High-Density Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Mapping with a 20-Pole Expandable Circular Mapping Catheter

The differentiation of pulmonary vein (PV) electrograms from atrial far-field signals during PV isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) may be difficult. In addition, owing to highly variable PV ostial sizes, current fixed-diameter circular PV mapping catheters may not yield optimal electrograms. We evaluated an expandable, circular 15–25 mm diameter, 20-pole mapping catheter for PV mapping during sustained AF in 25 patients. After selective PV angiography to define the ostial position and size, the catheter was introduced into each PV and withdrawn to the most stable proximal position, with optimal wall contact ensured by progressive loop expansion. At each PV ostium, electrograms recorded at high resolution (HR) were compared with those recorded at a resolution similar to that of a standard 10-pole Lasso catheter. After PVI performed during ongoing AF, the presence of residual far-field potentials (FFP) under both set-ups was compared. We mapped 97 PV, including 4 pairs with common ostia. In the HR recordings, the PV potentials had greater amplitude (0.5 ± 0.1 vs 0.3 ± 0.1 mV, P = 0.001) and fragmentation, whereas left atrial FFP were minimized. After successful isolation of all PV, FFP were observed in 33% of left superior and 28% of left inferior PV on the HR recordings, compared to 66% and 61%, respectively under normal resolution. Catheter stability and optimal wall contact, in combination with HR electrograms can optimize circumferential PV mapping during AF and improve the discrimination of FFP postablation.     

37. Perioperatives Risiko — Kontroversen zur Pathogenese -Integration der Standpunkte

Zusammenfassung 1. Das perioperative Risiko muss als Gesamtrisiko von Anaesthesisten und Chirurgen gemeinsam erfasst werden. 2. Gemeinsame Risikoklassen sind dringend erforderlich. 3. Art und Umfang von Screeninguntersuchungen bedürfen einheitlicher Festlegungen. 4. Jedes Risiko muss durch geeignete Vorbehandlungsmassnahmen gemindert werden. 5. Intraoperatives Vorgehen sowie intra- und postoperatives Monitoring sollten gemeinsam diskutiert werden. 6. Die postoperative Phase sollte Gegenstand prospektiver Untersuchungen werden.     

Poor association between allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin E levels, skin sensitivity and basophil degranulation: a study with recombinant birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and an immunoglobulin E detection system measuring immunoglobulin E capable of binding to FcɛRI

BACKGROUND: Results from several studies indicate that the magnitude of immediate symptoms of type I allergy caused by allergen-induced cross-linking of high-affinity Fc epsilon receptors on effector cells (mast cells and basophils) is not always associated with allergen-specific IgE levels. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of results from intradermal skin testing, basophil histamine release and allergen-specific IgE, IgG1-4, IgA and IgM antibody levels in a clinical study performed in birch pollen-allergic patients (n = 18). METHODS: rBet v 1-specific IgEs were measured by quantitative CAP measurements and by using purified Fc epsilon RI-derived alpha-chain to quantify IgE capable of binding to effector cells. Bet v 1-specific IgG subclasses, IgA and IgM levels were measured by ELISA, and basophil histamine release was determined in whole blood samples. Intradermal skin testing was performed with the end-point titration method. RESULTS: Our study demonstrates on the molecular level that the concentrations of allergen-specific IgE antibodies capable of binding to Fc epsilon RI and biological sensitivities are not necessarily associated. A moderate association was found between cutaneous and basophil sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the quantitative discrepancies and limitations of the present diagnostic tools in allergy, even when using a single allergenic molecule. The quantity of allergen-specific serum IgE is only one component of far more complex cellular systems (i.e. basophil-based tests, skin tests) used as indirect diagnostic tests for IgE-mediated allergic sensitivity.     

Diabetes mellitus and open heart surgery

A method, based on bedside determinations of blood glucose by nursing staff, was designed to control the administration of insulin to diabetic patients during and following open heart surgery. A computer-controlled intravenous infusion pump was used to deliver the insulin. Excellent control of the hyperglycaemia normally associated with open heart surgery was achieved, with 84 percent of measured blood glucose values falling within 2 mmol/litre of the target value of 6 mmol/litre. The method proved to be simple, effective, and safe.     

