Reproducibility of tissue Doppler parameters of asynchrony in patients with advanced LV dysfunction.

Aims: To assess the reproducibility of tissue Doppler myocardial velocities in patients with dilated ventricles and markedly reduced systolic function (ejection fraction <35%).

Methods And Results: Forty-one patients referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were evaluated using tissue Doppler echocardiography. The inter and intra-individual reproducibility of peak systolic myocardial velocities and the intra-ventricular delay in three apical projections was assessed by repeated evaluation of each registered data set.

[Sporting activities following total hip and knee arthroplasty].

The expectations of total joint replacement are constantly increasing: Freedom of pain and mobility used to be the primary goal, while nowadays it is longevity despite heavy loading and intense sporting activity. A preoperative sportive patient expects to be able to perform his favorite sporting activities like hiking, swimming and cycling, but also the more demanding skiing, tennis and jogging, for example, after surgery. The aim of this article is to illustrate what level of sporting activities can be performed by patients with total joint replacement.

Use of intracardiac echocardiography to guide implantation of a left atrial appendage occlusion device (PLAATO).

Background: Over 90% of thrombi in atrial fibrillation (AF) originate from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Patients with contraindications to anticoagulation are potential candidates for LAA occlusion using the Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion system (PLAATO, ev3 Inc., Plymouth, MN).

Role of echocardiography in percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage.

Unlabelled: Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a modern alternative for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and with a high risk of stroke who are not eligible for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography plays a significant role in selecting patients, guiding the procedure, and in the post-procedural follow-up.

Objectives And Methods: To test the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in facilitating and shortening the procedure.