Attenuated plaque is associated with plaque prolapse accompanied by cardiac enzyme elevation after drug-eluting stent implantation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between grayscale intravascular ultrasound-attenuated plaque (AP) and poststenting plaque prolapse (PP) as well as their influence on creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) elevation after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. BACKGROUND: The relationship between baseline AP and poststenting PP and their impacts on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not well known. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 141 single, native, de-novo coronary lesions in 141 patients with normal pre-PCI CK-MB levels who underwent intravascular ultrasound before and after DES implantation were studied. RESULTS: AP was found in 72 (51.1%) lesions and PP occurred in 43 (30.5%) lesions. Baseline AP was associated with greater plaque area, lesion eccentricity, and positive remodeling, and was associated with higher frequency of poststenting PP (47.2 vs. 13.0%, P<0.001) as well as greater poststenting PP volume (2.2±1.3 vs. 1.9±1.1 mm, P=0.045). Elevated CK-MB levels were observed in 34 (24.1%) lesions and significantly more frequently in patients with baseline AP and poststenting PP than without both of these findings. Multivariate analysis indicated that AP with PP was the predictor of post-PCI CK-MB elevation. CONCLUSION: Baseline AP was associated with high-risk characteristics, higher frequency, and greater volume of poststenting PP accompanied by CK-MB elevation in patients with DES implantation.

Associated factors with repeat coronary angioplasty during the drug eluting stent era: a high volume center investigation.

BACKGROUND: Repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease, but there is a current lack of related systematic cross-sectional studies in China. The survey was to investigate a real world of repeat PCIs and their associated factors during the drug eluting stent era in a Beijing high volume center. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the institution's database between January 2006 and July 2009 was conducted. Demographic information, concomitant diseases, peri-procedure laboratory examinations and angiographic features were collected consecutively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore the risk factors associated with repeat PCIs. RESULTS: A total of 13 404 patients were included in the analysis. Of which, 1946 patients (14.5%) had prior PCI procedure. More males patients had previous PCI than the females (15.7% vs 10.9%, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, concomitant diseases, angiographic and procedural factors, a multivariate model showed that male, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and previous myocardial infarction, left main disease were identified as independent risk factors of repeat PCIs. Of which, previous myocardial infarction (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 2.27 - 2.92) was highly related with repeat PCIs. CONCLUSION: The frequency of repeat PCIs was 14.5% in this cross-sectional investigation, and their associated factors included male, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and previous MI and left main disease during drug eluting stent era.

Comparison of safety and efficacy between fondaparinux and nadroparin in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/European Society of Cardiology (ACC/AHA/ESC) guidelines gave fondaparinux a class I recommendation for use in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) undergoing invasive or conservative strategy. Nadroparin is one of the common anticoagulants used in NSTE-ACS in China. Accordingly, this study compared the safety and efficacy between fondaparinux and nadroparin in patients with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, open-label, and single center study, a total of 300 patients with NSTE-ACS were randomized to receive either fondaparinux (group F, n = 150, 2.5 mg/d) or nadroparin (group N, n = 150, 0.1 ml/10 kg q12 h) for a mean of 4 days. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence of major or minor bleeding at 9 days that was not related to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The primary efficacy endpoints included death, myocardial infarction, or recurrent ischemia at 9 days. All patients underwent a 180-day follow-up. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well matched between the two groups. There was a non-significant 28% relative risk reduction in the primary safety endpoint in group F compared with group N (4.7% vs. 6.7%, HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.42-1.65, P = 0.38). The primary efficacy endpoint was 8.0% in group F and 10.0% in group N (HR, 0.82, 95%CI 0.54-1.71, P = 0.49). The composite of the safety and efficacy endpoints at 9 days (10.0% vs. 16.0%, HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.31-1.10, P = 0.10), 30 days (14.0% vs. 17.9%, HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.47-1.16, P = 0.21), or 180 days (18.7% vs. 27.3%, HR 0.65, 95%CI 0.38-1.11, P = 0.11) showed a non-significant trend toward a lower value in group F. CONCLUSION: Fondaparinux resulted in a nonsignificant risk reduction in patients with NSTE-ACS in both bleeding and ischaemic events during short- and long-term follow-up compared with nadroparin.

