Hideyo Kuga

Intravascular ultrasound imaging of the pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension

Intravascular ultrasound has the unique ability to provide cross‐sectional images of the arterial wall. This study examined intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of the proximal pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).

Clinical evaluation of long-term use of a portable oxygen concentrator capable of operating under car battery power

An oxygen concentrator that can be powered by a car battery was clinically evaluated. The oxygen concentrator was used on a 67‐year‐old man with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis who was receiving long‐term home oxygen therapy (HOT) after long‐term use of 4.7 years. His work required automobile trips over long distances. The equipment used was an adsorption‐type oxygen concentrator capable of operating on a DC 12 V power supply, which could be powered from a residential power outlet (AC 100 V) using a dedicated voltage converter. Using this equipment, he was capable of driving himself in comfort for 2 hours or longer, over a period of 4 years. Furthermore, it was possible to stay in a hotel during a trip, inhaling oxygen generated by the equipment. Hereafter, this equipment should enable or facilitate long‐distance driving, travel and lodging for HOT patients.

Development of a New Device for Diagnosis of Hypoxemia and Arrhythmia by SaO2 ECG Holter Monitoring

Background: We have developed a system to monitor, simultaneously and continuously, ambulatory SaO2 measured using a pulse‐oximeter and ECG data for 24 hours.