Clinical Cardiology Alert – November 1, 2016
November 1, 2016
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Stent Complexity Matters When Choosing Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Duration
A new study shows that increased percutaneous coronary intervention procedural complexity helps risk stratify patients and correlates with the benefit of longer-term dual antiplatelet therapy.
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Indications for Prophylactic Surgery in Dilated Ascending Aortas Revisited
An observational study of patients with dilated ascending aortas not due to inflammatory or syndromic conditions supports the current guideline recommending clinicians consider prophylactic surgery at ≥ 5.5 cm in diameter, and the risk of dissection or rupture is not greater in those with bicuspid aortic valves.
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Coronary CT Angiography Prior to Heart Valve Surgery
A meta-analysis of available studies of coronary CT angiography compared to invasive angiography demonstrates that coronary CT angiography is a reasonable substitute for invasive angiography in patients with low- to intermediate-risk for coronary artery disease and without aortic stenosis undergoing valve surgery.
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Is the Wearable Cardioverter-defibrillator Ready for Prime Time?
A large German experience with the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator confirms the finding of U.S. registry studies and suggests that the device is useful for patients with reduced left ventricular function at high risk of sudden cardiac death who are not currently good candidates for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
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Right Ventricular Function Predicts Outcomes in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Right ventricular dysfunction is common in dilated cardiomyopathy and frequently recovers with medical therapy for heart failure. Recovery of right ventricular function predicts subsequent improvement in left ventricular function and is associated with better outcomes.