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G Finet

Publications and source records attributed to G Finet.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Can we optimize our angiographic views every time? Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of a new functionality.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: For determining the optimum angulations of the x-ray beam with respect to the vascular morphology of a given patient, the authors present a solution combining a single-plane angiographic system and a dedicated procedure. METHODS: The clinical evaluation of the vessel profiling acquisitions focuses on qualitative appraisal and quantitative analysis of conventional and optimum projections. RESULTS: The qualitative evaluation demonstrates the pitfall for an operator to discern optimum from conventional projections. The 70% of preferences for vessel profiling bear witness to the constraints imposed occasionally by the optimum angulations, which may be impracticable for various reasons. However, vessel profiling yields lesions inspection at an optimum view, free of geometric foreshortening. Moreover, there is less risk of superimposition with other branches. From a quantitative standpoint, vessel profiling unveils the lesion with a length significantly longer than in conventional view. CONCLUSIONS: Vessel profiling offers a qualitative optimization of angiographic images and more exact quantitative analysis.

Angiocardiography↗

[Optimization of coronary angiographic views. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of a new system].

A coronary angiographic view is said to be "optimal" when the directing radius of the X-ray beam is perpendicular to the long axis of a stenosis. The object was to fulfill two criteria: 1) the accurate calculation of the spatial orientation of the stenosis to obtain the optimal position, 2) rapid and optimal positioning of the angiographic material with easy rotation around the axis of the stenosis. Two combined solutions were proposed:the Advantx L/C (GE Medical systems) angiocardiographic system with three motorised axes of rotation and a specific software. This software takes into account two longitudinal axes of the stenosis traced by the operator in two conventional incidences and then determines the angles of optimal positioning (accuracy +/-5 degrees). During 97 consecutive coronary angiograms, the software was used in 23 cases (24%) and judged to be useful in 16 cases (70%). In 2 of the 23 cases (8%) the mechanical angles calculated could not be used, the incidences being incompatible with the patient's position. During the angiograms, the best two images of stenosis (one conventional, one optimal) were retained to form a pair of images. Eight observers analysed 37 pairs of images shown side by side. 65% of the images selected from each pair as being the best descriptive appearance of the stenosis came from the optimised system. During quantitative analysis, only the length of stenosis differed statistically between the two modes of acquisition (1.26 +/- 0.36 mm; p = 0.0014). This system is useful during coronary angiography for providing optimal views of stenosis free from any geometric distorsion and without superimposition of adjacent branches.

Coronary Angiography↗

Beat-to-beat analysis of left ventricular pressure-volume relation and stroke volume by conductance catheter and aortic Modelflow in cardiomyoplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: Since the clinical introduction of dynamic cardiomyoplasty, a discrepancy has been observed between unchanged measurements of cardiac function and improved clinical outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a beat-to-beat analysis of cardiac performance at rest in nine cardiomyoplasty patients 6 to 24 months after operation. Conductance and micromanometer catheters were placed in left ventricle and aorta and used for measurements over a 15-second period, during which the wrapped latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was stimulated for 10 seconds in a 1:2 synchronization mode followed by a 5-second period without LD stimulation. The synchronization delay between start of the QRS complex and the LD contraction was changed from 4 up to 125 ms at the patient's clinical stimulation strength and at an increased supramaximal amplitude. Comparing the LD assisted period to the unassisted period, at the clinical settings no significant changes in stroke volume (SV) as measured by the conductance technique and the aortic Modelflow technique were observed. A significant (P < .05) rise in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was observed directly after the assisted 10-second period. The peak ejection rate (PER) of left ventricular volume increased (P < .05), with a mean of 28 +/- 23% during the LD stimulated beats. At the patient's individual best setting, SV of the stimulated beats increased (P < .01) by a mean of 20 +/- 15%. Systolic aortic pressure increased (P < .01) by a mean of 7 mm Hg, peak negative dP/dt increased (P < .01), and PER increased, with a mean of 68 +/- 24% (P < .01). LVEDP was similar in stimulated and unstimulated beats and increased (P < .05) in the nonpaced 5-second period. The delay for the best setting ranged from 25 to 125 ms; the stimulus strength was 1.5 to 3 V higher than the clinical setting. At the patient's individual worst setting, SV remained unchanged and PER was higher, with a mean of 30 +/- 25% (P < .05). The worst setting was observed at the 1.5- to 3-V-higher stimulus strength; in six patients, it was at a short delay (4 to 25 ms) and in three patients, at the longest delay (100 to 125 ms). CONCLUSIONS: By the left ventricular conductance catheter and aortic Modelflow methods, improvement in cardiac function by dynamic cardiomyoplasty was demonstrated in this patient group. The synchronization interval, stimulus strength, and stimulus duration appeared to be critical for obtaining optimal improvement.

