Decade Long Temporal Trends in Revascularization for Patients With Diabetes Mellitus (From the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group).

The FREEDOM trial demonstrated superiority of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and multivessel coronary artery disease (MV CAD) as compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug eluting stent (PCI-DES). We sought to study the impact of the FREEDOM trial on clinical practice. We studied trends in the use of CABG vs. PCI and factors associated with revascularization strategy among 6,985 patients with concomitant CAD and MV CAD at 7 centers pre- and post-trial (2008-2012 vs. 2013-2017) as well as hospital outcomes. Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with choice of revascularization strategy among the patients with 3-vessel CAD (3V CAD). 41% of patients had 3V CAD and 18% were ≥75 years of age. While PCI-DES was the preferred strategy in 2-vessel CAD (2V CAD), 72% of patients with 3V CAD underwent CABG. For patients with 3V CAD, the ratio of CABG to PCI-DES procedures was 2.47 over the decade and did not differ pre- and post-trial (adjusted odds ratio (OR) for CABG (vs. PCI) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-1.20). Independent risk factors of CABG among patients with DM and 3V CAD included peripheral arterial disease and absence of prior myocardial infarction and prior PCI. The risk factors for PCI were female sex (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.50-0.73, p<0.001) and age ≥75 (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.72, p<0.001). Center based variability was observed for CABG vs. PCI (center effect, rho=14%, p<0.001). In conclusion, PCI-DES is the preferred strategy for DM patients with MV CAD. Yet, among those with 3V CAD, CABG was chosen in ¾ of patients with no change in clinical practice related to the publication of the FREEDOM trial.

Coronary Revascularization in the Past Two Decades in Japan (From the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG Registries Cohort-1, -2, and -3).

The treatment of coronary artery disease has substantially changed over the past two decades. However, it is unknown whether and how much these changes have contributed to the improvement of long-term outcomes after coronary revascularization. We assessed trends in the demographics, practice patterns and long-term outcomes in 24,951 patients who underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 20,106), or isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n = 4,845) using the data in a series of the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG Registries (Cohort-1 [2000 to 2002]: n = 7,435, Cohort-2 [2005 to 2007]: n = 8,435, and Cohort-3 [2011 to 2013]: n = 9,081). From Cohort-1 to Cohort-3, the patients got progressively older across subsequent cohorts (67.0 ± 10.0, 68.4 ± 9.9, and 69.8 ± 10.2 years, ptrend < 0.001). There was increased use of PCI over CABG (73.5%, 81.9%, and 85.2%, ptrend < 0.001) and increased prevalence of evidence-based medications use over time. The cumulative 3-year incidence of all-cause death was similar across the 3 cohorts (9.0%, 9.0%, and 9.3%, p = 0.74), while cardiovascular death decreased over time (5.7%, 5.1%, and 4.8%, p = 0.03). The adjusted risk for all-cause death and for cardiovascular death progressively decreased from Cohort-1 to Cohort-2 (HR:0.89, 95%CI:0.80 to 0.99, p = 0.03, and HR:0.80, 95%CI:0.70 to 0.92, p = 0.002, respectively), and from Cohort-2 to Cohort-3 (HR:0.86, 95%CI:0.78 to 0.95, p = 0.004, and HR:0.77, 95%CI:0.67-0.89, p < 0.001, respectively). The risks for stroke and repeated coronary revascularization also improved over time. In conclusions, we found a progressive and substantial reduction of adjusted risk for all-cause death, cardiovascular death, stroke, and repeated coronary revascularization over the past two decades in Japan.

