Optimizing an antiplatelet therapy after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) aims at reducing the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) caused by atherosclerotic disease. Ticagrelor is a potent P2Y12 inhibitor that directly prevents platelet activation. It is characterized by a rapid and consistent onset of action throughout its administration (twice daily) and its proven pleiotropic effects,...
The benefit of first-generation Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) over Bare Metal Stents (BMS) is largely known. Moreover, technological developments have led to reduced strut size, biodegradable polymers, and new scaffolds, which in turn have led to improved outcomes. These are known as ultrathin stents, and its struts measure between 70 and 100 microns, which contributes to...
Currently, edge-to-edge therapy with MitraClip has demonstrated efficacy and safety for the treatment of patients with degenerative or functional mitral regurgitation who are at high risk for surgery. However, device-related complications are still present—though their frequency is subsiding due to greater experience, 3D doppler echocardiography development, and technological advancements: loss of leaflet insertion (LLI), single...
The use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has seen exponential growth across registries over the years, combined with mounting and increasingly robust evidence. The fact that it will enable us to characterize plaque morphology and extension prior the intervention, and even assess stent expansion post intervention, has turned it into a pillar of our efforts to...
Positron emission tomography (PET) with F sodium fluoride (F-NaF) allows for the assessment of microcalcification activity (MA) in a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis. In coronary artery disease, this tracer correlates with progressive disease and allows for the prediction of atherosclerosis progression. Unlike PETs, computed tomography (CT) allows for the evaluation of an...
The potent and fast endovenous platelet inhibition provided by Cangrelor reduces ischemic events early in the course of acute coronary syndrome. However, and despite mounting evidence, the drug is not reaching the clinical practice. This is a sub-analysis of the CHAMPION PHOENIX, which sought the timing, number and type of early events that could be...
In some cases, full atrioventricular (AV) block occurs beyond two days after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This highlights the usefulness of extending monitoring after discharge, particularly in patients who tolerated the procedure well, but meet high-risk criteria. We have made great progress regarding conduction disorders in TAVR, especially after the publication of the consensus...
The higher the age, the greater the benefit of ticagrelor monotherapy vs. dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome. This post hoc sub-analysis of the TICO study goes along the same lines as the TWILIGHT study (which we recently discussed), given that age is the most common reason for considering that a...
This last year, new data in coronary disease gave way to changes in practices and new hypotheses, when not simply further justified the already existing evidence. In this new editorial section, we share the most relevant of last year’s works to keep you up to speed on the main topics in the field. The Most...
This last year, new data in structural heart disease gave way to changes in practices and new hypotheses, when not simply further justified the already existing evidence. In this new editorial section, we share the most relevant of last year’s works to keep you up to speed on the main topics in the field. The...