New aspects on the assessment of left ventricular dyssynchrony by tissue Doppler echocardiography: comparison of myocardial velocity vs. displacement curves.

The purpose of this study is to assess the incremental value of tissue Doppler (TDI) derived displacement curves (TDint) compared to TDI velocity curves (TDvel) for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony (LVD). About 25 patients (pts.) with systolic heart failure were studied by TDvel and TDint. Four TDI sample volumes were placed at the basal and four at the mid ventricular myocardium, utilising two imaging planes. LV dyssynchrony (LVD) was defined as an interregional delay of >40 ms corrected for heart rate. 10 pts. had synchronous contraction, 15 pts. LVD as defined by two experts (EC). To determine diagnostic accuracy and intra-observer variability two identical sets of 100 documents (25 pts. x two imaging planes x two modalities) were produced and presented in random order to one trained (TR) and two untrained (UR) readers. The TR more frequently classified documents as unreadable (7.5 vs. 3.5%, P < 0.05) but more often as correct, i.e., consistent with EC (72.0 vs. 57.8%, P < 0.001). 8.7% of the documents were classified as unreadable using TDvel, 1.0% when applying TDint (P < 0.001). The mean value of correct classification of all 3 readers was 54.3% (TDvel only), 70.7% (TDint only), and 77.7% (combining both modalities), (P < 0.001). The kappa value for TR and TDint was 0.68, for TDvel 0.29. For UR, kappa did not differ (TDint: 0.58; TDvel 0.51). TDint is superior to TDvel in accuracy, reproducibility, and applicability for skilled and unskilled investigators when evaluating LVD by TDI. The combined application of TDint and TDvel is optimal.

[Long-term follow-up after percutaneous septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy ]. / Langzeitverlauf nach perkutaner Septumablation bei hypertropher obstruktiver Kardiomyopathie.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Persisting disabling symptoms despite optimal medical treatment in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and significant outflow tract obstruction prompt surgical or interventional therapy targeted at relief of obstruction. While surgical treatment was introduced more than 40 years ago, there are only a few data on the long-term results of percutaneous septal ablation. This study gives the results of a large number of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who underwent septal ablation in our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 347 patients (156 females, 191 males, 54 +/- 15 years) in NYHA functional class III or IV, or in class II but with evidence of more severe limitation on exercise testing, underwent percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA). Mortality and morbidity, as well as clinical and echocardiographic parameters were assessed during follow-up, either at our institution, or by the referring cardiologist. RESULTS: During an average follow-up of 58 +/- 35 months the overall mortality was about 1,8 % per year, with a cardiovascular-related mortality of about 1 % per year. 8 % of patients needed a second procedure. A significant and sustained improvement of symptoms (89 % patients were in NYHA class I or II a follow-up) and obstruction were demonstrated (74 % of patients were free from obstruction at rest, 60 % did not exhibit provokable gradients). Supraventricular arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, were observed in 12 % of patients. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous septal ablation provides significant and sustained beneficial effects on symptoms and echocardiographic variables, without evidence of an excess mortality. But independently of the clinical success of the procedure persistence of the underlying structural heart disease should be kept in mind. Periodic re-evaluation is mandatory to identify and treat high-risk patients.

Long-term follow-up after percutaneous septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the longterm follow-up results of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) in a large patient cohort. BACKGROUND: PTSMA by alcohol injection into septal branches has shown good acute and short-term results in symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive symptomatic (NYHA class 2.8 +/- 0.6) patients underwent PTSMA. All patients had clinical and non-invasive follow-up at 3 months, 1 year, and annually up to 8 years. RESULTS: One patient died at day 2 after intervention due to fulminant pulmonary embolism following deep venous thrombosis, and eight patients required a permanent DDD-pacemaker due to post-interventional complete heart block. Acute reduction of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient was achieved from 76 +/- 37 to 19 +/- 21 mmHg at rest, from 104 +/- 34 to 43 +/- 31 mmHg during Valsalva maneuver, and from 146 +/- 45 to 59 +/- 42 mmHg post extrasystole (p < 0.0001, each). During follow-up (mean follow-up time: 58 +/- 14 months), three additional patients died (sudden death at 48 months, non-cardiac death at 49 months and stroke-related death at 60 months after the index procedure). All living patients showed clinical improvement to NYHA-class 1.4 +/- 0.6 (after 3 months, n = 99), 1.5 +/- 0.6 (after 1 year, n = 99), and 1.6 +/- 0.7 at final follow-up (n = 96; p < 0.0001, each). Non-invasive follow-up studies documented ongoing outflow tract gradient reduction, decrease of septal and left ventricular posterior wall thickness, and improvement of exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS: PTSMA is an effective treatment for symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Follow-up showed ongoing hemodynamic and clinical improvement without increased mortality and morbidity.

