Early Structural Deterioration of a Sutureless Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve.

Sutureless bioprosthetic valves such as the Sorin Perceval S valve (SPV) have been used in patients with aortic stenosis that require surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). These prostheses have been marketed on the basis of their rapid implantation techniques with avoidance of sutures and reduced aortic cross-clamp times. We report a case of an early failure of a SPV nearly 4 years after implantation in a 58-year-old woman who was low-risk. While the patient's symptoms initially improved with SAVR with a sutureless bioprosthetic valve, they progressively worsened as the valve degraded, and the leaflets became increasingly calcified and stenotic ultimately, requiring reoperative SAVR with a St. Jude mechanical valve. This case raises the issue of the lack of much-needed data describing the long-term durability and hemodynamic performance of these valves, particularly in a low-risk patient with excellent functional status. We hope to shed further insight into the lack of long-term studies on patients with SPV to assess their longevity and long-term effectiveness, as well as elucidation of possible prevention and monitoring of these potential complications. The use of newer generation prostheses, although attractive for their ease of implantation, potentially carries higher long-term risk due to shorter durability leading to reintervention to address valve deterioration. This is especially true in low-risk patients who are young and active. Cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery societies need to develop a universal registry with follow-up of all valves in order to track and study the durability of these valves, and to evaluate for incidence of known and potential complications.

The flow of thin liquid layers on circular cylinders.

The time evolution of a coating layer of liquid on an inclined circular cylindrical substrate is studied experimentally and theoretically. For small-diameter cylinders, the motion of Newtonian liquids, driven by the combined influences of surface tension and gravity, is analyzed using the long-wave or "lubrication" approximation. Computed time-dependent solutions of the lubrication model are in general agreement with our experimental observations. Starting from a slightly-perturbed uniform coating, the full family of evolving flows is shown to depend only on three dimensionless parameters: the inclination angle of the cylinder from the vertical direction, the Bond number representing the ratio of gravity to surface tension effects, and a nondimensional measure of the initial coating thickness. Typically flow is initiated by the well-known Rayleigh-Plateau instability followed by drainage, and also wave propagation if the cylinder is not horizontal. Steady propagation of ring-like structures can occur as well as eventual overtaking, merging and reformation of the rings. We demonstrate that volumetric transport is maximized if the cylinder axis is inclined to, rather than aligned with, the direction of gravity. Results are relevant to the understanding, and potential optimization, of small-scale liquid transport. Such problems arise in the natural and industrial worlds.

SYNTAX Score and Long-Term Outcomes: The BARI-2D Trial.

BACKGROUND: The extent of coronary disease affects clinical outcomes and may predict the effectiveness of coronary revascularization with either coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score quantifies the extent of coronary disease. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether SYNTAX scores predicted outcomes and the effectiveness of coronary revascularization compared with medical therapy in the BARI-2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) trial. METHODS: Baseline SYNTAX scores were retrospectively calculated for BARI-2D patients without prior revascularization (N = 1,550) by angiographic laboratory investigators masked to patient characteristics and outcomes. The primary outcome was major cardiovascular events (a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) over 5 years. RESULTS: A mid/high SYNTAX score (≥23) was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 1.36, confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.75, p = 0.01). Patients in the CABG stratum had significantly higher SYNTAX scores: 36% had mid/high SYNTAX scores compared with 13% in the PCI stratum (p < 0.001). Among patients with low SYNTAX scores (≤22), major cardiovascular events did not differ significantly between revascularization and medical therapy, either in the CABG stratum (26.1% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.41) or in the PCI stratum (17.8% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.84). Among patients with mid/high SYNTAX scores, however, major cardiovascular events were lower after revascularization than with medical therapy in the CABG stratum (15.3% vs. 30.3%, p = 0.02), but not in the PCI stratum (35.6% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with diabetes and stable ischemic heart disease, higher SYNTAX scores predict higher rates of major cardiovascular events and were associated with more favorable outcomes of revascularization compared with medical therapy among patients suitable for CABG. (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes; NCT00006305).

