Allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells (CAP-1002) in critically ill COVID-19 patients: compassionate-use case series.

There are no definitive therapies for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with severe disease. This case series explores the safety and effectiveness of intravenous allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), formulated as CAP-1002, in critically ill patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Major thrombocytopenia after balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement: prognostic implications and comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement.

Objectives: We sought to investigate the magnitude and clinical importance of thrombocytopenia post transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background: Thrombocytopenia has been observed after TAVR but has not been well studied.

Methods: Major thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100 × 10(9) /L) was studied following aortic valve interventions in a single center.

Aortic annular sizing for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using cross-sectional 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Objectives: This study compared cross-sectional three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to two-dimensional (2D) TEE as methods for predicting aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background: Data have shown that TAVR sizing using cross-sectional contrast computed tomography (CT) parameters is superior to 2D-TEE for the prediction of paravalvular aortic regurgitation (AR). Three-dimensional TEE can offer cross-sectional assessment of the aortic annulus but its role for TAVR sizing has been poorly elucidated.

A prospective, nonrandomized, open-labeled pilot study investigating the use of magnesium in patients undergoing nonacute percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation.

Background: Magnesium has recently been shown to inhibit acute stent thrombosis in animal models. This study tested the feasibility of magnesium administration in patients undergoing nonacute percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation.

Methods: Twenty-one patients undergoing nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled and received intravenous magnesium sulfate (2-g bolus over 20 minutes prepercutaneous coronary intervention, followed by 14 g over 12 hours infusion).