CVIT expert consensus document on primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) update 2022.

Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has significantly contributed to reducing the mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) even in cardiogenic shock and is now the standard of care in most of Japanese institutions. The Task Force on Primary PCI of the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Interventional and Therapeutics (CVIT) society proposed an expert consensus document for the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) focusing on procedural aspects of primary PCI in 2018. Updated guidelines for the management of AMI were published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in 2017 and 2020. Major changes in the guidelines for STEMI patients included: (1) radial access and drug-eluting stents (DES) over bare-metal stents (BMS) were recommended as a Class I indication, (2) complete revascularization before hospital discharge (either immediate or staged) is now considered as Class IIa recommendation. In 2020, updated guidelines for Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) patients, the followings were changed: (1) an early invasive strategy within 24 h is recommended in patients with NSTEMI as a Class I indication, (2) complete revascularization in NSTEMI patients without cardiogenic shock is considered as Class IIa recommendation, and (3) in patients with atrial fibrillation following a short period of triple antithrombotic therapy, dual antithrombotic therapy (e.g., DOAC and single oral antiplatelet agent preferably clopidogrel) is recommended, with discontinuation of the antiplatelet agent after 6 to 12 months. Furthermore, an aspirin-free strategy after PCI has been investigated in several trials those have started to show the safety and efficacy. The Task Force on Primary PCI of the CVIT group has now proposed the updated expert consensus document for the management of AMI focusing on procedural aspects of primary PCI in 2022 version.

Impact of Optimal Preparation Before Drug-Coated Balloon Dilatation for De Novo Lesion in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Drug eluting stent (DES) remain several problems, including stent thrombosis, stent fracture and neoatherosclerosis. Stent-less Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a drug coated balloon (DCB) is a stent-less strategy, and several trials have supported the efficacy of DCB. However, the optimal preparation before using DCB was uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal preparation for plaque oppression/debulking before DCB dilatation for de novo coronary artery lesion. METHODS: A total 936 patients were treated using DCB from 2014 to 2017 at our institution. Among them, we analyzed 247 patients who underwent PCI using DCB alone for de novo lesion. The primary end point of this study was target lesion failure (TLF). RESULTS: The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of % plaque area to predict TLF. ROC curve analysis revealed plaque area ≥ 58.5% (AUC, 0.81) were associated with TLF. Eligible 188 patients were divided into 2 groups (plaque area ≥ 58.5% [n = 38] and <58.5% [n = 150]) according to IVUS data before using DCB. TLF was significantly higher in plaque area ≥ 58.5% group than in <58.5% group (P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis selected plaque area ≥ 58.5% as an independent predictor of TLF (hazard ratio 7.59, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lesion preparation achieving plaque area < 58.5% was important in stent-less PCI using DCB.

The Effect of Aggressive Wire Recanalization in Calcified Atheroma and Dilatation (ARCADIA) Technique in Eccentric Calcified Lesion of No-stenting Zone.

PURPOSE: The endovascular approach for eccentric calcified lesions of the no-stenting zone is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel technique for these lesions. METHODS: We performed EVT for severe and eccentric calcified lesions using the technique, which is presented previously and named aggressive wire recanalization in calcified atheroma and dilatation (ARCADIA). In brief, a guidewire is passed to the residual lumen firstly. Next, another guidewire is advanced into and cross through the calcified plaque and returned to the distal original lumen with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided. The calcified plaque is dilated by using a scoring-balloon or non-compliant balloon. RESULTS: Consecutive 14 peripheral artery disease patients with isolated and eccentric calcification in a no-stenting zone were treated using ARCADIA technique between January 2018 and March 2020. In IVUS data, lumen cross-section area was significantly increased from 5.2 ± 2.0 mm2 to 18.1 ± 6.9 mm2 (p < 0.01), lumen area was expanded roundly evaluating as symmetry index from 0.45 ± 0.09 to 0.81 ± 0.12 (p < 0.01). There were no distal embolization and perforation after ARCADIA technique. One-year target lesion revascularization occurred in only 2 cases. The primary patency of 1 year was 85.7%. CONCLUSION: ARCADIA technique is safe and appropriate, and can be 1 option to treat for eccentric calcified lesions of the no-stenting zone as an optimal wire crossing method.

