Percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy with aspiration catheters in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism and absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: High-risk Pulmonary Embolism (PE) mortality remains very high. Systemic thrombolysis is effective but carries significant complications and contraindications related to the hemorrhagic risk. Percutaneous thrombectomy using aspiration catheters may be an alternative in patients with a high bleeding risk. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the results of catheter-directed thrombectomy using aspiration dedicated catheters in patients with high-risk PE and absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolysis, with specific focus on procedural success, safety, and in-hospital outcomes. METHODS: A prospective study enrolled all consecutive patients diagnosed with high-risk pulmonary embolism and absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolysis, who underwent percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy using dedicated aspiration catheters. The study documented the effectiveness and complications of the procedure, as well as patient outcomes at discharge and during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Thirteen patients underwent percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy using aspiration dedicated catheters. The procedure was successful for all patients, resulting in hemodynamic and respiratory improvement within the first 24 h. No deaths attributable to cardiovascular or respiratory causes occurred during admission or follow-up. Furthermore, no serious adverse events or complications were reported during the procedure or hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy with dedicated aspiration catheters in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism and contraindications to systemic thrombolysis was associated with excellent clinical results and low rate of complications.

Current applications, procedural and 1-year outcomes of Rotatripsy for the treatment of calcified coronary lesions.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) combined with rotational atherectomy (RA), known as Rotatripsy, is used to treat severe coronary artery calcification (CAC), though data on efficacy, midterm safety and use sequence is limited. We aimed to identify indicators for Rotatripsy use and to assess its safety and success rates, both acutely and at 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Patients undergoing Rotatripsy for severe CAC across six centers from May 2019 to December 2023 were included. Demographic, clinical, procedural and follow-up data were collected. Efficacy endpoints included device success (delivery of the RA-burr and IVL-balloon across the target lesion and administration of therapy without related complications), technical success (TIMI 3 flow and residual stenosis <30% by quantitative coronary analysis) and procedural success [composite of technical success with absence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction or target vessel revascularization). Safety endpoints comprised Rotatripsy-related complications and MACE at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients (75 ± 9 years, 78% male) underwent Rotatripsy for 120 lesions. In the majority of procedures RA was followed by IVL, mostly electively (n = 68, 57%) but also for balloon underexpansion (n = 37, 31%) and stent crossing failure (n = 1, 1%). Diverse and complex target lesions were addressed with an average SYNTAX score of 24.6 ± 13.0. Device, technical and procedural success were 97%, 94% and 93%, respectively. Therapy-related complications included two (2%) coronary perforations, one (1%) coronary dissection and one (1%) burr entrapment. At 1-year follow-up(present in 77(67%) patients), MACE occurred in 7(9%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 1-year follow-up period, Rotatripsy was safe and effective, predominantly using RA electively before IVL.

Drug-Eluting Balloons in Calcified Coronary Lesions: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes.

Background: The usefulness of drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) has not been fully elucidated in calcified coronary lesions (CCLs). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of DEBs compared to a drug-eluting stent (DES) in this setting. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched through December 2023. The primary endpoint was 12 months major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary endpoints included clinical outcomes and angiographic results after PCI and at a 12-month follow-up. Results: Five studies and a total of 1141 patients with 1176 coronary lesions were included. Overall, the DEB was comparable to DES in MACE (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.62-1.19, p = 0.36), cardiac death (RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.23-1.53, p = 0.28), myocardial infarction (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.25-3.24, p = 0.87) and target lesion revascularization (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.68-1.77, p = 0.70). Although the DEB was associated with worse acute angiographic outcomes (acute gain; MD = -0.65, 95% CI: -0.73, -0.56 and minimal lumen diameter; MD = -0.75, 95% CI: -0.89, -0.61), it showed better results at 12 months follow-up (late lumen loss; MD = -0.34, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.07). Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that the DEB strategy is comparable to DES in the treatment of CCLs in terms of clinical outcomes. Although the DEB strategy had inferior acute angiographic results, it may offer better angiographic results at follow-up.

Successful valve-in-valve replacement using intravascular lithotripsy for femoral access in an elderly patient with critical aortic stenosis and extensive vascular calcification.

