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Biomedical subjects

A Neumann

Publications and source records attributed to A Neumann.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Physiologic assessment of the inotropic, vasodilator and afterload reducing effects of milrinone in subjects without cardiac disease.

Milrinone increases left ventricular (LV) shortening. Whether these changes result from vasodilation alone or from a combination of vasodilation and a positive inotropic action is controversial. Load-independent end-systolic indexes of LV contractility were measured over a wide range of aortic pressures generated by methoxamine infusion before and during milrinone administration. Sixteen studies were performed using echocardiography and calibrated carotid pulse tracings in 11 normal subjects. Milrinone loading doses of 30, 45 or 60 micrograms/kg were given intravenously over 10 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion to achieve steady-state drug levels. Milrinone induced a dose-dependent decrease in baseline (i.e., before methoxamine) total systemic resistance (p less than 0.05) and afterload as measured by end-systolic wall stress (p less than 0.001). The associated changes in the end-systolic pressure-dimension, stress-shortening and stress-velocity of fiber shortening relations were characteristic of a positive inotropic intervention. All end-systolic indexes of LV contractility demonstrated greater inotropic effect at the higher milrinone plasma concentrations. Thus, load-independent indexes of LV contractility show that milrinone has a dose-related positive inotropic effect separate from its vasodilator (total systemic resistance) and afterload (end-systolic stress) reducing effects.

Adolescent↗

Effects of loading conditions and contractile state (methoxamine and dobutamine) on left ventricular early diastolic function in normal subjects.

The influence of changes in preload, afterload and contractile state on left ventricular (LV) filling characteristics were examined. Normal subjects underwent echocardiographic determination of the peak rates of LV dimension change and wall thinning and their respective timing at rest, after preload augmentation with dextran, during increased afterload with methoxamine and during inotropic stimulation by dobutamine. These 2 peak velocities and their timing in diastole correlated well with each other and responded similarly to interventions. Increased preload resulted in higher peak velocities of dimension change and wall thinning, without changing the time in diastole at which they occur. Both peak velocities moved later into diastole with higher afterload; however, the overall change in magnitude was variable and without statistical significance. Inotropic stimulation resulted in faster rates of peak dimension change and wall thinning, which occurred at an earlier point in diastole. Examination of various measures of LV size and function over a wide range of preload and afterload conditions under a constant contractile state revealed a complex set of relations. The ratio of wall thickness-to-dimension at end-diastole showed the most significant relation to the peak rate of dimension change, whereas peak thinning was best correlated with fractional wall thickening. Both velocities were also significantly but more weakly related to other variables of systolic function. The timing of these peak velocities correlated most closely with the end-systolic wall stress and heart rate. Thus, LV filling and wall thinning depend in a complex fashion on loading conditions, heart rate and contractile state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Use of the calibrated carotid pulse tracing for calculation of left ventricular pressure and wall stress throughout ejection.

Calibrated carotid pulse tracings have been found previously to provide accurate estimates of end-systolic pressure. This study extends this technique to the estimation of arterial pressure throughout ejection. In twenty patients without aortic stenosis (age range 8 to 67 years), simultaneous recordings were made of the pressure tracing in the ascending aorta, externally recorded carotid pulse tracing, phonocardiogram, left ventricular echocardiogram, and peripheral blood pressure. Data were computer digitized and plots of arterial pressure were derived from the aortic pressure tracing (PA) and from the carotid pulse tracing (Pc). Left ventricular (LV) wall stress was then calculated throughout ejection using PA or Pc. The noninvasive estimation of pressure was excellent, with a maximum difference of 3.4 mm Hg between population means. This occurred within the first third of ejection. The wall stress calculations were similar, with a maximum mean population error of 3.5 gm/cm2 at 20% of ejection. The peak wall stress values had a mean difference of 1.4 gm/cm2; mean wall stress over the LV ejection period was 0.5 gm/cm2 higher when calculated from Pc than from PA. Thus, the carotid pulse tracing provides an accurate reproduction of the morphology of the pressure tracing recorded from the ascending aorta, and when calibrated by peripheral blood pressure measurement, it can be used to calculate LV pressure throughout ejection. These pressure estimates can be used to calculate wall stress throughout ejection with a high degree of accuracy.

Adolescent↗

Left ventricular contractility and contractile reserve in humans after cardiac transplantation.

