TEE-guided transcatheter aortic valve implantation with "zero contrast" - a viable alternative for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) stage II-III has been associated with a higher short-term and long-term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We present a patient with AKI where fluoroscopic landmarks and TEE imaging were used exclusively, sparing the patient a contrast load, and describe patient-tailored modifications.

Comparison of the use of hemodynamic support in patients ≥80 years versus patients <80 years during high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (from the Multicenter PROTECT II Randomized Study).

The outcomes of hemodynamic support during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention in the very elderly are unknown. We sought to compare outcomes between the patients ≥80 years versus patients <80 years enrolled in the PROTECT II (Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of Hemodynamic Support with the Impella 2.5 versus Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in Patients undergoing High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) randomized trial.

Biomarker guided therapy for heart failure: focus on natriuretic peptides.

The management of heart failure remains challenging despite many therapeutic advances. Rigorous clinical trial evidence supports administration of multiple therapies, but utilization of evidence-based treatment remains inconsistent and suboptimal. Disease management programs appear effective, but remain costly and difficult to implement in today's care system.