After a 5-year followup, the transcatheter aortic replacement (TAVR) with the self-expandable valve has offered clinical outcomes similar to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) outcomes for intermediate risk patients. As we already knew form the 2-year followup, the all-cause or disabling stroke rate at 5 years between TAVR and SAVR continued to be similar (31.3%…
10 Years Treating Bifurcations: Have We Made Progress?
Bifurcations have been, are and will be challenging. However, we have to admit we have gained experience and have more tools than pioneer interventionists and many of the early experts who have made history. This study assessed the ten-year trends in coronary bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) looking at patient and lesion characteristics, devices used,…
Should Total Occlusion Influence on Revascularization Strategy?
Success or failure of total occlusion (TO) revascularization does not affect mortality at 10 years, and this does not depend on revascularization strategy (PCI vs surgery) or location. The long-term clinical benefit of recanalization and PCI or TO artery bypass graft remains nuclear. This is a sub-study of the SYNTAXES (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus…
Net Clinical Benefit of Long-Term Ticagrelor
Ticagrelor reduces ischemic risk in patients with a history of acute myocardial infarction, but it increases the risk of bleeding. Keeping a delicate balance is paramount when prescribing long-term ticagrelor to patients with a history of infarction. The PEGASUS-TIMI 54 study randomized 21,162 patients with a history of infarction on a 1:1:1 ratio: some received ticagrelor…
Long-Term Cardiovascular Effects of COVID-19
In many places worldwide, the worst part of the pandemic is still to come. Meanwhile, in other areas, the number of cases is rising again. In this context, the long-term effects of COVID-19 are starting to show. Many believe this is not a current issue, but it will definitely be a problem in the future.…