Tsun-Cheung Chow

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in pregnancy using the inoue balloon catheter

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) using the Inoue balloon catheter was performed successfully in 2 patients with severe mitral stenosis refractory to medical treatment during pregnancy. Because of its unique design and ease of manipulation, we recommend the Inoue balloon catheter for performing PBMV in selected patients with mitral stenosis during pregnancy, as procedure and fluoroscopy times can be significantly shortened.

Inoue Balloon Pericardiotomy for Patients with Recurrent Pericardial Effusion

The results and follow-up data for 11 patients with recurrent pericardial effusion due to various etiologies who underwent balloon pericardiotomy with the Inoue balloon catheter between May 1992 and July 1994 are described. Inoue balloon pericardiotomy was successful in 10 patients (91%), who remained free of pericardial effusion at a mean follow-up duration of 4.2 months. All patients tolerated the procedure well with minimal discomfort and with no complications. Despite good symptomatic relief, 9 patients (82%) eventually succumbed to disease dissemination, with a mean survival time of 1.4 months. It is concluded that Inoue balloon pericardiotomy is a safe and useful alternative to surgical pericardial windowing for the symptomatic treatment of recurrent pericardial effusion.

Pericardial metastasis and effusion as the initial manifestation of malignant thymoma: identification by cross-sectional echocardiography

Abstract A patient with malignant thymoma is described in whom the initial manifestation was pericardial metastasis and effusion which were identified by cross-sectional echocardiography.

Use of low molecular weight heparin in postangioplasty management

The results of using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in postangioplasty management are examined. In comparison to intravenous unfractionated heparin, subcutaneous LMWH caused less groin complications and was simpler and cheaper to be administered by the medical personnel. The incidence of ischaemic complications after angioplasty including acute closure and myocardial infarction, however, remained similar and was not excessive. Subcutaneous administration of LMWH provides and alternative simple and cost-effective strategy for postangioplasty management.

Mediastinal Liposarcoma Causing Left Ventricular Inflow Tract Obstruction: Diagnosis by Transesophageal Echocardiography

A patient with mediastinal liposarcoma causing left ventricular inflow tract obstruction is described. The location of the tumor and its pressure effect were accurately diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography.

Nonsurgical Creation of a Pericardial Window: Identification by Echocardiography

A patient is described who has recurrent pericardial effusion and in whom a pericardial window created by balloon dilatation was directly identified by echocardiography. Echocardiography represents an additional useful means for confirming the immediate success of the procedure.

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in patients with history of embolism

Abstract In this article, we report the results and follow-up data of 16 patients with mitral stenosis and history of embolism who underwent percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) between July 1990 and June 1992 at our cardiac center.