meredith leung - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by meredith leung

Research paper thumbnail of Intracoronary ECG during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction predicts microvascular obstruction and infarct size

International Journal of Cardiology

Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PT... more Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PTSMA at an Australian tertiary institution.

Research paper thumbnail of The discovery of potent inhibitors of aldosterone synthase that exhibit selectivity over 11-β-hydroxylase

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2010

Aldosterone, the final component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, plays an important ... more Aldosterone, the final component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) catalyzes the last three steps of aldosterone biosynthesis, and as such appears to be a target for the treatment of these disorders. A sulfonamide-imidazole scaffold has proven to be a potent inhibitor of CYP11B2. Furthermore, this scaffold can achieve high levels of selectivity for CYP11B2 over CYP11B1, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of cortisol.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Systems to Address Elder Abuse: Examples from Aging Services, the Courts, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the Faith Community

Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2010

The authors describe their use of systems change as a means of ameliorating elder abuse. After as... more The authors describe their use of systems change as a means of ameliorating elder abuse. After assessing the needs of their target audiences, projects developed a variety of strategies. These include disseminating promising practices in courts, creating Elder Law Clinics to assist with conservatorships, educating older adults about predatory mortgage lending, building a new response system for complaints of abuse and neglect in unlicensed care facilities, and convening clergy and lay leader groups to learn how faith communities can make a difference in elder abuse and neglect. The authors share tips on replicating their work, describing barriers to implementation and possible solutions.

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived aortic distensibility: validation and observed regional differences in the elderly

Journal of Hypertension, 2009

Objective Applanation tonometry evaluation of pulse wave velocity is widely accepted as the 'gold... more Objective Applanation tonometry evaluation of pulse wave velocity is widely accepted as the 'gold standard' method for noninvasively assessing arterial stiffness. Newer noninvasive tools such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance can also evaluate arterial stiffness, but have not been validated. The aim of this study was to validate cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived aortic distensibility with pulse wave velocity and to investigate age-related changes in regional aortic distensibility.

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges to Implementing Second‐Dose Varicella Vaccination during an Outbreak in the Absence of a Routine 2‐Dose Vaccination Requirement—Maine, 2006

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008

In June 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended administering a... more In June 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended administering a second dose of varicella vaccine during outbreaks, supplementing the routine 1-dose requirement. From October 2005 to January 2006, a varicella outbreak occurred in Maine in a highly vaccinated elementary school population. We investigated the outbreak, held a school-based vaccination clinic, and assessed costs in implementing ACIP's outbreak-response recommendation. Parents completed questionnaires and case investigation interviews. Personnel at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the school in which the outbreak occurred ("school A"), and physician offices completed economic surveys. Forty-eight cases occurred, with no hospitalizations or deaths. Vaccine effectiveness was 86.6% (95% confidence interval, 82.0%-90.1%). Of 240 eligible students, 132 (55.0%) received second-dose vaccination. Implementing ACIP's outbreakresponse recommendation was challenging and cost approximately $26,875. Additionally, the routine 1-dose varicella vaccination policy did not confer adequate population immunity to prevent this outbreak. These findings support ACIP's June 2007 recommendation for a routine 2-dose varicella vaccination program.

Research paper thumbnail of MARKERS OF MYOCARDIAL REMODELING PREDICTIVE OF OUTCOMES FOLLOWING MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY ASSIST IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS: 2806

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic Accuracy of Noninvasive Coronary Angiography With 320Detector Row Computed Tomography

American Journal of Cardiology, 2010

Background-Multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCT) has been shown to allow detectio... more Background-Multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCT) has been shown to allow detection of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) occlusions and stenoses. However, the assessment of native coronary arteries in addition to CABG has thus far not been sufficiently validated. Methods and Results-Fifty patients with a total of 138 CABG (34 mammary grafts, 3 radial grafts, 101 venous grafts) were investigated by MDCT (0.6-mm collimation, 32 detector rows, 2 focal points, 330-ms rotation) 9 to 252 months (mean, 106 months) after surgery. CABG and all native coronary arteries with a diameter of Ͼ1.5 mm were evaluated for the presence of significant stenoses (Ն50% diameter reduction). Results were compared with quantitative coronary angiography. By MDCT, all CABG were evaluable and were correctly classified as occluded (nϭ38) or patent (nϭ100). Sensitivity for stenosis detection in patent grafts was 100% (16/16) with a specificity of 94% (79/84). For the per-segment evaluation of native coronary arteries and distal runoff vessels, sensitivity in evaluable segments (91%) was 86% (87/101) with a specificity of 76% (354/465). If evaluation was restricted to nongrafted arteries and distal runoff vessels, sensitivity was 86% (38/44) with a specificity of 90% (302/334). On a per-patient basis, classifying patients with at least 1 detected stenosis in a CABG, a distal runoff vessel, or a nongrafted artery or with at least 1 unevaluable segment as "positive," MDCT yielded a sensitivity of 97% (35/36) and specificity of 86% (12/14).

