OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility and satefy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in animals by using a new balloon-expanding valved stent. METHODS The balloon-expandable stent is made from cobalt-based alloy material and designed with a tubular, slotted structure. Fresh bovine pericardium was treated, sutured and fixed on the balloon-expandable stent. Ten healthy sheep (five males ...

The combination of critical pulmonary outflow obstruction with a large ventricular septal defect is symbolized by the diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot, the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. In many ways, the history of management for patients with tetralogy is representative of the evolution of management for all children with complex congenital cardiac diagnoses. Tetralogy...

Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers play an important role in the treatment of asthma in children of all ages. Yet these devices, which were originally developed for use in adults, interact differently with children. Through childhood there are progressive changes in pharmacokinetic handling and pharmacodynamic effects of inhaled antiasthmatic drugs, in the efficiency and distr...

OBJECTIVE Stentless porcine valves are commonly used for aortic valve replacement in adults, yet their long-term performance in the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract is unknown. We evaluated intermediate-term performance of stentless porcine valves in the RV outflow tract in 150 children and adults over a 10-year period. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data on all patients undergoing p...

OBJECTIVES To determine the quality of life (QOL) in patients using valved speech following total laryngectomy with a validated patient self-report scale. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. PATIENTS 63 patients following total laryngectomy using valved speech. INTERVENTION University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient perception o...