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BackgroundThere is scarcely any data in the available literature on the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and cognitive functioning, and no information on the relationship between SOC and cognitive parameters in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.AimThe aim of this paper was to determine the relationship of SOC measured prior to carotid artery stenting (CAS) with neurocognitive functioning in patients with carotid atherosclerosis 12 months after CAS.MethodsA total of 35 patients with carotid atherosclerosis completed the SOC-29 Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29) and completed a cognitive test battery twice, i.e., before (baseline–T1) and 12 months after stent implantation (follow-up–T2). Selected cognitive functions such as memory, attention, perception, visuospatial and executive functions and non-verbal fluency were assessed.ResultsOne year after the procedure, patients with a higher SOC and sense of manageability present better performance in visual memory. Higher SOC and sense of meaningfulness are positively related to the speed of understanding the changing rules of card sorting (WCST).ConclusionHigher overall SOC and a component of sense of meaningfulness and manageability may be related to better cognitive functioning 1 year after the procedure.

IntroductionRecently published studies suggest that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has no significant impact on outcomes in patients with heart failure and stable coronary artery disease. The use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support is growing, but its value is still uncertain. If large areas of viable myocardium are ischemic, the benefit from revascularization should be evident. In such instances, we should strive for complete revascularization. The use of mechanical circulatory support in such cases is vital because it provides hemodynamic stability throughout the complex procedure.Case reportWe present a case of a 53-year-old male heart transplant candidate with type 1 diabetes mellitus, initially considered unsuitable for revascularization and qualified for heart transplantation, transferred to our center due to acute decompensated heart failure. At this time, the patient had temporary contraindications for heart transplantation. As the patient was considered no-option, we have decided to reassess the possibility of revascularization. The heart team opted for a high-risk mechanically supported PCI with the aim of complete revascularization. A complex multivessel PCI was performed with optimal effect. The patient was weaned off dobutamine on the second day post-PCI. Four months post-discharge, he remains stable, is in NYHA II class, and has no chest pain. Control echocardiography showed improved ejection fraction. The patient is not a heart transplant candidate anymore.ConclusionsThis case report shows that we must strive for revascularization in select heart failure cases. The outcome of this patient suggests that heart transplant candidates with potentially viable myocardium should be considered for revascularization, especially as the shortage of donors persists. In the most complex coronary anatomy and severe heart failure, mechanical support in the procedure might be essential.

Carotid revascularization may lead to improved cognitive function beyond stroke prevention. This article summarizes the conclusions from available studies on the effects of carotid reperfusion procedures on cognitive function. The papers cited used different neuropsychological tests for cognitive assessment, resulting in different methodologies and the results obtained were not always convergent. However, most studies reported an improvement in neurocognitive abilities after both vascular interventions, but a more precise assessment of the specific benefits is still awaited. Clinical determinants to predict the effects of these treatments on cognitive function are still being sought, but results are not yet satisfactory. In view of these studies, carotid stenosis seems to be an independent risk factor for cognitive deterioration, and the main mechanisms responsible are embolism and cerebral hypoperfusion. The aim of this study is to order the knowledge about the effects of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and endarterectomy (CEA) on neurocognitive functions and to verify the usefulness of using these treatments.

An 83-year-old man with a history of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) anticoagulated by dabigatran 150 b.i.d., type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The patient was loaded with 300 mg of aspirin p.o., 5000 IU of unfractionated heparin i.v. and 600 mg of clopidogrel and was transferred to the catheterization laboratory. Coronary angiography demonstrated left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion. During the LAD angioplasty a dissection of a distal part of the LAD and the blood extravasation to the pericardium occurred (Figure 1 A). Idarucizumab 2 × 2.5 g i.v. was administered and the inflated balloon maintained at the site of coronary perforation. About 10 min after the end of idarucizumab infusion, the balloon was deflated and the patient presented with clinical symptoms of cardiac tamponade such as blood pressure decrease and tachycardia. The echocardiographic assessment revealed up to 16 mm accumulation of pericardial fluid (Figure 2 A). Immediately the covered stent was implanted (Papyrus, Biotronik) and the pericardiocentesis was carried out. 320 ml of blood was finally drained. Control contrast injection revealed a covered perforating zone with no contrast extravasation (Figure 1 B). The echocardiographic control revealed pericardial effusion less than 5 mm (Figure 2 B). The patient was stable with a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg, a heart rate of 100–130/min (AF), and without chest pain. No significant reduction in the red blood cell count was observed. Antiplatelet therapy was given consisting of aspirin and clopidogrel. In the following days enoxaparin was introduced and finally changed to dabigatran 110 mg b.i.d.

