Antiplatelet versus oral anticoagulant therapy as antithrombotic prophylaxis after mitral valve repair.

Objective: To verify the rate of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications during the first 6 months after mitral valve repair and to assess whether the type of antithrombotic therapy influenced clinical outcome.

Methods: Retrospective data were retrieved from 19 centers. Inclusion criteria were isolated mitral valve repair with ring implantation.

The use of "LAST" operation in high risk patient.

Background: The LAST operation, in spite of few drawbacks, represents a good option for single Left Anterior Descending (LAD) revascularization. This procedure does not allow multivessel revascularization, where hybrid procedure have been previous described. We report preliminary experience with the LAST operation performed in high risk patients.

Systems of care for treatment of adolescent substance use disorders: background, principles and opportunities.

Adolescent substance abuse is a serious social problem facing the United States. Despite numerous recent advances in the clinical effectiveness of treatment approaches for this population, not enough attention has been paid to the adolescent treatment and service delivery infrastructures. The right services must be delivered through carefully organized and systematic community partnerships among agencies that serve the youth and families most in need.