[Endovascular radiofrequency denervation of renal arteries as an innovation method of treatment of refractory arterial hypertension. First experience in Russia].

Excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system forms the basis of pathogenesis of essential arterial hypertension (AH). The present work was aimed at evaluating efficacy and safety of endovascular radiofrequency denervation of renal arteries in patients with AH refractory AH based on the initial first experience in with using this methodology in the Russian Federation. The interventions were carried out on December 14-15th, 2011 in the first five patients presenting with AH refractory to antihypertensive therapy consisting of three and more drugs in therapeutic doses, one of which was a diuretic. The selection criteria were systolic arterial pressure (SAP) ≥160 mm Hg or ≥150 mm Hg in the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The obligatory conditions for selection were the preserved renal function [glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥45 ml/min] and the absence of the secondary form of AH. The procedure of denervation was performed in the conditions of roentgen-operating room using special Medtronic Ardian Simplicity Catheter System™. In all cases we managed to perform bilateral denervation of renal arteries with the radiofrequency effect in not less than 4 zones of each of vessels. Efficacy of each of the effect was registered with due regard for reaching certain temperature and values of impedance. The interventions were not accompanied by the development of any complications either in the area of manipulations or the site of puncture. Neither were there any complications from the side of the cardiovascular or excretory systems of the body. Diurnal monitoring of AP (DMAP) registered a significant decrease in SAP averagely from 174±12 to 145±10 mm Hg three days after the intervention. A persistent antihypertensive effect was confirmed by the DMAP findings one month after denervation - the SAP level averagely amounted to 131±6 mm Hg. Endovascular radiofrequency denervation of renal arteries is a safe and efficient method of treatment of AH resistant to multicomponent antihypertensive therapy.

[Value of the spectral analysis of radiofrequency intravascular ultrasound data in the evaluation of nonsignificant coronary lesions in chronic CHD patients].

Plaque complication depends on its composition and phenotype rather than on the degree of stenosis. Plaque rupture predominantly occurs in areas with large lipid core rich in cholesterol and thin fibrous cap. Features of unstable atheromas are mostly described in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of our study was to assess the plaque characterization and arterial remodeling process in non-significant stenoses of patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) radiofrequency (RF) data. Methods. The study included 22 stable patients (68% men, mean age 54+/-6 years) with CHD and clinical indications for coronary angiography (CAG). Diameter stenosis of the target coronary artery for IVUS procedure had to be less than 60%. Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was defined as plaque burden >40% and amount of NC >10% without detectable overlying fibrous cap segment. Results. Sample size calculations based on the IVUS evaluation showed 54 atheromas in 29 target arteries. Features of vulnerability determined as TCFA were detected in 14 (26%) lesions. Compared with stable lesions VPs were associated with a greater plaque burden (48.5+/-8.0 mm2 vs 55.8+/-9.3 mm2, p=0.03), larger quantity of necrotic core (37.1+/-9.1% vs 24.0+/-12.6%, p=0.0045) and calcium content (22.7+/-8.5% vs 5.6+/-5.2%, p<0.000l), and less fibrous component (34.8+/-7.0% vs 60.4+/-12.4%, p<0.0001), respectively. Significant correlation was obtained between positive remodeling (defined as remodeling index >1.05) and NC percent area (r=0.389. p=0.005). Conclusion. In chronic CHD patients about 25% of atherosclerotic lesions responsible for less than 60% stenosis could be classified as vulnerable plaques. These borderline lesions contain more necrotic and calcium components compared with stable plaques, and are associated with positive arterial remodeling.

[Comparison of non-invasive electron-beam and multislice CT angiography efficacy for detection of coronary artery stenosis].

