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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) which results in hypoxia may affect the ability to recruit coronary collaterals. The aim of this study was to determine whether the severity of OSA affects collateral recruitment in patients with total coronary occlusions.Patients with total coronary artery occlusion were reviewed. Records from the sleep investigation laboratory were reviewed to identify those patients who had undergone diagnostic polysomnography. Robust coronary collaterals were those with Rentrop grade 2 or 3 collaterals.Sixty-four patients with a total coronary occlusion had polysomnography performed, of whom 60 patients had OSA. Thirty-two patients (53.3%) had poor collaterals, whilst 28 (46.7%) had robust collaterals. Twenty-four (40%) patients had mild OSA, 10 (16.7%) had moderate OSA and 26 (43.3%) had severe OSA. Patients with robust collaterals were more likely to be males (96.4% vs 74.3%, p 0.05) and have a history of hypercholesterolaemia (88.9% vs 51.6%, p 0.01). Patients with robust collaterals had a lower apnoea-hypopnoea index (13.6 vs 45.5, p 0.05), a higher MinSThe presence of more severe OSA is associated with poorer coronary collateral recruitment in patients with total coronary artery occlusion. The effect of treatment of OSA on subsequent ability to recruit collaterals and other cardioprotective mechanisms requires further research.

Percutaneous coronary intervention is the most common mode of revascularization and is increasingly undertaken in high-risk subsets, including the elderly. The presence of coronary artery calcification is increasingly observed and significantly limits technical success. The mechanisms for this are multi-factorial, including increased arterial wall stiffness and impaired delivery of devices, leading to suboptimal stent delivery, deployment, and expansion which are harbingers for increased risk of in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis. Although conventional balloon pretreatment techniques aim to mitigate this risk by modifying the lesion before stent placement, many lesions remain resistant to conventional strategies, due to the severity of calcification. There have been several substantial technological advancements in calcium modification methods in recent years, which have allowed improved procedural success with low periprocedural complication rates. This review will summarize the current adjunctive modification technologies that can be employed to improve technical outcomes in percutaneous coronary intervention in calcific disease and the evidence supporting these tools.

Chronic total occlusions (CTO) are found commonly in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We sought to determine the effect of CABG on collateral robustness in patients with a CTO. Patients with a CTO diagnosed on coronary angiography between July 2010 and December 2019 were included in this study. Patients were classified as either CTO supplied by a functional graft, CTO supplied by collaterals from a non-grafted donor vessel (non-grafted) or a CTO supplied by collaterals from a grafted donor vessel (grafted). The degree of collateral robustness was determined by the Rentrop classification and collateral connection (CC) grade. Demographic, angiographic and clinical outcomes were recorded. A total of 2088 CTO lesions were identified, of which 878 (42.0%) were supplied by a functional graft, 994 (47.6%) CTOs were supplied by a non-grafted donor vessel and 216 (10.3%) CTOs were supplied by a grafted donor vessel. CTOs supplied by a grafted donor vessel had lower rates of robust collaterals (37.0% vs 83.0%, p 0.0001) with less mature collaterals as determined by the Rentrop grade (p 0.0001) and CC grade (p 0.0001) as compared to CTOs supplied by a non-grafted donor vessel. In patients with a previous CABG, a grafted donor vessel results in less robust coronary collaterals with lower Rentrop and CC grade compared to an ungrafted donor vessel. This may be attributable to changes in coronary blood flow and shear stress, and may be a factor in the lower procedural success rates for CTO intervention in patients with prior CABG.

This expert Position Statement is a description of the requirements for Accreditation for transcatheter mitral valve therapy (TMVT) in Australia. The requirements include the need for a multidisciplinary Heart Team review of individual cases, mandatory reporting of outcome data to a national TMVT Registry, and accreditation of individuals and institutions by the Conjoint Accreditation Committee, the assigned accreditation authority.

The impact of surgical or percutaneous coronary revascularization on prognosis in patients with a chronic total occlusion (CTO) remains uncertain. Particularly, whether revascularization of those with robust coronary collaterals improves prognosis is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the predictors and prognostic impact of revascularization of a CTO, and to determine the clinical impact of robust coronary collaterals. Patients with a CTO diagnosed on coronary angiography between Jul 2010 and Dec 2019 were included in this study. Management strategy of the CTO was defined as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or medical management. The degree of collateral robustness was determined by the Rentrop grading classification. Demographic, angiographic and clinical outcomes were recorded. A total of 954 patients were included in the study, of which 186 (19.5%) patients underwent CTO PCI, 296 (31.0%) patients underwent CABG and 472 (49.5%) patients underwent medical management of the CTO. 166 patients (17.4%) had Rentrop grade zero or one collaterals, 577 (60.5%) patients had Rentrop grade two and 211 (22.1%) had Rentrop grade three collaterals. The independent predictors of medical management of the CTO were older age, greater stenosis in the donor vessel, an emergent indication for angiography, a non-LAD CTO and female sex. The degree of collateral robustness was not associated with long-term mortality, while patients who were revascularized either through CABG or PCI had a significantly lower mortality compared to medical management alone (p 0.0001). In patients with a CTO, the presence of robust collaterals is not associated with prognosis, while both surgical and percutaneous revascularization is associated with improved prognosis. Further research into the optimal revascularization strategy for a CTO is required.

© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation. This is an open access article under the CC By-NC-ND License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4), 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.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND The coronary collateral circulation is a preformed network of anastomotic connections acting as a "natural bypass" mechanism. Whilst the prevalence of collaterals varies between species, approximately 25% of patients have angiographically visible robust collaterals at the time of ST elevation myocardial infarction. While the presence of collaterals is associated with improved outcomes, the magnitude of myocardial perfusion which can be provided by the collateral circulation remains uncertain. PURPOSE The aim was to quantify collateral myocardial perfusion during experimental coronary balloon occlusion in patients with CAD. METHODS The study was approved by the local investigational review board, and all patients provided informed consent. Patients without prior infarction, bypass surgery, or angiographically visible collaterals undergoing elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to a single epicardial vessel, underwent two scans with 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). All subjects underwent at least three minutes of angiographically verified complete balloon occlusion, at which time an intravenous injection of the radiotracer was administered, followed by SPECT imaging. A second radiotracer injection followed by SPECT imaging was performed 24 hours after PTCA. RESULTS The study included 21 patients (median [interquartile range] age 70 [56-74] years, 52% male). The degree of diameter stenosis of treated vessels ranged from 60-99%, with successful PTCA performed with a mean 5-minute balloon occlusion time, resulting in ≤20% residual stenosis in all cases. The vessels undergoing PTCA were 6 in the LAD, 5 in the LCx, and 10 in the RCA. For the cohort, the size of the perfusion defect was 16 [8-30]% of the LV and the collateral perfusion at rest within the perfusion defect was 64 [58-68]% of normal perfusion within that region. Collateral perfusion was negatively correlated with perfusion defect size (R2 = 0.85, p Abstract Figure. Collateral perfusion during occlusion.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has dramatically changed the outcome of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, despite improvements in interventional technology, registry data show little recent change in the prognosis of patients who survive STEMI, with a significant incidence of cardiogenic shock, heart failure, and cardiac death. Despite a technically successful PPCI procedure, a variable proportion of patients experience suboptimal myocardial reperfusion. Large infarct size and coronary microvascular injury, as the consequence of ischaemia–reperfusion injury and distal embolization of atherothrombotic debris, account for suboptimal long-term prognosis of STEMI patients. In order to address this unmet therapeutic need, a broad-range of device-based treatments has been developed. These device-based therapies can be categorized according to the pathophysiological pathways they target: (i) techniques to prevent distal atherothrombotic embolization, (ii) techniques to prevent or mitigate ischaemia/reperfusion injury, and (iii) techniques to enhance coronary microvascular function/integrity. This review is an overview of these novel technologies with a focus on their pathophysiological background, procedural details, available evidence, and with a critical perspective about their potential future implementation in the clinical care of STEMI patients.

Background Wall shear stress (WSS) plays an important role in coronary atherosclerosis. Low WSS is associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and progression of atherosclerosis; while high WSS leads to vulnerable plaque transformation and future myocardial infarction. Defining the relationship between WSS and the currently available coronary physiology indices would provide valuable insights into potential mechanisms for predicting future adverse cardiac events. Purpose To investigate the relationship between WSS and the coronary epicardial/microvascular physiology indices. Methods Patients undergoing coronary angiography and physiology testing were prospectively recruited. Physiology measurements were performed under resting and hyperaemic conditions using a pressure/temperature sensor guidewire. Fractional flow reserve (FFR), non-hyperaemic pressure ratios (NHPRs), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and corrected index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) were measured. The NHPRs including resting full-cycle ratio (RFR), resting distal/aortic pressure (Pd/Pa), instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) and diastolic hyperaemia-free ratio (DFR) were derived offline by a blinded expert reader. Values of FFR ≤0.80, NHPR ≤0.89, CFR 25 were considered ischaemic/abnormal. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed and fluid motion equations were solved using finite-volume based software. The inlet and outlet boundary conditions were set to the patient-specific Pa and Pd respectively. The lesion WSS, mean WSS in five segments (WSSupstream = 5mm proximal to lesion, WSSprox = proximal third of lesion, WSSmid = middle third of lesion, WSSdistal = distal third of lesion, WSSdownstream = 5mm distal to lesion), and the total area of low WSS (defined as Results A total of 112 vessels from 93 patients were included in the study. The total area of low WSS was significantly larger in lesions with ischaemic FFR, NHPRs, and CFR values (Figure B), and not significantly different in lesions with abnormal IMR values. There was no significant difference in lesion WSS between groups stratified by all physiology indices. Within the lesion WSS sub-segments, WSSprox was significant higher in ischaemic lesions stratified by normal/abnormal FFR, iFR, and dPR (4.2 vs 3.3 Pa, 4.2 vs 3.3 Pa, 4.3 vs 3.3 Pa respectively, all p=0.04), and not significantly different when stratified by RFR, DFR, Pd/Pa, CFR, and IMR. Conclusion Functionally significant coronary lesions classified by the epicardial physiology indices have significantly larger total area of low WSS and higher WSSprox which may explain the higher cardiovascular event rates in patients with ischaemic lesions. There was no significant relationship between WSS and coronary microcirculatory resistance. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Heart Foundation of Australia Health Professional Scholarship