[Efficiency and safety of thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery administration of tirofiban during primary angioplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery bolus administration of tirofiban via the aspiration catheter is superior to thrombus aspiration alone in improving myocardial perfusion in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary angioplasty. METHODS: In this single center retrospective study, 108 patients with STEMI who underwent angioplasty after thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarction related artery 500 µg tirofiban administration, with subsequent 12-hour intravenous infusion of 0.1 µg×kg(-1)×min(-1) after angioplasty (thrombus aspiration + tirofiban group) and 108 matched control patients with STEMI who underwent angioplasty after thrombus aspiration (thrombus aspiration group). The primary end points included thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow immediately after angioplasty, complete ST-segment elevation resolution (> 70%) at 90 minutes after angioplasty and the peak of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and troponin I (TnI). The secondary end points were the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the hospital and at 9 months follow-up as well as major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, re-infarction) at 9 months and any bleeding events. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well-balanced. The TIMI 3 flow rate (97.22% vs. 87.04%, P = 0.011) and the complete ST-segment resolution rate (66.67% vs. 50.91%, χ(2) = 6.129, P = 0.047)were significantly higher in the thrombus aspiration + tirofiban group than in the thrombus aspiration group. The peak of CK-MB (83.9 U/L vs. 126.1 U/L, P = 0.034) and TnI (42.7 ng/ml vs. 72.5 ng/ml, P = 0.029) were significantly lower in the thrombus aspiration + tirofiban group than in the thrombus aspiration group. LVEF in the hospital favored thrombus aspiration + tirofiban the group (45.7% ± 10.8%, 42.9% ± 9.9%, t = 1.99, P = 0.049). There was a tendency to decreased MACE rate at 9-month follow-up, which favored thrombus aspiration + tirofiban the group (logrank χ(2) = 2.865, P = 0.09). Bleeding events were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery bolus administration of tirofiban in patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty may improve myocardium perfusion, attenuate myocardial ischemia and result in a better clinical prognosis compared to thrombus aspiration alone.

[Reasons for failed electrocardiographic identification of the infarct-related artery in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: The infarct-related artery (IRA) could not always be identified by electrocardiogram (ECG). In the present study, we attempted to explore the reason for failed IRA identification by ECG based on the comparison between ECG records and coronary angiographic findings. METHODS: All 18-lead ECG records were compared with respective angiographic findings in 1024 consecutive patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) between October 2004 and July 2009. More than two continuous 18-lead ECG records were performed within 12 hours of the symptom onset in all patients. Patients with previous myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, pacemaker implantation or ECG evidence of left bundle branch block and angiography was performed more than 12 hours time from symptom onset were excluded. RESULTS: Of all 1024 patients enrolled, the IRA were correctly identified in 854 cases and identified wrong in 96 cases and could not be identified in 74 cases by ECG. Of the failed identification in these 170 cases, IRA was left circumflex coronary artery in 76 (44.7%)cases, right coronary artery in 66 (38.8%) cases, left anterior descending branch in 20 (11.8%) cases, ramus medianus branch in 7 (4.1%) cases, and left main in 1(0.6%) case. Double-vessel and triple-vessel diseases were recorded in 27(15.9%) patients and 47(27.6%) patients respectively. Early repolarization syndrome occurred in 8 (4.7%) patients, and dextrocardia in 1 patient (0.6%). Angiographic study showed acute occlusion of a small branch in 6 (3.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: Coronary collateral vessel can mislead judgments of the IRA by ECG. When the IRA can not be determined by ECG, left circumflex coronary artery is most likely to be the culprit vessel. Occasionally, early repolarization syndrome and anatomic variation of the coronary artery or heart and a small branch occlusion could be causes of misjudgments of IRA by ECG.

[Impact of early catheterization laboratory activation on door-to-balloon time in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early catheterization laboratory activation would reduce median door-to-balloon time in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Consecutive patients with STEMI underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2006 to December 2008 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups. Group A included patients without prehospital ECG (n = 168), group B included patients with prehospital ECG (n = 224) and group C included patients with prehospital ECG and early telephonic notification to activate catheterization laboratory (n = 114). Primary end point was door-to-balloon time, secondary end points included peak Troponin I elevation, left ventricular ejection fraction, length of hospital stay, hospital mortality and 30 days follow-up mortality. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar among groups. Door-to-balloon time and door-to-catheter laboratory time (110 minutes, 94 minutes and 85 minutes, respectively, all P < 0.01; 91 minutes, 74 minutes and 64 minutes, respectively, all P < 0.01) were significantly shorter in group B and C than those in group A. The percentage of patients with door-to-balloon time less than 90 minutes increased significantly from 32% in group A to 43% in group B and 59% in group C (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Early activation of catheterization laboratory by prehospital ECG and telephonic notification could markedly reduce door-to-balloon time in patients with STEMI.

