Peripartum cardiomyopathy: Characteristics and outcomes among women seen at a referral hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) disproportionately affects women of African descent, however knowledge about this disease in African countries is limited.

Objectives: To describe the phenotype of women with PPCM seen at a referral hospital in Zambia and examine outcomes at 6 months.

Methods: A prospective observational study describing characteristics and 6-month outcomes was performed at the University Teaching Hospital Echocardiography Lab in Lusaka, Zambia.

Routine intraoperative completion angiography after coronary artery bypass grafting and 1-stop hybrid revascularization results from a fully integrated hybrid catheterization laboratory/operating room.

Objectives: This study sought to report our experience with a routine completion angiogram after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and simultaneous (1-stop) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the time of CABG performed in the hybrid catheterization laboratory/operating room.

Background: The value of a routine completion angiogram after CABG and 1-stop hybrid CABG/PCI remains unresolved.

Methods: Between April 2005 and July 2007, 366 consecutive patients underwent CABG surgery, with (n = 112) or without (n = 254) concomitant 1-stop PCI (hybrid), all with completion angiography before chest closure.