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Introduction and objectives Aortic self-expandable (SE) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) devices are particularly useful for patients with aortic stenosis and small/tortuous vessels, small aortic annuli, or low coronary ostia. However, it is unclear whether the growing range of SE devices shows comparable hemodynamic and clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the differential hemodynamic (residual valve area and regurgitation) and clinical outcomes of these devices in comparable scenarios. Methods All patients were enrolled from 4 institutions and were managed with 4 different SE TAVI devices. Baseline and follow-up clinical data were collected and echocardiographic tests blindly and centrally analyzed. Patients were compared according to valve type and a 1:1 matched comparison was performed according to degree of calcification, aortic annulus dimensions, left ventricular ejection fraction, and body surface area. Results In total, 514 patients were included (Evolut R/PRO, 217; ACURATE neo, 107; ALLEGRA, 102; Portico, 88). Surgical risk scores were comparable in the unmatched population. No differences were observed in the post-TAVI regurgitation rate and in in-hospital mortality (2.7%). The rate of pacemaker implantation at discharge was significantly different among devices (P=.049), with Portico showing the highest rate (23%) and ACURATE neo the lowest (9.5%); Evolut R/PRO and ALLEGRA had rates of 15.9% and 21.2%, respectively. The adjusted comparison showed worse residual TAVI gradients and aortic valve area with ACURATE neo vs ALLEGRA (P=.001) but the latter had higher risk of valve embolization and a tendency for more cerebrovascular events. Conclusions A matched comparison of 4 SE TAVI devices showed no differences regarding residual aortic regurgitation and in-hospital mortality.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize the feasibility of coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute settings among patients who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND Impaired coronary access after TAVR may be challenging and particularly in acute settings could have deleterious consequences. METHODS In this international registry, data from patients with prior TAVR requiring urgent or emergent CA were retrospectively collected. A total of 449 patients from 25 sites with acute coronary syndromes (89.1%) and other acute cardiovascular situations (10.9%) were included. RESULTS Success rates were high for CA of the right coronary artery (98.3%) and left coronary artery (99.3%) and were higher among patients with short stent-frame prostheses (SFPs) than in those with long SFPs for CA of the right coronary artery (99.6% vs 95.9%; P��=��0.005) but not for CA of the left coronary artery (99.7% vs 98.7%; P��=��0.24). PCI of native coronary arteries was successful in 91.4% of cases and independent of valve type (short SFP 90.4% vs long SFP 93.4%; P��=��0.44). Guide engagement failed in 6 patients, of whom 3 underwent emergent coronary artery bypass grafting and another 3 died in the hospital. Among patients requiring revascularization of native vessels, independent predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality were prior diabetes, cardiogenic shock, and failed PCI but not valve type or success of coronary engagement. CONCLUSIONS CA or PCI after TAVR in acute settings is usually successful, but selective coronary engagement may be more challenging in the presence of long SFPs. Among patients requiring PCI, prior diabetes, cardiogenic shock, and failed PCI were predictors of early mortality.

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the incidence and causes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at different time periods following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis frequently coexist, but the optimal management of CAD following TAVR remains incompletely elucidated. Methods Patients undergoing unplanned PCI after TAVR were retrospectively included in an international multicenter registry. Results Between July 2008 and March 2019, a total of 133 patients (0.9%; from a total cohort of 15,325) underwent unplanned PCI after TAVR (36.1% after balloon-expandable bioprosthesis, 63.9% after self-expandable bioprosthesis). The median time to PCI was 191 days (interquartile range: 59 to 480 days). The daily incidence of PCI was highest during the first week after TAVR and then declined over time. Overall, the majority of patients underwent PCI due to an acute coronary syndrome, and specifically 32.3% had non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 15.4% had unstable angina, 9.8% had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and 2.2% had cardiac arrest. However, chronic coronary syndromes are the main indication beyond 2 years. PCI success was reported in almost all cases (96.6%), with no significant differences between patients treated with balloon-expandable and self-expandable bioprostheses (100% vs. 94.9%; p = 0.150). Conclusions Unplanned PCI after TAVR is rare, with an incidence declining over time after TAVR. The main indication to PCI is acute coronary syndrome in the first 2 years after TAVR, and thereafter chronic coronary syndromes become prevalent. Unplanned PCIs are frequently successfully performed after TAVR, with no apparent differences between balloon-expandable and self-expandable bioprostheses. (Revascularization After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation [REVIVAL]; NCT03283501 )

Aim Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk of adverse events after percutaneous revascularization, with no differences in outcomes between most contemporary drug-eluting stents. The Cre8 EVO stent releases a formulation of sirolimus with an amphiphilic carrier from laser-dug wells, and has shown clinical benefits in diabetes. We aimed to compare Cre8 EVO stents to Resolute Onyx stents (a contemporary polymer-based zotarolimus-eluting stent) in patients with diabetes. Methods and results We did an investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial at 23 sites in Spain. Eligible patients had diabetes and required percutaneous coronary intervention. A total of 1175 patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive Cre8 EVO or Resolute Onyx stents. The primary endpoint was target-lesion failure, defined as a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically indicated target-lesion revascularization at 1-year follow-up. The trial had a non-inferiority design with a 4% margin for the primary endpoint. A superiority analysis was planned if non-inferiority was confirmed. There were 106 primary events, 42 (7.2%) in the Cre8 EVO group and 64 (10.9%) in the Resolute Onyx group [hazard ratio (HR): 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44–0.96; P non-inferiority < 0.001; P superiority = 0.030]. Among the secondary endpoints, Cre8 EVO stents had significantly lower rate than Resolute Onyx stents of target-vessel failure (7.5% vs. 11.1%, HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.99; P = 0.042). Probable or definite stent thrombosis and all-cause death were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion In patients with diabetes, Cre8 EVO stents were non-inferior to Resolute Onyx stents with regard to target-lesion failure composite outcome. An exploratory analysis for superiority at 1 year suggests that the Cre8 EVO stents might be superior to Resolute Onyx stents with regard to the same outcome. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03321032.

BACKGROUND Among patients with acute coronary syndrome following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), those presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at highest risk. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of STEMI after TAVR.METHODS This was a multicenter study including 118 patients presenting with STEMI at a median of 255 days (inter quartile range: 9 to 680 days) after TAVR. Procedural features of STEMI after TAVR managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were compared with all-comer STEMI: 439 non-TAVR patients who had primary PCI within the 2 weeks before and after each post-TAVR STEMI case in 5 participating centers from different countries.RESULTS Median door-to-balloon time was higher in TAVR patients (40 min [interquartile range: 25 to 57 min] vs. 30 min [interquartile range: 25 to 35 min]; p = 0.003). Procedural time, fluoroscopy time, dose-area product, and contrast volume were also higher in TAVR patients (p < 0.01 for all). PCI failure occurred more frequently in patients with previous TAVR (16.5% vs. 3.9%; p < 0.001), including 5 patients in whom the culprit lesion was not revascularized owing to coronary ostia cannulation failure. In-hospital and late (median of 7 months [interquartile range: 1 to 21 months]) mortality rates were 25.4% and 42.4%, respectively (20.6% and 38.2% in primary PCI patients), and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42 to 6.43; p = 0.004), Killip class $2 (HR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.37 to 5.49; p = 0.004), and PCI failure (HR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.42 to 7.31; p = 0.005) determined an increased risk.CONCLUSIONS STEMI after TAVR was associated with very high in-hospital and mid-term mortality. Longer door-to balloon times and a higher PCI failure rate were observed in TAVR patients, partially due to coronary access issues specific to the TAVR population, and this was associated with poorer outcomes. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;77:2187-99)(c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Background Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis, but the presence of persistent fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy has been related to worse prognosis. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the potential benefits of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors on left ventricular remodeling and major clinical outcomes following successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods Patients from 10 institutions with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR between August 2007 and August 2017 were included. All baseline data were prospectively recorded, and pre-specified follow-up was performed. Doses and types of RAS inhibitors at discharge were recorded, and matched comparison according to their prescription at discharge was performed. Results A total of 2,785 patients were included. Patients treated with RAS inhibitors (n = 1,622) presented similar surgical risk scores but a higher rate of all cardiovascular risk factors, coronary disease, and myocardial infarction. After adjustment for these baseline differences, reduction of left ventricular volumes and hypertrophy was greater and cardiovascular mortality at 3-year follow-up was lower (odds ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.41 to 0.87; p = 0.007) in patients treated with RAS inhibitors. Moreover, RAS inhibitors demonstrated a global cardiovascular protective effect with significantly lower rates of new-onset atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular events, and readmissions. Conclusions Post-TAVR RAS inhibitors are associated with lower cardiac mortality at 3-year follow-up and offer a global cardiovascular protective effect that might be partially explained by a positive left ventricular remodeling. An ongoing randomized trial will help confirm these hypothesis-generating findings. (Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade Benefits in Clinical Evolution and Ventricular Remodeling After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation [RASTAVI]; NCT03201185)

