Impact of Stent Expansion Index on Stent Failure After Left Main Stenting.

Impact of the stent expansion index (EXPI) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main distal bifurcation lesions (ULMD) has been not completely understood especially in current-generation drug-eluting stent (cDES) era. We evaluated the impact of EXPI on clinical outcomes after PCI with cDES for ULMD. We identified 342 patients treated with cDES for ULMD and postintervention intravascular ultrasound between January 2010 and December 2019. In this study, the ratio of minimum stent area (MSA) to reference vessel area at the MSA site was adopted to assess the stent expansion. We defined the patients with the first and second tertile as low-intermediate EXPI group and those with the third tertile as high EXPI group and compared the clinical outcomes between both groups. The primary end point was target lesion failure (TLF). TLF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR) ,and myocardial infarction. The MSA was located in the ostium of left anterior descending coronary artery in most cases (318 of 342 patients; 93.0%). There were no significant differences between both groups in the baseline clinical, lesion, and procedural characteristics. The high EXPI group had lower TLF rate than the low-intermediate EXPI group (10.2% vs 19.9%, log-rank p = 0.033). In conclusion, this is the first report that the higher ratio of MSA to reference vessel area at the MSA site, which was defined as stent EXPI, was associated with more favorable clinical outcomes after PCI for ULMD.

The estimation of coronary artery calcium thickness by computed tomography angiography based on optical coherence tomography measurements.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is recommended to be the most appropriate modality in assessing calcium thickness, however, it has limitations associated with infrared attenuation. Although coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) detects calcification, it has low resolution and hence not recommended to measure the calcium size. The aim of this study was to devise a simple algorithm to estimate calcium thickness based on the CCTA image. A total of 68 patients who had CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease and subsequently went on to have OCT were included in the study. 238 lesions of them divided into derivation and validation dataset at 2:1 ratio (47 patients with 159 lesions and 21 with 79, respectively) were analyzed. A new method was developed to estimate calcium thickness from the maximum CT density within the calcification and compared with calcium thickness measured by OCT. Maximum Calcium density and measured calcium-border CT density had a good correlation with a linear equation of y = 0.58x + 201 (r = 0.892, 95% CI 0.855-0.919, p < 0.001). The estimated calcium thickness derived from this equation showed strong agreement with measured calcium thickness in validation and derivation dataset (r2 = 0.481 and 0.527, 95% CI 0.609-0.842 and 0.497-0.782, p < 0.001 in both, respectively), more accurate than the estimation by full width at half maximum and inflection point method. In conclusion, this novel method provided the estimation of calcium thickness more accurately than conventional methods.

Biomarkers associated with coronary high-risk plaques.

Vascular inflammation, lipid metabolism, and thrombogenicity play a key role not only in atherogenesis but also in the development of acute coronary syndromes. Biomarkers associated with coronary high-risk plaques defined according to intravascular imaging have not been systematically studied. A total of 69 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent both optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound imaging, and who provided blood specimens were included. Comprehensive biomarkers for inflammation, lipid, and coagulation were analyzed. Composite models sought biomarker patterns associated with thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and "high-risk plaques" (TCFA and large plaque burden). Two different composite models were developed for TCFA, based on the finding that high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibrinogen, IL-6, homocysteine and amyloid A levels were elevated, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and bile acid levels were decreased in these patients. Both composite models were highly accurate for detecting patients with TCFA (area under curve [AUC]: 0.883 in model-A and 0.875 in model-B, both p < 0.001). In addition, creatinine, hsCRP, fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, homocysteine, amyloid A, HDL, prothrombin, and bile acid were useful for detecting patients with "high-risk plaques". Two composite models were highly accurate for detection of patients with "high-risk plaques" (AUC: 0.925 in model-A and 0.947 in model-B, both p < 0.001). Biomarkers useful for detection of patients with high-risk coronary plaques defined according to intravascular imaging have been identified. These biomarkers may be useful to risk stratify patients and to develop targeted therapy.Clinical Trial Registration https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ , UMIN000041692. Biomarkers and high-risk plaques hsCRP, PAI-1, fibrinogen, IL-6, homocysteine, amyloid A, HDL, and bile acid were useful for detecting patients with TCFA. hsCRP, fibrinogen, IL-6, homocysteine, amyloid A, creatinine, TNFα, HDL, prothrombin, and bile acid were useful for detecting patients with "high-risk plaques" (plaque which has both TCFA and large plaque burden). White arrowhead denotes TCFA. Red and green dashed lines denote lumen area and external elastic membrane area, respectively.

