Percutaneous retrieval of an embolized Watchman device on a papillary muscle in the left ventricle.

The use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have gained prominence as an alternative to long-term anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and high risk of bleeding. While these devices have shown efficacy in reducing stroke risk, there have been reported cases of embolization of the Watchman device. There are very few cases of successful percutaneous retrieval of embolized Watchman devices from the left ventricle (LV), as many of these cases require open heart surgery for safe removal.

Demographic and Regional Trends in Stroke-Related Mortality in Young Adults in the United States, 1999 to 2019.

Background Despite improvements in the management and prevention of stroke, increasing hospitalizations for stroke and stagnant mortality rates have been described in young adults. However, there is a paucity of contemporary national mortality estimates in young adults. Methods and Results Trends in mortality related to stroke in young adults (aged 25-64 years) were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database.

Demographic and Regional Trends of Mortality in Patients With Aortic Dissection in the United States, 1999 to 2019.

Background Aortic dissection (AoD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, the burden of AoD mortality is not well characterized, and contemporary data and mortality trends in different demographic and geographic subgroups have not been described. Methods and Results Trends in AoD mortality were assessed using a cross-sectional analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database.

Myocardial injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study, systematic review, and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The majority of studies evaluating the effect of myocardial injury on the survival of COVID-19 patients have been performed outside of the United States (U.S.).

Transesophageal Echocardiogram to Guide Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement of a Failed Medtronic-Freestyle Aortic Prosthesis.

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV TAVR) is an appealing alternative to surgical intervention on failed aortic prosthesis with comparable safety and efficacy. ViV TAVR has proven to be a technical challenge in stentless bioprosthetic aortic valves like free style aortic valve prosthesis. In this case series of two patients we report the utility of transesophageal echocardiogram guidance to help visualize surgical annulus and TAVR deployment.

In-hospital outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.

Background: The effects of cardiovascular comorbidities on outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalized patients has not been well studied.

Methods: This is a hospital-based study evaluating the effects of CVD on the outcomes in patients admitted with COVID-19. Clinical outcomes were studied in patients with and without CVD.

Outcomes and Resource Utilization of Atrial Fibrillation Hospitalizations With Type 2 Myocardial Infarction.

Scarce data exist on the prognostic impact of type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with AF. The Nationwide Readmission Database 2018 was queried for primary AF hospitalizations with and without type 2 MI. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the association between type 2 MI and outcomes (in-hospital mortality, index length of stay [LOS], hospital costs, discharge to nursing facility, and 30-day all-cause readmissions).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and QTc prolongation.

Introduction: The cause-and-effect relationship of QTc prolongation in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not been studied well.

Objective: We attempt to better understand the relationship of QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients in this study.

Methods: This is a retrospective, hospital-based, observational study.

Association of Hospital Procedural Volume With Outcomes of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the association between percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedural volume and in-hospital outcomes.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated an inverse volume-outcome relationship for patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures. Whether a similar association exists for percutaneous LAAO remains unknown.

Comparison of Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip) in Patients <80 Years Versus ≥80 Years.

The influence of age on outcomes of patients selected for transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) remains largely unknown in the United States. This study sought to assess the outcomes of TMVR in highly aged patients (≥80 years). We queried the National Readmission Database from January 2014 to December 2016 for elective TMVR hospitalizations.

Incidence, outcomes, and predictors of in-hospital acute coronary syndrome following endovascular transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the United States.

Background: Incidence and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) immediately following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain largely unknown.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of ACS following TAVR.

Methods: We queried the National Readmission Database from January 2012 to September 2015 for TAVR admissions with and without ACS, creating a propensity-matched cohort to compare outcomes.

Use of guideliner catheter for anomalous right coronary artery angiography and intervention.

We report a case of the use of the GuideLiner catheter during transfemoral diagnostic angiography and intervention of an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) after unsuccessful attempts to cannulate the RCA with other catheters. The GuideLiner catheter was successfully employed to coaxially engage the ostium of the RCA. Thrombotic disease appeared to be responsible for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Smoking cessation in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND, In patients with acute coronary syndrome, smoking cessation rates, demographics, and management strategies havenot been well described. We hypothesized that hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome would have higher smoking cessation rates than other currently available therapies. In-hospital counseling and referral to cardiac rehabilitation may further improve cessation rates.