Large Field-of-View Intravascular Ultrasound for Mitral and Tricuspid Valve-in-Valve Guidance: A Pilot Study.

Background: Actual expansion of a transcatheter heart valve (THV) might differ from nominal, particularly during nonaortic valve-in-valve for a degenerated bioprosthetic surgical heart valve (SHV). This pilot study compared THV expansion measured using large-field-of-view intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) vs. multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and assessed the correlation between THV dimensions and transvalvular gradients.

Diet and Lifestyle Intervention-Induced Pattern of Weight Loss Related to Reduction in Low-Attenuation Coronary Plaque Burden.

Background: Despite extensive research on body weight and cardiovascular risk, the mechanistic relationship between weight loss and coronary plaque modification has not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to determine the association between body composition dynamics and low-attenuation coronary plaque (LAP) burden.

Methods: Eighty-nine participants (40% women, 60 ± 7.

Biomarkers in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy-What We Know and What Is Still to Be Found.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of heart failure, often severe, that occurs in previously healthy women at the end of their pregnancy or in the first few months after delivery. In PPCM, the recovery of heart function reaches 45-50%. However, the all-cause mortality in long-term observation remains high, reaching 20% irrespective of recovery status.

Incidence and Predictors of Clinically Significant Bleedings after Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

Background: Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is performed in patients unsuitable for long-term anticoagulation, predominantly due to prior bleeding events. The study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of clinically significant bleeding (CSB) post-LAAC.

Methods: Consecutive patients after LAAC with an Amplatzer or WATCHMAN device were analyzed (05.

Residual stroke risk after left atrial appendage closure in patients with prior oral anticoagulation failure.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) failure may benefit from left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), however, the evidence is scarce. We report outcomes of LAAC in patients with OAC failure compared to those with classic indications of OAC contraindications.

Methods: Prospective registry of LAAC with Amplatzer or WATCHMAN device followed by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was analyzed (05.