A meta-analysis of four randomized clinical trials found that endovascular therapy significantly reduces patient mortality and overall post-stroke disability for vertebrobasilar stroke patients. EVT is nearly 2½ times more likely to achieve a positive outcome compared to standard medical management.
A study published in JACC found that children who started tobacco smoking at age 10 were significantly more likely to experience premature cardiac injury and increase their risk of cardiovascular mortality. Researchers also discovered that continued smoking from childhood can cause lasting damage to heart muscle and function.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Mexican American women are more likely to miss prescribed doses of stroke prevention medications. The study highlights sex-associated disparities in stroke care, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that energy imbalances in podocytes contribute to kidney damage and proteinuria after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The researchers found that interventions targeting mitochondrial dynamics held promise in alleviating foot process effacement and improving podocyte outcomes.
A new study maps genetic traits to cellular composition of atherosclerotic plaques, predicting future stroke or heart attack risk. The research improves risk assessment and treatment for patients with atherosclerosis.
Researchers developed a dual-function molecule (LXW7)2-SILY to remodel native extracellular matrix at ischemic sites, enhancing endothelial cell adhesion and survival. This approach improved vascularization, blood perfusion, and tissue regeneration in mouse hindlimb ischemia models.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 found that blood thinners did not reduce cognitive decline in adults younger than age 65 who have atrial fibrillation (AFib) but no other risk factors for stroke. The trial included over 1,200 participants and followed them for an average of 3.7 years...
This study explores the efficacy of Herba Siegesbeckiae subfractions in protecting against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. The HS-C subfraction exhibited significant protective effects, attributed to its ability to inhibit the UCHL5/NLRP3 pathway.
A recent study published in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation found that slightly overweight stroke survivors (BMI 22.1-27.5 kg/m²) have a lower risk of sustaining disabilities compared to those with normal weight. The research suggests that a higher-than-normal BMI may be beneficial for recovering from a stroke with less disability.
Yihao Zheng and his team are developing a fiber-optic probe that analyzes artery blockages in the brain and guides procedures for blockage removal. The technology uses light and advanced calculations to determine the properties of blood clots, enabling doctors to make informed decisions about how to remove them.
The world's first combined face and whole-eye transplantation successfully used personalized surgical cutting guides and a novel 'shortcut' to maintain blood flow. Innovative techniques ensured optimal blood flow to the retina, safeguarding the viability of the transplanted eye during the procedure.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
The RESILIENCE clinical trial explores the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning to prevent cardiotoxicity in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The trial aims to reduce heart failure prevalence and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
A study published in JAMA finds that balloon angioplasty plus aggressive medical management reduces the risk of any stroke or death within 30 days. The treatment approach may be effective for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, but with consideration for increased stroke risk after balloon angioplasty.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.
Researchers developed a game-changing blood test that can quickly and accurately identify large vessel occlusion strokes, which have the potential to bring life-saving care to patients globally. The test combines biomarkers with a clinical score to detect strokes with 93% specificity and 81% sensitivity.
A study published in Circulation found that revascularization significantly enhances the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Patients who underwent endovascular intervention (Endo) showed slight statistical superiority over those who received surgical bypass (Bypass) in some HRQoL...
The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.
A new study has revealed that high-income individuals have a 32% lower risk of post-stroke mortality. Those with higher education also face a 26% lower risk of death post-stroke.
Researchers found that revascularization treatment significantly improves the quality of life for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease. The study revealed diminished quality of life among these patients, but revascularization restored sufficient blood flow and improved wellbeing.
A new blood test uses the biomarker BD-tau to predict functional outcomes in patients after ischemic stroke. Higher levels of BD-tau are associated with more severe outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,680 patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion found no significant improvement in disability with adjunctive methylprednisolone. The study suggests that methylprednisolone may not be effective as an adjunct therapy after endovascular thrombectomy for this patient population.
A randomized clinical trial of 336 patients with extensive ischemic stroke found that endovascular thrombectomy improved clinical outcomes across a range of infarct volumes. However, the treatment's effectiveness was limited by low enrollment rates among patients with minimal penumbra volume.
Researchers found that low-dose X-ray irradiation reduced lesion size and reversed motor deficits in TBI and ischemic stroke mice, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic strategy. The treatment also accelerated substantial motor function recovery and promoted brain rewiring after stroke.
A new UK study found that 1 in 3000 patients experience cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation during anaesthesia. The study, which included data from over 300 hospitals, identified significant factors contributing to perioperative cardiac arrests.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
A research team from USC Keck School of Medicine has developed a more rigorous system for conducting preclinical research on stroke treatments, identifying the strongest candidate for further study. The system uses a network of laboratories and animal models that resemble typical stroke patients to test new therapies.
Researchers are developing a new treatment for ischemic stroke by targeting the prostaglandin receptor EP2, which could have a wider therapeutic window and improve behavioral outcomes. The potential new treatment has the potential to reduce inflammation and provide protection for neurons after an ischemic stroke.
Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers tested 25 active agents in a small animal model and found seven substances more effective than standard therapy. Caffeine proved to be the most effective in reducing brain damage, with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.
Scientists at CU Anschutz Medical Campus developed a neuroprotective peptide that targets a key protein in the brain, providing significant benefits without lasting harm to memory and learning. The temporary inhibition of CaMKII showed no pre-formed memory erase and prevented brain cell damage even at low doses.