Comparison of Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Graft Stenosis More Than 5 Years After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Graft stenosis may be associated with future graft failure. The purpose of this investigation was to compare graft stenosis between radial artery (RA) grafts and saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) at least 5 years postoperatively using the multicenter Radial Artery Patency Study (RAPS) data. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-four patients underwent late invasive angiography after coronary artery bypass operations. The study population consists of 163 patients with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow of both the RA graft and study SVGs. Angiograms were reviewed centrally and in a blinded fashion. Graft stenosis was recorded for the proximal anastomosis, graft body, and distal anastomosis; significant stenosis was defined as greater than or equal to 50%. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were reported in patients with and those without significant graft stenosis. RESULTS: There was no difference in significant graft stenosis of the patent RA grafts and SVGs (14 of 163 [8.6%] versus 19 of 163 [11.7%]) or in the proximal anastomosis (5 of 163 [3.1%] versus 5 of 163 [3.1%]), graft body (6 of 163 [3.7%] versus 13 of 163 [8.0%]), or distal anastomosis (4 of 163 [2.5%] versus 5 of 163 [3.1%]) considered separately. However, the overall burden of graft body disease was higher in SVGs (p = 0.03). MACE was higher in patients with significant graft stenosis than in patients without stenosis (10 of 28 [35.7%] versus 7 of 135 [5.2%]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the rates of significant stenosis of patent RA grafts and SVGs more than 5 years postoperatively. However, the burden of graft body stenosis was less in RA grafts compared with SVGs, suggesting that the RA grafts will continue to outperform the SVGs late after operation.

The long-term impact of diabetes on graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a substudy of the multicenter Radial Artery Patency Study.

OBJECTIVES: The study objective was to determine the impact of diabetes on radial artery and saphenous vein graft occlusion and clinical outcomes more than 5 years after coronary artery bypass surgery in the multicenter Radial Artery Patency Study (NCT00187356). METHODS: A total of 529 patients aged less than 80 years with triple-vessel disease undergoing coronary bypass surgery participated in this study. Angiographic follow-up occurred more than 5 years after surgery with annual clinical follow-up. The primary objective was to compare the proportion of complete graft occlusion between radial artery and saphenous vein grafts among diabetic and nondiabetic persons. Additional objectives included determining predictors of complete graft occlusion and comparison of major adverse cardiac events defined by cardiac death, late myocardial infarction, and reintervention. RESULTS: There were 148 of 529 patients (27.8%) with diabetes; 269 patients (83/269 [30.9%] diabetic) underwent late angiography at mean of 7.7±1.5 years after surgery. In diabetic patients, the proportion of complete graft occlusion was significantly lower in the radial grafts (4/83 [4.8%]) than in the saphenous grafts (21/83 [25.3%]) (P=.0004), and this was similar in nondiabetic patients (P=.19). Multivariate modeling showed that the use of the radial artery and high-grade target vessel stenosis were protective against late graft occlusion, whereas female gender, smoking history, and elevated creatinine were associated with an increased risk; interaction between diabetic status and conduit type also was significant (P=.02). Major adverse cardiac events were higher in diabetic patients (23/148 [15.5%] vs 35/381 [9.2%], P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the radial artery should be strongly considered in diabetic patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, especially with high-grade target vessel stenosis.

