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For more than 20 years, tremendous efforts have been made to develop cell-based therapies for treatment of heart failure. However, the results of clinical trials using somatic, nonpluripotent stem or progenitor cells have been largely disappointing in both cardiology and cardiac surgery scenarios. Surgical groups were among the pioneers of experimental and clinical myocyte transplantation (“cellular cardiomyoplasty”), but little translational progress was made prior to the development of cellular reprogramming for creation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Ever since, protocols have been developed which allow for the derivation of large numbers of autologous cardiomyocytes (CMs) from patient-specific iPSC, moving translational research closer toward clinical pilot trials. However, compared with somatic cell therapy, the technology required for safe and efficacious pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based therapies is extremely complex and requires tremendous resources and close interactions between basic scientists and clinicians. This review summarizes PSC sources, strategies to derive CMs, current cardiac tissue engineering approaches, concerns regarding immunogenicity and cellular maturity, and highlights the contributions made by surgical groups.

Ziel: Hochvolumige Datensatze der bildgebenden Diagnostik (Direktradiografie, Multi-Slice-CT etc.) sichern die diagnostische Betreuung. Die bildgebende Diagnostik hat als Querschnittsfach Schrittmacherfunktion fur effektive Workflow-Szenarien ubernommen. Fur ein effektives Datenmanagement sind hierfur seit Jahren Konzepte zur Datenkompression diskutiert worden. Im Februar 2008 hat eine Konsensuskonferenz der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft stattgefunden. Es wurden einzelne Datenkompressionstechniken, Kompressionsfaktoren und deren Organbezug tabellarisch als Empfehlung zusammengestellt. Material und Methoden: Unsere Arbeit gibt eine Gesamtubersicht uber den Literaturstand zur Datenkompression, Technologie (JPEG und JPEG 2000) und Organbezug und analysiert unterschiedliche Workflow-Szenarien. Dies war Grundlage der Konsensuskonferenz. Die Studien wurden in 4 Level (0 – 3) in Abhangigkeit zu ihrer Evidenz eingeteilt. Fur den hochsten Level 3 konnten 51 Studien ausgewertet werden. Ergebnisse: Mit Ausnahme der Schadel-CT wird ein einheitlicher Kompressionsfaktor von 1 : 8 empfohlen. Schadel-CT konnen ohne diagnostischen Qualitatsverlust mit einem Kompressionswert von 1:5 komprimiert werden. Aus Workflow-Sicht empfehlen wir, Kompressionen an den Modalitaten (CT etc.) vorzunehmen. PACS-basierte Kompressionen sind jedoch derzeit ublich. In diesen Fallen werden allerdings nicht alle Workflow-Vorteile genutzt. Schlussfolgerung: Aus der Literaturubersicht hinsichtlich Technik, Organbezug und unserer Empfehlung zum Workflow ergibt sich die Forderung an die Industrie, die bildgebenden Modalitaten mit einem Kompressionsfilter auszustatten. Es gilt, dass grundsatzlich pro Bilddatensatz nur einmal komprimiert wird. Purpose: Today healthcare policy is based on effectiveness. Diagnostic imaging became a ”pacesetter” due to amazing technical developments (e. g. multislice CT), extensive data volumes, and especially the well defined workflow-orientated scenarios on a local and (inter)national level. To make centralized networks sufficient, image data compression has been regarded as the key to a simple and secure solution. In February 2008 specialized working groups of the DRG held a consensus conference. They designed recommended data compression techniques and ratios. Material und Methoden: The purpose of our paper is an international review of the literature of compression technologies, different imaging procedures (e. g. DR, CT etc.), and targets (abdomen, etc.) and to combine recommendations for compression ratios and techniques with different workflows. The studies were assigned to 4 different levels (0 – 3) according to the evidence. 51 studies were assigned to the highest level 3. Results: We recommend a compression factor of 1 : 8 (excluding cranial scans 1:5). For workflow reasons data compression should be based on the modalities (CT, etc.). PACS-based compression is currently possible but fails to maximize workflow benefits. Only the modality-based scenarios achieve all benefits. Conclusion: Imaging equipment manufacturers are encouraged to improve the compression technology of their imaging devices (e. g. freely selectable compression ratios in the output filter). Double compression should be strictly avoided. Lossless compression formats should be switched off.

The rate of contrast injection during i.v. urography may vary considerably (bolus injection or drip infusion). The effect of 5 rates of injection (6, 12, 18, 36 and 72 ml/min) on the contrast density in the renal collecting system was examined over a period of 30 minutes. Measurements showed an inter-individual difference of more than 200% in each group. The intra-individual variations for different rates of injection were very slight; individual concentration in the kidney for a given dose depends only slightly on the rate of injection. There is no statistically significant improvement in contrast values as a result of a bolus injection. The reduced incidence of side effects justifies the use of bolus injections but pressure injections are unnecessary from a diagnostic point view.

