The adaptation of state-of-the-art computerized technology to closely monitor patients with HF with advanced-practice nurse care under the guidance of a cardiologist significantly improves HF management while reducing the cost of care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESIn-stent restenosis in the femoropopliteal artery is common (20%–40%). Treatment of in-stent restenosis is challenged by poor patency rate. An ePTFE-covered stent-graft (Viabahn) is inert with a very small pore size that does not allow for significant tissue in-growth. Use of a Viabahn stent-graft may improve the patency rate in the treatment of in-stent restenosis.DESIGN AND SETTINGA retrospective chart review of the use of Viabahn stent grafts implanted in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery in-stent restenosis performed from January 2004 to December 2008.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe measured the primary patency rate using duplex ultrasound at 1 year and 3 years. We also examined the rate of secondary patency, acute limb ischemia and amputation.RESULTSTwenty-seven cases with in-stent restenosis of the femoropopliteal artery treated by Viabahn stent-graft were identified. The average lesion length was 24.5 cm; 52% of the lesions were total occlusion and 37% had critical limb ischemia. The 1- and 3-year primary patency rates were 85.1% and 81.4%, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 96%. All recurrent in-stent restenoses were focal at the proximal and distal edges and none had stent fracture.CONCLUSIONOur single center experience in a small number of patients showed a favorable patency of ePTFE-covered stent-graft for treatment of patients with in-stent restenosis in the femoropopliteal artery.

A 52-year-old woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure presented in respiratory distress. Physical examination could not differentiate COPD exacerbation from chronic heart failure decompensation. As her serum B-type natriuretic peptide level was 1030 pg/mL, she was initially treated for chronic heart failure decompensation. Serum B-type natriuretic peptide level fell to 308 pg/mL, but respiratory distress persisted. She was then treated with intravenous solumedrol for COPD exacerbation. Respiratory distress rapidly resolved. Serum B-type natriuretic peptide level is useful to detect heart failure in the presence of COPD but does not substitute for clinical judgment to initiate proper management.

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