[Long-term follow-up after drug-eluting stents for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a single center study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of DES in the setting of primary PCI in our single center. METHODS: From September 2004 to November 2008, 464 patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI were included at the 28th Division in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. The adverse events were compared among different types of DES. RESULTS: The major adverse cardiac events [MACE, including sudden cardiac death, stent thrombosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), reinfarction and coronary artery bypass graft], all-cause death, major bleeding, anti-platelet therapy and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease of different types of DES were no significant differences. The cumulative incidence of MACE and stent thrombosis were 9.3% and 1.1% respectively, different types of DES were 9.4%, 5.1%, 5.9%, 6.6% (P = 0.483) and 3.1%, 0.0%, 0.0%, 0.0% (P = 0.092) respectively. The patients in the DES group had longer duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (average 16.2 ± 6.7 months). No major bleeding occurred in all patients with the long-term and low-dose aspirin (100 mg). CONCLUSIONS: Different types of DES have the same results in the setting of primary PCI, and were long-term safe and effective with a reasonable strategy for anti-platelet therapy and secondary prevention.

Two-stent strategy for renal artery stenosis with bifurcation lesion.

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) with a bifurcation lesion is a challenge for interventional therapy. The aim of this study is to summarize our experience in RAS with a bifurcation lesion. Five patients with RAS involving bifurcation lesion are described. In cases 1 to 3, a single-stent strategy was first adopted. However, these three patients were converted to a two-stent strategy for bailout stent implantation in the side branches. In cases 4 and 5, a simultaneous kissing stent technique was performed. Angiography showed that the reference vascular diameter of the main branch was much larger than those of the side branches. Although obvious residual stenosis existed in cases 1 to 3 after stent implantation, no obvious residual stenosis was seen in cases 4 and 5. Renal artery duplex sonography was performed in cases 1 through 5 at 6, 7, 7, 8, and 6 months, respectively, after the procedures. No evidence of restenosis or occlusion was seen. In conclusion, stent implantation with the simultaneous kissing stent technique may result in more simple and more satisfactory immediate angiographic results.

Thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery administration of tirofiban improves myocardial perfusion during primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: We developed a new combined strategy of thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery (IRA) bolus administration of tirofiban via the aspiration catheter in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This strategy can reduce the distal embolism and achieve highly localized concentrations of tirofiban, which can improve myocardial reperfusion without increasing the risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this combined strategy is superior to thrombus aspiration alone in improving myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty. METHODS: This single center study included 108 matched control patients with STEMI, angioplasty after thrombus aspiration, and 108 study patients with STEMI plus intra-IRA administration of 500 microg of tirofiban. Both groups had subsequent 12-hour intravenous infusion of 0.1 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) of tirofiban after angioplasty. The primary end points were Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow immediately after angioplasty, ST-segment elevation resolution (STR) (> 70%) at 90 minutes after angioplasty, and the peak of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and troponin I (TnI). The secondary end points were the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the hospital and at nine months follow-up, cardiac death, target vessel revascularization (TVR), re-infarction and the combination of these three as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within nine months and any bleeding events. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well-balanced. The TIMI 3 flow showed a better tendency in the intra-IRA group than in the aspiration alone group (97.22% vs. 87.04%, chi(2) = 7.863, P = 0.049). The peak of CK-MB (83.9 (68.9 - 310.5) U/L vs. 126.1 (74.7 - 356.7) U/L, P = 0.034) and TnI (42.7 (14.7 - 113.9) ng/ml vs. 72.5 (59.8 - 135.3) ng/ml, P = 0.029) were lower in the intra-IRA group than in the aspiration alone group. LVEF in the hospital favored the intra-IRA group, (45.7 +/- 8.3)% to (42.9 +/- 12.1)%, t = 1.98, P = 0.049. There was a tendency towards a lower MACE at 9-month follow-up in the intra-IRA group although it did not reach statistical difference (Log-rank chi(2) = 2.865, P = 0.09). There was no statistical difference in any bleeding events between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombus aspiration plus intra-IRA bolus administration of tirofiban combined with angioplasty may be related with improved myocardium perfusion, saved more myocardium, and resulted in a better clinical prognosis.

