A Case of Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Alteplase Immediately After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Which Procedures or Surgeries are Considered Contraindications to Thrombolytics?

Undergoing a major surgery within 14 days is considered a contraindication for intravenous alteplase. However, there is no consensus as to what qualifies as major surgery or an invasive procedure. Occasionally, determining whether a procedure is "invasive" or too risky in the setting of emergency ischemic stroke thrombolytic management can be challenging. Stroke neurologists may not be able to make such a decision on their own. Guidance or clearance from the physicians who performed the procedure is essential. We report the case of a patient who received intravenous alteplase after developing a stroke immediately following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Impact of Baseline Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

We sought to assess the impact of diastolic dysfunction (DD) grade, as per the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines, on survival of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We included consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI in our institution. DD grading was determined retrospectively according to the 2016 ASE DD guidelines and categorized to grade I-III and indeterminate grade I-II DD. Comparison of 1-year survival according to DD grade was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and evaluation of DD at 1 year was performed in a subset of patients. Among 606 TAVI patients, 394 (65%) had sufficient data for DD grading. Seventy-seven (20%) had grade I DD, 191 (48%) had grade II, 60 (15%) had grade III, and 66 (17%) had an indeterminate grade between I and II. Baseline characteristics indicate higher rates of atrial fibrillation, brain natriuretic peptide level, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and indexed left ventricular mass as DD grade increases (all p ≤0.01). In conclusion, comparison of 1-year survival revealed a higher rate of mortality in patients with grade III DD that remained statistically significant following adjustment in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. DD grade after TAVI improved in patients with grades II and III. Severe AS patients with grade III DD have higher risk for 1-year mortality after TAVI compared with milder degrees of DD. Further research is warranted to explore a potential benefit for aortic valve therapy at an earlier stage of the disease process.

Utility of an additive frailty tests index score for mortality risk assessment following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The impact of frailty assessment on outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the individual effect of each frailty test and the utility of an additive frailty index score on short- and long-term survival following TAVR. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive TAVR patients for whom a complete set of frailty tests was obtained: algorithm defined grip strength and 5-m walking tests, body mass index <20 kg/m2, Katz activities of daily living ≤4/6, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL. Frailty status was defined as having 3 or more positive frailty tests. Included were 498 patients with a mean age of 82±8 years. RESULTS: Frailty status, observed in 266 (53%) patients, was associated with both 30-day and 1-year mortality (6% vs. 2%, P=.016; 20% vs. 9%, P<.001; within the respective frailty groups). As compared to 0-2 frailty criteria, a higher frailty index score was associated with increased risk of death at 1 year (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.14-4.34; P=.019 and OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.36-8.00; P=.008 for 3 and 4-5 frailty criteria met, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, frailty status was correlated with 1-year mortality (HR=2.2; 95%CI 1.25-3.96; P=.007), and a higher frailty index was associated with increased mortality risk (HR=2.0; 95% CI 1.08-3.7; P=.027; and HR=3.07; 95% CI 1.4-6.7; P=.005; for any 3, and 4-5 frailty criteria, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty status and a higher frailty index score were associated with increased 1-year mortality risk following TAVR.

Intraprocedural invasive hemodynamic parameters as predictors of short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of invasive hemodynamic parameters as prognostic markers of mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. BACKGROUND: The value of invasive intraprocedural hemodynamic evaluation of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement is unclear. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR and had complete prospectively collected intraprocedural invasive hemodynamic parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with alternative access, planned general anesthesia, or baseline ≥moderate Tricuspid Regurgitation were excluded. Pre- and post-valve implant parameters included heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, cardiac output and index, pulmonary arterial systolic and diastolic pressures, transaortic pressure gradient and right atrial pressure. The primary end points were the association of the intraprocedural hemodynamic changes with all-cause mortality at 30days and 1year. Extensive Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses yielded dichotomized threshold of hemodynamic values in association with the binary outcome of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (52% male, mean age 83years) were evaluated. A significant association with 30-day and 1-year mortality was found between intraprocedural post-valve implant cardiac index <1.9 vs. ≥1.9L/min/m2 (Log-ranked p=0.0286 and p=0.0432, respectively). Four subgroups with pre- and post-valve implant CI changes (L/min/m2) were compared: [1] pre<1.9, stable_post<1.9; [2] pre<1.9, improved_post≥1.9; [3] pre≥1.9, stable_post≥1.9; and [4] pre≥1.9, worsened_post<1.9. Group 1 (lower CI with no post-valve improvement) had the worst survival, and Group 3 (higher CI and stable post-valve) had the best survival at 1-year follow-up (Log-ranked p=0.0089). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR, invasive monitoring can assess for hemodynamic prognostic markers of survival.

