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Emerging interventional radiology treatment with drug-eluting stents saves limbs

Drug-eluting stents have shown promising results in treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with critical limb ischemia, rivaling bypass surgery in primary patency rates of up to 81.8% and freedom from major amputation of up to 90.6%. The treatment offers a safe and effective solution for tiny blocked arteries below the knee.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 15, 2010

New computer model could lead to safer stents

A new computer model explains why certain drugs released from stents can cause blood clots and heart attacks, by predicting drug distribution in branched arteries. The findings could aid the FDA in its approval process for stents and lead to safer stent designs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 7, 2009

Lifestyle changes remain important in fighting peripheral arterial disease

Researchers found that modifying risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes remains vital to combating peripheral arterial disease. While some patients with blocked leg arteries may not exhibit symptoms, early detection and treatment are still essential to prevent progression and potential complications.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateOct 21, 2009

Enzyme is key to clogged arteries

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered matrix metalloproteinase-8 plays a crucial role in clogged arteries and heart disease. The study found that MMP8 enhances the effects of existing ACE inhibitor drugs, potentially reducing deaths from heart disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 24, 2009

Comprehensive cardiac CT scan may give clearer picture of significant heart disease

A new computed-tomography-based protocol can identify coronary artery narrowing and myocardial ischemia simultaneously, improving diagnostic accuracy for clinically significant coronary artery disease. The study's results compare favorably to SPECT stress imaging and cardiac catheterization, with lower radiation doses.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2009

Pulmonary CT angiography identifies disease and injury beyond the pulmonary arteries in children

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT angiography can identify diseases and injuries beyond the pulmonary arteries in children. Researchers evaluated 89 CTA exams with suspected pulmonary embolism and found alternative diagnoses in 59% of cases, including pneumonia and atelectasis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 19, 2009

Your arteries on Wonder Bread

A new study from Tel Aviv University shows that high glycemic index foods, such as cornflakes and white bread, can cause sudden expansion of artery walls, leading to reduced elasticity and increased heart disease risk. The research provides a new mechanism for understanding how these foods affect the progression of heart disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 25, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that HAART contributes to pulmonary hypertension in HIV-infected patients by impairing blood vessel-lining endothelial cell function. A novel treatment for chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) involves neprilysin, which protects against PHTN by regulating neural signaling molecules.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 23, 2009