Heart Disease New Trends in Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress on Heart Disease – New Trends in Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Washington, DC, USA,  July 21-24, 2001 Editor Asher Kimchi Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine,  UCLA School of Medicine  Attending Physician, Division of Cardiology,  Cedars-Sinai Medical Center  Los Angeles, California, USA

Foreword

This book is composed of invited lectures and free papers presented at the 2nd International Congress on Heart Disease – New Trends in Research, Diagnosis and Treatment, held in Washington, DC, USA, July 21-24, 2001.

The volume contains contributions by leading authorities on the latest research developments in cardiovascular medicine, particularly in the areas of coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac surgery.

The articles reflect the latest clinical and experimental results in the field and demonstrate the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. The information they contain will prove to be of great value to cardiologists and scientists involved in research and patient care.

We are indebted to the members of the scientific committees and the abstract reviewers, who provided a wealth of important suggestions during the planning phase of the Congress. To the Congress faculty and all other Congress participants, we express our thanks for the quality of their presentations and for their cooperation in submitting manuscripts in a timely fashion. Finally, we acknowledge with great appreciation Dr. Anna Rosa Sailon from Medimond Medical Publications, for her help in editing and expediting the publication of this book.

Asher Kimchi, M.D.

Index 

Structural and Biochemical Basis of Cardiac Myocyte Survival and Death: A Dynamic Tension
P. Cheung, M. Zhang, A. Wang, J. Wilson and D. Yang

An Early Molecular Defect in Adriamycin-Induced Congestive Heart Failure
P.K. Singal, T. Li, I. Danelisen and H. Lou

Apoptosis in Adriamycin-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats – Comparison with Pirarubicin, a Newly Anthracycline Derivative
E. Koh, T. Nakamura, Y. Ueda, A. Kobayashi, S. Katsuta and H. Takahashi

Beating Adult Human Myocardium in vitro
V. Birjiniuk, S. Whitehead and J.W. Schneider

Gas-Plasma Implants Promote Angiogenesis in the Nude Mouse Omental Model
S. Bailey, J. Polan, N. Goswami, O. Munoz, C. Jundt and M. Agrawal

Circulating Immune Complexes in Atherosclerosis
A.K. Lefvert

L-Propionylcarnitine Inhibits Superoxide Anion Production by Human Platelets
P. Pignatelli, L. Lenti, C. Caroselli, G. Frati, I. Simeoni, P.P. Gazzaniga, F.M. Pulcinelli and F. Violi

VLDL/IDL Transforms Macrophages to Foam Cells via an Apolipoprotein E-Independent Pathway
H. Sakaguchi, H. Hakamata, M. Takeya and S. Horiuchi

Cellular Mechanisms of Nitric Oxide Relase from NO-Aspirin - a Novel Therapeutic Agent in Inflammation and Thrombosis
N. Grosser and H. Schröder

Chronic Inhibition of NO Synthesis per se Promotes Structural Intimal Remodeling of the Rat Aorta
M.A. Rossi

Computer Guided Percutanous Intramyocardial Endothelial Cell Delivery
K. Krause, S. Geidel, A. Keck, K.-H. Kuck and K. Jaquet

Activation of Th1 and Th2 Inflammatory Mediators After Coronary Intervention
S. Zumhagen, E. Schulze-Bahr, F. Gradaus, P. Loh and B. Brisse

Combined Leukocyte and Erythrocyte Aggregation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
I. Shapira, R. Rotstein, R. Fusman, B. Gluzman, A. Roth, G. Keren, D. Avitzour, N. Arber and S. Berliner

Effect of Long-Term Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Endothelial Dysfunction of Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis
T.H. Schindler, N. Magosaki, U. Schirp, M. Olschewski, J. Müller, M. Pfisterer, P.T. Buser, H. Just and E. Nitzsche

Vitamin C Improves Endothelial Dysfunction of Epicardial Coronary Arteries in Chronic Smokers
T.H. Schindler, E. Nitzsche, M. Olschewski, M. Pfisterer, P.T. Buser, N. Magosaki and H. Just

The Role of Cytokines in the Course of Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
R. Pudil, J. Gregor, M. Tichy, J. Krejsek, C. Andrys and M. Drahosova

The Echocardiogram in Pulmonary Hypertension
D. Blanchard

Regression of Thoracic Aortic Atheromatosis: A Transesophageal Approach
C. Pitsavos, C. Aggeli, C. Stefanadis and P. Toutouzas

