Radiation Dose Reduction Using a Novel Fluoroscopy System in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Invasive Coronary Angiography.

Background: Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) still causes a significant amount of radiation exposure for patients and operators. In February 2017, the Azurion system was introduced, a new-generation fluoroscopy image acquisition and processing system. Radiation exposure in patients undergoing ICA was assessed comparing the novel Azurion 7 F12 angiography system to its predecessor Allura Xper in a randomized manner.

The Aachen model study course in medicine - development and implementation. Fifteen years of a reformed medical curriculum at RWTH Aachen University.

The Aachen model study course in medicine was developed in response to a negative appraisal of the Faculty of Medicine of the RWTH Aachen University by the Science Council in 2000. The aim is to create graduates who are capable of further training and can work in evidence-based and patient-centered health care while incorporating scientific findings. In 2003 the medical degree was fully switched over to the model study course format.

Significant Radiation Dose Reduction Using a Novel Angiography Platform in Patients Undergoing Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

Objectives: Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (cPVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation requires fluoroscopic guidance, causing a relevant amount of radiation exposure. Strategies to reduce radiation exposure in electrophysiologic procedures and specifically cPVI are of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible reduction of radiation dose using the novel Azurion 7 F12 x-ray system compared with its predecessor Allura FD10.

Noninvasive quantitative assessment of microcirculatory disorders of the upper extremities with 2D fluorescence optical imaging.

Background: Quantitative Imaging of microcirculatory disorders is challenging.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of 2D Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI) for characterization and quantification of microcirculatory disorders in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of the upper extremity.

Methods: 9 patients with various clinical presentations of PAOD of the upper extremity were included.

Can social semantic web techniques foster collaborative curriculum mapping in medicine?

Background: Curriculum mapping, which is aimed at the systematic realignment of the planned, taught, and learned curriculum, is considered a challenging and ongoing effort in medical education. Second-generation curriculum managing systems foster knowledge management processes including curriculum mapping in order to give comprehensive support to learners, teachers, and administrators. The large quantity of custom-built software in this field indicates a shortcoming of available IT tools and standards.

[The value of BNP determination in general practice].

The natriuretic peptides BNP and NT-proBNP are synthesized and released dependent of wall tension in the atria and ventricles. The determination of these peptides in a rapid test makes two markers available that closely correlate with the severity of heart failure. Systolic as well as diastolic left ventricular dysfunction are recorded, but a clear differentiation cannot be made by marker determination.

[Noninvasive angiography of coronary bypass grafts with cardio-CT in a cardiology practice].

Background: The role of coronary artery bypass surgery as a key foundation in the therapy of coronary artery disease remains unchanged: in Germany in 2001, 75,537 coronary bypass procedures were performed. However, the endurance of coronary bypass grafts is limited: after 3 years, 20-30% of the bypass grafts have occluded. The myocardial infarct rate significantly increases 8 years after bypass surgery.