Aortic stenosis (AS) is classified according to gradient into high flow and high gradient (D1), low flow-low gradient with reduced ejection fraction (D2), and paradoxical low flow-low gradient with conserved ejection fraction (D3). D3 AS is characterized by ≥50% ejection fraction, but with systolic volume index ≤35 ml/min. Post TAVR evolution of D2 and D3<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/04/05/tavr-in-the-different-types-of-aortic-stenosis/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Drug eluting stents (DES) have improved considerably over the years, reducing the initial indices of instent restenosis (ISR) by roughly 5-10% a year in USA. However, DES failure might lead to neointimal hyperplasia and neoatherosclerosis, which increases the chance of developing chronic and acute coronary syndromes. Drug coated balloons (DCB), which administer anti-proliferative agents with<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/03/21/agent-ide-drug-coated-balloons-for-instent-restenosis/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Individual randomized studies have shown variable results regarding the mortality risk following treatment of left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD), either through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, upon assessment of the latest meta-analyses (with matched data), similar risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality have been reported for both groups.<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/03/21/rehospitalization-after-treatment-of-left-main-coronary-artery-disease-and-its-prognosis-sub-analysis-of-the-excel-study/" title="Read more" >...</a>
A lesion ≥50% in the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is considered severe, according to various scientific societies, regardless of the presence of symptoms or ischemia, due to the extent of myocardium at risk. In such cases, revascularization is indicated. In many patients, lesions in this section of the coronary artery have severe calcification, which<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/03/13/lithotripsy-in-the-left-main-coronary-artery/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Patients suffering from immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease (CID) face a high risk of developing heart disease, including aortic valve disease. Inflammatory vascular disease when triggered by an autoimmune condition, can prompt a harmful response leading to valve degeneration, with increased calcification and fibrosis, and the associated progression of stenosis, failure or both. Prior research has<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/03/04/post-tavr-long-term-outcomes-in-patients-with-chronic-inflammatory-disease/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Several scientific societies support performing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as a stand-alone procedure, even though it is often associated to other cardiomyopathies requiring transcatheter intervention. Though still controversial, combining LAAO and any other cardiac intervention might reduce hospitalizations, as well as the need for additional punctures, anesthesia, red tape, a longer stay and higher<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/02/06/left-atrial-appendage-closure-and-concomitant-transcatheter-intervention-can-we/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Severe mitral disease is common and currently constitutes a frequent cause of hospitalization and death. While surgery is the treatment of choice, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) emerges as a valid alternative in cases of bioprosthesis failure, ring malfunction, or severe mitral annular calcification (MAC). Furthermore, the latest medical guidelines support the recommendation of TMVR<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/01/26/transcatheter-mitral-valve-replacement-doac-or-vka/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Radial wall strain (RWS) has been recently linked with plaque vulnerability and has been identified as a predictor of lesion progression and clinical outcomes. However, RWS should be assessed together with physiological indices and plaque characteristics. The aim of this post hoc analysis of the CCTA-FFR registry was to look into the link between RWS<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2024/01/23/relationship-of-radial-wall-strain-with-functional-and-morphological-assessment-of-coronary-artery-lesions/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty offers a novel strategy for treating coronary artery disease. Studies assessing this strategy have shown clinical outcomes comparable to drug-eluting stents’ (DES) in patients with in-stent restenosis and de novo disease in small vessels. However, evidence for the use of DCB in large coronary vessels is limited. This observational, retrospective study DCB<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2023/12/21/outcomes-of-the-use-of-drug-coated-balloons-in-the-treatment-of-de-novo-coronary-lesions/" title="Read more" >...</a>
TAVR has been shown beneficial over time, and with the development of new generation of prosthetic valves and implantation techniques, outcomes have been improved, reducing the incidence of leaks y and the need for definite pacemaker. This study looked at the evolution of 100 patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis treated with Myval THV from Meril<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2023/12/19/myval-a-tavr-balloon-expandable-valve-with-promising-results/" title="Read more" >...</a>