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Biomedical subjects

G Bachmann

Publications and source records attributed to G Bachmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Pulmonary perfusion in acute pulmonary embolism: agreement of MRI and SPECT for lobar, segmental and subsegmental perfusion defects.

PURPOSE: To assess prospectively the agreement of magnetic resonance (MR) pulmonary perfusion with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion for perfusion defects down to the subsegmental level in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 41 patients with suspected PE, contrast-enhanced MR pulmonary perfusion (3D-FLASH, TR/TE 1.6/0.6 ms) was compared to SPECT perfusion on a per-examination basis as well as at the lobar, segmental, and subsegmental level. RESULTS: The MRI protocol was completed in all patients, and mean examination time was 3 min 56 s. MR perfusion showed a very high agreement with SPECT (kappa value per examination 0.98, and 0.98, 0.83, and 0.69 for lobar, segmental, and subsegmental perfusion defects, respectively). Of 15 patients with PE, MR perfusion detected 14 cases. CONCLUSION: The very high agreement of MR perfusion with SPECT perfusion enables the detection of subtle findings in suspected PE.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Experimental stroke: ischaemic lesion volume and oedema formation differ among rat strains (a comparison between Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats using MRI).

Investigating focal cerebral ischaemia requires animal models that are relevant to human stroke. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of early reperfusion and choice of rat strains on infarct volume and oedema formation. Thirty-six Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min (groups I and II) or to permanent MCAO (groups III and IV) using the suture technique. Ischaemic lesion volume and oedema formation were quantified 24 h after MCAO using 7T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Impact of rat strains: Reperfusion led to significant larger ischaemic lesion volumes in Wistar rats as compared to Sprague-Dawley rats (P<0.0005). Oedema formation was similar in both rat strains. Permanent MCAO led to significantly larger ischaemic lesion volumes in Sprague-Dawley rats (P<0.05). Oedema formation, however, was significantly more accentuated in Wistar rats (P<0.005). Impact of reperfusion: Reperfusion did not cause any changes in ischaemic lesion volume in Wistar rats. Oedema formation, however, was significantly reduced (P<0.0005). In Sprague-Dawley rats, reperfusion caused a significant reduction of ischaemic lesion volume (P<0.00005), but did not modify oedema formation. These findings emphasize the critical importance of rat strain differences in experimental stroke research.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Thoracic real-time MRI: experience from 2200 examinations in acute and ill-defined thoracic diseases].

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess the indication for thoracic real-time MRI, demonstrate typical findings, analyze the diagnostic potential in subgroups with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and aortic dissection (AD), and describe the influence of real-time MRI on the role of MRI in acute thoracic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2001 to February 2005, real-time MRI was applied in 2,256 examinations in 1,714 patients. MRI was the primary diagnostic modality for these thoracic diseases as computed tomography has been available only since 2003. Characteristics of the TrueFISP sequence applied were: TR/TE/flip angle 3.1 ms/1.6 ms/59 degrees , respectively. FOV 340 - 360 mm, matrix size 156 to 192 x 256 pixels, slice thickness 3 to 4 mm, slices overlapped by 50 %. Acquisition time was 0.4 to 0.5 s per image. Three hundred and twenty transverse, coronal and sagittal images were acquired in three minutes. No breath holding, and only minimal patient cooperation, was required. Turbo-spin-echo sequences as well as ECG-gated and contrast-enhanced sequences were added depending on the indication. RESULTS: Most common indications were: acute thoracic nonspecified disease (n = 276, 12.24 %), PE (n = 573, 25.4 %), bleeding (n = 154, 6.8 %), AD (n = 222, 9.8 %), topographic information in complex findings (n = 654, 29.0 %). Real-time MRI was the sole MRI technique applied in 180 examinations (8.0 %), ECG-gated real-time MRI was applied in 87 examinations and breath hold was used in 107 examinations. PE was diagnosed in 181 examinations; reference techniques (MRI, computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography) confirmed 170 of these and detected 19 more cases (sensitivity 90.0 %, specificity 97.1 %). Real-time MRI detected 141 suspected AD and 53 more nonsuspected AD. Of these, 191 were confirmed by other MRI techniques, surgery or clinical course (98.5 %). Real-time MRI coincidentally detected 56 pulmonary tumors, all were confirmed with computed tomography. Thus, especially vascular diseases could be easily assessed with real-time MRI, while computed tomography had advantages in the evaluation of the lung parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Real-time MRI both enables emergency MRI examinations for thoracic diseases in clinical patients in unstable condition and allows an explorative style of working in patients with nondefined acute thoracic diseases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Screening women with menorrhagia for underlying bleeding disorders: the utility of the platelet function analyser and bleeding time.

