Published data regarding stenting very small arteries are still limited. The BiodivYsio stent is a new stent coated with phosphorylcholine, a biocompatible molecule designed to reduce the formation of thrombus and potentially the risk of restenosis. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of implantation of the 2.0 mm coated coronary stent were prospectively studied. We studied 97 patients from three centers who underwent elective, urgent, or bailout implantation of 106 BiodivYsio mini-stents (2.0 mm) in 101 lesions. Forty percent of lesions had unfavorable characteristics (type B2 or C) and 16% had thrombus and/or chronic total occlusion. Successful stent deployment was achieved in 100/101 lesions (99%). MLD increased from 0.49 +/- 0.31 mm to 1.89 +/- 0.41 mm and diameter stenosis decreased from 89% +/- 7% to 5.6% +/- 6%. Small vessel stenting was the only procedure in 71% patients. There was one acute stent thrombosis case. During 6-month follow-up, none died, one had MI, and one was referred to CABG due to nontarget lesion progression. Angiographic restenosis that required target lesion revascularization was performed in 8/18 that had catheterization due to chest pain or significant ischemia. Most patients improved in their clinical symptoms. The rate of major adverse cardiac events was 4.1% at 30-day and 10.3% at 6-month follow-up. This initial clinical experience indicates that the implantation of 2.0 mm stents coated with phosphorylcholine appears to be safe and efficacious in the treatment of complex coronary lesions and is associated with low target vessel revascularization rate in spite of the very small vessel diameter.

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude towards personal health care and menopause among women with ischemic heart disease. The study population consisted of 100 menopausal women attending the cardiac unit for coronary angiography. All women completed a 20-item questionnaire, covering information on health-care habits, life style and attitude towards menopause. About half of the study population had ever smoked, were overweight, had never tried to lose weight and did not exercise regularly. The majority regularly underwent screening mammography, Pap smear and lipid profile measurement. There was a positive statistically significant correlation between years of education and having annual mammography, Pap smear and lipid profile, performing breast self-examinations and taking an annual vacation. Sixty eight per cent of the study population had never used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), 13.2% had used HRT in the past and 18.8% were currently using HRT. There was a negative statistically significant correlation between use of HRT and age and number of children, and a positive statistically significant correlation between use of HRT and having an annual Pap smear and mammography scan. Only a relatively small percentage of the study population safeguarded their health care or used HRT. We believe that stronger efforts are needed to promote good health-related behaviors for these women.

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude towards personal health care and menopause among women with ischemic heart disease. The study population consisted of 100 menopausal women attending the cardiac unit for coronary angiography. All women completed a 20-item questionnaire, covering information on health-care habits, life style and attitude towards menopause. About half of the study population had ever smoked, were overweight, had never tried to lose weight and did not exercise regularly. The majority regularly underwent screening mammography, Pap smear and lipid profile measurement. There was a positive statistically significant correlation between years of education and having annual mammography, Pap smear and lipid profile, performing breast self-examinations and taking an annual vacation. Sixty eight per cent of the study population had never used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), 13.2% had used HRT in the past and 18.8% were currently using HRT. There was a negative statistically significant correlation between use of HRT and age and number of children, and a positive statistically significant correlation between use of HRT and having an annual Pap smear and mammography scan. Only a relatively small percentage of the study population safeguarded their health care or used HRT. We believe that stronger efforts are needed to promote good health-related behaviors for these women.