Drug-Eluting or Bare-Metal Stents for Left Anterior Descending or Left Main Coronary Artery Revascularization

BACKGROUND: New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce target-vessel revascularization compared with bare-metal stents (BMS), and recent data suggest that DES have the potential to decrease the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality. We evaluated the treatment effect of DES versus BMS according to the target artery (left anterior descending [LAD] and/or left main [LM] versus other territories [no-LAD/LM]). METHODS AND RESULTS: The Coronary Stent Trialist (CST) Collaboration gathered individual patient data of randomized trials of DES versus BMS for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were derived from a 1-stage individual patient data meta-analysis. We included 26 024 patients across 19 trials: 13 650 (52.4%) in the LAD/LM and 12 373 (47.6%) in the no-LAD/LM group. At 6-year follow-up, there was strong evidence that the treatment effect of DES versus BMS depended on the target vessel (P interaction=0.024). Compared with BMS, DES reduced the risk of cardiac death or myocardial infarction to a greater extent in the LAD/LM (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68­0.85) than in the no-LAD/LM territories (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.83­1.05). This benefit was driven by a lower risk of cardiac death (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70­0.98) and myocardial infarction (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65­0.85) in patients with LAD/LM disease randomized to DES. An interaction (P=0.004) was also found for all-cause mortality with patients with LAD/LM disease deriving benefit from DES (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76­0.97). CONCLUSIONS: As compared with BMS, new-generation DES were associated with sustained reduction in the composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction if used for the treatment of LAD or left main coronary stenoses.

Drug-eluting or bare-metal stents for percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Background New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have mostly been investigated in head-to-head non-inferiority trials against early-generation DES and have typically shown similar efficacy and superior safety. How the safety profile of new-generation DES compares with that of bare-metal stents (BMS) is less clear.Methods We did an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare outcomes after implantation of new-generation DES or BMS among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction. Data were pooled in a one-stage random-effects meta-analysis and examined at maximum follow-up and a 1-year landmark. Risk estimates are reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs. This study is registered in PROSPERO, number CRD42017060520.Findings We obtained individual data for 26 616 patients in 20 randomized trials. Mean follow-up was 3·2 (SD 1·8) years. The risk of the primary outcome was reduced in DES recipients compared with BMS recipients (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·78­0·90, p<0·001) owing to a reduced risk of myocardial infarction (0·79, 0·71­0·88, p<0·001) and a possible slight but non-significant cardiac mortality benefit (0·89, 0·78­1·01, p=0·075). All-cause death was unaffected (HR with DES 0·96, 95% CI 0·88­1·05, p=0·358), but risk was lowered for definite stent thrombosis (0·63, 0·50­0·80, p<0·001) and target-vessel revascularization (0·55, 0·50­0·60, p<0·001). We saw a time-dependent treatment effect, with DES being associated with lower risk of the primary outcome than BMS up to 1 year after placement. While the effect was maintained in the longer term, there was no further divergence from BMS after 1 year. Interpretation The performance of new-generation DES in the first year after implantation means that BMS should no longer be considered the gold standard for safety. Further development of DES technology should target improvements in clinical outcomes beyond 1 year. (AU)

Clinical, Angiographic, and Procedural Correlates of Very Late Absorb Scaffold Thrombosis: Multistudy Registry Results

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify independent correlates of very late scaffold thrombosis (VLST) from an analysis of consecutively treated patients from 15 multicenter studies. BACKGROUND: Recent analyses suggest an increased risk for VLST with the Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold compared with drug-eluting stents, but insights as to correlates of risk are limited. METHODS: A total of 55 patients were identified with scaffold thrombosis. They were matched 2:1 with control subjects selected randomly from patients without thrombosis from the same study. Quantitative coronary angiography was available for 96.4% of patients. Multiple logistic and Cox regression analysis were used to identify significant independent outcome correlates from 6 pre-specified characteristics. RESULTS: Patients had scaffold thrombosis at a median of 20 months (interquartile range: 17 to 27 months). Control subjects were followed for 36 months (interquartile range: 24 to 38 months). For the combined groups, reference vessel diameter (RVD) was 2.84 0.50 mm, scaffold length was 26 16 mm, and post-dilatation was performed in56%. Univariate correlates of thrombosis were smaller nominal scaffold/RVD ratio (linear p»0.001; ratio<1.18:1; odds ratio: 7.5; p»0.002) and larger RVD (linear p»0.001;>2.72 mm; odds ratio: 3.4; p»0.001). Post-dilatation at$16 atm, post-dilatation balloon/scaffold ratio, final percentage stenosis, and dual antiplatelet therapy were not correlated with VLST. Only scaffold/RVD ratio remained a significant independent correlate of VLST (p»0.001), as smaller ratio was correlated with RVD (p<0.001). Post hoc analysis of 8 other potential covariates revealed no other correlates of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In the present analysis, the largest to date of its type, relative scaffold undersizing was the strongest determinant of VLST. Given current understanding of "scaffold dismantling," this finding likely has ramifications for all bioresorbable scaffolds.

