Cor et Vasa, 2002 (vol. 43), issue 12
Original research articles
Is the atrial pacemaker a reliable solution in the treatment of patients with the sick sinus syndrome?
Novák M, Kamarýt P, Dvořák I jr., Vykypěl T, Müllerová J, Mach P, Reška M
Cor Vasa 2002, 43(12):509-512
Aim:To follow, in patients with AAI(R) PM, the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) or any other supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVTA) as well as the occurrence of atrioventricular block of degree II or III (AVB II, III). To find out how often and at what time after the first implantation these complications led to the necessity of ventricular lead implantation and switchover to DDD (VVI) pacing. Patients, material and methods:AAI (81) or AAIR (41) PMs were implanted to 122 consecutive patients (with a mean age of 64.8 ± 13.6 years) over a period of 15 years. Input criteria: SSS, Wenckebach point > 120 . min-1,...
Peripheral atherectomy using the Redha-cut catheter: our initial experience
František Staněk, Radoslava Ouhrabková, Oleksandr Zubkovský
Cor Vasa 2002, 43(12):513-517
Aim of study:To determine the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of peripheral artery atherectomy using the Redha-cut device. Atherectomy removes atherosclerotic plaques; its main purpose is to improve the long-term outcomes of angioplasty. Methods:The Redha-cut is a mechanically, not electrically-controlled catheter operating without rotation. The catheter tip features a head with 6 resection blades unfolding as an umbrella by moving a cylindrical cover forward. The cover is moved using a sliding mechanism on the handle. The catheter is advanced along a guidewire beyond the artery stenosis. Once beyond the stenosis, the blades...
Review articles
New concepts regarding the treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension
Hikmet Al-Hiti, Ivan Málek, Jiří Kettner, Josef Kautzner
Cor Vasa 2002, 43(12):519-523
The aim of this communication is to inform readers about the aspects of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). It addresses the incidence, vascular pathology, and current as well as state-of-the-art therapy of this serious progressive disease. Primary pulmonary hypertension is defined as an increase in pulmonary artery pressure in the absence of other known causes. Its incidence in the European and U. S. adult populations is estimated at 1-2 cases per 1 mil. pop. Standard drug therapy is based on calcium-channel blockers. However, no more than 24% of patients will benefit from this therapy. Anticoagulation therapy is recommended because of an increased...
C-reactive protein and acute phase reactions. Part 2: CRP and inflammatory response management
Pavel Kuneš, Jan Krejsek
Cor Vasa 2002, 43(12):525-535
Part 2 of the review article addresses the role played by CRP in managing the inflammatory response. The resultant extent of inflammatory focus and termination of the inflammatory response are determined by apoptotic cell removal. Apoptotic cells are removed by phagocytosis, with tissue macrophages as the executive factor. Both inflammatory infiltrate cells and the building blocks of the tissue whose involvement has not reached the extent of necrosis undergo apoptosis. The anti-inflammatory action of CRP consists in the induction of the anti-inflammatory phenotype of phagocyting cells. This is mediated by opsonization of apoptotic cells by C3b/iC3b...
Short communication
AII antagonists playing a trump card - the LIFE and SCOPE trials
Jindřich Špinar, Jiří Vítovec
Cor Vasa 2002, 43(12):537-540
AII antagonists in the treatment of hypertension have been investigated primarily in diabetic patients and in those with microalbuminuria. To date, data from four large AIIA clinical trials have been presented which demonstrated a significant renoprotective effect of these agents compared with placebo (RENAAL and IRMA) and with amlodipine (MARVAL and IDNT). The CALM trial has suggested a combination of an ACE inhibitor and an AIIA might exert an even more potent renoprotective activity. In 2002, the results of the two largest comparative trials in hypertension, LIFE (Losartan Intervention For Endpoints) and SCOPE (the Study on COgnition and Prognosis...
Current options in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in the Czech Republic - do they compare with the world?
Pavel Jansa, Zdeněk Susa, Michael Aschermann, Helena Špundová, Milena Šídová
Cor Vasa 2002, 43(12):542-543
Primary pulmonary hypertension is an incurable yet currently treatable disease. The mainstay of drug therapy of this disease presently includes, in addition to calcium-channel blockers and anticoagulation therapy, intravenous prostacyclin. Beginning July 2002, intravenous prostacyclin (epoprostenol) has been available for the treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension also in the Czech Republic as the only former East Bloc country. Given the economic restraints, this extremely costly treatment will be reserved primarily for patients scheduled for lung transplantation. Continuous intravenous prostacyclin therapy allows to postpone transplantation and...