OBJECTIVES: The REAC-TAVI (Assessment of platelet REACtivity after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) trial enrolled patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) pre-treated with aspirin + clopidogrel, aimed to compare the efficacy of clopidogrel and ticagrelor in suppressing high platelet reactivity (HPR) after TAVI. BACKGROUND: Current recommendations support short-term use of aspirin + clopidogrel for patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR despite the lack of compelling evidence. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter investigation. Platelet reactivity was measured at 6 different time points with the VerifyNow assay (Accriva Diagnostics, San Diego, California). HPR was defined as (P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) ≥208. Patients with HPR before TAVR were randomized to either aspirin + ticagrelor or aspirin + clopidogrel for 3 months. Patients without HPR continued with aspirin + clopidogrel (registry cohort). The primary endpoint was non-HPR status (PRU

BACKGROUND Outcomes data for a durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent (EES) at extended long-term follow-up in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are unknown. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the 10-year outcomes of patients enrolled in the EXAMINATION (A Clinical Evaluation of Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stents in the Treatment of Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) trial. METHODS The EXAMINATION-EXTEND (10-Years Follow-Up of the EXAMINATION Trial) study is an investigator-driven 10-year follow-up of the EXAMINATION trial, which randomly assigned 1,498 patients with STEMI in a 1:1 ratio to receive either EES (n = 751) or bare-metal stents (n = 747). The primary endpoint was a patient-oriented composite endpoint of all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization. Secondary endpoints included a device-oriented composite endpoint of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization; the individual components of the combined endpoints; and stent thrombosis. RESULTS Complete 10-year clinical follow-up was obtained in 94.5% of the EES group and 95.9% of the bare-metal stent group. Rates of the patient-oriented composite endpoint and device-oriented composite endpoint were significantly reduced in the EES group (32.4% vs. 38.0% [hazard ratio: 0.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.68 to 0.96; p = 0.013] and 13.6% vs. 18.4% [hazard ratio: 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.55 to 0.93; p = 0.012], respectively), driven mainly by target lesion revascularization (5.7% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.018). The rate of definite stent thrombosis was similar in both groups (2.2% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.590). No differences were found between the groups in terms of target lesion revascularization (1.4% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.963) and definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.6% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.703) between 5 and 10 years. CONCLUSIONS At 10-year follow-up, EES demonstrated confirmed superiority in combined patient- and device-oriented composite endpoints compared with bare-metal stents in patients with STEMI requiring primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Between 5- and 10-year follow-up, a low incidence of adverse cardiovascular events related to device failure was found in both groups. (10-Years Follow-Up of the EXAMINATION Trial; NCT04462315) (c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Background Coronary Aneurysms are a focal dilatation of an artery segment >1.5-fold the normal size of adjacent segments. Although some series have suggested a prevalence of 0.3–12%, data are lacking. In addition, they are not mentioned in practice guidelines. Our aim was investigate its prevalence, management and long-term outcomes. Methods and results The coronary artery aneurysm registry (CAAR) involved 32 hospitals across 9 countries in America and Europe. We reviewed 436,467 consecutive angiograms performed over the period 2004–2016. Finally, 1565 patients were recruited. Aneurysm global prevalence was 0.35%. Most patients were male (78.5%) with a mean age of 65 years and frequent cardiovascular risk factors. The main indication for angiogram was an acute coronary syndrome, 966 cases. The number of aneurisms was ≤2 per patient in 95.8% of the cases, mostly saccular, most frequently found in the left anterior descending and with numbers proportional with coronary stenosis. Aortopathies were related with more aneurysms too. Most patients received any revascularization procedure (69%), commonly percutaneous (53%). After a median follow-up of 37.2 months, 485 suffered a combined event (MACE) and 240 died. Without major differences comparing CABG vs PCI, MACE and death were more frequent in patients who received bare metal stents. Conclusions Coronary artery aneurysms are not uncommon. Usually, they are associated with coronary stenosis and high cardiovascular risk. Antiplatelet therapy seems reasonable and a percutaneous approach is safe and effective.

