The Journal of invasive cardiology
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Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased bleeding complications, impacting clinical outcome. Transradial PPCI could decrease the risk of bleeding, but concerns about technical difficulties and longer reperfusion times limit its adoption. ⋯ TR-PPCI is feasible in STEMI patients and can be performed efficiently within the time limits recommended. This approach provides advantages in terms of reduction of bleeding that could translate into an improved clinical outcome.
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Significant periprosthetic aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis has become a major concern of this technique given its association with impaired survival. We report the successful closure of such defects using vascular occlusion devices with significant improvement in clinical status of patients.
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A 58-year-old male patient, suffering from an acute anterior ST-elevated myocardial infarction, developed cardiogenic shock, despite an optimal revascularization and hemodynamic support through the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump and inotropic pharmacological agents. Additional support was provided by a left ventricular assistance device Impella LP 5.0 (Abiomed, Europe GmbH). ⋯ There are very few data regarding this type of complication. Further studies are therefore needed to assess the frequency of such a complication and the means to avoid it.
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N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been found to correlate with the severity of aortic valve stenosis and to provide prognostic information in aortic stenosis patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. There is a paucity of data describing the association between clinical outcomes after TAVI and NT-proBNP levels. We investigated the evolution and prognostic value of NT-proBNP levels after TAVI. ⋯ NT-proBNP and atrial fibrillation were predictors for 1-year mortality, offer independent prognostic information, and identify patients being at increased risk for mortality. Thus, NT-proBNP reveals more incremental value for patient selection and should be included in the risk stratification of patients undergoing TAVI.
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Case Reports
Massive pulmonary embolism with shock: role of thrombolysis using central venous access.
Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) complicated with shock has an extremely high mortality rate with medical treatment. Since access to emergency vascular surgery or endovascular specialists is not readily available in most centers, patients are frequently treated with thrombolytic agents delivered via a peripheral venous access. Patients with shock, however, have poor peripheral perfusion, and peripheral administration of thrombolytic agents may thus not reliably deliver the agent to the embolus, reducing treatment efficacy. ⋯ This report describes the case of a 46-year-old man presenting with new-onset atrial fibrillation, right bundle branch block, and shock from a massive PE. In view of shock, thrombolytics were given via a subclavian central venous catheter. He improved dramatically within 1 hour, with prompt resolution of the shock and the dysrhythmia.