10-Year Follow-Up of Patients With Everolimus-Eluting Versus Bare-Metal Stents After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes data for a durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent (EES) at extended long-term follow-up in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the 10-year outcomes of patients enrolled in the EXAMINATION (A Clinical Evaluation of Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stents in the Treatment of Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) trial. METHODS: The EXAMINATION-EXTEND (10-Years Follow-Up of the EXAMINATION Trial) study is an investigator-driven 10-year follow-up of the EXAMINATION trial, which randomly assigned 1,498 patients with STEMI in a 1:1 ratio to receive either EES (n = 751) or bare-metal stents (n = 747). The primary endpoint was a patient-oriented composite endpoint of all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization. Secondary endpoints included a device-oriented composite endpoint of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization; the individual components of the combined endpoints; and stent thrombosis. RESULTS: Complete 10-year clinical follow-up was obtained in 94.5% of the EES group and 95.9% of the bare-metal stent group. Rates of the patient-oriented composite endpoint and device-oriented composite endpoint were significantly reduced in the EES group (32.4% vs. 38.0% [hazard ratio: 0.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.68 to 0.96; p = 0.013] and 13.6% vs. 18.4% [hazard ratio: 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.55 to 0.93; p = 0.012], respectively), driven mainly by target lesion revascularization (5.7% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.018). The rate of definite stent thrombosis was similar in both groups (2.2% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.590). No differences were found between the groups in terms of target lesion revascularization (1.4% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.963) and definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.6% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.703) between 5 and 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: At 10-year follow-up, EES demonstrated confirmed superiority in combined patient- and device-oriented composite endpoints compared with bare-metal stents in patients with STEMI requiring primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Between 5- and 10-year follow-up, a low incidence of adverse cardiovascular events related to device failure was found in both groups. (10-Years Follow-Up of the EXAMINATION Trial; NCT04462315).

Advances in revascularization of the left coronary artery.

Ischaemic heart disease is the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide, and it contributes to a significant source of morbidity and mortality internationally. It can be asymptomatic for many years and present suddenly with acute coronary syndrome or can be progressive with angina and eventual acute myocardial infarction. Diseases of the left coronary system can be drastic and fatal if not managed correctly. With ongoing increase in the practice of percutaneous intervention; patient demographics for conventional coronary artery bypass grafting surgery have more risk factors than before. Conventional bypass surgery has also evolved to include minimally invasive and hybrid techniques. Although some evidence supports each approach, controversies remain.

Implications of Alternative Definitions of Peri-Procedural Myocardial Infarction After Coronary Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Varying definitions of procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) are in widespread use. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the rates and clinical relevance of PMI using different definitions in patients with left main coronary artery disease randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in the EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial. METHODS: The pre-specified protocol definition of PMI (PMIProt) required a large elevation of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), with identical threshold for both procedures. The Third Universal Definition of MI (types 4a and 5) (PMIUD) required lesser biomarker elevations but with supporting evidence of myocardial ischemia, different after PCI and CABG. For the PMIUD, troponins were used preferentially (available in 49.5% of patients), CK-MB otherwise. The multivariable relationship between each PMI type and 5-year mortality was determined. RESULTS: PMIProt occurred in 34 of 935 (3.6%) patients after PCI and 56 of 923 (6.1%) patients after CABG (difference -2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.4% to -0.5%; p = 0.015). The corresponding rates of PMIUD were 37 (4.0%) and 20 (2.2%), respectively (difference 1.8%; 95% CI: 0.2% to 3.4%; p = 0.025). Both PMIProt and PMIUD were associated with 5-year cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 2.18 [95% CI: 1.13 to 4.23] and 2.87 [95% CI: 1.44 to 5.73], respectively). PMIProt was associated with a consistent hazard of cardiovascular mortality after both PCI and CABG (pinteraction = 0.86). Conversely, PMIUD was strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality after CABG (adjusted HR: 11.94; 95% CI: 4.84 to 29.47) but not after PCI (adjusted HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.35 to 3.67) (pinteraction = 0.004). Results were similar for all-cause mortality and with varying PMIUD biomarker definitions. Only large biomarker elevations (CK-MB ≥10× upper reference limit and troponin ≥70× upper reference limit) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of PMI after PCI and CABG vary greatly with different definitions. In the EXCEL trial, the pre-specified PMIProt was associated with similar hazard after PCI and CABG, whereas PMIUD was strongly associated with mortality after CABG but not after PCI. (EXCEL Clinical Trial [EXCEL]; NCT01205776).

Nonculprit Lesion Severity and Outcome of Revascularization in Patients With STEMI and Multivessel Coronary Disease.