Comparison of Diver CE and ZEEK manual aspiration catheters for thrombectomy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: A growing volume of data suggests that simple manual thrombus aspiration followed by direct stenting improves myocardial reperfusion and clinical outcome compared with conventional primary PCI, but there is still limited data comparing the in vivo performance among different devices. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and operability of thrombus aspiration by the Diver CE (Invatec, Brescia, Italy) and ZEEK (Zeon Medical Inc., Tokyo, Japan) aspiration catheters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and their impact on 3-month outcome. METHODS: From September 2004 to June 2008, 298 consecutive patients with STEMI who received manual thrombus aspiration were involved in a single center retrospective analysis. Of them, 229 and 69 were treated with Diver CE and ZEEK aspiration catheters, respectively. Primary endpoints were myocardial blush grade (MBG), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, ST-segment elevation resolution (STR), device pushability and trackability as judged by the frequency of usage of dual guide wires and aspiration efficacy as indicated by size distribution of aspirated thrombi. Secondary endpoints were 3-month outcome including left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as well as cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), re-infarction and their combination as major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups expect for a higher frequency of temporary cardiac pacing in the ZEEK group (ZEEK) than in the Diver CE group (Diver CE) (0.44% vs 5.8%, P = 0.002). Visible retrieved thrombi were achieved in 65.9% of the Diver CE and 68.1% of the ZEEK (P = 0.74). Aspirated thrombi were categorized as small thrombi (< 3.5 mm), moderate thrombi (3.5-7.0 mm) and large thrombi (> 7.0 mm). Small thrombi were more frequently seen in the Diver CE (61.6% vs 42.6%), whereas moderate and larger thrombi were more frequently found in the ZEEK (38.4% vs 57.4%) (P = 0.021). Rates of dual wire utilization were 1.7% of the Diver CE and 7.2% of the ZEEK (P = 0.052). There were no differences in MBG, STR and TIMI flow grade between the two groups. No differences were found in cardiac death, TLR, re-infarction, MACE, LVEDD and LVEF between the Diver CE and the ZEEK during 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Both Diver CE and ZEEK manual aspiration catheters are effective for thrombectomy in STEMI. In clinical practice, ZEEK presents a stronger aspiration capacity for moderate to large thrombi compared with Diver CE, but Diver CE displays a trend towards better pushability and trackability than ZEEK. Differences in aspiration capacity and operability between Diver CE and ZEEK in this setting do not influence myocardial reperfusion and 3-month outcome.

[Pathological analysis of aspirated materials from the culprit lesion in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the components of retrieved materials from the culprit lesion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients by manual aspiration during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Visible retrieved materials were collected, fixed in formalin and processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). The retrieved materials were microscopically divided into erythrocyte-rich thrombi, platelet/fibrin-rich thrombi, combined thrombi (similar proportions of erythrocytes and platelet/fibrin components), atherosclerotic plaque materials and edematous components. Based on pathological findings, thrombus materials were classified into fresh (< 1 d), lytic (1-5 d), fresh/lytic and organized thrombi (> 5 d) after formation. All patients were further classified into plaque positive and plaque negative groups. Clinical and angiographic data were also obtained for analyzing possible association between pathological findings and surrogates of myocardial reperfusion, including myocardial blush grade (MBG), enzymatic estimated infarction size (peak CK and CK-MB levels), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) which were assessed 16 h after procedure. RESULTS: Visible samples were collected from 49 patients by manual catheter aspiration (thrombus components in 46 patients, atherosclerotic plaque only in 3 patients). Frequency of erythrocyte-rich thrombi, platelet/fibrin-rich thrombi and combined thrombi were 41.3% (19/46), 30.4% (14/46) and 28.2% (13/46), respectively. The incidence of fresh, lytic, fresh/lytic and organized thrombi were 47.8% (22/46), 32.6% (15/46), 10.9% (5/46) and 8.7% (4/46), respectively. Plaque materials were found in 57.1% (28/49) patients, including ruptured plaque accompanied by thrombus formation [8.2% (4/49)], fibrous plaque [6.1% (3/49)] and thickened intima [2.0% (1/49)]. Baseline characteristics did not differ between plaque positive (n = 28) and plaque negative (n = 21) groups. Ratios of MBG 3 were higher in plaque positive group than in plaque negative group [82.1% (23/28) vs. 52.4% (11/21), P = 0.025]. Peak CK and CK-MB levels were lower in the former than in the later [(1705 +/- 1647) U/L vs. (2629 +/- 2013) U/L, P = 0.042; (146 +/- 136) microg/L vs. (258 +/- 215) microg/L, P = 0.016; respectively]. Furthermore, LVEF were higher in plaque positive group than in plaque negative group (0.59 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.08, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Manual catheter aspiration during primary PCI in STEMI patients is an effective way for removing thrombus and plaque materials, and plaque debulking before stenting or pre-dilation and this procedure might probably improve myocardial reperfusion, limit infarction size and improve cardiac function.