Remodelling and Elastic Properties Disturbances of Thoracic Aorta in Atherosclerosis
A. Vrublevsky, A. Boshchenko and R. Karpov

The Elusive Link Between Absence of Anginal Symptoms and Outcome in Patients with Dysfunctional Myocardium
P. Marzullo, A. Gimelli and A. Giorgetti

Cost-Saving Approach to Normal Post Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan in Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department with Chest Pain
R. Gal

Association Between Diabetes, Hypertension and Diminished Heart Rate in Adenosine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
N.C. Bhalodkar, S. Blum and A. Vashist

MR Imaging in Heart Failure
F. Fedele, M. De Santis, A. Pimpinella, M. Mancone and L. Fragale

Assessing Myocardial Viability in Coronary Artery Disease with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
M. Vanderheyden, L. Janssens, J. Schillebeeckx and L. Van Hoe

Clinical and Economic Utility of Assessing Fractional Flow Reserve in Intermediate Coronary Artery Stenoses
M.A. Ferguson, C. Gryboski and M.W. Yerkey

Diagnostic Role of Different Doppler Indicators/Indexes in Detection Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (Canadian Classification Modification)
A. Kastanajan, N. Nelassov, S. Mironov, V. Nikolaeva, N. Ruibalkina and A. Hurdaev

Diabetes and Heart Disease: Pathogenetic Links
B. Sobel

Identification and Future Treatment of the Vulnerable Plaque
J.T. Willerson

Raman Spectroscopy Analysis of Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition
A. van der Laarse

Pleiotropic Effects of Statins
C. Rosendorff

Natural History and Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Children and Youth
A. Zieske

Risk Evaluation and Stroke Prevention in the Elderly – Cerivastatin Trial (RESPECT)
K.W. Lauterbach, T. Binnen, U. Harnischmacher, D. Ludwig, P. Hanrath, W. Krone, W. Lehmacher, D. Leys and E. Windler

Lipoprint™ LDL Subfraction Profiles: Comparison of Normolipidemic and Dyslipidemic Patient Samples
D. Duncan, N. Muńiz and G. Neyer

Statins in Acute Coronary Syndromes. First Experience in the Department of Cardiology of Tartu University Clinics
K. Lamp, Y. Soopold and R. Teesalu

Prognostic Value of ST Segment Changes During the 24-hour Holter ECG Monitoring in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis Program
M. Krotin, B. Milovanovic, O. Stojanovic, S. Pljesa, A. Cavalo, B. Todic, B. Zivanovic and D. Tatovic Babic

Home-Care After Cardiac Surgery with the Support of Telecardiology
S. Cozzi, M. Moltrasio, G. Berna, G. Famoso, E. Borghini, G. Fassini, G.L. Berti, S. Viola, A. Mereni and G.L. Polvani

Pathophysiology of Variant Angina: Coronary Spasm or Coronary Thrombosis?
J. Kiyak

Optimal Management of Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris
U. Thadani

Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Treating Angina Patients with Enhanced External Counterpulsation
W.E. Lawson, B. Fleishman, K. Manzo, E.D. Kennard, R. Holubkov, S.F. Kelsey for the IEPR investigators

Isosorbid Mononitrate in the Treatment of Painful and Painless Myocardial Ischemia in the Patients with Polycythemia Vera
A. Martynov, G. Gorokhovskaya, E. Peresechensky and V. Soboleva

IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Evidence-based Indications for Use
P.C. Block

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor Therapy Is More Effective in Selected Patients
M. Elmet and Y. Soopold

Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Effect of Reperfusion on Cytokine and Adhesion Molecule Levels
R. Pudil, J. Gregor, M. Tichy, J. Krejsek, C. Andrys and M. Drahosova

Myocardial Infarction in Women: Clinical, Epidemiological and Prognostic Differences in Relation with Men
S.M.. Macin, E.R. Perna, E. Farias, N. Augier, M. Aguero, M. Fontana, D.A Moratorio, N. Rios and J. Badaracco

Profile of a High Risk Subgroup in Acute Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction
V.G. Yabes, P.J. Agunod-Cheng, A.S. Fortuno, S.D. Umbalin, M.V. Dolor, R.R. Torres, S.J.G. Abad and R.P. Fajardo