缬沙坦加参麦注射液治疗充血性心力衰竭的临床观察

目的观察缬沙坦（Valsartan）加参麦注射液（Shenmai Injection,SI）对充血性心力衰竭（CHF）心肌损害的疗效。方法采用随机分组的方法,分别用常规治疗（31例）和缬沙坦、SI加常规治疗（31例）,并对CHF的各项实验室指标[血浆肌钙蛋白T（cTnT）、心肌酶谱]进行观察。结果在CHF进程中,cTnT浓度随着心功能恶化呈进行性增高。应用缬沙坦加SI治疗2周后,患者左室收缩功能得到明显改善,未发现严重不良反应。结论血浆cTnT可作为CHF患者预后判断的一项重要生化指标。缬沙坦加SI是治疗CHF安全有效的药物。     

Detection of Atrial Fibrillation by Implanted Devices with Wireless Data Transmission Capability

Remote telemetry may facilitate the management of implantable devices. We tested the reliability of a new automatic, wireless home monitoring (HM) system that archives data every 24 hours. We retrospectively analyzed archival data from 276 consecutive pacing system implants to define temporal atrial fibrillation (AF) patterns and associated ventricular rate. An "AF day" was defined by a >20%/24 hour mode switch (MS) duration, irrespective of the MS number. Management decisions resulting from transmissions were noted. A pilot study confirmed that 89% of 22,356 transmissions were successful, of which >90% were received in <5 minutes. Data integrity was 100% preserved. Overall, AF developed in 29 patients (10.5%), representing a total of 645 AF days (mean = 22.2 ± 29.6 AF, median = 9 days), over 12 ± 2 months of monitoring. AF was infrequent (50% of 24 hours. Ventricular rates during 645 AF days in 29 patients averaged 95.1 ± 9.9 beats/min (median = 94 beats/min). Ventricular rates were >80 beats/min in 25 ± 30 AF days (median = 11 days). HM enabled rapid anticoagulation decisions. In recipients of implantable devices, automatic wireless telemetry with HM was efficient and reliable. Its application may overcome some current challenges in AF management by early notification and precise measurement of both AF burden and ventricular rate during AF.     

乳剂依托咪酯对心脏手术病人麻醉诱导期循环功能的影响

目的　本文应用乳剂依托咪酯,观察其对心脏手术病人麻醉诱导期的循环影响。方法　选择心脏手术病人80例,心功能Ⅲ～Ⅳ级,随机分为两组,每组2 0例:Ⅰ组(水剂组) :水剂依托咪酯0 2 5mg kg-1;Ⅱ组(乳剂组) :乳剂依托咪酯0 2 5mg kg-1。记录麻醉前、注射依托咪酯前、后,气管插管后1min和3min时段的各监测参数。观察不自主肌肉颤动,注射疼痛感及过敏反应等不良反应。结果　显示两种剂型的依托咪酯各时间点的SBP、DBP、MAP、HR各组间无显著差异(P >0 0 5 )。两组在注射依托咪酯后SBP、DBP、MAP、HR轻度下降,但与注射前均无统计学差异(P >0 0 5 )。不自主肌肉运动Ⅰ组8例、Ⅱ组6例:两组间无显著差异(P >0 0 5 )。静脉注射处疼痛Ⅰ组14例、Ⅱ组1例,两组间显著差异(P >0 0 5 )。结论　乳剂依托咪酯具有麻醉诱导平稳,心血管影响轻微,副作用少在应用上优于水剂依托咪酯,可用于高龄及心脏功能受损害患者的麻醉诱导。     