Gut Microbiota and Coronary Plaque Characteristics.

Background The relationship between gut microbiota and in vivo coronary plaque characteristics has not been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary plaque characteristics in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods and Results Patients who underwent both optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound imaging and provided stool and blood specimens were included. The composition of gut microbiota was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of 55 patients were included. At the genus level, 2 bacteria were associated with the presence of thin-cap fibroatheroma, and 9 bacteria were associated with smaller fibrous cap thickness. Among them, some bacteria had significant associations with inflammatory/prothrombotic biomarkers. Dysgonomonas had a positive correlation with interleukin-6, Paraprevotella had a positive correlation with fibrinogen and negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Succinatimonas had positive correlations with fibrinogen and homocysteine, and Bacillus had positive correlations with fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In addition, Paraprevotella, Succinatimonas, and Bacillus were also associated with greater plaque volume. Ten bacteria were associated with larger fibrous cap thickness. Some were associated with protective biomarker changes; Anaerostipes had negative correlations with trimethylamine N-oxide, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-6, and Dielma had negative correlations with trimethylamine N-oxide, white blood cells, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and homocysteine, and a positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions Bacteria that were associated with vulnerable coronary plaque phenotype and greater plaque burden were identified. These bacteria were also associated with elevated inflammatory or prothrombotic biomarkers. Registration URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique identifier: UMIN000041692.

Impact of Left Main Calcium With Chronic Kidney Disease on Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Left Main Narrowings (from the Milan and New-Tokyo Registry).

Limited data are available about the association between coronary artery calcification and chronic kidney disease severity on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to assess the association between coronary artery calcification and chronic kidney disease severity on clinical outcomes after PCI. We identified 1,391 patients treated with drug-eluting stent for unprotected left main distal bifurcation lesions (ULMD), including 604 without calcified lesions (noncalcified left main group) and 787 with calcified ULMD (calcified left main group) in Japan and Italy. We divided the calcified group into the following 2 groups: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 (n = 687) and <30 (n = 100) and compared the clinical outcomes. The primary end point was target lesion failure (TLF) at 3 years. TLF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, and myocardial infarction. TLF occurred more frequently in the calcified group (adjusted hazard ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.71, p = 0.01), especially in calcified ULMD with eGFR <30 (adjusted hazard ratio relative to the other 2 groups 2.59, 95% confidence interval 1.60 to 4.18, p <0.001). In conclusion, the calcified ULMD treated with PCI was associated with poorer clinical outcomes than noncalcified ULMD, especially in those with eGFR <30.

Impact of directional coronary atherectomy followed by drug-coated balloon strategy to avoid the complex stenting for bifurcation lesions.