Background: The revascularization of carotid arteries minimizes the risk of future cerebral stroke and usually improves cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to assess changes in cognitive function and verify the hypothesis assuming an improvement of selected cognitive functions—psychomotor speed, visuospatial episodic memory, executive function and verbal fluency—in patients after carotid artery stenting during a 12-month follow-up. Methods: 47 persons subject to CAS, including 13 symptomatic persons, were examined before and 12 months after a procedure with a psychological test battery (digit symbol test—DS, Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test—ROCF, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test—WCST, letter verbal fluency—LVF). Sociodemographic data and clinical parameters were acquired from an author questionnaire. Results: The one-year follow-up, after the performed CAS procedure, demonstrated a significant improvement of psychomotor speed, visuospatial episodic memory, and executive function. No changes in the area of verbal fluency or decline in any of cognitive functions under analysis were observed. Conclusions: Carotid artery stenting improves cognitive functioning, both in the area of basic and more complex cognitive functions in persons with carotid atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (LV-EMB) is the only procedure that allows a direct assessment of the left ventricular myocardium, thus enabling the diagnosis of myocarditis or other myocardial diseases. Aim: To describe the characteristics of a population that underwent LV-EMB, as well as to address the periprocedural and technical aspects of the LV-EMB. Material and methods: Since its initiation in our center in 2016, a total of 43 patients have undergone LV-EMB. In the manuscript, the indications for LV-EMB and the detailed technical aspects of its safe performance, including the equipment used, are described. A large part of the text is also devoted to the possible complications of LV-EMB. Results: The results of the initial population that underwent LV-EMB in our center are presented. The patients who were quali- fied for LV-EMB were predominantly male (85.7%), with a mean age of 38.8 years. Of those, 38 (88.3%) had acute heart failure. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 19.6%. The primary indications for LV-EMB were unexplained heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction < 35% and (1) hemodynamic abnormalities or electrical instability of the heart and/or (2) recent worsening of heart failure (NYHA class II, III, or IV) with no response to standard therapy for 2 weeks. The mean fluoroscopy time was 5.4 min, and the mean radiation dose was 87 mGy. No periprocedural complications were found. Conclusions: The results of the analysis indicate that LV-EMB can be performed safely by skilled physicians in an experienced center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Randomized trials have proven the feasibility and safety of the bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in selected populations of patients. Data concerning the results of BVS in "real-world" registries with an appropriate sample size are limited. Aim: Assessment of early- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing bioresorbable scaffold implantation in an all-comers population of the ZABRZE-BVS registry. Material and methods: The ZABRZE-BVS registry is a prospective registry including consecutive patients treated in the period 2013-2016 with the intention to implant a BVS (ABSORB, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California). The primary endpoint was occurrence of the 12- and 24-month device-oriented composite endpoint (DoCE) defined as cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) or target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoint includes occurrence of patient-oriented composite endpoint (PoCE) at 12 and 24 months, device (lesion basis) and procedural success (patient basis). Results: A total of 456 patients during 467 procedures received 588 scaffolds in 563 lesions. Of note, 25.4% of patients presented with diabetes mellitus and 62.3% had an acute coronary syndrome. In QCA analysis, 78.7% of patients had type B2/C lesions, minimal lumen diameter was 0.78 ±0.54 mm, whereas post-procedural acute lumen gain was 1.61 ±0.61 mm. Median follow-up was 781 days. The cumulative rate of DoCE was 6.7% at 12 months and 12.2% at 24 months. Rates of 12- and 24-month PoCE were 12.4% and 20.1%, respectively. The percentage of device success was 98.7%, while the procedural success rate was 96.9%. Conclusions: The Absorb BVS was successfully and safely implanted in an unselected group of patients. Scaffold thrombosis developed predominantly in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first line treatment in cardiac tamponade is pericardiocentesis with drainage. About 10 min after the end of idarucizumab infusion, the balloon was deflated and the patient presented with clinical symptoms of cardiac tamponade such as blood pressure decrease and tachycardia. [Extracted from the article]

Carotid revascularization may lead to improved cognitive function beyond stroke prevention. This article summarizes the conclusions from available studies on the effects of carotid reperfusion procedures on cognitive function. The papers cited used different neuropsychological tests for cognitive assessment, resulting in different methodologies and the results obtained were not always convergent. However, most studies reported an improvement in neurocognitive abilities after both vascular interventions, but a more precise assessment of the specific benefits is still awaited. Clinical determinants to predict the effects of these treatments on cognitive function are still being sought, but results are not yet satisfactory. In view of these studies, carotid stenosis seems to be an independent risk factor for cognitive deterioration, and the main mechanisms responsible are embolism and cerebral hypoperfusion. The aim of this study is to order the knowledge about the effects of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and endarterectomy (CEA) on neurocognitive functions and to verify the usefulness of using these treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no data regarding the mortality rate, risks and benefits of particular reperfusion methods and pharmacological treatment complications in patients aged over 100 years with acute coronary syndromes. We sought to assess the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients older than 100 years and to determine prognostic factors for this group. Methods: Among the 716,566 patients recorded between 2003 and 2018 in the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes, 104 patients aged ≥100 with MI were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: group 1 received conservative treatment (64 patients), and group 2 received invasive strategy (40 patients). Results: The frequencies of in-hospital mortality, MI and stroke were similar in both arms. No difference in the frequency of the combined endpoint (death, reinfarction, stroke) was noted. Invasive treatment was more advantageous for 12-month outcomes; 50 patients in group 1 (79%) and 23 patients in group 2 (57.50%) died (p = 0.017). The multivariate analysis identified the lower left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.96; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.94–0.99; p = 0.012), lack of coronary angiography (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24–0.99; p = 0.048) and cardiac arrest (HR = 4.61; 95% CI: 1.64–12.99; p = 0.0038) as predictors of 12-month mortality in this group. Conclusions: Invasive MI treatment may be beneficial for selected very old patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]