Assessment of Biventricular Myocardial Function with 2-Dimensional Strain and Conventional Echocardiographic Parameters: A Comparative Analysis in Healthy Infants and Patients with Severe and Critical Pulmonary Stenosis.

Our aim was to compare the global longitudinal and regional biventricular strain between infants with severe and critical pulmonary stenosis (PS), and controls; to compare pre- and post-procedural strain values in infants with severe and critical PS; and to assess the correlations between echocardiographic strain and conventional parameters. We conducted a retrospective single-center study. The comparisons of echocardiographic variables were performed using separate linear mixed models.

Implantation of Covered Stent for Coarctation of the Aorta and Secondary Hypertension in Adolescents-Case Report.

Introduction: Coarctation of the aorta represents a narrowing of the thoracic aorta. Hypertensive patients with blood pressure differences ≥20 millimetres of mercury have an indication for surgical or interventional treatment. Implantation of a covered stent became the preferred therapy for the management of this pathology in adolescents/adults.

Shunt reduction with a fenestrated Amplatzer device.

Background: In specific high-risk patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), a complete closure of an intracardiac defect/shunt is not possible for a variety of reasons. We report our experiences with an interventional approach for shunt-reduction using various modifications of a self-fabricated Amplatzer device in our institution.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with CHD having received an interventional partial shunt occlusion since 09/2005.

Interventional closure of atrial septal defects with the Solysafe Septal Occluder--preliminary results in children.

Background: To report usability, safety, and efficacy of the self-centering Solysafe Septal Occluder for transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) in paediatric patients.

Methods: Retrospective observational clinical study in two tertiary care centers for congenital heart diseases.

Patients: First 37 (median age 8.

Pulmonary artery stent implantation in children with single ventricle malformation before and after completion of partial and total cavopulmonary connections.

Objectives: Relief of pulmonary artery stenosis before and after cavopulmonary connections (CPC) in patients with single ventricle malformation is essential to optimize pulmonary hemodynamics. We evaluated the risk factors for pulmonary artery stenosis and assessed the outcome after stent implantation.

Interventions: Seventeen stents in twelve patients were implanted for pulmonary artery stenosis before and after CPC at a mean age of 4.