Percutaneous coronary intervention among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a review and meta-analysis of 19 clinical studies.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause for left ventricular dysfunction. Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has not reduced mortality among patients with CAD and left ventricular systolic dysfunction receiving guideline-indicated pharmacological therapy. However, the benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is not clear. OBJECTIVES: A meta-analysis of studies utilizing PCI among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 40%) was performed to determine in-hospital and long-term (≥ 1 year) mortality. METHODS: A systematic computerized literature search was performed using the search terms 'poor left ventricle', 'percutaneous coronary intervention', 'revascularization', 'LV dysfunction' and 'heart failure'. Studies of patients undergoing PCI for CAD in the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction were included. Studies that did not report long-term mortality data and same-centre studies were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 4766 patients from 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The mean (pooled estimate) age was 65 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 62-68] with 80% (95% CI 75-84%) males. The mean (pooled estimate) ejection fraction was 30% (95% CI 27-33%). The in-hospital mortality using random-effects model (13 studies, total PCI n=2202) was 1.8%, n=39 (95% CI 1.0-2.9%). The long-term mortality (mean pooled estimate 24 months) using the random-effects model (19 studies, total follow-up n=2937) was 15.6%, n=401 (95% CI 11.0-20.7%). Five studies compared PCI versus CABG (n=455 vs. n=502) and provide long-term mortality data (deaths-PCI: n=102 vs. CABG: n=115). The relative risk using the random-effects model (PCI vs. CABG) was 0.98 (95% CI 0.8-1.2, P=0.83). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis demonstrates that on the basis of available clinical studies, PCI among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is feasible with acceptable in-hospital and long-term mortality and yields similar outcomes to CABG. However, neither intervention may improve outcome compared with pharmacological therapy alone.

Association between angiographic complications and clinical outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: an EARLY ACS (Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome) angiographic substudy.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this analysis was to determine the association between intraprocedural complications and clinical outcomes among patients with high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Among patients undergoing PCI for NSTEACS, the relationship between intraprocedural complications and clinical outcomes, independent of epicardial and myocardial perfusion, has not been well characterized. METHODS: The EARLY ACS (Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial enrolled 9,406 patients with high-risk NSTEACS undergoing an early invasive strategy. Of these, 1,452 underwent angiographic assessment in an independent core laboratory and did not have a myocardial infarction (MI) between enrollment and angiography. We assessed the relationship between abrupt closure, loss of side branch(es), distal embolization, and no-reflow phenomenon and 30-day clinical outcomes in these patients. RESULTS: Of the patients, 166 (11.4%) experienced an intraprocedural complication. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between patients who did and did not have complications. The 30-day composite of death or MI was significantly higher among patients with an intraprocedural complication (28.3% vs. 7.8%, odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2 to 7.0, p < 0.001). Individually, both mortality (3.0% vs. 0.9%, OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.2 to 10.5, p = 0.019) and MI (27.1% vs. 7.4%, OR: 4.66, 95% CI: 3.1 to 7.0, p < 0.001) were significantly increased. After adjusting for differences in post-PCI epicardial and myocardial perfusion, the association with 30-day death or MI remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk NSTEACS patients undergoing an invasive strategy, the incidence of intraprocedural complications is high, and the occurrence of these complications is associated with worse clinical outcomes independent of epicardial and myocardial perfusion. (Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Patients With Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome [EARLY ACS]; NCT00089895).

Thrombolytics and myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery disease is the single leading cause of death in the United States. Occlusion of the coronary artery was identified to be the cause of myocardial infarction almost a century ago. Following a series of investigations, streptokinase was discovered and demonstrated to be beneficial for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction in terms of reducing short- and long-term mortality. Newer agents including tissue plasminogen activators such as alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase were developed subsequently. In the present era, thrombolytic therapy and primary percutaneous coronary intervention has revolutionized the way patients with acute myocardial infarction are managed resulting in significant reduction in cardiovascular death. This article provides an overview of the various thrombolytic agents utilized in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Coronary flow reserve varies depending upon the location within the artery it is assessed and the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade: a PROTECT TIMI-30 analysis.