Objectives To assess the prognostic implications of the degree of coronary collaterals on outcomes in patients with a CTO. Background Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) are identified frequently in patients undergoing coronary angiography and have been associated with poorer prognosis. Whether the degree of coronary collaterals, the hallmark of CTOs impacts prognosis, is unknown. Methods A search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies reporting on coronary collaterals and risk of all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with Rentrop grade 0 or 1 collaterals were defined as poor collaterals, while Rentrop grade 2 or 3 were defined as robust collaterals. Results Twelve studies with a total of 3,369 were included. Patients with robust collaterals did not have lower rates of AMI (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.39-2.04) or lower rates of all-cause mortality (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.42-1.58), however were more likely to have successful PCI (OR: 4.04, 95%CI: 1.10-14.85). Conclusion The presence of robust collaterals is not associated with lower rates of AMI or mortality, but does increase the likelihood of successful CTO PCI. These results have importance implications with respect to the indications for CTO PCI as well as selecting appropriate patients to undergo the procedure.

Improvements in systems, technology and pharmacotherapy have significantly changed the prognosis over recent decades in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. These clinical achievements have, however, begun to plateau and it is becoming increasingly necessary to consider novel strategies to further improve outcomes. Approximately a third of patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction will suffer from coronary no-reflow (NR), a condition characterized by poor myocardial perfusion despite patent epicardial arteries. The presence of NR impacts significantly on clinical outcomes including left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure and death, yet conventional management algorithms neither assess the risk of NR nor treat NR. This review will provide a contemporary overview on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of NR.

Background: Inflammation plays a crucial role in clinical manifestations and complications of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Colchicine, a commonly used treatment for gout, has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic option in cardiovascular medicine owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. We sought to determine the potential usefulness of colchicine treatment in patients with ACS. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 17 hospitals in Australia that provide acute cardiac care service. Eligible participants were adults (18–85 years) who presented with ACS and had evidence of coronary artery disease on coronary angiography managed with either percutaneous coronary intervention or medical therapy. Patients were assigned to receive either colchicine (0.5 mg twice daily for the first month, then 0.5 mg daily for 11 months) or placebo, in addition to standard secondary prevention pharmacotherapy, and were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, ACS, ischemia-driven (unplanned) urgent revascularization, and noncardioembolic ischemic stroke in a time to event analysis. Results: A total of 795 patients were recruited between December 2015 and September 2018 (mean age, 59.8±10.3 years; 21% female), with 396 assigned to the colchicine group and 399 to the placebo group. Over the 12-month follow-up, there were 24 events in the colchicine group compared with 38 events in the placebo group ( P =0.09, log-rank). There was a higher rate of total death (8 versus 1; P =0.017, log-rank) and, in particular, noncardiovascular death in the colchicine group (5 versus 0; P =0.024, log-rank). The rates of reported adverse effects were not different (colchicine 23.0% versus placebo 24.3%), and they were predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms (colchicine, 23.0% versus placebo, 20.8%). Conclusions: The addition of colchicine to standard medical therapy did not significantly affect cardiovascular outcomes at 12 months in patients with ACS and was associated with a higher rate of mortality. Registration: URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au ; Unique identifier: ACTRN12615000861550.

