Cost-Comparison of Mechanical Thrombectomy and Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

Background: Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and large-bore mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are the leading percutaneous-based therapies for the management of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). While previous studies have demonstrated their procedural safety and efficacy, the cost implications of these interventions remain unclear. This study aims to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the economic advantages associated with CDT and MT from the perspective of the treating hospital.

Invasive hemodynamic assessment of patients with submassive pulmonary embolism.

Objectives: To investigate the invasive hemodynamics in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) and the change that occurs with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT).

Background: Intermediate-risk PE is associated with right ventricular strain and worse outcomes yet the invasive hemodynamics have not been well described.

Methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients with intermediate-risk PE referred for CDT at two tertiary medical centers with Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams were included in this prospective cohort study.

Postoperative outcomes and management strategies for coronary artery disease in patients in need of a lung transplantation.

Background: Patients requiring lung transplantation (LTx) may also have coronary artery disease (CAD). The peri-operative management and long-term outcomes of these patients are not well established.

Methods: Patients referred for LTx from 2008 to 2014 were included in this study.

Assessment of P2Y12 inhibitor usage and switching in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization.

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the effect of switching P2Y12 inhibitors between the loading dose and therapy after discharge is not well described.

Methods: This post-hoc analysis of a prospectively collected registry included 3219 consecutive ACS patients who underwent PCI.

Identification of Intrastent Pathology Associated With Late Stent Thrombosis Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Objective: To better characterize intrastent pathology using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients presenting with late and very late stent thrombosis (LST/VLST).

Background: The contribution of specific intrastent pathologies to the development of LST/VLST is not well understood.

Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, observational study of 796 consecutive patients treated for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with primary PCI we identified 57 patients (7.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in acute coronary syndromes complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) complicated by shock is associated with high mortality despite the use of percutaneous support devices. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers cardiopulmonary support but its safety and efficacy in the ACS setting is still under investigation.

Methods: We reviewed the clinical characteristics and course of 18 consecutive patients who received femoral veno-arterial ECMO in the cardiac catheterization lab for severe shock due to ACS at our center between 2007 and 2013.

Optical coherence tomography for characterization of cardiac allograft vasculopathy after heart transplantation (OCTCAV study).

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intravascular imaging modality with excellent spatial resolution. This study explored the utility of OCT in cardiac transplantation for the detection and characterization of early changes associated with coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV).

Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients, 1 to 4 years after transplant with no angiographic evidence of CAV, underwent successful OCT imaging using the Fourier-domain OCT system (C7-XR, St.

Long-term effects on renal function of dose-reduced calcineurin inhibitor and sirolimus in cardiac transplant patients.

Unlabelled: Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-associated renal insufficiency is common after cardiac transplantation (CTX); however, the addition of sirolimus allows for CNI dose reduction and this strategy may limit CNI renal toxicity. This study examines the long-term effects of such a strategy.

Methods: Patients from a single center who had CTX from 1990 to 2007 and who were converted to sirolimus and a dose-reduced CNI were compared to group-matched controls maintained on CNI and an antiproliferative agent.