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For the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, biomedical imaging techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been developed. The combined use of IVUS and OCT is hypothesized to remarkably increase diagnostic accuracy of vulnerable plaques. We have developed an integrated IVUS-OCT imaging apparatus, which includes the integrated catheter, motor drive unit, and imaging system. The dual-function imaging catheter has the same diameter of current clinical standard. The imaging system is capable for simultaneous IVUS and OCT imaging in real time. Ex vivo and in vivo experiments on rabbits with atherosclerosis were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the integrated intravascular imaging modality.

OBJECTIVE: Combined use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a potential method for accurate assessment of plaques characteristics and vulnerability. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a fully integrated intracoronary OCT-IVUS imaging technique to visualize plaques in living animals. BACKGROUND: In vivo imaging of plaques by an integrated OCT-IVUS system has not been reported. METHODS: Simultaneous real-time OCT-IVUS imaging is performed using an integrated OCT-IVUS system and a single fully-integrated catheter with a 3.6F outer-diameter same as a commercial IVUS catheter. RESULTS: To verify in vivo imaging capability of this technique, five atherosclerotic-model rabbits and a swine were imaged. Images were obtained in these animals without complications. Linear regression shows a high correlation between rabbit plaque sizes determined from histology and OCT/IVUS estimated plaque sizes (R2=0.955, P

For the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, biomedical imaging techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been developed. The combined use of IVUS and OCT is hypothesized to remarkably increase diagnostic accuracy. We report our progress on the probe design and imaging system for achieving a miniature catheter that is capable for in vivo animal study. The integrated IVUS-OCT catheter is featured by a sequential arrangement of an ultrasound transducer and an OCT probe. The capability of the integrated IVUS-OCT imaging catheter and system is demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo imaging experiments of rabbit abdominal aorta. © 2012 IEEE.

A miniature integrated intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) - ultrasound (US) catheter for real-time imaging of atherosclerotic plaques has been developed, providing high resolution and deep tissue penetration at the same time. This catheter, with an outer diameter of 1.18mm, is suitable for imaging in human coronary arteries. The first in vivo 3D imaging of atherosclerotic microstructure in a rabbit abdominal aorta obtained by an integrated OCT-US catheter is presented. In addition, in vitro imaging of cadaver coronary arteries were conducted to demonstrate the imaging capabilities of this integrated catheter to classify different atherosclerotic plaque types.

Takayasu's arteriopathy is a rare arterial inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that commonly affects the aorta, its major branches, and the pulmo nary artery. Although this process most often causes narrowing and occlusion of the vessels involved, it is associated only rarely with aneurysm formation or dissection of the vessel. Although there are sporadic reports of pregnancy in conjunction with Takayasu's arteriopathy, the combination of this disorder with pregnancy and an aortic dissection is very unusual.This case report and literature review details the clinical management of a gravid female with clinical problems that were managed through close coopera tion among cardiothoracic surgery, anesthesia, obstetrics and gynecology, and perinatology units. This multidisciplinary approach led to the successful opera tive repair of a descending thoracic aortic dissection in a pregnant woman with Takayasu's arteriopathy who later delivered a normal full-term infant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A miniature integrated intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) - ultrasound (US) catheter for real-time imaging of atherosclerotic plaques has been developed, providing high resolution and deep tissue penetration at the same time. This catheter, with an outer diameter of 1.18mm, is suitable for imaging in human coronary arteries. The first in vivo 3D imaging of atherosclerotic microstructure in a rabbit abdominal aorta obtained by an integrated OCT-US catheter is presented. In addition, in vitro imaging of cadaver coronary arteries were conducted to demonstrate the imaging capabilities of this integrated catheter to classify different atherosclerotic plaque types.

A new echocardiography-based classification of mitral valve pathology is proposed, the adoption of which may provide a uniform approach to the assessment of individual cases by the cardiologist, cardiac anesthesiologist, and surgeon. This type of approach may facilitate the planning and execution of valve repair techniques, with higher rates of success than are currently reported.

Background and Aim of the Study: Mitral valve (MV) repair is generally accepted as the preferred treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) with MV prolapse secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). However, the incidence of successful valve repair is variable between hospitals and among different surgeons at one hospital, and often results in needless MV replacement. The study aim was to measure the impact of a dedicated echocardiography/surgery team on MV repair at a community hospital., Methods: The outcome was analyzed of a group of 116 consecutive patients with severe MR secondary to MMVD who underwent surgery by the same surgeon over a six-year period. A dedicated team approach, comprising one echocardiographer and one surgeon was established in January 1999. The results of MV repair between 1996 and 1998 (group I; n = 37) were compared to results obtained between 1999 and 2001 (group II; n = 79)., Results: In group I, MV repair was attempted in 25 patients (67.6%) and was successful in 21 (56.8%). In group II, MV repair was attempted in 68 patients (86.1%) and was successful in 67 (84.8%). The success rate between groups was significantly (p = 0.001) different. The rate of successful MV repair in patients with a diffusely redundant prolapsing valve involving both leaflets and multiple segments with chordae elongation was significantly higher in group II (14/20; 70%) than in group I (1/6; 14.3%) (p = 0.011)., Conclusion: A greater incidence of successful MV repair, even with more diffuse pathology of MMVD, was realized following the institution of dedicated echocardiography/surgery team at a community hospital. It is proposed that a combination of dedicated intraoperative echocardiography and surgical expertise is required for optimal results in MV repair.