Molecular mechanisms of platelet-mediated leukocyte recruitment during myocardial reperfusion.

Leukocyte interaction with platelets and endothelial cells as cause of myocardial stunning was investigated. Mice were anesthetized and, after thoracotomy, the LAD was ligated for 20 min. Where indicated, rhodamine 6G for leukocyte labeling, fluorescence-labeled platelets, and the GPIIb/IIIa antagonist Tirofiban were infused at the onset of reperfusion in vivo.

Stent-based approach for ventricle-to-coronary artery bypass.

Background: Ventricle-to-coronary artery bypass (VCAB) is an experimental revascularization procedure that provides predominantly systolic instead of diastolic blood flow to a coronary artery.

Methods And Results: In a pig model, a stent-based procedure (VSTENT) was developed to create a VCAB. After thoracotomy, a covered VSTENT was implanted between the left ventricle and the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD).