Excimer laser coronary angioplasty combined with drug-coated balloon in the treatment of in-stent restenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) combined with drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR), and to explore whether the contrast injection technique would improve the neointimal tissue ablation of ELCA. METHODS: We studied patients diagnosed with ISR between January 2019 and October 2022 at two medical centers. These patients underwent DCB angioplasty guided by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Based on whether ELCA was performed before DCB treatment, patients were categorized into two groups: the ELCA + DCB group and the DCB group. All patients underwent clinical follow-up 1 year after the procedure. The primary endpoint was the 1-year rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR), which was defined as any repeat percutaneous intervention or bypass surgery on the target vessel conducted to address restenosis or other complications related to the target lesion. The secondary endpoints including immediate luminal gain (ΔMLA, defined as the difference in minimum lumen area before and after the intervention). RESULTS: A total of 85 lesions in 75 patients were included. The mean age of the study population was 64.2 ± 12.0 years, with 81.3% male. Baseline clinical characteristics were well-balanced, and procedural success was 100% in both groups. The ELCA + DCB group (n = 24) exhibited a greater ΔMLA compared to the DCB group (n = 61) (3.57 ± 0.79 mm² vs. 2.50 ± 1.06 mm², [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.57-1.69], p < 0.001), The reduction in 1-year TLR was more frequently observed in patients from the ELCA + DCB group compared to the DCB group (hazard ratio 0.33 [95% CI: 0.11-0.99]; log-rank p = 0.048). The exploratory analysis showed that ELCA with contrast infusion is associated with greater acute lumen gain compared to ELCA with saline infusion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ELCA and DCB is a safe and effective treatment strategy for in-stent stenosis. Additionally, compared with saline injection, ELCA with contrast injection is associated with greater acute lumen gain. However, the optimal contrast agent concentration and long-term outcome of the contrast injection technique need confirmation through larger sample sizes and prospective studies.

Excimer laser coronary angioplasty without stenting in a 37-year-old man with acute coronary syndrome involving left main trunk: a case report.

Background: Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) is utilized to reduce thrombus in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the feasibility and safety of ELCA for patients with ACS involving the left main trunk (LMT) and bifurcation, as well as the safety of a stentless strategy with ELCA, are not well-documented. Case summary: A 37-year-old man without any past medical history presented with chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in leads I, aVL, and V2-V6. Emergent coronary angiography (CAG) showed a 99% stenosis from LMT to proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD). Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) was initiated. Intravascular ultrasound revealed massive thrombus at the culprit lesion. Thrombus aspiration was not enough to reduce the thrombus, thus, we conducted thrombus vaporization with a 0.9 mm ELCA catheter. Coronary angiography after the procedure showed reduced thrombus with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 3 flow. Considering his age and the complexity of stenting the LMT, we completed the procedure without stenting. After the intervention, we initiated triple antithrombotic therapy. On Day 3, we removed the IABP. On Day 11, CAG showed no significant stenosis. Optical coherence tomography revealed ulceration, indicating the presence of plaque disruption at the proximal LAD as the likely cause of thrombosis. With improvement in CAG findings, we stopped heparin and continued dual antiplatelet therapy. He was discharged on Day 20. Discussion: Excimer laser coronary angioplasty without stenting can be an option for the patients with ACS involving LMT, especially for younger patients who are suitable to avoid stenting on bifurcation lesions for lifelong management.

