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First-in-man use of virtual reality imaging in cardiac cath lab to treat blocked coronary artery

A team of cardiologists used a virtual reality device to guide the recanalization of a chronically blocked right coronary artery. The procedure was completed successfully with implantation of two drug-eluting stents, demonstrating potential for improved operator comfort and efficiency in interventional cardiology.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2015

Study shows new technology may improve management of leading causes of blindness

A new non-invasive OCT technology has been developed that can improve the clinical management of macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma, the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The technology allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, enabling more timely intervention to prevent irreversible loss of vision.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2015

First Nations people less likely to receive coronary angiography after heart attack

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that First Nations people are less likely to receive guideline-recommended coronary angiography after a heart attack. This disparity results in poorer long-term survival rates for this population, highlighting the need for improved access to cardiovascular care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 20, 2014

Key guidance document released on transcatheter therapies for mitral regurgitation

The Transcatheter Therapies for Mitral Regurgitation Societal Overview highlights critical components of successful treatments, including operator training, protocols for care, and assessment of outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of a high-volume center setting and careful data collection through registries.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 25, 2013

Long-term outcome similar with thrombus aspiration and stents in PCI

A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that thrombus aspiration during PCI provides similar long-term outcomes to conventional stent use in STEMI patients. The analysis of the PASSION trial data reported no significant difference in major adverse cardiac events between the two groups.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMay 2, 2012

Middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect success of next-day procedures

A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of procedures performed the next day by the same operator. The researchers identified no significant difference in complication rates or outcomes between PCIs performed durin...

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMar 30, 2012

Feared spinal X-ray found to be safe, study shows

A study published in Neurology has shown that spinal digital subtraction angiography is safe and effective, ruling out misdiagnosis of inflammation and transverse myelitis. The procedure, considered the gold standard for vascular disorders near the spine, was found to have no reported cases of stroke or kidney damage in 302 patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateSep 14, 2011

Circulating levels of a lung protein found to be 'strongly predictive' of cardiovascular disease

A study found that circulating levels of surfactant protein-D were associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, independent of other risk factors. Blood levels of SP-D increase when the lungs are inflamed, such as in smokers or those with chronic lung conditions like COPD.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 8, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that hospitals with low AMI mortality rates shared an overall vision of excellence and had more senior management involvement, broad staff presence, and better communication among physicians. A new low-radiation alternative to CT angiography also shows promise in diagnosing coronary artery disease, with good specifici...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Drug-eluting stents are preferred therapy for revascularization of chronic total occlusions

A systematic review found drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce restenosis and target revascularization in chronic total occlusions, offering a safe approach with similar adverse events as bare metal stents. DES implantation is associated with significant reductions in angiographic and clinical restenosis compared to bare metal stents.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateFeb 9, 2011

Forensic scientists use postmortem imaging-guided biopsy to determine natural causes of death

A new study uses a combination of computed tomography (CT), postmortem CT angiography (CTA) and biopsy to determine the natural causes of death, with results showing near-identical findings in 18 out of 20 cases. The minimally invasive approach has improved accuracy and reduced the need for traditional autopsy.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 21, 2010

Drug-eluting stents confirmed safe, effective for long-term use

A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions confirms the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) for long-term use. The use of DES reduces the occurrence of myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and mortality compared to bare-metal stents.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateAug 18, 2010

Complete revascularization improves outcomes for CAD patients

A retrospective study found that complete revascularization significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with a 3-year mortality rate of 6.6% compared to 14.8% in those with incomplete revascularization. The study also revealed that advanced medical therapy may contribute to improved mortality rates.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 23, 2010