Aged↗

Risk and results of bypass grafting using bilateral internal mammary and right gastroepiploic arteries.

From January 1990 to June 1994, 240 patients (mean age, 60 +/- 10 years) underwent myocardial revascularization with the exclusive use of in situ bilateral internal mammary and right gastroepiploic arteries. Left ventricular function was normal in 34% of patients, moderately impaired in 58.5%, and severely impaired in 7.5%. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 3.5 +/- 0.7 and the rate of complete myocardial revascularization was 80%. Early mortality was 0.4%, and complications occurred in 20 patients: myocardial infarction, 1.6%; intraaortic balloon pump, 0.8%; reoperation for bleeding, 0.8%; and mediastinitis, 0.4%. Early (15th postoperative day) angiographic control of grafts was performed in 51 patients; the rate of functional and patent anastomoses was 100% for internal mammary arteries and 96% for gastroepiploic arteries. Early functional results (3 +/- 1 postoperative months) were studied in 141 patients during exercise test with medical treatment: 99% were symptom-free and 14% had ischemic modification of electrocardiograms. A 2-year postoperative functional assessment without medical treatment was performed during exercise test in 66 patients: 98% were symptom-free and 26% had ischemic modification of electrocardiograms; during the same procedure, thallium myocardial scintigraphy was obtained in 50 patients and 18 patients had moderate ischemic defect on exercise. Ischemic modifications of electrocardiograms and defects seen on thallium scintigraphy were correlated significantly with incomplete revascularization (p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abdominal Muscles↗

Late hemodynamic results after cardiomyoplasty in congestive heart failure.

Between November 1989 and September 1990, a cardiomyoplasty procedure was performed in 12 male patients with a mean age of 59 years. All patients were in New York Heart Association class III. Reinforcement cardiomyoplasty was isolated in 4 patients and associated with a cardiac procedure in 8. There were no perioperative deaths. Failure of cardiomyoplasty occurred in 5 patients because of recurrence of disabling congestive heart failure: 3 patients died late, and 2 had heart transplantation. The actuarial survival rate was 83% at 1 year and 73% at 2 years. Hemodynamic studies were done preoperatively in all patients, at 6 months postoperatively in 11 patients, at 1 year in 8, and at 2 years in 7. At the 2-year follow-up, 6 of the 7 survivors who did not have transplantation were functionally improved with reduced medical treatment. The following indices improved significantly at the 2-year evaluation compared with baseline: exercise capacity (63 +/- 13 W versus 83 +/- 17 W); left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (20 +/- 7 mm Hg versus 11 +/- 5 mm Hg); and angiographic LV ejection fraction (0.25 +/- 0.09 versus 0.40 +/- 0.15). Pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and cardiac index remained unchanged. Four patients underwent beat-to-beat analysis of LV function at 2 years; during skeletal muscle stimulation, stroke volume increased by 7% to 35% and LV end-systolic pressure, by 5% to 9%. In the 5 patients with failed cardiomyoplasty, mean pulmonary artery pressure and LV end-diastolic volume were higher preoperatively than in the 7 survivors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

[Artefacts and intravascular ultrasonography. Analysis and implications for a better reliability in the interpretation of images and measurements].