Research paper thumbnail of Beneficial role of the GPR30 agonist G-1 in an animal model of multiple sclerosis

Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2009

The beneficial effects of estrogens in multiple sclerosis are thought to be mediated exclusively ... more The beneficial effects of estrogens in multiple sclerosis are thought to be mediated exclusively by the classical nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. However, recently many reports revealed that estrogens are able to mediate rapid signals through a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), known as GPR30. In the present study, we set out to explore whether effects mediated through this receptor were anti-inflammatory and could account for some of the beneficial effects of estrogen. We demonstrate that GPR30 is expressed in both human and mouse immune cells. Furthermore a GPR30selective agonist, G-1, previously described by us, inhibits the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner in human primary macrophages and in a murine macrophage cell line. These effects are likely mediated solely through the estrogen-specific receptor GPR30 since the agonist G-1 displayed an IC 50 far greater than 10 μM on the classical nuclear estrogen receptors as well as a panel of 25 other GPCRs. Finally, we show that the agonist G-1 is able to reduce the severity of disease in both active and passive EAE models of multiple sclerosis in SJL mice and that this effect is concomitant with a G-1-mediated decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-17, in immune cells harvested from these mice. The effect of G-1 appears indirect, as the GPR30 agonist did not directly influence IFNγ or IL-17 production by purified T cells. These data indicate that G-1 may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic autoimmune, inflammatory diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of Stent Treatment for Coarctation of the Aorta in Adults: Procedural Success and Medium-term Outcome

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Gene and Protein Expression Alterations in the Myocardium following Mechanical Circulatory Assist in Heart Failure Patients

Journal of Cardiac Failure, 2010

Vancouver, British Columbia The number of patients suffering from end-stage heart failure (HF) co... more Vancouver, British Columbia The number of patients suffering from end-stage heart failure (HF) continues to mount alongside an aging demographic. Management of the failing heart involves medical therapy, mechanical circulatory assist (MCA) devices and ultimately heart ...

Research paper thumbnail of An Outbreak of Varicella in Elementary School Children With Two-Dose Varicella Vaccine Recipients—Arkansas, 2006

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Novel Use of Combined CT Coronary Angiography and CT Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Using 320-slice CT in Assessment of Stable Symptomatic Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unprotected Left Main Stem—A Single Centre Perspective

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic Accuracy of Adenosine Stress Cardiac MRI (SCMR) Following Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Post Primary Angioplasty

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2010

Heart, Lung and Circulation Abstracts 2010;19S:S1-S268 tool using echocardiography can be a chall... more Heart, Lung and Circulation Abstracts 2010;19S:S1-S268 tool using echocardiography can be a challenge in interventional study. We examine various established echocardiographic parameters of Diastolic function assessment in influencing categorizations of diastolic LV dysfunction. Methods: 344 patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) but not chronic heart failure (CHF) and/or common antecedents of CHF were recruited for a randomized intervention study. Patients with reduced systolic function, i.e. LVEF < 45% were excluded in this analysis. Full study of transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. All measures of Doppler function were obtained which include: e tissue Doppler velocity, left atrial size LA, Deceleration Time DT, Diastolic mitral inflow E/A, and E/e (measure of LV filling pressure).

