Simple Stenting Strategy with or without Branch Ostial Optimization Technique for Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions.

Background: A simple stenting strategy with provisional side-branch (SB) stenting or crossover stenting has been recommended as the default approach for most coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs). The proximal optimization technique (POT) and POT-associated techniques (POTAs) were introduced to optimize the ostium of SB. However, these techniques are unable to remove the jailed struts or completely diminish vessel damage.

Ex vivo mono-ring technique simplifies culotte stenting for treatment of true bifurcation lesions: Insights from bench testing and clinical application.

Background: Despite various culotte-based stenting techniques available clinically, the optimal one remains undetermined. The study aimed to test whether ex vivo mono-ring culotte stenting (MRC) was technically feasible and superior to mini culotte stenting (MCS) in treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

Methods: Mono-ring culotte stenting was characterized by ex vivo wiring of the most proximal cell of the side branch (SB) stent to ensure a mono-ring result of the culotte stenting.

DK mini-culotte stenting in the treatment of true coronary bifurcation lesions: a propensity score matching comparison with T-provisional stenting.

The conventional culotte technique remains not to be widely used for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions due to its inherent drawbacks. Here, we developed a double kissing mini-culotte stenting (DK mini-culotte) and assessed its efficacy and safety by a propensity score matching comparison (PSM) with T-provisional stenting. From June 2010 to June 2012, a total of 223 consecutive patients with true coronary bifurcation lesions (TCBLs) were treated with DK mini-culotte (91 patients with 92 lesions) or T-provisional stenting (132 patients with 135 lesions).

Long-term outcomes of device closure of very large secundum atrial septal defects: a comparison of transcatheter vs intraoperative approaches.

Background: Transcatheter device closure (TCDC) and intraoperative device closure (IODC) have emerged as minimally invasive methods in the treatment of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs), but the long-term safety and efficacy remains uncertain for the large ASDs.

Hypothesis: TCDC may be as safe and efficacious as IODC for closure of large ASDs in terms of long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods: Ninety-two patients who had ASDs with a defect diameter of ≥30 mm were included in this study.

Modified culotte stenting for treatment of complex coronary bifurcation lesions: immediate and 9-month outcomes in a pilot study.

Background: The optimal stenting strategy for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) remains uncertain. The present study observed technical feasibility and reliability, 9-month clinical and angiographic outcomes of the modified culotte stenting (MCS) in the treatment of CBLs with drug-eluting stents.

Methods: A total of 34 consecutive patients with CBLs that required stenting the parent vessel (PV), the main branch (MB) and the side branch (SB) were included.

Choice of stenting strategy in true coronary artery bifurcation lesions.

Background: The optimal stenting strategy in true coronary artery bifurcation lesions has not been determined. In this study, a strategy of always stenting both the main vessel and the side branch (MV plus SB) was compared with a strategy of stenting the MV only with optional stenting of the SB. Stents used were sirolimus-eluting stents and paclitaxel-eluting stents.

Protective effects of lycopene against H2O2-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis in human endothelial cells.

Purpose: Oxidative stress is considered to be a major factor contributing to damage of endothelial cells, and is an important component of the etiology of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of lycopene on the oxidative injury and apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by H(2)O(2), and the effects of lycopene on the expression of p53, caspase-3 mRNA in injured cells.

Methods: In the H(2)O(2) group, endothelial cells were incubated with 400 microM H(2)O(2).

Comparison of long-term clinical outcome between transcatheter Amplatzer occlusion and surgical closure of isolated patent ductus arteriosus.

Background: Transcatheter Amplatzer occlusion of patent ductus artertiosus (PDA) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical closure. The goal of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes between two procedures, especially on chronic residual shunt, late or very late procedure-related complications, and regression of pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular dilation.

Methods: A total 255 patients having isolated PDA with a minimal diameter of >or= 4 mm treated from January 2000 to July 2003 were included in this study and have been followed up until July 2008.

Firebird and cypher sirolimus-eluting stents and bare metal stents in treatment of very long coronary lesions.

Background: As a kind of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) made in China, Firebird SES is more effective than bare metal stent (BMS) and not inferior to Cypher SES for short coronary lesions in terms of reduction of restenosis and revascularization. However, Firebird SES does not show any benefits in patients with a very long coronary lesion (VLCL). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Firebird SES for VLCL by comparison of Cypher SES and BMS.