Management and Outcome of Residual Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

We aimed to evaluate the success rates of balloon valvuloplasty post-dilation (BVPD) and a second-valve deployment in reducing residual aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and its impact on outcome. Residual AR immediately post-TAVI in patients with aortic stenosis is a common condition that adversely affects outcome. Patients who underwent TAVI who had more-than-mild residual AR were managed either with medical therapy, re-intervention with BVPD, or a second valve. The clinical impact of these strategies was evaluated, and the anatomical features of patients with successful and unsuccessful intervention were compared. Among 572 patients with TAVI, 110 (19%) had significant residual AR after initial device deployment. Sixty patients were treated by BVPD (n = 49) or second-device deployment (n = 11), whereas 50 patients were treated medically. Successful reduction in residual AR to mild and below was achieved in 56% of the intervention group. Eccentric and calcified annuli were present in patients in whom residual AR remained despite re-intervention (p = 0.004). Interventions to reduce residual AR were independently associated with improved survival compared with conservative medical therapy (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.21, p = 0.03). BVPD or a second valve were safe and were not associated with increased rate of periprocedural complications. In conclusion, both BVPD and a second-valve deployment to reduce residual AR post-TAVI are effective and safe. The success rates are inversely correlated with the annulus eccentricity and calcification. These measures should be encouraged to reduce acute residual AR as they are associated with improved long-term survival.

Comparison of Baseline Characteristics and Inhospital Outcomes of Patients and Use of Bare Metal Versus Drug-Eluting Stents During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention 2005 to 2015 at a Single Tertiary Hospital.

With steady growth in the use of drug-eluting stents (DES), the indications for bare metal stents (BMS) have significantly changed over the last decade. This study aims to describe trends in the use of BMS and the evolution of the population receiving them over the past 10 years and determine patient characteristics associated with using BMS. Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the Washington Hospital Center from January 2005 through March 2015 were included. Baseline characteristics and inhospital outcomes of patients who underwent PCI with BMS versus DES were compared during 2 different time periods: from 2005 to 2010 and from 2011 to 2015. Multivariable analyses were performed for each period of time to determine independent variables associated with the choice of BMS rather than DES; 20,321 patients who underwent PCI were included in the present study. The mean age was 65.0 ± 12.5 years, 65.2% were men, and 30.4% were black. BMS use peaked in 2007 (47%) but has fallen steadily since; BMS accounted for only 10% of stents used in 2015. Presentation with acute coronary syndrome or cardiogenic shock was more common in patients receiving a BMS; this was reflected in higher rates of inhospital mortality and major bleeding among patients receiving BMS versus DES. Covariables independently associated with receiving a BMS common to both time periods included black race, Hispanic ethnicity, cardiogenic shock or acute coronary syndrome, oral anticoagulation, current smoking, increasing age, lower hematocrit, and history of chronic renal insufficiency. In conclusion, there has been a precipitous decline in the use of BMS over the last decade. Newer stent technology that promises shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy is likely to lead to the extinction of BMS over the next decade.