Although the simple single stenting rather than complex double stenting is recommended on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcation lesions, double stenting cannot always be avoided. We investigated the impact of directional coronary atherectomy (DCA), followed by drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment to reduce the number of stents and avoid complex stenting in PCI for bifurcation lesions and short-term patency. DCA treatment without stents was attempted for 27 bifurcation lesions in 25 patients, of those, 26 bifurcation lesions in 24 patients were successfully treated and 3-month follow-up angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed. Sixteen lesions (59.3%) were related to left main trunk distal bifurcations, and 7 (25.9%) were true bifurcation lesions. Among the true bifurcation lesions, 4 lesions (57.1%) needed 1 stent, and the other 3 lesions (42.9%) needed no stents. Among the non-true bifurcation lesions, 1 lesion (5.0%) needed bailout stent and other lesions (95.0%) needed no stents. According to DCA followed by DCB treatment, the angiographic mean diameter stenosis improved from 65.5 ± 15.0% to 7.8 ± 9.8%, and the mean plaque area in intravascular ultrasound improved from 80.4 ± 10.5% to 39.0 ± 11.5%, respectively. Angiographic and OCT late lumen loss values were 0.2 ± 0.6 mm and 1.4 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. No patient had in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 3-month MACE. In conclusion, compared with standard provisional side branch stenting strategy, DCA followed by DCB treatment might reduce the number of stents, avoid complex stenting for major bifurcation lesions and provide good short-term outcomes.

The Impact of Aortic Valvular Calcium on Transcatheter Heart Valve Distortion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the eccentric calcification of aortic valve and transcatheter heart valve (THV) distortion and the impact of THV distortion on echo parameters and clinical outcomes. BACKGROUND: The effects of eccentric calcification of the aortic valve on the THV distortion and the relationship between THV distortion and clinical impact were not fully understood. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who were undergoing THV implantation were enrolled. Patients underwent preprocedural, postprocedural multislice computed tomography (MSCT), and follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Delta calcium score (ΔCS) is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimal calcium scores of the three cusps, while valve distortion score (VDS) is defined as the difference between the longest and shortest stent frame, as obtained using MSCT. Patients were divided into two groups according to ΔCS: "noneccentric calcification group" and "eccentric calcification group." RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were enrolled (59 patients in noneccentric and 59 in eccentric calcification groups). VDS was significantly lower in the noneccentric calcification group than in the eccentric calcification group (1.31 ± 0.82 mm vs. 1.73 ± 0.76 mm, p=0.004). VDS was not associated with the degree of paravalvular leak (PVL) and aortic valvular mean pressure gradient (AVPG) at 30-day and 1-year follow-up TTE and the cumulative rates of all-cause death and rehospitalization at 2-year clinical follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric valvular calcification was associated with longitudinal THV distortion. However, THV distortion was not associated with PVL, AVPG, and adverse clinical events during midterm follow-up.

Periprocedural and Long-Term Outcomes of Stent Implantation for De Novo Subclavian Artery Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the periprocedural and long-term outcomes of stent implantation for de novo subclavian artery (SCA) disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated consecutive patients with de novo SCA lesions undergoing elective endovascular therapy procedures at our center between April 2004 and September 2015. All patients were included in the analyses of periprocedural outcomes, including procedural and clinical success. Subsequently, patients who completed the clinical follow-up and were assessed with brachial systolic pressure differences between the diseased and the contralateral arms, or angiographic stenosis, after stent implantation with procedural success were included in the analyses of long-term outcomes, including primary patency. RESULTS: There were 62 patients (median 71.0 years, interquartile range 65.3-76.0 years; 45 men) with 62 de novo SCA lesions included in the analyses of periprocedural outcomes. There were 46 stenoses (74.2%) and 16 occlusions (25.8%). Our results indicated high procedural success rates for overall (95.2%), stenotic (97.8%), and occlusive (87.5%) lesions. Similarly, high clinical success rates were observed for overall (91.9%), stenotic (93.5%), and occlusive (87.5%) lesions. The median follow-up time was 6.0 years (interquartile range, 2.6-8.3 years). There were 48 patients with 48 de novo SCA lesions included in the analyses of long-term outcomes. Primary patency estimates were 97.7% (1 year), 97.7% (3 years), 93.1% (5 years), and 87.6% (7 years). Also, we observed a high estimate for freedom from reintervention for the target vessel (93.8%). CONCLUSION: Stent implantation for de novo SCA disease can be performed successfully and safely with favorable periprocedural and long-term outcomes.

Valuation Of Implanted-Stent Impact On Coronary Artery Trifurcation Blood Flow By Using CFD.

