The Latest Research Advances in Invasive Cardiology

In this month’s issue of the Journal of Invasive Cardiology, Owen Mogabgab and colleagues from the VA North Texas Healthcare System and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas provide important long-term outcome data for the CrossBoss and Stingray Coronary CTO Crossing and Re-Entry system (formerly from BridgePoint Medical, now from Boston Scientific) which they used to recanalize complex chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Dr. Brilakis and his group in Dallas are pushing the frontiers of CTO therapy and it is encouraging to see the procedural and longer term data for this innovative device. It is always useful to approach even infrequent issues, such as stent loss, in a scientifically rigorous manner instead of merely relying on anecdote.

Dr. Zhang and colleagues provide data about a novel contrast agent, iosimenol, which has lower viscosity, higher electrolyte content, and higher iodine concentration than currently available iso-osmolar contrast media. This new agent did not seem to cause any significant arrhythmias during injections. The higher iodine content may lead to better imaging, a topic worthy of further investigation. It is encouraging to see continued research and further refinement of contrast media, as this is such an integral part of a variety of angiographic procedures.

A report from the RADAR study by Vavalle et al describes the safety of immediate arterial sheath removal with the anticoagulant REG1 versus unfractionated heparin following cardiac catheterization, without any apparent increase in the time to hemostasis or in access site bleeding. Additional study of this interesting compound is certainly warranted.  

As you will see in this issue, the Journal of Invasive Cardiology continues to publish the latest in research pertaining to advanced interventional techniques, improvements in cardiovascular imaging, and new drugs relevant to the field of invasive cardiology.

Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH

Senior Associate Editor

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology 

Disclosures for Dr. Bhatt