Shockwave for peripheral artery disease: an update on trial data.

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is fast becoming the vessel preparation tool of choice given its excellent safety profile and associated positive outcomes. In this review, we aim to summarize the most recent trial data as it applies to IVL's utility within the various peripheral arterial beds, including facilitation of large bore vascular access, and elaborate on future directions of this innovative therapy.

Left Ventricular Septal Avulsion in the Setting of Blunt Cardiac Injury.

A 23-year-old man sustained blunt cardiac injury after a motor vehicle collision resulting in left ventricular septal avulsion, ruptured chordae tendineae, and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation that necessitated operative intervention. The patient underwent successful resection of a prolapsed avulsed septal wall segment and concomitant tricuspid valve repair.

A young man with irregularly irregular narrow complex tachycardia.

Pulmonary vein atrial tachycardia (PVAT) is a rare arrhythmia that accounts for 3% of all atrial tachycardia types. On electrocardiogram, fast PVATs may be misinterpreted as atrial fibrillation at first glance. We present a case of PVAT refractory to pharmacological intervention in a 31-year-old, requiring ablation to terminate the arrhythmia.

A Rare Case of ARDS Caused by Bupropion Inhalation and Treated with Noninvasive Ventilation.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome, characterized by the Berlin criteria, is associated with a high mortality rate. Its treatment includes addressing the underlying etiology, general supportive measures, and achievement of effective oxygenation. New key data indicates that in a subset of patients, noninvasive ventilation techniques can be a therapeutic and equivalent alternative to traditional invasive ventilation.

Treatment and outcome of unusual animal bite injuries in young children.

Background: Animal bites are a major cause of preventable traumatic injuries.

Objectives: To provide more epidemiological information on animal bites, and assist in increasing awareness of the problem.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed including children aged >13 years presenting with bite injuries (excluding dog and human bites) to the trauma unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, over a 25-year period.