BACKGROUND: In the COMPLETE (Complete vs Culprit-only Revascularization to Treat Multi-vessel Disease After Early PCI for STEMI) trial, angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of nonculprit lesions with the aim of complete revascularization reduced major cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and multivessel coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of nonculprit-lesion stenosis severity measured by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) on the benefit of complete revascularization. METHODS: Among 4,041 patients randomized in the COMPLETE trial, nonculprit lesion stenosis severity was measured using QCA in the angiographic core laboratory in 3,851 patients with 5,355 nonculprit lesions. In pre-specified analyses, the treatment effect in patients with QCA stenosis ≥60% versus <60% on the first coprimary outcome of CV death or new MI and the second co-primary outcome of CV death, new MI, or ischemia-driven revascularization was determined. RESULTS: The first coprimary outcome was reduced with complete revascularization in the 2,479 patients with QCA stenosis ≥60% (2.5%/year vs. 4.2%/year; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47 to 0.79), but not in the 1,372 patients with QCA stenosis <60% (3.0%/year vs. 2.9%/year; HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.50; interaction p = 0.02). The second coprimary outcome was reduced in patients with QCA stenosis ≥60% (2.9%/year vs. 6.9%/year; HR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.54) to a greater extent than patients with QCA stenosis <60% (3.3%/year vs. 5.2%/year; HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.89; interaction p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with ST-segment elevation MI and multivessel coronary artery disease, complete revascularization reduced major CV outcomes to a greater extent in patients with stenosis severity of ≥60% compared with <60%, as determined by quantitative coronary angiography.

Coronary Disease Surveillance in the Community: Angiography and Revascularization.

Background Temporal declines in cardiac stress tests results, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality have suggested a decline in the population burden of coronary disease until the 2000s. However, recent data indicate these favorable trends could be ending. We aimed to assess the evolution of the population burden of coronary disease in the community by examining trends in angiography and revascularization. Methods and Results We analyzed age- and sex-adjusted trends from all coronary angiographic diagnostic procedures and revascularizations performed in Olmsted County, MN from 2000 to 2018. A total of 12 981 invasive angiograms were performed among 9049 individuals (64% men; 55% aged ≥65 years). Adjusted angiography rates decreased by 30% (95% CI, 25%-34%) between 2000 and 2009 and leveled off thereafter. Including computed tomography, angiography uncovered an increase in angiography use in recent years (risk ratio=1.15 [95% CI, 1.07-1.23] for 2018 versus 2014) and a decline in the prevalence of anatomic CAD from 2000 to 2018. CAD severity declined substantially from 2000 to 2009, followed by a plateau. Among 6570 revascularizations (72% men; 57% aged ≥65 years), 77% were percutaneous coronary interventions and 23% coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. The adjusted revascularization rates declined by 34% (95% CI, 27%-39%) from 2000 to 2009, followed by a plateau (risk ratio=1.10 [95% CI, 1.00-1.22]). Conclusions Between 2000 and 2018 in the community, coronary angiography use declined initially, leveled off, and then increased. Trends in CAD severity and revascularization use decreased then plateaued. The most recent trends are concerning as they suggest the burden of coronary disease is no longer declining. This warrants reinvigorated primary prevention and population surveillance.

The association of systemic inflammatory markers with indicators of stress and cardiac necrosis in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and revascularization surgeries.

The aim was to investigate: changes of inflammatory, stress and cardiac response in patients undergoing open heart surgeries up to five days after the procedure; the association between inflammatory, stress and cardiac response and whether changes in a certain marker can predict short-term patient outcome. Ninety patients were divided into three groups, 30 participants each (on-pump,off-pump revascularization and valve replacement group). The following markers were measured:complete blood count, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, leptin, resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), cortisol, CK and hsTnT in 5 points. Resistin increased in all three groups. Lower IL-10 levels were found after the surgery and higher levels of leptin and MCP-1 in the off-pump than in the on-pump group. Off-pump group had higher values of IL-6, IL-10, leptin, resistin and MCP-1 and lower levels of CK and hsTnT 24 after surgery than the on-pump group. We found significant correlation between MCP-1 and resistin. The difference between resistin at time points 2 and 3 significantly predicted transfusion needs; while the difference between CRP and resistin before and at the end of the surgery together with the difference between leukocytes at the end and 24 hours after the surgery predicted the use of inotropic agents/vasopressors. Cardiac surgeries cause an increase of inflammatory, stress and cardiac markers. Only resistin correlated with MCP-1 which confirms the link between resistin secreted form infiltrated macrophages and enhanced release of MCP-1.