Background: In the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly people with cardiovascular risk factors and/or cardiovascular disease have been the most seriously affected We sought to evaluate the impact of the pandemic, due to both the social confinement and the infection itself, in the population of patients older than 75 years of age with previous percutaneous coronary revascularization Methods: A subgroup of patients from the SIERRA 75 registry were included in the study This is a prospective registry of patients older than 75 years undergoing percutaneous revascularization in 42 centers in Spain and Portugal The follow-up of the patients has been updated, covering the entire period of outbreak and confinement (March 14 to May 10) through direct telephone contact to carry out a specific questionnaire for patients and their relatives In addition, all electronic health records have been reviewed Results: A total of 709 patients have been included Among those, 17 had died in the 12 5 ± 3 4 months follow-up prior to the start of the outbreak-confinement period Therefore, 692 patients were followed during the study period: (mean age of 80 8 ± 4 2 years, 37% were women, 83% with hypertension, 44% with diabetes, 75% with previous STEMI/NSTEMI, 100% with previous PCI) During this period, 11 (1 6%) had confirmed COVID-19 (age 81 2 ± 5 years, 36% women) Eight were admitted to the hospital but none in the ICU Among the 11 cases, 2 (18%) died, an 80-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, both in the hospital COVID-19 incidence was higher than in the global population in the region (1 6% vs 0 4%;p < 0 0001) During this period of confinement, 91 patients (13%) presented cardiac symptoms (21 stable angina, 82 dyspnea and 6 syncope) Medical attention was demanded by 43 (6 2%), of whom 22 were admitted to the hospital There were 4 (0 6%) cases with acute coronary syndrome and 4 (0 6%) underwent revascularization Death was reported in 7 (1%) patients (2 due to COVID-19, 4 due to cardiovascular disease, and 1 due to multiple pathologies) The monthly mortality rate in this period was 2 6 times higher than in the previous months Outpatient visits were canceled in 119 cases (17%) but 108 were contacted by phone Conclusion: In this elderly population with coronary artery disease revascularized before the pandemic, an increase in cardiovascular and general morbidity as well as in total mortality was observed during the outbreak and confinement Incidence of COVID-19 was higher than in the general population Mortality among COVID-19 patients was very high Categories Other: COVID-19