An 87-year-old man with a history of heart failure and a modified bio-Bentall Mitroflow 23-mm bioprosthesis (Sorin) was referred to our institution for critical aortic stenosis, which was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. Pre-procedural computed tomography revealed slightly calcified bioprosthesis leaflets, adequate coronary ostia height, and a slightly angled Bentall tube graft measuring 29 mm in diameter at the aortic anastomosis .

Influence of sex on the timing of coronary angiography and the prescription of antiplatelet therapy in patients with nonST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. / Impacto del sexo en los tiempos de cateterismo y en el uso de pretratamiento antiagregante plaquetario en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST).

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in the clinical management of nonST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), including in-hospital events, according to biological sex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational multicenter study of patients diagnosed with NSTEMI and atherosclerosis who underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: We enrolled 1020 patients in April and May 2022; 240 (23.5%) were women. Women were older than men on average (72.6 vs 66.5 years, P .001), and more women were frail (17.1% vs 5.6%, P .001). No difference was observed in pretreatment with any P2Y12 inhibitor (prescribed in 68.8% of women vs 70.2% of men, P = .67); however, more women than men were prescribed clopidogrel (56% vs 44%, P = .009). Women prescribed clopidogrel were more often under the age of 75 years and not frail. Coronary angiography was performed within 24 hours less corooften in women (29.8% vs 36.9%, P = .03) even when high risk was recognized. Frailty was independently associated with deferring coronary angiography in the adjusted analysis; biological sex by itself was not related. The frequency and type of revascularization were the same in both sexes, and there were no differences in in-hospital cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: Women were more often prescribed less potent antithrombotic therapy than men. Frailty, but not sex, correlated independently with deferral of coronary angiography. However, we detected no differences in the frequency of coronary revascularization or in-hospital events according to sex.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las diferencias en el manejo clínico y eventos intrahospitalarios en una cohorte de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) en función del sexo. METODO: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico que incluyó pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de SCASEST sometidos a coronariografía con enfermedad ateroesclerótica responsable. RESULTADOS: Entre abril y mayo de 2022 se incluyeron 1.020 pacientes; de ellos, 240 eran mujeres (23,5%). En comparación con los hombres, las mujeres fueron mayores (72,6 años vs 66,5 años; p 0,001) y más frágiles (17,1% vs 5,6%; p 0,001). No hubo diferencias en el pretratamiento con un inhibidor del receptor P2Y12 (68,8% vs 70,2%, p = 0,67), aunque las mujeres recibieron más pretratamiento con clopidogrel (56% vs 44%, p = 0,009), principalmente aquellas de edad 75 años y sin fragilidad. En las mujeres se realizaron menos coronariografías precoces (# 24 h) (29,8% vs 36,9%; p = 0,03) a pesar de presentar la misma indicación (criterios de alto riesgo). En el análisis ajustado, la fragilidad, pero no el sexo, se asoció de forma independiente con la realización de una coronariografía diferida. La tasa y el tipo de revascularización fue igual en ambos sexos, y no hubo diferencias en los eventos cardiovasculares intrahospitalarios. CONCLUSIONES: Las mujeres recibieron con mayor frecuencia un tratamiento antitrombótico menos potente. La fragilidad y no el sexo se asoció con la realización de coronariografía diferida. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias en la tasa de revascularización coronaria ni en los eventos intrahospitalarios en función del sexo.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide post-discharge monitoring in the management of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction - a randomized trial: The NICE study.

AIMS: There is a lack of specific studies assessing the impact of natriuretic peptide monitoring in the post-discharge management of patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), throughout the vulnerable phase following acute HF hospitalization. The NICE study aims to assess the clinical benefit of incorporating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) into the post-discharge management of HFpEF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Individuals admitted with HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction >50%) were included in a multicentre randomized controlled study employing an open-label design with event blinding (NCT02807168). Upon discharge, 157 patients were randomly allocated to either NT-proBNP monitoring (n = 79) or no access to NT-proBNP (control group, n = 78) during pre-scheduled visits at 2, 4 and 12 weeks. Clinical endpoints were evaluated at 6 months. The primary endpoint of HF rehospitalizations occurred in 12.1% patients, without significant differences observed between the NT-proBNP monitoring group (12.8%) and the control group (11.4%) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-2.81, p = 0.760). Regarding secondary endpoints, the NT-proBNP monitoring group demonstrated a significantly lower risk of death (1.3% vs. 10.1%; HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.98; p = 0.048), whereas non-HF hospitalizations (12.8% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.171) and any adverse clinical event (26.9% vs. 36.7%, p = 0.17) did not reach statistical significance [Correction added on 29 April 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, "95% CI 0.02 - 0.09" has been corrected to "95% CI 0.02 - 0.98; p = 0.048" in this version.]. Awareness of NT-proBNP levels were associated with higher doses of diuretics and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers) in the NT-proBNP monitoring group. CONCLUSIONS: Post-discharge monitoring of NT-proBNP in HFpEF patients did not exhibit an association with reduced rates of HF hospitalization in this study. Nonetheless, it appears to enhance global clinical management by optimizing medical therapies and contributing to improved overall survival.

Experience with the ACURATE neo and neo2 transcatheter aortic valves in Spain. The PRECISA (PRospective Evaluation Complementing Investigation with ACURATE devices) registry.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented a high rate of implantation success with the ACURATE neo2 valve, as well as a reduction in paravalvular leak (PVL) compared to its predecessor, the ACURATE neo. However, there are no studies that have reviewed and compared the long-term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of these patients. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the results of the ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve in a real-world context, and to compare the results of the outcomes of both generations of this device (ACURATE neo and ACURATE neo2), with a specific focus on procedural success, safety, and long-term effectiveness. METHODS: A prospective study including all consecutive patients treated with the ACURATE neo device in seven hospitals was conducted (Clinical Trials Identification Number: NCT03846557). The primary endpoint consisted of a composite of adverse events, including mortality, aortic insufficiency, and other procedural complications. As the second-generation device (ACURATE neo2) replaced the ACURATE neo during the study period, hemodynamic and clinical results before admission, at 30 days, and at 1 year of follow-up were compared between the two generations. RESULTS: A total of 296 patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the ACURATE device, with 178 patients receiving the ACURATE neo and 118 patients receiving the ACURATE neo2. In the overall population, the absence of device success occurred in 14.5%. The primary reason for the absence of device success was the presence of para-valvular regurgitation ≥ 2. There were no instances of coronary occlusions, valve embolization, annulus rupture, or procedural deaths. ACURATE neo2 was associated with a significantly higher device success rate (91.7% vs. 82%, p = 0.04), primarily due to a significantly lower rate of para-valvular regurgitation, which remained significant at 1 year. CONCLUSION: The use of ACURATE neo and neo2 transcatheter aortic valves is associated with satisfactory clinical results and an extremely low rate of complications. The ACURATE neo2 enables a significantly higher device success rate, primarily attributed to a significant reduction in the rate of PVL.

High systemic inflammation as a novel cardiovascular risk factor and target for anti-cytokine therapy: comment regarding the triglyceride glucose index.

In the last century, there has been more than enough research that proved the association of high lipid and glucose levels with cardiovascular disease, thus establishing the current well-known traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Hence, these cardiovascular risk factors are target therapy for glucose and lipid-lowering agents to prevent adverse cardiovascular events. However, despite controlling the lipid and glucose levels, some studies demonstrated the subclinical atherosclerosis suggesting that these cardiovascular risk factors alone cannot account for the entire atherosclerosis burden. In the last years, large-scale clinical trials demonstrated the operation of the inflammatory pathway in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by the immune system, both the innate (neutrophils, macrophages) and adaptive (T cell and other lymphocytes) limbs, contribute to atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. In this regard, some studies that use antiinflammatory therapy targeting the immune system by modulating or blocking interleukins, also known as anti-cytokine therapy, have been shown to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with previous coronary artery disease. In this regard, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of colchicine 0.5 mg once daily for reducing cardiovascular events in patients who have established ASCVD and high residual systemic inflammation. Therefore, measuring the systemic inflammation can improve the cardiovascular risk assessment and identify the subsets of patients that will benefit from anti-cytokine therapy after diagnosis of ASCVD or after myocardial revascularization.

