Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
-
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv · Dec 2006
Case ReportsIntravascular ultrasound identification of intraluminal embolic plaque material during carotid angioplasty with stenting.
Carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) has evolved as a viable method for treating patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy. Strokes complicating CAS are most commonly caused by the liberation and distal embolization of embolic material from plaque during the procedure. ⋯ IVUS can identify intraluminal plaque material, which may be a precursor for embolism and delayed ischemic events after CAS. IVUS may allow for treatment before distal embolization of plaque material. Virtual histology IVUS software may help to identify carotid lesions at higher risk for significant embolization during CAS.
-
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv · Dec 2006
Trends in percutaneous versus surgical revascularization of unprotected left main coronary stenosis in the drug-eluting stent era: a report from the American College of Cardiology-National Cardiovascular Data Registry (ACC-NCDR).
We sought to determine how practice patterns for unprotected left main stenosis have changed with the advent of drug-eluting stents (DES). ⋯ In the era of DES, the rate of PCI for unprotected left main stenosis has risen, while CABG has declined. These findings are seen across varying clinical situations, including elective procedures. DES have rapidly and largely replaced bare metal stents for PCI of unprotected left mains. However, PCI is still chosen less frequently than CABG for unprotected left main revascularization.
-
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv · Dec 2006
Cardiac catheterization in infants weighing less than 1,500 grams.
The improved survival of very low-birth-weight (<1,500 g) infants justifies more aggressive attempts to treat underlying congenital heart disease than in the past. ⋯ Cardiac catheterization in neonates <1,500 g is more likely to include percutaneous intervention, especially on the left side, but is generally successful with a complication rate similar to procedures performed in larger infants. Although these procedures are rare, improved miniaturization of equipment would facilitate safer interventions.