Clinical Cardiology Alert 2010-01-01

Clopidogrel for Two Years after Drug-eluting Stents?

The optimal duration for dual anti-platelet therapy (DAT) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation remains unknown.

Left Main Stenting

Stenosis of the left main coronary artery has traditionally been an indication for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, recent studies have shown that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected left main (ULM) lesions can achieve similar short- and medium-term results to CABG.

Statins and Bypass Surgery — Is There a Benefit?

Statins have been used in an increasing number and variety of conditions. This large, 10-year cohort study from John Hopkins Neurology Department and Cardiac Surgery Group uses a post-hoc analysis to examine the issue of whether statin use prior to Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) would decrease post-op morbidity, specifically stroke and encephalopathy, as well as cognitive decline.

ACE Inhibitors and CABG Outcomes

The preoperative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is controversial. Thus, these investigators from the United Kingdom performed a retrospective, observational study of patients undergoing isolated CABG who did not have cardiogenic shock.

Clopidogrel for Two Years after Drug-eluting Stents?

Left Main Stenting

Statins and Bypass Surgery — Is There a Benefit?

ACE Inhibitors and CABG Outcomes

Bi-ventricular vs. RV Apical Pacing

Appropriate Utilization of ICDs

Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement

Pharmacology Watch

Clinical Cardiology Alert – January 1, 2010

January 1, 2010