AIM: To compare diagnostic value of electron-beam CT (EBT) and multislice CT (MSCT) angiography in detection of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 140 CAD patients who had undergone EBT (n = 97) or 4-slice CT (n = 43) coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography as a gold standard were included in the study. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of EBT angiography in coronary stenosis detection (proximal and mid segments) were 86 and 97%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of MSCT angiography were 87 and 98%, respectively. 6 and 7% of coronary segments were excluded from the study because of bad image quality in EBT and MSCT groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was registered in diagnostic value of EBT and 4-slice MSCT angiography in coronary artery stenosis detection.

[Clinical and economical effectiveness of outpatient diagnostic coronary angiography].

Introduction into clinical practice of transradial coronary angiography (CA) made it possible to conduct the procedure in outpatients and thus increase number of CA and diminish its cost. Aim of the study was to assess possibility, safety and economical efficacy of outpatient CA. Between April 2004 and August 2007 CA was carried out in 133 outpatients without overt heart failure, unstable angina, complex disturbances of cardiac rhythm or conduction. Comparison group comprised 187 patients subjected to CA within framework of short term hospitalization program. There were no complications associated with the use of either transradial or transfemoral approach. Total average cost of outpatient CA was 19% less than that of inhospital CA. Thus outpatient CA with transradial approach appears to be safe and effective procedure with low risk of complications in patients with stable ischemic heart disease.

[Diagnostic value of CT angiography in coronary arteries stenosis detection].

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries is very important. CT angiography (multislice computed tomography and electron beam computed tomography -- MSCT and EBT) is most reliable method for noninvasive coronary visualization. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CT angiography in coronary arteries stenoses detection in patients with coronary arteries disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 140 patients with CAD who underwent EBT (n=97) or 4-slice CT (n=43) coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography as a gold standard were included in the study. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of CT angiography in coronary stenoses detection (proximal and mid segments) were 86% and 97%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 90% and 96%, respectively. Overall accuracy was 95%. 6.2% of coronary segments were excluded from the study because of unsatisfactory image quality. CONCLUSIONS: CT angiography is noninvasive method for coronary stenoses detection with high sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless EBT and 4-slice CT angiography can not replace conventional coronary angiography because of lower temporal and spatial resolution, artifacts in patients with arrhythmias and huge coronary calcification.

[First experience with the use of a clip device for closure of arterial approach after endovascular treatment of coronary arteries].

Aim of the present study was assessment of the StarClose Vascular Closure System - novel device for mechanical closure of femoral artery puncture site. We included in this study 29 patients in whom after procedure of endovascular treatment puncture site was closed with the given device. Control group comprised 34 patients in whom hemostasis was conducted by way of manual compression of puncture site according to standard technique. Femoral artery was clipped immediately after completion of the stenting procedure irrespective of the last result of activated partial thromboplastin time measurement. Success of the use of the StarClose was 100%. Activation of a patient was undertaken substantially earlier compared with the group of manual hemostasis. Sitting up in bed was performed in 2 hours after completion of hemostasis procedure compared with 16 hours in control group, walking within ward was started in 3.5 hours compared with 17 hours in control group ( < 0.0001 in both cases). Duration of the procedure of hemostasis was substantially smoller in the group of closing device compared with the group of manual hemostasis (1.7 and 23 min, respectively). With this no complications from the site of puncture were observed in the group of closing device. In the group of manual hemostasis one patient (2.9%) had hematoma nor requiring special treatment and in one more patient (2.9%) after violation of bed regimen minor bleeding occurred from puncture site (was eliminated by additional manual compression for 20 min). Total number of complications in the group of manual compression was 5.8%. Thus compared with traditional manual hemostasis. The use of StarClose clip device allows to activate patients after endovascular treatment substantially earlier.

[Immediate results of endovascular treatment of coronary arteries in patients with ischemic heart disease].

