Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Fava Surgical aortic valve replacement in a small annulus (<400 mm2) is associated with shorter duration, higher valve deterioration and patient prosthesis mismatch (PPM). They present a negative impact as regards duration and evolution. TAVR might be an option, with superior hemodynamic outcome and lower PPM. Read also: “Patients and Healthcare<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/12/06/small-aortic-annulus-what-valve-should-we-choose/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Use of IV bicarbonate instead of saline and administration of oral N-acetylcysteine are not effective strategies for preventing contrast-associated acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing angiography, according to the randomized PRESERVE trial that was presented at the AHA 2017 Scientific Sessions and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/11/16/preserve-iv-bicarbonate-and-oral-n-acetylcysteine-do-not-prevent-contrast-associated-acute-kidney-injury/" title="Read more" >...</a>
A large study conducted in 19 countries has found that a policy of restrictive red-cell transfusion during cardiac surgery is just as safe and effective as more liberal policies. TRICS III enrolled 5243 patients and was presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Patients were<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/11/16/trics-iii-restrictive-transfusion-was-noninferior-to-liberal-use-in-patients-who-undergo-cardiac-surgery/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Most literature, old and recent, associates carotid artery stenting with a higher rate of stroke (although minor) when compared with carotid endarterectomy during the acute period. However, 30-day outcomes of angioplasty and surgery are comparable. Many technical advancements, including new stent designs and different cerebral protection mechanisms, have improved the outcomes of angioplasty in clinical<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/11/10/efficacy-of-micromesh-covered-stents-in-carotid-artery-stenting/" title="Read more" >...</a>
The ADVANCE study was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with self-expanding prosthesis CoreValve in “real world” patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis at high surgical risk. Patients were enrolled from 44 experimental centers in 12 countries; treatment approach and choice of anaesthesia were determined by the local Heart Team.<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/10/25/new-study-confirms-tavr-durability-at-5-years/" title="Read more" >...</a>
The reference vessel diameter is a fundamental factor for restenosis after coronary angioplasty even with drug-eluting stents. The smallest sized stents available are 2.25 mm in diameter, but even smaller vessels can be symptomatic. This was a prospective multicenter trial of the Resolute Onyx 2.0-mm zotarolimus-eluting stent. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure. Read also: “Effects<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/10/25/2-0-mm-des-for-very-small-vessels-are-they-viable/" title="Read more" >...</a>
No study has been able to prove long-term benefit of regular imaging follow-up after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair by means of endoprosthesis implantation. This is important because the costs for these studies are high, which should be added to potential radiation and contrast morbidity. This work sought to characterize the association between post-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/09/08/minimum-appropriate-follow-up-reduces-mortality-after-endoprosthesis-implantation/" title="Read more" >...</a>
See the list of winners for all contests carried out as part of the last SOLACI-CACI 2017 Congress. The names were announced on Friday, August 4th, at the Congress closing ceremony. SOLACI-CACI 2017 Congress Best Abstract Award: Dr. Gabriel Maluenda. Title: “Single Trans-Septal Access Technique for Left Atrial Intracardial Echocardiography to Guide Left Atrial Appendage Closure.” <a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/08/10/solaci-caci-2017-all-winners/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Although chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a common finding, there is little consensus as to when such lesions should be treated routinely with angioplasty. Benefits of successful rechanneling include relief of symptoms, resolution of ischemia, improvement in ventricular function, and avoidance of myocardial revascularization surgery. Unsuccessful rechanneling is common and may be associated with several adverse events,<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/07/19/in-which-patients-should-we-attempt-chronic-total-occlusion-rechanneling/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Fava. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has already proven to be beneficial for high-risk and inoperable patients. In that sense, it is also an increasingly frequent solid option for lower-risk patients. However, due to the presence of valve calcifications, it may occasionally be necessary to assess the benefits and risks of valve dilation<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2017/06/26/tavi-without-predilation-is-feasible-and-safe/" title="Read more" >...</a>