Clinical, angiographic, and procedural correlates of acute, subacute, and late absorb scaffold thrombosis

OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to identify and verify independent correlates of device thrombosis from an analysis of multicenter trials and registries. BACKGROUND: Recent analyses suggest an increased risk of device thrombosis with Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California) implantation compared with metallic drug-eluting stents, and data from moderate size studies suggest a risk relationship to vessel size and technique. METHODS: From 8,771 consecutively treated patients, 105 patients (1.2%) were identified with scaffold thrombosis within 1 year of implantation. They were matched 2:1 with controls selected randomly from nonthrombosis patients. Data-restricted multiple logistic analysis was used to identify significant independent covariates of the outcome. RESULTS: Early (within 1 month) scaffold thrombosis occurred in 69 patients and late (1 to 12 months) thrombosis occurred in 36 patients. Modelling found significant correlations of thrombosis to be final minimal lumen diameter 1.1:1 balloon/scaffold ratio (OR: 2.3; p = 0.022), and reference vessel diameter <2.40 mm (OR: 2.1; p = 0.036).CONCLUSIONS:Suboptimal vessel sizing, procedural technique, angiographic outcomes, and dual antiplatelet therapy discontinuation appear to be the principal determinants of Absorb scaffold thrombosis risk through 12 months after implantation.

Beneficio de la implementación de un sistema de atención en red sobre las mujeres con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Benefit of the implementation of a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network on women

Objetivo: El sistema de atención en red por infarto con elevación del segmento ST «Codi Infart¼ se implementó en Cataluña (España) en junio de 2009. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el beneficio de la instauración del Codi Infart para las mujeres atendidas en nuestra institución. Método: Las mujeres referidas para angioplastia primaria se dividieron en 2 grupos de acuerdo con el Codi Infart: grupo no-Codi Infart (enero de 2003 a mayo de 2009) y grupo Codi Infart (junio de 2009 a diciembre de 2012); y se compararon lugar de procedencia, periodos, tratamientos recibidos y tasa de eventos cardiovasculares mayores definida como muerte por todas las causas, reinfarto o accidente cerebrovascular durante el ingreso, a 30 y 180 días. Resultados: De una población total de 2,426 pacientes, 501 (20.7%) eran mujeres. De ellas, 186 mujeres (2,09 casos/mes) pertenecían al grupo no-Codi Infart y 315 mujeres (10,16 casos/mes) al grupo Codi Infart. El porcentaje de mujeres atendidas aumentó desde la introducción del Codi Infart(22.2% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.028). Además, inicialmente el grupo Codi Infart presentó mayor porcentaje de mujeres atendidas fuera de nuestra institución (84.1% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.001), y menores tiempos totales de isquemia (220 [155-380] vs. 272 [196-456], p = 0.003), pero no se detectaron diferencias en eventos cardiovasculares mayores a 180 días (14.2% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.692). Conclusiones: La instauración del Codi Infart permitió aumentar de manera notable la tasa y el porcentaje de mujeres con infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST tratadas mediante angioplastia primaria y reducir los tiempos totales de isquemia.