Research paper thumbnail of IVUS Guided Management of Angiographic Intermediate Coronary Lesions: Long-Term Outcome After Stratification to PCI, CABG or Medical Therapy

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Intracoronary ECG is Predictor of Hyperaemic Blood Flow and Myocardial Injury

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Introduction: PFO has been described in 25-30% of adults. Prevalence increases in cryptogenic str... more Introduction: PFO has been described in 25-30% of adults. Prevalence increases in cryptogenic stroke. Interventional closure is often used for prevention of recurrent paradoxical embolisation and stroke. Premere device is specifically designed for PFO closure. Key features include limited material on left side, adjustable length tether and convenient placement control.

Research paper thumbnail of Diastolic Dysfunction as Assessed with Grid-Tagged Cardiac MRI Correlates with Microvascular Dysfunction and Markers of Left Ventricular Remodelling Following ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Purpose: Troponin positive acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are usually related to disruption of an... more Purpose: Troponin positive acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are usually related to disruption of an atherosclerotic coronary plaque. However, a subgroup of these patients do not have an identifiable culprit lesion at angiography. Establishing a diagnosis in these patients is vital to ensure they receive appropriate treatment. We examine the diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in these patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Intracoronary ECG During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) For ST Elevation MI Predicts Microvascular Obstruction And Infarct Size

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2010

Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PT... more Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PTSMA at an Australian tertiary institution.

Research paper thumbnail of Lesion Guided Strategy for the Use of Bare Metal Stents in Large Coronary Vessels

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Methods: Subjects greater than one year post implantation of a balloon expandable aortic valve un... more Methods: Subjects greater than one year post implantation of a balloon expandable aortic valve underwent MDCT. Geometry of the stent frame was assessed for circularity, minimum (D min ) and maximum (D max ) external diameter and expansion ratio at three levels: ventricular, mid and aortic. Circularity was defined as an eccentricity index (EI) of less than 0.1 (EI = 1 − D min /D max ) and expansion ratio as a percentage of the measured short axis derived area divided by the expected area.

Research paper thumbnail of Reducing Door-to-Balloon Times: How Far have We Come

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2007

Background: Troponin T (TnT) release is common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Al... more Background: Troponin T (TnT) release is common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although troponin elevations may have long-term prognostic significance their effect on short-term outcomes is unknown. We evaluated outcomes in patients who were discharged on the same day following elective PCI despite having minor peri-procedural TnT release.

Research paper thumbnail of Intracoronary ECG during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction predicts microvascular obstruction and infarct size

International Journal of Cardiology

Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PT... more Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PTSMA at an Australian tertiary institution.

Research paper thumbnail of The discovery of potent inhibitors of aldosterone synthase that exhibit selectivity over 11-β-hydroxylase

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2010

Aldosterone, the final component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, plays an important ... more Aldosterone, the final component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) catalyzes the last three steps of aldosterone biosynthesis, and as such appears to be a target for the treatment of these disorders. A sulfonamide-imidazole scaffold has proven to be a potent inhibitor of CYP11B2. Furthermore, this scaffold can achieve high levels of selectivity for CYP11B2 over CYP11B1, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of cortisol.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Systems to Address Elder Abuse: Examples from Aging Services, the Courts, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the Faith Community

Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2010

The authors describe their use of systems change as a means of ameliorating elder abuse. After as... more The authors describe their use of systems change as a means of ameliorating elder abuse. After assessing the needs of their target audiences, projects developed a variety of strategies. These include disseminating promising practices in courts, creating Elder Law Clinics to assist with conservatorships, educating older adults about predatory mortgage lending, building a new response system for complaints of abuse and neglect in unlicensed care facilities, and convening clergy and lay leader groups to learn how faith communities can make a difference in elder abuse and neglect. The authors share tips on replicating their work, describing barriers to implementation and possible solutions.

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived aortic distensibility: validation and observed regional differences in the elderly

Journal of Hypertension, 2009

Objective Applanation tonometry evaluation of pulse wave velocity is widely accepted as the 'gold... more Objective Applanation tonometry evaluation of pulse wave velocity is widely accepted as the 'gold standard' method for noninvasively assessing arterial stiffness. Newer noninvasive tools such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance can also evaluate arterial stiffness, but have not been validated. The aim of this study was to validate cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived aortic distensibility with pulse wave velocity and to investigate age-related changes in regional aortic distensibility.