Reduced rate of revascularization in schizophrenic patients with acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: It has been suggested that patients with schizophrenia have higher than expected mortality following acute coronary events. However, the in-hospital revascularization rate in patients with schizophrenia and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to mentally healthy patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the revascularization rate in schizophrenic patients after AMI with a meta-analysis of observational studies. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Embase electronical databases. STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies that evaluate the likelihood of revascularization in AMI patients with schizophrenia compared to those without schizophrenia, after adjustment for potential influencing factors. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data regarding study design, characteristics of the AMI patients and schizophrenic patients, and strategies of revascularization were extracted. Results were pooled and analyzed with a random effect model to incorporate the potential heterogeneity. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The likelihood of revascularization in AMI patients with schizophrenia compared to those without schizophrenia, after adjustment for potential influencing factors. RESULTS: Overall, 3,260,754 hospitalized AMI patients from six follow-up studies were included, of which 17,875 patients had a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia. Results of this meta-analysis suggest that revascularization was significantly lower in AMI patients with schizophrenia compared to those without schizophrenia (odds ratio [OR]: 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38 to 0.62, p < .001; I2 = 93%), after adjustment for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and hospital and regional factors. Specifically, AMI patients with schizophrenia had significantly fewer percutaneous coronary interventions (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.56, p < .001; I2 = 49%) and coronary artery bypass grafts (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.70, p < .001; I2 = 20%) compared to those without schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients with schizophrenia and AMI have a lower rate of coronary revascularization as compared with patients without schizophrenia, which is an important cause of higher-than-expected mortality rate in this population.

Changing Trends in the Landscape of Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction (2001 to 2011) (from the Worcester Heart Attack Study).

During the past several decades, new diagnostic tools, interventional approaches, and population-wide changes in the major coronary risk factors have taken place. However, few studies have examined relatively recent trends in the demographic characteristics, clinical profile, and the short-term outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from the more generalizable perspective of a population-based investigation. We examined decade long trends (2001 to 2011) in patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment practices, and hospital outcomes among residents of the Worcester metropolitan area hospitalized with an initial AMI (n = 3,730) at all 11 greater Worcester medical centers during 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011. The average age of the study population was 68.5 years and 56.9% were men. Patients hospitalized with a first AMI during the most recent study years were significantly younger (mean age = 69.9 years in 2001/2003; 65.2 years in 2009/2011), had lower serum troponin levels, and experienced a shorter hospital stay compared with patients hospitalized during the earliest study years. Hospitalized patients were more likely to received evidence-based medical management practices over the decade long period under study. Multivariable-adjusted regression models showed a considerable decline over time in the hospital death rate and a significant reduction in the proportion of patients who developed atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and ventricular fibrillation during their acute hospitalization. These results highlight the changing nature of patients hospitalized with an incident AMI, and reinforce the need for surveillance of AMI at the community level.

Non-infarct related artery microvascular obstruction is associated with worse persistent diastolic dysfunction in patients with revascularized ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Infarct-artery (IRA) microvascular obstruction (MVO) is associated with diastolic dysfunction (DD) in STEMI patients. However, association between nonIRA MVO and DD in STEMI patients remains unknown. We hypothesized that revascularized STEMI patients with IRA and nonIRA MVO (IRA + nonIRA+), compared to those without nonIRA MVO (IRA + nonIRA-), have worse DD at presentation and long-term follow-up. METHODS: 87 IRA-revascularized STEMI patients had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [to evaluate MVO] and TTE (to evaluate diastolic function) within 1 week of presentation. Diastolic function was re-assessed by TTE at 3.97 ± 3.24 years. Baseline and follow-up DD prevalence and grade were studied in IRA + nonIRA + vs. IRA + nonIRA- MVO patients. RESULTS: 54 (62%) patients were IRA + nonIRA+ and 33 (38%) IRA + nonIRA-at baseline. IRA + nonIRA + patients had higher DD frequency at baseline (40.7 vs. 6.1%, p = 0.006) and follow-up (50.0 vs. 13.0%, p = 0.05). Only IRA + nonIRA + patients had increase in mitral medial E/e' (20.0%, p = 0.043) and trend towards increase in mitral E/A (31.1%, p = 0.063) at follow-up. IRA + nonIRA + patients had greater left atrial volume index increase (23.7%, p = 0.032 vs. 15.5%, p = 0.029) and smaller prolongation in deceleration time (15.4%, p = 0.018 vs. 18.7%, p = 0.044) at follow-up compared to IRA + nonIRA-. Grade 1 DD increased (60.9-73.9%) and combined grades 2/3 decreased (30.4-13.0%) at follow-up in IRA + nonIRA-patients. In contrast, grade 1 DD decreased (77.8-61.1%) and combined grades 2/3 increased (8.3-22.2%) at follow-up in IRA + nonIRA + patients. CONCLUSION: Concurrent IRA and nonIRA MVO in revascularized STEMI patients is associated with higher DD prevalence and worse DD grade on long-term follow-up.

Nationwide trends in acute coronary syndrome by subtype in New Zealand 2006-2016.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have reported mixed results for trends in ACS subtypes. The All New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement (ANZACS-QI) 31 study evaluated trends in ACS event rates, invasive management and mortality of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) in New Zealand. METHODS: All ACS hospitalisations between 2006 and 2016 were identified from routinely collected national data and categorised into STEMI, NSTEMI, UA and MI unspecified (MIU). Annual hospitalisation, coronary procedure, 28-day and 1-year mortality rates were calculated and trends tested using Poisson regression adjusting for age and sex. RESULTS: Over the 11-year study period, there were 188 264 ACS admissions, of which 16.0% were STEMI, 54.5% NSTEMI, 25.7% UA and 3.8% MIU. Event rates of all ACS subtypes fell: STEMI by 3.4%/year, NSTEMI by 5.9%/year and UA by 8.5%/year, while the proportion of patients with ACS receiving angiography and revascularisation increased by 5.6% per year. Rates of percutaneous coronary intervention rose for STEMI, NSTEMI and UA, but coronary artery bypass grafting increased only for NSTEMI and UA. Mortality at 28 days and 1 year was higher for STEMI than NSTEMI and lowest for UA. There was a relative 1.6%/year decline in 1 year mortality for NSTEMI (p<0.001), but no significant change for STEMI and UA. CONCLUSIONS: We observed declines in the event rates of all ACS subtypes and increases in revascularisation rates. The finding that mortality declined in patients with NSTEMI, but not in patients with STEMI and UA, despite increases in invasive procedures, requires further investigation.

Trends, Outcomes, and Predictors of Revascularization in Cardiogenic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) carries high mortality and morbidity. Early revascularization is an important strategy in management of these patients. We sought to determine the outcomes and predictors of revascularization among patients with CS. Patients with CS and acute myocardial infarction were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from January 2002 to December 2014 using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Subsequently, patients who underwent revascularization were then selected. A total of 118,618 patients with CS were identified. Out of these, about 55,735 (47%) patients underwent revascularization. Mean age of patients who underwent revascularization was lower when compared with patients not who underwent revascularization (66.40 vs 72.24 years, p < 0.01). Patients who underwent revascularization had lower mortality when compared with patients not who underwent revascularization (25.1% vs 52.2%, p < 0.01). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanical circulatory support devices were often utilized more in patients who underwent revascularization. Overall, we found modest increased trend of revascularization over our study years with decline in mortality. Female gender, weekend admission, drug abuse, pulmonary hypertension, anemia, renal failure, neurological disorders, malignancy were associated with lower odds of revascularization. In conclusion, in this large nationally represented US population sample of CS patients, we found revascularization rate of about 47% with improvement in overall mortality over our study years.

Management, hospital outcome and revascularization trends in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with high GRACE risk score.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical characteristics, management strategies and in-hospital outcome among high-risk patients of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tabba Heart Institute, Karachi, and comprised data from July 2013 to December 2016 of adult non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients who had first cardiac event having Global Registry of Acute Coronary Eventsrisk score>140. Subcategories were formed on the basis of score range 140-159, 160-189 and ?190.Stata 12.1 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 817 patients, 567(69.4%) were men. Overall, mean age was 66.3}9.3 years. Coronary angiography was performed in 692(84.4%). With higher risk score categories, there was less frequent use of guideline directed medical therapy, coronary angiography and percutaneous or surgical revascularisation (p<0.05 each). Overall mortality was 59(7.2%). Mortality rates increased with increase in risk score subcategory (p<0.05). Multivariable model identified higher risk score category, no revascularisation and lack of guideline directed medical therapy as significant independent predictors of mortality (p<0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality increased with higher risk score category. Paradoxically, high-risk patients were less likely to receive guideline directed medical therapy, to undergo coronary angiography and revascularisation, possibly suggesting a risk aversion approach by the treating physicians.

