Calcification around the Struts of a Sirolimus-eluting Stent Approximately 16 Months after Implantation in an Autopsy Case.

Drug-eluting stents (DES) are widely used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, and a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES; Cypher) was the first DES introduced into clinical practice. Although pathological reactions of coronary arteries to SES have been described in autopsy cases, there are few reports regarding calcification of the coronary arteries after SES implantation. The present report describes the findings of an autopsy conducted 16 months after SES implantation that showed remarkable persistent calcification.

Effect of pimobendan in addition to standard therapy for heart failure on prevention of readmission in elderly patients with severe chronic heart failure.

Aim: We evaluated the effect of pimobendan, a positive inotropic agent, in elderly patients with frequent readmission as a result of heart failure despite conventional therapy.

Methods: Pimobendan was given to five male patients with severe chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association class III-IV) (age range 69-89 years; mean 78 ± 8 years; ischemic cardiomyopathy in three cases, dilated cardiomyopathy in two cases) who required repeated admission for heart failure despite conventional therapy with angiotensin inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics and anti-arrhythmic agents. After the addition of pimobendan at a dose of 1.