AIM: To assess immediate results of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and finding the predictors of the successful outcomes in various subgroups of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIAL: Patients (n=1066, (average age 55.7+/-9.2 years, women 12%) treated with coronary artery stenting between 1999 and 2004. According to coronary angiography, 383 (36%) patients had 1-vessel, 502 (47%) - 2-vessel, and 181 (17%) - 3-vessel CAD. The endovascular treatment was made on 1694 coronary stenoses (in average 1.6 stenosis/patient), 356 stenoses (21%) was defined as type A, 745 (44%) - type capital B, and 593 (35%) - type C. PCI was performed with use of inhibitors of glycoprotein receptors IIb/IIIa in 107 (18%) patients. RESULTS: The complete or partial immediate procedural success of PCI (elimination of at least one coronary stenosis) was achieved in 1002 (94%) patients. The immediate success was achieved in 1575 stenoses (93%). Total rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 1.3%. There were no deaths, 11 patients (1%) had acute myocardial infarctions, 3 (0.28%) patients had an emergent coronary artery bypass grafting. The immediate procedural success was significantly lower in patients with chronic coronary occlusions (76%) than in patients without coronary occlusions (97%, p<0.0001), as well in patients with stenoses type C as compared with stenoses type A, and B (success rate 77%, 98% and 100%, accordingly, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: By multifactorial analysis, independent predictors of procedural failure were stenosis type C (small p<0.0001) and chronic occlusion of coronary artery (p=0,03).

[An experience of the use of stents with drug coating in patients with long and diffuse coronary artery lesions].

Treatment of long and diffuse lesions of coronary arteries remains one of most complicated sections of endovascular treatment. From 2003 to 2005 treatment with the use of stents with drug coating was conducted in 198 patients with long and diffuse coronary artery lesions. This made up 26% of total number of patients subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention during this time. Mean age of patients was 58 +/- 11 years, 164 (83%) of them were men, 37 (19%) had chronic occlusions of coronary arteries, in 91 (46%) side branches went out from the damaged segment. Patients were divided in two groups: 1st (n=136) comprised patients with lesion length from 22 to 33 mm, 2nd consisted of patients in whom lesion length exceeded 33 mm. Control group comprised 54 patients with lesion length less than 23 mm subjected to endovascular treatment with the use of stents with drug coating during same period of time. Average length of stented segment was 27.3 +/- 3.6 mm in the first group, 44.5 +/- 9.8 mm in the second group and 14 +/- 3.6 in the control group. Immediate success of the procedure was somewhat lower in group II compared with group I (87 and 91%, respectively). Hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade requiring urgent surgery developed in 2 group II patients (3.2%) during first 2 hours after attempt of recanalization of long chronic occlusions of the anterior descending artery. One patient (1.6%) had small-focal myocardial infarction after procedure, in another patient (1.6%) subacute occlusion developed after stenting of venous graft to the right coronary artery which we failed to eliminate. In the first group in 2 patients (1.4%) small-focal myocardial infarction developed. There were no complications in the control group. In 8 months after procedure angiographic restenosis developed in 6 patients (5%) in the 1st group, in 4 (8%) in the second and in 1 (2%) in the control group, however differences were not significant. Rates of repeat revascularizations of the target stenosis were 3, 5 and 0%, respectively. Of 10 cases of restenosis in patients with long stenoses in 5 cases restenosis was located inside stent and was focal (length less than 10 mm), in 3 cases it was located proximal or distal to stent, and in 2 patients manifested as complete occlusion of the stented segment. Treatment of long and diffuse lesions with the use of stents with drug coating appears safe and effective. Overall rate of development of perioperative complications is higher in treatment of stenoses longer than 33 mm compared with stenoses with length 23-33 cm (6.4 vs. 1.4%). Probability of restenosis and repeat revascularization of target stenosis after 8 months is not high.

[Use of "Cypher" sirolimus-eluting stents in coronary heart disease patients with different types of coronary arterial lesions].

