Vessel Plus

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome driven by structural remodeling, fibrosis, metabolic imbalance, and oxidative stress. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in HF, distinguished by their covalently closed structure, stability, and tissue specificity. While they modulate myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and metabolic pathways through mechanisms including microRNA (mi…

Aim: To evaluate the long-term impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk profile on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 161 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing initial ablation. Patients were stratified by the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) into high-risk (n = 94) and low-risk (n = 67) OSA groups. At…

The integrity of the vascular endothelium is fundamental to its barrier function, maintaining vascular homeostasis and microenvironmental stability, and serves as a prerequisite for preventing certain vascular diseases. After vascular integrity is compromised, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a diverse population of progenitor cells with the capacity to develop into endothelial cells, can rec…

We read with great interest a recent study investigating the role of nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (NCOA7) as a critical regulator of lysosomal function, oxysterol, and bile acid metabolism, and its link to endothelial cells (ECs) inflammation and immune activation in pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). The study demonstrated that NCOA7 deficiency exacerbated lysosomal dysfunction, leading to i…

In this special interview, Professor Barry A. Franklin shared key experiential and research-based insights on professional success, exercise-based cardiovascular therapy, and the impactful role of cardiorespiratory fitness in promoting long-term health outcomes. (a) Professional success is built on clearly defined written goals, consistent daily action, personal responsibility, a mindset of happi…

Endovascular recanalization has revolutionized the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), offering minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery. However, permanent metallic stents, while effective in restoring blood flow, are associated with long-term complications such as chronic inflammation, restenosis, and stent thrombosis. Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) have emerged as an innovative…

Clinical decision-making for individuals undergoing valvular and aortic surgery remains challenging, particularly in young patients facing lifelong risk and repeated interventions. As predictive technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced statistical modelling evolve, the surgical community must ensure that key foundational elements, namely data governance, including data standardiz…

Pan-vascular diseases comprise a spectrum of atherosclerosis-driven vascular disorders that involve multiple vital organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and peripheral circulation. Despite being distributed across different clinical specialties due to increasing medical subspecialization, conditions such as coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease are interco…

Hypertension is a major contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease, and effective blood pressure control is a critical intervention for reducing cardiovascular events. While age-adjusted awareness rates among women surpass those of their male counterparts, gender-specific control rates remain suboptimal. A rigorous pharmacological assessment and evidence-based prescription of antihy…

Understanding the geometry and thus the possibility of repairing the aortic valve (AV) has evolved over time thanks to the integration of historical insights and technological advances. The aortic root geometry has proven to be central to understanding valve function. Today with modern finite element models and flow studies, supported by four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging, we have provid…

Chronic lung diseases (CLDs) include a variety of disorders of the pulmonary vasculature and alveolar compartments, and they have become a considerable global health challenge due to their high morbidity and limited therapeutic options. Increasing evidence shows that cellular senescence, an irreversible cell-cycle arrest accompanied by altered secretory activity and resistance to apoptosis, plays…

Calcified coronary nodules (CCNs) represent a distinct and under-recognized form of coronary artery calcification with significant implications for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Unlike superficial or sheet-like calcifications, CCNs are characterized by protruding, irregular calcium deposits that disrupt luminal integrity, promote thrombus formation, and hinder optimal stent expansion.…

The increase in the average age of the population leads to an inevitable increase in demand for coronary intervention in elderly patients with more comorbidities, often carriers of coronary calcifications. Calcific lesions present a major challenge in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, often requiring debulking techniques for successful lesion preparation. In some cases, the combined use of “de…

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been revolutionizing invasive cardiology in recent years, with respect to diagnostic accuracy, procedural success, and long-term patient outcomes. Advanced machine learning (ML) and deep learning algorithms facilitate automated image analysis, risk stratification, and personalized intervention planning, paving the way for precision medicine. AI-based technologies,…

Non-atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (N-ACAD) is a group of conditions affecting the coronary arteries that can result in sudden cardiac death. This group of conditions can be categorized into structural anomalies, such as collagenopathies, and functional anomalies, such as inflammatory vasculopathies, based on the pathological mechanism. The epidemiology of N-ACAD varies according to the …