Incidence and Predictive Factors of Chronic Vessel Enlargement After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Severely Stenotic and Occluded Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Chronic vessel enlargement (CVE) of the coronary artery is observed in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for severely stenotic or occluded lesions. Recently, the presence of a peri-medial high-echoic band (PHB) identified by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been reported to correlate with this phenomenon. We sought to assess the incidence, predictive factors of CVE, and association between CVE and PHB. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2018, 97 patients, with 101 severely stenotic and occluded lesions, who underwent IVUS-guided PCI and a 9-month follow-up angiography were enrolled. CVE was defined as more than a 10% increase of distal lumen gain at follow-up angiography. All lesions were stratified into 2 groups: CVE group and non-CVE group. Clinical outcomes were compared and predictive factors for CVE were assessed. Relationships between PHB angle and CVE were also assessed. RESULTS: At follow-up angiography, CVE was observed in 27 lesions (26.7%, 27/101). PHBs were frequently observed in the CVE group (88.9%), which was significantly higher than that in the non-CVE group (40.5%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of PHB was the only predictive factor for CVE (odds ratio, 11.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.95-43.0; p < 0.001). In addition, a linear relationship was observed between the incidence of CVE and PHB angle. The number of patients with CVE significantly increased in cases with a PHB angle more than 180 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PHB strongly predicts CVE after PCI for severely stenotic or occluded lesions.

In vivo tissue characterization of human atherosclerotic plaques by optical coherence tomography: A directional coronary atherectomy study with histopathologic confirmation.

BACKGROUND: The histopathological validation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in visualizing atherosclerotic plaques has been reported only in ex vivo studies. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of OCT in tissue characterization in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 25 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) were included in the investigation, whereby OCT was performed before and after a single debulking. The debulked region was determined on OCT and classified into fibrous tissue, lipid, calcification, thrombus, and macrophage accumulation, which were compared with histology. Changes in OCT signal intensity in the deeper intimal region after DCA were also visually evaluated. Fibrous tissues were detected in all cases, while thrombus was identified only in 1 case, by both OCT and histology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and predictive accuracy for lipid detection by OCT were 88.9%, 75.0%, 66.7%, 92.3%, and 80.0%; those for calcification were 50.0%, 100%, 100%, 91.3%, and 92.0%; and those for macrophage accumulation were 85.7%, 88.9%, 75.0%, 94.1%, and 88.0%, respectively. The false positive diagnoses for lipid were mostly attributed to the extracellular matrix accumulation containing less collagen. The false negative diagnoses for calcification were explained by the presence of lipid around the calcification. The OCT signal intensity in the deeper intimal region substantially increased after DCA in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed excellent predictive accuracy of in vivo OCT in tissue characterization, whereas the limitations of OCT were highlighted by an over-detection of lipid, under-detection of calcification, and underestimation of the deeper intimal matrix.

CVIT expert consensus document on primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 2018.

While primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has significantly contributed to improve the mortality in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction even in cardiogenic shock, primary PCI is a standard of care in most of Japanese institutions. Whereas there are high numbers of available facilities providing primary PCI in Japan, there are no clear guidelines focusing on procedural aspect of the standardized care. Whilst updated guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction were recently published by European Society of Cardiology, the following major changes are indicated; (1) radial access and drug-eluting stent over bare metal stent were recommended as Class I indication, and (2) complete revascularization before hospital discharge (either immediate or staged) is now considered as Class IIa recommendation. Although the primary PCI is consistently recommended in recent and previous guidelines, the device lag from Europe, the frequent usage of coronary imaging modalities in Japan, and the difference in available medical therapy or mechanical support may prevent direct application of European guidelines to Japanese population. The Task Force on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT) has now proposed the expert consensus document for the management of acute myocardial infarction focusing on procedural aspect of primary PCI.

Novel proctorship effectively teaches interventionists coronary artery chronic total occlusion lesions.

