[Differentiation of infarct patterns in the computerized ECG and confirmation with clinical and coronarographic findings and cardiac catherization]. / Differenziazione dei quadri di infarto nell'ECG computerizzato e conferma mediante i reperti clinici, coronarografici e del cateterismo cardiaco

With a view to assessing the validity of ECG criteria for a personal computerization programme, definite external features have been introduced as controls to provide objective data on the patient's disease apart from the ECG picture. To analyse the reliability of this programme, the ECG infarction component of the following groups of patients was considered. 1) 84 ECGs of patients who have suffered myocardial infarction in the more or less distant past and the diagnosis of which was confirmed at the time by chemical and laboratory data. These patients were also submitted to angiocardiography. 2) 120 ECGs of patients who have suffered myocardial infarction in the comparatively recent past and diagnosis of which was confirmed by chemical and laboratory data. These patients were not submitted to angiocardiography. 3) 85 ECGs of definitely not coronaropathic patients in whom angiocardiography was performed. In these clinically well documented cases, computer diagnoses were well correlated with those of treating physicians. It should however be pointed out that in 18% of patients with myocardial infarction, the ECG did not confirm the lesion. In the control group also, ECG alterations were recorded in 18% cases. This is a high percentage because in numerous patients the presence of rheumatic or shunt valvulopathies or myocardiopathies was encountered.

Impact of atmospheric deposition on the headworks of a wastewater treatment plant--a case study.

Specialized sampling equipment and ultra-clean analytical methodology were employed to quantify the concentrations or fluxes of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in ambient air, precipitation, runoff, sanitary sewer, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent. The relationship between the atmospheric deposition and runoff on controlled surfaces were explored for the three pollutants. The impact of the atmospheric deposition and runoff to the headwork loading of the WWTP were investigated. Atmospheric deposition was found to be the primary source of the mass of Cd, Hg, and PCBs in runoff from the controlled surfaces. Neither atmospheric deposition nor the runoff was the main sources of the three pollutants to the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Wet weather flow contributes the main portion of the Cd, Hg, and PCBs loading to the WWTP.

[Haemodynamic effects of nefopam (author's transl)]. / Hämodynamische Wirkung von Nefopam.

The haemodynamic effects of nefopam (0.3 mg/kg i.v.) were measured for 45 minutes in ten patients with coronary heart disease. The drug is a new and highly potent analgesic without any respiratory depressant effect. Arterial blood pressure and cardiac output rose moderately, while left ventricular enddiastolic pressure remained unchanged. Heart rate did not exceed 91/min. Max dp/dt, min dp/dt, Vpm and V40 rose by a maximum of 16% above control. Thus nefopam differs from other potent analgesics in having a slight inotropic effect.

[Computer system for the automatic analysis of cath-lab data. Reliability of pattern-recognition and measurements (author's transl)]. / Computersystem für die automatische Analyse von Herzkatheterdaten. Zuverlässigkeit der Kurvenerkennung und -vermessung.

The computer-system for the on-line-analysis of hemodynamic data developed in Aachen enables the clinical user to perform the immediate on-line analysis of ECG, pressure-curves and thermo- or dye-dilution-curves in a dialog mode. The procedure of pressure analysis as well as the calculations by the computer for the individual haemodynamic parameters are described. The comparison of the medical-manual evaluation of the pressure curves on paper-registration and the computer results of the same measurement shows a very good correlation for wave-recognitions and wave-measurements for this system, integrated in the daily routine since 24 months. As well in the application of various fluid-filled catheters used in praxis as in tip-manometers it could be proved for the pressure-analysis in the different positions of the heart, that the computer-system produced reliable evaluations for all catheter materials used. The flexible conception of the computer program with its fast adaption to new problems allows its use not only in the clinical routine, but also and especially in the handling of scientific questions in the frame-work of haemodynamic analysis.

[Detailed analysis of systolic and diastolic parameters in aortic valve disease (author's transl)]. / Detaillierte Analyse systolischer und diastolischer Parameter bei Aortenklappenfehlern.

The on-line computer-system for the analysis of cathlab data developed by us allows the immediate evaluation of the conventional pressure- and valve-opening as well as a new hemodynamic parameters. In addition the volume-analysis is performed by the videometry-program. In simultaneous pressure-volume-registrations the complementary calculation of important energetic items is possible. This expanded analysis by the aid of the computer-system enables a detailed pre- and postoperative study of great clinical-practical and scientific importance.