Introduction The development of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation has revolutionized the practice of cardiology over the course of the past decades. However, despite considerable technological advancements, in-stent…

Patent Foramen Ovale Introduction A potential causal relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke was first described by Cohnheim in 1877. In the last two decades several studies have…

Dr. Kapur has received preclinical research support from Heartware Inc. and Cardiac­Assist Inc. and has worked as a speaker and consultant for Maquet and Thoratec Inc. Introduction Heart disease remains…

Introduction Congenital heart disease (CHD) has an incidence of approximately 0.8% or approximately 8 out of every 1000 live births. These defects are derangements secondary to altered embryonic cardiovascular anatomy…

Section I: Mitral Stenosis Introduction Normal Mitral Valve Anatomy To appreciate the complexity of the mitral valve is to understand its intricate anatomical and physiologic properties. The mitral valve can…

Introduction and Epidemiology Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac disorder that has been the subject of intense scrutiny and scientific investigation for the past half century. HCM is a…

Introduction Pericardial disease reflects a wide range of clinical presentations and pathologies, from acute pericarditis to cardiac tamponade. Unlike coronary artery disease, heart failure, or valvular heart disease, however, there…

Background and Limitations of Angiography Contrast angiography has been the gold standard of coronary artery imaging for over six decades. However, it is important to understand that angiograms only delineate…

Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt discloses the following relationships: Advisory Board : Cardax, Elsevier Practice Update Cardiology, Medscape Cardiology, Regado Biosciences; Board of Directors : Boston VA Research Institute, Society of…