Extent of Myocardial Ischemia on Positron Emission Tomography and Survival Benefit With Early Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) have shown a survival benefit with early revascularization in patients with >10% to 12.5% ischemic myocardium. The relationship among positron emission tomography (PET)-derived extent of ischemia, early revascularization, and survival is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association among percent ischemia on PET MPI, revascularization, and survival. METHODS: A total of 16,029 unique consecutive patients who were undergoing Rubidium-82 rest-stress PET MPI from 2010 to 2016 were included. Patients with known cardiomyopathy and nondiagnostic perfusion results were excluded. Percent ischemic myocardium was estimated from a 17-segment model. Propensity scoring was used to account for nonrandomized referral to early revascularization (90 days of PET). A Cox model was developed, adjusting for propensity scores for early revascularization and percent ischemia, and an interaction between ischemia and early revascularization was tested. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 3.7 years. Overall, 1,277 (8%) patients underwent early revascularization and 2,493 (15.6%) died (738 cardiac). Nearly 37% of patients (n = 5,902) had ischemia, with 13.5% (n = 2,160) having ≥10%. In propensity-adjusted analyses, there was a significant interaction between ischemia and early revascularization (p < 0.001 for all-cause and cardiac death), such that patients with greater ischemia had improved survival with early revascularization, with a potential ischemia threshold at 5% (upper limit 95% confidence interval at 10%). There was no differential association between ischemia and early revascularization on death based on history of known coronary artery disease (interaction p = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing PET MPI, patients with greater ischemia had a survival benefit from early revascularization. On exploratory analyses, this threshold was lower than that previously reported for SPECT. These findings require future validation in prospective cohorts or trials.

What will surgical coronary revascularization look like in 25 years?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Coronary artery bypass grafting evolved in incremental but significant steps since its introduction. Here, we provide an update on operative techniques, choice of conduits, patient selection/decision-making and primary and secondary prevention measures with potential of influencing the future of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Associated mortality of off-pump CABG (OPCAB) procedures performed in high-volume OPCAB centers (≥164 cases per year) and by experienced surgeons (≥48 cases per year) was reduced compared with on-pump CABG with two or more grafts suggesting a volume-based dependency of outcomes in CABG procedures with high-technical complexity. Ten-year results from the recent Arterial Revascularization Trial showed no significant between-group difference for the primary and secondary outcome. Total arterial revascularization using composite bilateral internal mammary artery-Y-conduits through a limited access mini-thoracotomy was not only shown to be feasible but a safe and reproducible procedure with excellent midterm outcomes. The most recent Randomized Trial of Endoscopic or Open Vein-Graft Harvesting for Coronary-Artery Bypass (REGROUP) trial demonstrated no significant difference between open vein-graft harvesting and endoscopic vein-graft harvesting in the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events. SUMMARY: Adherence to the most recent guidelines on myocardial revascularization is a key component for providing state-of the CABG surgery. Trends to lesser invasiveness in surgical coronary revascularization will gain momentum and is expected - with further improvements - to be the mainstay of future surgical coronary revascularization strategies.

A comparison of angina symptoms reported by clinicians and patients, pre and post revascularisation: Insights from the Stent or Surgery Trial.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data comparing the consistency of angina reporting by patients and clinicians. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from the randomised Stent or Surgery (SoS) trial. The trial required reporting of angina using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification by both patients and clinicians at baseline and twelve months. We compared paired observations to describe the magnitude and direction of differences in clinician and patient reporting. The difference in CCS grade was expressed as the clinician minus patient value. We also examined the proportion of trial subjects reported as being free from angina (CCS = 0) in clinician and patient reporting. RESULTS: Paired CCS data was available for 912 and 887 cases at baseline and 12 months respectively. At baseline, clinicians reported freedom from angina in a single case (1/912 = 0.1%) compared to 70/912 (7.7%) patients (Delta 7.6% 95% CI 5.8 to 9.3, P ≤0.001). At 12 months, the position was reversed, with clinicians reporting 639/887 (72%) angina free compared to 449/887 (50.6%) for patients (Delta -21.4 95% CI -17.1 to -25.8 P ≤ 0.001). For the reported CCS grade at follow-up, the weighted linear kappa for overall agreement was 0.312. Discordant reporting involved the clinician suggesting less angina rather than more (36% v 8% of cases). CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for our perception of previous research which has, in the main, focussed on clinician reporting. This emphasises the importance of patient reporting and a need to better understand reasons for discordance.