BACKGROUND: Interventionists' experience and skills are essential factors for successful chronic total occlusion-percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI). However, the construction of theoretical strategy independent from interventionists' procedure may also improve it. We sought to assess the feasibility of CTO-PCI using an educational system supported by a single expert proctor. METHODS: A total of 160 patients underwent CTO-PCI between 2009 and 2016 at 92 Japanese centers in the Hands-on proctorship project. The CTO-PCI strategy was discussed with all participants and their specialists, before and during the procedure. We divided patients into 2 groups based on the CTO-PCI experience of their interventionist: (1) the less experienced group (CTO-PCI ≤50 cases, n=65) and (2) the more experienced group (CTO-PCI >50 cases, n=95). Baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in patient age, sex, prevalence for coronary risk factors, and lesion complexity was observed between groups. The retrograde approach was used equivalently between groups (55.4% vs. 60.0%, p=0.56), and procedural success rates were similar (96.9% vs. 90.5%, p=0.12). The rate of proctor's bailout for recanalization were not frequent between groups (4.6% vs. 5.3%, p=0.85). No procedure-related mortality was noted in either group. In addition, no significant differences in procedural cardiac complications, including coronary dissection, perforation, or tamponade, were observed between groups (10.8% vs. 14.7%, p=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The expert-supported CTO-PCI maintained high success rates regardless of interventionists' experience. This highlights the importance of theoretical strategy for the management patients undergoing CTO-PCI.

Successful revascularization improves long-term clinical outcome in patients with chronic coronary total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Following the development of breakthrough techniques for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO), the initial success rate of PCI in CTO lesions (CTO-PCI) has improved; however, there are few reports regarding the effects of successful CTO revascularization on long-term mortality in Japan. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with successful versus failed CTO recanalization and to identify related factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: From all PCI procedures performed in our hospital between 2006 and 2013, CTO-PCIs were extracted and classified into two groups: PCI success (n = 656 patients) and PCI failure (n = 82 patients). Patients with successful procedures only on a second attempt, CTO-PCI in small branches, or CTOs in more than one vessel were excluded. Survival was determined from a telephone interview or the consultation history in the outpatient clinic. Initial angiographic success was achieved in 88.9% of the patients. A Kaplan-Meier plot with log-rank analysis showed that cumulative all-cause death was significantly lower in the success group than in the failure group (p = 0.0003; average follow-up duration in success group vs. failure group was 1531.3 ± 33.5 vs. 1565.3 ± 97.5 days, p = 0.7). Moreover, the rate of evident cardiac death was significantly lower in the success group than in the failure group (3.5% [23/656] vs. 15.9% [13/82], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that successful revascularization in patients with CTO improves their long-term clinical outcomes.

The first clinical experience with a novel directional coronary atherectomy catheter: Preliminary Japanese multicenter experience.

AIMS: Despite development of drug eluting stents (DES), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcation lesions using DES alone remains challenging. The aim of this study was to report on the initial clinical experience with a novel directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) catheter. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with de novo bifurcation lesions were entered into a prospective registry and a novel DCA catheter was used. Device, procedural success and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated. A total of 14 patients with bifurcation lesions were enrolled. DCA was performed successfully in all cases without any major procedure-related events (device success rate: 100%, procedural success rate: 100%). Four patients (29%) were treated without stent implantation and simple stenting was achieved in the other 10 patients. No in-hospital major adverse cardiac event was observed. CONCLUSIONS: PCI with a novel DCA catheter for bifurcation lesions may be safe and effective. The clinical significance of these findings needs to be determined in future studies. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel directional coronary atherectomy catheter for bifurcation lesions. Both the device and procedural success rates were 100%. Complex stenting could be avoided in all cases. No inhospital major adverse cardiac event was observed. The novel directional coronary atherectomy catheter may be safe and effective for bifurcation lesions, even in this drug eluting stent era. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Safety of Live Case Demonstrations in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion.

The data regarding the risk and benefits associated with live demonstrations at interventional cardiology congresses are scarce and controversial. We aimed to assess the clinical safety of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) procedures during live demonstrations. From January 2008 to December 2013, 739 consecutive patients underwent CTO-PCI at our center, and 199 patients were scheduled to undergo live CTO-PCI demonstrations at cardiology congresses that were globally transmitted to international meetings. The baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between the live demonstration group and nonlive demonstration group. The procedural success rates were similar in the live demonstration group than in the nonlive demonstration group (91.5% vs 86.7%, p = 0.076), although the CTO lesions were longer and more tortuous in the live demonstration group (p = 0.029, p = 0.022, respectively). No cases of 30-day mortality were noted in the live demonstration group (0% vs 0.7%, p = 0.28), and no significant differences in procedural complications, such as coronary dissection, coronary perforation, and cardiac tamponade, were observed between the groups (p = 0.53, p = 0.12, and p = 0.40, respectively). The survival rates were similar in the 2 groups at a median follow-up duration of 51.2 ± 28.9 months (log-rank test: p = 0.45). Compared with cases of unsuccessful CTO-PCI, the cases of successful CTO-PCI exhibited improved all-cause survival in both the live and nonlive demonstration groups (log-rank test: p = 0.045, p = 0.0056, respectively). In conclusion, we found that procedural and clinical outcomes of live demonstration CTO-PCI were not significantly different compared with cases undergoing routine CTO-PCI procedures.

