A meta-analysis of antibacterial envelope use in prevention of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection.

Objectives: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection has been a major clinical problem in addition to being a major financial burden. In spite of antimicrobial prophylaxis, CIED infection rates have been increasing disproportionately. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to assess the role of TYRX antibiotic envelope for the prevention of CIED infection.

Post-reperfusion syndrome during renal transplantation: a retrospective study.

Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS) is a serious, widely reported complication following the reperfusion of an ischemic tissue or organ. We sought to determine the prevalence, risk factors and short-term outcomes of PRS related renal transplantation. We conducted a retrospective, case-control study of patients undergoing renal transplantation between July 2006 and March 2008.

A novel approach to standard techniques in the assessment and quantification of the interventricular systolic relationship.

Background: Blood flow between the right and left ventricles is subject to the continuity equation and systolic ventricular interdependence. Quantification of this relationship might aid in understanding inter-ventricular function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and quantify ventricular interdependence by directly comparing right and left ventricular systolic function though echocardiographic surrogates of right and left ventricular systolic function such as MAPSE, TAPSE, RV TVI and LV TVI.

Transmyocardial voyage of a temporary epicardial lead: an unusual long-term complication.

Although the majority of temporary epicardial leads used during cardiac surgery are removed in the perioperative period, occasionally, the wires are cut and allowed to retract into the subcutaneous tissue. Complications arising from such retained epicardial wires are rare. We present a case of transmyocardial migration of a retained epicardial wire through the right ventricular myocardium into the pulmonary artery in a patient who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery 13 years ago.

Endovascular therapy for radiation-induced pulmonary artery stenosis: a case report and review of the literature.

Although pulmonary artery stenosis and its treatment has been well characterized in pediatric populations, its diagnosis and even how to determine the significance of a stenosis can be difficult and optimal management is currently unknown. This case report and review of the literature outlines how we successfully diagnosed, evaluated, and stented a patient with radiation induced pulmonary artery stenosis. This case further adds support to a very limited data pool suggesting that percutaneous angioplasty of pulmonary artery stenosis may be a safe and effective treatment option for this unique patient population.

A retrospective analysis and case series of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor associated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: two case reports.

Introduction: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors have a key role in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous interventions. Although, an increased risk of bleeding complications is well recognized, its association with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is much less recognized. Previous authors have suggested that the incidence of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor associated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage has been significantly underestimated due to under reporting.

Pneumopericardial tamponade resulting from a spontaneous gastropericardial fistula.

Pneumopericardium is a rare but serious cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated, it can lead to cardiac tamponade and thus must be promptly identified to treat the underlying etiology. Here, we report a case of spontaneous pneumopericardium secondary to gastric ulcer perforation in association with a hiatal hernia.