EuroIntervention : journal of EuroPCR in collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology
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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.
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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.