Angiographic and echocardiographic correlates of suitable septal perforators for alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial contrast echocardiography during angiography is critical in identifying appropriate septal perforator(s) for alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. We evaluated whether there were other angiographic and/or echocardiographic markers that might identify patients who are anatomically suitable for ASA. METHODS: We performed quantitative coronary angiographic analysis and echocardiographic assessment on 74 patients referred for ASA from January 2004 to July 2012 at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Patients who proceeded to ASA were compared with those in whom ASA was aborted. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients referred for ASA, 63 proceeded to ASA and in 11 patients ASA was aborted because of various anatomic and technical reasons. There were no clinically significant differences observed in quantitative angiographic and echocardiographic measurements between the 2 groups. The ratio of ostial left main (LM) to ablated septal distance on angiography vs the basal septum to the septum area where the mitral valve contacted the septum because of systolic anterior motion (SAM) was 1.53. In the whole cohort, a significant correlation was observed between the ostial LM to the target septal distance and the distance from basal septum to SAM-septal contact point on echocardiography (r = 0.39; P = 0.008). A stronger correlation was evident when analysis was restricted to patients undergoing ASA only (r = 0.44; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic and angiographic assessments of the distance between the basal septum to SAM-septal contact point and ostial LM to the target septal distance might be useful in preprocedural selection of the appropriate septal perforator for ASA.

Clinical, biochemical, and genetic predictors of coronary artery bypass graft failure.

OBJECTIVES: To identify novel predictors for coronary artery bypass grafting failure, we probed for associations with known clinical and biochemical risk factors for atherosclerosis. We also used microarray analysis to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms to better understand the genetics and pathogenesis of graft occlusion. METHODS: The present study was a nested case-control substudy of the Radial Artery Patency Study 5-year follow-up data. From 1996 to 2001, 87 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Of these, 26 patients (29.9%) had an occluded study graft (saphenous vein or radial artery) at 8.0 ± 1.1 years. The clinical parameters, late angiography, blood biomarker levels, and surgical outcomes data were included in a multivariate analysis to determine the independent predictors of graft failure. RESULTS: The risk factors of graft failure were fibrinogen (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-11.63; P = .01), creatinine (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; P = .006), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 5.15; 95% CI, 1.08-24.59; P = .04). High-density lipoprotein (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-1.02; P = .06) was weakly protective; however, low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were not predictors. We then identified the association of several human single nucleotide polymorphisms with graft failure, including mutations in glutathione-S-transferase α3. Human coronary arteries and bypass grafts demonstrated increased protein expression of glutathione-S-transferase α3, a known cardioprotective factor, in the atherosclerotic regions and surrounding adventitial tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We identified diabetes as a potential clinical predictor and plasma fibrinogen, creatinine, and high-density lipoprotein as potential novel biomarkers. These might help risk stratify patients for the development of graft failure. We also demonstrated a novel association between glutathione-S-transferase α3 and graft failure.

Evaluation of left ventricular relaxation and filling pressures in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: comparison between invasive hemodynamics and two-dimensional speckle tracking.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is usually associated with marked diastolic dysfunction, characterized by impaired myocardial relaxation and increased myocardial stiffness. The noninvasive evaluation of diastolic function in these patients remains a challenge since usual methods have shown a modest correlation with invasive measurements of left ventricular (LV) relaxation and filling pressures. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with obstructive HCM who underwent cardiac catheterization and echocardiography performed within 48 hours. Standard echocardiographic diastolic parameters and systolic and diastolic myocardial mechanics (including longitudinal and circumferential strain [S] and strain rate [Sr]), LV rotation, and early reverse rotation rate (fraction of early apical reverse rotation [FEARR]) were correlated with diastolic hemodynamic indices. Estimated LA pressure by echo and the LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) or the LV pre-A pressure did not correlate. Longitudinal strain was low and circumferential strain was abnormally higher than normal. FEARR and negative dp/dt inversely correlated (R =-0.57, P = 0.0001), and early diastolic Sr to systolic Sr ratio (SrE/SrS) correlated with the LVEDP (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, a SrE to SrS ratio ≥ 0.79 had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 75% for predicting elevated LVEDP (≥ 15 mmHg). Average circumferential strain rate during atrial contraction and LV pre-A pressure (r =-0.62, P < 0.001) inversely correlated. CONCLUSIONS: FEARR is decreased in HCM and appears to be a good measure of diastolic dysfunction. Myocardial mechanics can be used to assess LV relaxation and filling pressures in patients with obstructive HCM.

Impact of completeness of revascularization on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D).

