Initial experience with orbital atherectomy in a non-surgical center in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified lesions is associated with a higher risk of procedural complications, suboptimal stent expansion, and in-stent restenosis. Lesion preparation with orbital atherectomy (OA) in severely calcified lesions has been shown to increase procedural success and decrease reintervention rates. In this study, we sought to report the procedural safety and efficacy of our initial experience with OA in a non-surgical center in Portugal. METHODS: Patients with severely calcified coronary lesions who were treated with intended intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided OA were included in a prospective single-center registry. We evaluated several endpoints, including: debulking success, defined <50% residual stenosis severity after OA; procedural success, defined as stent implantation according to Optimal-IVUS PCI criteria; use of additional calcium debulking strategies; and procedural complications, including coronary no-reflow, dissection, perforation or side branch occlusion. Patients were followed up for 30 days to assess early cardiovascular or procedure-related death, myocardial infarction, myocardial injury and reintervention. RESULTS: Between January 2023 and September 2023, 37 patients and 53 coronary arteries underwent OA. IVUS imaging was used in all cases. Debulking and procedural success were achieved in 90.5% and 97.3% of cases, respectively. In 26 (49.1%) lesions, additional calcium debulking techniques were needed. Procedural complications occurred in three cases and one patient died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience with OA for heavily calcified coronary lesions demonstrated high procedural success and overall favorable clinical outcomes.

O Valor Preditivo do Índice Prognóstico Inflamatório para Detecção de No-Reflow em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST / The Predictive Value of the Inflammatory Prognostic Index for Detecting No-Reflow in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Resumo Fundamento: O no-reflow (NR) é caracterizado por uma redução aguda no fluxo coronário que não é acompanhada por espasmo coronário, trombose ou dissecção. O índice prognóstico inflamatório (IPI) é um novo marcador que foi relatado como tendo um papel prognóstico em pacientes com câncer e é calculado pela razão neutrófilos/linfócitos (NLR) multiplicada pela razão proteína C reativa/albumina. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi investigar a relação entre IPI e NR em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICPp). Métodos: Um total de 1.541 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo (178 com NR e 1.363 com refluxo). A regressão penalizada LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Select Operator) foi usada para seleção de variáveis. Foi criado um nomograma baseado no IPI para detecção do risco de desenvolvimento de NR. A validação interna com reamostragem Bootstrap foi utilizada para reprodutibilidade do modelo. Um valor de p bilateral <0,05 foi aceito como nível de significância para análises estatísticas. Resultados: O IPI foi maior em pacientes com NR do que em pacientes com refluxo. O IPI esteve associado de forma não linear com a NR. O IPI apresentou maior capacidade discriminativa do que o índice de imunoinflamação sistêmica, NLR e relação PCR/albumina. A adição do IPI ao modelo de regressão logística multivariável de base melhorou a discriminação e o efeito do benefício clínico líquido do modelo para detecção de pacientes com NR, e o IPI foi a variável mais proeminente no modelo completo. Foi criado um nomograma baseado no IPI para prever o risco de NR. A validação interna do nomograma Bootstrap mostrou uma boa capacidade de calibração e discriminação. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo que mostra a associação de IPI com NR em pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos a ICPp.

Abstract Background: No-reflow (NR) is characterized by an acute reduction in coronary flow that is not accompanied by coronary spasm, thrombosis, or dissection. Inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) is a novel marker that was reported to have a prognostic role in cancer patients and is calculated by neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) multiplied by C-reactive protein/albumin ratio. Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between IPI and NR in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods: A total of 1541 patients were enrolled in this study (178 with NR and 1363 with reflow). Lasso panelized shrinkage was used for variable selection. A nomogram was created based on IPI for detecting the risk of NR development. Internal validation with Bootstrap resampling was used for model reproducibility. A two-sided p-value <0.05 was accepted as a significance level for statistical analyses. Results: IPI was higher in patients with NR than in patients with reflow. IPI was non-linearly associated with NR. IPI had a higher discriminative ability than the systemic immune-inflammation index, NLR, and CRP/albumin ratio. Adding IPI to the baseline multivariable logistic regression model improved the discrimination and net-clinical benefit effect of the model for detecting NR patients, and IPI was the most prominent variable in the full model. A nomogram was created based on IPI to predict the risk of NR. Bootstrap internal validation of nomogram showed a good calibration and discrimination ability. Conclusion: This is the first study that shows the association of IPI with NR in STEMI patients who undergo pPCI.

Além do Escore GRACE SCA: É Necessário um Modelo Diferente para Homens e Mulheres após IAMCSST? / Beyond the GRACE ACS Score: Do We Need a Different Model for Men and Women after STEMI?