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a measure of the capacity of the epicardial coronary artery and the microvasculature to achieve maximal blood flow in response to hyperemic stimulation. It is not known whether the CFR varies along the length of the artery. Likewise, the interaction between CFR and the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) is unknown. CFR was measured using the number of cineframes required for the contrast to traverse the same length of the coronary artery before and following the administration of intracoronary adenosine. Following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), CFR was assessed both proximal and distal to the lesion in 192 consecutive patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) from the PROTECT TIMI-30 trial. TMPG was also assessed. The difference between the distal and proximal CFR for patients with TMPG 0/1 (n = 76) was 0.11 (95% CI 0.01-0.20, P = 0.026), while among those with TMPG 2/3 (n = 114) it was -0.02 (95% CI -0.09-0.06, P = 0.65). The difference in the CFR between the distal and proximal segments among patients with TMPG 0/1 and TMPG 2/3 was significant (P interaction = 0.044). Following PCI among patients with impaired TMPG (0/1) in the setting of NSTEACS, CFR varies significantly between the proximal and distal segment of coronary arteries and is associated with higher (greater) distal CFR.

Revascularization among patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

AIMS: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is the standard of care for the management of patients with severe three-vessel and left main coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the optimal strategy for management of patients with CAD and severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction [ejection fraction (EF) ≤35%] is not clear. A meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to determine the operative mortality and long-term (5-year actuarial survival) outcomes among patients with severe LV dysfunction undergoing CABG. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic computerized literature search was performed and observational studies consisting of patients undergoing isolated CABG for CAD and severe LV dysfunction were included. Studies that did not report operative mortality, long-term (≥1 year) survival data, or pre-operative EF and multiple studies from the same group were excluded. In total, 4119 patients from 26 observational clinical studies were included. The estimated mean age was 63.9 years and 82.4% of patients were men. The mean (estimate) pre-operative EF was 24.7% (95% CI 22.5-27.0%). The operative mortality among patients (26 studies, n= 3621) who underwent on-pump CABG was 5.4%, n= 189 (95% CI 4.5-6.4%). The 5-year actuarial survival among patients (13 studies, n= 1980) who underwent on-pump CABG was 73.4%, n= 1483 (95% CI 68.7-77.7%). Patients who underwent off-pump CABG (7 studies, n= 498) tended to have reduced operative mortality of 4.4%, n= 20 (95% CI 2.8-6.4%). The mean (estimate) post-operative EF was 35.19% (95% CI 31.95-38.43%). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis demonstrates that based on data from available observational clinical studies, CABG can be performed with acceptable operative mortality and 5-year actuarial survival in patients with severe LV dysfunction.

SCAI consensus document on occupational radiation exposure to the pregnant cardiologist and technical personnel.

Concerns regarding radiation exposure and its effects during pregnancy are often quoted as an important barrier preventing many women from pursuing a career in Interventional Cardiology. Finding the true risk of radiation exposure from performing cardiac catheterisation procedures can be challenging and guidelines for pregnancy exposure have been inadequate. The Women in Innovations group of Cardiologists with endorsement of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions aim to provide guidance in this publication by describing the risk of radiation exposure to pregnant physicians and cardiac catheterisation personnel, to educate on appropriate radiation monitoring and to encourage mechanisms to reduce radiation exposure. Current data do not suggest a significant increased risk to the fetus of pregnant women in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and thus do not justify precluding pregnant physicians from performing procedures in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. However, radiation exposure among pregnant physicians should be properly monitored and adequate radiation safety measures are still warranted.

SCAI consensus document on occupational radiation exposure to the pregnant cardiologist and technical personnel.

