Human cholestryl ester transfer protein (TaqIB) polymorphism among Filipinos with cardiovascular risk factors.

Background: HDL-C has emerged as an important independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. The FNRI-HDL and NNHes Study Group in the Philippines reported that there was a high prevalence of low HDL among Filipinos. Most cases of low HDL-C are associated with secondary causes like Metabolic Syndrome.

Low pressure radiofrequency balloon angioplasty: evaluation in porcine peripheral arteries.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency-powered thermal balloon angioplasty in an in vivo porcine model.

Background: Various modes of thermal energy used adjunctively during balloon angioplasty have demonstrated the potential to enhance the results of acute lumen dilation.

Methods: In normal pigs, 75 peripheral arteries were dilated with a newly designed, radiofrequency-powered, thermal angioplasty balloon.