Effect of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel on Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

Background We compared the acute and midterm effect of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel on aortic stiffness. Methods and Results We studied 117 patients in a randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group trial. The acute effect of ticagrelor was studied in 58 patients randomized (1:1) to receive a loading dose of clopidogrel (600 mg) or ticagrelor (180 mg).

Alternative access site choice after initial radial access site failure for coronary angiography and intervention.

Background: Transradial access for coronary catheterization is more technically challenging compared to the traditional transfemoral approach and radial access failure is quite common. The aim of this study is to describe the additional steps after initial radial access site failure in a high specialized forearm approach center.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all coronary catheterizations performed in our Department between January 2016 and December 2016 was performed, with focus on arterial access.

Distal Versus Traditional Radial Approach for Coronary Angiography.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of distal radial (DR) versus traditional radial (TR) approach during coronary angiography.

Methods: Two hundred patients scheduled to undergo transradial coronary angiography were randomized between the two approaches. Primary endpoint of the study was switching to another access site due to inability of successful target artery cannulation.

Strategies to increase the use of forearm approach during coronary angiography and interventions.

The aim of this article is to focus on the utilization of forearm approach for cardiac catheterization in challenging groups of patients. Radial and ulnar approaches have gained significant popularity among the majority of interventional cardiologists. Multiple studies have demonstrated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of forearm route for cardiac catheterization and have highlighted the significant reduction in bleeding complications by avoiding the puncture of the groin.

Diagnosis and management of phantom tachycardias based on an electrophysiologically guided approach.

Background: Non-documented palpitations, or phantom tachycardias, are palpitations deemed to be of unknown origin after evaluation with conventional diagnostic tools, such as 12-lead electrocardiogram and Holter recordings. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic value of an electrophysiologic study (EPS) and its role in the management of patients presenting with non-documented palpitations.

Methods: We performed EPS in 78 consecutive patients with repeatable, poorly tolerated symptoms of paroxysmal, non-documented tachycardia, the absence of structural heart disease and at least one 24-h Holter recording.