The purpose of our study was to assess the immediate and late results of treatment with Cypher drug-eluting stents (Cordis, Johnson & Johnson, USA) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This was a prospective study that included 738 patients who had been implanted Cypher stents in May 2002 to March 2006. The patients' mean age was 56 +/- 9 years; there were 87% of males. The patients were randomly included into the study and they underwent coronary stenting in the routine laboratory setting. A control group comprised 162 patients who had undergone Velocity or Sonic nondrug-eluting stents of the same firm, which had the similar structure. The groups did not differ in clinical characteristics. 827 stenoses in the eluting stent group and 225 stenoses in the control group were subject to revascularization. The immediate cure rate was 95 and 94%, respectively. The total number of events (myocardial infarction, emergency coronary bypass surgery, subacute occlusion of a stented segment) was 2.3% in the eluting stent group and 2.4% in the control group. A repeated examination 1 year after surgery was made in 482 and 119 patients in the drug-eluting and nondrug-eluting groups, respectively. During the follow-up, one patient died of a extracardiac cause and 3 (0.6%) patients underwent coronary bypass surgery in the nondrug-eluting stent group; there were no deaths and 2 (1.6%) patients had coronary bypass surgery in the control group. In the eluting stent group, there were fewer cases of repeated endovascular procedures of target stenosis revascularization than in the control group (3.7% versus 11.7%; p < 0.0005). In the eluting stent group, the total number of unfavorable cardiovascular events was significantly less than that in the control group and it amounted to 3.3% as compared with 15.9% in the non-eluting stent group; p < 0.0005. Cardiovascular event-free survival was significantly higher in the eluting stent group: 92% versus 77% in the non-eluting stent group (p < 0.0005).

[First results of stenting of bifurcation stenoses of the coronary arteries]. / Pervye rezul'taty stentirovaniia bifurkatsionnykh stenozov koronarnykh arterii.

AIM: To study effectiveness of various types of coronary stenting in bifurcation stenoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty six patients with bifurcation stenoses were divided into 2 groups: stenting of the basic and side branch of the coronary artery (CA) was made in group 1 patients (n = 27), stenting of the basic branch and balloon angioplasty of the side branch were made in group 2 (n = 29). Primary clinical and angiographic response reached 96 and 90% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Complications were absent in group 1, occurred in 13.7% cases in group 2 (the difference was insignificant). One year after the procedure lethal outcomes were absent. The number of unfavourable clinical outcomes was higher in group 1 (25.9 and 13.7%, respectively, p = 0.4). The rate of restenoses detected angiographically was not significantly different in group 1 and 2 (33 and 26%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Stenting of bifurcation stenoses brings about good short-term and satisfactory long-term results in most of the patients. The rate of the complications was low. Two stents implantation (in basic and side branches) has no significant advantages over stenting of the basic CA and balloon angioplasty of its side branch.

[Long term results of endovascular treatment of ischemic heart disease in arterial hypertension patients]. / Otdalennye rezul'taty éndovaskuliarnogo lecheniia ishemicheskoi bolezni serdtsa u bol'nykh arterial'noi gipertoniei.

AIM: To ascertain long-term prognosis after endovascular treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial enrolled 87 IHD patients (mean age 54 +/- 8 years) who have undergone successful transluminal balloon coronary angioplasty (TBCA) or stenting. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of IHD patients with mild or moderate AH, group 2--of IHD patients without AH. The repeat examination was made 1-72 months (34 +/- 12) after TBCA, control coronarography was performed in 42 (48%) patients. RESULTS: The groups did not differ much by clinical and angiographic characteristics. Within 72 months the number of unfavourable clinical outcomes (UCO) in group 1 was significantly higher (68 and 19%, respectively; p = 0.02) as well as frequency of repeated TBCA (43 and 19%, respectively, p = 0.03). In both groups TBCA were repeated more frequently because of restenosis than of fresh lesions (91 and 33%, p < 0.0001; 70 and 20%, p = 0.04, respectively). The probability of no need in repeated TBCA was significantly less in group 1 than group 2 (41 and 72%, respectively; p = 0.007), the probability regressing more actively within 8 months after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Total incidence of UCO seventy two months after the endovascular treatment was higher in AH patients primarily due to repeated TBCA. Most of TBCAs were conducted within 8 months after the intervention for restenosis.