Resumo Fundamento As mulheres, em comparação aos homens, apresentam piores resultados após a síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA). No entanto, ainda não está claro se o sexo feminino em si é um preditor independente de tais eventos adversos. Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a associação entre o sexo feminino e a mortalidade hospitalar após infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST). Métodos Conduzimos um estudo de coorte retrospectivo, recrutando pacientes consecutivos com IAMCSST, internados em um hospital terciário de janeiro de 2018 a fevereiro de 2019. Todos os pacientes foram tratados de acordo com as recomendações das diretrizes atuais. Modelos de regressão logística multivariada foram aplicados para avaliar a mortalidade hospitalar utilizando variáveis de GRACE. A precisão do modelo foi avaliada usando o índice c. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Dos 1.678 pacientes com SCA, 709 apresentaram IAMCSST. A população era composta por 36% de mulheres e a idade média era de 61 anos. As mulheres tinham maior idade (63,13 anos vs. 60,53 anos, p = 0,011); apresentavam hipertensão (75,1% vs. 62,4%, p = 0,001), diabetes (42,2% vs. 27,8%, p < 0,001) e hiperlipidemia (34,1% vs. 23,9%, p = 0,004) mais frequentemente; e apresentaram menor probabilidade de serem submetidas a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) por acesso radial (23,7% vs. 46,1%, p < 0,001). A taxa de mortalidade hospitalar foi significativamente maior em mulheres (13,2% vs. 5,6%, p = 0,001), e o sexo feminino permaneceu em maior risco de mortalidade hospitalar (OR 2,79, IC de 95% 1,15-6,76, p = 0,023). Um modelo multivariado incluindo idade, sexo, pressão arterial sistólica, parada cardíaca e classe de Killip atingiu 94,1% de precisão na previsão de mortalidade hospitalar, e o índice c foi de 0,85 (IC de 95% 0,77-0,93). Conclusão Após ajuste para os fatores de risco no modelo de previsão do GRACE, as mulheres continuam em maior risco de mortalidade hospitalar.

Abstract Background Women, in comparison to men, experience worse outcomes after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, whether the female sex per se is an independent predictor of such adverse events remains unclear. Objective This study aims to assess the association between the female sex and in-hospital mortality after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study by enrolling consecutive STEMI patients admitted to a tertiary hospital from January 2018 to February 2019. All patients were treated per current guideline recommendations. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to evaluate in-hospital mortality using GRACE variables. Model accuracy was evaluated using c-index. A p-value < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results Out of the 1678 ACS patients, 709 presented with STEMI. The population consisted of 36% women, and the median age was 61 years. Women were older (63.13 years vs. 60.53 years, p = 0.011); more often presented with hypertension (75.1% vs. 62.4%, p = 0.001), diabetes (42.2% vs. 27.8%, p < 0.001), and hyperlipidemia (34.1% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.004); and were less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via radial access (23.7% vs. 46.1%, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in women (13.2% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.001), and the female sex remained at higher risk for in-hospital mortality (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.15-6.76, p = 0.023). A multivariate model including age, sex, systolic blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and Killip class was 94.1% accurate in predicting in-hospital mortality, and the c-index was 0.85 (95% CI 0.77-0.93). Conclusion After adjusting for the risk factors in the GRACE prediction model, women remain at higher risk for in-hospital mortality.

Three-dimensional simulation for interventional cardiology procedures: Face and content validity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensional (3D) model simulation provides the opportunity to manipulate real devices and learn intervention skills in a realistic, controlled, and safe environment. To ensure that simulators provide a realistic surrogate to real procedures they must undergo scientific validation. We aimed to evaluate the 3D-printed simulator SimulHeart® for face and content validity to demonstrate its value as a training tool in interventional cardiology (IC). METHODS: Health professionals were recruited from sixteen Portuguese IC units. All participants received a 30-minute theoretical introduction, 10-minute demonstration of each task and then performed the intervention on a 3D-printed simulator (SimulHeart®). Finally, a post-training questionnaire focusing on the appearance of the simulation, simulation content, and satisfaction/self-efficacy was administered. RESULTS: We included 56 participants: 16 "experts" (general and interventional cardiologists), 26 "novices" (cardiology residents), and 14 nurses and allied professionals. On a five-point Likert scale, the overall mean score of face validity was 4.38±0.35 and the overall mean score of content validity was 4.69±0.32. There was no statistically significant difference in the scores provided by "experts" and "novices". Participants reported a high level of satisfaction/self-efficacy with 60.7% considering it strongly improved their skills. The majority (82.1%) "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that after the simulation they felt confident to perform the procedure on a patient. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed simulator (SimulHeart®) showed excellent face and content validity. 3D simulation may play an important role in future IC training programs. Further research is required to correlate simulator performance with clinical performance in real patients.

