Table of contents
February 2008 Volume 5 No 2
Editorial
Viewpoints
Long-term left-ventricular-assist-device therapy is here to stay
60In this article, Professors Yacoub and Miller review the current status of left-ventricular-assist-device (LVAD) therapy for patients with chronic heart failure. The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available devices, how the indications for LVADs have evolved, and address the question 'are LVADs ready for long-term use?'
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1067 | Full Text | PDF (177K)
New percutaneous mechanical left ventricular support for acute MI: the AMC MACH program
62Cardiogenic shock is the leading cause of death in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. In this Viewpoint, Drs Henriques and de Mol introduce the AMC MACH (Academic Medical Center Mechanical support for Acute Congestive Heart failure in STEMI patients) program and discuss how newly available percutaneous left ventricular assist devices used in this scheme could provide a bridge to heart transplantation or recovery in patients who would otherwise be unlikely to survive.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1060 | Full Text | PDF (177K)
The total artificial heart in refractory cardiogenic shock: saving the patient versus saving the heart
64Marvin J Slepian and Jack G Copeland present their Viewpoint on the University of Arizona's experience with the CardioWest™ total artificial heart (TAH-t) in patients with protracted refractory cardiogenic shock accompanying acute myocardial infarction. The authors assert that the TAH-t could provide a lifeline to patients whose prognosis would otherwise be bleak.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1085 | Full Text | PDF (175K)
Research Highlights
Low HDL despite statin-lowered LDL cholesterol levels raises risk of cardiovascular events
66ICDs for heart failure are more commonly used among white men
66PFO closure without a permanent implant is safe and feasible
66The diagnostic accuracy of electrocardiographic indices for LV hypertrophy is poor
67Substantial weight gain precedes hospitalization for heart failure decompensation
67Effectiveness of ACE inhibition in patients with Marfan's syndrome on 
-blockade
68Sirolimus-eluting stents can be used in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease
68New survey reveals global extent of obesity crisis
68Physical activity reduces overall CVD risk by influencing known risk factors
69Heritability of left main coronary disease and risk of future events
69Measuring proBNP identifies dyspnea caused by cardiac disease
70Cardiac troponin levels predict death in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndromes
70Research supports establishment of specialized TIA clinics
71Practice Points
Re-examining aggressive anticoagulant therapy: the case of acute coronary syndromes
72doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1059 | Full Text | PDF (177K)
Pediatric rheumatic heart disease in the developing world: echocardiographic versus clinical screening
74doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1065 | Full Text | PDF (175K)
Can ICDs prevent sudden cardiac death effectively in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
76doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1062 | Full Text | PDF (174K)
Progenitor cell therapy and myocardial infarction: the importance of microvascular function
78doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1058 | Full Text | PDF (178K)
A new continuous-flow LV assist device for patients with end-stage heart failure
80doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1090 | Full Text | PDF (176K)
Can a pulsatile left ventricular assist device provide destination therapy for patients with severe heart failure?
82doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1088 | Full Text | PDF (177K)
Reviews
Patient selection for percutaneous mitral valve repair: insight from early clinical trial applications
84The percutaneous repair of mitral regurgitation is a new and rapidly evolving field, offering a less-invasive alternative to surgery. Written by two leaders in percutaneous, nonsurgical repair of heart valves, this Review examines the elements influencing patient selection for percutaneous valve repair, such as underlying valve pathology and the characteristics of the various percutaneous devices.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1068 | Full Text | PDF (279K)
Rapid regression of atherosclerosis: insights from the clinical and experimental literature
91Rapid stabilization and regression of atherosclerosis, even for advanced complex plaques, has been achieved experimentally in both animals and humans. In this insightful Review, Kevin Williams, Jonathan Feig and Edward Fisher examine the successes and failures of many established and experimental interventions to induce plaque regression, and discuss how regression of atheromata could become a realistic therapeutic goal.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1086 | Full Text | PDF (573K)
The aging hypertensive heart: a brief update
104In this update on the cardiac manifestations of hypertension and the aging process, Susic and Frohlich discuss the distinct pathophysiological mechanisms behind these two closely related entities, examine the clinical correlates, and outline future hypertension therapies.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1091 | Full Text | PDF (288K)
Case Study
A case of vagally mediated idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
111In this month's Case Study, Kataoka and colleagues report a patient who experienced three episodes of syncope over the course of 2 years. Electrocardiography and 24h Holter monitoring revealed occasional premature ventricular complexes arising from the right ventricular outflow tract which, on a subsequent occasion, triggered an arrhythmic episode that degenerated into ventricular fibrillation. She was treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation and was fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio1082 | Full Text | PDF (512K)
