The Efficacy and Safety of Hybrid Ablations for Atrial Fibrillation.

Objectives: This study sought to comprehensively determine the procedural safety and midterm efficacy of hybrid ablations.

Background: Hybrid ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) (thoracoscopic ablation followed by catheter ablation) has been used for patients with nonparoxysmal AF; however, accurate data regarding efficacy and safety are still limited.

Methods: Patients with nonparoxysmal AF underwent thoracoscopic, off-pump ablation using the COBRA Fusion radiofrequency system (Estech) followed by a catheter ablation 3 months afterward.

A contemporary approach to a young female patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection: a case report.

Background: Aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon, but often catastrophic disease that requires early and accurate diagnosis. It often presents in patients with congenital connective tissue disorders. The current aortic surgical techniques are related with serious early and late complications.

Acute revascularization in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

We briefly and comprehensively present some of the novel findings in the field of revascularization therapy and management of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We highlight the latest evidence-based advancements in the pharmacological and mechanical treatment of patients who presented with STEMI. Since the last updates to the international guidelines (American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology) were published in 2011 and 2012, there have been changes and several important studies have presented their final outcomes.

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective multicentre study 'Prague 19'.

Aims: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) have been studied in chronic coronary artery disease, but not in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This prospective multicentre study analysed the feasibility and safety of BVS implantation during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) in STEMI.

Methods And Results: Bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation became the default strategy for all consecutive STEMI patients between 15 December 2012 and 30 August 2013.

An anti-B lectin from Zea mays everta.

The results of serological studies of Zea mays everta seed extracts with anti-B specificity are presented. Lectin will agglutinates A1B erythrocytes significantly more weakly than erythrocytes of B and A2B blood groups.