Impact of previous percutaneous coronary intervention on angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if previous PCI in patients with STEMI increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, and if final epicardial blood flow differs according to the reperfusion strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, comparative sub-study of the PHASE-MX trial that included patients with STEMI and reperfusion within 12 hours of symptom onset, who were classified according to their history of PCI. The occurrence of the composite primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, re-infarction, congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock) within 30 days was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Epicardial blood flow was assessed using the TIMI grading system after reperfusion. RESULTS: A total of 935 patients were included; 85.6% were males and 6.9% had a history of PCI; 53% underwent pharmacoinvasive therapy, and 47%, primary PCI. The incidence of the composite primary endpoint at 30 days in patients with a history of PCI was 9.8% vs 13.3% in those with no previous PCI (p = 0.06). Among the patients with previous PCI, 87.1% reached a final TIMI grade 3 flow after primary PCI vs. 75% in the group with pharmacoinvasive strategy (p = 0.235). CONCLUSIONS: A history of PCI does not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events at 30 days; however, it impacted negatively on the final angiographic blood flow of patients that received pharmacoinvasive therapy (compared to primary PCI).

ANTECEDENTES: El pronóstico de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) y antecedente de intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) es incierto. Objetivos: Evaluar si la ICP previa en pacientes con IAMCEST incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores y si el flujo final epicárdico varía según la estrategia de reperfusión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Subestudio de PHASE-MX, observacional, longitudinal y comparativo, de pacientes con IAMCEST reperfundidos en menos de 12 horas de iniciados los síntomas, divididos conforme el antecedente de ICP. El acaecimiento del criterio de valoración principal (muerte cardiovascular, reinfarto, insuficiencia cardíaca y choque cardiogénico) dentro de los 30 días se comparó con estimaciones de Kaplan-Meier, prueba de rangos logarítmicos y modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. El flujo epicárdico final se evaluó con el sistema de clasificación del flujo TIMI después de la reperfusión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 935 pacientes, 85.6 % del sexo masculino, 6.9 % de los cuales tenía antecedente de ICP; 53 % recibió terapia farmacoinvasiva y 47 %, ICP primaria. La incidencia del criterio de valoración principal en pacientes con ICP previa fue de 9.8 % versus 13.3 % en aquellos sin ese antecedente (p = 0.06); 87.1 % de los pacientes con ICP previa obtuvo flujo final de grado TIMI 3 versus 75 % del grupo con estrategia farmacoinvasiva (p = 0.235). CONCLUSIONES: El antecedente de ICP no incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores a los 30 días en pacientes con IAMCEST; sin embargo, impacta negativamente en el flujo sanguíneo angiográfico final de los pacientes que recibieron terapia farmacoinvasiva (en comparación con ICP primaria).

Detrimental Effects of Sterilization Types on Single-Use Coronary Angioplasty Catheters for Reuse: An Electron Microscopic Study.

Objective: Reuse of medical devices poses risks concerning technical issues and patient safety. In this study, we aimed to examine the structural changes in catheters that occur due to the reuse with the aid of electron microscopy. Materials and Methods: The effects of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization on four percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) catheters and control PTCA catheters were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Each catheter sample was divided into four parts during the SEM examination, and a total of 20 pieces were examined. Catheters were reprocessed through every regular sterilization step and used solely for the study, not in patients. Statistical evaluations of histological scoring made on images obtained from scanning electron microscopic images were made using the GraphPad Prism 8 program. Results: Electron microscopical examination showed that HP sterilization caused more robust and deeper lines compared to EO. These distortions increased directly with the increase in the reprocessing cycle. In EO, no significant damage was detected within five cycles in contrast to HP; however, the harmful effects of EO were seen over five cycles. Unprocessed samples had no damage. Outer and inner deterioration was significantly higher in the EO>5 group and HP>5 group than in the control group. However, the bacterial contamination score in the EO>5 group was higher than the control group. Conclusion: Our findings showed that HP and EO sterilizations caused some deterioration in the inner and outer surfaces of PTCA catheter samples. We recommend reprocessing using EO, the least damaging method, when necessary, and paying attention not to exceed five cycles when necessary.

Effectiveness of late coronary angioplasty in restoring sinus rhythm in inferior wall myocardial infarction with complete AV block.

An elderly gentleman presenting late with inferior wall myocardial infarction and complete heart block underwent revascularization of an occluded proximal right coronary artery more than 4 days after the onset of symptoms and recovered sinus rhythm within 48 h of the procedure. There are no clear guidelines for time to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in late-presenting myocardial infarction with complete atrioventricular blocks (CAVB), and studies looking at outcomes of primary PCI in this situation appear to be scarce. The case presented here is a good example of the relevance of late PCI.

Influencia del antecedente de intervención coronaria percutánea sobre los desenlaces angiográficos y clínicos en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Impact of previous percutaneous coronary intervention on angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Resumen Antecedentes: El pronóstico de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) y antecedente de intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) es incierto. Objetivos: Evaluar si la ICP previa en pacientes con IAMCEST incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores y si el flujo final epicárdico varía según la estrategia de reperfusión. Material y métodos: Subestudio de PHASE-MX, observacional, longitudinal y comparativo, de pacientes con IAMCEST reperfundidos en menos de 12 horas de iniciados los síntomas, divididos conforme el antecedente de ICP. El acaecimiento del criterio de valoración principal (muerte cardiovascular, reinfarto, insuficiencia cardíaca y choque cardiogénico) dentro de los 30 días se comparó con estimaciones de Kaplan-Meier, prueba de rangos logarítmicos y modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. El flujo epicárdico final se evaluó con el sistema de clasificación del flujo TIMI después de la reperfusión. Resultados: Se incluyeron 935 pacientes, 85.6 % del sexo masculino, 6.9 % de los cuales tenía antecedente de ICP; 53 % recibió terapia farmacoinvasiva y 47 %, ICP primaria. La incidencia del criterio de valoración principal en pacientes con ICP previa fue de 9.8 % versus 13.3 % en aquellos sin ese antecedente (p = 0.06); 87.1 % de los pacientes con ICP previa obtuvo flujo final de grado TIMI 3 versus 75 % del grupo con estrategia farmacoinvasiva (p = 0.235). Conclusiones: El antecedente de ICP no incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores a los 30 días en pacientes con IAMCEST; sin embargo, impacta negativamente en el flujo sanguíneo angiográfico final de los pacientes que recibieron terapia farmacoinvasiva (en comparación con ICP primaria).

Abstract Background: The prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. Objectives: To evaluate if previous PCI in patients with STEMI increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, and if final epicardial blood flow differs according to the reperfusion strategy. Material and methods: Observational, longitudinal, comparative sub-study of the PHASE-MX trial that included patients with STEMI and reperfusion within 12 hours of symptom onset, who were divided according to their history of PCI. The occurrence of the composite primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, re-infarction, congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock) within 30 days was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Final epicardial blood flow was assessed using the TIMI grading system after reperfusion. Results: A total of 935 patients were included; 85.6% were males, and 6.9% had a history of PCI; 53% underwent pharmacoinvasive therapy, and 47%, primary PCI. The incidence of the composite primary endpoint at 30 days in patients with a history of PCI was 9.8% vs. 13.3% in those with no previous PCI (p = 0.06). Among the patients with previous PCI, 87.1% reached a final TIMI grade 3 flow after primary PCI vs. 75% in the group with pharmacoinvasive strategy (p = 0.235). Conclusions: A history of PCI does not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events at 30 days; however, it impacted negatively on the final angiographic blood flow of patients that received pharmacoinvasive therapy (compared to primary PCI).

Feasibility of in vitro calcification plaque disruption using ultrasound-induced microbubble inertial cavitation.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a clinical method in which plaque-narrowed arteries are widened by inflating an intravascular balloon catheter. However, PTCA remains challenging to apply in calcified plaques since the high pressure required for achieving a therapeutic outcome can result in balloon rupture, vessel rupture, and intimal dissection. To address the problem with PTCA, we hypothesized that a calcified plaque can be disrupted by microbubbles (MBs) inertial cavitation induced by ultrasound (US). This study proposed a columnar US transducer with a novel design to generate inertial cavitation at the lesion site. Experiments were carried out using tubular calcification phantom to mimic calcified plaques. After different parameters of US + MBs treatment (four types of MBs concentration, five types of cycle number, and three types of insonication duration; n = 4 in each group), inflation experiments were performed to examine the efficacy of cavitation for a clinically used balloon catheter. Finally, micro-CT was used to investigate changes in the internal structure of the tubular plaster phantoms. The inflation threshold of the untreated tubular plaster phantoms was > 11 atm, and this was significantly reduced to 7.4 ± 0.7 atm (p = 5.2E-08) using US-induced MBs inertial cavitation at a treatment duration of 20 min with an acoustic pressure of 214 kPa, an MBs concentration of 4.0 × 108 MBs/mL, a cycle number of 100 cycles, and a pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz. Moreover, micro-CT revealed internal damage in the tubular calcification phantom, demonstrating that US-induced MBs inertial cavitation can effectively disrupt calcified plaques and reduce the inflation threshold of PTCA. The ex vivo histopathology results showed that the endothelium of pig blood vessels remained intact after the treatment. In summary, the results show that US-induced MBs inertial cavitation can markedly reduce the inflation threshold in PTCA without damaging blood vessel endothelia, indicating the potential of the proposed treatment method.

Low body mass index is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes following PCI in India: ACC-NCDR registry.

Objective: Registry-based prospective study was conducted to evaluate association of body mass index (BMI) with major adverse coronary events (MACE) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Successive patients undergoing PCI were enrolled from April'19 to March'22 and classified into five BMI categories (<23.0,23.0-24.9,25.0-26.9,27.0-29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m2). Clinical, angiographic features, interventions and outcomes were obtained by in-person or telephonic follow-up. Primary endpoints were (a) MACE(cardiovascular deaths, acute coronary syndrome or stroke, revascularization, hospitalization and all-cause deaths) and (b)cardiovascular deaths. Cox-proportionate hazard ratios(HR) and 95 % confidence intervals(CI) were calculated. Results: The cohort included 4045 patients. Mean age was 60.3 ± 11y, 3233(79.7 %) were men. There was high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. 90 % patients had acute coronary syndrome(STEMI 39.6 %, NSTEMI/unstable angina 60.3 %), 60.0 % had impaired ejection fraction(EF) and multivessel CAD. Lower BMI groups (<23.0 kg/m2) had higher prevalence of tobacco use, reduced ejection fraction(EF), multivessel CAD, stents, and less primary PCI for STEMI. There was no difference in discharge medications and in-hospital deaths. Median follow-up was 24 months (IQR 12-36), available in 3602(89.0 %). In increasing BMI categories, respectively, MACE was in 10.9,8.9,9.5,9.1 and 6.8 % (R2 = 0.73) and CVD deaths in 5.1,4.5,4.4,5.1 and 3.5 % (R2 = 0.39). Compared to lowest BMI category, age-sex adjusted HR in successive groups for MACE were 0.89,0.87,0.79,0.69 and CVD deaths 0.98,0.87,0.95,0.75 with overlapping CI. HR attenuated following multivariate adjustments. Conclusions: Low BMI patients have higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events following PCI in India. These patients are older, with greater tobacco use, lower EF, multivessel CAD, delayed STEMI-PCI, and longer hospitalization.

[Temporary circulatory assistance by Impella™ in interventional cardiology: Observational study and medico-economic assessment after four years of use]. / Assistance circulatoire temporaire par Impella™ en cardiologie interventionnelle : étude observationnelle et bilan médicoéconomique après quatre ans d'utilisation.