We investigated the influence of stent implanted in left main coronary artery trifurcation on blood flow by means of CFD. We simulated various stent positions and arrangement patterns considering KBT. The velocity and WSS (wall shear stress) distribution were found to depend on the stent arrangements. In addition, a strut position inhibiting the inflow velocity peaks into the branched (LCX) vessel exhibited a strong impact, which provided suppression of WSS on the high-lateralside surface of the LCX entrance. By KBT, such an impact of stent implantation can be avoided.

Clinical Outcomes of Drug-Eluting Balloon for In-Stent Restenosis Based on the Number of Metallic Layers.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses clinical outcomes after drug-eluting balloon treatment for recurrent in-stent restenosis lesions based on the number of metallic layers. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 304 consecutive patients (333 lesions) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention using drug-eluting balloon for in-stent restenosis lesions between March 2014 and June 2015. Per the number of stent layers previously implanted to the lesion, the patients were categorized into 3 groups, 1 stent layer (1L), 166 patients; 2 stent layers (2L), 87 patients; and ≥3 stent layers (≥3L), 51 patients. The end points were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, and definite or probable stent thrombosis. No significant differences were observed in patients' baseline characteristics among the groups. The 1-year MACE and target lesion revascularization rates were significantly higher in the ≥3L group than those in the 1L and 2L groups (MACE: 1L, 16.9%; 2L, 16.1%; and ≥3L, 43.1%, P<0.01; target lesion revascularization: 1L, 14.5%; 2L, 14.9%; and ≥3L, 41.2%, P<0.01). The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of metallic layers (≥3L compared with 1L; hazard ratio, 3.17; [95% CI, 1.75-5.76]; P<0.01 and hemodialysis [hazard ratio, 2.21; (95% CI, 1.12-4.36); P=0.02]) were independent predictors for MACE. No significant differences were observed in the occurrence of cardiac death among the groups ( P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Seemingly, drug-eluting balloon is less effective for ≥3L in-stent restenosis lesions. Hemodialysis and in-stent restenosis with the number of metallic layers are independent predictors for MACE.

Association of skin autofluorescence with plaque vulnerability evaluated by optical coherence tomography in patients with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can be measured non-invasively by skin autofluorescence (SAF) whose values are elevated in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging modality that could allow visualization of plaque composition. We aim to examine the relationship between SAF and plaque composition evaluated by frequency-domain OCT in patients with CVD. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 108 patients with CVD, who underwent OCT images during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We divided the population into two groups: high SAF group (greater than or equal to 2.6) and low SAF one (less than 2.6). OCT findings were then compared between high and low SAF groups. RESULTS: The high SAF group showed much more thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), and calcified or ruptured plaques compared to the low SAF group. In multivariable analysis, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) (odds ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 1.32; p = 0.043), TG (OR for 10 mg/dl increase: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.13; p = 0.016), and SAF (4.28; 1.86 to 9.84; p < 0.001) were independent correlates of TCFA, whereas SAF (2.61; 1.02 to 6.70; p = 0.047), estimated glomerular filtration rate (0.68; 0.49 to 0.93; p = 0.017) and LDL (1.19; 1.01 to 1.41; p = 0.037) were independent predictors of ruptured plaques. SAF and diabetes were independently associated with calcified plaques. CONCLUSIONS: High SAF were associated with plaque vulnerability in patients with CVD, thus suggesting the clinical utility of SAF measurement in identifying high-risk patients for future cardiovascular events.

