Catheter-guided open ligation of a pulmonary artery to left atrium connection.

Congenital malformations causing mild cyanosis can be overlooked. A large intrapulmonary right pulmonary artery to left atrium connection was the unusual etiology of arterial oxygen desaturation and erythrocytosis in an asymptomatic 30-year-old patient. The shunt was not possible to detect at echocardiography.

One-year clinical experience with the Acorn CorCap cardiac support device: results of a limited market release safety study in Italy and Sweden.

Background: The Acorn CorCap cardiac support device (CSD) is a mesh-like device intended to provide end-diastolic support and reduce ventricular wall stress. Animal studies with the CorCap CSD have demonstrated beneficial reverse remodeling, and preliminary safety studies in patients with heart failure have shown that the device is safe and associated with improved left ventricular (LV) structure and function. The objective of the current study was to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CorCap CSD in patients with advanced heart failure.

Early results with cardiac support device implant in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Objective: To evaluate the possible beneficial echocardiographic, functional and quality of life improving effects of passive containment surgery using the CorCap Cardiac Support Device in heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Design: Eight patients with dilated cardiomyopathy subjected to cardiac surgery received the Cardiac Support Device. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 4) underwent coronary artery bypass surgery receiving one to three bypass grafts.