Menorrhagia is a very common clinical problem among women of reproductive age and recent studies have suggested that underlying bleeding disorders, particularly von Willebrand's deficiency and platelet function defects, are prevalent in women presenting with menorrhagia. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of the platelet function analyser (PFA-100) and bleeding time (BT) as initial screening tests for underlying bleeding disorders in women with menorrhagia. In this study, 81 women with a physician diagnosis of menorrhagia underwent PFA-100 testing, BT and comprehensive haemostatic testing. The effectiveness of the PFA-100 and BT as screening tools in women with menorrhagia was assessed using results of haemostatic testing for von Willebrand's disease (VWD) and platelet dysfunction. In women presenting with menorrhagia, the PFA-100 had a sensitivity 80%, specificity 89%, positive predictive value (PPV) 33%, negative predictive value (NPV) 98% and efficiency 88% for VWD. For platelet aggregation defects, the PFA-100 closure time had a sensitivity 23%, specificity 92%, PPV of 75%, NPV of 52% and efficiency 55%. The data suggest that the PFA-100 may be useful in stratifying women with menorrhagia for further von Willebrand testing; however, neither the PFA-100 nor the BT tests are effective for purposes of classifying women for standard platelet aggregometry testing in women presenting with menorrhagia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Ankylosing spondylitis and bone mineral density--what is the ideal tool for measurement?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterised by chronic inflammation and partial ossification, yet vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, although common, are frequently unrecognised. The aim of this study was to (1) show the frequency of changes in the progress of osteopenia/osteoporosis in AS depending on duration and stage of the disease and (2) assess the ranking of two different methods of bone density measurement in this clinical pattern. We measured bone density in 84 male and female patients with both dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and single energy quantitative computed tomography (SE-QCT). In the initial and advanced stages of the disease, a high decrease in axial bone density could be verified (DXA: osteopenia in 5% and osteoporosis in 9.2%; SE-QCT: osteopenia in 11.8% and osteoporosis in 30.3%). Peripheral bone density decrease as in osteopenia could be proven in 17.6% by DXA measurement. With SE-QCT, a decrease in vertebral trabecular bone density could already be observed in the initial stage and continued steadily during the course of the disease; cortical bone displayed the same trend up to stages of ankylosis. With DXA, valid conclusions are more likely to be expected in less marked ankylosing stages of AS. In stages of advanced ankyloses in the vertebral region (substantial syndesmophytes), priority should be given to SE-QCT, due to the selective measurement of trabecular and cortical bone. The DXA method often yields values that are too high, and the replacement of vertebral trabecular bone by fatty bone marrow is not usually recorded as standard. There may already be an increased risk of bone fracture in AS in osteopenia on DXA along with an osteoporosis already established on SE-QCT.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2004

