American heart journal
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American heart journal · Jun 2011
New insights by optical coherence tomography into the differences and similarities of culprit ruptured plaque morphology in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Plaque rupture is the most common pathology associated with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, limited data are available regarding ruptured plaque morphology and its relationship with the clinical syndrome. This study aimed (1) to provide a morphologic description of ruptured culprit lesions by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and (2) to investigate whether ruptured plaque morphology differs between NSTEMI and STEMI. ⋯ Rupture of the plaque in myocardial infarction usually occurs in sites different than the minimal lumen and at the shoulder of areas with fibrous cap measuring ≤90 μm. Patients with STEMI have greater plaque disruption and smaller minimal lumen area than patients with NSTEMI.
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American heart journal · Jun 2011
Time course of restoration of systolic and diastolic right ventricular function after pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular (RV) pressure overload causes RV remodeling and dysfunction. Successful pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) initiates restoration of RV remodeling and global function. Little is known on the restoration of systolic and diastolic RV function. Using transthoracic echocardiography, we studied the time course and extent of postoperative restoration of systolic and diastolic RV function. ⋯ Postoperative reduction in RV afterload caused an immediate improvement in RV dimension and global function. In contrast, systolic and diastolic RV function deteriorated after PEA with subsequently a gradual yet incomplete restoration during 1-year follow-up.
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American heart journal · Jun 2011
Safety and efficacy of femoral vascular closure devices in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
The use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) for the reduction of access site complications following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. Patients undergoing primary PCI for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at high risk of femoral artery complications. A lack of information exists regarding the use of VCDs in this group of patients because they have been routinely excluded from randomized trials. This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the routine use of VCDs after primary PCI. ⋯ The use of VCDs in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI is safe and is associated with lower rates of MVC compared with manual compression.