OBJECTIVES: During life-threatening emergencies or risky cardiologic interventions, pharmacology can be limited and the use of appropriate medical devices is then necessary. The Impella™ catheter, CP and 2.5, has been referenced for the exclusive use of the interventional cardiology technical platform at Hôpital Nord (AP-HM) in the absence of rapid access to the Extracorporeal Circulation unit. It is a temporary mechanical circulatory support device mainly indicated in refractory cardiogenic shock and coronary angioplasty at high risk of hemodynamic instability. The objective of this study, observational and retrospective, is to carry out a clinical and economic assessment linked to the use of this device over a period of four years (2017-2020). METHODS: The criteria relating to the 71 patients (51 Impella™ CP and 20 Impella™ 2.5) and their clinical evolution as well as the costs and valuation of the stays were determined. RESULTS: In particular, the Impella™ CP enabled myocardial recovery in 18 out of 51 patients and it was an intermediary in the context of heavier care for 11 patients. The balance between expenditure and valuation shows a deficit of -819,937 euros over the study period, with however a probable margin for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The Impella™ is of clinical interest under very specific conditions. Its high cost and the absence of inclusion on the list of reimbursements in addition to Homogeneous Groups of Stays represent a significant financial burden for health care establishments. Thus, optimizing the rating of future stays is a necessity.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion With Triple Cilioretinal Artery Sparing.

We report a rare case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with triple cilioretinal artery sparing in a 76-year-old male with hypertension who presented with sudden diminution of vision in the left eye (OS) for one day. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) demonstrated the presence of three cilioretinal arteries and the absence of flow signals in the rest of the macula. Primary ophthalmic treatment was instituted immediately in the form of ocular massage, and acetazolamide 500 mg per oral (PO) stat was given. Systemic investigations revealed a significant blockage in coronary circulation on coronary angiography and an atheromatous plaque at the origin of the left internal carotid artery with 50% stenosis on digital subtraction angiography. Systemic anticoagulants and lipid-lowering agents (statins) were initiated by the cardiologist. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was subsequently performed. At the eight-week follow-up visit, best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 2/60 OS. Fundus examination of the OS revealed optic disc pallor with normal retinal background. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed diffuse retinal thinning except in the area supplied by the three patent cilioretinal arteries. En face OCTA OS showed restoration of retinal flow signal in the macula. Non-invasive imaging (OCTA) is critical in establishing early diagnosis and initiating prompt treatment in this ocular emergency with underlying potentially life-threatening systemic associations.

Herramientas para la toma de decisiones en pacientes con enfermedad de múltiples vasos / Tools for Decision Making in Patients with Multivessel Disease

RESUMEN La decisión sobre la mejor estrategia de revascularización para los pacientes con enfermedad de múltiples vasos se ha tornado una tarea compleja a medida que la angioplastia coronaria ha mejorado sus resultados. En la siguiente revisión nos propusimos evaluar las variables que en nuestra experiencia definen el beneficio de una técnica sobre la otra, entendiendo que de esta manera la decisión del médico tratante se hace más sencilla y objetiva. Por otro lado, y festejando el saludable protagonismo que se le da al paciente, creemos que esta evaluación permite ofrecer argumentos sólidos para ayudarlo en la toma de la decisión.

ABSTRACT The decision on the best revascularization strategy for patients with multivessel disease has become a complex task as coronary angioplasty has improved its results. In the following review, we set out to evaluate the variables that, in our experience, define the benefit of one technique over the other, understanding that in this way the treating physician's decision will become simpler and more objective. On the other hand, and celebrating the healthy prominence given to patients, we believe that this evaluation allows solid arguments to help them in decision making.

The effect of telephone counseling based on Orem's model on adherence to treatment and resilience of patients with coronary angioplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effect of telephone counseling based on Orem's Self-Care Model on adherence to treatment and resilience of patients with coronary angioplasty. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 80 patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40 (intervention and control). Questionnaires on adherence to treatment of chronic patients and resilience for patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were filled out before and 8 weeks after the intervention. In the intervention group, the telephone call schedule consisted of three calls per week for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Before the intervention, no significant difference was found between the groups about adherence to treatment and resilience. However, after the intervention, a significant difference was found between the groups as to adherence to treatment and resilience (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Nursing consultation using telephone calls based on Orem's model increases the adherence to treatment and resilience of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Telephone counseling can help the patients adhere to their treatment plans and develop resilience skills.

Coronary laser with simultaneous contrast injection for the treatment of stent underexpansion.

BACKGROUND: Stent underexpansion is a challenge in interventional cardiology. Some off-label treatments, such as rotational atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) and coronary lasing, have been used to overcome the problem. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of coronary laser atherectomy with simultaneous contrast injection and subsequent balloon dilation to optimize stent expansion. METHODS: Coronary laser atherectomy with simultaneous contrast injection was used. After lasing, non-compliant balloon dilation at high pressure was performed to overcome the underexpanded point. The average increase in the minimum stent area (MSA) was measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and any complication related to the technique was evaluated. Additionally, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), consisting of death from any cause, new myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR), were scrutinized in a long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Sixteen underexpanded stents were treated with laser between August 2017 and November 2022. In all cases but one, IVUS was used to evaluate the MSA before and after lasing. The MSA showed an average increase of 2.34 ± 1.57 mm² (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-3.21; p < 0.001) after laser application and balloon inflation. No complication related to the technique was detected. During a follow-up period of a median (interquartile range) of 457 (50-973) days, the combined MACE assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimator showed an event-free rate of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.59-1). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary laser with simultaneous contrast injection is a safe method to optimize a stent underexpansion, with an acceptable event-free rate in long-term follow-up.

Two Myocardial Infarctions and Five 8,000-m Peaks.

We report the case of a male smoker who is overweight and has no leisure time physical activity until a first acute inferolateral myocardial infarction at the age of 44 years, which was treated using coronary stenting of the left circumflex artery. He was discharged with an ejection fraction of 0.45 and the indication to quit smoking and initiate regular aerobic physical activity. After that episode, he started regular mountain hiking in the Alps, Andes, and, finally, in the Himalayas and Karakorum, where, up to the age of 65 years, he climbed 5 peaks of altitude >8,000 m, always solo and without oxygen, despite a recurrent myocardial infarction because of occlusion at the distal edge of the previously implanted stent. This case supports the indication that high-altitude per se is not contraindicated in patients with well-compensated coronary artery disease, even after an acute MI.

Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa: a rare case after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (P-MAIVF) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition. The most common pathogenic factors of P-MAIVF are infective endocarditis and surgical valve operation. Here, we report a rare case of P-MAIVF which occurred one year after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old man developed a P-MAIVF one year after PTCA. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a pseudoaneurysm between the aortic root and the left atrium. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) clearly demonstrated the orifice of the pseudoaneurysm. This case was initially diagnosed by ultrasound, and the prognosis was good after surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of P-MAIVF that occurred one year after PTCA.

Predictors of 1- and 12-month mortality in bifurcation coronary intervention: a contemporary perspective.

Aim: Bifurcation-PCI is performed frequently, although without extensive evidence to back up a definitive solution for its complexity. We set out to identify factors associated with 1- and 12-month mortality after bifurcation-PCI between 2017 and 2021 in our tertiary center in Wales, UK. Results: Of 732 bifurcation PCI cases (mean age 69; 25% female), 67% were in ACS, 42% were left main PCI and 25.3% involved two-stent strategy. 30-day and 12-month mortality were 1.9 and 8.2%, respectively. Age, diabetes, smoking and renal failure are associated with mortality after bifurcation-PCI, while the choice between provisional and 2-stent strategies did not impact mortality/TLR. Conclusion: Awareness of 'real-world' outcomes of bifurcation-PCI should be used for appropriate patient selection, technique planning and procedural consent.

Juxtaposition of urgent angioplasty results in spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a case report of fresh vs. organized intramural haematoma.