Beta Blocking Agents and Thrombolysis and the Occurrence of Malignant Arrhythmias in Acute Myocardial Infarction
A. Grdinic, M. Matic, A.G. Grdinic, J. Sopta, V. Mijucic, S. Viorikic, N. Markovic, N. Despotovic, M. Nedeljkovic, M. Radojkovic and N. Ivanovic

Effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Renin-Angiotensin System in Experimental AMI
L. Lu, Z.S. Zheng, W.K. Wu, W.E. Lawson and J.C.K. Hui

Comparison of Low, Middle and High Doses of Carvedilol and Metoprolol in Preventing from Post Infarction Ventricular Remodeling in Rats
Y. Yang, Y. Tang, Y. Ruan, Y. Wang, R. Gao, J. Chen and Z. Chen

Comparative Effects of Losartan, Carvedilol and Their Combination in Preventing from Left Ventricular Remodeling after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Y. Yang, Y. Tang, Y. Ruan, P. Zhang, Y. Zhou, R. Gao, J. Chen and Z. Chen

Comparative Effects of Cilazapril, Carvedilol and their Combination in Preventing from Left Ventricular Remodeling after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Y. Yang, Y. Tang, Y. Ruan, Y. Li, Y. Zhou, R. Gao, J. Chen and Z. Chen

Electrocardiographic Diagnosis of Previous Myocardial Infarction (MI) in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB)
F. Scalzilli Silveira, A.J. Zago, R. Ludwig and J.P. Ribeiro

Drug Eluting Stents to Decrease Neointimal Hyperplasia
Y. Huang and I. De Scheerder

Drug Eluting Stents: Getting the Basics Right
A.H. Gershlick

Stenting of Small Coronary Arteries: Immediate and Midterm Follow-up
D.G. Iosseliani

Fractional Flow Reserve: A New Approach to Coronary Interventions. Diagnostic, Prognostic and Economic Impact
J. Rieber, T.M. Schiele, A. Koenig, K. Theisen and V. Klauss

Managing Quality and Costs in a Rapidly Changing Interventional Practice
C.S. Rihal

The Role of Carotid Stenting in Patients with Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease
F. Shawl

Aminophylline Does Not Protect Against Radiocontrast Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Angiographic Procedures
N.W. Shammas, M.J. Kapalis, M. Harris, D. McKinney, E.P. Coyne

Transcatheter Closure of ASD and VSD in Adults
H. Sievert

Safety and Effectiveness of Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Improving Angioplasty Restenosis
T.P. Stys, W.E. Lawson, J.C.K. Hui, J.J. Tartaglia, R. Subramanian, Z.M. Du and M.Q. Zhang

Low Incidence of No-Reflow Phenomenon in Primary Ptca with Complex Remodeling of Distal Vessels
M. Sansa, G. Giacomarra, A. Campi, AS. Bongo, MP. Chiappin and C. Cernigliaro

Computerized Approach for Revealing Coronary Artery Stenosis
A. Bastys, I. Bluzaite, J. Bluzas, Sv. Kaminskiene, A. Matiukas, M. Tamosiunaite, G. Urbonaviciene and J.R. Vaisnys

Emergency Stenting of Totally Occluded Left Main Coronary Artery in Patients with Unstable Coronary Artery Disease
S.C. Burjonroppa, S. Jacob, R. Hunn and J.G. Lewis

Angiographic Lesion Characteristics of Patients Who Had Successful Intervention But Had Undergone Reintervention Within One Year – A Retrospective Study in a Community Hospital Setting
S. Jacob, S. Biswas, S. Mannam, I. Avalos, S.S. Jacob, M. Ghobrial, F. Abdel-Rahman, W.S. Paine, J.M. Greenblatt, M.A. Albornoz and J.G. Lewis

Cardiovascular Effects of Verapamil on Top of Trandolapril vs. Trandolapril Alone in Patients with Essential Hypertension and Reduced Left Ventricular Function
M. Bourian, V. Mitrovic, W. Patyna, M. Parzeller and T. Notter

Effect of Tetramethylpyrazine on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Rats and Calcium Mobilization in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Yung-Ho Hsu, Yi-Jen Chen and Paul Chan

Relationship Between the Metabolic Profile and Clinical Haemodynamic Variables in Essential Hypertensive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
G. Gaudio, P. Margaroli, A. Schizzarotto, I. Cosini, P.M. Bossi, D. Zanotta, M. Scaltritti, S. Masnaghetti, A. Daverio, F. Rotolo and L. Guasti

