CardioExchange Archive

November 29th, 2009

Return to POBA?

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

We almost never do plain old balloon angioplasty in our place anymore. To many, that technique seems so last century. We have moved on to better procedures that have made restenosis a relatively rare occurrence. We have even changed the name of the procedure. If an intern on rounds utters the word “angioplasty,” we quickly correct him or her, using the opportunity to […]

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November 23rd, 2009

AHA Roundup

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

In an unofficial survey of attendees, the most striking feature of this year’s AHA Scientific Sessions was how few attendees there were and how empty the exhibit hall was. The ARBITER study came in a somewhat distant second. With an official estimated total attendance (including exhibitors) just under 22,000, the meeting still drew a robust […]

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November 15th, 2009

On PACE to Maintain LV Function

cheukmanyu and Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

CardioExchange Editor:  Were the authors surprised by the magnitude of deterioration in EF seen with RVA pacing over the one year follow-up period of the study?  Could this possibly be related to the method of measurement (i.e., 3D echo) or could it be due to inappropriate pacing in patients with sinus node dysfunction?   Yu: The […]

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November 2nd, 2009

Genetic Testing in Unexplained Thrombosis – Part I

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

The case. (For an expert’s response, see Part II) A very healthy 44-year-old man who engaged in daily vigorous physical activity suddenly developed shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. He was quickly diagnosed with multiple pulmonary emboli. He was not overweight and had no recent history of long trips, injuries, periods of bed rest, […]

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