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Biomedical subjects

D Franzen

Publications and source records attributed to D Franzen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Coronary-artery stenting compared with balloon angioplasty for restenosis after initial balloon angioplasty. Restenosis Stent Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary stenting reduces the rate of restenosis after angioplasty in patients with new coronary lesions. We conducted a prospective, randomized, multicenter study to determine whether intracoronary stenting, as compared with standard balloon angioplasty, reduces the recurrence of luminal narrowing in restenotic lesions. METHODS: A total of 383 patients who had undergone at least one balloon angioplasty and who had clinical and angiographic evidence of restenosis after the procedure were randomly assigned to undergo standard balloon angioplasty (192 patients) or intracoronary stenting with a Palmaz-Schatz stent (191 patients). The primary end point was angiographic evidence of restenosis (defined as stenosis of more than 50 percent of the luminal diameter) at six months. The secondary end points were death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, and revascularization of the target vessel. RESULTS: The rate of restenosis was significantly higher in the angioplasty group than in the stent group (32 percent as compared with 18 percent, P= 0.03). Revascularization of the target vessel at six months was required in 27 percent of the angioplasty group but in only 10 percent of the stent group (P=0.001). This difference resulted from a smaller mean (+/-SD) minimal luminal diameter in the angioplasty group (1.85+/-0.56 mm) than in the stent group (2.04+/-0.66 mm), with a mean difference of 0.19 mm (P=0.01) at follow-up. Subacute thrombosis occurred in 0.6 percent of the angioplasty group and in 3.9 percent of the stent group. The rate of event-free survival at 250 days was 72 percent in the angioplasty group and 84 percent in the stent group (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Elective coronary stenting was effective in the treatment of restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Stenting resulted in a lower rate of recurrent stenosis despite a higher incidence of subacute thrombosis.

Aged↗

[Brain and gallbladder metastases 10 years after local excision of a cutaneous malignant melanoma].

A 52-year-old man had a generalized seizure resulting in fracture of two vertebrae 10 years after excision of a superficially spreading melanoma (Clark level III) on the left flank. Additional to pain on pressure over the right upper abdomen, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased (41 mm) and the activity of the liver enzymes was raised. Neurological examination indicated a loss of short-term memory, signs of meningeal irritation, unsteady gait and falling tendency. Cerebrospinal fluid showed mild pleocytosis and cells suspicious of tumour. Upper abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged gallbladder with contents of soft-tissue density. Magnetic resonance imaging showed numerous round lesions in the brain which looked nodular after contrast-medium injection. Cholecystectomy revealed metastases of a malignant melanoma. It was likely that the cerebral lesions also represented metastases. The confusional state increased in severity. Neither cytostatic drugs nor radiotherapy were administered, because of the poor prognosis. The patient, now fully disoriented, died 54 days after hospital admission.

Brain Neoplasms↗

[Occupational rehabilitation after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)--correlation with subjective and objective parameters].

On the basis of medical criteria percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is followed by only a short interval of work inability. This study evaluated the interval between PTCA and the return to work and the factors which may influence this interval. The study included 122 working patients with angiographically successful PTCA. Patients were followed up clinically and angiographically and completed a standardized questionnaire directly after PTCA and 4 months later. The study population comprised 87 patients (81 men, 6 women) who filled out both questionnaires appropriate for evaluation. Of these 48 (55%) had single-vessel, 27 (31%) two-vessel, and 12 (14%) three-vessel disease. Complete revascularization in terms of treatment of all lesions above 70% was achieved in 85 (98%) patients. In 30 (34%) patients restenosis developed during the observation period as evaluated by coronary angiography. At the time of the second evaluation 46 (53%) patients complained of persisting or new thoracic pain, which they understood as cardiac pain. After 4 months 68 (78%) patients returned to work, 12 (14%) were on sick leave, 3 (3%) were unemployed, and 4 (5%) were retired. The median of time on sick leave after PTCA was 14 days. The length of sick leave after PTCA was found to depend significantly on the previous intention to retire (25% vs. 75%, p < 0.01). Patients who did not return to work during study period reported more frequently of thoracic pain (55% vs. 45%, p = 0.01) and had less intention to return to work after PTCA (6% vs. 94%, p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adaptation, Psychological↗

The effect of LDL apheresis on progression of coronary artery disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Results of a multicenter LDL apheresis study.