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges to Implementing Second‐Dose Varicella Vaccination during an Outbreak in the Absence of a Routine 2‐Dose Vaccination Requirement—Maine, 2006

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008

In June 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended administering a... more In June 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended administering a second dose of varicella vaccine during outbreaks, supplementing the routine 1-dose requirement. From October 2005 to January 2006, a varicella outbreak occurred in Maine in a highly vaccinated elementary school population. We investigated the outbreak, held a school-based vaccination clinic, and assessed costs in implementing ACIP's outbreak-response recommendation. Parents completed questionnaires and case investigation interviews. Personnel at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the school in which the outbreak occurred ("school A"), and physician offices completed economic surveys. Forty-eight cases occurred, with no hospitalizations or deaths. Vaccine effectiveness was 86.6% (95% confidence interval, 82.0%-90.1%). Of 240 eligible students, 132 (55.0%) received second-dose vaccination. Implementing ACIP's outbreakresponse recommendation was challenging and cost approximately $26,875. Additionally, the routine 1-dose varicella vaccination policy did not confer adequate population immunity to prevent this outbreak. These findings support ACIP's June 2007 recommendation for a routine 2-dose varicella vaccination program.

Research paper thumbnail of MARKERS OF MYOCARDIAL REMODELING PREDICTIVE OF OUTCOMES FOLLOWING MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY ASSIST IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS: 2806

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic Accuracy of Noninvasive Coronary Angiography With 320Detector Row Computed Tomography

American Journal of Cardiology, 2010

Background-Multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCT) has been shown to allow detectio... more Background-Multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCT) has been shown to allow detection of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) occlusions and stenoses. However, the assessment of native coronary arteries in addition to CABG has thus far not been sufficiently validated. Methods and Results-Fifty patients with a total of 138 CABG (34 mammary grafts, 3 radial grafts, 101 venous grafts) were investigated by MDCT (0.6-mm collimation, 32 detector rows, 2 focal points, 330-ms rotation) 9 to 252 months (mean, 106 months) after surgery. CABG and all native coronary arteries with a diameter of Ͼ1.5 mm were evaluated for the presence of significant stenoses (Ն50% diameter reduction). Results were compared with quantitative coronary angiography. By MDCT, all CABG were evaluable and were correctly classified as occluded (nϭ38) or patent (nϭ100). Sensitivity for stenosis detection in patent grafts was 100% (16/16) with a specificity of 94% (79/84). For the per-segment evaluation of native coronary arteries and distal runoff vessels, sensitivity in evaluable segments (91%) was 86% (87/101) with a specificity of 76% (354/465). If evaluation was restricted to nongrafted arteries and distal runoff vessels, sensitivity was 86% (38/44) with a specificity of 90% (302/334). On a per-patient basis, classifying patients with at least 1 detected stenosis in a CABG, a distal runoff vessel, or a nongrafted artery or with at least 1 unevaluable segment as "positive," MDCT yielded a sensitivity of 97% (35/36) and specificity of 86% (12/14).

Research paper thumbnail of Beneficial role of the GPR30 agonist G-1 in an animal model of multiple sclerosis

Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2009

The beneficial effects of estrogens in multiple sclerosis are thought to be mediated exclusively ... more The beneficial effects of estrogens in multiple sclerosis are thought to be mediated exclusively by the classical nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. However, recently many reports revealed that estrogens are able to mediate rapid signals through a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), known as GPR30. In the present study, we set out to explore whether effects mediated through this receptor were anti-inflammatory and could account for some of the beneficial effects of estrogen. We demonstrate that GPR30 is expressed in both human and mouse immune cells. Furthermore a GPR30selective agonist, G-1, previously described by us, inhibits the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner in human primary macrophages and in a murine macrophage cell line. These effects are likely mediated solely through the estrogen-specific receptor GPR30 since the agonist G-1 displayed an IC 50 far greater than 10 μM on the classical nuclear estrogen receptors as well as a panel of 25 other GPCRs. Finally, we show that the agonist G-1 is able to reduce the severity of disease in both active and passive EAE models of multiple sclerosis in SJL mice and that this effect is concomitant with a G-1-mediated decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-17, in immune cells harvested from these mice. The effect of G-1 appears indirect, as the GPR30 agonist did not directly influence IFNγ or IL-17 production by purified T cells. These data indicate that G-1 may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic autoimmune, inflammatory diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of Stent Treatment for Coarctation of the Aorta in Adults: Procedural Success and Medium-term Outcome

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Gene and Protein Expression Alterations in the Myocardium following Mechanical Circulatory Assist in Heart Failure Patients

Journal of Cardiac Failure, 2010

Vancouver, British Columbia The number of patients suffering from end-stage heart failure (HF) co... more Vancouver, British Columbia The number of patients suffering from end-stage heart failure (HF) continues to mount alongside an aging demographic. Management of the failing heart involves medical therapy, mechanical circulatory assist (MCA) devices and ultimately heart ...

