Background Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; thus, simple, rapid and preferably automated techniques are indispensable for pursuing a global risk stratification approach. We present an oscillometric technique for determination of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), including the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, with emphasis on the training curve and procedural duration. Methods In a single-centre crossover study, we evaluated subjects free of known cardiovascular disease (CVD), subjects with CVD and a subgroup of subjects with peripheral artery disease (PAD) in terms of ankle-brachial index (ABI) and PWV measurements determined by oscillometry compared to tonometry. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship of the PWV measurements determined by both methods. Moreover, the time and cost of the examinations were compared. Results A total of 176 study subjects underwent assessments to obtain oscillometric and tonometric PWV measurements. The CVD-free subjects ( n = 59) were younger (60.4±15.6 vs. 67.5±12.9 years, p = 0.003) than the subjects with CVD ( n = 117). The PWV measurements showed significant correlations in CVD-free subjects ( r = 0.797, p <0.001), in subjects with CVD ( r = 0.817, p <0.001) and in the subgroup of subjects with PAD ( r = 0.807, p <0.001). The examination duration was shorter for the oscillometric method than the tonometric method (4.4±0.5 vs. 9.2±0.8 min, p <0.001). Conclusion Using a simple and rapid automated oscillometric method, we achieved good diagnostic accuracy for the determination of aortic stiffness through the PWV in both subjects with and without CVD. This method might be helpful in daily practice in terms of saving time and reducing procedural complexity for screening for cardiovascular morbidities and vascular damage in cases of atherosclerosis.

BackgroundRadial artery access is the primary approach for coronary interventions due to higher safety profile in comparison to femoral access. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the main complication of transradial catheterization that can lead to severe symptoms and a permanent artery occlusion. The incidence of RAO after transradial access ranges from 5 to 38% and data regarding treatment is scarce. Whether anticoagulation and vasoactive medication provides an additional benefit in recovery of radial artery patency (RAP) after catheterization has not been investigated in detail.AimThe objective was to investigate the impact of anticoagulation and vasoactive medication on regained patency after documented RAO following transradial catheterization.Patients and methodsOverall 2635 patients were screened. 2215 (84%) catheterizations were performed by femoral and 420 (16%) by radial access. In 30 patients RAO was observed. In case of RAO patients were classified in three groups: Anticoagulation, anticoagulation added with alprostadil and controls. Follow-up was conducted after 3 months with ultrasound and clinical examination.ResultsEight patients received anticoagulation and 11 patients anticoagulation together with alprostadil. Eleven patients served as controls. Recovery of RAP after catheterization was higher following either treatment (79.5%) compared to controls (0%, p = 0.006). Subgroup analysis yielded a higher RAP recovery in patients treated with anticoagulation (62.5%) as compared to controls (0%, p = 0.002). No effect on regained RAP was found with additional alprostadil therapy (33.3%) compared to anticoagulation therapy (62.5%, p = 0.229).ConclusionRAO should be treated with anticoagulation to regain patency. Addition of vasoactive medication does not lead to further beneficial effects. Further research is needed regarding preventive and therapeutic strategies following RAO.

Our findings suggest that the risk profile after septal ablation may differ from that of HOCM patients without an outflow desobliteration.

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