Limited data are available concerning left ventricular contractility and contractile reserve in the chronically denervated, transplanted human heart. This is primarily because of the inability of traditional tests of left ventricular performance to distinguish changes in contractility from alterations in ventricular loading conditions. In this study, load-independent end-systolic indexes of left ventricular contractility were measured by echocardiography and calibrated carotid pulse tracings in 10 patients who had undergone orthotopic cardiac transplant (age 48 +/- 4 years; interval from operation to study 1.2 +/- 0.8 years) and in 10 normal control subjects (age 25 +/- 4 years) matched for donor heart age (25 +/- 6 years). None of the transplant patients had evidence of rejection as determined by endomyocardial biopsy. Baseline left ventricular contractility was assessed over a wide range of afterload generated by infusion of methoxamine. Contractile reserve was measured as the response to an infusion of dobutamine plus methoxamine. Before afterload challenge, baseline left ventricular percent fractional shortening was higher for the transplant patients than for the control subjects (36.5 +/- 5.7% vs 32.1 +/- 2.1%; p less than .05). These differences occurred at a time that end-systolic wall stress (a measure of afterload) was significantly lower for the transplant patients (38 +/- 16 vs 50 +/- 9 g/cm2; p less than .05). When the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-dimension and stress-shortening relationships were determined for the transplant and control subjects, no differences in contractility or contractile reserve were noted. Thus the chronically denervated, transplanted, nonrejecting human left ventricle demonstrates normal contractile characteristics and reserve.

Adult↗

Change in ventricular cavity size: differential effects on QRS and T wave amplitude.

Although many factors have been reported to change the R wave amplitude of the electrocardiogram (ECG), few observations have been made of the associated changes in T wave amplitude. We hypothesized that changes in R and T wave amplitude should parallel each other. To test this hypothesis, R and T wave amplitudes were measured in 15 normal subjects during increased and decreased left ventricular dimensions induced by infusion of methoxamine and by Valsalva maneuver, respectively, as well as during changes in the proximity of the left ventricle to the chest wall (i.e., shift in patient position from supine to left lateral position). Simultaneous nine-lead ECGs and two-dimensional-guided M mode echocardiograms of the left ventricle were recorded at rest and under each experimental condition. R wave amplitude increased as the left ventricular lateral wall moved closer to the V5 and V6 electrodes. Alterations in R wave amplitude seen with changes in left ventricular chamber size were primarily caused by radial movement of the left ventricle in relation to the chest wall. Proximity of the left ventricle to the chest wall was therefore a major determinant of R wave amplitude. In contrast, T wave amplitude varied directly with alterations in left ventricular chamber size but was unaffected by changes in proximity to the recording electrode on the chest wall. Left ventricular chamber size, and possibly the associated alteration in endocardial-to-epicardial surface area ratio, appeared to be the major determinants of T wave amplitude.

Adult↗

Altered left ventricular mechanics in patients with valvular aortic stenosis and coarction of the aorta: effects on systolic performance and late outcome.

Despite similar degrees of left ventricular systolic hypertension shortening characteristics are usually greater in patients with congenital valvular aortic stenosis (VAS) than in patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA). We hypothesized that these dissimilarities were caused by differences in myocardial mechanics rather than by alterations in contractile state. Eleven patients with VAS (ages 6 to 41 years) and 11 with CoA were matched for age, body surface area, and peak systolic ejection gradient. Results were compared with data from 22 normal subjects matched for age and body surface area. Echocardiographic tracings of the left ventricle were recorded in conjunction with left ventricular pressure measurements (VAS) or calibrated carotid pulse tracings (CoA and normal subjects). Peak and end-systolic wall stresses as well as left ventricular shortening fraction (% delta D) and rate-corrected velocity of fiber shortening (Vcfc) were calculated. No differences for left ventricular dimensions, heart rate or peak wall stress were present. Ventricular peak systolic pressures and wall mass were higher for the patients with VAS or CoA than for the normal subjects (p less than .001). These parameters did not differ between the VAS and CoA groups. The patients with VAS had higher % delta D and Vcfc than either the CoA or normal groups (p less than .01). Afterload, as quantified by end-systolic stress, was 41% lower than normal for the patients with VAS (p less than .001) and 13% higher than normal for those with CoA (p less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Adverse cardiac effects of acute alcohol ingestion in young adults.

Previous studies of the effects of acute alcohol ingestion in normal subjects have used measures of left ventricular performance that are altered by changes in preload and afterload and in contractile state. In studies involving nine healthy, young adults, we measured sensitive load-independent end-systolic indices of left ventricular contractility over a wide range of pressures generated by methoxamine infusion before and after oral alcohol administration. Echocardiography was used in conjunction with calibrated carotid pulse tracings. Alcohol ingestion resulted in a fall (p less than 0.01) in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (a measure of preload), end-systolic wall stress (a measure of afterload), and systemic vascular resistance, while not changing the left ventricular shortening fraction. In contrast, the end-systolic pressure-dimension slope decreased (p less than 0.001) and the rate-corrected velocity of left ventricular fiber shortening at an end-systolic wall stress of 50 g/cm2 fell (p less than 0.001). Thus, when load-independent assessment of left ventricular contractility is done, acute alcohol ingestion has a myocardial depressant effect greater than previously suspected.