Ionizing radiation exposure in complex percutaneous coronary intervention: Defining local diagnostic reference levels in the catheterization laboratory.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Concerns regarding the consequences of ionizing radiation (IR) have been increasing in the field of interventional cardiology (IC). There is little information on reported national and local radiation diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in catheterization laboratories in Portugal. This study was designed to assess the IR dose exposure during complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to set the respective DRLs and future achievable doses (ADs). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study which took place between 2019 and 2020, including patients who underwent complex PCI. Complex PCI was defined as all procedures that encompass treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO) or left main coronary artery. DRLs were defined as the 75th percentile of the distribution of the median values of air kerma area product (PKA) and cumulative air kerma (Ka,r). ADs were set at the 50th percentile of the study dose distribution. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression to identify predictors significantly associated with radiation dose (Ka,r). RESULTS: A total of 242 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients underwent a CTO procedure (146, 60.3%). Patients were aged 67.9±11.2 years and mostly male (81.4%). DRLs were set in Ka,r (3012 mGy) and PKA (162 Gy cm2) for complex PCI. ADs were also set in Ka,r (1917 mGy) and PKA (101 Gy cm2). Independent predictors of Ka,r with a positive correlation were PKA (0.893, p<0.001), fluoroscopy time (0.520, p<0.001) and PCI time (0.521, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the results of IR in complex PCI. DRLs were set for IR dose exposure measured in Ka,r (3012 mGy) and PKA (162 Gy cm2). ADs, values to be achieved in future assessment, were set to Ka,r (1917 mGy) and PKA (101 Gy cm2).

Interventional cardiology in cancer patients: A position paper from the Portuguese Cardiovascular Intervention Association and the Portuguese Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.

The field of Cardio-Oncology has grown significantly, especially during the last decade. While awareness of cardiotoxicity due to cancer disease and/or therapies has greatly increased, much of the attention has focused on myocardial systolic disfunction and heart failure. However, coronary and structural heart disease are also a common issue in cancer patients and encompass the full spectrum of cardiotoxicity. While invasive percutaneous or surgical intervention, either is often needed or considered in cancer patients, limited evidence or guidelines are available for dealing with coronary or structural heart disease. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions consensus document published in 2016 is the most comprehensive document regarding this particular issue, but relevant evidence has emerged since, which render some of its considerations outdated. In addition to that, the recent 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology only briefly discuss this topic. As a result, the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and the Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology have partnered to produce a position paper to address the issue of cardiac intervention in cancer patients, focusing on percutaneous techniques. A brief review of available evidence is provided, followed by practical considerations. These are based both on the literature as well as accumulated experience with these types of patients, as the authors are either interventional cardiologists, cardiologists with experience in the field of Cardio-Oncology, or both.

O Impacto Clínico e Econômico do Atraso na Terapia de Reperfusão: Evidências do Mundo Real / The Clinical and Economic Impact of Delayed Reperfusion Therapy: Real-World Evidence

Resumo Fundamento: A terapia de reperfusão precoce é reconhecida como a abordagem mais eficaz para reduzir as taxas de letalidade de casos em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST). Objetivo: Estimar as consequências clínicas e econômicas do atraso da reperfusão em pacientes com IAMCSST. Métodos: O presente estudo de coorte retrospectivo avaliou as taxas de mortalidade e as despesas totais decorrentes do atraso na terapia de reperfusão em 2.622 indivíduos com IAMCSST. Os custos de cuidados hospitalares e perda de produtividade por morte ou incapacidade foram estimados sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde indexado em dólares internacionais (Int$) ajustados pela paridade do poder de compra. Foi considerado estatisticamente significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: Cada hora adicional de atraso na terapia de reperfusão foi associada a um aumento de 6,2% (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,3% a 11,8%, p = 0,032) no risco de mortalidade hospitalar. As despesas gerais foram 45% maiores entre os indivíduos que receberam tratamento após 9 horas em comparação com aqueles que foram tratados nas primeiras 3 horas, impulsionados principalmente pelos custos hospitalares (p = 0,005). Um modelo de regressão linear multivariada indicou que para cada 3 horas de atraso na trombólise, houve um aumento nos custos hospitalares de Int$ 497 ± 286 (p = 0,003). Conclusões: Os achados do nosso estudo oferecem mais evidências que enfatizam o papel crucial da terapia de reperfusão imediata no salvamento de vidas e na preservação dos recursos de saúde pública. Estes resultados enfatizam a necessidade urgente de implementação de uma rede para gerir casos de IAMCSST.

