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Monday, August 30, 2010 | Source: Circulation

African-Americans at Increased Risk of DES Thrombosis

By Jason Kahn

African Americans are at increased risk of definite drug eluting stent (DES) thrombosis, independent of other factors such as socioeconomic status…

Friday, August 27, 2010 | Source: Circulation

Stopping Antiplatelet Therapy Often Unrelated to Major Bleeding, Surgery

By L.A. McKeown

Although major bleeding is a legitimate reason for discontinuing dual antiplatelet therapy, a study that examined reasons for discontinuation found…

Friday, August 27, 2010 | Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions

Fast Hypothermia Before PCI Limits Infarct Size in STEMI Patients

By Caitlin E. Cox

Inducing rapid hypothermia in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention…

Thursday, August 26, 2010 | Source: Circulation

Long-term Results Compare CABG, PCI, Medical Therapy in Stable Multivessel Patients

By Jason Kahn

Stable patients with multivessel disease fare better in terms of long term outcomes with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compared with medical…

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 | Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Impressive Transapical TAVI Results Reported in Very High-Risk Patients

By Kim Dalton

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) via the transapical route can result in low early mortality even in very high risk patients once operators…

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 | Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Meta-analysis: New P2Y12 Antagonists Show Mortality Benefit vs. Clopidogrel

By Caitlin E. Cox

New P2Y12 inhibitors offer a mortality benefit over clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to a meta analysis published…

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 | Source: Journal of the American Medical Association

No Benefit Seen with Elective IABP in High-Risk PCI Patients

By L.A. McKeown

Elective use of intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not reduce the incidence of major adverse…

Monday, August 23, 2010 | Source: JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions

FFR Guidance for Questionable Lesions Dramatically Cuts Stenting vs. IVUS

By Kim Dalton

Physiological assessment of intermediate lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) reduces percutaneous coronary interventions by two thirds compared…

Monday, August 23, 2010 | Source: American Journal of Cardiology

ACUITY: Bivalirudin Lowers Minor Bleeding in SVG PCI Patients

By Jason Kahn

One year results show that bivalirudin monotherapy yields equivalent rates of adverse cardiac events compared with heparin plus a glycoprotein IIb…

Friday, August 20, 2010 | Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes

Optimal Medical Therapy Underprescribed, Discontinued Early in NSTE ACS

By L.A. McKeown

An analysis of patients who have non ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) and the physicians who treat them suggests that optimal…

Friday, August 20, 2010 | Source: European Heart Journal

Meta-analysis: Early Invasive Approach Favored for NSTE ACS

By Alison Palkhivala

In patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST segment elevation (NSTE ACS), an early invasive strategy can reduce the risk of recurrent ischemia…

Thursday, August 19, 2010 | Source: JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions

ST Depression ACS May Require Urgent Cardiac Catheterization

By Jason Kahn

Over one quarter of patients with isolated anterior ST segment depression on electrocardiogram (ECG) may require urgent cardiac catheterization, even…

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 | Source: American Journal of Cardiology

Extra Radiation from Radial Procedures Declines with Operator Experience

By Kim Dalton

Transitioning from femoral to radial access for cardiac catheterization is associated with longer fluoroscopy time as well as a small increase in radiation…

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 | Source: JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions

Identifying Retroperitoneal Hematoma Risk May Help Guide Treatment

By Heather Lindsey

Retroperitoneal hematoma after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncommon but can have serious consequences, including increased risk of…

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 | Source: Journal of the American Medical Association

Health Care System Delays Associated with Mortality in STEMI Patients

By L.A. McKeown

Although door to balloon (D2B) times have been the focus of much research and policy initiatives with regard to patients with ST segment elevation…

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 | Source: JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions

High-Risk Primary PCI Patients Benefit Most from Bivalirudin

By Alison Palkhivala

Treating patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bivalirudin rather than heparin and a glycoprotein IIb IIIa inhibitor…

Monday, August 16, 2010 | Source: JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions

Most Anatomy Suitable for Contemporary TAVI Approaches

By Kim Dalton

Given the available repertoire of prosthetic valves and approaches, the vast majority of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)…

Monday, August 16, 2010 | Source: JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions

Same-Day Discharge Possible After Elective PCI

By Jason Kahn

A protocol utilizing careful selection criteria and thorough pre discharge evaluation allows up to 1 in 7 patients undergoing uncomplicated elective…

Friday, August 13, 2010 | Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions

Even in Trial Setting, Embolic Protection Underused with SVG Stenting

By Caitlin E. Cox

Embolic protection devices have been shown to lower acute myocardial infarction (MI) risk by approximately 40% after stenting saphenous vein graft…

Friday, August 13, 2010 | Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery

Stenting Equivalent to Repeat Surgery for Post-Endarterectomy Carotid Stenosis

By L.A. McKeown

For patients who develop significant stenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS) is as safe as repeat CEA, researchers…

Thursday, August 12, 2010 | Source: Circulation, Cardiovascular Interventions

Myocardial Blush Grade a Valuable Prognostic Tool During Primary PCI

By Jason Kahn

Myocardial blush grade as assessed by the operator during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) correlates strongly with 1 year mortality,…

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Dose Escalation Overcomes Poor Clopidogrel Response in Most Patients

By Kim Dalton

Patients who carry a loss of function allele and show high platelet reactivity after an initial clopidogrel loading dose can usually achieve a protective…

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery

Endovascular Approach Compares Well with Surgery for Aorto-Iliac Disease

By Caitlin E. Cox

Patients with aorto iliac occlusive disease who receive endovascular treatment have fewer short term complications and improved economic outcomes compared…

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 | Source: Archives of Internal Medicine

High Fracture, Migration Rates Seen with Retrievable Vena Cava Filters

By L.A. McKeown

Retrievable vena cava filters used to treat venous thromboembolism appear to have a high rate of fracture and systemic migration, according to a small…

Monday, August 9, 2010 | Source: Stroke

Women Receive Endarterectomy Less Often Than Men After TIA

By Jason Kahn

Women with severe carotid stenosis who suffer a transient ischemic attack (TIA) are less likely than men to receive carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Moreover,…

Monday, August 9, 2010 | Source: American Journal of Cardiology

Most Nonagenarians with STEMI Benefit from Primary PCI

By Kim Dalton

Many very elderly patients who present with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are candidates for primary percutaneous coronary intervention…

Friday, August 6, 2010 | Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes

Medicare AMI Patients Often Transferred to Sub Par Hospitals

By Caitlin E. Cox

More than 40% of Medicare patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are initially admitted to hospitals without revascularization capability…

Friday, August 6, 2010 | Source: American Journal of Cardiology

TLR Strongly Predicts Cardiac Death, MI After BMS or SES

By L.A. McKeown

Clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) appears to be associated with an increased risk of cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI)…

Thursday, August 5, 2010 | Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery

Options Suggested to Improve Carotid Stenting in Symptomatic Patients

By Jason Kahn

Due to biological factors such as unstable plaque, patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease are largely inappropriate candidates for stenting,…

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 | Source: Annals of Internal Medicine

Percutaneous Aortic Valve Technology Promising but Trial Data Limited

By Kim Dalton

In the 8 years since the first successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the technology has emerged as a feasible alternative to surgery…

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Friday, September 3, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Swedish Registry: Guideline Implementation Has Lowered Mortality in AMI Patients

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Improvements in care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) over a 12 year period in Sweden have led to dramatically better outcomes,…

Friday, September 3, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Lessons Learned in Study of Percutaneous Device for Mitral Regurgitation

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—A small feasibility study shows “encouraging” 3 year findings with regard to percutaneous treatment of functional mitral regurgitation…

Thursday, September 2, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Low Dose Best with Heparin But Enoxaparin Possibly Better

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—The use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is fraught with issues such as bleeding risk…

Thursday, September 2, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Everolimus Stent Shows Long-term Advantage Over Sirolimus Stent

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Everolimus eluting stents (EES) appear to provide improved long term outcomes compared with sirolimus eluting stents (SES), in part…

Thursday, September 2, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

GRACE Risk Score Predicts 5-Year Mortality

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Long term registry data demonstrate that the GRACE risk score predicts adverse outcomes through 5 years in patients with acute coronary…

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Long-term Bleeding While on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Worsens Outcome

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Patients who experience bleeding while on prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy are more likely to suffer adverse events and or discontinue…

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 | Source: European Heart Journal

ESC Guidelines: Revascularization Requires Cooperation Across Subspecialties

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released new clinical practice guidelines offering a comprehensive look at coronary…

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Standard Dose Heparin Prevents Thrombus in Fondaparinux-Treated PCI Patients

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with the factor Xa inhibitor fondaparinux can safely undergo percutaneous coronary…

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Ticagrelor, Prasugrel Overcome Platelet Reactivity Better than Clopidogrel

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Two studies presented August 29, 2010, at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress demonstrated the effectiveness of the…