Independent predictors of in-stent restenosis after drug-eluting stent implantation for ostial right coronary artery lesions.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the angiographic patterns and predictors of in-stent restenosis (ISR) for ostial lesions of the right coronary artery (RCA) to clarify the mechanism of insoluble restenosis. BACKGROUND: Although ISR of the RCA still occurs, limited data is available regarding the associated angiographic findings. METHODS: Between January 2005 and September 2013, we recruited consecutive patients undergoing routine angiography 6-18months after implantation of a drug-eluting stent (DES). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of ISR, and the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Routine angiography revealed that 45 of 131 patients (34.3%) had RCA-ISR, which were classifiable by occlusion type into ostial (24 cases), proximal (17 cases), diffuse (3 cases), and total (1 case). By multivariable analysis, early generation DES was the only independent predictor of overall ISR (aOR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.59-7.87; p=0.002). In a subgroup analysis of each focal ISR pattern, early generation DES (aOR, 7.76; 95% CI, 2.15-28.0; p=0.002) was associated with increased risk of ostial ISR. On the contrary, larger stent (aOR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.84; p=0.027) was associated with decreased risk of ostial ISR. Furthermore, a ratio of the stent to post-balloon size >1.10 (aOR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.30-11.8; p=0.002) and good left ventricular contractility (ejection fraction >60%) (aOR, 8.27; 95% CI, 1.76-39.0; p=0.008) were associated with increased risk of proximal ISR when stent fracture was observed. CONCLUSION: The focal pattern of RCA-ISR was mostly observed after DES implantation, and the mechanisms of proximal and ostial ISR differed.

Difference in vascular response between sirolimus-eluting- and everolimus-eluting stents in ostial left circumflex artery after unprotected left main as observed by optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Kissing-balloon technique (KBT) is commonly performed during percutaneous coronary intervention of distal unprotected left main coronary artery (ULM) aiming at obtaining optimal opening of the side branch (left circumflex artery; LCX) ostium. Nonetheless, detailed evaluation of vascular response to stents in LCX ostium is lacking. We therefore evaluated the vascular response to different drug-eluting stents (DES) in ostial LCX after ULM by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 38 consecutive patients with ULM disease, who were treated with single-stent procedure using DES, crossover the ULM-left anterior descending artery (LAD) followed by KBT. Twelve patients were treated with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) and 26 patients were treated with everolimus-eluting stents (EES). OCT was conducted at post-PCI and 9-month follow-up. We evaluated the DES-vessel interactions and number of stent struts at the side branch (LCX) ostium (SO) at post-PCI, and compared the narrowing of ostial area at LCX between SES and EES. RESULTS: Post-procedure, the number of stent struts at SO was significantly higher in SES compared to EES (median 14.47% vs 0.19%, p<0.001). The narrowing of LCX ostial area at follow-up was more pronounced in SES compared with EES (29.16% vs 2.46%, respectively, p<0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a high correlation between the number of stent struts in LCX ostium and ostial area narrowing (r=0.771, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OCT showed differences between EES- and SES-vessel interactions at ULM bifurcation PCI. Number of LCX ostium struts at post-PCI impacted the narrowing of ostial area at 9-month follow-up.

Potential advantages of the GuideLiner® catheter: insights from optical coherence tomography.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been reported as promising not only for the evaluation of lesion morphology, but also for better clinical outcomes; however, in some cases with severe vessel tortuosity or angulated bifurcation, it is difficult to advance an intravascular imaging catheter. We report a case in which a GuideLiner® catheter facilitated obtaining better angiographic and OCT images with the sub-selective injection of minimal contrast medium, even in a case with a tortuous vessel or angulated bifurcation. Furthermore, OCT assessment of a vessel through the catheter may be other potential advantage of this device.

Comparison Between 1- and 2-Stent Strategies in Unprotected Distal Left Main Disease: The Milan and New-Tokyo Registry.

