ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the application value of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients after transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP).Methods The two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) and RT-3D TEE were performed in selected patients to measure the diameter of left atrial appendage ostium and landing zone,to observe left atrial appendage morphology and lobular distribution.These were also performed to guide the whole process of transcatheter LAAC with ACP,which included the atrial septal puncture,sheathing canal cruise,occluder device implantation,and verifying the stability of occluder device and releasing the device.It involved observing ACP occluder morphology,location,stability,surrounding residual shunt,whether influencing the mitral valve and left superior pulmonary vein flow,and pericardial effusion.Results A total of 15 patients (100％) successfully underwent LAAC with the ACP.The maximum diameter of left atrial appendage ostium by 2D-TEE measurement during operation was (20.5 ± 2.9)mm,located at 135°.The diameter of left atrial appendage landing zone was (17.1 ± 2.8) mm,located at 45°;(18.0 ± 4.0) mm,located at 90°;(22.1 ± 4.7)mm,located at 135°,respectively.The left atrial appendage morphology:2 had one leaf and 13 had two leaves or more,including 2 cases of bifoliate short neck shape.In 15 patients,6 cases of cauliflower type,2 cases of wind sock type,3 cases of chicken wing type,2 cases of cactus type and 2 cases of complex type.The proximal left atrial appendage morphology:3 cases of boot type,2 cases of wide mouth type,6 cases of narrow mouth type,2 cases of straight tube type,and 2 cases of bifoliate short neck type.There was no obvious residual shunt in all the patients at immediately post-operation.Conclusions In the transcatheter LAAC with the ACP,RT-3D TEE has important application value in the preoperative selection of patients,the choice of appropriate occluder,guidance of full-process monitoring during operation,the postoperative effect evaluation and so on.
ABSTRACT
Treatment of hypertension in the elderly is currently an important issue,but also the current social problems.Elderly hypertensive patients more special and ordinary compared to patients with essential hypertension,the risks of them are higher and the characteristics of drugs are more complex.We are mainly reviewed the hypertension situation,physical characteristics and antihypertensive treatment strategies of the elderly.
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Objective To analyze the causes of inappropriate discharge of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in elderly patients and to discuss the corresponding solutions.Methods Totally 95 elderly patients with ICD were collected.They were followed up and the inappropriate ICD discharges were recorded and analyzed.Results All patients were followed up for 235 times/year totally.There were 16 patients with inappropriate ICD discharges.The causes of inappropriate ICD discharges included ventricular oversensing in 7 patients (43.7％),supraventricular tachycardia misclassified into ventricular tachycardia in 4 patients (25.0％),electrode fracture in 2 patients (12.5％),and electromyogram (EMG) interference,electromagnetic interference and electrode fracture with EMG interference in 1 patients respectively (6.3％ each).11 inappropriate ICD discharges were reduced and avoided by reprogrammed and noninvasive treatment in 16 patients.1 patient with the underdetected ventricular fibrillation after reprogramming and the problem was solved by external defibrillation.The other 5 patients got better by the invasive treatment.Conclusions Different causes account for inappropriate discharges in patients with ICD.Reprogramming the corresponding parameters in different ICD can reduce or avoid inappropriate discharges without affecting the sensitivity of ICD.
ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the changes of right atrial size and mechanical function after radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using real-time threedimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE), and to study the correlation between the changes of left atrial(LA)and right atrial(RA) volume and function. Methods Thirty-five patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) successfully. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE),tissue Doppler imaging(TDI) and RT-3DE were performed before, 1 month and 3 months after procedure respectively. Late systolic volume and area of RA and LA,ejection fraction(EF) of RA and LA,late diastolic peak velocity of mitral valve inflow, tricuspid valve inflow and late diastolic peak velocity of mitral annulus and tricuspid annulus were recorded. Results The 3DE images of all patients were satisfied.LA max area and 3DE LA max volume were significantly reduced at 1 months and 3 months after procedure compared with basic stage [ ( 18.8 ± 6.3) cm2 vs (21.5 ± 6.2) cm2 , (38.8 ± 17.0) ml vs (46.1 ± 20.0) ml,P ＜ 0.05]. 3DE LA EF also declined markedly at 1 month after RFCA, and restored at 3 months later compared with baseline [(41.1 ± 13.7) % vs (51.7 ± 15.9) %, (41.1 ± 13.7) % vs (45.6 ± 18.3) %, P ＜0.05]. The size and mechanical function of the right atrial after procedure were no obvious changes. There were no evidently correlation between the changes of LA and RA volume and function. Conclusions RT3DE can provide a precise method to quantify the value of atrial volume and function. The LA size and volume are significantly reduced after RFCA in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, however, the RA size and function are no obvious changes.