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NT-pro-BNP is produced in the cardiac atria and ventricles in response to increased wall stress. It may be a marker of both AF disease progression and co-morbidities that affect success after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). This single-center retrospective study analyzed the association between pre-procedural NT-pro-BNP serum levels and the long-term outcome after a first-ever PVI in cryo-technique. Patients were followed by searching the hospital information system and conducting structured telephone interviews. Treatment failure was defined as any relapse of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurring 90 days after the index PVI at the earliest. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were computed to assess the impact of NT-pro-BNP on AF recurrence. Following 374 patients over a median of 3.8 years (range: 0.25–9.4 years), baseline NT-pro-BNP was associated with the combined endpoint in univariate analysis (HR 1.04 per 100 pg/mL increase, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07, p < 0.001). Results were virtually unchanged in the multivariate model or if the data were log-transformed. Intraprocedural left atrial pressure correlated positively with log NT-pro-BNP. NT-pro-BNP was associated with AF relapse during a long-term follow-up after first-ever cryo-PVI in our cohort of patients with predominantly normal left ventricular function. This lab parameter is easy to obtain and has significant potential to guide treatment decisions.

NT-pro-BNP is produced in the cardiac atria and ventricles in response to increased wall stress. It may be a marker of both AF disease progression and co-morbidities that affect success after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). This single-center retrospective study analyzed the association between pre-procedural NT-pro-BNP serum levels and the long-term outcome after a first-ever PVI in cryo-technique. Patients were followed by searching the hospital information system and conducting structured telephone interviews. Treatment failure was defined as any relapse of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurring 90 days after the index PVI at the earliest. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were computed to assess the impact of NT-pro-BNP on AF recurrence. Following 374 patients over a median of 3.8 years (range: 0.25-9.4 years), baseline NT-pro-BNP was associated with the combined endpoint in univariate analysis (HR 1.04 per 100 pg/mL increase, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07

Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis and high to intermediate surgical risk. However, the proximity of the conduction system to the prosthesis landing zone bears the risk of atrioventricular conduction disorders. The underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of TAVI on the conduction system as assessed by simultaneous electrophysiological testing. Methods AH and HV intervals and QRS duration were measured using a quadripolar His catheter and surface electrocardiogram in 108 patients at baseline (BL), after balloon predilation (timepoint 1 [T1]), after implantation of the valve prosthesis (T2), and after postdilation, if deemed necessary (T3). Results Between BL and T2, significant increases of HV interval and QRS duration were observed, with a mean delta of +12.4 ms and +32.7 ms, respectively. Both balloon predilation and valve implantation had an impact on infranodal conduction. No significant increase of AH intervals was documented. The increase of QRS duration led to left bundle branch block (LBBB) in 57 patients (52.8%). Implantation depth positively correlated with QRS prolongation (ρ = 0.21, P = .042) but not with changes of AH or HV interval (ρ = –0.03, P = .762; and ρ = 0.15, P = .130, respectively). Conclusion Electrophysiological testing during TAVI shows impairment of infranodal atrioventricular conduction by balloon predilation and valve implantation. This impairment is positively correlated with valve implantation depth and results in an increase of QRS duration with mainly LBBB pattern on surface electrocardiogram.

Patients with symptomatic, drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently treated with catheter ablation. Cryo-ablation has been established as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation but long-term outcome data are still limited. This study aimed at elucidating the influence of the left atrial volume index (LAVI), derived from cardiac computed tomography (cCT) data, on the long-term outcome of ablation-naive AF patients, after their first cryo-ablation. 415 patients (n = 290 [69.90%] male, 60.00 [IQR: 53.00 to 68.00] years old) who underwent a cCT and subsequent cryo-ablation index procedure were included in this single centre retrospective data analysis. A composite end point was defined (AF on electrocardiogram and/or electric cardioversion and/or re-do). Patients were closely followed for a year and then contacted for long-term follow-up after a median of 53.00 months (IQR: 34.50 to 73.00). Statistical analyses of the outcome and predictors of AF recurrence were conducted. In 224 patients (53.98%) no evidence of AF recurrence could be found. LAVI differed significantly between the positive and adverse (AF recurrence) outcome group (49.96 vs 56.07 ml/m2, p

Funding Acknowledgements None. OnBehalf Go for Zero Fluoroscopy Project investigators Background Contact force sensing catheters provide electrophysiologists with direct feedback and therefore improve safety and help to generate more effective lesions. The use of contact force may also reduce fluoroscopy and procedure times. Purpose The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the impact of using contact force sensing catheters (CFSCs) on fluoroscopy times and procedure times in left-sided atrial procedures. Methods In this multinational, multicenter study, data from 622 left-sided procedures (142 without and 480 with CFSCs) of 25 participating European centers were prospectively collected with a structured questionnaire. Examinations comprised 393 pulmonary vein isolations (PVIs, group 1[G1]), 122 PVIs with linear lesions (group 2[G2]), 65 left-sided accessory pathway ablations (group 3 [G3]) and 42 ablations for left atrial tachycardia (group 4 [G4]). Fluoroscopy and procedure times were compared with respect to the use of CFSCs, procedure type, and level of operator experience as possible confounders. A Mann-Whitney U-test was applied for comparison, and a p-value Results With the use of CFSCs, fluoroscopy time was significantly reduced when performing pulmonary vein isolations (G1 median [IQR]: 19 [11.0-33.7] vs. 7.2 [4.0-13.0] min., p 15 years: -6.5 min., p 40: -1.5 min., p = 0.346). Conclusion Contact force sensing catheters can help to reduce fluoroscopy times, especially when performing pulmonary vein isolations. This effect could be demonstrated for all career levels. However, it diminished with the operator"s caseload. A shortening of procedure time was found for PVIs with additional linear lesions.

This multicenter European survey systematically evaluated the impact of using contact force-sensing catheters (CFSCs) on fluoroscopy and procedure time in interventional electrophysiology. Data from 25 participating centers were collected and analyzed, also considering important confounders. With the use of CFSCs, fluoroscopy time was reduced for right- and left-sided atrial ablations (median −6.4 to −9.6 min, p < 0.001 for both groups), whereas no such effect could be found for ventricular ablations. Moreover, the use of CFSCs was associated with an increase in procedure time for right-sided atrial and ventricular ablations (median +26.0 and +44.0 min, respectively, p < 0.001 for both groups), but not for left-sided atrial ablations. These findings were confirmed independent of career level and operator volume, except for very highly experienced electrophysiologists, in whom the effect was blunted. In the subset of pulmonary vein isolations (PVIs), CFSCs were shown to reduce both fluoroscopy and procedure time. In conclusion, the use of CFSCs was associated with a reduced fluoroscopy time for atrial ablations and an increased procedure time for right atrial and ventricular ablations. These effects were virtually independent of the operator experience and caseload. When considering only PVIs as an important subset, CFSCs were shown to reduce both fluoroscopy and procedure time.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been shown to be a valid treatment option for patients with significant symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and high surgical risk. Rupture of the aortic root is a rare but life-threatening complication that occurs in approximately 1% of procedures and usually manifests as an acute complication at the time of valve implantation; however, physicians should be aware of a potentially subacute onset, since early recognition and immediate management are crucial. While many potential causes have been described, it is currently unknown which combinations will lead to its occurrence. Accurate preprocedural assessment of the aortic annulus and its adjacent structures as well as adequate sizing of the prosthetic valve are important steps to prevent rupture of the device landing zone.

BACKGROUND Renal denervation (RDN) has been shown to reduce blood pressure in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH). We aimed to investigate predictors for response to RDN. METHODS Patients suffering from RAH underwent RDN after exclusion of secondary causes of hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) for 24 h was performed at baseline, 6 and 12 months after RDN. Response was defined as a at least 5 mmHg 24 h SBP drop at 6 months. A linear regression model was used to analyze an association between baseline variables and response to RDN. RESULTS In total, 45.6% of patients were responders to RDN. In those, there was a significant reduction in ABPM values at 6 and 12 months (12 months: 24 h SBP: -17.2 ± 9.0 mmHg, P

Catheter-based ablation of nerves in the adventitia of renal arteries (renal artery denervation [RAD]) using radiofrequency energy can reduce blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH). Occurrence of renal artery stenosis after RAD is still an important concern. We systematically investigated the renal artery anatomy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) angiography in a consecutive series of patients 6 months after RAD. Patients with RAH were treated by RAD after exclusion of secondary causes of hypertension. RAH was defined by a mean systolic office BP160 mm Hg. Renal artery imaging was performed 6 months after RAD by MRI angiography. In case of any contraindication for MRI, a CT angiography was performed. The primary end point was the incidence of significant renal artery stenosis (≥70% lumen diameter reduction). RAD was performed in 76 patients, and evaluation of renal artery anatomy by MRI (n = 66; 87%) or CT angiography (n = 10; 13%) was performed in all patients 6 months after RAD. We found no renal artery stenosis but 2 cases of new nonsignificant stenosis (50% TO 69% lumen diameter reduction). In responders, mean systolic office BP reduction was -30 mm Hg (p0.001) and mean systolic 24-hour BP reduction was -18 mm Hg (p0.001). In conclusion, the incidence of significant renal artery stenosis 6 months after RAD seems to be very low. However, late-onset development of nonsignificant renal artery narrowing cannot be excluded in some patients and should be anticipated in the case of RAH relapse or worsening of renal function after successful RAD.

Background Renal denervation (RDN) is a promising treatment option in addition to medical antihypertensive treatment in patients suffering from resistant hypertension. Despite the growing interest in RDN, the negative result of the Symplicity HTN-3 trial led to a debate on the efficacy of RDN. Methods We systematically investigated the effects of RDN, evaluated by 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM), in a consecutive series of patients with resistant hypertension, which was defined by a mean office systolic blood pressure (SBP) >160 mm Hg (>150 mm Hg in patients with diabetes). Patients with a mean 24-hr SBP of less than 130 mm Hg at baseline were classified as pseudo-resistant, while all other patients were classified as true-resistant. After six months, we analyzed the response rates in true-resistant and in pseudo-resistant patients, respectively, by the means of 24-hr ABPM. Thereby, patients with a reduction of more than 5 mm Hg in 24-hr SBP were classified as responders. Results RDN was performed in 106 patients. By 24-hr ABPM, 20 patients (18.9%) were classified as pseudo-resistant patients. In this cohort, we only found two responders (response rate 10%) six months after RDN. By contrast, in true-resistant patients, the response rate was almost 60% and the mean BP reduction was −18.6/−9 mm Hg in 24-hr ABPM. Conclusions We found a significant BP reduction in almost 60% of patients with true-resistant hypertension, but only in 10% in patients with pseudo-resistant hypertension. According to our results, patient selection seems to be crucial for acceptable response rates after RDN. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Introduction Intra-operative complications like mechanical damages to the leads, infections and hematomas during generator replacements of implantable pacemakers and defibrillators contribute to additional costs for hospitals. The aim of this study was to evaluate operation room use, costs and budget impact of generator replacements using either a traditional surgical intervention (TSI) with scissors, scalpel and electrocautery vs. a new radiofrequency energy based surgical system, called PEAK PlasmaBladeTM (PPB). Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of a population including 508 patients with TSI and 254 patients with PPB who underwent generator replacement at the Kepler University Hospital in Linz or the St. Josef Hospital in Braunau, Austria. The economic analysis included costs of resources used for intra-operative complications (lead damages) and of procedure time for TSI vs. PPB. Results Proportion of males, mean age and type of generator replaced were similar between the two groups. Lead damages occurred significantly more frequent with TSI than with PPB (5.3% and 0.4%; p< 0.001) and the procedure time was significantly longer with TSI than with PPB (47.9±24.9 and 34.1±18.1 minutes; p

Background The sympathetic nervous system is an important factor in hypertension. In patients suffering from resistant hypertension, transfemoral renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) reduces office blood pressure (BP) values. Hypothesis Ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM) is a better predictor than office BP of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We thus believe that ABPM should be added to the systematic evaluation and follow-up protocol when treating patients with resistant hypertension with RDN. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of RDN on mean 24-hour BP by the use of ABPM. Methods Patients with resistant hypertension (office systolic BP >160 mm Hg, or >150 mm Hg in patients with diabetes) have been treated with RDN. Ambulatory BP measurement was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after RDN. Patients with a 24-hour systolic BP reduction of ≥5 mm Hg were classified as responders. Results Of 86 patients initially enrolled in the study, 5 had to be excluded from the analysis because of

Whereas in-stent restenosis (ISR) is widely discussed after coronary stenting procedures, this phenomenon is a considerable problem after interventional treatment of carotid artery stenosis as well. We sought to quantify ISR rate and to identify important respective risk factors in our cohort. We retrospectively analyzed data of our carotid artery stenting database comprising 1165 angiographically successful interventional procedures during the last 19 years. Significant ISR was assessed by Doppler ultrasound and defined as a flow velocity exceeding 300 cm/s representing a lumen narrowing >70%. Examinations were performed the day after intervention, at follow-up visits 1, 6 and 12 months after index hospitalization and once a year afterwards. Thirty-nine patients (3.4%) developed a significant ISR > 70% during the follow-up period (median 19.6 months, IQR 5.1–49.6 months). In 13 of them, restenosis was caused by a mechanical collapse (stent crush) of the implanted stent. All patients with significant ISR were free of neurological events during follow-up and 31 patients underwent a stent-in-stent implantation. We found a shorter stent length, a narrower stent diameter, performance of post-dilatation as well as stent type to significantly influence development of ISR. ISR > 70% after carotid artery stenting is a rare finding also during long-term follow-up. Especially in patients treated with balloon-expandable stents, post-dilatation reduced ISR significantly. As ISR was rare and clinically benign, this technique seems to remain a good therapy option in patients with significant carotid artery stenosis.

Background Defining an adequate endpoint for renal denervation trials represents a major challenge. A high inter-individual and intra-individual variability of blood pressure levels as well as a partial or total non-adherence on antihypertensive drugs hamper treatment evaluations after renal denervation. Blood pressure measurements at a single point in time as used as primary endpoint in most clinical trials on renal denervation, might not be sufficient to discriminate between patients who do or do not respond to renal denervation. Methods We compared the traditional responder classification (defined as systolic 24-hour blood pressure reduction of −5mmHg six months after renal denervation) with a novel definition of an ideal respondership (based on a 24h blood pressure reduction at no point in time, one, or all follow-up timepoints). Results We were able to re-classify almost a quarter of patients. Blood pressure variability was substantial in patients traditionally defined as responders. On the other hand, our novel classification of an ideal respondership seems to be clinically superior in discriminating sustained from pseudo-response to renal denervation. Conclusion Based on our observations, we recommend that the traditional response classification should be reconsidered and possibly strengthened by using a composite endpoint of 24h-BP reductions at different follow-up-visits.

This retrospective analysis aimed to examine off‐target effects on inflammatory and renal function parameters in n=78 subsequent patients treated with renal denervation (RDN) for resistant hypertension. Ambulatory and office blood pressure (ABP/OBP), serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), cystatin C, C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and white blood cell count (WBC) were assessed before, 6 and 12 months after RDN. ABP was significantly reduced by −8.2/−3.8 mm Hg (P=.002/.021) at 1 year after RDN, while an initial OBP reduction was not sustained during follow‐up. IL‐6 levels significantly decreased by −0.5 pg/mL (P=.042) and by −1.7 pg/mL (P

Coronary anomalies are rare congenital abnormalities and are often associated with complex congenital heart diseases and manifest in infancy or childhood. Single coronary artery arising from the sinus of Valsalva supplying the entire heart is one of these congenital anomalies. The prevalence is reported to be approximately 0.3 to 2.0% of the general population, mostly clinically asymptomatic and with good prognosis. However, in some cases this anomaly can present as acute coronary syndrome in adults. Literature reports of patients with both a single coronary artery and an acute coronary syndrome are sparse, and percutaneous coronary interventions in such cases are technically challenging. We report a case of a patient with a single coronary artery suffering from an acute coronary syndrom who underwent complex bifurcational percutaneous intervention and provide a review of the literature.

Acute graft rejection in patients after heart transplantation can cause arrhythmias and acute angina pectoris with electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation. We report a case of a 53-year old female patient who had undergone cardiac transplantation 8 years previously. She developed bradycardia with co-existent ST-segment elevation caused by a histologically proven acute graft rejection. After administration of methylprednisolone and immune absorption leading to initial clinical improvement, the patient died unexpectedly. The reasons remain unclear, but a degeneration of the conduction system as well as impaired blood flow in the right coronary caused by cellular and humoral rejection most likely have both contributed.

Instent- restenosis is a major issue after all intravascular interventional treatments applying stents. We retrospectively analyzed data from our center with respect to instent-restenosis rates in patients who had undergone carotid artery stenting (CAS) at our department. We retrospectively

This study evaluated the use of landline and mobile phones in an international sample of cochlear implant users. A custom-designed survey was mailed to cochlear implant users from four different countries. A link to the survey was posted on the MED-EL website, with responses from a further six countries. Results from 196 surveys show that there is a significant shift from pre-operative non-use of a telephone to use of a telephone post-operatively. Seventy-one percent of MED-EL cochlear implant users are able to use a landline telephone to some extent and 54% are able to use a mobile phone to some extent. Talking to familiar speakers about familiar topics is the easiest listening condition on the telephone, and it is easier to recognize a voice using the landline. Many respondents found it difficult to make a call without some assistance. Most respondents could manage to call someone in an emergency, even on a mobile phone. Data obtained should provide useful information in the counselling and rehabilitati...

In this article, we report on a 22-year-old patient with myocardial infarction, which was the initial manifestation of polycythaemia vera. The awareness of myeloproliferative disorders as possible underlying disease - especially in young patients presenting with myocardial infarction - is crucial for clinical management, as a missed diagnosis can worsen the patient's further prognosis.

CAS has emerged as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of significant carotid artery stenosis. We investigated if the side of the stenosis treated has an influence on the neurological outcome of our patients. CAS was performed in 1124 patients at our center. The left carotid artery (group L) was intervened in 557 and the right carotid artery (group R) in 567 patients. Data of both patient groups were analyzed with respect to the total rate of peri-interventional ischemic cerebral events, defined as transient ischemic attacks, minor and major strokes, respectively. The total peri-interventional ischemic cerebral event rate was 10.1% in group L and 6.7% in group R (p = 0.042), respectively. The routine use of a filter wire resulted in a significant reduction of complication rates in group L (from 14.7 to 7.1%; p = 0.005) but not in group R (from 7.8 to 6.0%; p = 0.505). Ischemic cerebral events did not differ between group L and R, when only patients in whom a filter wire was used were analyzed (7.1% in group L and 6.0% in group R, p = 0.174). Peri-interventional ischemic cerebral complication rates in patients undergoing CAS differ with respect to the side treated. This may be due to a more frequent plaque mobilization caused by the guiding catheter.

Renal denervation (RDN) is a promising treatment option in addition to medical antihypertensive treatment in patients suffering from resistant hypertension. Despite the growing interest in RDN, the negative result of the Symplicity HTN-3 trial led to a debate on the efficacy of RDN.We systematically investigated the effects of RDN, evaluated by 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM), in a consecutive series of patients with resistant hypertension, which was defined by a mean office systolic blood pressure (SBP)160 mm Hg (150 mm Hg in patients with diabetes). Patients with a mean 24-hr SBP of less than 130 mm Hg at baseline were classified as pseudo-resistant, while all other patients were classified as true-resistant. After six months, we analyzed the response rates in true-resistant and in pseudo-resistant patients, respectively, by the means of 24-hr ABPM. Thereby, patients with a reduction of more than 5 mm Hg in 24-hr SBP were classified as responders.RDN was performed in 106 patients. By 24-hr ABPM, 20 patients (18.9%) were classified as pseudo-resistant patients. In this cohort, we only found two responders (response rate 10%) six months after RDN. By contrast, in true-resistant patients, the response rate was almost 60% and the mean BP reduction was -18.6/-9 mm Hg in 24-hr ABPM.We found a significant BP reduction in almost 60% of patients with true-resistant hypertension, but only in 10% in patients with pseudo-resistant hypertension. According to our results, patient selection seems to be crucial for acceptable response rates after RDN.

Background Renal denervation (RDN) is a promising treatment option in addition to medical antihypertensive treatment in patients suffering from resistant hypertension. Despite the growing interest in RDN, only few long-term results are published so far. Methods We systematically investigated the effects of RDN on ABPM in a consecutive series of patients with resistant hypertension out to 24months. Office BP measurements and ABPM assessment were offered at 3, 6, 12 and 24months. The patients with an average systolic BP reduction of more than 10mmHg in office BP 6months after RDN were classified as responders. Additional to this classical responder concept, we categorized response to RDN by an individual-patient visit-by-visit evaluation of office BP and 24-hour-BP, separately. Results We included 32 patients. In 21 patients (65.6%) we found a mean systolic BP reduction >10mmHg in office BP six months after RDN. These patients were classified as responders. In responders, mean office BP dropped from 175.3±15.9/96±14.2mmHg to 164.8±24.4/93.2±10.4mmHg (p=0.040/p=0.323) and mean 24-h BP in ABPM decreased from 146.8±17.0/89.1±11mmHg to 136.8±15.0/83.2±10.7mmHg after 24months (p=0.034/p=0.014). Additionally, we performed a visit-by-visit evaluation of all patients and results were divided in larger-than-median and smaller-than-median response. By this evaluation, we found a high variation of office BP reductions and the 24-hour BP results demonstrated a significant BP reduction in patients with larger-than-median response, which sustained over the 24months of follow-up. Conclusions In contrast to the observed variation of office BP measurements, ABPM demonstrated a reproducible and sustained significant BP reduction in patients with larger-than-median response to RDN.

Fragestellung: Bei der Stapesplastik mit kleiner Fensterung werden seit Beginn der 90er Jahre zunehmend aus reinem Gold gefertigte Pistons (K-Piston) verwendet. Ziel dieser klinisch

With the beginning of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the use of active-fixation leads combined with externalized re-usable permanent pacemakers was initiated to improve lead stability, increase patient mobility and facilitate handling for nursing staff. Experience and benefits of

12 months after RDN. Patients were classified as responders, if the 24-hour average systolic blood pressure dropped by 5 mmHg after 6 months. BPburden was defined as the proportion of systolic/diastolic blood pressure values 135/85 mmHg during daytime and 120/70 mmHg during nighttime. Results: RDN was performed in 186 patients, responder classification was available in 103 patients and the responder rate was 46% after 6 months. The mean 24-hour BP reduction in responders was -17.2 15.9 mmHg systolic (95% CI -12.2; -22.3, p

Catheter-based ablation of nerves in the adventitia of renal arteries (renal artery denervation [RAD]) using radiofrequency energy can reduce blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH). Occurrence of renal artery stenosis after RAD is still an important concern. We systematically investigated the renal artery anatomy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) angiography in a consecutive series of patients 6 months after RAD. Patients with RAH were treated by RAD after exclusion of secondary causes of hypertension. RAH was defined by a mean systolic office BP >160 mm Hg. Renal artery imaging was performed 6 months after RAD by MRI angiography. In case of any contraindication for MRI, a CT angiography was performed. The primary end point was the incidence of significant renal artery stenosis (‡70% lumen diameter reduction). RAD was performed in 76 patients, and evaluation of renal artery anatomy by MRI (n [ 66; 87%) or CT angiography (n [ 10; 13%) was performed in all patients 6 months after RAD. We found no renal artery stenosis but 2 cases of new nonsignificant stenosis (50% TO 69% lumen diameter reduction). In responders, mean systolic office BP reduction was L30 mm Hg (p

This study evaluated the use of landline and mobile phones in an international sample of cochlear implant users. A custom-designed survey was mailed to cochlear implant users from four different countries. A link to the survey was posted on the MED-EL website, with responses from a further six countries. Results from 196 surveys show that there is a significant shift from pre-operative non-use of a telephone to use of a telephone post-operatively. Seventy-one percent of MED-EL cochlear implant users are able to use a landline telephone to some extent and 54% are able to use a mobile phone to some extent. Talking to familiar speakers about familiar topics is the easiest listening condition on the telephone, and it is easier to recognize a voice using the landline. Many respondents found it difficult to make a call without some assistance. Most respondents could manage to call someone in an emergency, even on a mobile phone. Data obtained should provide useful information in the counselling and rehabilitation of cochlear implant recipients and candidates.

We retrospectively analyzed data from our center to quantify complication rates in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). Thereby, we sought to evaluate a possible association between the vessel (left vs. right) treated and the respective complication rate. In a retrospective analysis