[Coronary angiography via femoral and radial accesses in patients with extensive atherosclerosis]. / Koronarnaia angiografiia bedrennym i radial'nym dostupami u bol'nykh s rasprostranennym aterosklerozom.

The incidence of complications and the comparative results of endovascular interventions made via femoral and radial accesses are analyzed. The study included 142 patients with coronary atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease showing a hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic lesion of at least three vascular beds. Angiography was made via femoral and radial accesses in 86 and 56 patients, respectively. In patients with multifocal atherosclerosis, the number of cardiac events (myocardial infarction, death) did not differ significantly when coronarography was made by applying different accesses. There were a significantly larger number of peripheral thrombotic events in the femoral access group (p < 0.05). Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with its thrombosis was found to be a risk factor of the occurrence of thrombotic complications when coronary angiography was made via the femoral access. Coronary angiography performed through the radial artery allows the risk of thrombotic complications to be substantially reduced in patients with multifocal atherosclerosis: such complications were not observed in the radial access group, they were in 5 (5.8%) cases in the femoral access group.

[X-ray morphology of coronary arteries in patients with arterial hypertension in late periods after endovascular treatment]. / Rentgenomorfologiia koronarnykh arterii u bol'nykh arterial'noi gipertoniei v otdalennye sroki posle éndovaskuliarnogo lecheniia.

An association of arterial hypertension (AH) and late angiographic outcomes of endovascular interventions was studied in coronary heart disease. Forty two patients with or without AH underwent repeated coronary angiography within 2 months after the procedure. The total number of restenoses was found to be significantly greater in patients with AH than in those without it. The diameter of restenoses was significantly smaller (70.2 +/- 24.7 vs 48.2 +/- 29.2%) and their area is significantly larger (82.6 +/- 19.6 vs 66.9 +/- 28.8). Absence probability of restenosis was significantly smaller in patients with AH (7 vs 27%); at the same time there was the greatest reduction in this probability in the first 8 months following the intervention.

[Immediate and Remote Results of Endovascular Recanalization of Chronic Coronary Artery Occlusions] / Neposredstvennye i otdalennye rezul'taty éndovaskuliarnoi rekanalizatsii pri khronicheskoi okkliuzii koronarnoi arterii.

We compared early and long-term follow-up results of balloon angioplasty and stenting of chronic coronary occlusions. The initial success rate was 75% (82 of 109 patients). Proportion of patients free of angina was 57 and 69% after successful balloon angioplasty and stenting, respectively. Stenting of coronary occlusions yielded better immediate angiographic results than did balloon angioplasty: residual stenosis and minimal diameter of artery after stenting were 13.5-12.4% and 2.7-0.2 mm, respectively; those after balloon angioplasty were 23.2-15.6% and 2.3-0.2 mm, p<0,05, respectively. Four-year clinical outcome was better in stenting than in angioplasty group: free of angina were 52 and 22% of patients in stenting and angioplasty group, respectively (p<0,05). There was no difference at follow-up between two groups in the rate of myocardial infarction, death, repeat revascularization. Repeat coronary angiography was performed after 38-24 months in 44% of patients. The rate of 'late' restenosis was 32% in stenting and 73% in balloon angioplasty group (p<0,05); mean stenosis and minimal diameter of artery after stenting were 43.5-12.4% and 1.7-0.6 mm, respectively; those after balloon angioplasty were 67.5-15.6% and 0.72+0.5 mm, respectively (p<0,05).

[Specific features of the clinical course and angiographic pattern in chronic coronary artery occlusion]. / Osobennosti klinicheskogo techeniia i angiograficheskoi kartiny pri khronicheskoi okkliuzii koronarnoi arterii.

Particular features of coronary angiography and clinical presentation of coronary artery disease have been studied in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion. Chronic total coronary occlusion is defined as TIMI 0 or TIMI I type flow in the artery for more than three days. Patients with coronary occlusion have more severe course of coronary artery disease: they more often suffer myocardial infarction and high gradations of angina. Myocardial function is much more affected if there is occlusion of left descending artery, or there are no signs of intercoronary collaterals.

