Elective Mechanical Circulatory Support in the Percutaneous Treatment of Patients With Combined Complex Coronary Artery Disease and Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Objectives: One of the procedural concerns during percutaneous treatment of patients with concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the risk of hemodynamic instability. In the present study, we assessed the safety and effectiveness of elective hemodynamic support with the Impella 2.5 system (Abiomed, Inc) in patients undergoing combined high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), as a bridge to transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Left ventricular support during complex transradial percutaneous coronary intervention for complete revascularization.

Although there is not uniform definition of high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), patients with severe three-vessel disease, left main disease, single remaining patent vessel and/or depressed left ventricular ejection fraction are considered a high-risk population. In this setting, periprocedural hemodynamic instability represents a serious issue. Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices may improve both safety and efficacy of high-risk PCI.

RenalGuard System for the prevention of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Aims: We aimed to assess whether the RenalGuard™ System is effective in preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods And Results: Forty-eight consecutive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) scheduled for TAVI were assigned to: 1) hydration with sodium bicarbonate solution (Control group), or 2) hydration with RenalGuard Therapy (RenalGuard group). Hypotension was defined as periprocedural mean blood pressure <55 mmHg.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Internal Carotid Artery Stent Implantation.

Objectives: This study sought to investigate acute kidney injury (AKI) following carotid artery stenting (CAS).

Background: Few data exist on AKI following CAS.

Methods: This study evaluated 126 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who underwent CAS.

Novel approaches for preventing or limiting events (Naples) III trial: randomized comparison of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin in patients at increased risk of bleeding undergoing transfemoral elective coronary stenting.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the safety and the efficacy of bivalirudin compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) alone in the subset of patients at increased risk of bleeding undergoing transfemoral elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Bivalirudin, a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor, determines a significant decrease of in-hospital bleeding following PCI.

Methods: This is a single-center, investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.