Randomized Pilot Study to Compare DCB-Based versus DST-Based Strategies for the Treatment of True or Complex Coronary Bifurcation Lesions.

Background: Dual stenting technique (DST) is still mandatory for some true bifurcation lesions (BLs), but drug-coated balloon (DCB) alone may offer a new optional treatment with the potential benefits of fewer implants. However, procedural safety presents a concern when using DCB-only to treat true BLs. This study sought to explore the safety and efficacy of the DCB-only strategy for the treatment of true BLs.

Simple Stenting Strategy with or without Branch Ostial Optimization Technique for Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions.

Background: A simple stenting strategy with provisional side-branch (SB) stenting or crossover stenting has been recommended as the default approach for most coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs). The proximal optimization technique (POT) and POT-associated techniques (POTAs) were introduced to optimize the ostium of SB. However, these techniques are unable to remove the jailed struts or completely diminish vessel damage.

Comparison of standard versus modified stenting technique for treatment of tapered coronary artery lesions.

Tapered coronary artery lesions (TCALs) are often seen clinically, optimal stenting of TCALs remains challengeable. This study sought to compare clinical outcomes between the modified single stenting (MSS) and conventional overlapped stenting (COS) in treatment of TCALs. 150 patients were treated with MSS (MSS group), another 150 patients were matched with propensity score matching from 5055 patients treated with COS (COS group).

A propensity score matched valuation on feasibility of low frame rate fluoroscopy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with STEMI.

The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of low frame rate fluoroscopy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). From January 2016 to December 2017, 165 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI were retrospectively divided into two groups: the 7.5-frame group (fluoroscopy at 7.

Ex vivo mono-ring technique simplifies culotte stenting for treatment of true bifurcation lesions: Insights from bench testing and clinical application.

Background: Despite various culotte-based stenting techniques available clinically, the optimal one remains undetermined. The study aimed to test whether ex vivo mono-ring culotte stenting (MRC) was technically feasible and superior to mini culotte stenting (MCS) in treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

Methods: Mono-ring culotte stenting was characterized by ex vivo wiring of the most proximal cell of the side branch (SB) stent to ensure a mono-ring result of the culotte stenting.

Elevated Human Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1 Level and Its Association With Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Hypertension.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). Previous studies suggested that human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) may be a novel endothelial dysfunction marker. This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum endocan level and the presence and severity of CAD in patients with hypertension.

DK mini-culotte stenting in the treatment of true coronary bifurcation lesions: a propensity score matching comparison with T-provisional stenting.

The conventional culotte technique remains not to be widely used for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions due to its inherent drawbacks. Here, we developed a double kissing mini-culotte stenting (DK mini-culotte) and assessed its efficacy and safety by a propensity score matching comparison (PSM) with T-provisional stenting. From June 2010 to June 2012, a total of 223 consecutive patients with true coronary bifurcation lesions (TCBLs) were treated with DK mini-culotte (91 patients with 92 lesions) or T-provisional stenting (132 patients with 135 lesions).

Low serum adropin is associated with coronary atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Background: Diabetes increases the risk and severity of atherosclerosis. Adropin, a metabolic homeostasis-related protein, has been implicated in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. We examined the relationship between serum adropin level and angiographic severity of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Serum fetuin-A levels are associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To clarify the correlation between serum fetuin-A levels and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 241 consecutive patients with T2DM and 69 controls were recruited. Serum fetuin-A levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

[Octanol preconditioning alleviates mouse cardiomyocyte swelling induced by simulated ischemia/reperfusion challenge in vitro].

Objective: To investigate the role of connexin 43-formed hemichannels in cell volume regulation induced by simulated ischemia/reperfusion (SI/R).

Methods: Mouse cardiomyocytes isolated on a Langendorff apparatus with enzyme solution were aliquoted into control, SI/R and SI/R +octanol groups. Calcein-AM was used to stain the cells and the cell volume was measured with confocal microscope by stack scanning.

Long-term outcomes of device closure of very large secundum atrial septal defects: a comparison of transcatheter vs intraoperative approaches.

Background: Transcatheter device closure (TCDC) and intraoperative device closure (IODC) have emerged as minimally invasive methods in the treatment of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs), but the long-term safety and efficacy remains uncertain for the large ASDs.

Hypothesis: TCDC may be as safe and efficacious as IODC for closure of large ASDs in terms of long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods: Ninety-two patients who had ASDs with a defect diameter of ≥30 mm were included in this study.

Modified culotte stenting for treatment of complex coronary bifurcation lesions: immediate and 9-month outcomes in a pilot study.

Background: The optimal stenting strategy for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) remains uncertain. The present study observed technical feasibility and reliability, 9-month clinical and angiographic outcomes of the modified culotte stenting (MCS) in the treatment of CBLs with drug-eluting stents.

Methods: A total of 34 consecutive patients with CBLs that required stenting the parent vessel (PV), the main branch (MB) and the side branch (SB) were included.

Circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels are associated with angiographic coronary lesion complexity in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background: Angiographic coronary lesion complexity has been reported to predict plaque vulnerability. It is important to develop a noninvasive blood biomarker for accurate prognostication of angiographically complex lesions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Hypothesis: Serum soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) levels may be correlated with coronary lesion complexity in patients with CAD.

Choice of stenting strategy in true coronary artery bifurcation lesions.

Background: The optimal stenting strategy in true coronary artery bifurcation lesions has not been determined. In this study, a strategy of always stenting both the main vessel and the side branch (MV plus SB) was compared with a strategy of stenting the MV only with optional stenting of the SB. Stents used were sirolimus-eluting stents and paclitaxel-eluting stents.

Transplantation with survivin-engineered mesenchymal stem cells results in better prognosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction.

Aims: To investigate the effect of survivin (SVV)-engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on post-infarction cardiac performance and remodelling in rats.

Methods And Results: Mesenchymal stem cells from male Sprague-Dawley rat bone marrow were infected with the self-inactive lentiviral vector GFP-wre-CMV/LTR and Flap-Ubiqutin promoter (GCFU) carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and SVV recombinant vector (GCFU-SVV). In vitro, modification with SVV increased the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by 1.

Comparison of long-term clinical outcome between transcatheter Amplatzer occlusion and surgical closure of isolated patent ductus arteriosus.

Background: Transcatheter Amplatzer occlusion of patent ductus artertiosus (PDA) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical closure. The goal of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes between two procedures, especially on chronic residual shunt, late or very late procedure-related complications, and regression of pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular dilation.

Methods: A total 255 patients having isolated PDA with a minimal diameter of >or= 4 mm treated from January 2000 to July 2003 were included in this study and have been followed up until July 2008.

Firebird and cypher sirolimus-eluting stents and bare metal stents in treatment of very long coronary lesions.

Background: As a kind of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) made in China, Firebird SES is more effective than bare metal stent (BMS) and not inferior to Cypher SES for short coronary lesions in terms of reduction of restenosis and revascularization. However, Firebird SES does not show any benefits in patients with a very long coronary lesion (VLCL). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Firebird SES for VLCL by comparison of Cypher SES and BMS.