Benefits of Combined Antihypertensive Treatment in Patients with Heart Disease, Nephropathy, Diabetes Mellitus and Stroke
A. Hatzitolios, C. Savopoulos, A. Kounanis, D. Tsampazis, C. Delivoria, A. Ziakas, M. Kosmidou and N. Markoglou

Titrated Lisinopril Monotherapy Versus Low Dose Fixed Combination Therapy: A 12 Week Randomized Double Blind Study of Lisinopril Versus Felodipine ER Plus Enalapril
M. Schleman, W.J. Elliott, and M. Klibaner MD for the LEXXEL versus Lisinopril Study Group

Fat Dissociation Syndrome
G. Fontaine, P. Fornes and F. Fontaliran

Left Ventricular Remodeling and Risk Prediction: A Review
P. Liebson

Coronary Circulation in Physiologic and Pathologic Myocardial Hypertrophy
C. Palombo and M. Kozŕkovŕ

Myocardial Perfusion and Function According to LV Geometry in Arterial Hypertension
M. Kozŕkovŕ and C. Palombo

Viral Myocarditis as Predictor of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
N. Kipshidze, M. Rogava and M. Gudushauri

Evaluation of Viral Infection in the Myocardium of Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
S. Fujioka, Y. Kitaura, A. Ukimura, H. Deguchi, K. Kawamura, T. Isomura, H. Suma and A. Shimizu

Increased Digitalis-Like Immunoreactive Substances (DLIS) and Myocardial Remodeling
T. Hayashi, Y. Ijiri, Y. Nomura, H. Shimomura, F. Terasaki, H. Horimoto, S. Sasaki and Y. Kitaura

Prognostic Significance of Left Atrial Overload in Electrocardiogram
in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Dilated Phase
T. Yamano, S. Hirasaki, K. Sakamoto, T. Nakamura, M. Yokoi, T. Sawada, A. Azuma and M. Nakagawa

Telecardiology in the Monitoring After Percutaneous Alcohol Septal Ablation of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
M. Moltrasio, S. Cozzi, G. Berna, S. Galli, E. Doria, G.L. Polvani, G. Famoso, E. Borghini, G. Fassini and A.L. Bartorelli

Collagen Vascular Disease and the Heart
M. Alpert

Survival in Biopsy-Proven Cardiac Sarcoidosis is similar to Survival in Lymphocytic Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy
L.T. Cooper, Y. Okura, J.M. Hare and M. Grogan

Atrial Fibrillation without Rapid Ventricular Rate Induces Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in Absence of Heart Disease: An Hormonal Study
M. Bellorini, P. Jourdain, F. Funck, J. Loiret, N. Guillard, B. Thebault and M. Desnos

The Effects of the Restoration and Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm with Using Amiodarone and DC Cardioversion in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation
M. Kabukcu, E. Yanık, F. Demircioğlu, I. Başarıcı, H. Yılmaz and F. Ersel-Tüzüner

Ethical Issues in the Management of Severe Heart Failure
H.J. Geschwind

An Overview of Clinical Trials for New Cardiac Therapies
R.E. Hobbs

N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide: A Valuable Tool to Optimize Risk Stratification and to Monitor Therapy in Congestive Heart Failure?
M. Haass, R. Kell, F. Chwallek and C. Zugck

New Advances in the Use of AT1 Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
B. Jugdutt

Chronic Administration of ß2-Adrenoceptor Agonists Alters Cardiac Function in Patients with Bronchial Asthma
Osamu Hirono, Isao Kubota, Yasuhika Takeishi, Kaniz Fatema, Shuichi Kato, Hidenori Nakamura and Hitonobu Tomoike

Magnitude of the Inflammatory Response to Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Relation to Adverse Clinical Outcomes
J.H. Holmes IV, M.F. Hansman, N.C. Connolly, D.L. Paull, M.E. Hill, S.W. Guyton, M.E. Ditkoff, W. Campbell, S.F. Ziegler and R.A. Hall

Beneficial Effects of Long-Term Triiodothyronine (T3) Infusion in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure and Low T3 Syndrome
G. Iervasi, M. Emdin, R.M.P. Colzani, S. Placidi, L. Sabatino, M. Scarlattini and B. Formichi

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor(ACEI) and Angiotensin II Type I Receptor Antagonist Inhibit TNF-a Induced ICAM-1 Upregulation in Cultured Cardiac Myocytes
Ding-Li Xu, Xiang-Ping Li, Manying Jia, Yong Yuan, Ping Ou-Yang and Yili Liu

