Percutaneous coronary intervention in Brazil: results from the Brazilian Public Health System.

Background: The Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) holds approximately 80% of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Brazil. Being aware of these data will enable to design a proper plan for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objective: To review and discuss the results of PCIs performed by the SUS.

Myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS): results from national health system (SUS).

Background: Myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS) is the most common surgery in this country, with most being performed through the National Health System(SUS).

Objectives: To assess MRS results when not associated to other procedures.

Methods: The information from the Hospital Information System (SIH/DATASUS) made available online was submitted to analysis.

Long-term clinical outcomes of the Drug-Eluting Stents in the Real World (DESIRE) Registry.

Background: Recently, cardiologists have treated more complex patients and lesions with drug-eluting stents (DES). However, long-term efficacy and safety of the off-label use of these new devices is yet to be demonstrated.

Methods: The Drug-Eluting Stents in the Real World (DESIRE) registry is a prospective, nonrandomized single-center registry with consecutive patients treated solely with DES between May 2002 and May 2007.

A randomized trial of 5 versus 7 French guiding catheters for transfemoral percutaneous coronary stent implantation.

Comparative studies between 5 French guiding catheter and others of larger size using the transfemoral approach to coronary stenting have not been described. Coronary stent implantation was performed in 90 patients in a randomized trial. The primary end-point was to compare the incidence of successful uncomplicated stent implantation per lesion with the 5F and 7F guiding catheters.

Hospital costs of coronary artery bypass grafting on elective coronary patients.

Objective: To assess hospital costs associated with coronary artery bypass grafting performed on elective coronary patients, and the relation of costs with the number of grafts.

Methods: Descriptive prospective study carried out at Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia in April, May and June of 2005. Coronary patients of different ages and both genders were included.

Consequences of the prolonged waiting time for patient candidates for heart surgery.

Objective: To assess mortality and the psychological repercussions of the prolonged waiting time for candidates for heart surgery.

Methods: From July 1999 to May 2000, using a standardized questionnaire, we carried out standardized interviews and semi-structured psychological interviews with 484 patients with coronary heart disease, 121 patients with valvular heart diseases, and 100 patients with congenital heart diseases.

Results: The coefficients of mortality (deaths per 100 patients/year) were as follows: patients with coronary heart disease, 5.