BACKGROUND: There are only little data available on the comparison of clinical outcomes between a 1-stent strategy (1-SS) and a 2-stent strategy (2-SS) for percutaneous coronary intervention in unprotected distal left main disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between April 2005 and August 2011, we recruited 937 consecutive unprotected distal left main patients treated with drug-eluting stents (1-SS, 608 patients; 2-SS, 329 patients). Major adverse cardiovascular events were defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization (TLR) during the median follow-up period of 1592 days. Furthermore, the individual components of major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiac death, and stent thrombosis were evaluated. More complex lesions were seen with 2-SS than with 1-SS. Cardiac death occurred more frequently with 1-SS than with 2-SS (propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.64; P=0.03), whereas TLR occurred more frequently with 2-SS than with 1-SS (propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.20; P=0.005). TLR was mainly driven by revascularizations after restenosis at the ostial left circumflex artery (propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.82; P=0.001). However, there were no differences in major adverse cardiovascular events, all-cause death, stent thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Of the 139 pairs that were propensity score matched, only TLRs were significantly higher in the 2-SS group (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.53; P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The difference between 1-SS and 2-SS in percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected distal left main disease may be summarized by the high incidence of TLR, mainly because of restenosis at the ostial left circumflex artery in the 2-SS group.

Impact of a combination of full coverage stenting and proximal optimization technique on long term outcome for unprotected distal left main disease.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensual opinion regarding the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure for unprotected distal left main (UDLM) lesion. METHODS: Between April 2005 and August 2011, 586 consecutive patients with UDLM stenosis treated with drug-eluting stents were recruited for this study to clarify the impact of combination of full-coverage stenting and proximal optimization technique (POT) for UDLM lesion. An optimal strategy of full-coverage stenting and POT was performed in 353 patients and the other 233 patients were not optimally treated. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization (TLR) during follow-up period. TLRs were also evaluated for main branch (MB) restenosis. RESULTS: At 1615days of follow-up, MACE occurred in 166 (28.3%) patients. The occurrence of MACE and TLR had a trend to being lower in the optimal strategy [propensity score-adjusted HR, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.53-1.01), p=0.05 and propensity score-adjusted HR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.46-1.02), p=0.06, respectively]. TLR of the MB occurred significantly less frequently in the optimal strategy [propensity score-adjusted HR, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.15-0.76), p=0.008]. Cardiac death occurred in 28 (4.8%) patients. There was no significant difference in cardiac death between the two groups. These results were sustained after propensity-score matching. CONCLUSIONS: An optimal PCI strategy of full-coverage stenting and POT might be effective for UDLM lesion to reduce the occurrence of MACE, especially driven by TLR of the MB.

Impact of gender on long-term mortality in patients with unprotected left main disease: The Milan and New-Tokyo (MITO) Registry.

BACKGROUND: Although percutaneous intervention (PCI) for ULM is common, the impact of gender remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the impact of gender in patients treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) for unprotected left main (ULM) disease. METHODS: Between April 2002 and August 2011, 1026 consecutive patients (212 women and 814 men) undergoing PCI using first or second generation DES for ULM stenosis were analyzed. Study endpoints included major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Individual components of MACE and cardiac death were also evaluated. RESULTS: Women had greater comorbidity and more complex lesions, resulting in a higher incidence of cardiac death, TLR and MI {[HR, 1.94 (95% CI, 1.22-3.09, p=0.005)], [HR, 1.31 (95% CI 0.96-1.81), p=0.09] and [HR, 2.04 (95% CI, 0.98-4.25), p=0.06], respectively}. Propensity score matching identified 131 matched pairs. There were no differences in MACE [HR, 1.04 (95% CI, 0.68-1.61, p=0.85)], all-cause death [HR, 0.96 (95% CI, 0.52-1.77), p=0.89] or MI [HR, 0.84 (95% CI, 0.21-3.50, p=0.84)]. However, cardiac death [HR, 2.70 (95% CI, 0.98-7.49, p=0.056] and TLR [HR, 1.62 (95% CI, 0.93-2.84), p=0.09] showed a trend to being higher in women compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ULM disease, women had greater comorbidity and more complex lesions, resulting in an increased risk of clinical events. However after propensity matching, there was no difference in the occurrence of MACE but cardiac death showed a trend to being higher in women compared to men.