[Diver CE versus Guardwire Plus for thrombectomy during primary angioplasty for inferior myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: In this randomized prospective single-center study, we compared the efficacy of adjunctive thrombectomy using Diver CE device (Linvatec, Italy) versus Guardwire Plus device (Medtronic, USA) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with <12 h acute inferior myocardial infarction (AIMI) and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0 to 1. The primary end point was the magnitude of ST-segment resolution after PCI. METHODS: A total of 122 patients (61 in Diver CE group and 61 in Guardwire Plus group) were studied. The magnitude of ST-segment resolution, myocardial blush grade and slow flow or no re-flow 1 h after PCI were measured in study patients. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups: age (59.6 +/- 14 years vs. 60.1 +/- 13 years), males (82% vs. 84%), diabetes (31% vs. 28%), previous coronary artery disease (25% vs. 23%), onset-to-angiogram (350 +/- 185 min vs. 345 +/- 180 min), and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use (11% vs. 13%, all P > 0.05). The magnitude of ST-segment resolution was also similar in these two groups: ST-segment resolution > 70% (57% vs. 59%, P > 0.05). Slow flow/no reflow rate (8% vs. 7%), TIMI flow grade 3 (95% vs. 97%) and myocardial blush grade 3 (70% vs. 72%) post PCI were not different in the groups (all P > 0.05). Left ventricle ejection fraction (0.54 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.53 +/- 0.11), death (3% vs. 3%), re-myocardial infarction (2% vs. 0) and target vessel revascularization (2% vs. 2%) at one month post PCI were comparable (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Efficacy of removing thrombus burden with Diver CE device or Guardwire Plus device was similar in patients with < 12 h acute inferior myocardial infarction.

Diver CE versus Guardwire Plus for thrombectomy in patients with inferior myocardial infarction: a trial of aspiration of thrombus during primary angioplasty for inferior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Different feasible and safe thrombectomy and distal protection devices have been used in clinical practice. The efficiency and safety of adjunct thrombectomy using Diver CE device (Invatec, Italy) versus Guardwire Plus device (Medtronic, USA) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were compared in patients with acute inferior ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for less than 12 hours, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0 to 1, and total occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery (= 3 mm in diameter) in a prospective randomized single-center study. METHODS: The primary end point was the magnitude of ST-segment resolution (STR) (> 70%) measured immediately, 90 minutes and 6 hours after PCI, myocardial blush grade and slow flow or no-reflow. Secondary end points were left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) including death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization and stroke at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were equally divided into Diver CE group and Guardwire Plus group, which were comparable by age ((60 +/- 14) years vs (60 +/- 13) years), male (82% vs 84%), diabetes (31% vs 28%), previous coronary artery disease (25% vs 23%), onset-to-angiogram ((350 +/- 185) min vs (345 +/- 180) min), and use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (11% vs 13%). The magnitude of ST-segment resolution was similar in the two groups as ST-segment resolution > 70% (57% vs 59%; P > 0.05). Similar slow flow/no-reflow rates were observed in the Diver CE group (8%) and the Guardwire Plus group (7%). TIMI flow grade 3 was obtained in 95% vs 97% patients, respectively (P > 0.05). Myocardial blush grade 3 was similar (70% vs 72%; P > 0.05). Thirty-day clinical outcome was comparable (LVEF, 0.54 +/- 0.12 vs 0.53 +/- 0.11; death, 3% vs 3%; myocardial infarction, 2% vs 0%; and target vessel revascularization, 2% vs 2%; P > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Removal of thrombus burden with the Diver CE catheter before stenting leads to similar improvement of myocardial reperfusion in patients with inferior STEMI and total occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery (= 3 mm in diameter) compared with the Guardwire Plus device, as illustrated by a reduced risk of distal embolization and improved ST-segment resolution.