IntroductionThe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, and COVID-19 itself causes serious cardiac sequelae. Strategies to minimise the risk of viral transmission to health care workers and uninfected cardiac patients while prioritising high quality cardiac care are urgently needed. We conducted a rapid literature appraisal and review of key documents identified by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Board and Council members, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons, and key cardiology, surgical and public health opinion leaders.Main recommendationsCommon acute cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 include left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes. The presence of underlying CVD confers a five- to tenfold higher case fatality rate with COVID-19 disease. Special precautions are needed to avoid viral transmission to this population at risk. Adaptive health care delivery models and resource allocation are required throughout the health care system to address this need.Changes in management as a result of this statementCardiovascular health services and cardiovascular health care providers need to recognise the increased risk of COVID-19 among CVD patients, upskill in the management of COVID-19 cardiac manifestations, and reorganise and innovate in service delivery models to meet demands. This consensus statement, endorsed by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia summarises important issues and proposes practical approaches to cardiovascular health care delivery to patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) are common in patients undergoing coronary angiography, yet the optimal management strategy remains uncertain, with conflicting results from randomized trials. Appropriate patient selection and careful periprocedural planning are imperative for successful patient management. We review the role of adjunctive imaging modalities including myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), echocardiography and computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in myocardial ischemic quantification, myocardial viability assessment, as well as procedural planning for CTO revascularization. An appreciation of the value, indications and limitations of these modalities prior to planned intervention are essential for optimal management.

The global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses an unprecedented stress on healthcare systems internationally. These Health system-wide demands call for efficient utilisation of resources at this time in a fair, consistent, ethical and efficient manner would improve our ability to treat patients. Excellent co-operation between hospital units (especially intensive care unit [ICU], emergency department [ED] and cardiology) is critical in ensuring optimal patient outcomes. The purpose of this document is to provide practical guidelines for the effective use of interventional cardiology services in Australia and New Zealand. The document will be updated regularly as new evidence and knowledge is gained with time. Goals Considerations.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly grown into a worldwide pandemic, ever since first being described in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. At time of writing (10 April, 2020), the rapid spread of the virus throughout the world has resulted in over 1.6 million infections and over 95,000 deaths world-wide; in Australia, there have been 6,203 confirmed cases with 53 deaths, with a mortality rate of 0.85%, much less than the world average of around 6%. Given the ferocity and devastating effects on health care systems abroad, Australia has implemented a series of measures to reduce the rate of spread and prepare the health care system for the pandemic. This has included cancelling elective surgery, social distancing and a nation-wide shut down of non-essential services

The predictors and prognostic implications of well-matured collaterals in those with a chronic total occlusion (CTO) are unknown. We sought to identify the determinants of collateral maturation and to determine its effects on procedural outcomes and prognosis.Patients presenting for CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between April 2010 and July 2019 were included. Patients with a previous coronary artery bypass (CABG) to the CTO and those with only bridging collaterals were excluded. The degree of collateral maturation was determined by the Rentrop grading classification. Demographic, biochemical, and anatomical factors and procedural and longer-term outcomes were identified.A total of 212 patients were included in the study. Patients with well-matured collaterals were more likely to be females (29.7% versus 15.2% versus 0%, P < 0.005 for Rentrop grade 3, 2, and 0 or 1, respectively), less likely to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) (8.8% versus 4.5% versus 19.2%, P < 0.05) and less likely to have had a prior CABG (15.6% versus 18.7% versus 19.2%). Patients with well-matured collaterals had lower neutrophil-to-leukocyte ratio (NLR) (2.8 versus 4.0 versus 5.7, P < 0.0001). Patients with well-matured collaterals were more likely to have procedural success (90.5% versus 62.5% versus 34.6%, P < 0.0001). The degree of collateral maturation was not associated with longer-term mortality.Improved collateral maturation was associated with female sex and lower rates of CKD and CABG and a lower NLR. Those with well-matured collaterals had a significantly higher rate of procedural success but not improved prognosis.

Objectives In this study, a systematic analysis was conducted of phasic intracoronary pressure and flow velocity in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease, undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), to determine how AS affects: 1) phasic coronary flow; 2) hyperemic coronary flow; and 3) the most common clinically used indices of coronary stenosis severity, instantaneous wave-free ratio and fractional flow reserve. Background A significant proportion of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) have concomitant coronary artery disease. The effect of the valve on coronary pressure, flow, and the established invasive clinical indices of stenosis severity have not been studied. Methods Twenty-eight patients (30 lesions, 50.0% men, mean age 82.1 ± 6.5 years) with severe AS and coronary artery disease were included. Intracoronary pressure and flow assessments were performed at rest and during hyperemia immediately before and after TAVR. Results Flow during the wave-free period of diastole did not change post-TAVR (29.78 ± 14.9 cm/s vs. 30.81 ± 19.6 cm/s; p = 0.64). Whole-cycle hyperemic flow increased significantly post-TAVR (33.44 ± 13.4 cm/s pre-TAVR vs. 40.33 ± 17.4 cm/s post-TAVR; p = 0.006); this was secondary to significant increases in systolic hyperemic flow post-TAVR (27.67 ± 12.1 cm/s pre-TAVR vs. 34.15 ± 17.5 cm/s post-TAVR; p = 0.02). Instantaneous wave-free ratio values did not change post-TAVR (0.88 ± 0.09 pre-TAVR vs. 0.88 ± 0.09 post-TAVR; p = 0.73), whereas fractional flow reserve decreased significantly post-TAVR (0.87 ± 0.08 pre-TAVR vs. 0.85 ± 0.09 post-TAVR; p = 0.001). Conclusions Systolic and hyperemic coronary flow increased significantly post-TAVR; consequently, hyperemic indices that include systole underestimated coronary stenosis severity in patients with severe AS. Flow during the wave-free period of diastole did not change post-TAVR, suggesting that indices calculated during this period are not vulnerable to the confounding effect of the stenotic aortic valve., Graphical abstract