Restoration of Sinus Rhythm in Heart Failure Patients – The Role of Digoxin
T. Pokk, L. Hussar, R. Kolk and R. Teesalu

Interim Summary of the Safety and Tolerability of Candesartan Cilexetil in Congestive Heart Failure
M. George, P. Held and M. Pietrek

Effectiveness of Different Doses of Valsartan in Congestive Heart Failure NYHA III-IV Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease Patients
I. Fomina, S. Dovgolis and V. Karp

Cardiac Troponin T Following Repeated Administration of New Iron - Chelating Agent (PIH)
M. Adamcová, V. Geršl, J. Macháčková, V. Pelouch, T. Šimůnek, I. Klimtová, R. Hrdina and P. Ponka

Effects of Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Function on Exercise Capacity in Patients with Survivors of Anterior Myocardial Infarction
M. Kabukcu, E. Yanık, F. Demircioğlu, K. Minareci, H. Yılmaz and F. Ersel-Tüzüner

Significance of Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption Kinetics in the Evaluation of Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
E. Klainman, J. Lebzelter, G. Fink, D. Weisenberg, R. Marom-Klibanski and M.R. Kramer

The Effect of Inhaled Iloprost in Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Congenital Heart Disease (Preliminary Report)
K. Baysal, N. Belet, A. Muslu and D. Tekın

T-wave Alternans for Arrhythmia Risk Stratification
A.F. Osman and M.R. Gold

Device (Pacing and Defibrillation) Therapy for Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: Present and Ongoing Trials
B. Olshansky and K. Shivkumar

Neurohormonal Changes Induced by Biventricular Pacing Therapy in Congestive Heart Failure
L. Padeletti, M. Porciani, A. Colella, P. Pieragnoli, A. Sabini, N. Musilli, C. Guerra, K. Hilpisch and M. Hill

International Consensus on Atrial Fibrillation Management
J.A. Reiffel

The Ventricular Late Potentials and Left Ventricular Mass in Survivors of Ventricular Fibrillation in Hypertensive Men in Early Stage of Myocardial Infarction
A. Kaasik, T. Ristimäe, K. Karu, Ü. Soopőld and R. Teesalu

Correlation of Troponin T and QT Dispersion in Unstable Coronary Artery Disease Patients in a Community Hospital Setting
S.C. Burjonroppa, S. Jacob, S.S. Jacob and M. Mathew

Gender Related Differences in the Prevalence and Prehospital Management of Atrial Fibrillation – Are Women Discriminated Against
P. Muda, T. Ristimäe, K. Paju and A. Kőrgvee

The Effects of Intravenous Amiodarone on Heart Rate in Acute Heart Failure Patients with Rapid Ventricular Response in the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation
M. Kabukçu, F. Demircioğlu, E. Yanık, I. Başarıcı, H. Yılmaz and F. Ersel

Reversible Block as a Method for Location of Atrial Fibrillation Source
P. Jakuška, R. Lekas and R. Benetis

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Presenting As Symptomatic Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
N.C. Bhalodkar, M. Zevallos, M. Vloka and N. Castillo-Abreu

ECG Monitoring with Telecardiology after Transcatheter Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
G. Berna, S. Cozzi, M. Moltrasio, G.L. Polvani, G. Fassini, E. Borghini, G. Famoso, P. Della Bella and C. Tondo

Defibrillator Implantation and Gender
M. Hochleitner

Value of Physiologic Pacing Mode Depends on Indication: More Benefits on Survival in Sinus Node Disease Than in Atrioventricular Block
P. Zagozdzon, G. Swiatecka, M. Radomski and L. Zaborski

Impact of Diuretic on Atrial Contribution to Systolic Volume in Sequentially Paced Patients
M. Mestan, J. Kvasnicka, A. Babu, V. Rozsival, Z. Tusl, J. Stritecky and P. Rejchrt

Regurgitant Valvular Diseases: Relation of Fundamental Biology and Clinical Outcomes
J. Borer

Mitral Surgery for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Does Not Improve Long-term Survival
A. Trento, T. Denton, R. Kass, C. Blanche, G. Fontana, W. Cheng and L. Czer

Beating Heart Valve Surgery Assisted by Retrograde Coronary Sinus Perfusion with Oxygenated Warm Blood
B. Gersak

Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty Under TEE Guidance
A. Pichard, L. Satler, K. Kent, J. Laird, R. Waksman, W. Suddath, S. Goldstein, S. Elaham, P. Sears-Rogan and J. Lindsay

Prospectively Randomized Comparison of Different Mechanical Aortic Valves
R. Autschbach, T. Walther, S. Brose, V. Falk, M. Kostelka, A. Rösler, G. Langebartels, T. Rauch, M. Krüger, A. Diegeler and F.W. Mohr

Effects of Regaining Sinus Rhythm on Left Ventrýcular and Left Atrial Morphology in Patients with Mitral Stenosis and Atrial Fibrillation
M. Kabukçu, F. Demircioğlu, E. Yanık, H. Yılmaz, E. Alptekin and F. Tuzuner-Ersel

The Effıcacy of Obtaınıng Sınus Rhythm on Pulmonary Hemodynamıcs and Functıonal Status ın Patıents wıth Mıtral Valve Replacement Surgery and Atrıal Fıbrillatıon wıth Usıng DC Cardıoversıon and Amıodarone
M. Kabukcu, E. Yanık, F. Demircioğlu, I. Gölbası, C. Türkay, H. Yılmaz, F. Ersel-Tüzüner and O. Bayezid

The Quality of Life and the Benefit for the Patient after Aortic Valve Replacement with Bioprostheses
Ch. Streinu, M. Anelli Monti, P. Oberwalder, H. Mächler, I. Knez, O. Stanger and B. Rigler

Spectrum of Associated Lesions in Marfan Syndrom Echographic Study of 42 patients
C. Ginghina, E. Apetrei, L. Rotaru, D. Qestha, R. Gutiu, I. Stoian, I. Coman, M. Marinescu, I. Kulcsar, D. Deleanu and L. Zarma

Right Ventricle-Sparing Heart Transplantation: New Technique for the Recipient with Pulmonary Hypertension
S.L. Tittle, C. Lovoulos, F. Lee, E. Rocco, G.S. Kopf and J.A. Elefteriades

Left Ventricular Reconstruction for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
P. McCarthy

Sternotomy as a Source of Autologous Cells with Potential for Seeding
A.D. Protopapas, A.T. Riga, H.J. Salacynski, A.M. Seifalian, G. Hamilton and R.K. Walesby

Biomechanical Hearts: Performed in a One-Step Operation
N.W. Guldner, P. Klapproth, M. Großherr and H.-H. Sievers

Intrapulmonary Ventilation–Perfusion Distribution after the Total Cavopulmonary Connection
M. Tayama, N. Fukushima, T. Matsushita and H. Matsuda

Endoaortic Pressure-Adjusted Brain Perfusion During Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm
M. Scorsin, N. Al Attar, S. Salvi, R. Raffoul, R. Ramadan, Ph. Menasché, P. Nataf and A. Lessana

Attitudinal, Behavioral, and Clinical Variation Among Some Cardiothoracic Transplant Candidates and Recipients
M.M. Free

Serial Evaluation of Lung Function Long-Term After Atrial Repair of Transposition of the Great Arteries
J. Šulc, A. Jiřičková, J. Hruda, A. Zapletal, J. Radvanský, B. Hučín and J. Kofránek

Ventricular Repolarization Following Cardiac Transplantation
H.K. Haizal, A. Azan, D. Chew, R. Zambahari, K.H. Tan, W. Azman, C.C. Lang and A.M. Choy

Is Prophylactic Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Necessary?
V. Birjiniuk, T. Rocco, M.M. Hossain, M.D. Crittenden and S.F. Khuri

Ectopia Cordis Associated with Multiple Congenital Anomalies. A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature
M.V. Espiritu, M.A. Orillaza, D.M. Giron, A.T. Mondala, F.R. Llanera and F.S. Agno

Females Are Far Less Likely Than Males to Achieve Final aPTT in Therapeutic Range During IV Heparin Therapy in an Inner City Hospital
N.C. Bhalodkar, D. Venkatasamy, S. Blum, A. Bhalodkar and R. Kitchappa

Gravitational Therapy in Lymphedema
M.E. Isasi and E.S. Isasi

Summary Gas Pressure (pS=po2+pco2) in Blood from Outflow Vessels of Heart Ventricular Block in "Normal" Human
G.Y. Gebel, A.G. Kruglov, V.N. Utkin, L.M. Golostenova, A.N. Dasaev, N.G. Ignatov and S.G. Suvorov