Strategy to achieve mitral isthmus flutter ablation by radiofrequency: the SHERIFF plan.

Background: Achieving mitral isthmus (MI) block can be challenging. This prospective study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a systematic strategy comprising three consecutive steps to achieve MI block.

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (mean (± SD) age 71.

Micra AV leadless pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: Transvenous pacemaker (PM) implantation is a complication in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Recently, a second generation of leadless PMs able of atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing has been introduced and could be an alternative when ventricular pacing is required after TAVI. Real-world data on Micra AV after TAVI are still lacking.

Thin strut bare metal stents in patients with atrial fibrillation: Is there still a need for BMS?

Objectives: This observational study assessed the 9-month clinical outcomes in an « all comers » population with a focus on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after thin strut bare metal stenting.

Background: Drug eluting stent (DES) implantation is the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease (CAD) leaving only marginal indications for the use of bare metal stents (BMS). However, selected treatment populations with DES contraindications such as patients who cannot sustain 6-12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remain candidates for BMS implantations.

Prognostic value of ischaemia-modified albumin in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Background: Ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a new sensitive diagnostic biochemical marker of myocardial ischaemia. The purpose of the study was to analyse the prognostic value of IMA in patients admitted for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS).

Methods: Consecutive patients admitted for NSTE ACS in our institution were prospectively included.

High post-treatment platelet reactivity is associated with a high incidence of myonecrosis after stenting for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

High post-treatment platelet reactivity (HPPR=adenosine diphosphate [ADP] 10 microM-induced platelet aggregation >70%) identifies low responders to dual antiplatelet therapy with increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events after stenting for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). This study was designed to compare the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) after stenting for NSTE-ACS patients between non-responders to dual antiplatelet therapy defined by HPPR and normo-responders. One hundred ninety NSTE-ACS consecutive patients undergoing coronary stenting were included in this prospective study.

Benefit of a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel on platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary stenting.

Objectives: We analyzed the benefit of a 600-mg clopidogrel loading dose on platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes after stenting for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS).

Background: High post-treatment platelet reactivity (HPPR = adenosine diphosphate 10 mumol x l(-1) [ADP]-induced platelet aggregation >70%) is a marker for low responders to dual antiplatelet therapy with increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events after stenting for NSTE ACS.

Methods: A total of 292 consecutive NSTE ACS patients undergoing coronary stenting were included and randomly received a 300-mg (n = 146) or 600-mg (n = 146) loading dose of clopidogrel at least 12 h before percutaneous coronary intervention.

Intra-atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism complicating pacemaker leads for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

This is the first report of intracardiac thrombi and pulmonary embolism complicating pacemaker leads implanted for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Prompt diagnosis and successful therapy with a thrombolytic agent lead to a favourable outcome. This report suggests that long-term oral anticoagulation should be considered in patients with depressed left ventricular function undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy in order to prevent this potentially serious complication.