ObjectiveTo assess whether hypertension is an independent risk factor for mortality among patients hospitalised with COVID-19, and to evaluate the impact of ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use on mortality in patients with a background of hypertension.MethodThis observational cohort study included all index hospitalisations with laboratory-proven COVID-19 aged ≥18 years across 21 Australian hospitals. Patients with suspected, but not laboratory-proven COVID-19, were excluded. Registry data were analysed for in-hospital mortality in patients with comorbidities including hypertension, and baseline treatment with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.Results546 consecutive patients (62.9±19.8 years old, 51.8% male) hospitalised with COVID-19 were enrolled. In the multivariable model, significant predictors of mortality were age (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.09, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.12, pConclusionsIn patients hospitalised with COVID-19, pre-existing hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity but was not independently associated with mortality. Similarly, the baseline use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs had no independent association with in-hospital mortality.

Introduction Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are exposed to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in altered autonomic function. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent in CAD and is associated with increased sympathetic activity which could further exacerbate cardiovascular risk. We aimed to determine whether OSA severity is associated with altered autonomic function in CAD patients. Methods Patients presenting to the coronary care unit with CAD underwent level 2 portable polysomnography to assess the presence and severity of OSA. Autonomic function was calculated from continuous blood pressure and 3-lead ECG 5 minute recordings while awake. Mean spontaneous baroreceptor sensitivity (sBRS msec/mmHg); vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV) markers (pNN50%, RMSSD, HF-HRV); and, sympathetically mediated vascular autonomic function (LF-BPV) were measured. Autonomic function was assessed in relation to OSA severity (Apnoea Hypopnea Index, AHI; oxygen desaturation index, ODI). Results OSA was present in 49/51 (96%) participants with CAD (age 54±9 years; BMI 28.9±5.4 kg/m2; male 41(77%)). No association was found between sBRS and AHI. There was a modest inverse correlation between AHI and vagally mediated HRV (RMSSD, r= -0.28 p=0.04; HF, r= -0.31 p=0.03). AHI positively correlated with LF-SBP (r=0.29, p=0.04) suggesting upregulation of sympathetic modulation. Linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, showed AHI was a determinant of parasympathetically modulated HRV measures (pNN50% -0.25(0.12), p=0.05). Conclusions In patients with CAD, increased AHI was associated with parasympathetic withdrawal suggesting that OSA could increase poor cardiovascular prognosis in this population.

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) occur when there is complete, or near complete occlusion of a vessel, angiographically appreciated by the presence of a collateral circulation with late filling of the occluded vessel. With restoration of anterograde blood flow there is alteration in vascular wall stress which may influence distal vessel size. We sought to determine if the distal vessel size changes following revascularization of the CTO. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent successful CTO revascularization and who subsequently underwent repeat angiography. We measured the size of the vessel proximal and distal to the stented segment to assess for change in luminal diameter. Thirty-seven successful CTO revascularization procedures were reviewed. The mean age was 70.3, with 81% male. The most commonly revascularised artery was the right coronary artery (RCA). The median time between angiograms was 194 days. The indexed luminal diameter distal to the stented segment had a greater increase in size compared to the proximal segment (31.1 vs 4.8%, p

Aims Identification and management of the Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors (SMuRFs; hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, diabetes and smoking) has substantially improved cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Suspecting an evolving pattern of risk factor profiles in the ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population with the improvements in primary care, we hypothesized that the proportion of 'SMuRFless' STEMI patients may have increased. Methods/results We performed a single centre retrospective study of consecutive STEMI patients presenting from January 2006 to December 2014. Over the study period 132/695 (25%) STEMI patients had 0 SMuRFs, a proportion that did not significantly change with age, gender or family history. The proportion of STEMI patients who were SMuRFless in 2006 was 11%, which increased to 27% by 2014 (odds ratio 1.12 per year, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.22). The proportion of patients with hypercholesterolaemia decreased (odds ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.86-0.98), as did the proportion of current smokers (odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.86-0.99), with no significant change in the proportion of patients with diabetes and hypertension. SMuRF status was not associated with extent of coronary disease; in-hospital outcomes, or discharge prescribing patterns. Conclusion The proportion of STEMI patients with STEMI poorly explained by SMuRFs is high, and is significantly increasing. This highlights the need for bold approaches to discover new mechanisms and markers for early identification of these patients, as well as to understand the outcomes and develop new targeted therapies.

