Implementation of Evidence-Based International Recommendations Reduces Postoperative Delirium Rate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery or Interventions: A System-Based Quality Improvement Study.

Background: Delirium is a frequent and serious complication of cardiac procedures that can lead to serious long-term health restrictions. As primary prevention is more effective in reducing rate of delirium than the therapy itself, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a multidisciplinary delirium prevention bundle on the postoperative delirium rate in patients undergoing cardiac procedures.

Methods: In this system-based quality improvement study, a four-component delirium prevention bundle was implemented in patients undergoing cardiac procedures at a single high-volume center.

Elite athletes with mitral or aortic regurgitation and their cardiopulmonary capability.

Background: Aortic or mitral valvular regurgitation (left cardiac valvular regurgitation, LCVR) of less than second-degree (< degree II) occasionally found in competitive athletes is of questionable relevance. Precisely detectable by echocardiography there is scarce published data that clarifies cardiopulmonary capacity or any limitations LCVR < degree ll may cause.

Methods: In this single-centre study we consecutively recruited highly trained athletes (n= 14) with LCVR < degree ll detected in 2D echo.

[Electromyostimulation (EMS) in cardiac patients. Will EMS training be helpful in secondary prevention?].

Background: Current guidelines concerning the treatment of patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) include ergospirometry-directed dynamic exercises on a daily basis. Several prospective, randomized trials have confirmed its positive influence on clinical symptoms and prognosis of the disease. Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) can benefit from a 27% reduction of mortality, as shown in meta-analyses of several studies.