Objective: The ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network "Codi Infart" was implemented in Catalonia (Spain) in June 2009. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the Codi Infart on women. Method: Women referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, were divided into two groups according to Codi Infart: Non-Codi Infart group (January 2003 to May 2009) and Codi Infart group (June 2009 to December 2012). Place of first medical contact, time intervals in diagnosis and treatment, treatments received and rate of major cardiovascular adverse events defined as all-cause death, reinfarction or stroke in-hospital, at 30 and 180 days were compared. Results: From a total population of 2,426 patients, 501 (20.7%) were women. One-hundred eighty-six women (2.09 cases/month) belonged to Non-Codi Infart group and 315 women (10.16 cases/month) to Codi Infart group. The percentage of women attended increased since the introduction of CI (22.2% vs. 18.5%, P = .028). In addition, the Codi Infart group had a higher percentage of women initially attended outside our institution (84.1% vs. 16.7%, P < .001), and lower total ischemia time (220 [155-380] vs. 272 [196-456], P = .003). However, no differences in 180-day major cardiovascular adverse events were detected (14.2% vs. 15.6%, P = .692). Conclusions: The implementation of the major cardiovascular adverse events allowed to increase the rate and the percentage of women with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and reducing total ischemic time.

[Benefit of the implementation of a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network on women]. / Beneficio de la implementación de un sistema de atención en red sobre las mujeres con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST.

OBJECTIVE: The ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network "Codi Infart" was implemented in Catalonia (Spain) in June 2009. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the Codi Infart on women. METHOD: Women referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, were divided into two groups according to Codi Infart: Non-Codi Infart group (January 2003 to May 2009) and Codi Infart group (June 2009 to December 2012). Place of first medical contact, time intervals in diagnosis and treatment, treatments received and rate of major cardiovascular adverse events defined as all-cause death, reinfarction or stroke in-hospital, at 30 and 180 days were compared. RESULTS: From a total population of 2,426 patients, 501 (20.7%) were women. One-hundred eighty-six women (2.09 cases/month) belonged to Non-Codi Infart group and 315 women (10.16 cases/month) to Codi Infart group. The percentage of women attended increased since the introduction of CI (22.2% vs. 18.5%, P=.028). In addition, the Codi Infart group had a higher percentage of women initially attended outside our institution (84.1% vs. 16.7%, P<.001), and lower total ischemia time (220 [155-380] vs. 272 [196-456], P=.003). However, no differences in 180-day major cardiovascular adverse events were detected (14.2% vs. 15.6%, P=.692). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the major cardiovascular adverse events allowed to increase the rate and the percentage of women with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and reducing total ischemic time.

[Rescue maneuver for entrapped stent in the coronary tree]. / Maniobra para rescate de stent atrapado en el árbol coronario.

We describe two patients in whom stents dislodged from the unexpanded balloon during angioplasty and remained trapped in the coronary tree. In one patient the stent was located in the curvature of the circumflex artery and, in the other patient, it was detected in the distal left main artery. Retrieval of the undeployed stents was accomplished in the first case after advancing a low profile balloon through the stent and, in the second case, after placing a second guidewire exterior to the stent. In both cases, the balloon was inflated distally and the stents were dislodged after pulling the balloon back towards the guiding catheter and then withdrawing the whole system.

Maniobra para rescate de stent atrapado en el árbol coronario / Rescue maneuver for entrapped stent in the coronary tree

Describimos el caso de dos pacientes que durante la angioplastia los stents se desprendieron del balón sin expandir y quedaron atrapados en el árbol coronario. En un paciente el stent quedó enclavado en la curvatura de la arteria circunfleja y en el otro paciente en el tronco común distal. Los stents se extrajeron en el primer caso tras avanzar un balón de bajo perfil a través del stent y en el otro tras colocar otra guía exterior al stent y situar un balón distal. En ambos casos se hinchó el balón distal a los stents y se logró desenclavar al retirar el balón hacia el catéter guía y después todo el sistema.

We describe two patients in whom stents dislodged from the unexpanded balloon during angioplasty and remained trapped in the coronary tree. In one patient the stent was located in the curvature of the circumflex artery and, in the other patient, it was detected in the distal left main artery. Retrieval of the undeployed stents was accomplished in the first case after advancing a low profile balloon through the stent and, in the second case, after placing a second guidewire exterior to the stent. In both cases, the balloon was inflated distally and the stents were dislodged after pulling the balloon back towards the guiding catheter and then withdrawing the whole system.