One-year follow-up of percutaneous septal ablation for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in 312 patients: predictors of hemodynamic and clinical response.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze hemodynamic and clinical outcome in a cohort of 312 patients who were followed up over a period of 12 months after alcohol septal ablation (PTSMA) for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). METHODS AND RESULTS: PTSMA was intended in 337 patients with HOCM (mean age: 54+/-15 years), with 312 procedures completed by injection of 2.8+/-1.2 ml of alcohol. In 25 patients (8%) the intervention was aborted, mostly because of contrast echocardiographic findings. In the 312 patients who received alcohol, permanent pacing was necessary in 22 cases (7%); and in-hospital mortality was 1.3% (four patients). During follow-up, contact to six patients (2%) was lost, and three additional patients (1%) died. The 299 patients who either underwent non-invasive reassessment in our institution or transmitted followup data from their local physician formed the study population. Improvement in symptoms was reported by 272 patients (91%). Mean NYHA functional class was reduced from 2.9+/-0.4 to 1.5+/-0.7 (p<0.0001) along with a gradient reduction (echo-Doppler) from 59+/-32 to 8+/-15 mmHg at rest, and from 120+/-42 to 28+/-32 mmHg with provocation (p<0.0001 each). Exercise capacity improved from 94+/-51 to 119+/-40 watts (p=0.001), and peak oxygen consumption from 18+/-4 to 21+/-6 ml/ kg/min (p=0.01). Younger age and higher outflow gradients at baseline and immediately after intervention were associated with a less favorable hemodynamic outcome. The degree of limitation of exercise capacity at baseline was the only predictor of symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-based septal ablation is an effective non-surgical technique for reducing symptoms and outflow gradients in HOCM. In contrast to a previous study, in this cohort of 312 patients there was no association between post-interventional enzyme release and hemodynamic success. Younger patients with high baseline gradients, however, tended to have a less favorable hemodynamic outcome with higher residual gradients.

[Predicting the risk of atrioventricular conduction lesions after percutaneous septal ablation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / Vorhersage des Risikos permanenter atrioventrikulärer Uberleitungsstörungen nach perkutaner Septumablation bei Patienten mit hypertropher obstruktiver Kardiomyopathie.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION: Damage to the AV conduction system is a frequent complication of percutaneous septal ablation (PTSMA) that needs early and reliable identification of those patients (pts.) at risk for complete heart block (CHB) and subsequent pacemaker implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the first 39 pts. who underwent PTSMA in 1996, AV conduction recovery needed up to 11 days. One pt. suffered from unexpected CHB after 9 days. Seven pts. who needed a DDD pacemaker (DDD-PM) were compared to those without conduction disturbances. A score was established which identified all DDD-PM candidates retrospectively if they presented with >12 score points. In the following 137 consecutive pts. treated in 1997 and 1998, this score was applied prospectively, and again correctly identified all candidates for a DDD-PM. In addition, a low risk group was identified with <8 score points. From 1999 on, the score was applied in routine clinical decision-making in 120 consecutive pts. with respect to DDD-PM implantation. All low risk pts. (<8 points) remained free from bradycardias, while 2/54 pts. (4%) of the intermediate risk group, and 20/23 pts. (87%) of the high risk group had to undergo DDD-PM implantation. Pts. with a first-degree AV block or those with a right bundle branch block at baseline had no excess risk, while 50% of the pts. with a left bundle branch block (LBBB) needed a DDD-PM. CONCLUSIONS: Based on pre-interventional data and careful monitoring of the first 48 hours after PTSMA, identification of pts. at risk for CHB and subsequent DDD-PM implantation seems to be possible. Pts. with a score <8 seem to be at low, those with >12 points at high risk. In the remaining cases watchful waiting with prolonged monitoring may allow AV conduction to recover, thus, reducing the number of unnecessary DDD-PM implantations. In cases with LBBB at baseline, however, implantation of a DDD-PM should be considered first-line therapy.

