First printed 3D heart model based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with initial fabrication of 3D printed model of heart from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging data. METHODS: A 20-year-old patient with a congenital heart defect after a surgical correction underwent CMR imaging. A novel whole-heart CMR imaging sequence, not requiring gadolinium contrast material application, was performed. Image data from this CMR sequence were used for 3D heart model printing. RESULTS: A life-like 3D printed copy of the heart with a congenital defect with superior visualization of cardiovascular anatomical details was successfully fabricated. CONCLUSION: 3D printing of the heart copies from novel whole heart CMR imaging data is feasible and harmless to patients. These models can be used for operative planning of complex congenital heart defects (Fig. 4, Ref. 14).

[Autologous cranioplasty with a bone flap preserved subcutaneously in the mesogastrium]. / Autologní kranioplastika deponovanou kostní ploténkou v podkozí mezogastria.

INTRODUCTION: Cranioplasty with autologous bone flap is indicated in patients who have undergone decompressive craniectomy. Although it is an elective procedure, literature data indicate complication rates of up to 30%. The aim of this paper is to present our experience with cranioplasty with the patients own bone flap stored subcutaneously in the mesogastrium. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a set of 92 patients who had undergone cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy using autologous graft preserved subcutaneously in the mesogastrium. The patients were clinically and radiologically examined before the surgery, and six weeks and one year after surgery. We evaluated the incidence of acute complications - wound hematoma, and late complications - infection and bone resorption. The postoperative cosmetic effect and patient discomfort from the stored bone flap also constituted an important aspect. RESULTS: The frequency of complications in our study group was 25%. Late complications were the most common, occurring with a frequency of 13%. These were mainly resorption of the bone flap (4.3%) and infectious complications (4.3%). Acute complications occurred with a frequency of 10.9% in our patient group. The most serious complication was cerebral edema of unknown origin leading to death of the patient. Unsatisfactory cosmetic effect as well as discomfort at the site where the flap was stored occurred in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cranioplasty is associated with a higher risk of complications in comparison with other elective procedures. Nevertheless, we regard cranioplasty with subcutaneously preserved bone flap as an inexpensive and suitable alternative to cryopreservation or alloplastic materials.Key words: cranioplasty complications of cranioplasty autologous cranioplasty decompressive craniectomy.

Coronary artery stenting and non-cardiac surgery--a prospective outcome study.

BACKGROUND: A 45% complication rate and a mortality of 20% were reported previously in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery after coronary artery stenting. Discontinuation of antiplatelet drugs appeared to be of major influence on outcome. Therefore we undertook a prospective, observational multicentre study with predefined heparin therapy and antiplatelet medication in patients undergoing non-cardiac procedures after coronary artery stenting. METHODS: One hundred and three patients from three medical institutions were enrolled prospectively. Patients received coronary artery stents within 1 yr before non-cardiac surgery (urgent, semi-urgent or elective). Antiplatelet drug therapy was not, or only briefly, interrupted. Heparin was administered to all patients. All patients were on an intensive/intermediate care unit after surgery. Main outcome was the combined (cardiac, bleeding, surgical, sepsis) complication rate. RESULTS: Of 103 patients, 44.7% (95% CI 34.9-54.8) suffered complications after surgery; 4.9% (95% CI 1.6-11.0) of the patients died. All but two (bleeding only) adverse events were of cardiac nature. The majority of complications occurred early after surgery. The risk of suffering an event was 2.11-fold greater in patients with recent stents (<35 days before surgery) as compared with percutaneous cardiac intervention more than 90 days before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Despite heparin and despite having all patients on intensive/intermediate care units, cardiac events are the major cause for new perioperative morbidity/mortality in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery after coronary artery stenting. The complication rate exceeds the re-occlusion rate of stents in patients without surgery (usually <1% annually). Patients with coronary artery stenting less than 35 days before surgery are at the greatest risk.