Effect of clopidogrel discontinuation at 1 year after drug eluting stent placement on soluble CD40L, P-selectin and C-reactive protein levels: DECADES (Discontinuation Effect of Clopidogrel After Drug Eluting Stent): a multicenter, open-label study.

Antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel has been shown to reduce major adverse cardiac events in acute coronary syndromes and after percutaneous interventions. This effect is not only due to its anti-platelet effect but also possibly due to an anti-inflammatory effect. The effect of clopidogrel cessation after one year of therapy on markers of inflammation has been investigated in diabetics and showed an increase in platelet aggregation as well as hsCRP and surface P-selectin levels.

Early and persistent intraventricular conduction abnormalities and requirements for pacemaking after percutaneous replacement of the aortic valve.

Objectives: In this retrospective study, we examined the incidence of post-procedural conduction abnormalities and the need for pacing in patients undergoing percutaneous implantation of the aortic valve.

Background: Safety and feasibility studies have suggested anecdotally the occurrence of conduction abnormalities and requirements for pacing after percutaneous implantation of the aortic valve.

Methods: We examined the standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 40 consecutive patients in whom a CoreValve Revalving System (CoreValve, Paris, France) was implanted between November 2005 and March 2008.

Proof-of-concept trial to evaluate haemoglobin based oxygen therapeutics in elective percutaneous coronary revascularisation. Rationale, protocol design and haemodynamic results.

Aims: To test the hypothesis that intracoronary infusion of pre-oxygenated HBOC-201 during brief, total coronary artery occlusion would preserve left ventricular function.

Methods: Immediately following a successful PCI, the target coronary artery was occluded without ("dry occlusion")--or with--infusion of pre-oxygenated HBOC-201 distal to the stent via the guidewire shaft of an over-the-wire balloon for up to three minutes at an infusion rate of 48 ml/min. A cross-over design was applied.