Dedicated bifurcation paclitaxel-eluting stent BiOSS Expert® in the treatment of distal left main stem stenosis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess prospectively the effectiveness and safety profile of distal left main stem (LMS) stenosis treatment with dedicated bifurcation paclitaxel-eluting stent BiOSS Expert®.

Background: Angioplasty of distal LMS stenosis is always a high-risk procedure, and optimal treatment is uncertain.

Methods: This was a prospective international 2-center study, which enrolled patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) or stable angina with distal left main stenosis.

Significance of low desmin expression in cardiomyocytes in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Desmin plays an essential role in maintaining cell cytoarchitecture, positioning and functioning of organelles, and the intercellular signaling pathway. It has been suggested that remodeling of desmin cytoskeleton might contribute to the progression of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and might affect patients' long-term prognosis. We performed endomyocardial biopsy in 200 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Influence of parent vessel - side branch distal angle on restenosis rates after main vessel stenting in coronary bifurcation lesion.

Background And Aim: This study explores predictors of side branch (SB) compromise in the main vessel only stenting group and its influence on long-term follow-up of the patients.

Methods: We hypothesised that the geometric factors determining plaque distribution in branching regions influence SB compromise. Angiographic analysis of bifurcation lesions (all Medina types) was performed before, immediately after, and 9-12 months after the procedure.

One-year clinical outcome after emergency hospitalisation for suspected acute coronary syndrome -- a comparative analysis with respect to angiographic findings.

Introduction: Among patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS) referred for urgent coronary angiography there are some with normal angiograms.

Aim: To compare, with respect to angiographic findings, one-year clinical outcomes in patients hospitalised for suspected ACS.

Method: Between January 2001 and December 2003 emergency angiography was performed in 1169 patients.

Is diagnostic myocardial biopsy useful in the XXI century?

Background: Progress in non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as ultrasonography, computerised tomography or magnetic resonance caused a significant decrease in the use of diagnostic myocardial biopsy (DMB). However, recent advances in molecular biology and widening knowledge about the role of new biochemical markers gives hope for more detailed assessment of cardiomyocyte pathophysiology, based on the proper examination of myocardial biopsy specimen.

Aim: To assess current usefulness of DMB in the diagnosis of various myocardial disorders and monitoring after heart transplantation.