Case Report of Percutaneous Retrograde Transcollateral Recanalization of the Superior Mesenteric Artery via the Celiac Artery for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

Revascularization for acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) can be achieved through a bypass from the aorta or iliac arteries, embolectomy, open exposure of SMA and retrograde recanalization and stent, or percutaneous antegrade stenting. Flush occlusion of the SMA can make antegrade recanalization very challenging and is usually unsuccessful. We present a novel approach for recanalization of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) via the celiac artery for acute mesenteric ischemia.

Effect of Body Weight on Dose of Vitamin K Antagonists.

Objectives: Numerous factors are well documented to affect the response to vitamin K antagonists (VKA), including dietary vitamin K, other drugs, age, pharmacogenetics, and disease states. Body weight is perhaps not as well known as a variable affecting VKA dose. Our aim was to review the literature regarding body weight and VKA dose requirements.

Percutaneous Implantation of an Entirely Intracardiac Leadless Pacemaker.

Background: Cardiac pacemakers are limited by device-related complications, notably infection and problems related to pacemaker leads. We studied a miniaturized, fully self-contained leadless pacemaker that is nonsurgically implanted in the right ventricle with the use of a catheter.

Methods: In this multicenter study, we implanted an active-fixation leadless cardiac pacemaker in patients who required permanent single-chamber ventricular pacing.

Morbidity and mortality after use of iliac conduits for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective: Although placement of an open iliac conduit for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is generally felt to result in higher morbidity and mortality, published literature is scarce. Our objective was to assess 30-day outcomes after elective EVAR with an open iliac conduit using a multi-institutional database.

Methods: Patients who underwent elective EVAR (n = 14,339) for abdominal aortic aneurysm were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005 to 2011 database.

Fever as a risk factor for increased response to vitamin K antagonists: a review of the evidence and potential mechanisms.

Numerous factors affect the response to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) including age, dietary vitamin K, other drugs, pharmacogenetics, and disease states. In antithrombotic guidelines, fever is mentioned as a factor that may increase response to VKA. The purpose of this article is to review the available evidence regarding the effect of fever on response to VKA, and to discuss possible mechanisms of this effect.

Preventing emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma by use of oral corticosteroids at home: are we adhering to national guidelines?

Background: Oral corticosteroids (OCS) in the home management of asthma exacerbations have been recommended in the NIH/NHLBI guidelines since 1991. As a routine component of written action plans, OCS treatment at home is associated with reduced emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations as well as decreased mortality.

Methods: A literature search of English language journals from 1991 to 2009 was performed using several databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS.