Drug-coated balloon-only strategy for percutaneous coronary intervention of de novo left main coronary artery disease: the importance of proper lesion preparation / 医学前沿

This retrospective single-center registry study included all consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a de novo left main coronary artery lesion using drug coated-balloon (DCB)-only strategy between August 2011 and December 2018. To best of our knowledge, no previous studies of DCB-only strategy of treating de novo left main coronary artery disease, exist. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). The cohort was divided into two groups depending on weather the lesion preparation was done according to the international consensus group guidelines. Sixty-six patients (mean age 75±8.6, 72% male), 52% of whom had acute coronary syndrome, underwent left main PCI with the DCB-only strategy. No procedural mortality and no acute closures of the treated left main occurred. At 12 months, MACE and TLR occurred in 24% and 6% of the whole cohort, respectively. If the lesion preparation was done according to the guidelines, the MACE and TLR rates were 21.2% and 1.9%. Left main PCI with the DCB only-strategy is safe leading to acceptable MACE and low TLR rates at one year, if the lesion preparation is done according to the guidelines.

Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors for Related Complications of Chemical Ablation on Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy / Análise Retrospectiva de Fatores de Risco para Complicações Relacionadas com Ablação Química na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica Obstrutiva

Abstract Background: The analysis of risk factors for predicting related complications has not been reported to date. Objective: This study aims to investigate the risk factors of related complications of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) retrospectively. Method: Clinical data, and one-year follow-up results of patients with HOCM, who underwent PTSMA between January 2000 and July 2013 in the Department of Cardiology, Liaoning Province People's Hospital, Liaoning Province, China, were retrospectively analyzed to determine risk factors for operative complications with multiple logistic regression analysis. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. Results: Among 319 patients with HOCM, PTSMA was performed in 224 patients (120 males and 104 females, mean age was 48.20 ± 14.34 years old). The incidence of PTSMA procedure-related complications was 36.23% (66/224), which included three cardiac deaths, two cardiac shocks, one ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction, two ventricular fibrillations, 20 third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks (four patients were implanted with a permanent pacemaker (PPM)), 32 complete right bundle branch blocks, two complete left bundle branch blocks, and four puncture-related complications. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that age, gender, coronary artery diseases, diabetes, heart rate, cardiac function on admission, the number of septal ablations, and the volume of alcohol were not independent risk factors correlated to the whole complications, except for hypertension (OR: 4.856; 95% CI: 1.732-13.609). Early experience appears to be associated with the occurrence of complications. Conclusion: Hypertension was an independent risk factor for PTSMA procedure-related complications. It might be much safer and more efficient if PTSMA procedures are restricted to experienced centers, according to the analysis results for the learning curve.

Resumo Fundamento: A análise dos fatores de risco para previsão de complicações relacionadas não foi relatada até o momento. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar retrospectivamente os fatores de risco de complicações relacionadas da ablação miocárdica septal transluminal percutânea (PTSMA) para cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva (CMHO). Método: Dados clínicos e resultados de acompanhamento de um ano de pacientes com CMHO submetidos a PTSMA entre janeiro de 2000 e julho de 2013 no Departamento de Cardiologia do Hospital Popular da Província de Liaoning, província de Liaoning, China, foram analisados retrospectivamente para determinar fatores de risco para complicações operatórias com análise de regressão logística múltipla. Todos os valores de p são bilaterais, com valores de p < 0,05 sendo considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Entre os 319 pacientes com CMHO, a PTSMA foi realizada em 224 pacientes (120 homens e 104 mulheres, com idade média de 48,20 ± 14,34 anos). A incidência de complicações relacionadas ao procedimento PTSMA foi de 36,23% (66/224), incluindo três mortes cardíacas, dois choques cardíacos, um infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de ST, duas fibrilações ventriculares e 20 bloqueios atrioventriculares (AV) de terceiro grau (quatro pacientes receberam implantes de marca-passo permanente), 32 bloqueios completos de ramo direito, dois bloqueios completos de ramo esquerdo e quatro complicações relacionadas com a punção. Após análise de regressão logística multivariada, verificou-se que idade, sexo, doenças coronarianas, diabetes, frequência cardíaca, função cardíaca à admissão, número de ablações septais e volume de álcool não foram fatores de risco independentes correlacionados com as complicações totais, exceto para hipertensão (OR: 4,856; IC 95%: 1,732-13,609). A experiência principiante parece estar associada à ocorrência de complicações. Conclusão: A hipertensão arterial foi um fator de risco independente para complicações relacionadas com o procedimento de PTSMA. Pode ser muito mais seguro e eficiente se os procedimentos de PTSMA forem restritos a centros experientes, de acordo com os resultados da análise para a curva de aprendizado.

Effects of Rosuvastatin on Apolipoprotein J in Balloon-Injured Carotid Artery in Rats / Efeitos da Rosuvastatina sobre Apolipoproteína J em Artérias de Ratos Lesionadas com Balão

Abstract Background: Restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary heart disease remains an unsolved problem. Clusterin (CLU) (or Apolipoprotein [Apo] J) levels have been reported to be elevated during the progression of postangioplasty restenosis and atherosclerosis. However, its role in neointimal hyperplasia is still controversial. Objective: To elucidate the role Apo J in neointimal hyperplasia in a rat carotid artery model in vivo with or without rosuvastatin administration. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (n = 20), the model group (n = 20) and the statin intervention group (n = 32). The rats in the intervention group were given 10mg /kg dose of rosuvastatin. A 2F Fogarty catheter was introduced to induce vascular injury. Neointima formation was analyzed 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after balloon injury. The level of Apo J was measured by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: Intimal/medial area ratio (intimal/medial, I/M) was increased after balloon-injury and reached the maximum value at 4weeks in the model group; I/M was slightly increased at 2 weeks and stopped increasing after rosuvastatin administration. The mRNA and protein levels of Apo J in carotid arteries were significantly upregulated after rosuvastatin administration as compared with the model group, and reached maximum values at 2 weeks, which was earlier than in the model group (3 weeks). Conclusion: Apo J served as an acute phase reactant after balloon injury in rat carotid arteries. Rosuvastatin may reduce the neointima formation through up-regulation of Apo J. Our results suggest that Apo J exerts a protective role in the restenosis after balloon-injury in rats.

Resumo Fundamento: A reestenose após intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) após doença coronariana continua um problema não solucionado. Estudos relataram que os níveis de clusterina (CLU), também chamada de apolipoproteína (Apo) J, encontram-se elevados na progressão da reestenose pós-angioplastia e na aterosclerose. Contudo, seu papel na hihperplasia neointimal ainda é controverso. Objetivo: Elucidar o papel da Apo J na hiperplasia neointimal na artéria carótida utilizando um modelo experimental com ratos in vivo, com e sem intervenção com rosuvastatina. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos - grupo controle (n = 20), grupo modelo (n = 20), e grupo intervenção com estatina (n = 32). Os ratos no grupo intervenção receberam 10 mg/kg de rosuvastatina. Um cateter Fogarty 2 F foi introduzido para induzir lesão vascular. A formação de neoíntima foi analisada 1, 2, 3 e 4 semanas após lesão com balão. Concentrações de Apo J foram medidas por PCR em tempo real, imuno-histoquímica e western blotting. Resultados: A razão área íntima/média (I/M) aumentou após a lesão com balão e atingiu o valor máximo 4 semanas pós-lesão no grupo modelo; observou-se um pequeno aumento na I/M na semana 2, que cessou após a administração de rosuvastatina. Os níveis de mRNA e proteína da Apo J nas artérias carótidas aumentaram significativamente após administração de rosuvastatina em comparação ao grupo modelo, atingindo o máximo na semana 2, mais cedo em comparação ao grupo modelo (semana 3). Conclusão: A Apo J atuou como reagente de fase aguda após lesão com balão nas artérias carótidas de ratos. A rosuvastatina pode reduzir a formação de neoíntoma por aumento de Apo J. Nossos resultados sugerem que a Apo J exerce um papel protetor na reestenose após lesão com balão em ratos.

Lesión cutánea por radiación en angioplastía coronaria compleja / Cutaneous radiation injury after failed percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Resumen: Las lesiones cutáneas por radiación (LCR) son una complicación infrecuente, con un estimado de 3.600 casos de lesiones mayores reportados en la actualidad. Presentamos un caso de lesión eritematosa mayor por radiación posterior a angioplastía coronaria fallida y en segundo tiempo angioplastía coronaria con rotablación.

Abstract: Cutaneous radiation injuries are an infrequent complication, with an estimated 3.600 cases of major injuries reported up to now. We present a case of a major erythematous lesion induced by radiation after failed coronary angioplasty and consecutive coronary rotablation.

Two HEmostasis Methods After TransradIal Catheterization: THEMATIC - protocol for a randomized clinical trial / Dos métodos de hemostasia luego de un cateterismo transradial: THEMATIC - protocolo de ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Dois métodos de hemostasia após cateterismo transradial: THEMATIC - protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract OBJECTIVE Randomized clinical trial protocol to evaluate the incidence of radial artery occlusion with two different arterial compression devices after transradial procedures. METHODS Barbeau's test will be performed in adults scheduled to undergo transradial interventional procedures. Those with A, B, or C plethysmographic patterns will be selected. At the end of the procedure, patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive patent haemostasis with TR Band™ device or conventional haemostasis with an elastic adhesive bandage. The primary outcome is the incidence of radial artery occlusion. Secondary outcomes are Barbeau's test curve change, additional time to achieve haemostasis, incidence of bleeding at the puncture site, pain severity, development of arteriovenous fistula, radial pseudo aneurysm, any access-site complication requiring vascular surgery intervention and costs between the two devices. DISCUSSION The results of this trial should provide valuable additional information on the best approach for haemostasis after transradial percutaneous cardiovascular interventions.

Resumen OBJETIVO Protocolo de ensayo clínico randomizado para evaluar la incidencia de oclusión de la arteria radial con dos dispositivos de compresión arterial después de pasar por procedimientos transradiales. MÉTODO Se realizará el test de Barbeau en adultos que están esperando una intervención transradial. Se seleccionarán aquellos con padrones pletismográficos A, B o C. Al final del procedimiento, se dividirán a los pacientes de forma aleatoria (1:1) para recibir la hemostasia patente con dispositivo TR Band™ o hemostasia convencional con vendaje elástico adhesivo. El resultado primario es la incidencia de oclusión de la arteria radial. Los resultados secundarios son la alteración de la curva del test de Barbeau, tiempo adicional para alcanzar la hemostasia, incidencia de sangrado en el local de la punción, intensidad del dolor, desarrollo de una fístula arteriovenosa, pseudoaneurisma, cualquier complicación en el lugar de acceso que necesite intervención quirúrgica vascular y costos entre ambos dispositivos. DISCUSIÓN Los resultados de este estudio deben proporcionar informaciones adicionales valiosas sobre un mejor enfoque para la hemostasia luego de intervenciones cardiovasculares percutáneas transradiales.

Resumo OBJETIVO Protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado para avaliar a incidência de oclusão da artéria radial com dois dispositivos diferentes de compressão arterial após procedimentos transradiais. MÉTODOS O teste de Barbeau será realizado em adultos que serão submetidos a procedimentos de intervenção transradial previamente agendados. Aqueles com padrões pletismográficos A, B ou C serão selecionados. No final do procedimento, os pacientes serão distribuídos aleatoriamente (1:1) para receber hemostasia patente com dispositivo TR Band™ ou hemostasia convencional com bandagem elástica adesiva. O desfecho primário é a incidência da oclusão da artéria radial. Os desfechos secundários são alteração da curva do teste de Barbeau, tempo adicional para atingir a hemostasia, incidência de sangramento no local da punção, intensidade da dor, desenvolvimento de fístula arteriovenosa, pseudoaneurisma, qualquer complicação no local de acesso que necessite intervenção cirúrgica vascular e custos entre os dois dispositivos. DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo devem fornecer informações adicionais valiosas sobre a melhor abordagem para a hemostasia após intervenções cardiovasculares percutâneas transradiais.

Impact of Paclitaxel-Eluting Balloons Compared to Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents for of In-Stent Restenosis in a Primarily Acute Coronary Syndrome Population / Impacto dos Balões de Eluição de Paclitaxel Comparados a Stents Farmacológicos de Segunda Geração para Reestenose Intra-Stent em uma População com Síndrome Coronária Aguda Primária

Abstract Background: The place of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) in the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) is not well-defined, particularly in a population of all-comers with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective: Compare the clinical outcomes of DEB with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) for the treatment of ISR in a real-world population with a high proportion of ACS. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with ISR treated with a DEB compared to patients treated with a second-generation DES was performed. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization). Comparisons were performed using Cox proportional hazards multivariate adjustment and Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank. Results: The cohort included 91 patients treated with a DEB and 89 patients treated with a DES (74% ACS). Median follow-up was 26 months. MACE occurred in 33 patients (36%) in the DEB group, compared to 17 patients (19%) in the DES group (p log-rank = 0.02). After multivariate adjustment, there was no significant difference between the groups (HR for DEB = 1.45 [95%CI: 0.75-2.83]; p = 0.27). Mortality rates at 1 year were 11% with DEB, and 3% with DES (p = 0.04; adjusted HR = 2.85 [95%CI: 0.98-8.32]; p = 0.06). Conclusion: In a population with a high proportion of ACS, a non-significant numerical signal towards increased rates of MACE with DEB compared to second-generation DES for the treatment of ISR was observed, mainly driven by a higher mortality rate. An adequately-powered randomized controlled trial is necessary to confirm these findings.

Resumo Fundamento: O papel de balões farmacológicos (BFs) no tratamento de reestenose intra-stent (RIS) não está bem definido, particularmente em na síndrome coronária aguda (SCA). Objetivo: Comparar desfechos clínicos do uso de BF com stents farmacológicos (SFs) de segunda geração no tratamento de RIS em uma população real com alta prevalência de SCA. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de pacientes consecutivos com RIS tratados com um BF comparados a pacientes tratados com SF de segunda geração. O desfecho primário incluiu eventos cardiovasculares adversos importantes (morte por todas as causas, infarto do miocárdio não fatal, e revascularização da lesão alvo). As comparações foram realizadas pelo modelo proporcional de riscos de Cox ajustado e análise de Kaplan-Meier com log-rank. Resultados: A coorte incluiu 91 pacientes tratados com BF e 89 pacientes tratados com um SF (75% com SCA). O tempo mediano de acompanhamento foi de 26 meses. Eventos cardiovasculares adversos importantes ocorreram em 33 pacientes (36%) no grupo BF, e em 17 (19%) no grupo SF (p log-rank = 0,02). Após ajuste multivariado, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (HR para BF = 1,45 [IC95%: 0,75-2,83]; p = 0,27). As taxas de mortalidade de 1 ano foram 11% com BF, e 3% com SF (p = 0,04; HR ajustado = 2,85 [IC95%: 0,98-8,32; p = 0,06). Conclusão: Em uma população com alta prevalência de SCA, observou-se um aumento não significativo nas taxas de eventos cardiovasculares adversos importantes com o uso de BF comparado ao uso de SF de segunda geração para o tratamento de RIS, principalmente pelo aumento na taxa de mortalidade. É necessário um ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado, com poder estatístico adequado para confirmar esses achados.

Frequency of common modifiable risk factors in patients with myocardial damage undergoing single vessel coronary angioplasty

To determine the frequency of common modifiable risk factors in patients with myocardial damage undergoing single vessel coronary angioplasty. Descriptive study. Armed forces Institute of Cardiology / National institute of Heart Disease Rawalpindi from June 2012 to Nov 2013. Hundred patients undergoing elective single vessel percutaneous coronary angioplasty were evaluated with creatinine kinase and creatinine kinase MB levels before, after 8 hours and 24 hours following coronary angioplasty. The detailed performa was filled from each patient covering the necessary variables. Out of 100 patients 22% had raised creatinine kinase at 8 hours and 43% had raised creatinirie kinase after 24 hours following coronary angioplasty. Whereas 19% patients and 38% patients had raised creatinine kinase MB levels at 8 hours and 24 hours following the procedure respectively. No patient had rise of creatinine kinase or creatinine kinase MB more than 3 times of normal limits in the study. Among patients with raised CK-MB highest frequency was of diabetes mellitus, raised LDL levels, smoking and hypertension. Patients with raised CK-MB levels after 1[st] day of coronary angiography had diabetes mellitus [84%], raised LDL levels [79%], smoking [68%] and hypertension [58%]

Procedural outcome of primary PCI inst-segment elevation myocardial infarction at Afic and Nihd Rawalpindi - Pakistan

To determine the procedural outcome of primary percutaneous coronary interventions [PCI] in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. A quasi-experimental study. Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, a tertiary care cardiac institute from November 2011 to September 2013. Total 228 patients who underwent primary percutaneous intervention [primary PCI] were included in this study. A pre designed performa was prospectively filled which included demographic and procedural variables. Procedural success and in hospital mortality were recorded. The mean age was 59 +/- 10.88 years. There were 205 [89.9%] males, 80 [35.1%] patients were found to be diabetic, 47 [20.6%] hypertensive, and 90 [39.5%] patients were smokers. Family history of ischemic heart disease was positive in 51 [22.4] patients. Anterior, inferior and lateral myocardial infarction were present in 137 [60.1%], 90 [39.5%] and 1 [0.4%] patients respectively. The Median time from the onset of symptoms to the arrival in the hospital was 122.5 +/- 142.57 and median door to balloon time was 60 +/- 22.88 min. Left anterior descending [LAD] was the commonest infarct related artery accounting for culprit artery in 138 [60.5%] followed by right coronary artery [RCA] and left circumflex artery [LCX] in 72 [31.6%] and 18 [7.9%] cases respectively. Procedural success was achieved in 222 [97.4%] patients. Six [2.6%] patients died in the hospital. High success rate with low mortality rates can be achieved in our set up. However more studies and long term follow up is required to validate our results

Deterioro del flujo microvascular coronario durante la angioplastía primaria en pacientes consumidores de cocaína / Microvascular coronary blood flow deteriorates after percutáneous coronary angioplasty in cocaine consumers

Introducción y objetivo: El consumo de cocaína puede inducir deterioro del flujo microvascular coronario. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar parámetros angiográficos de flujo coronario en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con supradesnivel del ST que habían consumido cocaína versus pacientes que no habían consumido. Métodos: Estudio analítico observacional con selección aleatoria de los controles. Se midió el recuento de cuadros TIMI y el "blush" Miocárdico. Resultados: De un total de 1294 pacientes cuyo infarto se trató con angioplastía primaria, 59 declararon haber consumido cocaína previo al evento. Los controles fueron 142 pacientes sin consumo de cocaína previo, seleccionados aleatoriamente. Los consumidores eran más jóvenes (38 +/- 10 vs 58 +/- 10 años, p<0,001), con predominio de hombres (89.8 por ciento vs 77.3 por ciento,p=0,039), menor proporción de hipertensión arterial (8.5 por ciento vs 58 por ciento, p<0,001), y de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (6,8 por ciento vs 26,1 por ciento p=0,002). Tenían menos arterias con estenosis > 70 por ciento (4,9 versus 40,7 por ciento, p<0,001) y menor recuento de cuadros TIMI inicial (61 +/- 35 vs 84 +/- 28 cuadros, p<0,001). El implante de stents fue menos frecuente en los consumidores (37,3 por ciento vs 89,9 por ciento, p<0.001). Al término de la angioplastía, los consumidores tuvieron peor recuento de cuadros que los controles (37 +/- 22 2 versus 29 +/- 17 cuadros, p=0,003). Sólo la variable "consumidores" fue significativa para peor cTFC (OR 2,6, p=0,049, 95 por ciento, IC 1,003 - 6,721). El "blush" miocárdico no fue diferente entre los grupos. Conclusiones: El infarto asociado a consumo de cocaína se presenta en hombres que tienen menos factores de riesgo tradicionales, y menos prevalencia de estenosis coronarias significativas. Los consumidores presentan mayor deterioro del flujo coronario microvascular post angioplastía.

Introduction and objective: Cocaine consumption may induce microvascular coronary blood flow deterioration. Our objective was to compare microvascular coronary blood flow in patients with acute myocardial infarction and ST elevation, with or without prior consumption of cocaine. Methods: This was a case - control (1:2) observational analytic study. We measured TIMI frame count and Myocardial Blush Grade in all patients. Results: From a total of 1294 primary angioplasty, 59 patients declared cocaine consumption prior to the event. Controls were 142 patients. Consumers were younger (38 +/- 10 vs 58 +/- 10 years, p<0.001), predominantly male (89.8 percent vs 77.3 percent, p=0.039), had less arterial hypertension (8.5 percent vs 58 percent, p<0.001) and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (6.8 percent vs 26.1 percent, p=0.002). Stenosis > 70 percent were less frequent in consumers than in controls (4.9 percent vs 40.7 percent , p<0.001). They had lower baseline TIMI frame count (61 +/- 35 vs 84 +/- 28 frames, p<0.001) and stent implantation was less common (37.3 percent vs 89.9 percent, p<0.001). Final TIMI frame count was 37 +/- 22 in consumers vs 29 +/- 17 frames in controls, p=0.003). Cocaine was a statistically significant predictor of poor TIMI frame count in a multivariate analysis (OR 2.6, p=0.049, 95 percent CI 1.003-6.721). Myocardial Blush was not different between groups. Conclusions: Cocaine consumption associated to STEMI is more frequent in young male patients, with fewer cardiovascular risk factors and less severe angiographic lesions. Cocaine consumers had higher prevalence of decreased coronary microvascular flow after primary angioplasty.

Successful coronary stent retrieval from the ascending aorta using a gooseneck snare kit

Coronary stent dislodgement is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. We report a case of stent dislodgement in the ascending thoracic aorta. The stent was mechanically distorted in the left circumflex artery (LCX) while being delivered to the proximal LCX lesion. The balloon catheter was withdrawn, but the stent with the guide wire was remained in the ascending thoracic aorta. The stent was unable to be retrieved into the guide catheter, as it was distorted. A goose neck snare was used successfully to catch the stent in the ascending thoracic aorta and retrieved the stent externally via the arterial sheath.

Clinical outcomes between different stent designs with the same polymer and drug: comparison between the Taxus Express and Taxus Liberte stents

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The Taxus Liberte stent (Boston Scientific Co.) evolved from the Taxus Express stent, with enhanced stent deliverability and uniform drug delivery. This study was designed to compare angiographic and clinical outcomes in real-world practice between the Taxus Liberte and Taxus Express stents. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, 240 patients receiving the Taxus Liberte stent at three centers were registered and compared to historical control patients who had received the Taxus Express stent (n = 272). After propensity score matching, 173 patients treated with the Taxus Liberte stent and the same number of patients treated with the Taxus Express stent were selected. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemia driven target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stent thrombosis (ST) at 1 year. An additional angiographic assessment was conducted at 9 to 12 months. RESULTS: The study showed no significant difference between the Taxus Express and Taxus Liberte stents (death, 1.73% vs. 2.31%, p = 1.000; MI, 0% vs. 1.73%, p = 0.2478; TVR, 2.31% vs. 1.16%, p = 0.6848; and ST, 0% vs. 1.16%, p = 0.4986). The total MACE rate at 1 year did not differ between the groups (4.05% in Taxus Express vs. 4.05% in Taxus Liberte, p = 1.000). In addition, the binary restenosis rate did not differ (2.25% in Taxus Express vs. 1.80% in Taxus Liberte, p = 0.6848). CONCLUSIONS: In real-world experience with the two Taxus stent designs, both stents showed similarly good clinical and angiographic outcomes at 1 year. A long-term follow-up study is warranted.

Trans-Radial versus Trans-Femoral Intervention for the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcations: Results from Coronary Bifurcation Stenting Registry

Trans-radial (TR) approach is increasingly recognized as an alternative to the routine use of trans-femoral (TF) approach. However, there are limited data comparing the outcomes of these two approaches for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. We evaluated outcomes of TR and TF percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in this complex lesion. Procedural outcomes and clinical events were compared in 1,668 patients who underwent PCI for non-left main bifurcation lesions, according to the vascular approach, either TR (n = 503) or TF (n = 1,165). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) in all patients and in 424 propensity-score matched pairs of patients. There were no significant differences between TR and TF approaches for procedural success in the main vessel (99.6% vs 98.6%, P = 0.08) and side branches (62.6% vs 66.7%, P = 0.11). Over a mean follow-up of 22 months, cardiac death or MI (1.8% vs 2.2%, P = 0.45), TLR (4.0% vs 5.2%, P = 0.22), and MACE (5.2% vs 7.0%, P = 0.11) did not significantly differ between TR and TF groups, respectively. These results were consistent after propensity score-matched analysis. In conclusion, TR PCI is a feasible alternative approach to conventional TF approaches for bifurcation PCI (clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT00851526).

Seven-Year Clinical Outcomes of Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Bare-Metal Stent: A Matched Analysis From A Real World, Single Center Registry

The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes for seven years, between sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) and bare metal stent (BMS). During the BMS and drug-eluting stent (DES) transition period (from April 2002 to April 2004), 434 consecutive patients with 482 lesions underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, using BMS or SES. Using propensity score matching, 186 patients with BMS and 166 patients with SES were selected. Seven year clinical outcomes of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), such as cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (TVR), and angiographic definite stent thrombosis (ST) were compared. At one-year follow up, patients with SES showed significantly lower MACE (9.1% in BMS vs 3.0% in SES, P = 0.024). However, cumulative MACE for 7 yr was not significantly different between two groups (24.7% in BMS vs 17.4% in SES, P = 0.155). There was no significant difference in MI, TVR, death and ST. The TVR were gradually increased from 1 to 7 yr in SES, on the contrary to that of BMS. In conclusion, although SES showed better clinical outcomes in the early period after implantation, it did not show significant benefits in the long-term follow up, compared with that of BMS.

Two dislodged and crushed coronary stents: treatment of two simultaneously dislodged stents using crushing techniques

Coronary stent dislodgement is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. We report a rare case of dislodgement of two intracoronary stents. On withdrawal of two balloon catheters, one with a guide wire was mechanically distorted from the left main (LM) to the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) while the other was dislodged from the LM to the ostial left circumflex artery. The stent in the LAD could not be retrieved into the guide catheter using a Goose neck snare, because it was caught on a previously deployed stent at the mid LAD. A new stent was quickly deployed from the LM to the proximal LAD, because the patient developed cardiogenic shock. Both stents, including a distorted and elongated stent, were crushed to the LM wall. Stent deployment and crushing may be a good alternative technique to retrieving a dislodged stent.

Safety and effectiveness of combined percutaneous coronary angioplasty and aortic valvuloplasty in an elderly patient with cardiogenic shock: effect on concomitant severe mitral regurgitation

An 80-year-old diabetic man with severe aortic stenosis was admitted to our hospital for cardiogenic shock complicating non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Echocardiographic evaluation showed also a severe degree of both left ventricular dysfunction and mitral regurgitation. The patient was initially stabilized with inotropes and mechanical ventilation was necessary because of concurrent pulmonary edema. The day after, he was submitted to coronary angiography showing bivessel coronary disease. Given the high estimated operative risk, the patient was treated with angioplasty and bare metal stent implantation on both right coronary and circumflex artery; contemporarily, balloon aortic valvuloplasty [BAV] was performed with anterograde technique, obtaining a significant increase in planimetric valve area and reduction in transvalvular peak gradient. Few days after the procedure echocardiogram showed an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, moderate aortic stenosis with mild regurgitation and moderate mitral regurgitation. Hemodynamic and clinical stabilization were also obtained, allowing amine support discontinuation and weaning from mechanical ventilation. At three months follow-up, the patient reported a further clinical improvement from discharge, and echocardiographic evaluation showed moderate aortic stenosis and an additional increase in left ventricular function and decrease in mitral regurgitation degree. In conclusion, combined BAV and coronary angioplasty were associated in our patient with hemodynamic and clinical stabilization as well as with a significant reduction in transvalvular aortic gradient and mitral regurgitation and an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction both in-hospital and at three month followup; this case suggests that these procedures are feasible even in hemodynamically unstable patients and are associated with a significant improvement in quality of life.

The Role of Optical Coherence Tomography in Coronary Intervention

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical analog of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) that can be used to examine the coronary arteries and has 10-fold higher resolution than IVUS. Based on polarization properties, OCT can differentiate tissue characteristics (fibrous, calcified, or lipid-rich plaque) and identify thin-cap fibroatheroma. Because of the strong attenuation of light by blood, OCT systems required the removal of blood during OCT examinations. A recently developed frequency-domain OCT system has a faster frame rate and pullback speed, making the OCT procedure more user-friendly and not requiring proximal balloon occlusion. During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), OCT can provide detailed information (dissection, tissue prolapse, thrombi, and incomplete stent apposition [ISA]). At follow-up examinations after stent implantation, stent strut coverage and ISA can be assessed. Several OCT studies have demonstrated delayed neointimal coverage following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation vs. bare metal stent (BMS) placement. While newer DESs promote more favorable vascular healing, the clinical implications remain unknown. Recent OCT studies have provided insights into restenotic tissue characteristics; DES restenotic morphologies differ from those with BMSs. OCT is a novel, promising imaging modality; with more in-depth assessments of its use, it may impact clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease.

Optimization of Stent Deployment by Intravascular Ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a useful diagnostic method that provides valuable information in addition to angiography regarding the coronary vessel lumen, dimensions, plaque burden, and characteristics. The major use of IVUS in coronary intervention is to guide interventional strategies and assess optimal stent deployment. Since the introduction of the drug-eluting stent (DES), concerns about restenosis have decreased. However, high-risk lesion subsets are being routinely treated with DESs, and the incidence of suboptimal results after stent deployment, such as stent underexpansion, incomplete stent apposition, edge dissection, geographic miss, and the risk of stent thrombosis, have correspondingly increased. Thus, optimization of stent deployment under IVUS guidance may be clinically important. In this review, we focus on the potential role of IVUS in stent optimization during percutaneous coronary intervention and its clinical benefits.