Nickel elution properties of contemporary interatrial shunt closure devices.

Objectives: We sought to compare nickel elution properties of contemporary interatrial shunt closure devices in vitro.

Introduction: There are two United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved devices for percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect: the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO; St Jude Medical Corporation) and Gore Helex septal occluder (HSO; W.L.

Impella 5.0 support in severe peripheral vascular disease via iliac artery approach.

Impella has been reported to provide hemodynamic support in cardiogenic shock patients, acute myocardial infarction, and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. We are reporting the case of using iliac artery cut down for Impella 5.0 in a high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention for a patient with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy who was not a surgical candidate.

Improvements in 1-year cardiovascular clinical outcomes associated with a hospital-based discharge medication program.

Background: Despite recent advances in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, a treatment gap for secondary prevention medications still exists.

Objective: To develop and implement a program ensuring appropriate prescription of aspirin, statins, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and warfarin at hospital discharge.

Design: A nonrandomized before-after study comparing patients hospitalized before (1996-1998) and after (1999-2002) implementation of a discharge medication program (DMP).