Shock cardiogénico en la admisión en pacientes con enfermedad multivaso e infarto agudo de miocardio tratados con intervención coronaria percutßnea: Factores relacionados / Shock cardiogenic in the admission in patients with disease multiglass and acute heart attack of myocardium treated with coronary intervention percutaneous: related Factors

Introducción: Entre los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMEST)tratados con intervención coronaria percutßnea primaria (PCI), aquellos con enfermedad multivaso tienen peor pronóstico mayormente debido a una alta frecuencia de shock cardiogénico (SC) en la admisión. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar características clínicas y angiogrßficas de pacientes con IAMSTE, enfermedad multivaso y SC en la admisión referidos para PCI primaria. Materiales y Métodos: Nosotros estudiamos 630 pacientes con IAMSTE tratados con PCI primaria en las primeras 12 horas de inicio de los síntomas. Enfermedad multivaso fue definida en 276 paciente (44 por ciento), quienes conforman nuestra población de estudio. Variables clínicas, angiogrßficas, y del procedimiento fueron comparadas entre aquellos pacientes con y sin SC. Un anßlisis de regresión logística fue realizado para identificar los predictores independientes de SC entre los pacientes con enfermedad multivaso. Resultados: Entre los pacientes con enfermedad multivaso, 45 (16 por ciento) presentó SC en la admisión. Los predictores independientes de SC en pacientes con enfermedad multivaso fueron IAMSTE anterior [odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95 por ciento confidence interval (CI) 1.0 a 4.1; p=0.044], sexo femenino [OR 2.49; 95 por ciento CI 1.1 a 5.3; p=0.021], lesión culpable proximal [OR 3.8; 95 por ciento CI 1.7 a 8.5; p< 0.001] y oclusión crónica de una arteria coronaria no responsable del infarto [ OR 4.48; 95 por ciento CI 2.1 a 9.1; p< 0.001]. Conclusiones: Entre los pacientes con IAMSTE y enfermedad multivaso, el SC es especialmente frecuente en los pacientes con IAMSTE anterior, sexo femenino, lesión culpable proximal y oclusión crónica de una arteria no responsable del infarto.

Anatomical and physiologic assessments in patients with small coronary artery disease: final results of the physiologic and anatomical evaluation prior to and after stent implantation in small coronary vessels (PHANTOM) trial

Patients with small coronary arteries are at high risk for complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of our study was to investigate the correlation between angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with moderate stenoses in small (b2.8 mm) coronary arteries. Methods and Results Sixty consecutive patients, of 800 scheduled for PCI during the study period, were prospectively enrolled in the study. The FFR was measured after a 2-minute infusion of adenosine. For the preprocedural assessments, 60 patients underwent an FFR measurement, 56 underwent an IVUS, and 60 underwent an angiography; for the postprocedural assessments, 22 patients underwent an FFR measurement, 18 underwent an IVUS, and 22 underwent an angiography. The jeopardy score for the target vessel was calculated. Data were analyzed by an independent core laboratory. Patients with an FFR N0.75 were deferred from PCI. Patients were stratified in 2 groups according to their FFR values (V0.75 vs N0.75) and were followed for 1 year. Significant (FFR V0.75) coronary stenosis was observed in only 35% of the patients. The mean preprocedural FFR values were 0.79 F 0.13 for the overall population, 0.64 F 0.08 for the patients with an FFR V0.75, and 0.87 F 0.06 for the patients with an FFR N0.75. There was no correlation between angiography, IVUS, and FFR. The jeopardy score was inversely correlated with FFR (R = 0.32). Only a third of the patients with optimal stenting defined by IVUS achieved an FFR N0.90. After 1 year, 24% of the patients with an FFR V0.75 required a repeat PCI. There was no occurrence of myocardial infarction or death, and only 2.6% of the patients deferred from PCI required revascularization. Conclusion Anatomical parameters are limited in determining the hemodynamic significance of small coronary disease. Most moderate stenoses in small coronaries could be safely deferred from PCI based on FFR

Clinical variables related with in-stent restenosis late regression after bare metal coronary stenting.

UNLABELLED: In-stent restenosis (ISR) has an incidence between 20% and 30% using bare metal stents. ISR late regression phenomenon (ISRLR) has been previously described, but clinical variables related with this phenomenon remain unclear. The aim of the study was to identify the variables related with ISRLR. METHODS: We identified from our data base 30 patients between November 1995 and September 2002 that fulfilled the following criteria: 1) Documented ISR at follow-up angiography (CA-1); 2) treated medically; and 3) Referred for a second follow-up angiography (CA-2). at least 3 months after CA-1. ISRLR was defined as a > 0.2 mm increase in MLD between CA-1 and CA-2, calculated as the 2-fold of our inter-observer variability. ISR late progression was defined as a > 0.2 mm decrease in minimum lumen diameter (MLD) between CA-1 and CA-2. RESULTS: At the time of CA-2 only 2 patients (6.7%) had symptoms related with the previously stented vessel. We found a mean MLD of 1.03+/-0.34 mm and 1.54+/-0.48 mm at CA-1 and CA-2 respectively (AMLD = 0.51 +/-0.34 mm; p < 0.001). Twenty four patients (80.0%) had ISRLR. Two variables were related to the presence or absence ISRLR: Current smoking at the time of coronary stenting (70.8% vs 20.0% respectively, p = 0.026) and acute coronary syndrome as clinical indication for coronary stenting (and 83.5% vs 40.0% respectively, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: ISRLR is a frequent phenomenon in patients with ISR treated medically, probably contributing to the benign long-term clinical outcome that has been previously described in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic ISR. Current smoking at the time of coronary stenting and acute coronary syndrome as clinical indication for coronary stenting are associated with this phenomenon.

[Side branch occlusion during direct stent implantation. Incidence and related factors]. / Compromiso de vasos secundarios durante la implantación directa de stent coronario. Incidencia y factores relacionados.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the compromise of side branches when jailed by a coronary stent implanted without balloon predilation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 56 patients in which at least a coronary stent was implanted without balloon predilation and covering a side brach (58 stents, 1.04 +/- 0.19 per patient) were studied. The effect of direct coronary stent implantation over side branch flow, as well as the characteristics associated were studied. RESULTS: The main vessel was left anterior descending in 63%, left circumflex in 21%, right coronary in 14%, and left main in one case. An angiographic successful result in the main vessel was obtained in all cases. Coronary flow was TIMI 3, 2, 1, and 0 in 95%, 3%, 0%, and 2% before the procedure, in comparison with 86%, 2%, 3%, and 9% after stent implantation (p = 0.204). The incidence of side branch occlusion was 12% (7/58). In one case, the side branch was dilated across the stent struts, and thus the rate of side branch loss at the end of the procedure was 10% (6/58). In cases of side branch occlusion, there was a more severe stenosis at its origin before stent implantation (30.2 +/-31.3% vs 16.8 +/- 11.1%, p = 0.028). Fifty percent of side branches occluded after direct coronary stent implantation and angiographically re-evaluated at follow-up became patent, and 88% of side branches not affected after stent implantation remained patent at 6.2+/-1.9 months. CONCLUSION: The rate of side branch occlusion after direct stent implantation in our series was 12%, that is not different from that reported for conventional stent implantation. Thus, the decision of using direct or conventional coronary stenting should not be conditioned by the presence of side branches arising from the target lesion.

Compromiso de vasos secundarios durante la implantación directa de stent coronario: Incidencia y factores relacionados / Side branch occlusion during direct stent implantation: Incidence and related factors