Limited data exist about safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with pure native aortic regurgitation (AR).This study sought to compare the outcomes of TAVR with early- and new-generation devices in symptomatic patients with pure native AR.From the pure native AR TAVR multicenter registry, procedural and clinical outcomes were assessed according to VARC-2 criteria and compared between early- and new-generation devices.A total of 331 patients with a mean STS score of 6.7 ± 6.7 underwent TAVR. The early- and new-generation devices were used in 119 patients (36.0%) and 212 patients (64.0%), respectively. STS score tended to be lower in the new-generation device group (6.2 ± 6.7 vs. 7.6 ± 6.7; p = 0.08), but transfemoral access was more frequently used in the early-generation device group (87.4% vs. 60.8%; p 0.001). Compared with the early-generation devices, the new-generation devices were associated with a significantly higher device success rate (81.1% vs. 61.3%; p 0.001) due to lower rates of second valve implantation (12.7% vs. 24.4%; p = 0.007) and post-procedural AR ≥ moderate (4.2% vs. 18.8%; p 0.001). There were no significant differences in major 30-day endpoints between the 2 groups. The cumulative rates of all-cause and cardiovascular death at 1-year follow-up were 24.1% and 15.6%, respectively. The 1-year all-cause mortality rate was significantly higher in the patients with post-procedural AR ≥ moderate compared with those with post-procedural AR ≤ mild (46.1% vs. 21.8%; log-rank p = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, post-procedural AR ≥ moderate was independently associated with 1-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.52 to 5.35; p = 0.001).Compared with the early-generation devices, TAVR using the new-generation devices was associated with improved procedural outcomes in treating patients with pure native AR. In patients with pure native AR, significant post-procedural AR was independently associated with increased mortality.

We have read the paper by Kosmidou et al. ([1][1]) regarding the favorable impact of antiplatelet therapy on the occurrence of thrombotic events and clinical outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This was observed alone or in

Introduction and objectives The prognostic impact of bleeding in high bleeding risk (HBR) patients depending on the location of bleeding and prognosis in nonaccess site bleeding is unknown. We aimed to assess the impact of vascular access site on bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary interventions for HBR patients at 30-day and 2-year follow-up. Methods The LEADERS FREE trial included 2432 HBR PCI patients. A Biolimus A9 drug-coated stent was superior to a bare-metal stent for safety and efficacy. This is a predefined sub-analysis of the LEADERS FREE trial. Results Transradial access (TRA) was used in 1454 patients (59.8%) and transfemoral access (TFA) in 978 (40.2%), according to operator preference. The safety and benefits of drug-coated stents over bare-metal stents were independent of vascular access. At 30 days and 2 years, major bleeding had occurred in 2.4% and 7.5% of TRA patients and 4.6% and 10.9% of TFA patients (P = .003), respectively. Most of these events in both groups (2.1% and 7.0% for TRA; 3.2% and 9.4% for TFA, respectively) were nonaccess site-related. TRA was associated with a significant reduction in adjusted rates of major bleeding both at 30 days (HR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.25-3.11; P = .003) and at 2 years of follow-up (HR, 1.51; 95%CI, 1.14-2.01; P = .003). This difference was driven by both access and nonaccess bleeding. Conclusions Operators preferred TRA for most HBR patients, which was associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding events. However, most of these events in this population are unrelated to vascular access.

