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Background: To describe the national trends and outcomes of contemporary thrombectomy use for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2016 to 2018.Methods: We queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from January 2016 to December 2018 to identify patients who underwent primary PCI and thrombectomy. We conducted a multivariate regression analysis to identify variables associated with in-hospital mortality and stroke in patients undergoing primary PCI and those who underwent thrombectomy.Results: We identified 409,910 total hospitalizations who underwent primary PCI. Thrombectomy was used in 62,446 records (15.2%) with no change in the trend over the study period (p trend = 0.52). Thrombectomy was more utilized in patients who had more cardiogenic shock and use of mechanical circulatory devices. The overall incidence of in-hospital mortality and stroke were 5.6% and 1.1%, respectively. The incidence of in-hospital mortality (6.7% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001) and strokes (1.3% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001) were higher in the thrombectomy group. On multivariable regression analysis adjusting for high-risk features, thrombectomy was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality [1.036, 95% CI (0.993-1.080), p = 0.100], but was associated with a higher risk of stroke [OR 1.186, 95% CI (1.097-1.283), p < 0.001].Conclusion: During primary PCI, thrombectomy was used in 1 of 6 cases, and its use has been stable over 2016-2018. The use of thrombectomy was associated with a higher risk of stroke, but not in-hospital death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The eSPM technique provides a treatment strategy for resistant stent underexpansion. • e-SPM technique is most helpful with fibrotic or fibrocalcific plaques. • eSPM risks should be weighed against benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have improved because of advancements in equipment and techniques. With global collaboration and knowledge sharing, we have identified 7 common principles that are widely accepted as best practices for CTO-PCI.  1. Ischemic symptom improvement is the primary indication for CTO-PCI.  2. Dual coronary angiography and in-depth and structured review of the angiogram (and, if available, coronary computed tomography angiography) are key for planning and safely performing CTO-PCI.  3. Use of a microcatheter is essential for optimal guidewire manipulation and exchanges.  4. Antegrade wiring, antegrade dissection and reentry, and the retrograde approach are all complementary and necessary crossing strategies. Antegrade wiring is the most common initial technique, whereas retrograde and antegrade dissection and reentry are often required for more complex CTOs.  5. If the initially selected crossing strategy fails, efficient change to an alternative crossing technique increases the likelihood of eventual PCI success, shortens procedure time, and lowers radiation and contrast use.  6. Specific CTO-PCI expertise and volume and the availability of specialized equipment will increase the likelihood of crossing success and facilitate prevention and management of complications, such as perforation.  7. Meticulous attention to lesion preparation and stenting technique, often requiring intracoronary imaging, is required to ensure optimum stent expansion and minimize the risk of short- and long-term adverse events. These principles have been widely adopted by experienced CTO-PCI operators and centers currently achieving high success and acceptable complication rates. Outcomes are less optimal at less experienced centers, highlighting the need for broader adoption of the aforementioned 7 guiding principles along with the development of additional simple and safe CTO crossing and revascularization strategies through ongoing research, education, and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]