3D/4D Ultrasound Contrast Enhanced Imaging (CEUS) for Carotid Plaque Vulnerability
AtherosclerosisStrokeContrast enhanced 3D/4D (3 dimension/4 dimension) ultrasound (CEUS) provides visualization of the dynamic vascular features of the plaques, in a unique spatial format using three orthogonal planes and angiogram-like images. Therefore, the observer can utilize the entire vascular system in a volumetric manner (3D). The rotation of the intra-plaque neovasculature as viewed in various angles provides a realistic representation that is more easily appreciated. Inter-observer variability for individual plaques has been assessed and inter-observer variability and inter-scan variability (the analysis of multiple images from single patients in longitudinal studies) were dependent on plaque size, with larger plaques showing lower variability. Therefore, the proposed 3D/4D vs. 2D CEUS imaging of the carotid plaque will provide added value for the depiction of the and quantification of intra-plaque blood vessel density by providing a true volumetric viewing area. This data will be correlated to the subsequent surgical specimens. The goal of the protocol is to investigate the correlation of intra-plaque blood vessel density and hemorrhage to 3D/4D CEUS vasa vasorum using quantitative software analyses. The histology methods used for quantification of hemorrhage and vessel density analyses.
Screening Cardiovascular Patients for Aortic aNeurysms (SCAN)
Abdominal Aortic AneurysmAAAThe aim of the cohort study SCAN (Screening Cardiovascular patients for Aortic aNeurysms) is to establish a screening programm for patients with a high risk for an AAA. Aortic aneurysms in these patients should be identified at an early stage and thereby AAA-associated mortality be decreased.
The Relationship Between ALDH2 and Aortic Dissection
Aortic DissectionThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of ALDH2 Glu504Lys polymorphism on aortic dissection.
18F-NaF-PET for Identification of TCFA
Acute Coronary SyndromeRecently, positron emission tomography(PET) using 18F-Sodium fluoride (NaF) showed promising results for detecting vulnerable plaques in some pilot studies. In this study, the investigators will evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-NaF PET for non-invasively detecting vulnerable plaque, diagnosed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Characterization of Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells (ADRCs) From Patients With Chronic Heart...
Chronic Heart FailureHuman adipose tissue is now recognized as an acceptable, highly abundant source of adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs). ADRCs are a heterogeneous or mixed population of cells found in adipose tissue including adult stem cells, leukocytes, connective tissue and vessel-associated cells. Autologous adult regenerative cells are thought to promote healing of scarred or injured tissue. While the investigators are learning more about the exact mechanisms every day, it is believed that this heterogeneous population of cells influences the local environment via cell-to-cell signaling, immune modulation, and differentiation into other cell types. The use of ADRCs in the treatment of many different medical conditions (including cardiovascular disease, soft tissue defects, wound healing, and many more) is being evaluated in numerous clinical and preclinical studies around the world. While there is a considerable amount of information regarding the cellular composition of ADRCs isolated from healthy donors, basically there is no much data regarding the ADRC composition from cardiac patients. In this study, adipose tissue or cells from chronic heart ischemia patients, that would otherwise be thrown away in waste, will be provided to researchers who will study these cells with the objective to characterize ADRCs derived from patients with a heart disease and to compare if a heart disease state does impact ADRC cell composition.
Pulse Oximeter Screening in Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart DiseasePulse oximetry screening of newborn infants increases early detection of critical congenital heart disease and minimises the risk of circulatory collapse before surgery. This study provides an update on the implementation of pulse oximetry screening in Turkey
Comparison of Allows Measurement of Cardiac Output Between Clearsight System and Transpulmonary...
ShockCardiac Output1 moreCorrelation study between the data provided by two measurement systems, trans- pulmonary thermodilution and ClearSight © (non invasive), to determine the interest in routine use (cardiac output, cardiac index, stroke volume and blood pressure).
Systematic NT-proBNP and ECG Screening for Atrial Fibrillation Among 75 Year Old Subjects in the...
Atrial FibrillationStrokeSTROKESTOP II will study if the biomarker NT-proBNP together with single-lead ECG can be used as a primary population screening tool for silent atrial fibrillation, and builds on previous results from the STROKESTOP study.
Aqueous Dynamics and Glaucoma Surgeries
GlaucomaOcular HypertensionThere are currently many surgical options for patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), including the Hydrus Microstent implant, HiFU (High intensity Focused ultrasound), STAR flo, Kahook Dual Blade, Diode laser, trabeculectomy and the Baerveldt implant, but little is known about how these different surgical techniques used to treat glaucoma affect the flow of fluid through and out of the eye (aqueous dynamics).
The Coexistence of Atherosclerotic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis With Intracranial Aneurysms
Atherosclerotic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis With Intracranial AneurysmsAtherosclerotic intracranial arterial(ICA) stenosis and intracranial aneurysms are the common causes of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, respectively. Investigators aimed to assess the prevalence of cerebral aneurysms in patients with atherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenosis.