March/April 2011

Digital Edition
Virtual Conference, Seminars Address How to Unify Cardiovascular Information Systems
Interoperability is key to the meaningful use and sharing of patients’ electronic images and information.
Straight From the Wrist...
Transradial Approach (Left vs. Right) and Procedural Times During Coronary Procedures: TALENT study Alessandro Sciahbasi, et al. American Heart Journal, 2011, 161: 172-9 Study design: Prospective, randomized 1,467 patients (Jan. 2009-Dec. 2009) to right radial approach (RRA) or left radial approach (LRA).
Creating a Same-Day Discharge PCI Program Using Transradial
With the increased use of transradial cardiac catheterization throughout hospitals across the country, several results have become apparent. Transradial catheterization has been shown to have fewer bleeding complications, faster recovery time and improved patient satisfaction. It also offers a unique opportunity to improve resource utilization.
Radial May Benefit From Power Injectors, 4 French Angiography
Radial artery occlusion rate during transradial access procedures is strongly related to sheath and catheter size. Although worldwide most experienced practitioners (90 percent) use 5 and 6 French systems(1), high-quality coronary artery opacification can be obtained with 4 French systems.
Decreasing D2B Times
Heart disease remains the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remaining one of the most feared manifestations. The underlying mechanism of a STEMI is plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis of a coronary artery, causing subsequent myocardial ischemia, which progresses on to myocardial necrosis and infarction.
The Basics of Guide Wire Technology
Tiny guide wires are designed to navigate vessels to reach a lesion or vessel segment. Once the tip of the device arrives at its destination, it acts as a guide that larger catheters can rapidly follow for easier delivery to the treatment site.
Connecting ECG Management Systems
Converting from paper-based electrocardiogram (ECG) files and reports to an electronic record system, or switching to a new electronic system, can improve workflow efficiency and speed the process of getting patients their test results. However, as with most health IT solutions, experts say there are no “out of the box” solutions, and every system will have interoperability bumps in the road.
Advances in Cath Lab Imaging Systems
Over the last 10 years, hospitals have phased out analog image intensifiers for flat-panel, digital detector angiography systems in their cath labs. As hospitals look to purchase current-generation digital angiography systems, buyers should be aware of several new technologies. Better Navigation Aids
FDA Recognizes Advantage of Transcatheter Valves vs. Standard of Care
In January the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a big modifcation to the CoreValve U.S. pivotal clinical trial — eliminating the medical management arm of the study.
The Art of Bringing Devices to Market
Medical device companies spend around $1 million at the front end of every device development project to get to a product concept that they want to take to market. Some vendors spend it better than others, according to Sagentia, a company that works with device vendors to develop new technologies, products and services.
High-Risk PCI Patients Get More Support From Impella vs. IABP
A transcatheter ventricular assist device performed better than intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), with a 21 percent reduction in major adverse events at 90 days.
Editor's Top Picks for Innovative New Technology at ACC 2011
April 7, 2011 — The American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2011 in New Orleans this week offered an expo floor filled with hundreds of cardiovascular products. The following five technologies stood out as my editor’s choice for innovation that addresses needs in cardiology. Immediate, Interactive ECGs on the iPad