https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27468 2026-04-05T01:23:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4070 Title: Ventricular assist devices in pediatrics Authors: Fuchs, Alexandra; Netz, Heinrich Abstract: The implantation of a mechanical circulatory device for end-stage ventricular failure is a possible therapeutic approach in adult and pediatric cardiac surgery and cardiology. The aim of this article is to present mechanical circulatory assist devices used in infants and children with special emphasis on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Berlin Heart assist device, centrifugal pump and Medos assist device. The success of long-term support with implantable ventricular assist devices in adults and children has led to their increasing use as a bridge to transplantation in patients with otherwise non-treatable left ventricular failure, by transforming a terminal phase heart condition into a treatable cardiopathy. Such therapy allows rehabilitation of patients before elective cardiac transplantation (by removing contraindications to transplantation mainly represented by organ impairment) or acting as a bridge to recovery of the native left ventricular function (depending on underlying cardiac disease). Treatment may also involve permanent device implantation when cardiac transplantation is contraindicated. Indications for the implantation of assisted circulation include all states of cardiac failure that are reversible within a variable period of time or that require heart transplantation. This article will address the current status of ventricular assist devices by examining historical aspects of its development, current technical issues and clinical features of pediatric ventricular assist devices, including indications and contraindications for support. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4060 Title: Publishing on the WWW : part 6 : simple graphic manipulation Authors: Grech, Victor E. Abstract: Modern graphic manipulation software is quick and simple to use, and allows medical quality graphics to be produced for online publication. This article demonstrates, step by step, how submitted images are processed by the journal in preparation for publication. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4059 Title: Takayasu's arteritis in children : a review Authors: Kothari, Shyam S. Abstract: Takayasu's arteritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin involving aorta, its primary branches and pulmonary artery. This article briefly reviews the pathology, clinical features and treatment of Takayasu's arteritis, focusing mainly on the disease in children. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4058 Title: Ethical issues in paediatric practice : part I : general principles Abstract: Clinical problems with ethical implications pose an ever increasing dilemma in everyday medical practice, and this is particularly the case with ethical issues involving children and those unable to take their own decisions. In this editorial we shall review some of the general principles that guide medical ethical problems. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z