ECG-gated coronary angiography enables submillisievert imaging in invasive cardiology.

Background: The median dose area products (DAP) and effective doses (ED) of patients arising from coronary angiography (CA) are considerable: According the 2013 National German Registry, they amount to 19.8 Gy × cm(2) and 4.0 mSv, respectively.

A novel flow-based parameter of collateral function assessed by intracoronary thermodilution.

Background: Currently, many methods for quantitation of coronary collateral function are based on intracoronary pressure measurements distal of an occluded balloon, which do not fully account for the dynamic nature of collateral flow. Therefore, a flow-based parameter of coronary collateral function based upon principles of thermodilution was evaluated.

Methods: In 26 patients with a high-grade coronary artery stenosis, intracoronary hemodynamics were analyzed by the RadiAnalyzer system (St Jude Medical), including fractional flow reserve (FFR), index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), and the pressure-based collateral flow index (CFI) during balloon occlusion and hyperemia (intravenous adenosine).

Efficacy of a minicourse in radiation-reducing techniques in invasive cardiology: a multicenter field study.

Objectives: Our goal was to validate an educational 90-min minicourse in lower-irradiating cardiac invasive techniques.

Background: Despite comprehensive radiation safety programs, patient radiation exposure in invasive cardiology remains considerable.

Methods: Before and at a median period of 3.

Latest-generation catheterization systems enable invasive submillisievert coronary angiography.

Background: The radiation risk of patients undergoing invasive cardiology remains considerable and includes skin injuries and cancer. To date, submillisievert coronary angiography has not been considered feasible.

Patients And Methods: In 2011, we compared results from 100 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary angiography using the latest-generation flat-panel angiography system (FPS) with results from examinations by the same operator using 106 historic controls with a conventional image-intensifier system (IIS) that was new in 2002.

Do patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes really have an impaired endothelial function? A population-based propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Previous studies suggested an impaired endothelial function in patients with diabetes. However, the validity of this finding may be limited by the lack of adequate adjustment for further cardiovascular confounders. We assessed endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes in comparison with non-diabetic controls.