International journal of cardiology
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Predicting improvement of myocardial function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis (AS) remains a challenge. As ejection fraction (EF) may be of limited value in detecting early myocardial dysfunction and predicting outcome, we assessed the potential of echocardiographic longitudinal function in this setting. ⋯ Overall, LS appears to be more sensitive for detecting early myocardial damage in patients with AS compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters. More importantly, pre-interventional LS may identify irreversible myocardial dysfunction and LS improvement correlates with symptomatic improvement after intervention.
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Surgical revascularization is the most appropriate therapy for patients with significant left main coronary-artery disease (LMD). An incidence of perioperative stroke remains an issue when compared to the early outcomes to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study evaluates the safety and impact of standardized "clampless" OPCAB techniques, composed of either complete in situ grafting or "clampless" device enabled techniques for stroke reduction in patients undergoing surgical revascularization for LMD. ⋯ This study shows the superiority of OPCAB for patients with LMD with regards to risk-adjusted outcomes other than mortality. A "clampless OPCAB strategy", effectively reduces stroke yielding similar early outcomes as PCI.
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Review Meta Analysis
Measurement accuracy of non-invasively obtained central blood pressure by applanation tonometry: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Non-invasive methods based on applanation tonometry have been proposed to estimate central blood pressure. However, the accuracy of these methods hasn't been systematically examined. ⋯ Present tonometry-based central BP estimating methods are acceptable in theory, with small errors. However, based on current available evidence, there is substantial room for improvement in measurement accuracy of central BP when cuff BP is used to calibrate the peripheral waveforms.