Nonsurgical retrieval of embolized coronary stents.

Embolization of coronary stents before deployment is a rare but challenging complication of coronary stenting. Different methods for nonsurgical stent retrieval have been suggested. There were 20 cases (0.90%) of intracoronary stent embolization among 2,211 patients who underwent implantation of 4,066 stents. Twelve of 1,147 manually crimped stents (1.04%) and eight of 2,919 premounted stents were lost (0.27%, P < 0.01) during retraction of the delivery system, because the target lesion could not be either reached or crossed. Percutaneous retrieval was successfully carried out in 10 of 14 patients (71%) in whom retrieval was attempted. In 10 patients, stent retrieval was tried with 1.5-mm low-profile angioplasty balloon catheters (success in 7/10) and in seven cases with myocardial biopsy forceps or a gooseneck snare (success in 3/7). Three patients (15%) underwent urgent coronary artery bypass surgery after failed percutaneous retrieval, but their outcomes were fatal. In two patients, stents were compressed against the vessel wall by another stent, without compromising coronary blood flow. In two patients, a stent was lost to the periphery without clinical side effects; treatment was conservative in these cases. Embolization of stents before deployment is a rare but serious complication of coronary stenting, with hazardous potential for the patient. Manual mounting of stents is associated with a significantly higher risk of stent embolization. Stent retrieval from the coronary circulation with low-profile angioplasty balloon catheters is a readily available and technically familiar approach that has a relatively high success rate.

Corrected coronary flow velocity reserve: a new concept for assessing coronary perfusion.

OBJECTIVES: In order to limit the variability of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), we analyzed which factors independently affect CFVR and established a new parameter integrating these factors. BACKGROUND: Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) is a frequently used parameter for evaluating the physiological significance of epicardial stenosis and microvascular function. Since CFVR measurements are done in substantially different hemodynamic and clinical situations, interpretation of CFVR requires correction for major influencing factors. METHODS: In 141 patients with angina-like symptoms and angiographically unobstructed coronary arteries, intracoronary Doppler measurements were performed in at least two coronary vessels. Coronary flow velocity reserve was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic average peak velocity (hAPV), after intracoronary bolus of adenosine, to baseline average peak velocity (bAPV). RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed that only bAPV (p < 0.0001) and age (p < 0.0001) were independent factors influencing CFVR. Based on a regression model for estimation of predicted CFVR values, individual CFVR values (CFVRind) obtained at different bAPV and age were transformed in corrected CFVR values (CFVRcorr) by relating them to a mean bAPV of 15 cm/s and a mean age of 55 years. The transformation from CFVRind into CFVRcorr for the left anterior descending artery can be done by using the following equation: CFVRcorr = 2.85*CFVR(ind)*10(0.48*log(bAPV)+(0.0025*age)-1.16). When applying this new parameter to conditions assumed to cause microvascular dysfunction, analysis showed that only patients with diabetes showed a significant decrease of traditional CFVR and CFVRcorr, whereas a history of hypertension and current smoking habit had no influence on CFVRcorr. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of CFVRcorr standardizes CFVR for bAPV and age as the major physiological determinants. Especially in patients with microvascular dysfunction, this approach may help to discriminate between conditions directly affecting vasodilator reserve and conditions primarily affecting bAPV.

Potential embolization by atherosclerotic debris dislodged from aortic wall during cardiac catheterization:: histological and clinical findings in 7,621 patients.

Embolic events during cardiac catheterization have been attributed to atherosclerotic aortic debris dislodged by catheter manipulation. We evaluated the frequency and the histologic morphology of atherothrombotic material retrieved during placement of coronary catheters in patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional cardiac procedures. Over a 4-year period, macroscopically visible aortic debris from coronary catheters, if present after advancement to the ascending aorta, was obtained for histologic examination. In 41 of 7,621 patients (0.54%), visible atherothrombotic material was present in the backflow of catheters. Debris occurred most frequently with 8 Fr guiding catheters (98%). Histologic examination showed foam cells, cholesterol crystals, and amorphic lipoid substance as markers of atheromatous material from atherosclerotic plaques in 38/41 patients (93%) with former plaque hemorrhage in 55% of them. In three patients, fresh thrombus material was observed (7%). None of these patients showed in-hospital ischemic complications. Although visible atheromatous material is a rare phenomenon in cardiac catheterization, an increased risk of scraping debris is associated with large-lumen guiding catheters. In order to avoid vascular embolization, the use of smaller guiding catheters and sufficient free backflow of catheters after advancement are recommended.

