Variable histological and ultrasonic characteristics of restenosis after drug-eluting stents.

Bare-metal stents have undergone intense pathological and clinical examination, but histological characterization of drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis (ISR) remains unknown. We report a series of cases (n=6) with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and pathological examinations over 8 months after DES deployment. Tissue samples were obtained using atherectomy devices in 5 cases and a thrombectomy catheter in 1 case.

Synergistic use of sirolimus-eluting stents and intravascular ultrasound for the treatment of unprotected left main and vein graft disease.

Treating unprotected left main disease and degenerated saphenous vein grafts by percutaneous intervention remains one of the more challenging situations facing interventional cardiologists. We present two cases showing how the use of sirolimus-eluting stents in combination with other novel techniques might alter treatment paradigms in the future.

Hemodynamic complications of ventricular septal rupture after acute myocardial infarction.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but serious complication following acute myocardial infarction (MI). Patients may present with a new murmur associated with a thrill. Right heart catheterization will demonstrate elevated right atrial and pulmonary artery pressures as well as an oxygen step-up at the right ventricular level.