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes have more extensive coronary disease than those without diabetes, resulting in more challenging percutaneous coronary intervention or surgical (coronary artery bypass graft) revascularization and more residual jeopardized myocardium. The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial provided an opportunity to examine the long-term clinical impact of completeness of revascularization in patients with diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a post hoc, nonrandomized analysis of the completeness of revascularization in 751 patients who were randomly assigned to early revascularization, of whom 264 underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 487 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The completeness of revascularization was determined by the residual postprocedure myocardial jeopardy index (RMJI). RMJI is a ratio of the number of myocardial territories supplied by a significantly diseased epicardial coronary artery or branch that was not successfully revascularized, divided by the total number of myocardial territories. Mean follow-up for mortality was 5.3 years. Complete revascularization (RMJI=0) was achieved in 37.9% of patients, mildly incomplete revascularization (RMJI >0≤33) in 46.6%, and moderately to severely incomplete revascularization (RMJI >33) in 15.4%. Adjusted event-free survival was higher in patients with more complete revascularization (hazard ratio, 1.14; P=0.0018). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and less complete revascularization had more long-term cardiovascular events. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.

Long-term survival in patients with resting obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy comparison of conservative versus invasive treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the survival of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and resting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction managed with an invasive versus a conservative strategy. BACKGROUND: In patients with resting obstructive HCM, clinical benefit can be achieved after invasive septal reduction therapy. However, it remains controversial whether invasive treatment improves long-term survival. METHODS: We studied a consecutive cohort of 649 patients with resting obstructive HCM. Total and HCM-related mortality were compared in 246 patients who were conservatively managed with 403 patients who were invasively managed by surgical myectomy, septal ethanol ablation, or dual-chamber pacing. RESULTS: Multivariable analyses (with invasive therapy treated as a time-dependent covariate) showed that an invasive intervention was a significant determinant of overall mortality (hazard ratio: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 0.97, p = 0.04). Overall survival rates were greater in the invasive (99.2% 1-year, 95.7% 5-year, and 87.8% 10-year survival) than in the conservative (97.3% 1-year, 91.1% 5-year, and 75.8% 10-year survival, p = 0.008) cohort. However, invasive therapy was not found to be a significant independent predictor of HCM-related mortality (hazard ratio: 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 1.3, p = 0.3). The HCM-related survival was 99.5% (1 year), 96.3% (5 years), and 90.2% (10 years) in the invasive cohort, and 97.8% (1 year), 94.6% (5 years), and 86.9% (10 years) in the conservative cohort (p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated invasively have an overall survival advantage compared with conservatively treated patients, with the latter group more likely to die from noncardiac causes. The HCM-related mortality is similar, regardless of a conservative versus invasive strategy.

Alcohol septal ablation for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. A multicenter North American registry.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is to identify the predictors of clinical outcome (mortality and survival without repeat septal reduction procedures) of alcohol septal ablation for the treatment of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. BACKGROUND: Alcohol septal ablation is used for treatment of medically refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients with severe outflow tract obstruction. The existing literature is limited to single-center results, and predictors of clinical outcome after ablation have not been determined. Registry results can add important data. METHODS: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients (N = 874) who underwent alcohol septal ablation were enrolled. The majority (64%) had severe obstruction at rest, and the remaining had provocable obstruction. Before ablation, patients had severe dyspnea (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class III or IV: 78%) and/or severe angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class III or IV: 43%). RESULTS: Significant improvement (p < 0.01) occurred after ablation (~5% in NYHA functional classes III and IV, and 8 patients in Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class III). There were 81 deaths, and survival estimates at 1, 5, and 9 years were 97%, 86%, and 74%, respectively. Left anterior descending artery dissections occurred in 8 patients and arrhythmias in 133 patients. A lower ejection fraction at baseline, a smaller number of septal arteries injected with ethanol, a larger number of ablation procedures per patient, a higher septal thickness post-ablation, and the use beta-blockers post-ablation predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Variables that predict mortality after ablation, include baseline ejection fraction and NYHA functional class, the number of septal arteries injected with ethanol, post-ablation septal thickness, beta-blocker use, and the number of ablation procedures.

Time to significant gradient reduction following septal balloon occlusion predicts the magnitude of final gradient response during alcohol septal ablation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a relationship exists between an acute reduction in resting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient with balloon occlusion and the final invasive gradient response following alcohol septal ablation (ASA). BACKGROUND: ASA is an alternative therapy to myectomy surgery to reduce the basal septal thickness and decrease the resting and/or provocable LVOT gradient in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Patients have a variable gradient response to occlusion of the septal perforator artery before ethanol infusion for ASA. METHODS: From November 1998 to November 2008, 120 patients (mean age 60 years [range 16 to 87 years], 50% women) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy underwent ASA at our institution. The resting LVOT gradient (peak systolic left ventricle [LV] pressure - peak systolic aortic pressure) was measured continuously during the ASA procedure. The time to significant LVOT gradient decrease (defined as >50% decrease from baseline) was recorded following balloon occlusion of the dominant septal perforator coronary artery, which was found to perfuse the basal septum based on contrast echocardiographic studies. RESULTS: The mean baseline resting LVOT gradient was 86 ± 43 mm Hg, and it decreased to 17 ± 11 mm Hg following ASA (-80.2%). The mean time to significant gradient reduction was 3.6 ± 2 min (range 25 s to 11 min). The time to significant LVOT gradient reduction strongly correlated with the final magnitude of gradient reduction following ASA (r = -0.81, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a correlation between the time to significant LVOT gradient reduction following septal perforator balloon occlusion and the magnitude of final gradient response after ASA.

Sex, clinical symptoms, and angiographic findings in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease (from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation [BARI] 2 Diabetes trial).

Previous studies have reported differences in presenting symptoms and angiographic characteristics between women and men undergoing evaluation for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We examined the relation between symptoms and extent of CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known CAD enrolled in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial. Of 1,775 patients (533 women, 30%, and 1,242 men, 70%), women were more likely than men to have angina (65% vs 56%, p <0.001) or an atypical angina/anginal equivalent (71% vs 58%, p <0.001). More women reported unstable angina (17% vs 13%, p = 0.047) or were in a higher Canadian Cardiology Society class compared to men (Canadian Cardiology Society classes II to IV 78% vs 68%, p = 0.002). Fewer women than men had no symptoms (14% vs 22%, p <0.001). Women had a lower mean myocardial jeopardy index (42.5 ± 24.3 vs 47.9 ± 24.3, p <0.001), smaller number of total significant lesions (2.3 ± 1.7 vs 2.7 ± 1.8, p <0.001), and fewer jeopardized left ventricular regions (p <0.001 for distribution) or long-term occlusions (29% vs 42%, p <0.001). After adjustment for relevant covariates, the odds of having CAD symptoms were still higher in women than men (odds ratio for angina 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.69; odds ratio for atypical angina 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.96). In conclusion, in a high-risk group of patients with known CAD and diabetes mellitus, women were more symptomatic than men but had less obstructive CAD. These data suggest that factors other than epicardial CAD severity influence symptom presentation in women in this population.