热休克蛋白90对大鼠缺氧心肌细胞丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶表达的影响

目的探讨内源性热休克蛋白90（HSP90）在缺氧心肌细胞丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶（AKT）相关信号通路中的作用。方法建立新生Wistar大鼠心肌细胞缺氧模型，将细胞分为正常组、缺氧组、加入HSP90特异性阻断剂格尔德霉素后再缺氧组（格尔德霉素＋缺氧组）。于缺氧后1、3、6、12、24、48h用噻唑蓝法检测心肌细胞的活力；缺氧24h，原位缺口末端标记法检测心肌细胞凋亡指数（AI）；缺氧1、3、6、12、24h，蛋白质印迹法检测大鼠心肌细胞中内源性HSP90及AKT表达水平。结果（1）缺氧24、48h，缺氧组、格尔德霉素＋缺氧组细胞活力均较正常组明显下降（P〈0．05）；格尔德霉素＋缺氧组细胞活力缺氧12h即开始明显下降，缺氧48h时明显低于缺氧组（P〈0．05）。（2）缺氧24h，缺氧组细胞AI为（10．7±1．2）％，明显高于正常组[（1．9±0．3）％．P〈0．05]；格尔德霉素＋缺氧组细胞AI为（26、3±5．3）％，明显高于缺氧组（P〈0．01）。（3）缺氧12h，缺氧组心肌细胞内源性HSP90及AKT表达水平高于正常组与格尔德霉素＋缺氧组；缺氧24h，缺氧组有所下降．格尔德霉素＋缺氧组则下降更明显。结论内源性HSP90对维持心肌细胞的活力有重要作用．缺氧心肌细胞AKT表达水平可受内源性HSP90表达水平的影响。     

The role of the le fort I maxillotomy in the management of incompletely resected pituitary macroadenomas.

Objective: The options available for the treatment of a nonsecreting pituitary macroadenoma that has been incompletely resected include reoperation, fractionated radiation therapy, and radiosurgery. Reoperation in this setting may be hindered by the same obstacles that prevented a complete resection during the initial surgical procedure, and should prompt consideration of an alternate approach or exposure. Methods: Between January 1998 and December 2003, 10 consecutive patients were referred to the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for the evaluation of a nonsecreting pituitary macroadenoma that measured 3 cm or greater in diameter despite having undergone an attempt at a complete resection elsewhere. Each of these patients was reoperated using a Le Fort I maxillotomy to enhance the exposure provided by a traditional transsphenoidal approach. Results: A total or near total (> 95%) resection was achieved in each case. One patient required reoperation for the repositioning of a fat graft to treat a cerebrospinal fluid fistula and one patient experienced a worsening of anterior pituitary function postoperatively. Five patients noted improved vision and no patient experienced further visual loss. Three patients have required subsequent treatment of small foci of recurrent or progressing tumor with stereotactic radiation therapy. No patient has received fractionated radiation therapy. Conclusion: The added exposure provided by a Le Fort I maxillotomy facilitates the resection of pituitary macroadenomas that have been incompletely resected by a traditional transnasal, trans-sphenoidal approach.     

环孢素A逆转野百合碱所诱导的右心室重构

 目的探讨环孢素A(cyclosporine A,CsA)是否逆转野百合碱(monocrotaline,MCT)诱导的右心室重构及其作用机制的初步探讨。方法雄性SD大鼠随机分正常对照组,MCT模型组,CsA低、高剂量组(0.33和1mg·kg^-1)。MCT造模后14～21d给CsA(ig,bid)。造模22d右心导管术检测右室收缩压(RVSP);称右室自由壁(RV)及左心室加室间隔(LV+SEP)重,计算右心肥大指数(RVHI=RV/LV+SEP);光镜及电镜观察右室结构变化;免疫组化检查右室心肌细胞PCNA的表达。结果CsA逆转MCT所引起RVSP、RVHI的升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)、右室心肌细胞肥大、线粒体肿胀变性及PCNA抗原的过表达。高剂量CsA作用更明显。结论CsA(1mg·kg^-1 ig,bid)能明显逆转MCT诱导的右室重构,其机制可能与降低右室后负荷及抑制右室心肌细胞肥大有关。