Abstract Background: Early reperfusion therapy is acknowledged as the most effective approach for reducing case fatality rates in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective: Estimate the clinical and economic consequences of delaying reperfusion in patients with STEMI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated mortality rates and the total expenses incurred by delaying reperfusion therapy among 2622 individuals with STEMI. Costs of in-hospital care and lost productivity due to death or disability were estimated from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Health System indexed in international dollars (Int$) adjusted by purchase power parity. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Each additional hour of delay in reperfusion therapy was associated with a 6.2% increase (95% CI: 0.3% to 11.8%, p = 0.032) in the risk of in-hospital mortality. The overall expenses were 45% higher among individuals who received treatment after 9 hours compared to those who were treated within the first 3 hours, primarily driven by in-hospital costs (p = 0.005). A multivariate linear regression model indicated that for every 3-hour delay in thrombolysis, there was an increase in in-hospital costs of Int$497 ± 286 (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The findings of our study offer further evidence that emphasizes the crucial role of prompt reperfusion therapy in saving lives and preserving public health resources. These results underscore the urgent need for implementing a network to manage STEMI cases.

Impacto de um programa educativo com tecnologia online na pessoa pós-intervenção coronária percutânea / The impact of an online education program on patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention / Impacto de un programa educativo con tecnología en línea en la persona sometida a una intervención coronaria percutânea

Resumo Enquadramento: A doença isquémica coronária constituiu uma das principais causas de morte em Portugal. Como doença crónica, é imperativo desenvolver competências de mudanças comportamentais efetivas e um maior nível de aceitação e adesão às recomendações disponibilizadas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto de um programa educativo de enfermagem online, tendo em conta as características sociodemográficas, fatores de risco cardiovasculares, estilo de vida, indicadores clínicos, adesão à terapêutica farmacológica, capacidade de autocuidado terapêutico, literacia e aceitação do recurso à tecnologia. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo, do tipo experimental, com desenho antes-após e com grupo controlo. Resultados: A intervenção educativa resultou numa diminuição do peso, perímetro abdominal, índice de massa corporal, tensão arterial, colesterol, glicemia, e no aumento da aceitação dos participantes sobre a sua condição clínica e utilização de tecnologia. Conclusão: A implementação de um programa estruturado de ensino constitui-se como uma boa metodologia na melhoria dos indicadores clínicos, aumento da adesão à terapêutica farmacológica, capacidade de autocuidado terapêutico, literacia em saúde, estilo de vida e aceitação da tecnologia por parte dos participantes.

Abstract Background: Ischemic coronary disease is one of the leading causes of death in Portugal. As a chronic disease, it is imperative to develop skills for effective behavioural change and a higher level of acceptance and adherence to the recommendations provided. Objective: To assess the impact of an online nursing education programme, considering socio-demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle, clinical indicators, adherence to pharmacological therapy, therapeutic self-care skills, literacy and acceptance of the use of technology. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, experimental study, with a before-after design and control group. Results: The educational intervention resulted in a decrease in weight, abdominal circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and in increased acceptance of the participants about their clinical condition and use of technology. Conclusion: The implementation of a structured teaching program constitutes a good methodology for improving clinical indicators, increasing adherence to pharmacological therapy, capacity for therapeutic self-care, health literacy, lifestyle and acceptance of technology by the participants.

Resumen Marco contextual: La cardiopatía isquémica es una de las principales causas de muerte en Portugal. Al tratarse de una enfermedad crónica, es imprescindible desarrollar competencias eficaces de cambio de comportamiento y un mayor nivel de aceptación y adherencia a las recomendaciones proporcionadas. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un programa educativo de enfermería en línea, teniendo en cuenta las características sociodemográficas, los factores de riesgo cardiovascular, el estilo de vida, los indicadores clínicos, la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico, la capacidad de autocuidado terapéutico, la alfabetización sanitaria y la aceptación del uso de la tecnología. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, experimental, con un diseño antes-después y un grupo de control. Resultados: La intervención educativa se tradujo en una disminución del peso, del perímetro abdominal, del índice de masa corporal, de la tensión arterial, del colesterol y de la glucemia, así como en una mayor aceptación de los participantes sobre su estado clínico y el uso de la tecnología. Conclusión: La implementación de un programa de enseñanza estructurado es una buena metodología para mejorar los indicadores clínicos, aumentar la adherencia a la terapia farmacológica, la capacidad de autocuidado terapéutico, la alfabetización sanitaria, el estilo de vida y la aceptación de la tecnología por parte de los participantes.

Nefropatia induzida por contraste: Intervenções de enfermagem uma revisão de scoping / Contrast-induced nephropathy: Nursing interventions - a scoping review

O relatório que se segue emerge do curso Mestrado em Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica, da Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, cujo objetivo visa a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Enfermagem à Pessoa em Situação Critica. Este relatório de estágio encontra-se dividido em 2 partes, a primeira parte tem como objetivo, evidenciar, descrever e fazer uma análise reflexiva do trabalho desenvolvido no decorrer do ensino clínico, tendo em vista a aquisição e desenvolvimento das Competências Comuns e Especificas do Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem Médico Cirúrgica, bem como a atribuição do grau de mestre. O ensino clínico foi realizado no Serviço de Hemodinâmica, do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra. Na especialização de Enfermagem é indispensável ao profissional de enfermagem uma atualização constante da melhor evidencia clínica com a finalidade de prestar os melhores cuidados aos doentes. Nesta linha orientadora, surge a segunda parte deste relatório de estágio, tal como está previsto nesta unidade curricular, tendo sido realizada uma Scoping Review, que visa responder à seguinte questão de investigação: Qual a intervenção do enfermeiro na prevenção da nefropatia induzida por contraste na pessoa submetida a intervenção coronária percutânea em contexto hospitalar? Esta questão tem como objetivo mapear a evidência disponível sobre as intervenções de enfermagem na prevenção da nefropatia induzida por contraste na pessoa submetida a intervenção coronária percutânea em contexto hospitalar. Os resultados demonstram que a enfermagem tem um papel importante e privilegiado na prevenção da nefropatia induzida por contraste, sendo que as suas intervenções devem passar por uma boa avaliação inicial, identificar pessoas de risco para desenvolver nefropatia induzida por contraste. Deve através de uma equipa multidisciplinar elaborar protocolos de hidratação, e um plano de enfermagem com intervenções individualizadas, de forma a prevenir esta complicação. Este trajeto formativo foi fundamental para compreender o contributo do enfermeiro especialista para a prestação de cuidados de saúde com qualidade e segurança, baseados em evidência científica atual.

Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Feasibility in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease is highly prevalent among patients with severe aortic stenosis who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). As indications for TAVR are now expanding to younger and lower-risk patients, the need for coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during their lifetime is expected to increase. The objective of our study was to assess the need for CA and the feasibility of re-engaging the coronary ostia after TAVR. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 853 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR between August 2007 and December 2020. Patients who needed CA after TAVR were selected. The primary endpoint was the rate of successful coronary ostia cannulation after TAVR. RESULTS: Of a total of 31 CAs in 28 patients (3.5% of 810 patients analyzed: 57% male, age 77.8±7.0 years) performed after TAVR, 28 (90%) met the primary endpoint and in three cannulation was semi-selective. All failed selective coronary ostia cannulations occurred in patients with a self-expanding valve. Sixteen (52%) also had indication for PCI, which was successfully performed in all. The main indication for CA was non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (35%, n=11). Two cases of primary PCI occurred without delay. There were no complications reported during or after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Although CA was rarely needed in patients after TAVR, selective diagnostic CA was possible in the overwhelming majority of patients. PCI was performed successfully in all cases, without complications.

Percutaneous versus surgical revascularization of unprotected left main coronary artery: Data from the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS).

BACKGROUND: In acute coronary syndromes (ACS), the optimal revascularization strategy for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) culprit lesion has been under-investigated. Therefore, we compared clinical characteristics and short- and medium-term outcomes of percutaneous and surgical revascularization in ACS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 31886 patients enrolled in a multicenter, national, prospective registry study between October 2010 and December 2020, 246 (0.8%) had ULMCA as a culprit lesion and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone (n=133, 54%) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone (n=113, 46%). Patients undergoing PCI presented more frequently ongoing chest pain (68% versus 41%, p<0.001) and cardiogenic shock (25% versus 1%, p<0.001). Time from admission to revascularization was higher in surgical group with a median time to CABG of 4.5 days compared to 0 days to PCI (p<0.001). Angiographic success rate was 93.2% in patients who underwent PCI. Primary endpoint (all-cause death, non-fatal reinfarction and/or non-fatal stroke during hospitalization) occurred in 15.9% of patients and was more frequent in the PCI group (p<0.001). After adjustment, surgical revascularization was associated with better in-hospital prognosis (odds ratio (OR) 0.164; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04-0.64; p=0.009). Similar results were achieved after propensity score matching. No difference was found at one-year all-cause death. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous coronary intervention was the most common revascularization strategy in the ACS with ULMCA culprit lesion. PCI was preferred in unstable patients and presented a high angiographic success. CABG was often delayed and preferred in low-risk patients. At one-year follow-up, PCI and CABG conferred a similar prognosis. The two approaches appear complementary in this high risk cohort.