OCT is widely used for accurate coronary stent sizing; however, the impact of coronary tortuosity or guide wire weight on the accuracy of OCT in assessing coronary dimensions is not known. This study sought to determine whether guide wire properties impact on coronary diameter and length estimation by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in tortuous segments of coronary artery. OCT coronary diameters were determined in selected patients with tortuous arteries before and after removal of a supportive guide wire to obtain unobscured images. In addition, a coronary model was created with lumen diameters of 1.7-4.8 mm. This was used to perform OCT images with a flexible (FW) and a stiff guide wire (SW) when straight or on a 25 mm radius curve to simulate tortuosity. Lumen diameter decreased by a mean of 3.2 + 1.0% after support wire removal in patients undergoing OCT for coronary sizing. In a coronary model, lumen length was constant when straight but underestimated between 0 and 4.5% (FW) and 0 and 12% (SW) when tortuous (P

Background/objectives Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) protects the myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury however the molecular pathways involved in cardioprotection are yet to be fully delineated. Transcription factor Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is a key upstream activator in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we elucidated the role of RIPC in modulating the regulation of Egr-1. Methods This study subjected rats to transient blockade of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery with or without prior RIPC of the hind-limb muscle and thereafter excised the heart 24h following surgical intervention. In vitro , rat cardiac myoblast H9c2 cells were exposed to ischemic preconditioning by subjecting them to 3cycles of alternating nitrogen-flushed hypoxia and normoxia. These preconditioned media were added to recipient H9c2 cells which were then subjected to 30min of hypoxia followed by 30min of normoxia to simulate myocardial I/R injury. Thereafter, the effects of RIPC on cell viability, apoptosis and inflammatory markers were assessed. Results We showed reduced infarct size and suppressed Egr-1 in the heart of rats when RIPC was administered to the hind leg. In vitro , we showed that RIPC improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis and attenuated Egr-1 in recipient cells. Conclusions Selective inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways confirmed that RIPC increased production of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) via activation of the JAK-STAT pathway which then inactivated I/R-induced ERK 1/2 signaling pathways, ultimately leading to the suppression of Egr-1.

Recent advances have caused a major shift in the way ST-elevation myocardial infarctions are managed. This review explores the pharmacological and interventional techniques that have evidence for improving outcomes and the landmark trials that have sparked change. The new P2Y12 inhibitors, ticagrelor and prasugrel, have been shown to be superior to clopidogrel in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Concurrently, many technical aspects of percutaneous coronary intervention have been further clarified by trial data, with bare-metal stents, routine thrombus aspiration and femoral access showing evidence of inferiority. Ongoing trials will provide more information on the role of non-culprit lesion PCI, bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, mechanical devices in persistent ischaemia and early automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators for inducible ventricular tachycardia.

Objectives This study sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of the drug-filled stent (DFS) (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, California) in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. Background Polymer-free drug-eluting stents have the potential to improve clinical outcomes and facilitate shorter durations of dual antiplatelet therapy. The polymer-free DFS is made from a trilayered continuous wire with an outer cobalt chromium layer, a middle tantalum layer, and an inner lumen coated with sirolimus. Small laser-drilled holes on the abluminal stent surface control drug elution. Methods The RevElution trial enrolled 100 patients with de novo coronary lesions 2.25 to 3.50 mm in diameter and length ≤27 mm in 2 cohorts of 50 patients for angiographic, intravascular ultrasound, and clinical assessment at 9 or 24 months, with optical coherence tomography performed in a subset of 30 patients at each time period. The primary endpoint was angiographic in-stent late lumen loss at 9 months compared with Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent (Medtronic) historical control data. Results Fifty patients with 56 lesions were treated with DFS in the 9-month cohort. In-stent late lumen loss was 0.26 ± 0.28 mm for DFS and 0.36 ± 0.52 mm for Resolute (pnoninferiority Conclusions At 9 months, the polymer-free DFS was safe and effective with high rates of early strut coverage and noninferior late lumen loss compared to Resolute. (Medtronic RevElution Trial [RevElution]; NCT02480348)