Adult↗

Left ventricular end-systolic wall stress-velocity of fiber shortening relation: a load-independent index of myocardial contractility.

The velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) is an index of myocardial performance which, although sensitive to contractile state, has limited usefulness because of its dependence on left ventricular loading conditions. This study investigated the degree and velocity of left ventricular fiber shortening as it relates to wall stress in an attempt to develop an index of contractility that is independent of preload and heart rate while incorporating afterload. Studies were performed in 78 normal subjects using M-mode echocardiography, phonocardiography and indirect carotid pulse tracings under baseline conditions. In addition, studies were performed on 25 subjects during afterload augmentation with methoxamine, 8 subjects before and during afterload challenge after increased preload with dextran and 7 subjects with enhanced left ventricular contractility with dobutamine. The relation of end-systolic stress to the velocity of fiber shortening and to the rate-corrected velocity of shortening (corrected by normalization to an RR interval of 1) was inversely linear with correlation coefficients of -0.72 and -0.84, respectively. Alterations in afterload, preload or a combination of the two did not significantly affect the end-systolic wall stress/rate-corrected velocity of shortening relation, whereas during inotropic stimulation, the values were higher, with 94% of the data points above the normal range. Age did not appear to affect the range of normal values for this index. In contrast, the end-systolic wall stress/fractional shortening relation was not independent of preload status, responding in a manner similar to that seen with a positive inotropic intervention. Thus, the velocity of circumferential fiber shortening normalized for heart rate is inversely related to end-systolic wall stress in a linear fashion. Accurate quantitation can be performed by noninvasive means and a range of normal values determined. This index is a sensitive measure of contractile state that is independent of preload, normalized for heart rate and incorporates afterload. In contrast, the end-systolic wall stress/fractional shortening relation is dependent on end-diastolic fiber length in the range of physiologically relevant changes in preload.

Adolescent↗

[Brain tumor removal with an ultrasound aspirator].

A report is given on the application of an ultrasound aspirator for the removal of cerebral tumours. After the description of physical and surgical fundamentals, a report is given on the respective patients. Then hazards an advantages are described as far as they can be summarized already today.

Brain Neoplasms↗

[Fundamental studies of ultrasonic surgery. 5. Ultrasonically forced polymerization of Ligament-Fimomed in joining biological tissue].

About basis investigations to the mode of action, the energy transformation, and to the polymerization heat of Ligament-Fimomed adhesive is informed over the ultrasonic osteosynthesis. A prompt activation of the monomeric tissue adhesive is attained at the contact region with the osseous tissue by means of low frequency power ultrasound. The mechanism of the connecting formation and characteristic temperature-time course are shown.

Enbucrilate↗

Quantitative computer-assisted analysis of left ventricular wall thickening and motion by 2-dimensional echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction.

Quantitative regional wall motion analyses of 2-dimensional echocardiograms (2-D echo) have usually focused on large arcs (greater than 45 degrees) of the left ventricular (LV) perimeter rather than on small LV zones. Few studies have assessed changes in wall thickness. To determine normal ranges of regional LV function, the endocardial and epicardial contours of short-axis 2-D echoes obtained at the papillary muscle level of 10 normal subjects were manually traced. Then, 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) were studied, comparing their contours at admission with ranges determined from the normal subjects. In all patients with MI, 2-D echoes located abnormal wall motion involving at least the region identified as abnormal by the electrocardiogram and often extending into adjacent regions. All 9 patients with transmural MI had either decreased wall thickening or abnormal endocardial wall motion; all except 1 had focal thinning in the region of the MI. Of the 6 patients with nontransmural MI, 2 had abnormal endocardial wall motion, and all had decreased wall thickening. Evaluating regional wall motion at multiple points around the LV circumference should permit more precise delineation of LV function in health and disease than has been heretofore possible.

Adult↗

Quantitative analysis of left ventricular wall motion and thickness using two-dimensional echocardiography.

The real time two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging of the left ventricle made possible segmental echocardiographic measurements of wall motion and thickening and thinning. The underlying hypothesis is that measurements of regional wall motion could quantify the extent of myocardial ischemia and infarction; the method could be used as a truly non-invasive tool to assess the severity of damage from infarction and the effects of interventions designed to limit infarcts. The method is operator interactive. Each patient's data could be compared with data for a normal group. The selection criteria for the normal patients have been described. The confidence region of the normal group and the effect of averaging over three tracings for three heartbeats have been computed. Technical difficulties inherent in the method and possible improvements are discussed.

Computers↗