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Little literature exists addressing the risk of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients who have had recent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). This study analyzed mortality, re-infarction and further GIB rates among patients who had PCI within 30 days of a GIB event. ICD-9

Although an invasive strategy has predominately been studied in men with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs), its role in low-risk women is unclear. We sought to examine gender differences in a real-world registry of patients with NSTE-ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing PCI at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio from 2003 through 2007 (n = 1,874) were included. In-hospital and long-term mortalities were assessed. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to study the influence of gender on mortality. Interactions with age and biomarker status were examined. Women were older and had a higher incidence of co-morbid conditions compared to men. They had a smaller reference vessel diameter compared to men. Despite these characteristics there was no overall difference in in-hospital (1.4% vs 1.6%) or long-term (14.6% vs 15.8%) mortality between men and women. However, there was evidence of a significant effect modification by age (p = 0.012) and troponin status (p = 0.0073) for long-term mortality such that women60 years of age, especially those who were troponin negative, had more than a twofold increase in long-term mortality compared to men (p = 0.007). In conclusion, although overall mortality rates are similar between men and women undergoing PCI for NSTE-ACS, women60 years old with negative biomarkers have a higher mortality than their men peers.

Background The Evolution mechanical dilator sheath is a new lead extraction tool that uses a rotational mechanism and a bladed tip to overcome fibrosis. Objective The purpose of this study was to report our initial experience with the Evolution system. Methods Between March 2008 (our first use of Evolution) and September 2009, the Evolution sheath was used for extraction of pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads in 29 patients (41 leads). Success and complications were defined according to the Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus document on lead extraction. Results Indications for extraction were infection in 20 patients and lead malfunction in 9 patients. Median implantation time was 65 months (range 12–409 months). Of the 41 leads, 18 (44%) were atrial and 23 (56%) were ventricular. ICD leads were extracted from 14 (48%) patients and pacemaker leads from 15 (52%) patients. Evolution was used as first choice in 12 patients (16 [39%] leads), with 100% clinical success. Complete procedural success was achieved in 11 patients; in 1 patient, only the distal electrode was retained. The system was used for "rescue" of 25 (61%) leads in 17 patients. Success with Evolution alone was achieved in 13 (77%) patients (Shortie Evolution sheath used in 2), for complete procedural success of 77%. However, in 4 (24%) patients, Evolution was useful but not sufficient for complete procedural success (femoral workstation required in 2, reuse of laser in 2). Overall, the Evolution system was successful in 25 (86%) patients (33 leads). Overall clinical success was 100%. No complications occurred. Conclusion Preliminary data suggest that the Evolution mechanical dilator sheath is a new useful tool among the instruments available for lead extraction.