Prosthetic heart valves

Article Abstract:

Each year in the US, more than 60,000 heart valves are replaced. Artificial heart valves may be mechanical or bioprosthetic. Mechanical valves are made of metal or carbon and last 20 to 30 years without replacement. However, they can cause blood clots, so patients with mechanical valves must take anticoagulants for the rest of their lives. Bioprosthetic valves do not cause blood clots but they break down after 10 or 15 years and must be replaced. Other complications of artificial heart valves are structural failure, breakdown of blood cells and leakage around the valve. Low-dose aspirin and warfarin are the most effective anticoagulants.

Equipment and supplies, Complications and side effects, Heart valve replacement, Heart valve prosthesis, Artificial heart valves

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Transmyocardial laser revascularization

Article Abstract:

Transmyocardial revascularization may not be the best treatment for patients with severe angina caused by coronary artery disease. In this procedure, lasers create channels in heart muscle to improve blood flow. Two 1999 studies showed that the procedure led to an improvement in symptoms. However, there is no substantial evidence that the procedure actually improves blood flow in the heart. Although the procedure led to improved symptoms, it did not improve heart function or increase survival rates. Animal studies show that the laser can destroy nerves.

Editorial, Evaluation, Coronary heart disease, Myocardial revascularization, Lasers in surgery, Laser surgery, Angina pectoris

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Acute pericarditis

Article Abstract:

The occurrence of pericarditis that occurs as an isolated entity or as the result of a systematic disease is focused by examining the case of a 35-year-old woman who is otherwise healthy, but had constant retrosternal chest pain for two days. The way the evaluation and treatment of patients with acute pericarditis can be performed in an ambulatory setting is described. It is suggested that therapy with glucocorticoids should be reserved for the patient with pericarditis.

Science & research, England, Research, Risk factors, Women patients, Pericarditis

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