Noninvasive quantification of brain edema and the space-occupying effect in rat stroke models using magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brain edema is a life-threatening consequence of stroke and leads to an extension of the affected tissue. The space-occupying effect due to brain edema can be quantified in rat stroke models with the use of MRI. The present study was performed to test 2 hypotheses: (1) Can quantification of the space-occupying effect due to brain edema serve as a noninvasive measure for brain water content? (2) Does morphometric assessment of brain swelling allow determination of true infarct size on MRI after correction for the space-occupying effect of edema? METHODS: Thirty rats were subjected to permanent suture middle cerebral artery occlusion. MRI was performed after 6 or 24 hours, and hemispheric swelling was assessed morphometrically. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were determined for MRI measurements. In study I, the space-occupying effect due to brain edema was correlated with the absolute brain water content by the wet/dry method. In study II, lesion volumes corrected and uncorrected for edema were calculated on MRI and on TTC staining and compared. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver agreements for MRI measurements were excellent (r>or=0.97). Brain water content and hemispheric swelling correlated well after 6 and 24 hours (r>or=0.95). Corrected lesion volumes correlated with r=0.78 between TTC staining and MRI. Without edema correction, lesion volumes were overestimated by 20.3% after 6 hours and by 29.6% after 24 hours of ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Morphometric assessment of hemispheric swelling on MRI can determine the increase in absolute brain water content noninvasively and can also provide ischemic lesion volumes corrected for brain edema.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Palliative surgery in squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior floor of the mouth].

A 62 year old patient presented with a bleeding, incurable squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior floor of the mouth. A curative concept was not possible. After four palliative surgical procedures, a definitive and a palliative radiation therapy and a palliative chemotherapy, the patient remained free of tumor in the head and neck region for 2 years after the initial treatment. Using a combination of palliative procedures, it is possible not only to achieve a full local remission but also to provide a high quality of life.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2004

[MRI in the follow-up of matrix-supported autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACI) and microfracture].

AIM: Matrix-guided autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) was compared with microfracture (MFX) to demonstrate the reconstitution of cartilage over a two-year period using the morphological capabilities of MRI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 27 patients (9 females and 18 males, mean age 33 years) underwent MACI on the knee joint. The defects originated from trauma (15 cases), osteochondritis dissecans (8 cases) and chronic repetitive trauma (4 cases) and were localized at the condyles (24 cases) or patella (3 cases). All patients were examined postoperatively after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with a 1,5 T unit (Gyroscan, Philips) using proton- and T2w spinecho and T1w fatsuppressed 3D gradientecho sequences. We measured the signal intensities of the implant and neighbouring cartilage to calculate the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and the thickness of cartilage and implant layers to define the defect filling rate. Finally, partial and complete remission was defined on MRI and compared with clinical data and morphology on MRI. Additionally, 7 patients were treated with MFX and, subsequently examined on MRI with the same protocol. RESULTS: After MACI, MRI showed a partial but no complete equilibration of signal intensities of implant and adjacent cartilage over the 1 and 2 year follow-up periods which was shown by reduction of CNR from 21 to 10 on 3D-GE and from 26 to 9 on T2w SE sequences. Continuous growth of the implants resulted in an increased filling of the defects starting at 40% after 0.5 year to 85% after 1 or 2 years. Complete remission was found on MRI in 17/27 cases, and remission rate was influenced by etiology of cartilage defect but not by age and gender of patients or size and location of defects. The Lysholm-Gillquist score improved from 49.7 to 97.3. After MFX equilibration of signal intensities and growth of the regenerating fibrous cartilage was less pronounced and complete remission was found in only 2/7 cases. In addition, the clinical score improved from 45.5 to 74.2. CONCLUSION: Direct imaging of cartilage with MRI and assessment of clinical scores allowed improved documentation of the outcome after MACI and MFX. MRI showed that MACI is superior to MFX concerning rate of complete remissions and filling of the defect with regenerating tissue. Clinical examinations showed better scores for MACI than for MFX.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Indirect MR venography: contrast medium protocols, postprocessing and combination in diagnosing pulmonary emboli with MRI].