Early clinical experience with the implantation of a novel synthetic coronary stent graft.

Coating stents with autologous venous grafts has been suggested to prevent problems associated with conventional stenting, but the need for surgical vessel harvest hampered broad application. A novel synthetic coronary stent graft (CSG) overcomes this limitation by a synthetic membrane, fixed between two thin metallic stents. We successfully implanted 21 CSGs in 18 patients for treatment of acute coronary rupture, thrombus-containing lesions, and lesions with plaque rupture or adjacent pseudoaneurysm. Substantial residual angiographic diameter stenoses were seen in seven CSGs (25% +/- 10% vs. 8% +/- 6%; P < 0.01), which were implanted with relatively small balloon catheters (balloon-to-artery ratio 1.00 +/- 0.09 vs. 1.24 +/- 0.18; P = 0.01) and required postdilatation. Overall, the largest balloon catheter applied measured 4.0 +/- 0.7 mm (balloon-to-artery ratio 1.21 +/- 0.20) and the inflation pressure was 16 +/- 3 atm. Final intravascular ultrasound imaging demonstrated adequate and symmetrical expansion of the CSG (> or = 85% +/- 15% of the reference lumen). Elective implantation was associated with two small non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions, resulting from unavoidable occlusions of side branches. Thus, implantation of CSG is feasible and safe. Adequate expansion can be achieved by the use of relatively large low-compliant balloon catheters inflated with high pressure.

[Hemostatic closure of arterial puncture site using Angio-Seal after diagnostic heart catheterization or coronary intervention]. / Hämostatischer Verschluss der arteriellen Punktionsstelle mittels Angio-Seal nach diagnostischer Herzkatheteruntersuchung oder Koronarintervention.

Conventional manual compression and subsequent application of pressure bandages is associated with prolonged immobility and significant patient discomfort. Routine anticoagulation as well as the use of new interventional devices and platelet inhibiting strategies lead to a higher incidence of local bleeding complications after diagnostic cardiac catheterization or coronary angioplasty. Immediate sheath removal increases patient comfort. The Angio-Seal system uses a biodegradable anchor and collagen plug for sealing of arterial puncture sites. Several studies showed the safety and efficacy of this device. Technical deployment success ranges between 88 and 100%. Significant reduction in time to hemostasis allows for earlier patient ambulation and shorter in-hospital stay compared to manual compression with peripheral complications not being increased.

[Arguments against conventional balloon dilatation of recurrences within the stent]. / Argumente gegen eine konventionelle Ballondehnung von Rezidiven im Stent.

Today, stent restenosis is the major limitation of coronary stent implantation. Despite several prospective randomized trials, which documented significantly lower restenosis rates after stenting compared to conventional balloon angioplasty for the treatment of de-novo stenoses, restenotic lesions, bypass graft stenoses and symptomatic dissections, in daily clinical practice restenosis rates after coronary stenting are reported between 18% and 78% depending on the lesions treated. Interventional treatment options for symptomatic stent restenosis include repeat balloon angioplasty, a combination of ablative approaches (rotablation, laser angioplasty, directional atherectomy) with balloon angioplasty, and stent-in-stent (sandwich technique) placement. Long-term success for the treatment of focal (< or = 10 mm) stent restenosis seems to be equivalent for all these strategies with a restenosis rate of about 30% while after balloon angioplasty of diffuse (> 10 mm) stent restenosis restenosis rates range between 35% and 85%. From a pathophysiological point of view it seems conclusive that balloon angioplasty can only achieve a limited lumen by plastic deformation of the obstructive neointimal tissue, which is responsible for stent restenosis. In this situation techniques, which ablate the neointimal tissue, can create a more adequate lumen without extensive vessel trauma supported by lower restenosis rates between 25% and 56% compared to balloon angioplasty alone. Prospective randomized trial are needed in the future to support a superiority of ablative techniques over conventional balloon angioplasty for the treatment of stent restenosis.

