ABSTRACT
The treatment of an acute left main coronary artery occlusion still poses a challenge. In this case report we present a 50-year-old patient with an acute occlusion of the left main artery. After a successful angioplasty without "stenting" due to the complexity of the stenosis the patient underwent a successful bypass surgery. We discuss the therapeutic options of acute left main occlusion regarding medical, interventional and surgical options.
ABSTRACT
Dietary modification and supplementation play an increasingly important role in the conservative treatment of cardiovascular disease. Current interest has focused on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D. Clinical trial results on this subject are contradictory in many aspects. Several studies indicate that n-3 PUFA consumption improves vascular and cardiac hemodynamics, triglycerides, and possibly endothelial function, autonomic control, inflammation, thrombosis, and arrhythmia. Experimental studies show effects on membrane structure and associated functions, ion channel properties, genetic regulation, and production of anti-inflammatory mediators. Clinical trials evaluating a possible reduction in cardiovascular disease by n-3 PUFA have shown different results. Supplementation of vitamin D is common regarding prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. But vitamin D also seems to have several effects on the cardiovascular system. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be related to an increase in parathyroid hormone levels and can predispose to essential hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, increased insulin resistance, and eventually to atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. Randomized prospective clinical trials are needed to determine whether vitamin D and omega-3 FA supplementation therapy should be recommended as a routine therapy for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
ABSTRACT
A stroke attack in the brainstem area as a serious complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a 51 year old woman with known paroxysmal AF (CHADS(2) score 3) was treated with LAA occlusion procedure after the complication of arterial bleeding secondary to anticoagulation therapy. LAA closure device embolisation was developed following the LAA occlusion procedure. The device was located and removed successfully from the systemic circulation.
ABSTRACT
Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) in a multimorbid 77 year old female was treated with transapical aortic valve implantation with a 23 mm Edwards Sapien valve. Severe valvular regurgitation following implantation, probably due to structural valve failure, was treated successfully with a second valve-in-valve implantation. During a follow-up time of 2,5 years no further problems occurred.
