Felix Zijlstra, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
Thrombus aspiration before percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction has multiple benefits, according to data from the 1000-patient TAPAS study presented at the ACC meeting. Senior investigator Felix Zijlstra told Sara Freeman about the potentially practice-changing findings.

Barry Massie, San Francisco VA Medical Center
COMMENT: Aaron Kugelmass, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
The adenosine A1-receptor antagonist rolofylline appears to prevent renal impairment and improve acute heart failure symptoms. Barry Massie and Aaron Kugelmass discussed findings from the 300-patient PROTECT pilot study with Sara Freeman.

Nigel Beckett

Nick Boon

Nigel Beckett, Imperial College, London
COMMENT: Nick Boon, British Cardiovascular Society, London
Even very old patients benefit greatly if you treat their hypertension. This is the finding of the randomized HYVET study of 4,000 patients with average age 83. Peter Goodwin talked with investigator Nigel Beckett, who presented details at one of the ACC sessions, and from the chairperson and British Cardiovascular Society President, Nick Boon who added his comments.

Warren Cantor

Tony Gershlick

REFERENCE: Abstract 2404-3 SCAI-ACCi2 Late-Breaking Clinical Trials II: Acute Myocardial Infarction
Warren Cantor, University of Toronto
COMMENT: Tony Gershlick, Leicester University
A new study has shown important gains from adding angioplasty routinely to therapy for all patients receiving thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction if it is available within 6 hours. This comes from the 1 000-patient TRANSFER-AMI study which Warren Cantor presented to the ACC. He talked with Peter Goodwin who also discussed the findings with Tony Gershlick.