The randomized, controlled ATLANTIS trial of aquatic therapy for chronic venous insufficiency.

Objective: There are conflicting reports on the efficacy of exercise in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Exercise in water or aquatic activity (AA) can have additional advantages. We sought to evaluate the clinical effects of AA in CVI in a randomized prospective open label fashion.

Effect of anticoagulation on endothermal ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Background: A growing number of patients who are on systemic anticoagulation with warfarin require endovenous thermal ablation for reflux disease in the great saphenous vein (GSV). Little is known about the effects of anticoagulation on periprocedural bleeding and long-term closure rates of the treated veins. This study evaluated the effects of uninterrupted anticoagulation in patients undergoing endovenous thermal ablation.

Is transesophageal echocardiography necessary before D.C. cardioversion in patients with a normal transthoracic echocardiogram?

Purpose: Transesophageal echocardiography has emerged as an accepted approach before D.C. cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty: a new look at an old procedure: a case report.

There has been little change in the technical approach to balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) over the last two decades. Large-caliber sheaths and extra-stiff wires have been used routinely to accommodate the large balloons used for this purpose. Consequently the morbidity (and possibly mortality) rates have been high.

Intense migraines secondary to percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects.

In this study we evaluated the development of migraine after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect. An abrupt and excruciating form of migraine developed shortly after shunt closure in 5 of 13 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure. A dramatic relief of pain was achieved almost instantaneously after administration of 300 mg of clopidogrel.