VA-ECMO appears to be an effective tool to optimize end-organ function as a bridge to recovery or intervention, with excellent outcomes. This approach may allow clinicians to better triage patients with massive pulmonary embolism to the appropriate therapy on the basis of recovery of RV function, residual thrombus burden, operative risk, and neurologic status.

A protocolized strategy involving the aggressive institution of VA-ECMO appears to be an effective method to triage and optimize patients with massive PE to recovery or intervention. Implementation of this strategy rather than an aggressive surgical approach may reduce the mortality associated with massive PE.

Objectives: To determine whether the online patient education material offered by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) is written at a higher level than the 6th-7th grade level recommended by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Methods: Online patient education material from each website was subjected to reading grade level (RGL) analysis using the Readability Studio Professional Edition. One-sample t testing was used to compare the mean RGLs obtained from 8 formulas to the NIH-recommended 6.5 grade level and 8th grade national mean. Results: In total, 372 articles from the ACC website and 82 from the AHA were studied. Mean (±SD) RGLs for the 454 articles were 9.6 ± 2.1, 11.2 ± 2.1, 11.9 ± 1.6, 10.8 ± 1.6, 9.7 ± 2.1, 10.8 ± 0.8, 10.5 ± 2.6, and 11.7 ± 3.5 according to the Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG Index), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), Gunning-Fog Index (GFI), New Dale-Chall reading level formula (NDC), FORCAST, Raygor Readability Estimate (RRE), and Fry Graph (Fry), respectively. All analyzed articles had significantly higher RGLs than both the NIH-recommended grade level of 6.5 and the national mean grade level of 8 (p < 0.00625). Conclusions: Patient education material provided on the ACC and AHA websites is written above the NIH-recommended 6.5 grade level and 8th grade national mean reading level. Additional studies are required to demonstrate whether lowering the RGL of this material improves outcomes among patients with cardiovascular disease.

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Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of myocardial infarction that carries a high mortality rate. Although conventional wisdom suggests prompt surgical repair in order to mitigate risk of expansion and rupture, there are some data to support non-operative management in asymptomatic individuals with likely chronic pseudoaneurysms, particularly when surgical candidacy is poor. We present a case of a medically managed left ventricular pseudoaneurysm subsequent to inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with 6-month follow-up data.

Objectives: To review the spectrum of contemporary cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), spanning both the pre- and post-ACCORD eras. Methods: We reviewed a total of 12 CVOTs and delineated the two eras in accordance with the 2008 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandate requiring completion of CVOTs prior the licensing of new glucose-lowering agents. The salient implications regarding macrovascular disease complications were summarized. Results: Five trials in the pre-ACCORD and 7 in the post-ACCORD era were identified. Heterogeneous results pertaining to the degree of glycemic control associated with optimal macrovascular disease risk reduction, as well as the safest pharmacologic means to do so, were observed. Conclusions: The post-ACCORD era is representative of a significant shift in the landscape of CVOTs in T2DM, with an emphasis on safety of glucose-lowering agents. Recently completed and ongoing trials of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors will continue to inform clinical practice on safe and effective ways to reduce CV risk in T2DM.

This single-center experience demonstrates excellent overall outcomes for surgical pulmonary embolectomy, with resolution of right ventricular dysfunction and comparable morbidity and mortality for central and peripheral PE. In an experienced center and when physiologically warranted, surgical pulmonary embolectomy for peripheral distribution of thrombus is technically feasible and effective.