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Biodegradable Polymer DES Still Shows No Benefit vs. Permanent Polymer

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—At 2 years, the putative late safety advantage of a biodegradable polymer drug eluting stent (DES) over permanent polymer DES has…

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Trials Suggest Genetics an Unreliable Guide to Antiplatelet Efficacy

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Results of 2 trials exploring the interaction between genetics and antiplatelet therapies have, from different perspectives, cast…

Monday, August 30, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Autologous Stem Cells Lower Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure Patients

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Intracoronary bone marrow stem cell (BMC) therapy for chronic heart failure patients appears to provide multiple benefits, ranging…

Monday, August 30, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

Two Novel Antiplatelet Agents Prove Worthy of Larger Trials

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—A pair of phase 2 studies testing experimental antiplatelet agents—1 in patients undergoing nonurgent percutaneous coronary intervention…

Monday, August 30, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

SOURCE Registry Data Fail to Produce Useful TAVI Risk Score

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Despite analysis of comprehensive data on more than 1,000 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) from…

Sunday, August 29, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

High Dose EPO for STEMI: No LVEF Improvement, but Hope in Clinical Gain

By Kim Dalton

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — A high dose of erythropoietin (EPO) delivered soon after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients…

Sunday, August 29, 2010 | Source: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2010

DES Reduce Revascularization vs. BMS Over the Long Term for STEMI

By Caitlin E. Cox

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—In patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), sirolimus eluting stents (SES) show sustained efficacy at reducing…

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

EuroPCR 2010: Trials Expand Database on Novel Stents, Percutaneous Valves

By Kim Dalton

PARIS, France—The late breaking trials featured at last week’s EuroPCR 2010 were the winners from among a record 70 plus submissions. Several offered…

Friday, May 28, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Intracoronary Adenosine Reduces Myonecrosis in Elective PCI Patients

By Jason Kahn

PARIS, France—In patients who are not given or do not respond to clopidogrel before elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), intracoronary…

Friday, May 28, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Stent Fracture, Strut Malapposition Common in Stent Thrombosis Cases

By Jason Kahn

PARIS, France—In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who experience stent thrombosis, stent fracture and strut malapposition…

Friday, May 28, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Repeated Clopidogrel Loading Doses Can Improve Platelet Response

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—In patients who are carriers of the CYP2C19 2 loss of function allele, progressively increasing the clopidogrel loading dose may help…

Friday, May 28, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Procedures Lead to New, Albeit Silent, Cerebral Lesions

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with a high rate of new silent cerebral ischemic lesions, regardless of…

Thursday, May 27, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Positive Signs for Biolimus A9-Eluting Stents

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—Late breaking trials presented May 25 at EuroPCR 2010 provided good news about real world use of 2 different biolimus A9 eluting stents…

Thursday, May 27, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Left Transradial Approach Superior to Right-Side Access

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—When performing cardiac catheterization via the transradial approach, accessing through the left radial artery slightly lowers fluoroscopy…

Thursday, May 27, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

New Stent Designs Show Mixed Results Versus Endeavor

By Jason Kahn

PARIS, France—Two new stents, one with a “passive” coating to reduce inflammation, the other a drug eluting stent (DES) that releases a sirolimus analog,…

Thursday, May 27, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

First Year of Data Show Promising Survival With Transcatheter Aortic Valve

By Jason Kahn

PARIS, France—The first full year of experience with a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in over 1,000 patients, many of them not eligible…

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Drug-Eluting Balloon Disappoints in Bifurcation Lesions

By Jason Kahn

PARIS, France—In the latest setback for an intriguing technology, a paclitaxel eluting balloon combined with a bare metal stent (BMS) failed to improve…

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR

New DES Design Holds Its Own With Taxus Through 1 Year

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—Twelve month results for a new sirolimus eluting stent featuring micro reservoirs and a biodegradable polymer show promising clinical…

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Xience V Effective in Diabetics, With Low Stent Thrombosis in Real World Patients

By Jason Kahn

PARIS, France—Everolimus eluting stents are angiographically superior to paclitaxel eluting stents in diabetic subjects. Moreover, they are associated…

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

JETSTENT: Thrombectomy Continues to Improve Clinical Outcomes at 1 Year

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—Mechanical thrombectomy added to direct stenting in patients experiencing ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves…

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 | Source: EuroPCR 2010

Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent Noninferior to Xience V

By Caitlin E. Cox

PARIS, France—A novel zotarolimus eluting stent (ZES) shows equivalent safety and effectiveness compared with an everolimus eluting stent (EES) already…