Intravascular ultrasound catheters provide cross-sectional images of vessel walls and surrounding tissues with rotating transducers, and the behavior of ultrasound in heterogeneous media both cause degradation of image quality. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of in vivo studies are operator-dependent and limited by artifacts. We investigated these limitations by an in vitro study on plexiglass phantoms and segments of fresh arteries. We observed, analyzed and interpreted the most specific reasons for image artifacts: geometric distortions, the point spread function of the imaging system and the near field effects. Various practical implications have resulted from this study. Knowledge of the most obvious pitfalls will enable the user to obtain maximum benefits from intravascular ultrasound imaging, and to appreciate its limitations.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗

Artifacts in intravascular ultrasound imaging: analyses and implications.

The ability of an intravascular ultrasound catheter to give cross-sectional images of vessel walls and surrounding tissues, and the behavior of ultrasound in heterogeneous media, are at the origin of degradation of image quality. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of in vivo studies are then operator-dependent and are limited by artifacts. We investigated these limitations by an in vitro study on plexiglass phantoms and segments of fresh arteries. We used a 20 MHz transducer mounted on the tip of a 4.8 F catheter and an interventional ultrasound system. The ultrasound beam is reflected onto the rotating transducer at 600 rotations per minute (RPM), creating 360 degrees real-time images (10 images/second). We then observed, analyzed and interpreted the most specific reasons for image artifacts: geometric distortions, multiple echoes, the point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system, near-field effects, "petal-shaped" effect, and ultrasound speckle. Various practical implications have resulted from this study. Only a thorough knowledge of how to avoid some of the most obvious pitfalls will enable the user to obtain maximum benefits from intravascular ultrasound imaging, and to appreciate its limitations.

Arteries↗

[Intravascular echographic imaging: experimental validations and limits. An in vitro study].

Intravascular ultrasound is a new method of visualizing details of vascular pathology, providing (real time) high resolution images of vascular walls. Most of the research on the technique has explored its qualitative and quantitative capabilities to improve the assessment of atherosclerotic vascular disease in vivo. Intravascular ultrasound differs from angiography and angioscopy in its ability to penetrate below the surface of the vessel lumen, demonstrating specific appearances of the distribution and composition of plaque. Image analysis is operator dependent. Although this technology is very promising limitations such as artefacts and loss of image quality in heavily calcified vessels hinder its use. There is hope that this imaging technique may ultimately improve the results of endovascular interventions.

Arteries↗

[Technique for measuring the atheroma volume in men].

The evaluation of the impact of therapy on the evolution of atherosclerotic lesions or restenosis after angioplasty requires the use of techniques of vascular imaging. The reference invasive method is digital angiography although it does not provide data on the arterial wall thickness. This parameter can be approached however by intravascular ultrasound imaging, a technique which has a number of important practical limitations. Of the non-invasive techniques available, Doppler ultrasonography is the only one that can be used in clinical trials. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is the object of much research and is without doubt the technique of the future. The choice of model of atherosclerosis influences that of the imaging technique: cineangiography for coronary arteries, digital angiography or Doppler ultra sonography for lower limb arteries and Doppler ultrasonography for the carotid arteries. Interpretation of angiography is now performed quantitatively by videodensitometry. Interpretation of other techniques should be performed by a second independent observer and "blinded" with respect to the order in which the investigations were performed and to the treatment administered. The criteria of judgment may be qualitative (progression, stabilisation, regression) or quantitative, the latter having a number of advantages over the former. Of the quantitative criteria, the percentage stenosis, though widely used, does not fully answer the question posed, and neither does the diameter of the stenosis. The volume of the arterial lumen calculated from videodensitometric data would seem to be the best, by its sensitivity and additivity, current angiographic parameter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

[Diverticulum of the right atrium. A case report and review of the literature].

Congenital atrial diverticula are rare, especially those involving the right atrium. This condition was observed in a 52 year old man who presented with palpitations. The diagnosis was made by two-dimensional echocardiography and confirmed by CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. In the absence of significant invalidity, no treatment was recommended. Only three other cases of this condition have been previously reported, all of which were referred for surgery for thrombotic complications, arrhythmias and cardiac failure. Anatomo-pathological analysis showed different appearances: fibrous tissue and lipomatous degeneration. In the absence of associated heart disease, these aneurysms are probably congenital.

Angiocardiography↗

[The natural history of coronary disease. The role of cholesterol].

