TCTMD

More than 100 operators from 50 countries have teamed up to develop a unique algorithm for crossing chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions, with the aim of standardizing techniques and helping operators learn how to manage these difficult-to-treat lesions.

Another observational study hints that patient selection and perfect technique can yield hard benefits, but RCT proof still lags.

Crushing prasugrel tablets before administering them to STEMI patients in the ambulance leads to more prompt and potent platelet inhibition compared with leaving them whole, according to an analysis of the COMPARE CRUSH study. However, even with faster platelet inhibition, about one in three of the study patients still reported subtherapeutic levels at the end […]

Treating chronic total occlusions (CTOs), complex bifurcations, heavily calcified lesions, and left main coronary artery disease with large-bore catheters via the radial artery is associated with significantly less access-site bleeding and fewer vascular complications when compared with femoral access, according to the results of the COLOR study.

CABG for these cases is waning, especially in STEMI, US data show. But the good results speak to high-quality care.

A topical hemostatic patch placed beneath a standard air-bladder bracelet significantly cuts down on the time to hemostasis after transradial procedures without increasing the risk of radial artery occlusion or hematomas, according to a study presented last week.

Amputations rose in New York, the UK expanded “hot clinics,” and the FDA worked to understand the impact on trialists.

There may be scenarios where foregoing IV thrombolytics make sense, but most centers can stick with the guidelines, experts say.

Offering opportunities for widespread, iterative learning and increased efficiency, remote learning is here to stay, experts say.

With another observational study in ACS challenging the more potent P2Y12 inhibitor, one researcher predicts a practice shift.