Outcome of implantation of a second self-expanding valve for the treatment of residual significant aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Residual aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with adverse outcome. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of second CoreValve (CV) implantation to treat residual AR following the initial CV deployment. METHODS AND RESULTS: TAVR patients treated with a second CV due to moderate and above residual AR were compared to single device implantation. Valvular function parameters were compared at baseline, post procedure, and 30 days. Among 172 CV TAVR patients, 11 required a second device (6%) due to significant residual AR. The main differences between the groups were higher rates of low ejection fraction in patients with 2 CV implanted and higher annular diameter (27 [29-25] vs. 25 [26-24] mm, P = 0.03), requiring a larger device. Although two patients in the two CV group had high initial implantation, low implantation was similar between the groups. A second CV achieved adequate reduction in residual AR in six patients (55%), while an additional four patients had moderate residual AR. Only one remained with moderate to severe AR after 30 days follow-up. There were no cases of peri-procedural stroke or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Second implantation of self-expanding valve can successfully reduce residual significant AR following initial CV implantation and should be considered as therapeutic option for this population. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of right ventricular function on outcome of severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of cardiac patients and is considered a risk factor for adverse outcome according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess the impact of RV function at baseline on 1-year mortality among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: All patients with severe AS treated with TAVR from May 2007 to March 2015 at our center were included in the present study, and baseline and procedural characteristics were recorded for each patient. The patients were categorized according to RV function at baseline as assessed by current guidelines, and a comparison of mortality rates up to 1 year was performed. RESULTS: Among 650 patients, 606 had adequate echocardiogram quality and 146 (24%) had RV dysfunction. There were significant differences between the 2 groups, as patients with RV dysfunction were younger (81±9 vs 84±7 years, P=.01) and were more likely to be male (65% vs 42%, P<.001). In addition, patients with RV dysfunction had higher rates of prior myocardial infarction (26% vs 16%, P=.02) and atrial fibrillation (51% vs 39%, P=.02). Echocardiographic parameters demonstrated higher rates of left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (40% vs 18%, P<.001), tricuspid regurgitation above moderate (16% vs 9%, P=.04), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (50±17 vs 44±16 mm Hg, P<.001) among patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction compared with patients with normal RV function. Despite the unfavorable cardiac function, patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR have similar functional class (P=.22) and mortality rates at 1year (27% vs 23%, log-rank P=.45). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe AS and RV dysfunction have similar 1-year mortality and functional class after TAVR to patients with normal RV function. The presence of RV dysfunction does not correlate with outcome in patients with severe AS.

Comparison of Platelet Reactivity in Black Versus White Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes After Treatment With Ticagrelor.

Ticagrelor, a potent platelet inhibitor, has primarily been studied in white patients. Platelet reactivity among black patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on ticagrelor, however, is unknown. Our objective was to compare platelet reactivity in black versus white patients with ACS treated with ticagrelor. We conducted a prospective, pharmacodynamic study of 29 black patients with ACS treated with ticagrelor. Platelet reactivity was assessed at 1, 4, and 8 hours after a loading dose of ticagrelor 180 mg and at 30 days on a maintenance dose of ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily. Assays included light transmission aggregometry, VerifyNow P2Y12, and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. We provided comparison with a historical white cohort. Platelet reactivity among blacks with ACS on ticagrelor was similar to that in whites, except that blacks had lower values at 4 hours, 8 hours, and on maintenance therapy for light transmission aggregometry with 20 µmol/L adenosine diphosphate. Among blacks, high-on-treatment platelet reactivity for all 3 assays was uncommon at 1 hour and nonexistent at 4 hours, 8 hours, and while on maintenance therapy. Blacks preloaded with clopidogrel (n = 17) had significantly lower results of VerifyNow (64 ± 65 vs 198 ± 86, p <0.001) and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (12.8 ± 21.6 vs 58.9 ± 19.9, p <0.001) at 1 hour compared with those with no clopidogrel preload. In conclusion, among patients with ACS receiving ticagrelor, levels of platelet reactivity in blacks are similar to that in whites. This suggests that the cardiovascular benefits of ticagrelor observed in the platelet inhibition and patient outcomes (PLATO) trial are likely to be observed in blacks and whites.

