Evaluation of the effect of oral verapamil on clinical outcome and angiographic restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention: the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Verapamil Slow-Release for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events After Angioplasty (VESPA) Trial.

Objectives: We investigated the effect of oral verapamil on clinical outcome and angiographic restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Thus far, there is no established systemic pharmacologic approach for the prevention of restenosis after PCIs. Five small studies reported encouraging results for calcium channel blockers.

Stent-supported angioplasty of severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis preserves renal function and improves blood pressure control: long-term results from a prospective registry of 456 lesions.

Purpose: To report a prospective study evaluating the long-term impact of stent-supported angioplasty on renal function and blood pressure control.

Methods: In a 6-year period, 456 hemodynamically significant de novo renal artery stenoses > or =70% were treated in 340 consecutive hypertensive patients (223 men; mean age 66+/-10 years, range 44-84) with or without impaired renal function. Baseline data on serum creatinine (sCr), intrarenal resistance index, ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, and documentation of the number and dose of antihypertensive drugs were compared to values obtained during follow-up.

Technological advances in the design of catheters and devices used in renal artery interventions: impact on complications.

Purpose: To analyze the impact of technical improvements in stent devices and guiding catheters (e.g., reduced device diameter, increased flexibility) on the complication rates associated with percutaneous renal artery interventions.

Previous cytomegalovirus infection and restenosis after aggressive angioplasty with provisional stenting.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of previous with cytomegalovirus (CMV) on restenosis after aggressive angioplasty with provisional stenting.

Design: We prospectively studied 78 consecutive patients scheduled for 6-month follow-up coronary angiography as part of the SIPS study. Anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were measured on admission.

Treatment of acute embolic occlusions of the subclavian and axillary arteries using a rotational thrombectomy device.

Acute embolic or local thrombotic ischaemia of the upper limbs can be treated by embolectomy or by endovascular techniques. We report here on the endovascular thrombectomy of acute embolic occlusions of subclavian and axillary arteries in two patients using a rotational thrombectomy device and give an overview about the actual literature. Two female patients, each with a history of multivessel coronary disease and intermittent atrial fibrillation, complained of sudden onset of pain at rest and paleness of the left and right arm, respectively.