SYMPLICITY HTN 3: The death knell for renal denervation in hypertension?

Resistant hypertension is, by definition, a challenge to most physicians treating hypertension. Renal sympathetic denervation has shown promising early results in treating this condition. The SYMPLICITY HTN-3 is the most recent trial to report the effects of this technique on resistant hypertension. This review discusses this study and its surprising neutral results before ending with an overview of key lessons learned

Who was thrombogenic: the stent or the doctor?

In 1986, when pioneers such as Jacques Puel and Ulrich Sigwart implanted the first coronary Wallstents, no guidelines were available to determine the treatment after stenting. From the experience acquired with mechanical prosthetic heart valves, it was inferred that chronic anticoagulation with coumarins was indicated. When the first cases of subacute occlusion were encountered, the anticoagulation regimen was further reinforced. The use of heparin, dextran, or thrombolytic agents during the procedure followed by warfarin, aspirin, sulphinpyrazone, and dipyridamole did not eliminate subacute thrombosis, which occurred in 18% of the first 117 stents implanted and was responsible for a higher incidence of hemorrhagic complications and prolonged hospital stay