[Long-term assessment of clinical parameters in patients with coronary heart disease after balloon angioplasty and stenting balloon angioplasty]. / Otsenka klinicheskikh pokazatelei bol'nykh IBS v otdalennom periode posle ballonnoi angioplastiki i ballonnoi angioplastiki so stentirovaniem.

The aim of this study was to assess clinical parameters in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in the late period after balloon coronary angioplasty (BCA) and intracoronary stenting (ICS). The study included 104 patients who underwent repeated coronary angiography (CA) 2-10 months after successful coronary angioplasty. Clinical parameters were analyzed in 2 groups comparable at the moment of its performance in terms of major clinical characteristics. Group 1 comprised 51 patients following BCA and group 2 included 53 patients after ICS. Six months after the first procedure, repeated coronary angioplasty was performed in 19 (37.2%) and 6 (9.4%) patients after BCA and ICS, respectively (p < 0.05). Recurrent angina pectoris was observed in 42 patients from group 1 and in 25 ones from group 2, which was 82.3 and 47.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). Control CA revealed restenosis of the dilated artery in 22 (43.1%) of the 51 patients of group 1 and in 12 (22.6%) of the 53 patients of group 2. There were no differences between the groups in late postoperative bicycle ergometric and 24-hour ECG monitoring findings. The findings have led to the conclusion that implantation of a stent into the coronary artery greatly prolongs the antiischemic effect of coronary angioplasty and reduces a need for repeated endovascular intervention, which appears as lower incidence rates of restenosis and recurrent angina as compared to routine balloon angioplasty.

[Early results of endovascular treatment of chronic coronary occlusion in patients with ischemic heart disease]. / Pervichnye rezul'taty éndovaskuliarnogo lecheniia khronicheskoi okkliuzii koronarnoi arterii u bol'nykh s IBS.

The early results of endovascular treatment of chronic coronary occlusion were studied. Immediate success rates were 67%. The factors that promote successful endovascular treatment in patients with this condition were as follows: less than 2-month disease duration, well-developed intersystemic collaterals, no "bridge" collaterals. Successful recanalization for chronic coronary occlusion improves the quality of life and bicycle ergometer test finding in patients, which reduces their needs of nitrates and beta-blockers. Coronary occlusion stenting yields better immediate angiographic results than does balloon angioplasty: residual stenosis and the minimum diameter of stenosis after stenting were 13.61 +/- 6.3% and 2.69 +/- 0.4 mm, respectively; those after balloon angioplasty were 23.1 +/- 8.1% and 2.31 +/- 0.37 mm, respectively.

[Quantitative and qualitative assessment of X-ray morphology of coronary restenosis after balloon angioplasty and stenting]. / Kolichestvennaia i kachestvennaia otsenka rentgenomorfologii restenoza koronarnoi arterii posle ballonnoi angioplastiki i stentirovaniia.

The study was undertaken to compare the data of quantitative angiographic analysis of early and late outcomes of intracoronary stenting (ICS) and balloon coronary angioplasty (BCA) with the X-Ray morphology of restenosis. The prospective study enrolled 67 patients undergone repeated coronary angiography 2-10 months after successful BCA. Group I included 34 patients with coronary restenosis. Group II comprised 33 patients without restenosis signs. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: A--patients undergone BCA; B--patients undergone ICS. Subgroups IA and IB included 22 and 12 patients, respectively, and subgroups IIA and IIB consisted of 24 and 19. The X-ray morphology of the underlying versus restenosis lesions in the subgroups was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. The findings have led to the following conclusions that ICS yields more optimal early and late angiographic results than does BCA; according to the site of restenosis against the underlying lesion, the following types of restenosis following BCA and ICS are identified: diffuse, localized, marginal, and mixed; restenosis after ICS is characterized by for concentric morphology while that following BCA preserves the morphology of a primary lesion.