BACKGROUND The optimal management of low-gradient "severe" aortic stenosis (mean gradient <40 mm Hg, indexed aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm2/m2) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains controversial because gradients may be similar after aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared outcomes of low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with AVR or medical therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS Com...

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2001, a total of 342 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) with the ATS Medical prosthesis. The initial three-year phase of this study took place under a United States Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational device exemption study. The study aim was to determine t...

Method Twenty patients with AS without aortic insufficiency underwent AVR using bioprostheses were recruited. Preand post-AVR cardiac function parameters and aortic valve parameters were collected by transthoracic echocardiography. To evaluate the influences of peripheral vascular resistance on transvalvular flow velocity, static distensibility parameters of the carotid artery, such as b stiffn...

Plant resistance proteins (R proteins) recognize corresponding pathogen avirulence (Avr) proteins either indirectly through detection of changes in their host protein targets or through direct R-Avr protein interaction. Although indirect recognition imposes selection against Avr effector function, pathogen effector molecules recognized through direct interaction may overcome resistance through ...

BACKGROUND Left ventricle (LV) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) faces a double hemodynamic load incorporating both valvular stenosis and reduced systemic arterial compliance (SAC). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of global LV afterload on LV hypertrophy (LVH) before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS The study cohort included 453 patients (247 males; mean age, 64 ±...

BACKGROUND Type I aortic dissection develops in 0.6% of patients late after aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 13% of patients with type I aortic dissections have a history of AVR. Predictors of aortic dissection at AVR, however, have not been characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS A study group of 33 patients with type I aortic dissection had aortic surgery 49+/-55 months after routine AVR. A g...

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) therapy is clear in symptomatic AS patients, because it improves symptoms, LV function and survival. However, the indications for AVR in asymptomatic patients with severe AS are vague and the subject of ongoing debate. There are observational data that early AVR leads to favorable outcome compared to late (after symptom onset) surgery. Having in mind that operativ...

A recent model of volume and solute microcirculatory exchange in the renal medulla based on a single descending vasa rectum (DVR) was extended to account for the varying number of vessels along the corticomedullary axis. The assumption that concentration polarization at the walls of ascending vasa recta (AVR) during volume uptake eliminates transmural oncotic pressure gradients was examined. In...

BACKGROUND Regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy with normalization of diastolic function has been reported in patients with aortic stenosis late after aortic valve replacement (AVR). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of AVR on LV function and structure in chronic aortic regurgitation early and late after AVR. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-six patients were in...

INTRODUCTION Recently, the prognostic value of ST segment elevation in lead aVR in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relationship with significant stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCAS) and three-vessel disease have been highlighted. AIM Analysis of the relationship between ST segment elevation observed in aVR lead and angiographic severity of coronary artery disease in patient...