After post TAVR mean 3-year follow-up, a new onset persistent left bundle branch block (LBBB) was not associated with higher mortality or hospitalization for cardiac failure according to this study to be published soon in J Am Coll Cardiol Intv. Nevertheless, LBBB was associated to higher risk of definite pacemaker and a negative impact in<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/06/05/post-tavr-new-onset-left-bundle-branch-block-at-long-term-worth-our-attention/" title="Read more" >...</a>
A small number of highly selected patients presents good outcomes with new bioresorbable scaffold MeRes, but much more evidence is necessary to bring back the concept. The MeRes-1 study tested the newest generation of the Meril Life Sciences bioresorbable scaffold, a device featuring thinner struts compared with Absorb (from 150 µm in Absorb to only<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/30/europcr-2019-meres-1-bioresorbable-scaffolds-return-with-renewed-strength/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Paclitaxel coated balloons in peripheral territory have been under the spotlight for alleged increased mortality, which even though not observed in this study, experts insist, calls for new studies with enough statistical power. Compared against plain balloon angioplasty, paclitaxel coated balloons resulted in improved patency and less revascularization at 24 months in superficial or popliteal<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/29/europcr-2019-effpac-new-peripheral-paclitaxel-coated-balloons-efficacy-with-no-sign-of-mortality/" title="Read more" >...</a>
It has been 3 years since EuroPCR 2016 and the presentation of the first data on possible transcatheter valve degeneration, which sparked fear regarding the possibility that transcatherter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices might degrade earlier than expected due to the pressure put on them to introduce them into the delivery catheter. At EuroPCR 2019,<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/28/europcr-2019-tavr-durability-offers-certain-guarantees-at-8-and-10-years/" title="Read more" >...</a>
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.<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/27/europcr-2019-long-term-follow-up-for-new-left-bundle-branch-block-after-tavr-is-reassuring-with-certain-precautions/" title="Read more" >...</a>
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<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/27/europcr-2019-basket-small-2-drug-coated-balloons-vs-des-in-small-vessels/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Cost and time are the two main enemies of intravascular imaging, but lack of expertise may also play a role. A new European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) expert consensus statement released at EuroPCR 2019 argues that there is a need for more use of intracoronary imaging in settings of acute coronary syndromes and<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/27/europcr-2019-intravascular-imaging-almost-indispensable-for-planning-an-angioplasty/" title="Read more" >...</a>
SOLACI’s Interventional Women in Latin American Group (Grupo de Mujeres Intervencionistas en Latinoamérica, Grupo MIL), led by its Director, Carla Agatiello, will participate in a Think Tank organized by Women as One, next Saturday, May 25th, at Westin Paris Vendôme Hotel in France. The aim of this meeting is to foster and facilitate the inclusion<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/24/grupo-mil-alongside-women-as-one-in-paris/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Drug coated balloons in the context of ST elevation acute myocardial infarction seem safe and feasible under certain circumstances. This single center study is the kickoff to keep studying the possibility of “leaving nothing behind” after primary PCI. This small randomized study revives drug coated balloons to be used particularly instead of stents in young<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/24/europcr-2019-revelation-drug-coated-balloons-in-st-elevation-mi/" title="Read more" >...</a>
Data from randomized studies are also supported by the SCAAR registry, in which ultrathin-strut stents show real-world advantages. Patients with small vessels who received ultrathin-strut stents are less likely to undergo revascularization at 3 years than those who received first-generation thin-strut devices, according to the BIO-RESORT trial, presented during the first day of the annual<a href="https://solaci.org/en/2019/05/23/europcr-2019-bio-resort-and-scaar-registry-ultrathin-struts-also-in-small-vessels-pequenos/" title="Read more" >...</a>