ObjectiveTo study the nursing methods for patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). MethodsFrom April 2012 to August 2013, 25 patients undergoing TAVI before returning to the coronary care unit (CCU) were included in this study. We reviewed the clinical nursing methods and summarized the clinical nursing experiences. ResultsAmong the 25 patients, there were 1 case complicated with retroperitoneal hematoma, 1 case with hemorrhage of upper digestive tract, 1 case with severe hemorrhage of femoral artery incision site, 1 case with mild hemorrhage of femoral artery puncture site, 1 case with catheter-related infections of right external jugular vein, and 2 cases with hemorrhage related to the loosening of radial artery invasive blood pressure monitoring. All the complications were controlled by reasonable treatments and all the patients were transferred out from CCU with stable vital signs. The mean time of CCU stay was 29 hours ranging from 14 hours to 243 hours. ConclusionDue to special characteristics of patients after TAVI, we should observe carefully, follow the nursing operation rules strictly, discover complications timely, give treatment correctly, and finally ensure the safety of patients during the high risk period.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of an innovative approach of follow-up in patients implanted with permanent pacemaker (DDD). MethodsA total of 400 patients who underwent permanent pacemaker (DDD) implantation between June 2011 and June 2013 were included in the present study. Patients were randomly assigned to the innovative and conventional follow-up groups in a 1：1 manner (200 patients in each group). The baseline characteristics were well balanced with no statistically significant differences in the mean age, proportion of male sex, prevalence of hypertension, position of the electrode or the device used between the two groups. At the end of the follow-up, patient outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe outcomes of patients were better in the innovative follow-up group, with higher degree of satisfaction, better state of health, lower incidence of complications, and less frequent readmission and follow-up visits (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe innovative approach of follow-up considerably improves patient outcomes, and can be useful in future clinical practice.