Choice of Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Impacts Hemodynamics Differently According to Aortic Annular Size.

We sought to determine whether balloon-expandable valve (BEV) and self-expanding valve (SEV) affect valve hemodynamics differently according to native aortic annulus size. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can achieve superior prosthetic valve hemodynamics compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, particularly in patients with small aortic annulus. One hundred ninety-three consecutive transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients were grouped into tertiles defined by computed tomography derived aortic annulus systolic perimeter. The predischarge echocardiogram was analyzed for prosthetic valve hemodynamics. Tertile perimeter cutoffs were 73 and 80 mm. STS score decreased as annulus size increased (7.8% vs 7.6% vs 6.0%, p ≤0.05 for small, medium, and large annulus, respectively). In patients with small aortic annulus, SEV was associated with significantly higher dimensionless index (0.64 vs 0.53, p = 0.02) and lower peak velocity (1.8 vs 2.4 m/sec, p <0.001) and a trend toward lower mean gradient (7.5 vs 10.0 mm Hg, p = 0.07) compared with BEV. These differences were attenuated and absent in patients with medium and large annulus, respectively. Few patients had moderate/severe paravalvular leak, with no association with valve type or annulus size. There was no difference in mortality between tertiles or valve type at 30 days or 1 year. There was no association between aortic annulus perimeter and 1-year mortality by univariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.05, p = 0.86) or multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p = 0.60). In conclusion, SEV hemodynamics was superior to BEV in patients with small aortic annulus. This difference was diminished in patients with larger aortic annulus. This study highlights the importance of valve selection in patients with small aortic annulus.

Comparison of transradial and transfemoral access in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for complex coronary lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of transradial versus transfemoral access for complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with regard to both complications and long-term outcomes. BACKGROUND: Radial access has been shown to confer superior results in patients undergoing PCI, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, radial access has limitations of sheath and device size, which may increase procedure time and result in inferior outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing PCI for complex lesions, defined as type C according the ACC/AHA classification system, were included in this study. Propensity matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Transradial patients were then compared to transfemoral patients in regard to procedural, in-hospital, and 6-month outcomes. RESULTS: Among 2142 patients with 2591 lesions treated, 1876 had femoral access and 267 had radial access. Radial access patients were more likely to be male (75% vs. 66%, P = 0.003) and less likely to present with acute myocardial infarction (27% vs. 42%, P < 0.001). Procedural characteristics demonstrated lower use of heparin in the femoral group (17% vs. 73%, P < 0.001) with similarly low use of glycoprotein inhibitors (5.6% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.14). Patients in the femoral group had higher rates of transfusions (3.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.004) and vascular complications (1.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.03). Following propensity matching, there was no difference in mid-term outcomes between radial and femoral groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complex coronary lesions undergoing PCI, the radial approach demonstrates similar mid-term outcomes as the femoral approach with a potentially lower rate of complications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The utilisation of the cardiovascular automated radiation reduction X-ray system (CARS) in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory aids in the reduction of the patient radiation dose.

