Surgical correction of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: seventeen-year Green Lane experience.

Between 1977 and 1994, 42 patients were treated surgically for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Patients have been followed up between 2 months to 17 years, mean of 107 months. There were 26 (62%) males and 16 (38%) females. There was only one pediatric case. There was no correlating factor among the ethnic groups (Maori, European, Indian, Asian, etc.). Family history was noted in 12% of the cases. Seventy-one percent of patients had aortic/left ventricular (LV) combined approach while 29% had aortic approach alone at the time of surgery. Five patients underwent other procedures, along with coronary artery bypass grafting in 3, mitral valve replacement in 1, and aortic valve replacement in 1. Persistent postoperative arrhythmias were found in 7 cases, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 3, and left bundle branch block in 4.

Histories obtained by two-stage questionnaire with automated transcript in specialist gynaecological practice.

A two-stage questionnaire which the patient completes at home has been developed for use by gynaecological outpatients. The first stage (root) identifies the patient's problem and obtains general background information. The second stage (branch) deals with the presenting problem in depth. The system has proved highly acceptable to patients. At the clinic a non-medical assistant uses a programmed typewriter to transcribe the data into a typewritten history which is handed to the doctor before he examines the patient. The transcript compares favourably with the conventional hand-written history in content, ease of assimilation, and cost. While the questionnaire itself is an excellent means of collecting information it becomes an efficient means of transmitting information to the clinician only when combined with the transcript facility. There is no storage of confidential information and no scope for unethical disclosure.