This study investigated the effect of extracorporal lipid-lowering therapy by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis on coronary artery disease in a population characterized by early development and rapid progression of atherosclerosis. We treated 32 patients aged between 15 and 63 years with drug-refractory familial hypercholesterolemia, treated once a week by immuno-specific LDL apheresis for 3 years in a controlled prospective and non-randomized trial; 25 patients (14 females and 11 males) completed the study. Noninvasive data were obtained by physical examination, 12-lead ECG and exercise testing. Invasive cardiological data were obtained by cardiac catheterization according to a standardized protocol in four cardiological centers. Left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated using planimetry. Coronary stenoses were measured quantitatively in 23 defined coronary segments by a panel of four investigators with an electronic digital caliper. In addition, overall coronary atherosclerosis was visually qualified. Final decisions on a classification into one of three groups (regression, no change, progression) of coronary atherosclerosis were based on panel consensus. Six cardiac events occurred throughout the study: percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in one patient, coronary bypass grafting in three and two deaths. Statistical analysis of exercise testing yielded no significant change for maximum power and work capacity during the study period. Hemodynamic data revealed no significant change; mean ejection fraction was calculated as 65.8 +/- 15.9% at study entry and 67.0 +/- 12.7% at completion. Quantitative measurement of 111 circumscribed coronary stenoses showed a mean stenosis degree of 45 +/- 26% at entry cineangio-film and 43 +/- 22% at final cineangio-film demonstrating no significant change.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

The 'Ermenonville' classification of observations at coronary angioscopy--evaluation of intra- and inter-observer agreement. European Working Group on Coronary Angioscopy.

A European coronary angioscopy working group has been established to create and evaluate a classification system for angioscopic observation. The 'Ermenonville' classification features items, graded in 3-5 categories, such as lumen diameter, shape of narrowing, colours of surface, atheroma, dissection, thrombus, etc. Inter- and intra-observer agreement on the interpretation of angioscopic images, using this classification system, was studied within the working group. Kappa values for chance-corrected intra-observer agreement of the diagnostic items were 0.51-0.67. The mean kappa values for inter-observer agreement were very low at 0.13-0.29. The important items, such as red thrombus and dissection were studied after recoding as either present or absent. These items proved to have a good intra-observer agreement, and an acceptable inter-observer agreement after recoding. Other angioscopic diagnoses should be made with caution. Multicentre angioscopy studies should make use of an angioscopy core laboratory. A set of definitions for coronary angioscopy is proposed, and this working group will re-evaluate observer agreements using these definitions.

Angioscopy↗

[Follow-up and characteristics of restenoses after coronary stent implantation in asymptomatic patients and patients with few symptoms].

Following coronary Palmaz-Schatz single stent implantation 50 patients had an angiographic follow-up after 4-6 and after 12 months. Quantitative angiography revealed that the restenosis process has finished 4-6 months after stent implantation in the majority of patients. In the present study, 6% had, however, developed symptomatic restenosis at 1-year follow-up. Detailed assessment of 15 patients revealed that the residual stenosis after stent implantation is most prominent at the stent edges, however, restenosis did occur in all segments in about the same amount. Analysis of several clinical and morphologic variables did not reveal any particular risk factor for the development of restenosis. The results of the present study do suggest that follow-up angiography should be performed 4-6 months after stent placement.

Adult↗

[Long-term effects of low dosage fish oil on serum lipids and lipoproteins].

In a prospective and double-blind study, the long-term effects of low dose fish oil on serum lipids and lipoproteins was tested in patients with normal or moderately elevated serum lipids and compared to the effects of olive oil. The compliance to the study medication was evaluated by analysis of serum fatty acids and proved to be very good. Dietary supplementation with 9 g fish oil, respective 3.15 g n-3 fatty acids per day over one year resulted in a decrease of serum-triglycerides by 26% and increase of HDL-cholesterol by 26%. Treatment with 9 g olive oil resulted in an 18% increase of HDL-cholesterol. There was no effect on serum-triglyceride levels.

Adult↗

A prospective, randomized, and double-blind trial on the effect of fish oil on the incidence of restenosis following PTCA.

Restenosis after successful coronary angioplasty (PTCA) occurs in 25-35% of all procedures. To date, most pharmacologic strategies have failed to reduce the restenosis rate significantly. However, recent studies have suggested a potential benefit of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) on restenosis following PTCA. The benefit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the incidence of coronary artery restenosis following elective PTCA was assessed in 212 consecutive patients (41 female, 171 male). Following a successful angioplasty, 204 patients received a dietary supplementation with either nine capsules containing fish oil (3.15 g omega-3 fatty acids) or nine placebo capsules containing olive oil. Treatment was started immediately after PTCA and maintained over 4 mon. Compliance was assessed by analysis of lipid fatty acids prior to angioplasty and at 4 mon follow-up. The angiographically determined incidence of restenosis (stenosis diameter > 50%) was 31.2% per lesion in patients receiving fish oil and 33.7% in patients receiving olive oil. Gross progression of coronary artery disease in vessels not subjected to angioplasty was 17% and 16%, respectively. In conclusion, low dose fish oil supplementation begun on the day of a successful coronary angioplasty failed to demonstrate any effect on coronary artery restenosis.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

A unique scenario for coronary atherectomy.

Despite several attempts, balloon angioplasty of a slightly eccentric stenotic lesion in the proximal right coronary artery failed to result in any increase of luminal diameter. Following disruption and partial removal of a fibrous atherosclerotic cap using directional atherectomy, subsequent balloon angioplasty was highly successful.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Functional health status in male patients without restenosis following successful PTCA.