Incidencia y causas de hospitalización en pacientes con amiloidosis cardiaca por transtiretina (AC-ATTR) y por cadenas ligeras (AC-AL) / Incidence and causes of hospitalization in patients with transthyretin (ATTR-CA) and light chain (AL-CA) cardiac amyloidosis

Introducción y objetivos: La amiloidosis cardiaca (AC) es una patología asociada a un elevado número de ingresos hospitalarios. Dada la escasa información disponible al respecto, planteamos un análisis de la incidencia y las causas de hospitalización en esta enfermedad.Material y métodosSe evaluaron 143 pacientes (128 por transtiretina [AC-ATTR] y 15 por cadenas ligeras [AC-AL]) incluidos en el Registro de Amiloidosis Cardiaca de Galicia (AMIGAL), recogiendo todas sus hospitalizaciones.ResultadosDurante un seguimiento mediano de 959 días se produjeron 179 hospitalizaciones no programadas (tasa de incidencia [TI] 512,6 ingresos hospitalarios por 1.000 pacientes-año), siendo las más habituales las de causa cardiovascular (n=109, TI 312,2). El motivo individual de ingreso hospitalario más frecuente fue la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) (n=87, TI 249,2).La AC-AL se asoció con una TI de hospitalizaciones no programadas más elevada que la AC-ATTR (TI 781 vs. 483,2; HR 1,62; p=0,029) a expensas de las de causa no cardiovascular (TI 376 vs. 181,2; HR 2,07; p=0,027). La supervivencia libre de hospitalización no programada al año y a los tres años en la AC-AL fue menor que en la AC-ATTR (46,7 y 20,0% vs. 73,4 y 35,2%, respectivamente; p=0,021). (AU)

Introduction and objetives: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a disorder associated with high number of hospital admissions. Given the scarce information available, we propose an analysis of the incidence and causes of hospitalization in this disease.Material and methodsOne hundred and forty-three patients [128 by transthyretin (ATTR-CA) and 15 by light chains (AL-CA)] included in Registro de Amiloidosis Cardiaca de Galicia (AMIGAL) were evaluated, including all hospitalizations.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 959 days there were 179 unscheduled hospitalizations [incidence rate (IR) 512.6 admissions per 1000 patients-year], most common due to cardiovascular reasons (n=109, IR 312.2). Most frequent individual cause of hospitalization was heart failure (n=87, TI 249.2).AL-CA was associated with a higher IR of unscheduled hospitalizations than ATTR-CA (IR 781 vs. 483.2; HR 1.62; p=0,029) due to non-cardiovascular admissions (IR 376 vs. 181.2; HR 2.07; p=0.027). Unscheduled admission-free survival at 1 and 3 years in AL-CA was inferior than in ATTR-CA (46.7% and 20.0% vs. 73.4% and 35.2%, respectively; p=0.021). (AU)

Role of dynamic road-mapping in renal denervation procedures.

Dynamic road-mapping (DRM) (Dynamic Coronary Roadmap; Philips) offers a real-time, dynamic overlay of the coronary tree on fluoroscopy.

Timing of coronary angiography and use of antiplatelet pretreatment in patients with NSTEACS in Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal timing of coronary angiography in patients admitted with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) as well as the need for pretreatment are controversial. The main objective of the IMPACT-TIMING-GO registry was to assess the proportion of patients undergoing an early invasive strategy (0-24hours) without dual antiplatelet therapy (no pretreatment strategy) in Spain. METHODS: This observational, prospective, and multicenter study included consecutive patients with NSTEACS who underwent coronary angiography that identified a culprit lesion. RESULTS: Between April and May 2022, we included 1021 patients diagnosed with NSTEACS, with a mean age of 67±12 years (23.6% women). A total of 87% of the patients were deemed at high risk (elevated troponin; electrocardiogram changes; GRACE score>140) but only 37.8% underwent an early invasive strategy, and 30.3% did not receive pretreatment. Overall, 13.6% of the patients underwent an early invasive strategy without pretreatment, while the most frequent strategy was a deferred angiography under antiplatelet pretreatment (46%). During admission, 9 patients (0.9%) died, while major bleeding occurred in 34 (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, only 13.6% of patients with NSTEACS undergoing coronary angiography received an early invasive strategy without pretreatment. The incidence of cardiovascular and severe bleeding events during admission was low.

