The "July Effect" in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

In Interventional Cardiology, the academic year and a new training cycle begin in July. It is unclear if patient outcomes are impacted by the time of year in the training cycle. The National Cardiovascular Data Registry collects outcomes related to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).

Long-term outcomes in patients with normal coronary arteries, nonobstructive, or obstructive coronary artery disease on invasive coronary angiography.

Background: Normal or near normal coronary arteries (NNCA) or nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) are commonly found on invasive coronary angiography (ICA).

Hypothesis: We aimed to determine long-term outcomes by severity of CAD in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing ICA for evaluation for ischemic heart disease.

Methods: We assessed a consecutive cohort of 925 patients who underwent non-emergent ICA over 24 months.

Contrast induced-acute kidney injury following peripheral angiography with carbon dioxide versus iodinated contrast media: A meta-analysis and systematic review of current literature.

Objective: We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with carbon dioxide (CO ) versus iodinated contrast media (ICM).

Background: Contrast induced-acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a known complication following endovascular procedures with ICM. CO has been employed as an alternative imaging medium as it is nontoxic to the kidneys.

Endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-ampullary duodenal polyps: technical aspects and long-term therapeutic outcomes.

Background: Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and long term outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large non-ampullary duodenal polyps.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing EMR of non-ampullary duodenal polyps ≥ 10 mm in size was performed. EMR was performed using standard snare polypectomy using pure coagulation current.

Efficacy and safety of therapeutic ERCP in patients with cirrhosis: a large multicenter study.

Background And Aims: Patients with cirrhosis may be less than optimal candidates for ERCP because of underlying ascites, coagulopathy, encephalopathy, and other problems. Although the risks of surgery in patients with cirrhosis are well known, few data are available regarding ERCP in patients with cirrhosis. We performed a retrospective, multicenter study of ERCP in patients with cirrhosis to evaluate outcomes, efficacy, and safety.

High risk of acute pancreatitis after endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of side branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Background And Objectives: Data on the risk of acute pancreatitis following endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic cystic lesions are limited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of acute pancreatitis after EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts and solid lesions, and determine whether there was a difference in pancreatitis risk in patients with side branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (SB-IPMN).

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts and solid lesions was performed.

Metal versus plastic for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage: clinical outcomes and success.

Background: Endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) by using double-pigtail (DP) plastic stents requires placement of multiple stents and can be restricted by inadequate drainage and leakage risk. Recently, the use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) has been reported as an alternative to DP plastic stents.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes, success rate, and adverse events of EUS-guided drainage of PPs with DP plastic stents and FCSEMSs.

A Trial of Rectal Indomethacin to Prevent Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in Patients with Suspected Type 3 Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction.

Background And Aim: Recent data have suggested that rectal indomethacin can also reduce the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). The aim of this study was to determine whether prophylactic rectal indomethacin with PD stenting would reduce the incidence and severity of PEP compared to PD stenting alone in patients undergoing manometry for suspected SOD type 3.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent an ERCP with manometry for suspected SOD type 3 was performed.

Self-management of headache: a cross-sectional survey in the General Public of Islamabad.

Objectives: To quantify the frequency of self-management for headache by adult population aged >18 years in urban and rural Islamabad.

Methods: The cross-sectional study using systematic sampling of households was conducted in I-8 sector of Islamabad and its outskirts (in Nurpur Shahan) from March to September 2011. It comprised 248 individuals above 18 years of age who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.