As the LCx is closely related to the mitral valve annulus, it is susceptible to perioperative injury. Various underlying mechanisms, predisposing factors, and therapeutic strategies have been suggested but disagreement exists. Using a MeSH terms-based PubMed search, 44 cases of mitral valve surgery-related LCx injury were detected, including our 4 cases. We provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding mitral valve surgery-related left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) injury. Preoperative coronary angiography was performed in 55% (n = 24). Coronary abnormalities were present in 11% (n = 5). Coronary dominance was reported in 73% (n = 32), predominantly showing left (69%, n = 22) or balanced (19%, n = 6) circulations. Right coronary dominance was present in 12% (n = 4). Ischemia was detected in the perioperative or early postoperative phase in 86% (n = 30). Delayed symptoms were present in 14% (n = 5). Echocardiography demonstrated new regional wall motion abnormalities in 80% (n = 24), but was negative in 20% (n = 6) despite coronary compromise. Electrocardiography showed myocardial ischemia in 97% (n = 34), including regional ST-segment elevations in 68% (n = 23). Primary treatment was surgical in 42% (n = 15) and percutaneous in 58% (n = 21), reporting success ratios of 87% (n = 13) and 81% (n = 17), respectively. We confirm an augmented risk of mitral valve surgery-related LCx injury in balanced or left-dominant coronary circulations. Preoperative knowledge of coronary anatomy does not preclude LCx injury. An anomalous LCx arising from the right coronary cusp was identified as a possible specific high-risk entity. Electrocardiographic monitoring and intraoperative echocardiography remain paramount to ensure a timely diagnosis and treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

OCT-guided atherectomy for femoropopliteal disease is safe and effective. Additionally, the precision afforded by OCT guidance leads to greater removal of plaque during atherectomy while sparing the adventitia.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT 01065532.

While discrimination between TLVBS and anterior STEMI is warranted as early as possible after admission, this is very difficult, especially in the majority of cases presenting with the classical apical ballooning phenotype. By observing the herein-described apical nipple sign, the attending physician can make the diagnosis of TLVBS with virtual certainty in almost one-third of cases.

The development of coronary stents represents a major step forward in the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease since the introduction of percutaneous coronary intervention. The initial enthusiasm for bare metal stents was, however, tempered by a significant incidence of in-stent restenosis, the manifestation of excessive neointima hyperplasia within the stented vessel segment, ultimately leading to target vessel revascularization. Later, drug-eluting stents, with controlled local release of antiproliferative agents, consistently reduced this need for repeat revascularization. In turn, the long-term safety of first-generation drug-eluting stents was brought into question with the observation of an increased incidence of late stent thrombosis, often presenting as myocardial infarction or sudden death. Since then, new drugs, polymers, and platforms for drug elution have been developed to improve stent safety and preserve efficacy. Development of a novel platinum chromium alloy with high radial strength and high radiopacity has enabled the design of a new, thin-strut, flexible, and highly trackable stent platform, while simultaneously improving stent visibility. Significant advances in polymer coating, serving as a drug carrier on the stent surface, and in antiproliferative agent technology have further improved the safety and clinical performance of newer-generation drug-eluting stents. This review will provide an overview of the novel platinum chromium everolimus-eluting stents that are currently available. The clinical data from major clinical trials with these devices will be summarized and put into perspective.