Effect of obstruction on longitudinal left ventricular shortening in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: We investigated the cause of the midsystolic drop (MSD) in left ventricular (LV) ejection velocities that are observed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and severe obstruction.

Background: Dynamic obstruction is an important determinant of symptoms and adverse outcome. The MSD in velocity and flow occurs in patients with gradients >60 mm Hg.

Medical packaging: towards global harmony.

The goal of one uniform set of rules that can be interpreted and applied to all medical device packages, wherever they are produced or utilised, is closer to becoming reality. Just a few more operational steps are required for completion. The shape of the future as well as current and future test methods are outlined.

HACCP and its implications for sterile medical device packaging.

Strength and integrity are the two attributes that must be monitored at the critical point. Strength can effectively be monitored by operating the sealing equipment within the validated control limits. Integrity is another matter entirely.

Myths and realities in medical packaging.

This round-up of packaging myths provides a reality check on the real world of packaging medical products. Table I shows medical device FDA-assisted recalls due to packaging failures.

Angiographic findings and clinical correlates in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction: a report from the SHOCK Trial Registry. SHould we emergently revascularize Occluded Coronaries for cardiogenic shocK?

Objectives: We sought to delineate the angiographic findings, clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Patients with CS complicating acute myocardial infarction carry a grave prognosis. Detailed angiographic findings in a large, prospectively identified cohort of patients with CS are currently lacking.