Microvascular changes following exposure to iodinated contrast media in vitro. A qualitative comparison to serum creatinine concentrations in post-cardiac catheterization patients.

Introduction: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is characterized as a loss of renal function following radiological contrast media administration. While all contrast media induce variable changes in microvascular endothelial cells in vitro, only few studies report clinical significance of their findings. A comprehensive assessment of the effect of iodinated contrast media on the renal function in vitro and in vivo is essential.

Short term outcome after left atrial appendage occlusion with the AMPLATZER Amulet and WATCHMAN device: results from the ORIGINAL registry (saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure).

Background: Various randomized multicenter studies have shown that percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is not inferior in stroke prevention compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and can be performed safely and effectively.

Aims: The prospective multicenter ORIGINAL registry in the Free State of Saxony (saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure) investigated the efficiency and safety of LAAC with Watchman or Amulet device in a real word setting. A special focus was put on the influence of LAAC frequency on periprocedural efficiency and safety.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: 2-year outcomes.

Purpose: In more than 90% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke is due to thrombotic embolization from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Transcatheter occlusion with percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO), a self-expanding, membrane- covered spherical nitinol cage, is feasible and an alternative to anticoagulation therapy.

Methods: This was a single-center prospective registry study for verification of stroke risk reduction in patients with AF 2 years after PLAATO.