Rates of future hemodialysis risk and beneficial outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing recanalization of chronic total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the prognosis and deleterious effects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on future renal function, in patients who had undergone chronic total occlusion-percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI). METHODS: The treatment effects were studied in 739 patients who underwent CTO-PCI. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): non-CKD (eGFR≥60ml/min/1.73m(2), n=562), CKD-1 (45≤eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m(2), n=90), and CKD-2 (eGFR<45ml/min/1.73m(2), n=87). Future hemodialysis (HD) rates and the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) except for 45 patients undergoing regular HD, and other clinical and prognostic outcomes were compared between the 3 groups. RESULTS: Procedural success rates showed trends toward lower prevalence across the 3 groups (89.5%, 84.4%, and 81.6%, p=0.060). The prevalence of AKI significantly differed between the 3 groups (4.6%, 8.9%, and 16.7%, p=0.001), whereas no patients were introduced to regular HD at discharge. During a median follow-up period of 51.2±28.9months, newly required HD significantly differed between the 3 groups (0.7%, 0%, and 7.1%, p<0.001). When compared with unsuccessful CTO-PCI, successful CTO-PCI was found to improve cardiovascular mortality in the non-CKD and CKD-1 (Log-rank test: p=0.025, p=0.024, respectively) and to improve both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the CKD-2 (Log-rank test: p=0.027, p=0.0022, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although CTO-PCI for patients with advanced CKD was associated with a high risk of future HD introduction, not directly owing to CTO-PCI and AKI, successful treatment of CTO might contribute to better survival benefit regardless of the presence or absence of CKD.

Higher Hemoglobin A1c After Discharge Is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome　- Findings From the PACIFIC Registry.

BACKGROUND: Optimal medical therapy (OMT) and the management of coronary risk factors are necessary for secondary prevention of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. However, the effect of post-discharge patient adherence has not been investigated in Japanese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Prevention of AtherothrombotiC Incidents Following Ischemic Coronary Attack (PACIFIC) registry was a multicenter, prospective observational study of 3,597 patients with ACS. Death or MACCE occurred in 229 patients between hospitalization and up to 1 year after discharge. Among 2,587 patients, the association between OMT adherence and risk factor control at 1 year and MACCE occurring between 1 and 2 years after discharge was assessed. OMT was defined as the use of antiplatelet agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ß-blockers, and statins. Risk factor targets were: low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <100 mg/dl, HbA1c <7.0%, non-smoking status, blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, and 18.5≤body mass index≤24.9 kg/m(2). The incidence of MACCE was 1.8% and associated with female sex (P=0.020), age ≥75 years (P=0.004), HbA1c ≥7.0% (P=0.004), LV ejection fraction <35% (P<0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min (P=0.008), and history of cerebral infarction (P=0.003). In multivariate analysis, lower post-discharge HbA1c was strongly associated with a lower risk of MACCE after ACS (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia after discharge is a crucial target for the prevention of MACCE in post-ACS patients. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1607-1614).

Complications during retrograde approach for chronic coronary total occlusion: Sub-analysis of Japanese multicenter registry.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to determine the complications occurring during retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) based on analysis of the multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized Retrograde Summit registry. BACKGROUND: Retrograde PCI for CTO has improved treatment success rates, but several complications related to the retrograde approach have been reported, including collateral channel injury and donor artery injury due to their use as retrograde roots. METHODS: This registry included data from 1,166 patients who underwent retrograde PCI for CTO in 28 Japanese centers between January 2009 and December 2011. RESULTS: Overall procedure success and retrograde procedure success were achieved in 985 (84.5%) and 838 (71.9%) of the 1,166 patients, respectively. In-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 18 (1.5%) of the 1,166 patients. With regard to complications related to the retrograde approach, channel injury occurred in 111 (9.5%) of the 1,166 patients, but treatment was required in only 24 (2.1%) patients and subsequent cardiac tamponade occurred in only 4 (0.3%) patients. Donor artery problems occurred in only 10 (0.9%) of the 1,166 patients. In sub-analysis regarding the types of collateral channels, the septal channel was significantly safer than epicardial channel because of the lower frequency of non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (non-QMI) and channel injury requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The MACCE rate during retrograde PCI for CTO determined from the Retrograde Summit registry was low and the frequency of complications related to the retrograde approach was acceptable. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact on optical coherence tomographic coronary findings of fluvastatin alone versus fluvastatin + ezetimibe.