Selective use of embolic protection devices during saphenous vein grafts interventions: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To report on outcomes with selective use of embolic protection devices (EPD) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to saphenous vein grafts (SVG). BACKGROUND: PCI to SVG is associated with increased risk and the use of EPD is recommended in this setting. METHODS: Angiographic and clinical outcomes were prospectively obtained from 534 consecutive patients who underwent PCI to SVG with or without EPD at a tertiary cardiac centre. Long-term outcomes were obtained by linkage to a provincial registry. RESULTS: EPD, deployed in 198 of 373 SVGs (53%) suitable for deployment of a distal EPD, were used more often in ectatic (33% vs. 19%, P = 0.003), ulcerated (17% vs. 9%, P = 0.03), thrombotic (26% vs. 10%, P < 0.0001) vein grafts, with longer degenerated segments (P = 0.002), and in lesions involving the body of the graft (85% vs. 66%, P < 0.0001), and less with lesions involving the graft ostium (29% vs. 44%, P = 0.003). Patients suitable for but not receiving EPD tended to be more likely to have a periprocedural myocardial infarction. During 3 years of follow-up, 49% of the patients had a cardiovascular event. Cumulative mortality was 8.4%, 18.8% and 14.7% in patients unsuitable for distal EPD, suitable but without EPD, and with EPD (p = 0.11). Nonuse of EPD was an independent predictor of MACE at 3 years. (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Selective use of EPD is associated with low in-hospital cardiovascular event rates. Long-term outcomes are manifested by a high rate of events, especially in patients with SVG's suitable for but not receiving EPD. This suggests that routine use of distal EPD may be warranted in unselected patients with suitable SVG anatomy.

The accuracy of noninvasive stress myocardial imaging for detecting coronary artery disease in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: There is a wide variation in reported accuracy ofnoninvasive stress myocardial imaging as a screening tool for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was undertaken to determine its current accuracy in a wide spectrum of patients with chest pain syndromes using invasive coronary angiography as the gold standard. METHODS: The patient population consisted of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography in whom noninvasive stress imaging, either nuclear or echocardiographic, was performed within 6 months prior to the angiogram. The specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for detecting > or =1 lesions with > or =50% diameter coronary stenosis were determined for each modality. RESULTS: Of the 227 eligible patients, 141 were men and 86 were women; 70% had significant CAD. The diagnostic accuracy overall was 71% and was no different for nuclear or echocardiographic testing. The positive predictive value (86% vs. 52%; P = 0.002) and diagnostic accuracy (83% vs. 51%; P = 0.002) were better in men than in women. INTERPRETATION: In this study, noninvasive stress imaging lacked the accuracy of a good screening test for significant CAD. This finding was particularly true for women, for whom it was not much better than a coin toss.

Contemporary management of pregnancy-related coronary artery dissection: A single-centre experience and literature review.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent event that is most commonly associated with pregnant women or those in the postpartum period. Because of its rarity, the literature describing this condition is confined to sporadic case reports, with few reporting long-term follow-up, and no clear consensus exists on the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. The present article reports a single-centre experience with SCAD, highlighting the issues surrounding its management with a brief description of five cases of pregnancy-associated coronary dissection. The treatment used in these cases ranged from a conservative medical approach to surgical and percutaneous intervention, with one patient proceeding to transplantation. Four of the cases have long-term angiographic follow-up.In addition, a comprehensive review of all previously published cases is presented, and temporal trends in the management strategy are highlighted. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms pertaining to this condition, and the complex diagnostic and therapeutic issues involved, which may affect both patient and fetus, are discussed. Finally, an optimal approach to patients with SCAD, informed by our experience and literature review, is described.

Baseline coronary angiographic findings in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes trial (BARI 2D).

This report describes the baseline angiographic findings in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI) 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial, a randomized study that was initiated after the original BARI trial (BARI 1). Unlike BARI 1, which compared coronary artery bypass graft surgery with coronary angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention) in patients with and without diabetes, BARI 2D is investigating early versus deferred revascularization as needed in selected patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and significant stable coronary artery disease (CAD). This analysis included 1,773 patients without previous procedures. The intended mode of revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, was specified before randomization. Angiographic findings in those randomized to revascularization versus medical treatment were similar. Overall, the mean number of lesions >or=20% diameter stenosis was 4.6 +/- 2.3, and the myocardial jeopardy index was 46 +/- 24%. Patients selected for the coronary artery bypass graft stratum had a higher mean number of lesions >or=20% diameter stenosis (5.7 vs 4.0, p <0.0001) and a higher myocardial jeopardy index (61% vs 38%, p <0.0001) than those selected for the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum. Female gender, black race, and higher body mass index were associated with less extensive CAD, whereas a history of hypertension, age at entry, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ankle-brachial index

Therapeutic options in coronary artery disease: focusing on the guidelines.

