Limitations of embolic protection in saphenous vein graft intervention: insights from 202 consecutive patients.

Between January 2003 and September 2006, a total of 2,541 patients had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Of these, 202 (226 grafts) had at least one saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention. Adjunctive distal embolic protection (DEP) devices were attempted in 123 SVGs (54.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes of bivalirudin versus heparin in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Heparin with adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet receptor (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors has demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, has recently been shown to be an effective alternative for patients undergoing elective PCI.

Objectives: To assess the angiographic and clinical outcomes of adjunctive pharmacological strategies in a high-risk population presenting with ACS.

Study of antirestenosis with the BiodivYsio dexamethasone-eluting stent (STRIDE): a first-in-human multicenter pilot trial.

The aim of this multicenter pilot study was to evaluate the acute safety and efficacy of the dexamethasone-eluting stent (0.5 microg/mm(2) of stent) implanted in patients with de novo single-vessel disease. This study included 71 patients, 42% of whom had unstable angina pectoris.