The natural history of the complications of coronary heart disease has been defined by anatomicopathological and epidemiological studies, particularly the Framingham study. At the same time, research is being carried out on risk factors which play a role in the progressive development of atheromatous plaque (atherogenic factors: hypertension: hypercholesterolaemia) and those factors which lead to complications in the atheromatous plaque (aggravating or precipitating factors: smoking, thrombosis, etc.). This schematic perspective may lead to the redefinition of the strategy to adopt in fighting atherosclerotic arterial disease; a better aim will thus the taken in the fight against hypercholesterolaemia.

Cholesterol↗

"Non-Q wave," alias "nontransmural," myocardial infarction: a specific entity.

Although Q wave and non-Q wave MI are often referred to as "transmural" and "nontransmural," there is no anatomic evidence to justify this distinction. Nevertheless, a distinction is important, because the two entities have a different prognosis. At the present time, between 25% and 35% of MIs are non-Q wave. They are frequently observed in patients with previous coronary events. They occur in a relatively older population and involve a slightly higher proportion of women than do Q wave MIs. The degree of cardiac damage is less, reflected by a smaller rise in enzyme level and less impairment of left ventricular ejection fraction; early reperfusion may occur, after spontaneous thrombolysis or resolution of coronary spasm. The immediate mortality rate is half that of Q wave MI but identical in the long term. Reinfarction and angina are more frequent because of a peri-infarction zone of ischemia maintained by a high-grade coronary stenosis and inadequate collateral circulation. Early characterization of those MIs likely to progress is important. Diltiazem seems effective in this context if given between 24 and 72 hours of the onset of the event. Other therapeutic approaches need further assessment.

Electrocardiography↗

[Angiographic morphology of the coronary arteries after a recent myocardial infarction treated by intravenous thrombolysis].

Thirty patients (26 men, 4 women) aged from 32 to 73 years (mean 54 years) who developed anterior (14 cases) or posterior (16 cases) myocardial infarction received intravenous streptokinase in doses of 1,500,000 units 2 to 10 hours (mean 4 hours) after the onset of infarction. Coronary angiography, performed 18.6 days on average after thrombolysis, showed a distinct predominance of asymmetrical stenosis with irregular walls and a narrow neck (10 cases, 33 p. 100) or of complete occlusion (12 cases, 40 p. 100) in the artery responsible for the infarction. Complete occlusion probably was the ultimate stage of stenosis. In contrast, the various angiographic images observed in arteries unrelated to the infarction were evenly distributed. The radiological morphology of coronary arterial lesions after a recent infarction is suggestive of ruptured atheromatous plaque, sometimes complicated by thrombosis in situ. Identical images are seen in unstable angina. These findings indicate that one single therapeutic approach should be applied to the most severe types of coronary disease due to atherosclerosis.

Adult↗

[Recurrent infective endocarditis].

Between August, 1974 and May, 1987, 486 patients were treated for infective endocarditis. In 16 of these patients (12 men, 4 women, mean age 44.3 +/- 18.0 years at the time of the first episode) the endocarditis recurred: once in 14 patients, twice in 2 patients. The time elapsed between recovery from the first episode and onset of the recurrence varied from 6 to 159 months (mean 54.3 +/- 35.1 months). Among the 18 recurrences, 10 affected native valves (mitral 6, aortic 4) and 8 aortic prostheses. In all but one case the organism isolated during the recurrence (Streptococcus in 14 cases, Staphylococcus in 3 cases, Rickettsia in 1 case) was different from the organism responsible for the previous infection. The 16 patients were followed up for periods of 28 to 203 months (mean 107.0 +/- 58.0 months), counting from the onset of the first episode. Ten patients were treated medically during the second episode: 4 died and 2 had a second recurrence, lethal in one of them (time elapsed between the onset of the first episode and the date of death: 32 to 149 months). Six patients were operated upon (valve replacement in 5 cases, closure of a left aorto-ventricular fistula in 1 case) without deaths. Nine of the 11 survivors are now asymptomatic. The actuarial survival rate in recurrent endocarditis (75 p. 100, 10 years after the onset of the first episode) is not different from that observed in non-recurrent endocarditis.

Adult↗