Background: Coronary intramural haematoma from spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) presents as an acute coronary syndrome, usually in young or middle-aged female patients. Conservative management in the absence of ongoing symptoms is best practice, and the artery eventually heals fully. Case summary: A 49-year-old female presented with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Initial angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) demonstrated typical intramural haematoma of the ostial to mid left circumflex artery. Initial conservative management was selected, but the patient developed further chest pain 5 days later and with worsening electrocardiogram changes. Further angiography was carried out demonstrating near-occlusive disease with organized thrombus in the false lumen. The angioplasty result from this is juxtaposed with another acute SCAD case on the same day with fresh intramural haematoma. Discussion: Reinfarction is a common occurrence in SCAD, and little is known about how to predict it. These cases demonstrate the appearance on IVUS of fresh vs. organized thrombus and the relative angioplasty result in each case. Follow-up IVUS due to ongoing symptoms in one patient demonstrated significant stent malapposition, not apparent at the index intervention, in all likeliness due to intramural haematoma regression.

Challenges in Caring for People with Cardiovascular Disease through and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Advantages of Universal Access to Home Telemonitoring.

(1) Background: Cardiovascular prevention was left in second place during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of telemedicine turned out to be very useful. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedicine application for remote monitoring and treatment adjustments in terms of improving cardiovascular prevention. (2) Methods: A prospective study of 3439 patients evaluated between the 1st of March 2019 and the 1st of March 2022, in the pre-pandemic period by face-to-face visits and during the pandemic by teleconsultations or hybrid follow-up. We compared four periods: pre-pandemic-Pre-P (1 March 2019-1 March 2020), lockdown-Lock (1 March-1 September 2020), restrictive-pandemic-Restr-P (1 September 2020-1 March 2021), and relaxed-pandemic-Rel-P (1 March 2021-1 March 2022). (3) Results: The average values of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and glucose had an increasing trend during Lock and Restr-P, and they decreased close to the baseline level during the Rel-P, with the exception of glucose which remained elevated in Rel-P. The number of patients with newly discovered DM increased significantly in the Rel-P, and 79.5% of them had mild/moderate forms of COVID-19. During Lock and Res-P, the percentage of obese, smoking, or hypertensive patients increased, but probably through the use of telemedicine, we managed to reduce it, although it remained slightly higher than the pre-pandemic level. Physical activity decreased in the first year of the pandemic, but in Rel-P people became more active than before the pandemic. (4) Conclusions: The use of telemedicine for cardiovascular prevention seems to yield favorable results, especially for secondary prevention in the very high-risk group and during the second year.

Role of High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Levels in Predicting the Risk of Six-Month Event Rates in Patients With Chronic Stable Angina Undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty With a Drug-Eluting Stent.

Introduction This prospective observational study reports the association between baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and adverse events at six months in patients who were diagnosed with symptomatic chronic stable angina and then underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with a drug-eluting stent (DES). Methods A total of 104 patients were examined with chronic stable angina over a period of six months. Before conducting percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the baseline levels of hs-CRP were measured, and based on the levels, the patients were grouped into high and low hs-CRP groups. Results The primary causes of death or the need for repeat revascularization or myocardial infarction or angina were concluded after assessing the patients for six months. A total of 104 patients were studied, among which 72 (69.23%) had low hs-CRP and 32 (30.77%) had high hs-CRP levels. The number of males in this study was 68 (65.38%) and females were 36 (34.62%). The mean age of the patients was 55.26 ± 10.31 years. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of gender, age, comorbidities, and risk factors except for certain predisposing factors like dyslipidemia and smoking. Moreover, we did not find any significant difference among the groups in the cause of death and myocardial infarction after a follow-up of six months. However, we observed a higher need for revascularization and angina outcomes in the group with high hs-CRP compared to low hs-CRP. Conclusion It can be concluded that a higher risk of angina and repeat revascularization is related to a high baseline hs-CRP but there is no evidence whether it is somehow linked to myocardial infarction and mortality or not.