In this issue of Interventional Cardiology Review, the structural section contains an excellent paper on alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, discussing both clinical and procedural issues. Clapp brings us up to date with a review of current indications for PFO closure and Bapat discusses the different outcomes and indications for Sapien and CoreValve TAVI procedures. Gafoor considers the rationale for combined TAVI and left atrial appendage occlusion procedures and I have also contributed a short review of data regarding TAVI procedures performed without general anaesthetic.
In the coronary section, there is a review of the risks of stroke following CABG as well as two excellent technical articles on the use of absorbable stents in bifurcation lesions and the clinical impact of stent design. In addition, the central role of thrombus in acute coronary syndromes is highlighted with a comprehensive review of antithrombotic therapy for patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.