Although lipid-lowering therapy with statin and ezetimibe has been reported to provide greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than statin monotherapy, the effect of supplemental therapy on plaque stabilization is yet to be fully elucidated. Cap thickness of fibroatheroma evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a major determinant of vulnerable plaque. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of ezetimibe in addition to fluvastatin on the progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaque evaluated by OCT. Sixty-three patients with angina pectoris with intermediate, nonculprit, lipid-rich plaque lesions evaluated by OCT were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups: ezetimibe (10 mg/day) + fluvastatin (30 mg/day), and fluvastatin (30 mg/day) alone, and serial OCT examinations were performed at baseline and 9-month follow-up. A total of 57 patients (ezetimibe + fluvastatin, n = 31; fluvastatin alone, n = 26) underwent serial OCT examinations. The change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly larger in the ezetimibe + fluvastatin group compared with fluvastatin-alone group (-34.0 ± 32.0 vs -8.3 ± 17.4 mg/dl, p <0.001). Fibrous cap thickness was significantly increased and the angle of the lipid plaque was significantly decreased in both groups. The change in the fibrous cap thickness was significantly greater in the ezetimibe + fluvastatin group (0.08 ± 0.08 mm vs 0.04 ± 0.06 mm, p <0.001). In conclusion, lipid-lowering therapy by ezetimibe + fluvastatin could increase the fibrous cap thickness of lipid-rich plaque compared with fluvastatin monotherapy.

Initial success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion in a native coronary artery is decreased in patients who underwent previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the initial success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a native coronary artery (NCA) in patients with and without previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to assess predictive factors. BACKGROUND: Landmark novel wiring techniques for CTO-PCI have contributed to improvement in the initial success of CTO-PCI. However, challenges persist in CTO-PCI in NCA in pCABG patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent CTO-PCI in an NCA were selected and classified into 2 groups: pCABG (206 PCIs in 153 patients) and nCABG (1,431 PCIs in 1,139 patients). RESULTS: CTO was located more often in the left anterior descending artery (p = 0.0003), and severe calcified lesions were observed more frequently in the pCABG group (p < 0.0001). Although the retrograde attempt was tried more frequently in the pCABG group, the CTO-PCI success rate was significantly lower in the pCABG patients than in the nCABG patients (71% vs. 83%). Longer procedural time and greater radiation exposure were needed in the pCABG patients. Logistic regression analysis among the pCABG patients revealed that intravascular ultrasound use and parallel wiring were positive factors, and lesion tortuosity was a negative factor. CONCLUSIONS: The initial success rate of CTO-PCI of an NCA in the pCABG group was significantly decreased compared with that in the nCABG group. Anatomic complexity and unstable hemodynamic state were unfavorable conditions. This study reveals that the issues to be overcome are lying with CTO revascularization in an NCA in pCABG patients.

Contemporary retrograde approach for the recanalisation of coronary chronic total occlusion: on behalf of the Japanese Retrograde Summit Group.

AIMS: The retrograde approach to CTO is promising, but questions remain with regard to its wider application and the potential risks. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of retrograde recanalisation of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 378 consecutive patients (previously failed PCI 32.0%) who enrolled in 27 institutions in Japan underwent retrograde recanalisation for CTO. We analysed the data on lesion characteristics, procedural materials, technique used, complications and clinical outcomes. Successful retrograde recanalisation was achieved in 70.4% and the overall procedural success was 83.6%. Collateral crossing was achieved via a septal route in 68.9%, epicardial in 27.2% and bypass grafts in 2.6%, respectively. The retrograde approach was completed with implementation of reverse CART in 42.5%, direct wire crossing in 23.1%, bilateral wiring in 22.7%, and CART in 11.7%. Major and minor collateral injuries and coronary perforations were noted in 1.3%, 10.3% and 2.9% of cases, respectively. Stroke occurred in 0.3%, QWMI and emergency PCI in 0.3% of patients with successful recanalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Wider application of retrograde CTO PCI achieved a high rate of success in recanalisation with an acceptable rate of complications in Japan.

