Effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on coronary vascular reactivity in atherosclerotic human coronary arteries.

Objectives: Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is a key mechanism in the development of endothelial dysfunction. The NO synthase cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), increases NO availability, yet its effect in the human coronary circulation, particularly following PCI, remains uncertain. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of intracoronary BH4 in human coronary arteries with non-critical coronary artery disease or following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Novel use of the Amplatzer septal occluder device in the percutaneous closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms: a case series.

Pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta are a potentially fatal condition that usually necessitates definitive surgical management. In this series of three cases, we describe the novel use of the Amplatzer septal occluder device in percutaneously managing this problem.

Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusive Disease: Role of Percutaneous Revascularization.

Percutaneous endovascular interventions for peripheral arterial disease are indicated in carefully selected patients with favorable anatomy and associated clinical symptoms. Although endovascular therapy appears to be hemodynamically equivalent to other modalities in isolated iliac disease, this does not appear to be the case for infrainguinal disease, particularly when the disease is diffuse and extensive. Such disease in these beds can often be treated surgically, although there is an increasing role for percutaneous therapies, particularly in patients at higher surgical risk.