Objetivo: El objetivo fue evaluar el grado de compromiso de las ramas que son enjauladas durante la implantación directa de stent. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudiaron 56 pacientes en los que se implantó al menos un stent coronario (58 stents) sin dilatación previa con balón y en los que se enjauló alguna rama secundaria. Se evaluó la tasa de pérdida de la rama, el efecto de la implantación del stent sobre el flujo de esta rama y los factores relacionados con estos hechos. Resultados: El vaso principal fue la descendente anterior en el 63%, la circunfleja en el 21%, la coronaria derecha en el 14% y el tronco principal de la coronaria izquierda en un caso. Se obtuvo éxito angiográfico sobre el vaso principal en todos los casos. Antes del procedimiento, el flujo a nivel de la rama secundaria era TIMI grado 3, 2 y 0 en 55 (95%), 2 (3%) y un caso (2%), respectivamente. Tras la implantación del stent, el flujo era TIMI grado 3, 2, 1 y 0 en 50 (86%), 1 (2%), 2 (3%) y 5 (9%) casos, respectivamente (p = 0.204). La incidencia de pérdida de la rama fue 12% (7/58); en un caso, se intentó con éxito recanalizar y dilatar ésta a través de los struts del stent, por lo que la tasa de pérdida de rama final fue 10% (6/ 58). Las ramas que se ocluyeron tenían un mayor grado de estenosis en el origen antes de la implantación del stent (30.2 ± 31.3% vs 16.8 ± 11.1%, p = 0.028). En los pacientes que se reevaluaron angiográficamente, a los 6.2 ±1.9 meses, el 50% de las ramas que se habían ocluido se encontraban permeables, y el 88% de las que no se comprometieron seguían permeables. Conclusiones: La tasa de oclusión de las ramas con la implantación directa de stent fue 12% en nuestra serie, cifra similar a la que ocurre con la implantación de stent tras dilatación con balón. Por tanto, la existencia de ramas localizadas en el segmento en el que va a implantarse el stent no tiene por qué condicionar la decisión o no de realizar una dilatación previa con balón.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the compromise of side branches when jailed by a coronary stent implanted without balloon predilation. Patients and methods: 56 patients in which at least a coronary stent was implanted without balloon predilation and covering a side brach (58 stents, 1.04 ± 0.19 per patient) were studied. The effect of direct coronary stent implantation over side branch flow, as well as the characteristics associated were studied. Results: The main vessel was left anterior descending in 63%, left circumflex in 21%, right coronary in 14%, and left main in one case. An angiographic successful result in the main vessel was obtained in all cases. Coronary flow was TIMI 3, 2, 1, and 0 in 95%, 3%, 0%, and 2% before the procedure, in comparison with 86%, 2%, 3%, and 9% after stent implantation (p = 0.204). The incidence of side branch occlusion was 12% (7/58). In one case, the side branch was dilated across the stent struts, and thus the rate of side branch loss at the end of the procedure was 10% (6/58). In cases of side branch occlusion, there was a more severe stenosis at its origin before stent implantation (30.2 ± 31.3% vs 16.8± 11.1%, p = 0.028). Fifty percent of side branches occluded after direct coronary stent implantation and angiographically reevaluated at follow-up became patent, and 88% of side branches not affected after stent implantation remained patent at 6.2 ± 1.9 months. Conclusion: The rate of side branch occlusion after direct stent implantation in our series was 12%, that is not different from that reported for conventional stent implantation. Thus, the decision of using direct or conventional coronary stenting should not be conditioned by the presence of side branches arising from the target lesion.

Multiple congenital coronary artery fistulae draining into the left ventricle.

Coronary artery fistula between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber is a rare condition, especially when multiple fistulas communicate with the left ventricle. Herein we report a case of an elderly woman with multiple diffuse coronary artery-left ventricular fistulas diagnosed by angiography. Since the coronary artery-cardiac chamber communications were multiple and diffuse neither surgery nor transcatheter coil occlusion was considered in this case.

Multiple congenital coronary artery fistulae draining into the left ventrice / Físulas coronariias congénitas múltiples drenando el ventrículo izquierdo

Coronary artery fistula between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber is a rare condition, especially when multiple fistulas communicate with the left ventricle. Herein we report a case of an elderly woman with multiple diffuse coronary artery-left ventricular fistulas diagnosed by angiography. Since the coronary artery-cardiac chamber communications were multiple and diffuse neither surgery nor transcatheter coil occlusion was considered in this case.

Las fístulas de las arterias coronarias que drenan a las cavidades cardíacas son una anomalía infrecuente, especialmente cuando son múltiples y drenan hacia el ventrículo izquierdo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer octogenaria con múltiples fístulas difusas que se originan de la coronaria izquierda y que drenan al ventrículo izquierdo. El hecho de que fuesen múltiples y difusas imposibilitó una intervención quirúrgica o percutánea como se recomienda en estos casos. (Arch Cardiol Mex 2004; 74:45-48).