[Treatment of coronary pseudoaneurysm by stent-graft implantation]. / Behandlung eines koronaren Pseudoaneurysmas durch Stent-Graft-Implantation.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 54-year-old man was urgently admitted because of sudden onset of progressively worsening angina pectoris, his first attack. Physical examination was unremarkable. INVESTIGATIONS: Electrocardiography and laboratory tests excluded acute myocardial infarction. With the exception of hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 247 mg/dl) laboratory tests were normal. Coronary angiography revealed a 60% eccentric narrowing in the proximal part of the interventricular branch with adjacent aneurysmatic dilatation. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) showed a coronary pseudoaneurysm, its cavity communicating with the empty atheroma hole of an adjacent ruptured coronary plaque. TREATMENT AND COURSE: A 19 mm stent graft was implanted, via a percutaneously inserted balloon-catheter system, in the region of the stenosis and the pseudoaneurysm. Subsequent angiography demonstrated a smooth nonstenotic lumen. The membrane of the graft (made of polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]), fixed between two thin metal stents, had occluded the pseudoaneurysm. Occlusion of an immediately distal septal branch briefly produced an asymptomatic rise of creatine kinase to maximally 173 U/l. Oral medication included ticlopidine hydrochloride (2 x 250 mg daily for 4 weeks). The patient was symptom-free after the procedure and was discharged 5 days later. CONCLUSION: Implantation of a new type of stent-graft provides quick and uncomplicated treatment of a coronary aneurysm. The membrane fixed between two stents prevents wash out of any thrombi. The method may also be applicable to other potentially thrombus-containing lesions.

[Management of coronary perforation after percutaneous balloon angioplasty with a new membrane stent]. / Versorgung einer Koronarperforation nach perkutaner Ballonangioplastie mit einem neuen Membranstent.

A 59 year old patient underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of a de novo stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery. Vessel perforation occurred after balloon angioplasty and was successfully treated by implantation of a new stent graft, which completely covered the perforation without residual leakage. Emergency coronary surgery could, thus, be avoided.

[Laser angioplasty and recanalization]. / Laserangioplastie und -rekanalisation.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA) still is the most frequently applied interventional technique for treatment of coronary artery disease. Plastic deformation of the obstructive plaque with creation of splits, intimal tears and dissections is the main mechanism of PTCA for lumen widening. As a result, acute complications due to flow limiting dissections and acute vessel closure can unpredictably occur resulting in myocardial infarction, urgent bypass surgery and death. Furthermore, long-term success of PTCA is limited by restenosis. In order to overcome these limitations of PTCA, alternative interventional techniques were developed, which instead of deforming the obstructive plaque ablate this tissue. These techniques include high and low speed rotational angioplasty, directional atherectomy, the transluminal extraction catheter, ultrasound angioplasty and laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) angioplasty. 308 nm XeCl excimer laser angioplasty today is the laser technique of choice for clinical application. This pulsed laser requires direct contact to the obstructive plaque. It creates fast (< 200 microseconds) expanding gas bubbles which induce plaque ablation. Main indications for 308 nm XeCl excimer laser angioplasty are diffuse and long coronary lesions and total coronary occlusions. Despite promising initial results this technique showed no better acute and long-term results in comparison to PTCA for the treatment of these types of lesions ("Amsterdam-Rotterdam" Study, "Excimer Rotational Balloon Angioplasty Comparison" Study). As a result, this interventional technique was rarely applied for patient treatment. More recently, the concept of plaque ablation by 308 nm XeCl excimer laser angioplasty was renewed for the treatment of in-stent restenosis. This indication is being investigated in the "Laser Angioplasty of Restenosed Stents" trial. First results document the practicability and safety of this approach. Long-term results are awaited. With ongoing miniaturization, laser guidewires were developed for the recanalization of chronic total occlusions. The randomized multicenter "Total Occlusion Trial with Angioplasty assisted by Laser guidewire "Study documented a success rate of laser wire recanalization in up to 66% in contrast to 47.5% for mechanical wires only. Long-term results are still awaited. Technical and procedural progress including saline flush during laser application, homogeneous light distribution and the concept of smooth laser ablation is pushed foreward to make excimer laser angioplasty safer, more predictable and more effective.