In patients with a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the prevalence of chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a non–infarct-related artery (non-IRA) is 8% to 15% [(1)][1] with 2-fold greater morbidity and mortality than in those with single-vessel disease (SVD) [(2)][2]. The TOTAL (

To determine the safety and performance of the SAPIEN XT transcatheter heart valve (THV) in Australian patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and intermediate surgical risk.Eligible patients in this multi-centre, prospective, consecutively enrolled, non-randomised, clinical trial, received transcatheter aortic valve replacement via femoral artery access. Follow-up visits were at discharge, 30 days, and 6, 12, and 24 months. The primary endpoint was Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 composite safety at 30 days: all-cause mortality, all stroke, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury-Stage 3, coronary artery obstruction requiring intervention, major vascular complication, and valve-related dysfunction requiring repeat procedure. Other endpoints were device success (successful vascular access, delivery, and deployment; correct position; intended performance mean aortic valve gradient20 mmHg, mild or less paravalvular aortic regurgitation [PAR]; and only one valve implanted) and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA). Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates were calculated for the primary endpoint.At baseline, mean patient (N=199) age was 85.5 years, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeon score was 5.9, and 78.4% were in NYHA class III/IV. The primary composite endpoint KM estimate was 12.1%. Device success was 88.8%. SAPIEN XT was implanted in the proper location in 98.5% (n=2: valve-in-valve procedures, n=1: no implant due to left main coronary artery occlusion). No device malfunctions were reported. The post procedure PAR was mild or less in 93.8% of patients. Mean aortic gradient decreased from baseline (50.0 mmHg) to 2 years (10.3 mmHg). Most patients (90.9%) were in NYHA class I/II at 30 days. New permanent pacemaker rate was 8.1%. Stroke at 30 days was 3.5% (1.5% disabling).SAPIEN XT was safe and improved heart failure symptoms and valve haemodynamics in this cohort of Australian patients.

Concurrent coronary artery disease in a vessel remote from a chronic total occlusion (CTO) is common and presents a management dilemma. While the use of adjunctive coronary physiology to guide revascularization is now commonplace in the catheterization laboratory, the presence of a CTO provides a unique and specific situation whereby the physiological assessment is more complex and relies on theoretical assumptions. Broadly, the physiological assessment of a CTO relies on assessing the function and regression of collaterals, the assessment of the microcirculation, the impact of collateral steal as well as assessing the severity of a lesion in the donor vessel (the vessel supplying the majority of collaterals to the CTO). Recent studies have shown that physiological assessment of the donor vessel in the setting of a CTO may overestimate the severity of stenosis, and that after revascularization of a CTO, the index of ischemia may increase, potentially altering the need for revascularization. In this review article, we present the current literature on physiological assessment of patients with a CTO, management recommendations and identify areas for ongoing research.

The spontaneous recruitment of acute coronary collaterals in the setting of an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is seen frequently in those patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, it is unknown whether in patients who present with a recurrent STEMI, the degree of collateral recruitment remains the same as in the index procedure. We reviewed all patients presenting to our tertiary centre with a STEMI undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from July 2010 until December 2018. We identified patients who presented with a recurrent STEMI following their index procedure. We defined patients with poor collateral recruitment as Rentrop grade 0 or 1, whilst patients with robust collateral recruitment as Rentrop grade 2 or 3. Of the 1795 patients who were identified, there were 27 cases in 25 patients who presented with a repeat STEMI following their index procedure. The median time between cases was 12.8 days (IQR 2.3–589.5 days). Compared to the index case, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of collateral recruitment in recurrent presentations (Z = − 0.378, p = 0.70). In those patients presenting more than 6 months following the index procedure, the median time between cases was 654.5 days (IQR 479.5–1151.9). There was no difference in the degree of collateral recruitment in recurrent presentations (Z = 0.000, p = 1.0). Cases which had poorer collateral recruitment in recurrent presentations were less likely to be current smokers (0% vs 50%, p

Despite improved treatment options myocardial infarction (MI) is still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a mechanistic process that reduces myocardial infarction size and protects against ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. The zinc finger transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is integral to the biological response to I/R, as its upregulation mediates the increased expression of inflammatory and prothrombotic processes. We aimed to determine the association and/or role of Egr-1 expression with the molecular mechanisms controlling the cardioprotective effects of RIPC. This study used H9C2 cells in vitro and a rat model of cardiac ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. We silenced Egr-1 with DNAzyme (ED5) in vitro and in vivo, before three cycles of RIPC consisting of alternating 5 min hypoxia and normoxia in cells or hind-limb ligation and release in the rat, followed by hypoxic challenge in vitro and I/R injury in vivo. Post-procedure, ED5 administration led to a significant increase in infarct size compared to controls (65.90 ± 2.38% vs. 41.00 ± 2.83%, p

© American Heart Association, Inc., 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.