The lymphographic findings in 20 patients with AIDS-most in clinical stage IV-can be divided into four categories. In six there were no specific changes and in a further six the storage pattern was that of sinus histiocytosis. One patient showed transition to malignant lymphoma and another patient had atypical mycobacterial infection of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Six patients showed a lymphographic pattern of scarring. The results of this study show that lymphography is a sensitive method that can provide important additional information.

In a prospective study of 20 cases, the importance of nuclear magnetic resonance as a diagnostic tool in cervix carcinoma was investigated. The results were compared with those of the Computer tomography as well as with those of the clinical examinations. The histology served as "Standard". In the evaluation of the local tumor invasion the gynecological examination appeared to be the most important. The involvement of regional lymph nodes was detected more accurately by the NMR as compared to CT. The exact clinical staging was not achieved by either method; thus these new diagnostic methods do not alter the planning and the technique of the operation.

Partial and total trans-catheter embolisation of the spleen with butyl-2-cyanoacrylate-lipiodol in 23 dogs lead to partial necrosis and cicatrisation of the spleen after 3 to 5 weeks. The embolised vessels do not recanalise, but are by-passed by extra- and intra-splenic collaterals. In five animals there was a reduction in the number of erythrocytes; after embolisation there was increase in the number of leucocytes, whereas the thrombocytes were unchanged. The most common complication which occurred in five animals was a 1.5 to 2.5 cm. splenic abscess. The procedure was employed without success in one patient with bleeding oesophageal varices. The procedure was complicated by extensive necrosis of the gastric mucosa. Trans-catheter embolisation of the spleen has significant complications, despite strict asepsis and antibiotic cover. The main indication of the procedure is hypersplenism which cannot be treated surgically.

Transrenal ureteric embolisation with the tissue adhesive butyl 2-cyano-acrylate mixed with lipiodol and tantalum powder produces rapid and effective occlusion of the ureter. This can be combined with the use of a Gianturco spiral. In an experimental series of eight dogs observed for 54 days, the adhesive disappeared partly in three animals and totally in a further three. Fibrotic ureteric stenosis was observed in three animals. Clinical results were rather better because of the presence of external urinary drainage. Twenty-one ureters in eighteen patients were occluded either unilaterally or bilaterally, and sometimes combined with percutaneous contralateral renal embolisation. After one to four months, the ureter was still occluded in three out of six cases; after five to 17 months, three out of five cases were no longer totally occluded, but in two cases they were still blocked. The procedure is new and suitable for the treatment of otherwise untreatable conditions, such as extensive urinary fistulae, bladder tenesmus and haematuria due to extensive tumours of the minor pelvis.

Between 1978 and 1983 fifty-two abdominal abscesses in 44 patients were drained percutaneously. 79% of the abscesses occurred as postoperative complications. The overall success rate was 60%, whereas only 42% of left subphrenic abscesses were cured. Complications were encountered in 4.5%. Reasons for drainage failures were: liver sequestration, loculation, fistulae and recurrences. Percutaneous abscess drainage is an alternative, and valuable addition, to surgery.

As a side effect after radical lymphonodectomy in the pelvic lymphatic cysts may occur on one or both sides. Only when they are big clinical signs will arise by compression. For diagnostic ultrasonic and computer tomography are superior to other radiological methods.

The value of magnetic resonance tomography in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix was studied in a prospective series of 20 patients. The results were compared with those of computed tomography and with the clinical findings. The diagnosis depended on the postoperative histology. Gynaecological examination proved superior to imaging methods in determining the extent of local tumour spread. Tumour involvement of the regional lymphatic system was better demonstrated by MRT than by CT. Exact staging proved inadequate with both these methods and the new imaging methods have not produced any changes in operative planning or technique.

A percutaneous catheter which can be looped by means of a nylon thread was used in 32 patients for percutaneous biliary drainage. The catheter can be fixed in this way and is thereby prevented from migrating from the biliary system. The catheter is not suitable for proximal obstructions. Problems may arise during the removal of the nylon thread and loss of looping of the point of catheter.

The possibility of percutaneous antegrade papillotomy under image intensifier control was investigated in eight dogs. It was successful in five animals. Successful papillotomy can be recognised radiologically and also by the feel of the catheter. The effect of papillotomy can be demonstrated by a fall of the pressure gradient existing between common bile duct and duodenum. The use of this method in patients is discussed.