Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyCryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: first results of the North American Arctic Front (STOP AF) pivotal trial.
This study sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of a novel cryoballoon ablation technology designed to achieve single-delivery pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. ⋯ The STOP AF trial demonstrated that cryoballoon ablation is a safe and effective alternative to antiarrhythmic medication for the treatment of patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF, for whom at least one antiarrhythmic drug has failed, with risks within accepted standards for ablation therapy. (A Clinical Study of the Arctic Front Cryoablation Balloon for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation [Stop AF]; NCT00523978).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2013
Multicenter StudyTranscatheter aortic valve implantation for pure severe native aortic valve regurgitation.
This study sought to collect data and evaluate the anecdotal use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in pure native aortic valve regurgitation (NAVR) for patients who were deemed surgically inoperable ⋯ This registry analysis demonstrates the feasibility and potential procedure difficulties when using TAVI for severe NAVR. Acceptable results may be achieved in carefully selected patients who are deemed too high risk for conventional surgery, but the possibility of requiring 2 valves and leaving residual aortic regurgitation remain important considerations.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of prasugrel and ticagrelor loading doses in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: RAPID (Rapid Activity of Platelet Inhibitor Drugs) primary PCI study.
This study sought to compare the action of prasugrel and ticagrelor in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). ⋯ In patients with STEMI, prasugrel showed to be noninferior as compared with ticagrelor in terms of residual platelet reactivity 2 h after the LD. The 2 drugs provide an effective platelet inhibition 2 h after the LD in only a half of patients, and at least 4 h are required to achieve an effective platelet inhibition in the majority of patients. Morphine use is associated with a delayed activity of these agents. (Rapid Activity of Platelet Inhibitor Drugs Study, NCT01510171).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2013
Meta AnalysisIncidence, predictors, and outcomes of aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: meta-analysis and systematic review of literature.
This study was designed to establish the incidence, impact, and predictors of post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) aortic regurgitation (AR). ⋯ Moderate or severe aortic regurgitation is common after TAVR and an adverse prognostic indicator of short- and long-term survival. Incidence of moderate or severe AR is higher with use of the CoreValve. Mild AR may be associated with increased long-term mortality. Therefore, every effort should be made to minimize AR by a comprehensive pre-procedural planning and meticulous procedural execution.