Intravascular imaging modalities in coronary intervention: Insights from 3D-printed phantom coronary models.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies comparing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) have revealed that OCT consistently provides smaller area and diameter measurements. However, comparative assessment in clinical practice is difficult. Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers a unique opportunity to assess intravascular imaging modalities. We aim to compare intravascular imaging modalities using a 3D-printed coronary artery in a realistic simulator and to assess whether OCT underestimates intravascular dimensions, exploring potential corrections. METHODS: A standard realistic left main anatomy with an ostial left anterior descending artery lesion was replicated using 3D printing. After provisional stenting and optimization, IVI was obtained. Modalities included 20 MHz digital IVUS, 60 MHz rotational IVUS (HD-IVUS) and OCT. We assessed luminal area and diameters at standard locations. RESULTS: Considering all coregistered measurements, OCT significantly underestimated area, minimal diameter and maximal diameter measurements in comparison to IVUS and HD-IVUS (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between IVUS and HD-IVUS. A significant systematic dimensional error was found in OCT auto-calibration by comparing known reference diameter of guiding catheter (1.8 mm) to measured mean diameter (1.68 mm±0.04 mm). By applying a correction factor based on the reference guiding catheter area to OCT, the luminal areas and diameters were not significantly different compared to IVUS and HD-IVUS. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that automatic spectral calibration method for OCT is inaccurate, with a systematic underestimation of luminal dimensions. When guiding catheter correction is applied the performance of OCT is significantly improved. These results may be clinically relevant and need to be validated.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A review for clinical and interventional cardiologists.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome, especially among young to middle-aged women with few traditional cardiovascular risk factors and low pretest probability for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Diagnosis by invasive coronary angiography is the gold standard and conservative therapy is generally recommended, with percutaneous or surgical revascularization being reserved for cases of clinical instability, high-risk anatomy or as bailout. Unlike atherothrombotic coronary artery disease, strong evidence on optimal medical therapy is scarce, posing unique challenges in cases of pregnancy-associated SCAD. The follow-up strategy is also of major importance, as recurrent SCAD is not infrequent, lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapy should be planned for the long term, and SCAD-associated conditions need to be addressed. This review aims to provide a practical management approach to SCAD patients for both clinical and interventional cardiologists.

Impact of door in-door out time on total ischemia time and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requiring inter-hospital transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) often have delays in reperfusion. The door in-door out (DIDO) time is recommended to be less than 30 min. OBJECTIVES: To assess the DIDO time of hospitals that transfer patients with STEMI to a PCI center and to assess its impact on total ischemia time and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 523 patients with STEMI transferred to a PCI center for primary PCI between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2017. RESULTS: Median DIDO time was 82 min (interquartile range, 61-132 min). Only seven patients (1.3%) were transferred in ≤30 min. Patients with DIDO times over 60 min had significantly longer system delays (207.3 min vs. 112.7 min; p<0.001) and total ischemia time (344.2 min vs. 222 min; p<0.001) than patients transferred in ≤60 min. Observed in-hospital mortality was significantly higher among patients with DIDO times >60 min vs. ≤60 min (5.1% vs. 0%; p=0.006; adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality, 1.27 [95% CI 1.062-1.432]). By the end of follow-up, patients belonging to the >60 min group had a higher mortality (p=0.016), and survival time was significantly shorter (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: A DIDO time ≤30 min was observed in only a small proportion of patients transferred for primary PCI. DIDO times of ≤60 min were associated with shorter delays in reperfusion, lower in-hospital mortality and longer survival times.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on percutaneous coronary interventions in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed an unprecedented burden on healthcare systems worldwide, changing the profile of interventional cardiology activity. OBJECTIVES: To quantify and compare the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed for acute and chronic coronary syndromes during the first COVID-19 outbreak with the corresponding period in previous years. METHODS: Data on PCI from the prospective multicenter Portuguese Registry on Interventional Cardiology (RNCI) were used to analyze changes in PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The number of PCIs performed during the initial period of the COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal, from March 1 to May 2, 2020, was compared with the mean frequency of PCIs performed during the corresponding period in the previous three years (2017-2019). RESULTS: The total number of PCIs procedures was significantly decreased during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal (-36%, p<0.001). The reduction in PCI procedures for STEMI, NSTE-ACS and CCS was, respectively, -25% (p<0.019), -20% (p<0.068) and -59% (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the corresponding period in the previous three years, the number of PCI procedures performed for STEMI and CCS decreased markedly during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal.

