Inflammatory Phenotype by OCT Coronary Imaging: Specific Features Among De Novo Lesions, In-Stent Neointima, and In-Stent Neo-Atherosclerosis.

Background: Coronary stenosis can be caused de novo atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, and in-stent neoatherosclerosis, three entities that develop from a diverse pathophysiological milieu.

Objective: This study aims to investigate, using optical coherence tomography (OCT), whether or not coronary lesions related to these processes differ in their local inflammatory profile.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosed or suspected coronary lesions who had undergone OCT imaging for clinical reasons.

Morphology and phenotype characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque in patients with acute coronary syndrome: contemporary optical coherence tomography findings.

Background: Contemporary optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are still subject of controversy. We sought to use OCT to evaluate plaque morphology and phenotype classification in patients with ACS.

Methods: Using optical coherence tomography, culprit lesions were morphologically classified as plaque rupture, plaque erosion, calcified nodule, thin-cap fibroatheroma, thick-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) or fibrotic, fibrocalcific or fibrolipidic plaque.

Safety and efficacy of biolimus-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer: insights from EINSTEIN (Evaluation of Next-generation drug-eluting STEnt IN patients with coronary artery disease) Registry.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, or acute myocardial infarct, or target vessel revascularization) at one year in "real world" patients.

Methods: The EINSTEIN registry is an observational, prospective, single center study that consecutively included 103 patients (152 lesions) treated with the BiomatrixTM stent, a biolimus A9-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer.

Results: The mean age was 65.

Percutaneous aortic valve replacement for the treatment of aortic stenosis: early experience in Brazil.

Background: Percutaneous aortic valve replacement for the treatment of aortic stenosis is an available and efficient alternative for patients at high surgical risk, especially those with advanced age and comorbidities.

Objective: The authors report the first experience made in our midst with the use of the CoreValve endoprosthesis.

Methods: In January 2008, two patients underwent percutaneous aortic valve replacement due to symptomatic aortic stenosis.