https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3587 2026-04-10T02:19:35Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3755 Title: Categorisation of ventricular septal defects : review of the perimembranous morphology Authors: McCarthy, Karen; Ho, Siew Yen; Anderson, Robert H. Abstract: The Association for European Paediatric Cardiology, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery, have recently published detailed hierarchical listings for the description of ventricular septal defects. This review details the anatomic basis for the European codes, illustrating the phenotypic features of the various holes that can be described as perimembranous ventricular septal defects. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3754 Title: Heart disease in infants of diabetic mothers Authors: Kulaylat, N.; Narchi, Hassib Abstract: Congenital anomalies occur more commonly in infants born to diabetic mothers, and cardiac defects predominate. Although respiratory problems are also frequently found in those infants, they need to be differentiated from cardiovascular problems that such patients may also have, which include cardiovascular maladaptation to extra-uterine life, congenital heart defects and hypertrophic septal cardiomyopathy. A high index of suspicion is required as the specific management may vary and digoxin, or inotropic agents which may be used in heart failure associated with structural heart defects are contraindicated if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is present. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, prognosis and available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The need for antenatal fetal echocardiography in pregnant diabetic mothers is also reviewed, as well as the controversial role of maternal glycemic control in the prevention of these anomalies 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3750 Title: Perioperative anticoagulation for children with prosthetic mechanical valves Authors: Grech, Victor E.; Rees, Philip G. Abstract: The insertion of a mechanical heart valve predisposes to thrombosis and embolism, and for this reason, individuals with mechanical valves who undergo dental/surgical procedures must take special precautions. This article illustrates a protocol for anticoagulation during such procedures in individuals with mechanical valves. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3728 Title: Telemedicine kept simple Authors: Vassallo, David Abstract: Telemedicine (“medicine from a distance”) is about bringing specialist knowledge to a patient from afar, by the use of communication technology. This article is based on personal experience in helping set up a simple, versatile, cheap and effective store-and-forward telemedicine system for the British Defence Medical Services. This system uses readily available still digital cameras to record clinical, radiographic and microscopic images, which are then sent by electronic mail to an organised network of specialists for secondary or tertiary opinion. The system is in use in various countries throughout the world, and has also proven to have civilian and humanitarian uses. The system is now being emulated in civilian practice in the United Kingdom, the United States, and in previously isolated hospitals in the Third World. Reference to the description of the active role played by a telemedicine charity and by medical students on elective in the Third World in setting up telemedicine links using this system. Readers are invited to co-operate in the setting up of a global outreach telemedicine programme, linking elective students, isolated Third World hospitals, and University Teaching Hospitals. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z