Tiempos de cateterismo y uso de pretratamiento antiagregante plaquetario en pacientes con SCASEST en España / Timing of coronary angiography and use of antiplatelet pretreatment in patients with NSTEACS in Spain

Introducción y objetivos El momento óptimo para un cateterismo en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) y la necesidad de pretratamiento son motivo de controversia. El objetivo principal del registro IMPACT-TIMING-GO es conocer el porcentaje de pacientes examinados con una coronariografía precoz (0-24 h) y que no recibieron doble antiagregación plaquetaria antes del cateterismo (estrategia sin pretratamiento) en España. Métodos Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico, que incluyó a pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de SCASEST sometidos a cateterismo en los que se evidenció enfermedad coronaria ateroesclerótica causal. Resultados Entre abril y mayo de 2022 se incluyó a 1.021 pacientes (media de edad, 67±12 años; el 23,6% mujeres). El 86,8% de los pacientes cumplían criterios de alto riesgo (elevación de troponina, cambios electrocardiográficos o puntuación GRACE>140); sin embargo, únicamente el 37,8% se sometió a una estrategia invasiva precoz, y el 30,3% no recibió pretratamiento. Globalmente, solo el 13,6% de los pacientes se sometieron a una estrategia invasiva precoz sin un segundo antiagregante plaquetario, y la estrategia diferida con pretratamiento fue la más utilizada (46%). Durante el ingreso, 9 pacientes (0,9%) fallecieron y 34 (3,3%) presentaron una hemorragia grave. Conclusiones En España, solo el 13,6% de los pacientes con SCASEST sometidos a cateterismo reciben una estrategia invasiva precoz sin pretratamiento. La incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares y hemorragias graves en el ingreso es baja. (AU)

Introduction and objectives The optimal timing of coronary angiography in patients admitted with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) as well as the need for pretreatment are controversial. The main objective of the IMPACT-TIMING-GO registry was to assess the proportion of patients undergoing an early invasive strategy (0-24hours) without dual antiplatelet therapy (no pretreatment strategy) in Spain. Methods This observational, prospective, and multicenter study included consecutive patients with NSTEACS who underwent coronary angiography that identified a culprit lesion. Results Between April and May 2022, we included 1021 patients diagnosed with NSTEACS, with a mean age of 67±12 years (23.6% women). A total of 87% of the patients were deemed at high risk (elevated troponin; electrocardiogram changes; GRACE score>140) but only 37.8% underwent an early invasive strategy, and 30.3% did not receive pretreatment. Overall, 13.6% of the patients underwent an early invasive strategy without pretreatment, while the most frequent strategy was a deferred angiography under antiplatelet pretreatment (46%). During admission, 9 patients (0.9%) died, while major bleeding occurred in 34 (3.3%). Conclusions In Spain, only 13.6% of patients with NSTEACS undergoing coronary angiography received an early invasive strategy without pretreatment. The incidence of cardiovascular and severe bleeding events during admission was low. (AU)

Uninterrupted direct-acting oral anticoagulation in patients undergoing transradial percutaneous coronary procedures: The DOAC-NOSTOP study rationale and design.

BACKGROUND: patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) under treatment with chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) often require coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Deciding the management of OAC during this periprocedural period requires balancing the risks of hemorrhage and thrombotic complications. Guidelines recommend an uninterrupted strategy in patients receiving Vitamin-K Antagonists (VKA). However, for patients undergoing coronary angiography or PCI while on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), withdrawal 12-24 h prior to the procedure is still recommended. This is based on expert opinions given the lack of evidence. Therefore, whether DOAC discontinuation prior to trans-radial coronary procedures should be the strategy of choice is a matter of debate and solid evidence is needed to guide clinical decision making. METHODS: The DOAC-NOSTOP study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label study evaluating the safety of DOACs continuation in 200 patients undergoing transradial percutaneous coronary procedures. DOAC treatment will not be interrupted throughout the periprocedural period. Primary outcome will be Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 events, assessed at a 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The DOAC-NOSTOP is the first study prospectively assessing the risk of bleeding with uninterrupted DOAC in patients undergoing trans-radial percutaneous coronary procedures.

