injury. DESIGN: Randomized prospective animal study. SUBJECTS: Isolated perfused rabbit heart-lung preparation. SETTINGS: Animal research laboratory in a university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty isolated sets of normal lungs were perfused (constant flow, 0.3 L/min; left atrial pressure, 6 mm Hg), ventilated for 20 min (pressure control ventilation, 15 cm H2O; baseline period), and then randomized into three groups. Group A (control, n = 7) was perfused and ventilated as previously described during three consecutive 20-min periods. In group B (high airway pressure/normal left atrial pressure, n = 7), pressure control ventilation was 20, 25, and 30 cm H2O during each period. Group C (high airway pressure/low left atrial pressure, n = 6) was ventilated as group B but, in contrast to groups A and B, left atrial pressure was reduced to 1 mm Hg. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The rate of edema formation (WGR, weight gain per minute normalized for initial lung weight) and the ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf) were measured during and after each period and their changes from baseline [DeltaWGR (edema formation index) and DeltaKf (vascular permeability index)] calculated to compare groups. The incidence and timing of vascular failure were compared. Vascular failure was considered to be present if all the following conditions were met: pulmonary hypertension, accelerated weight gain, and occurrence of fluid leak from the lungs. At the end of the study, DeltaWGR (g.g.min(-1)) was higher in group C (0.54 +/- 0.17) than in groups B (0.08 +/- 0.04) and A (0.00 +/- 0.01; p<.05), as well as in group B compared with A (p <.05). Similar differences between groups (p <.05) were found for DeltaK (g x min(-1) x cm H2O(-1) x 100 g(-1)): C, 7.24 +/- 2.36; B, 1.40 +/- 0.49; A, 0.01 +/- 0.03. Vascular failure was not observed in groups A and B but occurred in all but one preparation in group C (p <.05; C vs. A and B). CONCLUSION: Reducing left atrial pressure results in more severe ventilator-induced lung injury. These results suggest that lung blood volume modulates cyclic tidal lung stress.

Animals↗

Clinical analysis of results of a simple left atrial procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: We have performed a simple left atrial procedure for eliminating chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with mitral valve disease. This article analyzes the midterm results of this procedure. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study concomitant with mitral valve operations. Patients were divided into two groups (AF- and AF+). We examined the efficacy of this operation and atrial function for more than 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: In a total of 98.5 patient years of follow-up, AF was absent 3 years after operation in 74%. Of preoperative and intraoperative variables, only long duration o

Aged↗