No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The transradial approach (TRA) for coronary angiography and interventions is increasingly utilized around the world. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common significant complication after transradial catheterization, with incidence varying between 1% and 10%. Although RAO is rarely accompanied by hand ischemia, it is an important complication because it prohibits future transradial access and radial artery utilization as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting or arteriovenous fistula formation. In this review, we discuss factors predicting the occurrence of RAO, aspects of accurate and prompt recognition, methods that contribute to its prevention and possible treatment options.

Background: Reports from countries severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic suggest a decline in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related hospitalizations. The generalizability of this observation on ACS admissions and possible related causes in countries with low COVID-19 incidence are not known.

Vascular calcification is a highly prevalent pathophenotype that is associated with aging, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. When present, it portends a worse clinical outcome and predicts major adverse cardiovascular events. Heavily calcified coronary and peripheral artery lesions are difficult to dilate appropriately with conventional balloons during percutaneous intervention, and the use of several adjunctive strategies of plaque modification has been suggested. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) offers a novel option for lesion preparation of severely calcified plaques in coronary and peripheral vessels. It is unique among all technologies in its ability to modify calcium circumferentially and transmurally, thus modifying transmural conduit compliance. In this article, we summarize the currently available evidence on this technology, and we highlight its best clinical application through appropriate patient and lesion selection, with the main objective of optimizing stent delivery and implantation, and subsequent improved short- and long-term outcomes. We believe that the IVL balloon will transform the market, as it is easy to use, with predictable results. However, cost-effectiveness of such advanced technology will need to be considered.

No abstract

No abstract