Índices fisiológicos não hiperêmicos ­ base teórica, aplicações clínicas e limitações / Non-hyperemic pressure ratios ­ theoretical basis, clinical applications, and limitations

A fisiologia coronariana tornou-se o padrão de tratamento para avaliar o significado funcional da doença aterosclerótica coronariana. Ela permite identificar isquemia miocárdica em nível de vaso, discriminar os padrões funcionais da doença aterosclerótica e orientar a necessidade de revascularização; complementar o planejamento da intervenção coronária percutânea e confirmar o sucesso funcional dessa última. Em uma edição anterior do Journal of Transcatheter Interventions, apresentamos uma revisão abrangente sobre o fluxo fracionado de reserva do miocárdio. Apesar do robusto corpo de evidências que apoiam seu uso, a aceitação clínica do fluxo fracionado de reserva é variável e excessivamente baixa em muitas áreas do mundo. O aumento percebido no tempo do procedimento, o uso de agentes hiperêmicos com seus correspondentes custos e desconforto do paciente, e a dificuldade de interpretação dos resultados em determinadas situações anatômicas contribuíram para a adoção limitada do método. A introdução do índice de fluxo instantâneo no período livre de ondas superou a maioria dessas limitações. Apoiada por uma validação técnica sólida e dados de desfechos clínicos, o índice de fluxo instantâneo no período livre de ondas recebeu as mesmas indicações clínicas que o fluxo fracionado de reserva nas recomendações mais recentes das diretrizes. Isso foi seguido pela introdução de outros índices pressóricos não hiperêmicos, já comercialmente disponíveis. Neste artigo, revisamos as bases fisiológicas que justificam o uso de índices pressóricos não hiperêmicos, sua validação técnica e clínica e dados de desfechos clínicos, além de discutirmos suas aplicações em situações anatômicas específicas, com exemplos de casos dos autores, sempre que aplicável.

Coronary physiology has become the standard of care to assess the functional significance of coronary atherosclerotic disease. It allows for identification of myocardial ischemia on a vessel level, discrimination of the functional patterns of atherosclerotic disease, guidance for the need of revascularization, complements the planning of percutaneous coronary intervention and verification of the functional success of percutaneous coronary intervention. On a previous issue of the Journal of Transcatheter Interventions, we presented a comprehensive review about fractional flow reserve. Despite the robust body of evidence supporting its use, the clinical use of fractional flow reserve is variable, and unreasonably low in many areas around the globe. The perceived increase in procedure time, the use of hyperemic agents with its related costs and patient discomfort, and difficulty in interpreting results in certain anatomical scenarios have contributed to the limited adoption of fractional flow reserve. The introduction of instantaneous wave-free ratio overcame most of these limitations. Supported by sound technical validation, and clinical outcomes data, instantaneous wave-free ratio received the same clinical indications as fractional flow reserve in the most recent guidelines recommendations. This was followed by the introduction of other non- hyperemic pressure ratios for commercial use. In the current manuscript we review the physiological basis that supports the use of non-hyperemic pressure ratios, their technical and clinical validation, clinical outcomes data, and discuss its applications on specific anatomic scenarios, with examples of cases from the authors, whenever applicable.

De-escalação de inibidores dos receptores P2Y12 após intervenção coronária percutânea / P2Y12 inhibitor de-escalation after percutaneous coronary interventions

Em pacientes que apresentam síndromes coronárias agudas e são tratados com intervenção coronária percutânea, a prescrição do esquema antiplaquetário duplo, composto de ácido acetilsalicílico e um inibidor dos receptores P2Y12, é mandatória, contribuindo para a redução de eventos cardíacos maiores. No entanto, ao mesmo tempo em que previne eventos isquêmicos, essa associação pode precipitar complicações hemorrágicas maiores, o que é mais comumente observado quando são prescritos os medicamentos mais potentes, como o prasugrel ou o ticagrelor. Essas constatações levaram à procura de alternativas terapêuticas capazes de manter a proteção contra eventos isquêmicos e, ao mesmo tempo, prevenir a ocorrência de hemorragias. Uma das estratégias que está em estudo é a de-escalação dos inibidores P2Y12, que consiste no uso dos medicamentos mais potentes numa fase precoce após o procedimento, com substituição deles pelo clopidogrel, após um período de, em geral, 30 dias de evolução; outra possibilidade seria a simples redução da dose do fármaco de maior potência, algo que, até o momento, só pode ser cogitado com o prasugrel. A de-escalação pode ser feita de forma guiada, utilizando testes de mensuração objetiva da agregação plaquetária ou exames para avaliar o perfil genético dos pacientes, ou não guiada, na qual o cardiologista simplesmente faz a substituição ou redução da dose ao fim do período estipulado, sem o auxílio de exames complementares. A literatura contempla ensaios clínicos com essas duas opções de estratégia, os quais são discutidos nesta revisão. Até o momento, nenhuma diretriz médica recomenda de forma explícita o uso regular dessa alternativa terapêutica.

