Publications by authors named "Niko Schwarz"

Objectives: Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) has a perceivable influence on daily living and is noticed more often by close relatives than by patients themselves 3 months after aortic valve replacement. This study aimed to elucidate the longitudinal course of the subjective awareness of POCD.

Design: Follow-up of a prospective observational study.

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Objective: Alterations in cortisol awakening and stress responses (CAR, CSR) are sensitive markers for the basal activity and responsiveness of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) in psychopathological conditions. We investigated whether patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) differ in these markers when compared with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients and healthy controls.

Methods: 19 female TTC patients were compared with 20 female NSTEMI patients and with 20 healthy women, matched by age and index event date.

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Article Synopsis
  • Flat-panel volumetric computed tomography (fpVCT) offers a non-invasive method for 3D imaging in small animals, allowing for detailed studies on organ perfusion.
  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of fpVCT in measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF) and volume (CBV) in rats with different middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models, showing significant decreases in CBF after permanent occlusion but not in CBV.
  • Results highlight the potential of fpVCT for quantifying cerebral perfusion and position the macrosphere model as a viable alternative for studying permanent MCAO in rat stroke models.
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Objective: Evaluation of a novel approach to eliminate air microemboli from extracorporeal circulation via ultrasonic destruction.

Design: In vitro proof-of-concept study.

Setting: Research laboratory.

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Objectives: Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a frequent complication after cardiac surgeries. It remains unclear how relevant this decline in psychometric results is for daily life. The aim of the study was to assess cognitive failures, as seen by patients and close relatives, on a quantitative level.

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Background: Postinterventional cognitive dysfunction (PICD) is a known complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, it is largely unknown whether PICD occurs after coronary catheterization.

Methods: Neuropsychologic data were obtained from 37 patients who received coronary catheterization and 47 patients who underwent elective CABG at baseline and 3 months after the interventions.

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Background: Cerebral embolic events represent recognized side effects after catheter ablation in the treatment of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective: The study was performed to analyze the neuropsychological outcome and to detect new embolic ischemic brain lesions after therapeutic left atrial catheter ablation of AF.

Methods: We enrolled 23 patients with recurrent AF who underwent elective circumferential pulmonary vein isolation.

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Postoperative cognitive decrease (POCD) represents the most frequent complication in modern cardiac surgery. The application of easily assessable surrogate parameters that predict long-term POCD at early time points is tempting. The aim of the present study was to analyze the predictive value of cerebral biomarkers, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI), and cognitive bedside testing after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

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Aims: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether intra-operative filter devices protect the brain during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to determine the impact of solid and gaseous micro-emboli on neuropsychological functioning.

Methods And Results: Patients undergoing CABG received either an intra-aortic filter (Embol-X) (n = 43), designed to reduce solid micro-emboli, a dynamic bubble trap (DBT) (n = 50), designed to reduce gaseous micro-emboli, or no additional device (control group) (n = 50). Cognitive functioning was assessed before and 3 months after CABG.

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