International journal of cardiology
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Kommerell's diverticulum is a complex congenital malformation of aorta. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative manufacturing process that allows computer-assisted conversion of 3D imaging data into physical "printouts." The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and impact of using patient-specific 3D-printed cardiac prototypes derived from computed tomography data on surgical decision-making and preoperative planning for Kommerell's diverticulum. ⋯ 3D printed models can improve the understanding of anatomy and allow anticipation of surgical technique challenges, which could radically assist surgical planning, and safe execution of surgery for Kommerell's diverticulum. The combination of 3D printing technique and surgical procedure is a promising perspective for treatment of complex aortic malformation.
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Meta Analysis
Network meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcomes in randomized controlled trials of new antidiabetic drugs.
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing cardiovascular outcomes of new antidiabetic drugs are lacking. We used network meta-analysis to compare new antidiabetic drug classes with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality. ⋯ All-cause mortality and MACE were reduced by the SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 RAs, but not DPP-4 inhibitors. The SGLT-2 inhibitor had the most beneficial impact on all-cause mortality. DPP-4 inhibitors showed no cardiovascular benefit and were inferior to the other two drug classes in preventing deaths.
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Observational Study
Arterial hypertension in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe: A report from the EURObservational Research Programme pilot survey on atrial fibrillation.
Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent co-morbidity among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients; the relationship between the two is bidirectional, with an incremental effect on adverse outcomes. ⋯ AF-HTN patients have a higher prevalence of comorbidities and this conferred a higher risk for a composite endpoint of all-cause death and thromboembolic events. In this cohort HTN did not independently predict all-cause mortality at 1-year.
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Comment Letter
Prosthetic valve endocarditis in patients on hemodialysis.