AIMS: The radiation exposure resulting from cardiovascular procedures may increase the risk of cancer, and/or cause skin injury. Whether the novel cardiovascular automated radiation reduction X-ray system (CARS) can help reduce the patient radiation dose in daily clinical practice remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in patient radiation dose with the use of CARS in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory (CCL). METHODS AND RESULTS: This study retrospectively analysed 1,403 consecutives patients who underwent a cardiac catheterisation with coronary angiography (CA) and/or a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Brest University Hospital over the course of one year. Patient radiation doses (dose area product and air kerma) were collected and compared between the CCL with (new CCL) and without (control CCL) CARS. Additionally, the patient radiation doses according to femoral versus radial access, procedural complexity and body mass index were compared. The radiation lesion position on the skin was assessed by automatically optimising the X-ray source to image distance (SID) and subsequently generating a radiation Dose-Map for those procedures exceeding 3 Gray of exposure. Overall, 447 patients underwent procedures in the control CCL and 956 in the new CCL. Baseline patient and procedural characteristics were similar between the two groups, with the exception of male gender and primary PCI, which were more prevalent in the new CCL group. Compared to the control CCL, the utilisation of the CARS in the new CCL resulted in a reduction of dose area product by 46% for CA, 56% for PCI alone and 54% for CA and PCI during the same procedure. Of note, radial access generated a higher radiation dose than femoral access (p<0.001). In this study, seven patients had an air kerma exceeding 3 Gray; however, only one patient had a skin dose greater than 3 Gray. CONCLUSIONS: The utilisation of the CARS resulted in a significant reduction in patient radiation doses compared to the control equipment. A real-time Dose-Map may help the operator change the projection during complex procedures to reduce the patient skin dose.

What should a fellow-in-training expect at national cardiovascular conferences? The interventional cardiology fellows' perspective.

BACKGROUND: It has become challenging for cardiovascular fellows-in-training (FIT) to determine which national cardiovascular conference (NCC) to attend given the broad range of meetings and the breadth of information offered. The aim of this study was to report our own experiences of the utility and individual strengths of the NCCs and to further understand the interventional cardiology (IC) FITs' viewpoint regarding the benefits of the individual NCCs. METHODS: A survey was formulated with questions and scenarios regarding topics deemed to be of highest importance for an IC-FIT. The survey emphasized experiences regarding the utility and benefits of the NCCs, time management, optimization of acquired education, and specific interests in clinical and research topics. The completely anonymous survey was sent via an email format to a total of 234, majority of IC (fourth and fifth years) and a minority of general (third year), FITs. RESULTS: A completed survey response was received from 131 of the fellows (56%). The results demonstrated that the IC-FITs endorsed that the small, focused sub-specialty interventional meetings vs. the large society general meetings were more beneficial in regard to the didactic education offered. In addition, the IC-FITs indicated that pre-planning for the meetings is the most beneficial approach in optimizing one's education and that the caliber of expert faculty, case-based and live-case presentations are among the most important aspects of the meetings. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional cardiology FITs prefer the small sub-specialty interventional meetings over the large society general NCCs in regard to the benefits of didactic learning.

Impact of baseline mitral regurgitation on short- and long-term outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of concomitant significant mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) ranges from 2% to 33%. The impact of significant MR on post-TAVR outcomes remains controversial. METHODS: The data from a cohort of patients with symptomatic severe AS undergoing TAVR at out institution were retrospectively analyzed. The last transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) before the index TAVR procedure was selected as the baseline assessment of the degree of MR. The total study cohort (N = 589) was divided into 2 groups: significant ≥moderate MR (n = 68) versus nonsignificant

A single center experience of Zilver PTX for femoro-popliteal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trial data show overall favorable outcomes of paclitaxel-eluting stents for treatment of femoro-popliteal (FP) occlusive disease. However, external validity of trial results may be restricted to less complex FP lesions, and limited data on outcomes of paclitaxel-eluting stents in real world practice have been published. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data of all patients who received Zilver® PTX® for FP lesion from February 2013 to October 2014 at our center. The primary endpoint was primary patency, defined as peak systolic velocity ratio <2.0 by Doppler ultrasound, or angiographic diameter stenosis <50%, or freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients received Zilver® PTX® for FP lesions in the pre-specified time period. Of them, 63 had follow-up data and were included in this study. Mean patient age was 66.3±9.4years, and 57.1% of the patients were men. Participants had a high prevalence of diabetes (49.2%), hypertension (93.7%), hyperlipidemia (93.7%), previous coronary revascularization (52.4%), or previous peripheral arterial disease (77.8%). Critical limb ischemia was present in 25.4% of the patients, Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) class C or D in 76.2%, in-stent restenosis (ISR) in 36.5%, and total occlusion in 69.8%. Mean lesion length was 218.9±128.3mm, mean number of stents was 2.02±1.0, and total stent length was 189.0±128.5mm. Mean follow-up was 270.4±190.3days. Primary patency rate at 1year was 66.7% by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. When compared with patients with primary patency at follow up, those with an adverse outcome had higher prevalence of TASC II class C or D lesions (100% vs. 68.8%, p=0.013), and were more likely to have ISR (66.7% vs. 27.1%, p=0.012), longer lesion (291.3±138.7 vs. 195.7±117.1, p=0.011), and incomplete coverage of the lesion (full coverage of lesions: 40% vs. 77.1%, p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Post marketing use of Zilver® PTX® for the treatment of FP lesions is associated with lower patency rates compared with clinical trial data. This may be related to the high prevalence of TASC II class C or D lesions and ISR in real world practice. Future studies should be more representative of contemporary clinical practice.

Impact of transfemoral versus transapical access on mortality among patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: To compare early and late mortality of transfemoral (TF) and transapical (TA) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients and assess predictors for mortality. BACKGROUND: Studies have shown conflicting results regarding impact of access on outcome in severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing TAVR. METHODS: AS patients undergoing TAVR between May 2007-December 2014 were included. Baseline demographic, clinical, and imaging parameters were compared according to access, and landmark analysis models were generated to assess outcomes and associated factors. RESULTS: Among 648 severe AS patients undergoing TAVR, TF was used in 516 and TA in 132. Baseline characteristics between groups demonstrated lower body mass index, higher STS score, and rate of peripheral vascular disease among TA patients. Procedural complications were more common in the TA group, especially major bleeding (15% vs. 6%, p<0.001) and acute kidney injury >1 (8% vs. 1.4%, p<0.001). Landmark analysis demonstrated higher cumulative mortality rates at 30days among TA than TF patients (log-rank p<0.001), with similar mortality after 30days and up to 1-year (13% in both log-rank p=0.64). In a multivariate model, TA was an independent predictor of early mortality (HR=4.55 95% CI [12.5-1.6], p=0.003) along with pulmonary artery systolic pressure>60mmHg (HR=3.08 95% CI [7.37-1.29], p=0.01) and residual aortic regurgitation severity above mild (HR=3.99 95% CI [10.2-1.56], p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing TAVR via TA have higher adjusted early mortality and similar late mortality rates compared to TF, despite higher risk profile.

Intracoronary Brachytherapy for Recurrent Drug-Eluting Stent Failure.

OBJECTIVES: The study sought to report safety and long-term clinical efficacy of intravascular brachytherapy (VBT) for recurrent drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (DES-ISR). BACKGROUND: Recurrent DES-ISR remains a therapeutic challenge, and VBT has been used selectively in recurrent DES failure. METHODS: Patients undergoing VBT for recurrent DES-ISR were enrolled from a percutaneous coronary intervention registry. Clinical, procedural, VBT, and outcome data were collected for DES-ISR treated with radiation. Follow-up was obtained by phone call and clinic visits. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients (283 lesions) were included. Mean age was 65 ± 11 years, and 115 (61.8%) were men. Mean time to failure from last failed DES implantation was 450.65 ± 50 days. Majority (95%) had >2 episodes of target lesion revascularization (TLR). Commonest presentation of DES-ISR was unstable angina (68, 30%). All lesions were treated with balloon angioplasty followed by VBT using Beta-Cath system (Best Vascular Inc., Springfield, Virginia) with a dose of 23 to 25 Gy at 2 mm from source center. Radiation was delivered to site of ISR, without procedural adverse events, in 99% cases. Incidence of TLR was 3.3% at 6 months, 12.1% at 1 year, 19.1% at 2 years, and 20.7% at 3 years. No subacute thrombosis event was noted. One patient had late thrombosis during a 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: VBT for recurrent DES-ISR is safe, with low recurrence rates at 12 months post-procedure, and can be safely used as an effective short-term strategy. Overtime, there is a gradual attrition in patency requiring repeat intervention.