[Incidence and causes of hospitalization in patients with transthyretin (ATTR-CA) and light chain (AL-CA) cardiac amyloidosis]. / Incidencia y causas de hospitalización en pacientes con amiloidosis cardiaca por transtiretina (AC-ATTR) y por cadenas ligeras (AC-AL).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJETIVES: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a disorder associated with high number of hospital admissions. Given the scarce information available, we propose an analysis of the incidence and causes of hospitalization in this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-three patients [128 by transthyretin (ATTR-CA) and 15 by light chains (AL-CA)] included in Registro de Amiloidosis Cardiaca de Galicia (AMIGAL) were evaluated, including all hospitalizations. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 959 days there were 179 unscheduled hospitalizations [incidence rate (IR) 512.6 admissions per 1000 patients-year], most common due to cardiovascular reasons (n=109, IR 312.2). Most frequent individual cause of hospitalization was heart failure (n=87, TI 249.2). AL-CA was associated with a higher IR of unscheduled hospitalizations than ATTR-CA (IR 781 vs. 483.2; HR 1.62; p=0,029) due to non-cardiovascular admissions (IR 376 vs. 181.2; HR 2.07; p=0.027). Unscheduled admission-free survival at 1 and 3 years in AL-CA was inferior than in ATTR-CA (46.7% and 20.0% vs. 73.4% and 35.2%, respectively; p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: CA was associated with high incidence of hospitalizations, being heart failure the most frequent individual cause; unscheduled admission-free survival in AL-CA was lower than in ATTR-CA due mostly to non-cardiovascular admissions.

A Prospective, Multicenter, Real-World Registry of Coronary Lithotripsy in Calcified Coronary Arteries: The REPLICA-EPIC18 Study.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of calcified lesions in selected patients with stable coronary disease. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to assess the performance of coronary IVL in calcified coronary lesions in a real-life, all comers, setting. METHODS: The REPLICA-EPIC18 study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients treated with IVL in 26 centers in Spain. An independent core laboratory performed the angiographic analysis and event adjudication. The primary effectiveness endpoint assessed procedural success (successful IVL delivery, final diameter stenosis <20%, and absence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]). The primary safety endpoint measured freedom from MACE at 30 days. A predefined substudy compared outcomes between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients (456 lesions) were included, 63% of the patients presenting with ACS. IVL delivery was successful in 99% of cases. Before IVL, 49% of lesions were considered undilatable. The primary effectiveness endpoint was achieved in 66% of patients, with similar rates among CCS patients (68%) and ACS patients (65%). Likewise, there were no significant differences in angiographic success after IVL between CCS and ACS patients. The rate of MACE at 30 days (primary safety endpoint) was 3% (1% in CCS and 5% in ACS patients [P = 0.073]). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary IVL proved to be a feasible and safe procedure in a "real-life" setting, effectively facilitating stent implantation in severely calcified lesions. Patients with ACS on admission showed similar angiographic success rates but showed a trend toward higher 30-day MACE compared with patients with CCS. (REPLICA-EPIC18 study [Registry of Coronary Lithotripsy in Spain]; NCT04298307).

Tratamiento intervencionista de la embolia aguda de pulmón: resultados de un registro multicéntrico / Catheter-directed therapy for acute pulmonary embolism: results of a multicenter national registry