In a prospective pilot study, subjective and objective parameters of the health status were assessed in 148 male patients (mean age 56 +/- 8.4 years) before and 4 months after successful coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Restenosis was defined as residual diameter stenosis > 50%. Although 96 patients (65%) had not developed restenosis at 4 months' invasive follow-up, subjective assessment of general well-being was unchanged in 26% or worse in 71%; overall anginal status and exercise performance had however improved. Of 71 men younger than 60 years who had no restenosis at follow-up, 4 men retired and 13 remained on medical leave. The striking disparity between subjective and objective parameters was not related to significant differences of age, exercise capacity, and left ventricular ejection fraction, as well as to baseline characteristics (previous myocardial infarction, extent of coronary heart disease, comorbidity) compared with 52 patients with restenosis. Thus, despite documented sustained success after PTCA, the majority of patients failed to resume the status of subjective well-being.

Adult↗

[Multicenter results of coronary implantation of balloon expandable Palmaz-Schatz vascular stents].

Intracoronary stenting was designed to handle acute vessel closure after balloon angioplasty and to reduce the rate of restenosis. In three cardiology centers the implantation of 200 balloon-expandable Palmaz-Schatz stents was attempted in 179 patients. The implantation was successful in 170 patients (95%). During bail-out implantation for acute vessel closure or symptomatic dissections after balloon angioplasty, implantation succeeded in 60 (91%) of 66 attempted patients, who recovered immediately from ischemia. Three patients received emergency bypass surgery and three patients were kept on medical therapy. Restenosis after 4 to 6 months, defined as > 50% diameter reduction, was documented angiographically in 18 (15.3%) of 118 presently controlled patients. Patients with single stent implantation (n = 106) presented a late restenosis rate of 10.4% in contrast to patients with multiple stent implantation (n = 12), who presented a restenosis rate of 58.4%. Similar results on restenosis were found for patients with elective and bail-out stent implantation. Acute thrombotic stent occlusion occurred in three patients (1.8%) during the first 24 h after stenting. Three to 9 days after implantation subacute stent thrombosis occurred in 15 (8.8%) of 170 patients. Despite adequate therapy including thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty or emergency bypass surgery in 14 of 15 patients Q-wave myocardial infarction was documented in six patients and non Q-wave myocardial infarction in five patients. The following parameters were identified as risk factors for the development of subacute stent thrombosis: bail-out indication, unstable angina, type C lesion, stenosis length > 1.5 cm, plaque area > 3.5 mm2, symptomatic dissection after balloon angioplasty, incomplete wrapping of the dissection after stenting and residual distal vessel irregularities after stenting. Bleeding complications occurred in 12.4% of the patients and were related to the anticoagulation and antiaggregation therapy. In conclusion, the implantation of Palmaz-Schatz stents is an excellent bail-out device to treat acute vessel closure or symptomatic dissections after angioplasty. Elective and bail-out single stent implantation is associated with a reduced rate of restenosis when compared to conventional balloon angioplasty. At present, subacute stent thrombosis and bleeding complications are the major limitations with a combined rate of 15.9%.

Adult↗

Cardiac involvement during and after malaria.

In 22 patients without a previous history of cardiac disease, we prospectively evaluated cardiac involvement during acute malaria and 9 +/- 5 months after recovery using non-invasive methods including resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. During the acute phase ECG abnormalities were common (5/22); pericardial effusion was found in 2 patients and global left ventricular hypokinesia in 1 patient infected with Plasmodium falciparum. At a follow-up of 19 patients, the resting ECG and echocardiography were normal or had normalized in all patients. The results of our study suggest that persistent cardiac damage following malarial infection seems to be rare; however, further trials in a larger patient population are needed to confirm our findings.

Adolescent↗

A prospective study on percutaneous coronary angioscopy with different guiding techniques in patients with coronary heart disease.

The technical success of percutaneous coronary angioscopy using different guiding techniques was evaluated in 17 patients before (n = 17) and after (n = 8) coronary angioplasty. Steering the angioscope along or over a guidewire was successful in both groups; failures were predominantly due to insufficient alignment of the angioscope using along-the-wire guiding. Although over-the-wire angioscopy promises superior guiding and alignment capabilities, several technical problems remain unsolved.

Adult↗

[Perimyocarditis in influenza A virus infection].

A 48-year old man was admitted with suspected acute myocardial infarction because of severe precordial pain and monophasic ST-elevations in the ECG. The patient's history of an ongoing infection, the localization, extent, and course of the ECG changes as well as the development of a pericardial effusion suggested viral perimyocarditis. The diagnosis was supported by a significant rise of antibodies (seroconversion) against influenza A virus.

Adult↗

New option for balloon recanalization of total coronary occlusions.

In 9 out of 12 patients with a total coronary occlusion but definite signs of viable myocardium a new approach for the recanalization procedure was successfully employed: Following recanalization using an on-the-wire 2.0 or 2.5 mm angioplasty catheter, a standard coronary guidewire was placed along the angioplasty catheter. After withdrawal of the catheter, over-the-wire angioplasty with an appropriately sized balloon was performed for final dilatation. Pending further studies in a larger patient population, this new method may offer an alternative approach for revascularization of total coronary occlusions.

Aged↗