Comparison of clinical outcomes with the utilization of monitored anesthesia care vs. general anesthesia in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear consensus in regard to the optimal anesthesia utilization during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim was to compare outcomes of transfemoral (TF) TAVR under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) vs. general anesthesia (GA) and evaluate the rates and causes of intra-procedural MAC failure. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent TF TAVR from April 2007 through March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed and dichotomized into two groups: TAVR under MAC vs. GA. The main endpoints of the study included 30-day and 1-year mortality, the rates and reasons for failure of MAC, in-hospital clinical safety outcomes, and post-procedural hospital and intensive care unit length-of-stays. RESULTS: A total of 533 patients (51% male, mean-age 83years) underwent TF TAVR under MAC (n=467) or GA (n=66). Fifty-six patients (12%) in the MAC group required conversion to GA. The MAC group had significantly shorter post-procedural hospital (6.0 vs. 7.9, p=0.023) and numerically shorter ICU (2.4 vs. 2.8, p=0.355) mean length-of-stays in days. The clinical safety outcomes were similar in both groups. Kaplan-Meier unadjusted cumulative in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were higher in the GA group but similar in both groups at 1-year. CONCLUSIONS: TF TAVR under MAC is feasible and safe, results in shorter hospital stays, can be performed in the majority of cases, and should be utilized as the default strategy. Trans-esophageal echocardiography utilization during TAVR with MAC is safe and feasible. The most common cause for conversion of MAC to GA is cardiac instability and hypotension. The complete heart team should be available at all times in case the need arises for a rapid conversion to GA.

The adjunctive use of Angio-Seal in femoral vascular closure following percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the adjunctive technique of Angio-Seal (AS) use to augment the dual Perclose ProGlide (PP) in achieving haemostasis in patients undergoing transfemoral percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients who underwent TAVR from May 2007 to January 2015 via a planned transfemoral percutaneous approach with a dual PP pre-close strategy were retrospectively analysed. This cohort was divided into two groups: dual PP versus dual PP with adjunctive AS (PP+AS) use based on the specific status of intraprocedural haemostasis. The baseline and procedural characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were prospectively collected and retrospectively compared. Overall, a total of 387 consecutive patients (55% male, mean age 83 years) with dual PP (n=179) vs. dual PP+AS (n=208) were evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences between the dual PP vs. dual PP+AS groups with regard to the in-hospital Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) primary endpoints of major vascular complications (8.0% vs. 6.6%, p=0.592), minor vascular complications (18.4% vs. 13.7%, p=0.218), life-threatening or disabling bleeding (5.1% vs. 3.0%, p=0.291), major bleeding (1.7% vs. 1.5%, p=1.000), and minor bleeding (14.4% vs. 10.6%, p=0.271). CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive Angio-Seal technique to augment the dual PP pre-close strategy for patients undergoing percutaneous femoral closure following TAVR is feasible and safe and may be considered as a bail-out or an alternative strategy when the dual PP closure technique fails to obtain complete haemostasis.

Vascular access in critical limb ischemia.

Currently, percutaneous endovascular intervention is considered a first line of therapy for treating patients with critical limb ischemia. As the result of remarkable development of techniques and technologies, percutaneous endovascular intervention has led to rates of limb salvage comparable to those achieved with bypass surgery, with fewer complications, even in the presence of lower rates of long-term patency. Currently, interventionalists have a multiplicity of access routes including smaller arteries, with both antegrade and retrograde approaches. Therefore, the choice of the optimal access site has become an integral part of the success of the percutaneous intervention. By understanding the technical aspects, as well as the advantages and limitations of each approach, the interventionalists can improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. This article reviews the access routes in critical limb ischemia, their advantages and disadvantages, and the clinical outcomes of each.