The AmBulatory Closure Device Percutaneous Intervention (ABCD-PCI) study: a single-center experience

The AmBulatory Closure Device Percutaneous Intervention (ABCD-PCI) study is a multicenter randomized prospective controlled trial evaluating the safety of and patient satisfaction with same-day discharge following ambulatory percutaneous intervention with a closure device. This article reviews the findings from a single center, Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, from October 2008 through April 2010, with 23 patients in the same-day discharge group and 21 patients in the next-day discharge group. There were no differences between the groups in demographic or procedure characteristics. Outcomes were measured by a questionnaire and 7-day and 30-day follow-up phone calls. Results showed that same-day discharge after percutaneous intervention with a closure device is as safe as next-day discharge. However, there was a trend for a higher comfort level among patients in the next-day discharge group.

Energy and the Oil-Importing Developing Countries

Oil-importing developing countries will need more energy during the 1980's to sustain development and to support their subsistence sectors. Development plans must be revised to reflect the potentially disastrous effects of high-cost oil on foreign exchange reserves and on national indebtedness. Energy use efficiency must be increased, and wider use must be made of domestic sources of energy-of conventional fossil and hydro sources and of new and renewable options such as biomass and other solar resources. The international community can help by careful management of world financial flows and trade agreements, expansion of capital assistance, and provision of technical assistance. The importance of improving levels of scientific and technical expertise in the less-developed countries is a challege to the worldwide scientific and engineering community.