A new analysis of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) treatment outcomes found that surgical revascularization is superior to endovascular treatment in patients with higher comorbidities. The study analyzed a broader clinical population than the BEST-CLI trial and found similar outcome rates for Medicare beneficiaries.
The CLIPPER cohort of over 1 million patients found that 1 in 6 died within the first year and 50% survived at five years after diagnosis. The study aims to develop process measures for high-quality care and improve survival rates.
A new study using NIS data found that patients living in densely populated areas are at a lower risk of mortality from CLI, with females also benefiting from decreased mortality rates. Researchers suggest encouraging active lifestyles and vigorous exercise regimens to prevent progression and decrease mortality risk.
A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.
A study of over 7,000 patients found that Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with vascular disease have more severe symptoms before bypass surgery and are at greater risk for amputation and other complications after the procedure. Advanced disease accounted for up to half the effect of race on odds for amputation after ...
The PROMISE II clinical trial showed that LimFlow therapy enabled 76% of patients to avoid amputation and experience wound healing. This minimally invasive procedure bypasses blocked arteries in the leg and rushes blood back into the foot through the veins, providing a unique alternative to major amputation.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified a new type of cell called the vasculogenic fibroblast, which can help create new blood vessels for treatment. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for ischemic diseases such as diabetic wounds.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that wearing tefillin, a traditional Jewish practice, can induce preconditioning associated changes in heart rate variability, leading to lower metabolism and potential protection against heart attacks. The research suggests this low-intensity method of protection could be a game changer for cardiova...
A new deep learning model using conditional generative adversarial networks (cGANs) has been developed to diagnose bowel ischemia. The model achieved an accuracy of over 93% in segmenting ischemic intestine images, surpassing current subjective methods.
Research at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022 found that bypass surgery improves blood flow to legs and feet, reducing major amputations and repeat procedures by 65% and 27%, respectively. The study of 1,830 patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia concluded that surgical bypass is a better option for those wit...
Researchers found that bypass surgery resulted in a 32% lower risk of major medical events related to CLTI, as well as significant reductions in repeat surgeries and amputations. Adults without optimal veins for the bypass had no significant differences in outcomes between open bypass and endovascular procedures.
A recent study found that restoring blood flow to the legs through bypass surgery or stent placement reduced pain and improved quality of life for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Trial enrolled 1,830 participants and foun...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of managing PAD based on a person's experience of symptoms, rather than relying solely on clinical measures. This approach aims to improve patient-centered care and outcomes, particularly for individuals with severe limb ischemia or comorbidities.
A novel subset of CD8+ regulatory-like T cells (CD8+TRLs) has been identified as 'first responders' to stroke, providing fast-acting and lasting protection. These cells reach the brain within 24 hours after stroke onset, releasing molecules that provide direct neuroprotective effects.
A team of engineers is working on a novel treatment using nanoparticles carrying therapeutic proteins to promote regeneration of blood vessels and muscle in injured limbs. The approach, which has shown promising results in animal models, aims to treat critical limb ischemia, a condition that can lead to amputation or death.
The study found that patients treated with paclitaxel drug-coated devices (DCDs) had a similar survival rate as those treated with non-drug coated devices (NDCDs), regardless of the patient's mortality risk and device type. The analysis included over 168,000 patients treated from 2015 to 2018.
A large trial found that maintaining body temperature at 35.5C during surgery does not reduce the risk of cardiac complications or other serious outcomes. The study suggests that routine care with a target temperature of 36C is sufficient and may even be unnecessary.
A recent clinical trial has shown that sodium thiosulfate does not reduce injury to damaged areas of heart muscle following a heart attack. Despite promising results in animal studies, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint or show significant differences in secondary endpoints.
A new study from USF Health reveals that activated protein C may help improve aging patients' tolerance to reperfusion injury, a potentially adverse effect of treatment for ischemic heart disease. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from APC may limit ischemia and reperfusion-induced heart damage.
Scientists from Japan discover IL-36Ra plays a pivotal role in wound healing, and Cl-amidine normalizes exacerbated I/R injury. The study's findings suggest IL-36Ra as a potential therapeutic target for cutaneous I/R injuries.
Scientists at Lewis Katz School of Medicine discovered that reintroducing the protein LIN28 into adult heart stem cells improves their chances of survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease using stem cell therapy.
A first-in-human study at Cleveland Clinic found that targeting the dentate nucleus with deep brain stimulation was safe and feasible for promoting post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling significant functional improvement in upper extremity hemiparesis. The study's adaptive design allowed for extended treatment duration if patients conti...
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that blocking CD300a enhances efferocytosis and ameliorates neuronal deficits after ischemic stroke. This process involves the removal of damaged cells in the brain, reducing inflammation and neurological impairment.
A new locally acting treatment aims to reduce the severity of post-transplant ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) without affecting the immune system. The treatment targets specific neoepitopes exposed on injured donor organs, reducing the risk of organ rejection and improving transplant outcomes.
Researchers have found a specific protein, circulating fatty acid synthase (cFAS), in the blood that can accurately detect severe peripheral artery disease and narrow the arteries in the legs. The study suggests that cFAS may contribute to plaque formation characteristic of cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Stroke Journal Report found that eating 4-5 peanuts per day lowers the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease among Japanese men and women. Peanuts are rich in heart-healthy nutrients that help reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.