Research paper thumbnail of An Outbreak of Varicella in Elementary School Children With Two-Dose Varicella Vaccine Recipients—Arkansas, 2006

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Novel Use of Combined CT Coronary Angiography and CT Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Using 320-slice CT in Assessment of Stable Symptomatic Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unprotected Left Main Stem—A Single Centre Perspective

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnostic Accuracy of Adenosine Stress Cardiac MRI (SCMR) Following Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Post Primary Angioplasty

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2010

Heart, Lung and Circulation Abstracts 2010;19S:S1-S268 tool using echocardiography can be a chall... more Heart, Lung and Circulation Abstracts 2010;19S:S1-S268 tool using echocardiography can be a challenge in interventional study. We examine various established echocardiographic parameters of Diastolic function assessment in influencing categorizations of diastolic LV dysfunction. Methods: 344 patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) but not chronic heart failure (CHF) and/or common antecedents of CHF were recruited for a randomized intervention study. Patients with reduced systolic function, i.e. LVEF < 45% were excluded in this analysis. Full study of transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. All measures of Doppler function were obtained which include: e tissue Doppler velocity, left atrial size LA, Deceleration Time DT, Diastolic mitral inflow E/A, and E/e (measure of LV filling pressure).

Research paper thumbnail of IVUS Guided Management of Angiographic Intermediate Coronary Lesions: Long-Term Outcome After Stratification to PCI, CABG or Medical Therapy

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Intracoronary ECG is Predictor of Hyperaemic Blood Flow and Myocardial Injury

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Introduction: PFO has been described in 25-30% of adults. Prevalence increases in cryptogenic str... more Introduction: PFO has been described in 25-30% of adults. Prevalence increases in cryptogenic stroke. Interventional closure is often used for prevention of recurrent paradoxical embolisation and stroke. Premere device is specifically designed for PFO closure. Key features include limited material on left side, adjustable length tether and convenient placement control.

Research paper thumbnail of Diastolic Dysfunction as Assessed with Grid-Tagged Cardiac MRI Correlates with Microvascular Dysfunction and Markers of Left Ventricular Remodelling Following ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Purpose: Troponin positive acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are usually related to disruption of an... more Purpose: Troponin positive acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are usually related to disruption of an atherosclerotic coronary plaque. However, a subgroup of these patients do not have an identifiable culprit lesion at angiography. Establishing a diagnosis in these patients is vital to ensure they receive appropriate treatment. We examine the diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in these patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Intracoronary ECG During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) For ST Elevation MI Predicts Microvascular Obstruction And Infarct Size

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2010

Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PT... more Objectives: To assess short, intermediate and long-term clinical and procedural outcomes after PTSMA at an Australian tertiary institution.

Research paper thumbnail of Lesion Guided Strategy for the Use of Bare Metal Stents in Large Coronary Vessels

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2011

Methods: Subjects greater than one year post implantation of a balloon expandable aortic valve un... more Methods: Subjects greater than one year post implantation of a balloon expandable aortic valve underwent MDCT. Geometry of the stent frame was assessed for circularity, minimum (D min ) and maximum (D max ) external diameter and expansion ratio at three levels: ventricular, mid and aortic. Circularity was defined as an eccentricity index (EI) of less than 0.1 (EI = 1 − D min /D max ) and expansion ratio as a percentage of the measured short axis derived area divided by the expected area.

Research paper thumbnail of Reducing Door-to-Balloon Times: How Far have We Come

Heart Lung and Circulation, 2007

Background: Troponin T (TnT) release is common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Al... more Background: Troponin T (TnT) release is common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although troponin elevations may have long-term prognostic significance their effect on short-term outcomes is unknown. We evaluated outcomes in patients who were discharged on the same day following elective PCI despite having minor peri-procedural TnT release.