CARDIOLOGY 1995

Rapid progress in the field of cardiology calls for an almost continuo us update on latest developments. In particular, this is the case with respect to indications for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The present contribution deals with some topics in this area. The firs t article elaborates on the theme of which diagnostic test is indicate d, under what circumstances, and for which patient. Technical improvem ents in the surgical practice of coronary revascularization are discus sed in the light of better therapeutic results. Unsolved questions of percutaneous dilatation (PTCA) are critically reviewed in a third arti cle. Current problems in surgical treatment of valvular heart disease are dealt with in the fourth report. Finally, the enormous progress in pacemaker medicine that has accumulated since the worldwide first imp lant in 1959 by Angstrom. Senning is summarized in the last contributi on.