Introduction and objectives Catheter-directed therapy (CDT) for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is an emerging therapy that combines heterogeneous techniques. The aim of the study was to provide a nationwide contemporary snapshot of clinical practice and CDT-related outcomes. Methods This Investigator-initiated multicenter registry aimed to include consecutive patients with intermediate-high risk (IHR) or high-risk (HR), acute PE eligible for CDT. The primary outcome of the study was in-hospital all-cause death. Results A total of 253 patients were included, of whom 93 (36.8%) had HR-PE, and 160 (63.2%) had IHR-PE with a mean age of 62.3±15.1 years. Local thrombolysis was performed in 70.8% and aspiration thrombectomy in 51.8%, with 23.3% of patients receiving both. However, aspiration thrombectomy was favored in the HR-PE cohort (80.6% vs 35%; P<.001). Only 51 patients (20.2%) underwent CDT with specific PE devices. The success rate for CDT was 90.9% (98.1% of IHR-PE patients vs 78.5% of HR-PE patients, P<.001). In-hospital mortality was 15.5%, and was highly concentrated in the HR-PE patients (37.6%) and significantly lower in IHR-PE patients (2.5%), P<.001. Long-term (24-month) mortality was 40.2% in HR-PE patients vs 8.2% in IHR-PE patients (P<.001). Conclusions Despite the high success rate for CDT, in-hospital mortality in HR-PE is still high (37.6%) compared with very low IHR-PE mortality (2.5%) (AU)

Introducción y objetivos El emergente tratamiento por catéter (TPC) de la embolia pulmonar (EP) aguda combina técnicas heterogéneas. El objetivo del estudio es describir la práctica clínica contemporánea y los resultados relacionados con la TPC en un registro de ámbito nacional. Métodos Registro multicéntrico iniciado por investigador, destinado a incluir a pacientes con EP aguda consecutivos y en riesgo intermedio-alto (IAR) o alto riesgo (AR) elegibles para TPC. El resultado primario del estudio fue la muerte por cualquier causa en el hospital. Resultados Se incluyó en total a 253 pacientes, 93 (36,8%) con EP-AR y 160 (63,2%) con EP-IAR, de una media de edad de 62,3±15,1. Se realizó trombolisis local al 70,8% de los pacientes, trombectomía aspirativa al 51,8% y ambas al 23,3%. Sin embargo, la trombectomía por aspiración fue más frecuente en la cohorte de EP-AR (el 80,6 frente al 35%; p<0,001). Solo 51 pacientes (20,2%) se sometieron a TPC con dispositivos específicos de EP. El éxito de la TPC fue del 90,9% (el 98,1% de los casos de EP-IAR frente al 78,5% de los de EP-AR; p<0,001). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 15,5%, muy concentrada en los casos de EP-AR (37,6%) y significativamente menor entre los de EP-IAR (2,5%; p<0,001). La mortalidad a largo plazo (24 meses) fue del 40,2 en EP-AR frente al 8,2% en EP-IAR (p<0,001). Conclusiones A pesar del elevado éxito de la TPC, la mortalidad hospitalaria por EP-AR sigue siendo alta (37,6%) respeto a la muy baja mortalidad de la EP-IAR (2,5%) (AU)

Percutaneous Pulmonary Thrombectomy Beyond Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Removing Organized Thrombus in Subacute Massive Pulmonary Embolism.

CLINICAL IMPACT: Mechanical thrombectomy using a thromboaspiration catheter can be an effective alternative in the treatment of subacute pulmonary embolism.

The BALTO Registry: Long-term results of percutaneous BALloon pericardioTomy in oncological patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) in oncological patients who present with a malignant pericardial effusion (MPE). BACKGROUND: The use of PBP as a treatment for MPE is not standardized due to the limited evidence. Furthermore, the performance of a second PBP for a recurrence after a first procedure is controversial. METHODS: The BALTO Registry (BALloon pericardioTomy in Oncological patients) is a prospective, single-center, observational registry that includes consecutive PBP performed for MPE from October 2007 to February 2022. Clinical and procedural, characteristics, as well as clinical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-six PBP were performed in 61 patients (65% female). Mean age was of 66.4 ± 11.2 years. In 15 cases, a second PBP procedure was performed due to recurrence despite the first PBP. The procedure could be performed effectively in all cases with only two serious complications. Ninety-five percent of cases were discharged alive from the hospital. During a median follow-up of 6.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-10.8), MPE recurred in 24.5% cases although no recurrences were reported after the second procedure. No evidence of malignant pleural effusion developed on follow-up. The median overall survival time was 5.8 months (IQR, 0.8-10.2) and the time to recurrence after the first PBP was 2.4 months (IQR, 0.7-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: PBP is a safe and effective treatment for MPE. It could be considered an acceptable therapy in most MPE, even in those who recur after a first procedure.