Aims Peri-procedural transcatheter valve embolization and migration (TVEM) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to assess the incidence, causes, and outcome of TVEM in a large multicentre cohort. Methods and results We recorded cases of peri-procedural TVEM in patients undergoing TAVI between January 2010 and December 2017 from 26 international sites. Peri-procedural TVEM occurred in 273/29 636 (0.92%) TAVI cases (age 80.8 ± 7.3 years; 53.8% female), of which 217 were to the ascending aorta and 56 to the left ventricle. The use of self-expanding or first-generation prostheses and presence of a bicuspid aortic valve were independent predictors of TVEM. Bail-out measures included repositioning attempts using snares or miscellaneous tools (41.0%), multiple valve implantations (83.2%), and conversion to surgery (19.0%). Using 1:4-propensity matching, we identified a cohort of 235 patients with TVEM (TVEMPS) and 932 patients without TVEM (non-TVEMPS). In the matched cohort, all-cause mortality was higher in TVEMPS than in non-TVEMPS at 30 days (18.6% vs. 4.9%; P Conclusion Transcatheter valve embolization and migration occurred in approximately 1% and was associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Background: In the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, elderly people with cardiovascular risk factors and/or cardiovascular disease have been the most seriously affected We sought to evaluate the impact of the pandemic, due to both the social confinement and the infection itself, in the population of patients older than 75 years of age with previous percutaneous coronary revascularization Methods: A subgroup of patients from the SIERRA 75 registry were included in the study This is a prospective registry of patients older than 75 years undergoing percutaneous revascularization in 42 centers in Spain and Portugal The follow-up of the patients has been updated, covering the entire period of outbreak and confinement (March 14–May 10, 2020) through direct telephone contact to carry out a specific questionnaire for patients and their relatives In addition, all electronic health records have been reviewed Results: A total of 709 patients have been included, of whom 17 had died in the 12 5 ± 3 4 months follow-up before the start of the outbreak and lockdown Therefore, 692 patients were followed during the study period (mean age of 80 8 ± 4 2 years, 37% women) During this period, 11 (1 6%) had confirmed COVID-19 (age 81 2 ± 5 years, 36% women) of which 8 were admitted to the hospital but none in the intensive care unit Among the 11 cases, 2 (18%) died, an 80-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, both in Hospital COVID-19 incidence was higher than in the global population in the region (1 6% vs 0 4%;p < 0 0001) During this period of confinement, 91 patients (13%) presented cardiac symptoms (21 stable angina, 82 dyspnea, and 6 syncope) Medical attention was demanded by 43 (6 2%), of whom 22 were admitted in hospitals There were 4 cases with acute coronary syndrome and 4 underwent revascularization Death was reported in 7 (1%) patients (2 due to COVID-19, 4 due to cardiovascular disease, and 1 due to multiple pathologies) The monthly mortality rate in this period was 2 6 times higher than in the previous months Outpatient visits were canceled in 119 cases (17%) but 108 were contacted by phone Conclusion: In this elderly population with coronary artery disease revascularized before the pandemic, an increase in cardiovascular and general morbidity as well as in total mortality was observed during the outbreak and confinement period Incidence of COVID-19 was higher than in the general population Mortality among COVID-19 patients was very high Categories: OTHER: COVID-19

We have read the paper by Nuhrenberg et al. [(1)][1] regarding the impact of high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HTPR) on incidence of hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Previous studies have postulated a possible link between HALT

An 81-year-old woman was referred for primary angioplasty due to a myocardial infarction. Upon her arrival, the patient was in cardiogenic shock. Coronarography revealed a large filling defect within the left main coronary artery. Thromboaspiration was performed, obtaining thrombotic material and tissue of different consistencies. Balloon angioplasty in the left anterior descending and left main arteries was performed, resulting in incomplete reperfusion, leading to irreversible electromechanical dissociation. Analysis of the aspirated material was consistent with thrombus, atheroma, and calcified tissue. Autopsy revealed a heavily calcified mitral valve, and distal embolization of amorphous material in the microvasculature identical to that found in the mitral valve subapparatus. .