Concerns regarding radiation exposure and its effects during pregnancy are often quoted as an important barrier preventing many women from pursuing a career in Interventional Cardiology. Finding the true risk of radiation exposure from performing cardiac catheterisation procedures can be challenging and guidelines for pregnancy exposure have been inadequate. The Women in Innovations group of Cardiologists with endorsement of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions aim to provide guidance in this publication by describing the risk of radiation exposure to pregnant physicians and cardiac catheterisation personnel, to educate on appropriate radiation monitoring and to encourage mechanisms to reduce radiation exposure. Current data do not suggest a significant increased risk to the foetus of pregnant women in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and thus do not justify precluding pregnant physicians from performing procedures in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. However, radiation exposure amongst pregnant physicians should be properly monitored and adequate radiation safety measures are still warranted.

Sodium bicarbonate for the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy: a meta-analysis of published clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious but rare complication following contrast based procedures. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) has been postulated to prevent CIN by various mechanisms. However, the outcomes following sodium bicarbonate administration to prevent CIN have been inconsistent. METHODS: A meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials to determine if the administration of sodium bicarbonate is superior to sodium chloride among patients with chronic renal failure undergoing catheterization and interventional procedures in preventing CIN was performed. RESULTS: Data were combined across seven published clinical trials consisting of 1734 patients. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the NaHCO(3) and NaCl groups except patients in the bicarbonate group were heavier (P=0.04). The odds ratio (OR) for the development of contrast nephropathy for NaHCO(3) versus NaCl was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.69; P=0.003). Heterogeneity and publication bias were detectable with P-values 0.01 and 0.0005 respectively. There was no difference between the NaHCO(3) group and the NaCl group in the occurrence of death [OR 0.6; 95% CI (0.26-1.41); P=0.24], congestive heart failure [OR 0.85; 95% CI (0.32-2.24); P=0.74] and the requirement for renal replacement therapy [OR 0.56; 95% CI (0.22-1.41); P=0.22]. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that based on currently available randomized trials, the administration of NaHCO(3) is superior to the administration of NaCl alone in the prevention of CIN among patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. However, further controlled clinical trials are needed due to significant study heterogeneity and publication bias.

SCAI consensus document on occupational radiation exposure to the pregnant cardiologist and technical personnel.

Concerns regarding radiation exposure and its effects during pregnancy are often quoted as an important barrier preventing many women from pursuing a career in Interventional Cardiology. Finding the true risk of radiation exposure from performing cardiac catheterization procedures can be challenging and guidelines for pregnancy exposure have been inadequate. The Women in Innovations group of Cardiologists with endorsement of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions aim to provide guidance in this publication by describing the risk of radiation exposure to pregnant physicians and cardiac catheterization personnel, to educate on appropriate radiation monitoring and to encourage mechanisms to reduce radiation exposure. Current data do not suggest a significant increased risk to the fetus of pregnant women in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and thus do not justify precluding pregnant physicians from performing procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. However, radiation exposure among pregnant physicians should be properly monitored and adequate radiation safety measures are still warranted.

Association of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolytic therapy: an ExTRACT-TIMI 25 analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prothrombotic, may worsen hypertension or congestive heart failure and obstruct access to the binding site of aspirin to cyclooxygenase-1 and thereby interfere with aspirin's mechanism of action in reducing death and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that treatment with NSAIDs prior to an index MI would be associated with an increase in the risk of death, heart failure and recurrent MI among patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) treated with fibrinolytic therapy. METHODS: In ExTRACT-TIMI 25, patients with STEMI were treated with aspirin and fibrinolytic therapy and randomized to either enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. We included patients who had received NSAIDs within 7 days of enrollment and evaluated the incidence of MI, the composite of death and MI and the composite of death, MI, severe heart failure and shock through 30 days. RESULTS: Of 20,479 patients enrolled, 572 (2.8%) received an NSAID within 7 days of enrollment. NSAID treatment prior to entry was associated with a higher incidence of 30-day death or nonfatal recurrent MI (15.9% vs. 10.8%, univariate P < 0.001). In multivariable models adjusting for randomization group and differences in baseline characteristics, NSAID use was associated with higher odds of MI (adjusted odds ratio [OR(adj)] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.07, P = 0.047), the composite of death and MI (OR(adj) 1.29, 95% CI 1.00-1.66, P = 0.051), and the composite of death, MI, severe heart failure and shock (OR(adj) 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.65, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Among STEMI patients treated with a fibrinolytic agent and aspirin, use of NSAIDs in the week preceding the incident event was associated with a higher incidence of MI, the composite of death and MI as well as the composite of death, MI, severe heart failure and shock at 30 days.

