EuroIntervention : journal of EuroPCR in collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology
-
Arterial plaque rupture and thrombus characterise ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and may aggravate delayed arterial healing following durable polymer drug-eluting stent (DP-DES) implantation. Biodegradable polymer (BP) may improve biocompatibility. We compared long-term outcomes in STEMI patients receiving BP-DES vs. durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (DP-SES). ⋯ In STEMI, BP-DES demonstrated superior clinical outcomes to DP-SES at four years. Trends towards reduced cardiac death or myocardial infarction and reduced stent thrombosis require corroboration in specifically powered trials.
-
To investigate the effects of clopidogrel and eptifibatide on platelet reactivity in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and hypothermia. ⋯ Post-resuscitation syndrome with ongoing hypothermia is associated with decreased platelet reactivity. Clopidogrel loading does not significantly affect platelet function during the first 48 hours. This is in contrast with eptifibatide which produces profound platelet inhibition, and may be used to bridge insufficient inhibition by clopidogrel.
-
Observational Study
Improved endothelial function and decreased levels of endothelium-derived microparticles after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Degenerative aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is independently associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased levels of circulating endothelium-derived microparticles (EMPs) as a marker of compromised endothelial integrity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether therapy for severe AVS by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) improves endothelial function and decreases EMPs. ⋯ Therapy for AVS by TAVI was associated with improved endothelial function and integrity indicating beneficial effects of TAVI on systemic arterial function.
-
To evaluate the very long-term risk of recurrent thromboembolic events in patients treated by percutaneous PFO closure. ⋯ Long-term follow-up following percutaneous PFO closure for presumed paradoxical embolism reveals very low recurrence rates. This observation should be put in perspective with recent published randomised trials comparing percutaneous closure and medical therapy.