Cerebral ischemic lesions detected with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after carotid artery stenting: Comparison of several anti-embolic protection devices.

Distal embolism is an important periprocedural technical complication with carotid angioplasty and carotid artery stenting (CAS). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of protection devices used during CAS by detecting new cerebral ischemic lesions using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 95 patients who underwent 98 CAS procedures: 34 using single PercuSurge GuardWire, 31 using double balloon protection, 15 using proximal flow reverse protection devices, 14 using Naviballoon, and 4 using filter anti-embolic devices. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the presence of any new embolic cerebral lesions.

Feasibility of the fast-track recovery program after cardiac surgery in Japan.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if a fast-track recovery protocol that is applied in other countries can be used in the present Japanese medical system. Second, we wanted to evaluate the differences if the protocol was adapted from the viewpoint of cost saving, postoperative hospital stay, and adverse complications.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 94 consecutive patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with conventional techniques on cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary bypass between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2006.