PURPOSE: Integration of MR venography in a comprehensive MR imaging protocol in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and evaluation of contrast media dosage, timing and postprocessing for diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive inpatients with suspected PE or deep vein thrombosis were examined by MR venography according to one of the following protocols: protocol I: MR venography only, 0.25 mmol/kg body weight (BW) Gadopentate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) as single dose, bolus timing; protocol II: MR angiography of pulmonary arteries with a cumulative dosage of 0.25 mmol/kg contrast media, modification of coil setting for MR venography without further contrast media application; protocol III: as protocol II but with 0.125 mmol/kg BW, followed by MR venography. Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, number of definable vascular segments and image quality were evaluated. The results were compared to conventional bilateral venography. RESULTS: All MR venography examinations were of diagnostic quality and the examination time was below 10 min. MR venography could be performed in all 48 patients compared to 43 of 48 patients for conventional venography. Significantly more superficial and deep veins of the leg could be visualized by MR venography (94 % compared to 83 % for conventional venography). Sensitivity and specificity were 100 % and 92 %, respectively. Quality differed significantly between 0.125 mmol/kg (protocol III) and 0.25 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA (protocols I and II) while timing did not influence quality (protocol I vs. II). CONCLUSION: An integrated MR diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary arteries and veins of the leg is feasible in patients with suspected PE. MR venography with 0.25 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA reliably depicts the venous system of the leg more completely than conventional venography with at least equivalent diagnostic confidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Pre- and postoperative assessment of left ventricular function by magnetic resonance imaging and 2-D-echocardiography in patients undergoing left ventricular aneurysmectomy.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) aneurysms may complicate myocardial infarctions. Reliable quantification of LV functional parameters is mandatory to predict clinical outcome in patients undergoing LV aneurysmectomy. We compared global LV function measured by magnetic resonance (MR) and 2-D-echocardiography in patients before and after aneurysmectomy. METHODS: 31 patients (23 male), mean age 64 (range 35 - 85) years with an LV aneurysm (25/31 anterior MI, 5/31 inferior MI, 1/31 both) were enrolled. MR and echocardiography were performed directly before and 3 - 65 (median 8) days after surgery. MR studies were performed on a 1.5 Tesla scanner. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and diameters (EDV/ESV, EDD/ESD), ejection fraction (EF) and stroke volume (SV) were determined. Echocardiography was performed to determine EF, EDD and ESD. NYHA class was assessed before and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: After aneurysmectomy MR analysis showed a decrease in EDV (255 +/- 68 ml to 202 +/- 59 ml) ( p < 0.001) and ESV (186 +/- 71 ml to 134 +/- 53 ml; p < 0.001); EF increased (28 +/- 10 % to 35 +/- 12 %; p < 0.001); EDD/ESD decreased ( p < 0.01). Compared to echocardiography, a low correlation was found in EF before/after surgery r = 0.76/r = 0.69 and ESD r = 0.43/r = 0.60, respectively. In EDD a good correlation was found before surgery (r = 0.81), and a lower correlation after surgery (r = 0.72). NYHA class improved from 3.0 +/- 0.5 before to 1.8 +/- 0.8 after operation ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Resection of an LV aneurysm results in a mean improvement of 25 % in LV function, and improved clinical outcome. In asymmetric ventricles with aneurysms MR proved to be superior as a sensitive and non-invasive tool compared to conventional 2-D-echocardiography.