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Implantable antibiotic-laced sponges reduce sternal infections in cardiac surgery

A meta-analysis of 14 medium- to high-quality studies found that gentamicin-collagen sponges significantly reduced the incidence of sternal wound infections by 38% compared to controls. The use of sponges also reduced the risk of life-threatening inflammation of mid-chest tissues (mediastinitis).

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateJun 11, 2015

Study: Oxidized LDL might actually be 'good guy'

A University of Kentucky research team has made a surprising discovery about oxidized LDL's role in cholesterol transport. The findings indicate that mildly oxidized LDL may actually prevent increases in cholesterol accumulation in arterial walls, potentially leading to new treatments for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 4, 2014

ATLANTIC -- ambulance administration of anti-clot drug may benefit heart attack patients

A new study found that early administration of ticagrelor, an anti-clot medication, in the ambulance may prevent stent thrombosis in heart attack patients. The ATLANTIC study showed a significant reduction in stent thrombosis at 24 and 30 hours in the ambulance treatment arm compared to the in-hospital treatment arm.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 1, 2014