Conference on clinical use of troponin T high sensitive (TnThs) on September 8, 2009 at the airport conference center, Frankfurt/Main.

With the redefinition of myocardial infarction in 2000, cardiology associations ESC and ACC require the use of the 99th percentile of a healthy population at a coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 10 % for Troponin values in diagnosing myocardial infarction. With a new Troponin T high sensitive (TnThs) assay as an advancement, it is now possible to fulfill these requirements. A panel of experts from laboratories and cardiologists discussed how to use this new assay in daily routine.

Platelet response to clopidogrel and restenosis in patients treated predominantly with drug-eluting stents.

Background: Preclinical studies suggest a relationship between early thrombotic response after vascular injury and later development of restenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of platelet response to clopidogrel on the risk of restenosis after drug-eluting stenting (DES).

Methods: A total of 1,608 consecutive patients were previously enrolled in a study on the relation between platelet reactivity and outcomes after DES.

LIFEBRIDGE B2T--a new portable cardiopulmonary bypass system.

The LIFEBRIDGE B2T is a new portable cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system designed for temporary circulatory support. The LIFEBRIDGE B2T consists of a disposable patient unit with a CPB circuit, a control, and a base unit. The system weighs 20 kg.