Management and two-year long-term clinical outcome of acute coronary syndrome in Japan: prevention of atherothrombotic incidents following ischemic coronary attack (PACIFIC) registry.

BACKGROUND: Japanese patients have been at low risk for cardiovascular events compared with Western countries, but the data regarding current treatment status and rate of subsequent atherothrombotic events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are limited in Japanese patients. The objective of this study was to clarify the treatment status and long-term outcomes in Japanese ACS patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Prevention of AtherothrombotiC Incidents Following Ischemic Coronary attack (PACIFIC) registry is a multicenter, prospective observational study of Japanese ACS patients. Consecutive patients aged ≥20 years hospitalized for ACS were enrolled from 96 hospitals and followed up for 2 years (n=3,597). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was the most frequent type of ACS (59.4%). The vast majority (93.5%) of patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with a success rate of 93.9%. Frequent use of guideline-recommended pharmacological treatments was also indicated. Cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was 6.4% (7.5% for STEMI and 4.8% for non-STEMI or unstable angina), and all-cause mortality was 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The PACIFIC registry has identified an incidence of MACCE of 6.4% and that of mortality at 6.3% in Japanese ACS patients at 2-year follow-up. A high proportion of patients underwent PCI, and the PCI success rate was high. Proactively performed successful PCI was considered to have contributed to favorable outcomes in these patients.

Japanese multicenter registry evaluating the retrograde approach for chronic coronary total occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: This registry evaluated the current trends and outcomes associated with retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO). BACKGROUND: Since its introduction, several techniques and technologies have been introduced for retrograde PCI for CTO. METHODS: Eight hundred and one patients who underwent retrograde PCI for CTO in 28 Japanese centers between January 2009 and December 2010 were enrolled in this registry. RESULTS: Overall procedural and clinical success rates were 84.8 and 83.8%, respectively, of which, retrograde procedures accounted for 71.2 and 70.3%, respectively. The use of channel dilators increased in 2010 compared to that in 2009 (36 vs. 95.3%, P < 0.0001), attributed improving collateral channel crossing using a wire and catheter (70.6% vs. 81.1%, P = 0.0005) and increased availability of epicardial channels (27.6% vs. 36.9%). The use of the reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking technique also increased (41.9 vs. 66.5%). Although these changes decreased procedure time (203.3 min vs. 187.9 min, P = 0.024), they did not significantly improve overall procedural success rate (84.1% vs. 85.3%, P = 0.63). Multivariate analysis identified age 65 years or more and lesion calcification as unfavorable factors and the use of a channel dilator as a favorable factor for retrograde procedural success. CONCLUSIONS: Increased availability of channel dilators has altered strategies for retrograde PCI for CTO. However, retrograde PCI for CTO could be improved by overcoming its main obstacle of severe calcification.

First clinical experience of "flower petal stenting": a novel technique for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to report the results of both bench-testing and our first clinical experience with this novel technique. BACKGROUND: The optimal stenting technique for bifurcation lesions has yet to be defined. METHODS: This technique works by flaring the proximal side of the stent in side branch out like a flower petal. We tested it in vitro and the resultant stent structure and stent polymer damage was observed in both main branch and side branch with an optical microscopy, multislice computer tomography, intravascular ultrasound, endoscopy, and by electron microscopy. We also applied this technique in 33 patients and assessed patient outcomes up to 9 months prospectively. Drug-eluting stents were used for the bench tests and for all patients. RESULTS: Bench-testing showed complete coverage of the bifurcation with minimal stent-layer overlapping. There was little polymer damage by electron microscopy. Procedural success was achieved in all cases and restenosis occurred in 2 cases. In both restenosis cases, "petal" stenting technique was done reluctantly after another stent had already been deployed in the main branch before any stenting of the side branch. There were no incidences of restenosis when this technique was used electively. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of damage to the polymer and ostial strut coverage, this new "flower petal stenting" technique is effective for treatment of bifurcation lesion and it may well be superior to other available techniques.