Proximal optimization technique (POT) has been recommended as a standard strategy in bifurcation lesions because it facilitates proper stent implantation and apposition in the proximal main vessel, according to the European Bifurcation Club. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) has specific characteristics, and the long-term impact of this strategy...
Use of Transjugular Echocardiography in TAVR
TAVR is a well-established course of treatment, increasingly indicated in lower risk populations. However, one of the challenges associated with self-expanding TAVR, compared against balloon expandable TAVR and SAVR, is the frequent need for definite permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). High implantation, also known as cusp overlapping (COT), has been shown to reduce the need for...
Post TAVR Long Term Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Disease
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...
MIL Group Webinar – Bringing More MIL / MINT to Light Through CLIMB Grants
Next Thursday, May 2, we invite all Latin American women interventionists to participate in a new virtual event of the MIL-SOLACI Group in which we will speak about the Women as One CLIMB scholarship program. May 2, 2024 – 06.30 pm. (GMT -3) We will be waiting for you in a great educational event in...
Treatment of Femoropopliteal Lesions with Low-Dose vs. High-Dose Drug-Coated Balloons
The use of drug-covered balloons (DCBs) has increased significantly for the endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease. Previous studies on first-generation high-dose DCB (HD-DCB) have validated its benefits, thus supporting its recommendation in current clinical guidelines. However, there have been reports of adverse effects associated with paclitaxel and its excipients. Second-generation, lower-dose DCBs (LD-DCB) have...
Network Meta-Analysis of Complementary Imaging (IVUS/OCT + Conventional Angiography) for Coronary Stenting
Complementary imaging allows for the identification of numerous scenarios not visible with conventional angiography (ICA), both for the assessment of differential diagnoses and the improvement of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes. Advantages include assessment of plaque characteristics, vessel plaque burden, stent edge dissection, vessel diameter, and correct apposition, among others. While intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was...
Motivation Survey and Barriers to Interventional Cardiology Training in Latin America – MIL Group
Interventional cardiology is one of the medical specialties of fastest development in the last 20 years. In Latin America, interventional cardiology is no stranger to the European trend where our career path chosen mostly by men, despite the growing population of medical school female enrolment. This poll on barriers and motivation to choosing an interventional...
Use of Intravascular Lithotripsy in Left Main
The Left main coronary artery supplies circulation to roughly 70% of myocardium, and left main disease requires a high risk intervention with significant impact on patient prognosis. The current guidelines have set the threshold for intervention in LM disease at ≥50% stenosis, irrespective of the presence of symptoms or ischemic burden. LM calcification is an...
Edge-to-Edge Repair in Cardiogenic Shock
The edge-to-edge approach with MitraClip has been established as a valid strategy for patients who experience severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MI) with high risk for surgery, currently with a IIa indication. MI complicated by cardiogenic shock, which results in a high risk for conventional valve surgery, is a particularly complex scenario. In such a case,...
Escalators Award 2024 Women as One – MIL Group Invitation
From the Group of Latin American Women Interventionists (MIL Group) we are happy to extend this invitation to participate in the Escalators Award 2024, organized by Women as One. This prestigious program of scholarships and mentorships for the development of young female cardiologists around the world will pair highly experienced mentors to fellow interventionists. It...