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Neuroprotective effects of MK-801 in different rat stroke models for permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion: adverse effects of hypothalamic damage and strategies for its avoidance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with the use of the suture technique causes hypothalamic damage with subsequent hyperthermia, which can confound neuroprotective drug studies. In the present study the neuroprotective effects of dizocilpine (MK-801) were compared in different permanent MCAO models with and without hypothalamic damage and hyperthermia. METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with MK-801 or placebo, beginning 15 minutes before MCAO, and assigned to the following groups: suture MCAO (group I), macrosphere MCAO without hypothalamic damage (group II), or macrosphere MCAO with intentionally induced hypothalamic infarction (group III). Body temperature was measured at 3, 6, and 24 hours. Lesion size was determined after 24 hours (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining). RESULTS: Hypothalamic damage was present in animals in group I and was intentionally induced in group III with the use of a modified macrosphere MCAO technique. Body temperature was significantly increased 3, 6, and 24 hours after MCAO in these 2 groups of animals. Hypothalamic damage and subsequent hyperthermia could be avoided effectively by limiting the number of macrospheres (group II). MK-801 provided a highly significant neuroprotective effect in group II but not in groups I and III. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothalamic damage with subsequent hyperthermia masked the neuroprotective effect of MK-801. This side effect can be avoided by using the macrosphere MCAO technique with a limited number of spheres. This model therefore may be more appropriate to study the effects of neuroprotective drugs in permanent focal cerebral ischemia than the suture method.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Platelet functional defects in women with unexplained menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia is a common clinical problem and is unexplained in more than 50% of women. Although studies suggest that von Willebrand's Disease (VWD) is found in a substantial number of women with unexplained menorrhagia, the prevalence of platelet defects in women with menorrhagia is unknown. To determine the prevalence of platelet and other hemostatic defects, we evaluated women ages 17-55 diagnosed with unexplained menorrhagia. Seventy-four women (52 white, 16 black, six other) were studied. Bleeding time was prolonged in 23 women (31.5%). Maximal percent platelet aggregation was decreased with one or more agonists in 35 (47.3%) women. The most commonly found platelet function defects were reduced aggregation responses to ristocetin in 22 women and to epinephrine in 16 women. Sixteen of 22 women with reduced ristocetin aggregation had von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo) and von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) > 60%. Platelet ATP release was decreased with one or more agonists in 43 (58.1%) women. Of the black women studied, 11/16 (69%) had abnormal platelet aggregation studies compared with 20/52 white women (39%) (P = 0.06). Black women with menorrhagia had a higher prevalence of decreased platelet aggregation in response to ristocetin and epinephrine than did white women (P = 0.0075, P = 0.02). Ten women (13.5%) had VWF:RCo and/or VWF:Ag < 60%. Using race and blood group specific ranges, 5 (6.8%) women had decreased VWF:RCo, VWF:Ag and/or collagen binding (VWF:CB). Mild factor XI deficiency was found in two women and one woman with mild factor V deficiency and one hemophilia A carrier were identified. We conclude that the prevalence of platelet function defects and other inherited bleeding disorders is substantial in a multiracial US population of women with unexplained menorrhagia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[The different levels of prednisolone in perilymph after local and systemic treatment].

OBJECTIVE: The present study was to analysis the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone-21-hydrogensuccinate in the perilymph after local and systemic application. METHOD: On the local application, 5% prednisolone-21-hydrogensuccinate was directly applied into the round window niche under the microscopy. On the systemic application, the drug (60 mg/kg) was used intraperitoneal. Perilymphatic samples were obtained after variable periods of application. Levels of prednisolone-21-hydrogensuccinate in perilymph were measured by using HPLC. RESULT: The highest level of the drug was on (952.3 +/- 382.7) mg/L after 180 min. And remained on (18.72 +/- 16.97) mg/L after 960 min in the local application groups. In the systemic application group, the highest level of the drug was on(14.71 +/- 7.05) mg/L after 150 min. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that high levels and long time remain of prednisolone-21-hydrogensuccinate in perilymph are achievable by a single dose local application into the round window niche.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2002

[Measuring beta-trace protein for detection of perilymph fistulas].

BACKGROUND: beta-trace protein is an immunological marker for cerebrospinal fluid or inner ear fluids. We present two initial cases in which a beta-trace protein nephelometric assay provided immunological proof of perilymph in samples taken from the nasopharynx. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two cases are presented of an acute vestibulocochlear disorder following stapedotomy. Fluid samples, taken from the nasopharynx, were investigated using beta-trace protein laser nephelometry. The samples were collected using Merocel tamponades, which were left in place over night. RESULTS: In both cases, the samples were positive for beta-trace protein. Tympanoscopy was performed and the oval window was closed. After tympanoscopy a partial recovery of the hearing impairment was observed. CONCLUSION: Using beta-trace protein, it seems to be possible to diagnose a perilymphatic fistula by noninvasive means.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Permeability of the round window membrane for prednisolone-21-hydrogen succinate. Prednisolone content of the perilymph after local administration vs. systemic injection].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Prednisolone is the drug of first choice for the treatment of cochleovestibular disorders, such as sudden hearing loss. Because of the known side effects, the efficient drug levels to be achieved within inner ear fluids are limited by intravenous administration. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration in the perilymph of prednisolone-21-hydrogen succinate applied into the round window niche in comparison to the concentration after intraperitoneal application. METHODS: Application of prednisolone-21-hydrogen succinate (5 mg in 0.1 ml) on the round window membrane was performed after sedation under microscopic view directly into the round window niche of the guinea pig. In order to compare the results, perilymph samples after systemic application of 60 mg/kg body weight prednisolone were used. The time between application and taking specimens of perilymph from the cochlea varied. Specimens of perilymph were obtained after 15, 20, 80, 180, 330, and 960 min (10 specimens in each group, n = 60) by dissecting the cochlea and opening the apex cochleae. Levels of prednisolone-21-hydrogen succinate in perilymph were measured by isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The highest levels of prednisolone-21-hydrogen succinate were found after 180 min: 952.3 mg/l (95% confidence interval: 382.7). After 960 min the level was 18.72 mg/l (95% confidence interval: 16.9). In the group with systemic application, the levels measured were below 14.71 mg/l (95% confidence interval: 7.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that high levels of prednisolone-21-hydrogen succinate in perilymph are achievable by local application of a single dose into the round window niche. After application of 5 mg, the levels of prednisolone are measurable up to 16 h.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2001

Cricopharyngeal muscle hypertrophy associated with florid myositis.

Hypertrophy of the cricopharyngeal muscle is a serious clinical condition that can cause severe dysphagic symptoms, including prolonged deglutition and postdeglutitive aspiration. Although the therapeutical concepts are well established, the pathogenic mechanism of cricopharyngeal hypertrophy remains unclear. We present a patient with a ten-year history of progressive dysphagia. The neurological and MRI findings were normal. However, videocineradiography showed severe hypertrophy of the cricopharyngeal muscle. This condition was first treated by injections of botulinum toxin, which did not alleviate the symptoms. Next, myotomy and muscle biopsy were performed. Histological evaluation disclosed lymphoplasmacellular florid myositis, single-fiber atrophy, and muscle fiber necrosis with phagocytosis. There were no signs of inclusion body myositis or oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. Our finding of severe cricopharyngeal muscle hypertrophy associated with myositis has been published previously (n = 34). The study presented here shows cricopharyngeal dysphagia associated with various systemic diseases, including motor neuron disease, general granulomatous disease, dermatomyositis, or inclusion body myositis. Isolated changes of the cricopharyngeal muscle were described in 65% of the cases.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Predictors for atrial transport function after mini-maze operation.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of atrial transport function (ATF) is a major goal of the maze procedure. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate predictors of left atrial transport function in patients undergoing a mini-variant of the maze III procedure 3 and 12 months postoperatively. METHODS: Mini-maze operation was performed in 72 patients with a mean age of 64 +/- 8.7 years during a 5-year period. Seventy of 72 (97%) had combined procedures. Clinical and electrophysiologic examination was carried out before surgery, and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Early mortality was 1.4% (1 of 72 patients) and late death occurred in 5.6% (4 of 71 patients). After 3 months, 54 of 68 (80%) patients showed sinus rhythm, and 48 of 60 (80%) after 12 months. ATF was restored in 87% (echocardiography) and 82% (magnetic resonance imaging) after 3 months, and in 86% (echocardiography) and 78% (magnetic resonance imaging) after 12 months. Independent predictors for ATF restoration after 12 months were better preoperative left ventricular function (p = 0.02), and smaller preoperative left atrial diameter (p = 0.005). Correlation between echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging was 80% after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of ATF after mini-maze procedure is achieved in over 80%. Independent predictors for ATF restoration are smaller preoperative left atrial diameter and better preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction.

Adult↗