Background Pre-clinical results of a novel open-cell, thin strut, durable polymer, laser cut cobalt chromium sirolimus-eluting stent (Angiolite) were promising. Using quantitative optical coherence tomographic (OCT) analyses, we explored the healing characteristics of the Angiolite DES system at 3- and 6-months post implantation. Methods A total of 103 patients with de novo coronary lesions underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with the Angiolite DES and were randomized 1:3 into two cohorts for angiographic and OCT follow-up, with 28 and 70 patients returning for 3- or 6-month post-PCI surveillance, respectively. The primary endpoints were the 6-month rates of OCT-derived neointimal proliferation, strut coverage and incomplete strut apposition (ISA), whilst the secondary endpoints were 3-month OCT-derived measures of strut coverage and ISA, as well as 6-month quantitative coronary angiographic-derived measures [late lumen loss (LLL), binary restenosis]. Results The Angiolite stent was successfully implanted in all patients, without periprocedural complications. At 3- and 6-months follow-up, OCT strut coverage was evident in 86.3% and 83.3% of struts, mean neointimal thickness was 73.7 ± 46.5 μm and 73.9 ± 54.3 μm, mean neo-intimal area obstruction of 5.8% ±10.3% and 4.4% ± 11.3%, and ISA rates were 1.3% ± 7.3% and 1.1% ± 6.2%, respectively. In-stent LLL at 6 months was 0.07 ± 0.37 mm, with a binary in-stent angiographic restenosis rate of 0% without any stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death, with 1 patient undergoing ischemia-driven target-lesion revascularization. Conclusions At 6 months, the Angiolite DES was safe with high rates of strut coverage, modest degrees of neointimal hyperplasia and very low rates of strut malapposition. These data coupled with the absence of in-stent binary restenosis and a very low 6-month in-stent LLL point towards an efficacious DES. Future studies are required to evaluate its efficacy in broader lesion subsets with longer follow-up.

A 77-year-old man with a history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe symptomatic aortic stenosis was admitted for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a 31-mm self-expandable valve (CoreValve Evolut R, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Real-time

Pre-clinical results of a novel open-cell, thin strut, durable polymer, laser cut cobalt chromium sirolimus-eluting stent (Angiolite) were promising. We evaluated the 24-month clinical outcomes associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the Angiolite stent. This was a prospective

Nowadays, more centers worlwide preferred the radial access as first choice to perform left cardiac catheterization. However, the radial approach might challenge operators with several anatomical problems and complications such as accessory radial artery, tortuosity, loop, spasm, dissection

Background: Very late stent thrombosis (VLST) after bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation is a rare complication. There is emerging evidence suggesting that in-stent neoatherosclerosis may play a role, but data on clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients (p) are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile and outcome of VLST after BMS implantation treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: From January 2006 to May 2012 a total of 9,582 PCI were performed at our center. During this period we identified and retrospectively analyzed 30 consecutive p with angiographically confirmed VLST related to BMS. Minimum follow-up period of 1 year and 2 years was available in 25/30 and 23/30 p, respectively. Results: Mean age of p was 60 13 years, 93% were male, 53% active smokers, 20% diabetics, 77% had hyperlipidemia and 67% hypertension. Clinical presentation of VLST after BMS was ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 27 cases, and 3 p (10%) had non-STEMI. Right coronary artery was the most common location of VLST (57%). Median period from BMS implantation to VLST was 7.9 years (interquartile range, 6.0-9.9 years) and most of the p (70%) were receiving oral antiplatelet therapy at the time of VLST (67% aspirin alone, 3% dual antiplatelet). All p with VLST after BMS underwent successful PCI. Effective thrombus aspiration was achieved in 67% of p and a new stent was deployed in 83% of p (14 DES, 11 BMS). A significant deterioration of LVEF occurred in p with VLST related to BMS (64 6% to 50 9%; p 0.001). Major adverse cardiac events (cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction) rates were 7%, 20%, and 39% at 30 days, 1-year and 2-year follow-up, respectively. During the 2-year follow-up period 3 p died and 6 p had a non-fatal myocardial infarction (recurrent stent thrombosis in 3 p and myocardial infarction not related to prior VLST in 3 p). Conclusions: VLST after BMS implantation is an uncommon phenomenon, mainly presented as STEMI, and its treatment with a new PCI is feasible and effective. Nevertheless new major adverse cardiac events may occur in this group of p at shortand mid-term follow-up, related to both prior VLST and coronary disease progression.