Impact of thrombus aspiration use and direct stenting on final myocardial blush score in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Many studies have reported that low final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow and/or myocardial blush grade (MBG) are independent predictors of mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In addition, distal coronary embolization is a major pitfall of conventional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in such a context.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of thrombus aspiration (TA) use before primary PCI on final myocardial reperfusion in patients presenting with STEMI.

Interest of β-blockers in patients with right ventricular systemic dysfunction.

Background: β-blockers improve the prognosis of patients with cardiac failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of β-blockers in patients with dysfunctional systemic right ventricle.

Methods: Fourteen patients with systemic right ventricle following a Mustard or a Senning operation for the transposition of the great arteries, or congenitally corrected transposition were included in the study.

Thrombus aspiration for the treatment of definite stent thrombosis.

Background: Thrombus aspiration (TA) has been associated with high rates of thrombotic material retrieval, which results in improved myocardial reperfusion. In addition, a recent study has shown that systematic TA for treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) related to de novo lesions improves patient outcomes.

Aims: Evaluation of a single-centre experience of TA before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stent thrombosis (ST) treatment.

Late bioprosthetic mitral valve thrombosis: a link with postoperative heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?

Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is considered extremely unlikely, thus usually allowing patients to avoid long-term anticoagulation. The authors report the case of a patient with late bioprosthetic mitral valve thrombosis associated with a history of postoperative heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The patient successfully underwent mitral valve replacement.