There are three options for the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease: coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and optimal medical treatment alone. While there has been an active interface between CABG and PCI, medical treatment has not been as vociferously advocated. However, it performs well in randomized trials and is still a treatment arm in studies such as the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial. The present review compares these options in acute and chronic coronary syndromes, including the indications for each as summarized by recent American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines. While the landscape in Canada is changing for CABG and PCI, with an increase in the latter procedure for patients with multivessel disease, optimal medical treatment alone is very effective. There are few subsets, particularly in chronic syndromes, in which revascularization is indicated for prognosis alone.

Decreased complication rates using the transradial compared to the transfemoral approach in percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of routine stenting and glycoprotein platelet IIb/IIIa inhibitor use: a large single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the transradial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were carried out mainly before the widespread use of stents and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors. We sought to determine the association between the choice of the vascular access site and procedural complications after PCI performed with routine stenting and GP IIb/IIIa inhibition. METHODS: The data source was a prospective registry of 13,499 consecutive cases of PCI at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, from April 2000 to September 2006. Logistic regression was used to calculate the probability of selection to the radial access group. Using propensity score methodology, 3,198 patients with femoral access were randomly matched to 3,198 patients with radial access based on clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of access site-related complications. Major adverse cardiac event was defined as death, myocardial infarction, abrupt vessel closure, or coronary artery bypass surgery. RESULTS: Use of the transradial approach was associated with fewer vascular access complications (1.5% vs 0.6%, P<.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay. Multivariable analysis revealed transradial access (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) to be an independent predictor of lower risk, whereas primary PCI (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.4, 13), recent myocardial infarction (OR 2.0 95% CI 1.2, 3.4), age (per 10 years increase: OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.1-1.7) and female gender (0R 2.78 95% CI 1.7, 4.6) were independent predictors of a higher risk of access site complications. CONCLUSIONS: Use of transradial access for PCI is safe and is independently associated with a reduced rate of in-hospital access site complications and reduced length of hospital stay.

The impact of diabetic status on coronary artery bypass graft patency: insights from the radial artery patency study.

BACKGROUND: Despite worse outcomes in diabetics after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, studies have not examined graft patency in this high-risk group. This study examined the impact of diabetes on graft patency, 1-year postcoronary artery bypass grafting, using data from a multicenter randomized trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Radial Artery Patency Study enrolled 561 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, comparing graft patency of the saphenous vein (SV) versus radial artery 1-year postcoronary artery bypass grafting. Angiographic follow-up was acquired for 440 patients (115 diabetics, 325 nondiabetics), each with a study radial artery and a control SV graft. Preoperative characteristics were similar. The proportion of small-sized target vessels was greater in diabetics (P=0.04). At 1 year, 33 of 230 study grafts (14.4%) were occluded in the diabetics versus 63 of 650 (9.7%) in the nondiabetics (P=0.052). Multivariable regression found diabetes to be a significant independent predictor of 1-year graft occlusion (relative risk, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.05; P=0.03) along with female gender, SV conduit, and small target-vessel size. A significantly higher proportion of SV grafts were occluded in the diabetics (19% versus 12%, P=0.04). Radial artery grafting was protective in the diabetic cohort (radial artery: 11 of 115 occluded [9.5%] versus SV: 22 of 115 occluded [19.1%], McNemar corrected P=0.05; relative risk, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.01) and nondiabetics (radial artery: 25 of 325 occluded [7.7%] versus SV: 38 of 325 occluded [11.7%], McNemar corrected P=0.11; relative risk, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.10). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery bypass grafting occlusions were more common among diabetics versus nondiabetics at 1-year angiography, mainly because of more frequent SV graft failure in diabetics. Radial artery, compared with SV grafting, is protective in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients.