Long-term follow-up of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and developed left bundle branch block (LBBB) after the procedure seems reassuring. Although it is not benign, it is associated with more conduction defects, more pacemakers, and worsening ventricular function. Long-term follow-up “partially reassures” the concerns of many physicians about new LBBB after TAVR....
This angiographic substudy supports the safety of drug-coated balloons in small vessels. Despite better angiographic outcomes, there were eight cases of stent thrombosis among drug-eluting stent (DES) patients, while there was none with drug-coated balloons. In patients with small vessels, using a drug-coated balloon appears safe and comparable to DES, with favorable angiographic outcomes at...
This new analysis shows the mechanism behind the benefit of using MitraClip and the necessary degree of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) to have an impact. Regardless the intervention type, patients with cardiac failure and secondary mitral regurgitation present lower hospitalization for cardiac failure, all-cause mortality and improved quality of life the lower the MR. MitraClip...
Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Fava. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most frequent valvulopathy in Europe and US, affecting close to 10% of patients over 75, with more morbidity and mortality. The treatment of choice is percutaneous repair instead of replacement, to maintain the sub-valvular apparatus that contributes to systole. This is feasible and has better...
This study especially designed to compare PCI vs. CABG in patients with left main coronary artery disease and low to intermediate Syntax score showed that 30-day and 3 -year outcomes of PCI with everolimus eluting stents vs CABG were consistent both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The randomized EXCEL trial (Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary...
1- Long-Term Foramen Ovale Closure after Cryptogenic Stroke Patent foramen ovale closure is the standard treatment for cryptogenic stroke patients. However, there are is little information on its long-term evolution. Read more 2- Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Is There a New Plan A? The last available evidence suggests that open surgery should be the...
Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Fava. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is more common than we thought. Around 1.6 million people in the US and over 3 million in Europe experience significant TR. It usually has a functional cause and its negative impact on patient prognosis is strong. Its surgical treatment is challenging, and it is important that its resolution...
Patent foramen ovale closure is the standard treatment for cryptogenic stroke patients. However, there are is little information on its long-term evolution. The aim of this study was to determine clinical outcomes (death, ischemic or bleeding events) after foramen ovale closure over a 10-year evolution. The study included 201 consecutive patients (mean age 47...
Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Fava. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has already demonstrated benefit for different risk groups, but one of the remaining challenges is the reduction of the need for a pacemaker, which is still high for self-expanding valves compared with expandable balloons. The study enrolled 203 patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR with...
Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) with MitraClip was shown feasible and safe, and therefore a viable option for symptomatic patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation of prohibitive risk. In this regard, the procedure alleviates symptoms, cardiac regurgitation and has a potential benefit on ventricular remodeling. However, many patients presented atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve...