Successful percutaneous coronary intervention to the left anterior descending artery in-stent chronic total occlusion via the left internal mammary artery graft: a case report.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft is technically challenging, requires special consideration due to association with potential complications and therefore, infrequently performed. Data on in-stent chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI via the LIMA graft is even rarer.

Case Summary: A 59-year-old male with a background history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and previous PCI, presented with progressive chest pain on mild exertion, in the setting of a chronic coronary syndrome.

Human-Computer Agreement of Electrocardiogram Interpretation for Patients Referred to and Declined for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Retrospective Data Analysis Study.

Background: When a patient is suspected of having an acute myocardial infarction, they are accepted or declined for primary percutaneous coronary intervention partly based on clinical assessment of their 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction criteria.

Objective: We retrospectively determined the agreement rate between human (specialists called activator nurses) and computer interpretations of ECGs of patients who were declined for primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods: Various features of patients who were referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed.

Using computerised interactive response technology to assess electrocardiographers and for aggregating diagnoses.

The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool. However, the ideal method to assess competency in ECG interpretation remains unclear. We sought to evaluate whether keypad response technology provides a rapid, interactive way to assess ECG knowledge.

Efficacy of RADPAD® protection drape in reducing radiation exposure to the primary operator during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).

Background: The efficacy of RADPAD® (a sterile, lead-free drape) has been demonstrated to reduce the scatter radiation to the primary operator during fluoroscopic procedures. However, the use of the RADPAD® during TAVI procedures has not been studied. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now an established treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are deemed inoperable or at high risk for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Reducing radiation exposure during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Objectives: To establish radiation dose and determine the effect of changes in cine-fluoroscopic image acquisition settings on radiation dose and procedural outcomes in consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background: The radiation dose during TAVI has not been extensively investigated. Methods to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable should be established for the safety of both the patient and the interventional team involved.

An audit of outcomes after same-day discharge post-PCI in acute coronary syndrome and elective patients.

Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of a cohort of acute and elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients who were discharged home 6 hours postprocedure.

Background: Contemporary PCI is safe with a low rate of acute complications. It is well established as a day procedure in elective cases; however, data are lacking in acute cases.

Effects of comorbidity and hospital care on 6-month mortality in patients with elevated cardiac troponin T.

Objective: To examine the effects of comorbidity and hospital care on mortality in patients with elevated cardiac troponin T.

Design: Observational study.

Setting: A large university hospital with on-site diagnostic cardiac catheter laboratory.

Raised cardiac troponin T levels in patients without acute coronary syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the frequency, diagnosis and outcome of patients admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or other conditions associated with raised levels of cardiac troponin T.

Design: Observational study.

Setting: A large university hospital.