Ischemia triggers BNP expression in the human myocardium independent from mechanical stress.

Background: It is unknown whether the increased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) values found in ischemic heart disease are triggered directly by ischemia or whether they are caused indirectly by ischemia through diastolic contractures or regional wall motion abnormalities. Therefore, we investigated the BNP expression in isolated human muscle strips under conditions of ischemia with and without mechanical stress.

Methods: Muscle strips (n=90) were isolated from human right atria (n=46).

Results after balloon angioplasty or stenting of atherosclerotic subclavian artery obstruction.

Introduction: Endovascular therapy is an accepted treatment strategy in occlusive disease of the subclavian artery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical and clinical long-term outcome following either balloon angioplasty (plain balloon angioplasty (PTA)) or stenting.

Patients And Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 108 interventions of atherosclerotic lesions of subclavian arteries or the brachiocephalic trunk (107 patients; mean age of 66 +/- 9 years; 90% symptomatic) representing 92% of the patients treated with subclavian artery obstructive disease during a 10-year period.

Arterial puncture closure using a clip device after transpopliteal retrograde approach for recanalization of the superficial femoral artery.

Purpose: To report the safety and efficacy of a clip device to close retrograde popliteal artery puncture sites used in recanalization of the superficial femoral artery (SFA).

Methods: From January 2005 to March 2007, 28 patients (20 men; mean age 66+/-10 years) with stable chronic peripheral artery disease were treated for chronic total SFA occlusion. All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel and were heparinized during the procedure.

Initial experience with directed laser atherectomy using the CLiRpath photoablation atherectomy system and bias sheath in superficial femoral artery lesions.

Purpose: To report a safety and efficacy study of directed excimer laser atherectomy with the Bias Sheath guiding catheter to create larger lumens in the superficial femoral artery (SFA).

Methods: Fourteen patients (9 men; mean age 66+/-9 years, range 46-76) with chronic lower limb ischemia (Rutherford class 2 to 5) referable to SFA stenoses were treated with the 8-F-compatible Bias Sheath and a 1.7- or 2.

Treatment of reoccurring instent restenosis following reintervention after stent-supported renal artery angioplasty.

Background: Reoccurrence of restenosis following angioplasty of renal instent restenosis is a considerable drawback of stent-supported angioplasty of renal artery stenosis especially in small vessel diameters. We therefore prospectively studied the long-term outcome of different techniques of endovascular treatment of reoccurrence of instent renal artery restenosis after primarily successful reangioplasty focusing on the impact of covered and drug eluting stents, respectively.

Patients And Methods: The study included 31 consecutive patients (33 lesions) presenting with their at least second instent restenosis following renal artery stenting who were included in a prospective follow-up program (mean follow-up 36+/-25 months, range 1-85).