Use of the TIMI frame count in the assessment of coronary artery blood flow and microvascular function over the past 15 years.

Since its introduction, the TIMI frame count method has contributed to the understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. In this article, the evolution of the TFC method and its applicability in the assessment of various therapeutic modalities are described.

Transfusion associated microchimerism: a heretofore little-recognized complication following transfusion.

Potent antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents have significantly reduced mortality in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary intervention. However these agents are associated with increased bleeding which is in turn associated with adverse clinical outcomes. In many centers, transfusion is often used to correct for blood loss. Blood transfusion in the setting of acute coronary syndrome has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes including increased mortality. Transfusion associated microchimerism (TA-MC) is a newly recognized complication of blood transfusion. There is engraftment of the donor's hematopoietic stem cells in patients who then develop microchimerism. This article discusses the association of bleeding/blood transfusion with adverse outcomes and the potential role of TA-MC in clinical outcomes.

Intracoronary pharmacotherapy in the management of coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Although percutaneous coronary intervention restores optimal epicardial blood flow in most cases, abnormal myocardial perfusion may still persist. This might be as a result of macro and microembolization, neutrophil plugging, vasoconstriction, myocyte contracture, local intracellular and interstitial edema, intramural haemorrhage, and endothelial blistering. Local delivery of intracoronary pharmacotherapy via the coronary arteries may increase local drug concentration several fold, and may improve drug efficacy. Several pharmacological agents such as adenosine, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, beta2 receptor activators, vasodilators, antithrombotics, and antiplatelet agents have been used to treat coronary microvascular dysfunction. This article reviews the results of trials of intracoronary pharmacotherapy to date.

Malignancy: an unrecognized risk factor for coronary stent thrombosis?

Stent thrombosis is a potentially catastrophic complication of coronary artery stenting. There have been particular concerns about the incidence of stent thrombosis following insertion of drug-eluting stents. We report a series of cases in which stent thrombosis occurred in association with malignancy and describe the potential mechanisms behind such an association. We speculate that this association merits further investigation as it raises the possibility that known malignancy may be a risk factor for stent thrombosis and that unexplained stent thrombosis, particularly if recurrent, should stimulate a search for occult malignancy.

Relation of hyperemic epicardial flow to outcomes among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving fibrinolytic therapy.

In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the restoration of normal epicardial flow following fibrinolytic administration is associated with improved clinical outcomes. The goal of this analysis was to examine the relation between hyperemic flow and outcomes following fibrinolytic administration for STEMI. In Clopidogrel as Adjunctive Reperfusion Therapy-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 28 (CLARITY-TIMI 28), patients with STEMI (n=3,491) treated with fibrinolytic therapy were scheduled to undergo angiography 48 to 192 hours after randomization. Corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) were assessed, and their associations with outcomes at 30 days were evaluated. When evaluating initial angiography of the infarct-related artery, there was a nearly linear relation between CTFC and 30-day mortality, with faster flow (lower CTFC) associated with improved outcomes. Conversely, in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), very fast flow (CTFC<14) after intervention was associated with worse outcomes. Post-PCI hyperemic flow (CTFC<14) was associated with a higher incidence of mortality (p=0.056), recurrent myocardial infarction (p=0.011), and a composite of death or myocardial infarction (p<0.001) compared with normal flow (CTFC 14 to 28). When post-PCI CTFC was further stratified by TMPG, there was a U-shaped relation between mortality and CTFC in patients with poor myocardial perfusion (TMPG 0 or 1). This relation appeared to be linear in patients with TMPG 2 or 3. In conclusion, in patients who undergo PCI after fibrinolytic therapy for STEMI, hyperemic flow on coronary angiography is associated with an increased incidence of adverse outcomes. Hyperemic flow with associated impaired myocardial perfusion may be a marker of more extensive downstream microembolization.