Optical coherence tomography assessment of in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention with two-stent technique in unprotected left main.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has contributed to a better understanding of in-stent restenosis (ISR); however, studies evaluating ISR pattern after two-stent technique in unprotected left main (ULM) are lacking. We aim to evaluate the ISR pattern of proximal LAD and LCX after two-stent technique in ULM. METHODS: We performed OCT in 26 patients with isolated or combined ISR (identified by angiography as >50%) after two stent implantation in the proximal LCX and LAD. Finally, 13 LAD and 22 LCX ISR lesions underwent OCT assessments. OCT analyses were undertaken in the proximal segments of the LAD and LCX. In addition, we compared OCT findings in the flow divider (FD) and lateral wall (LW). RESULTS: In both the LAD and LCX, the distance from the ostium to the minimum lumen area (MLA; LAD, 2.00mm [1.00, 3.00]; LCX, 1.00mm [0.00, 1.80] distal to ostium) was short. Uncovered struts were more common on the FD side compared with the LW in the LAD (6.25% [0.00, 20.00] vs 0.00% [0.00, 0.00], respectively, p=0.016) and LCX (11.32% [0.00, 19.44] vs 0.00% [0.00, 4.55], respectively, p<0.001). Conversely, neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) was significantly thicker on the FD side compared with the LW in the LCX (0.31mm [0.19, 0.47] vs 0.15mm [0.09, 0.31], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While uncovered struts were more commonly found on the FD side of both arteries, NIH was significantly thicker on the FD side compared with the LW in the LCX. These unique findings might indicate inferior outcomes after two-stent techniques in ULM bifurcation lesions.

High prevalence of coronary artery events and non-coronary events in patients with coronary artery aneurysm in the observational group.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is occasionally detected on a small percentage of coronary angiography or multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). CAA itself is considered benign entity despite the potential risks of rupture, thromboembolism, and compression of surrounding structures. However, the optimal management including other vascular comorbidity has yet to be fully clarified. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular events in the patients with CAA in the observational group. METHODS: Between January 2010 and August 2015, 48 CAAs were identified in 37 patients out of consecutive 10,010 patients (0.37%) by MDCT. Twenty-eight patients treated conservatively were included in this study. Their major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were evaluated retrospectively: death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), revascularizations; coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and other vascular events. RESULTS: The average age was 62.0 ± 15.5 year sold, and median follow-up period was 49.6 months (IQR 23.6 to 78.1). Mean CAA diameter was 7.5 ± 2.8 mm. Twenty-two MACE occurred in 15 patients (53.6%): 1 sudden death, 4 MI, 1 CABG for CAA, 3 PCI for CAA, 7 PCI for non-CAA lesions, and 6 other vascular treatments for aorta and cerebral and peripheral artery. Follow-up MDCT was performed for 22 CAAs in 16 patients. In 9 CAAs of them, the maximal diameter increased significantly (Δ diameter: 1.5 ± 1.1 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of CAA may be associated with adverse vascular events including non-coronary diseases. This study could suggest the management for CAA should include the evaluation of not only CAA itself but also other vascular diseases.

Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes After Polytetrafluoroethylene-Covered Stent Implantation for the Treatment of Coronary Perforation.

This study sought to evaluate the short-term and 3-year outcomes of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent (PCS) for patients with coronary perforation. Implantation of a PCS has improved the immediate clinical outcomes of patients with coronary perforation. However, there are few reports regarding long-term outcomes. We evaluated a total of 57 patients who were treated with PCS for coronary perforation from April 2004 to March 2015 at a single high-volume center in Japan. Landmark analysis was performed at 30 days to determine short-term and long-term outcomes. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and requirement for surgical repair. Of 285 patients who experienced coronary perforation, 57 patients (20%) were treated with PCS. The MACE rates were 28% at 30 days, 22% at 1 year, and 38% at 3 years. 30-day MACE was mainly driven by high rates of myocardial infarction (18%) and surgical repair (16%). The rates of target lesion revascularization were 8% and 12% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Definite stent thrombosis was reported in 2 patients during the follow-up period. In conclusion, despite the relatively high incidence of MACE during early stage of follow-up, implantation of a PCS provides acceptable late clinical outcomes.