In patients who have acute coronary syndromes and are treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, the prescription of a dual antiplatelet regimen, consisting of acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, is mandatory, contributing to the reduction of major cardiac events. However, while preventing ischemic events, this association may precipitate major bleeding complications, which is more commonly seen when more potent drugs, such as prasugrel or ticagrelor, are prescribed. These findings led to the search for therapeutic alternatives that could maintain the protection against ischemic events and, at the same time, prevent the occurrence of hemorrhages. One of the strategies being studied is de-escalation of P2Y12 inhibitors, which consists of the use of more potent drugs in an early phase after the procedure, replacing them with clopidogrel, after a period of, in general, 30 days of clinical course. Another possibility would be to simply reduce the dose of the most potent drug, which so far can only be considered with prasugrel. De-escalation can be done in a guided way, using objective measuring tests of platelet aggregation or exams to assess the genetic profile of patients, or unguided, in which the cardiologist simply replaces or reduces the dose at the end of the stipulated period, with no ancillary tests. The literature includes clinical trials with these two strategy options, which are discussed in this review. So far, no medical guideline explicitly recommends the regular use of this therapeutic alternative.

Ácido acetilsalicílico versus inibidores dos receptores P2Y12 para prevenção secundária em pacientes tratados por meio de intervenção coronária percutânea / Aspirin versus P2Y12 inhibitors for secondary prevention after percutaneous coronary intervention

Na atualidade, as intervenções coronárias percutâneas com implante de um stent farmacológico constituem o principal método de revascularização miocárdica em centros hospitalares terciários, independentemente da forma clínica de apresentação da doença arterial coronária. É de conhecimento geral que, para sua efetivação, há necessidade do uso de um esquema antiplaquetário duplo, constituído pela associação do ácido acetilsalicílico e um inibidor dos receptores plaquetários P2Y12, que é o cerne da prevenção das tromboses após implantes das endopróteses, sendo também indicado para prevenir a ocorrência de eventos aterotrombóticos na evolução clínica tardia, qualquer que seja o modelo de stent utilizado. Após período variável de tempo, independentemente de fatores como forma clínica de apresentação da coronariopatia e do tipo de stent implantado, esse esquema é interrompido, e, na atualidade, as principais diretrizes preconizam a suspensão do inibidor dos receptores P2Y12 e a manutenção do ácido acetilsalicílico em longo prazo como uma das principais medidas farmacológicas de prevenção secundária da aterosclerose. No entanto, recentemente, em razão de sua maior potência antiplaquetária e provável menor potencial de causar hemorragias significantes, em especial no tubo digestivo, os inibidores P2Y12 têm sido considerados alternativa válida e atraente como antiplaquetário de utilização em longo prazo, alternativa ainda não referendada pelas diretrizes. Esta revisão discute os pormenores relacionados a essa importante decisão que deve ser tomada pelo cardiologista no momento da interrupção dos diferentes esquemas antitrombóticos inicialmente utilizados após uma intervenção coronária percutânea. Em princípio, a escassez de estudos clínicos conclusivos e normativos, em especial na população tratada por meio de uma intervenção percutânea, faz com que o ácido acetilsalicílico ainda se mantenha como o único antiagregante plaquetário com indicação classe I com a finalidade de prevenção secundária da aterosclerose.

Currently, percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent implantation is the main method of myocardial revascularization in tertiary care hospitals, regardless of the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease. It is well known that to be effective, it requires the use of a dual antiplatelet therapy, which is a combination of acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor, which plays a key role in preventing thromboses after endoprosthesis implantation and is also indicated to prevent atherothrombotic events in the late clinical course, regardless of the stent model used. After a variable period of time, depending on some factors, such as the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease and the type of stent implanted, this therapy is discontinued, and the main current guidelines recommend interrupting the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and maintaining acetylsalicylic acid in the long term, as one of the main pharmacological measures for secondary prevention of atherosclerosis. However, recently, due to their greater antiplatelet potency and probable lower potential for significant bleeding, especially in the digestive tract, P2Y12 inhibitors have been considered a valid and attractive option as an antiplatelet agent for long-term use; but this alternative has not been endorsed by guidelines yet. This review discusses the details related to this important decision that must be made by cardiologists when discontinuing the different antithrombotic therapies initially used after percutaneous coronary intervention. In principle, the scarcity of conclusive and normative clinical studies, especially in the population treated by percutaneous intervention, means that acetylsalicylic acid is the only antiplatelet agent with class I indication for secondary prevention of atherosclerosis.