AIMS Our aim was to compare stenosis severity and plaque content between STEMI culprit lesions with intact fibrous cap (IFC) and those with plaque rupture (PR) in a prospective study. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated 93 patients undergoing OCT and thrombectomy as part of a prospective substudy of the TOTAL (ThrOmbecTomy versus PCI ALone) trial. Culprit lesion morphology was assessable by OCT in 70/93 (75.3%). IFC was found in 31 (44.3%), PR in 34 (48.6%) and calcified nodule in five (7.1%) patients. Following thrombectomy, OCT demonstrated similar lumen area stenosis in IFC (79.3%) and PR (79.6%) (p=0.88). Lumen area stenosis

Opposing Viewpoint, see p 1571 In most advanced healthcare systems, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has replaced thrombolysis as the optimal therapy for patients presenting with ST-segment–elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). The frequent discovery of nonculprit vessel lesions during this index revascularization has fueled enthusiasm among interventional cardiologists to implant additional stents at the time of PPCI. The potential for cost saving by preventing an additional second procedure, reductions in inpatient stay, and even mortality benefits from immediate complete revascularization have been hypothesized. Determining whether this approach is a rational extension of the index emergency revascularization procedure or a costly and potentially hazardous extrapolation of the benefits of coronary stents has sparked considerable debate. Disease in the nonculprit vessel in patients with STEMI is common; it is present in up to 60% of patients and, predictably, its presence is associated with worse outcomes.1 A pooled meta-analysis of 40 280 patients published in 2011 suggested that staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of nonculprit lesions yielded superior short- and long-term outcomes in comparison with culprit lesion–only treatment, whereas multivessel PCI resulted in worse outcomes to culprit-only PCI or staged PCI.1 Because this retrospective analysis is subject to confounding (multivessel PCI performed preferentially for cardiogenic shock), 3 …

The coronary collateral circulation is a rich anastomotic network of primitive vessels which have the ability to augment in size and function through the process of arteriogenesis. In this review, we evaluate the current understandings of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which this process occurs, specifically focussing on elevated fluid shear stress (FSS), inflammation, the redox state and gene expression along with the integrative, parallel and simultaneous process by which this occurs. The initiating step of arteriogenesis occurs following occlusion of an epicardial coronary artery, with an increase in FSS detected by mechanoreceptors within the endothelium. This must occur within a 'redox window' where an equilibrium of oxidative and reductive factors are present. These factors initially result in an inflammatory milieu, mediated by neutrophils as well as lymphocytes, with resultant activation of a number of downstream molecular pathways resulting in increased expression of proteins involved in monocyte attraction and adherence; namely vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Once monocytes and other inflammatory cells adhere to the endothelium they enter the extracellular matrix and differentiate into macrophages in an effort to create a favourable environment for vessel growth and development. Activated macrophages secrete inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and matrix metalloproteinases. Finally, vascular smooth muscle cells proliferate and switch to a contractile phenotype, resulting in an increased diameter and functionality of the collateral vessel, thereby allowing improved perfusion of the distal myocardium subtended by the occluded vessel. This simultaneously reduces FSS within the collateral vessel, inhibiting further vessel growth.

Autophagy is a cellular process by which mammalian cells degrade and assist in recycling damaged organelles and proteins. This study aimed to ascertain the role of autophagy in remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC)-induced cardioprotection. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to RIPC at the hindlimb followed by a 30-min transient blockade of the left coronary artery to simulate ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hindlimb muscle and the heart were excised 24 h post reperfusion. RIPC prior to I/R upregulated autophagy in the rat heart at 24 h post reperfusion. In vitro, autophagy inhibition or stimulation prior to RIPC, respectively, either ameliorated or stimulated the cardioprotective effect, measured as improved cell viability to mimic the preconditioning effect. Recombinant interleukin-6 (IL-6) treatment prior to I/R increased in vitro autophagy in a dose-dependent manner, activating the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway without affecting the other kinase pathways, such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 Beta (GSK-3&beta, ) pathways. Prior to I/R, in vitro inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway reduced autophagy upregulation despite recombinant IL-6 pre-treatment. Autophagy is an essential component of RIPC-induced cardioprotection that may upregulate autophagy through an IL-6/JAK-STAT-dependent mechanism, thus identifying a potentially new therapeutic option for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

A coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a common finding during coronary angiography and is associated with increased mortality and poorer cardiovascular prognosis. Technological developments in percutaneous strategies for revascularisation have resulted in increased interest in this area. However, until recently, there has been a paucity of robust scientific randomised data comparing the efficacy of medical management with percutaneous strategies. Both observational data, and to a lesser extent, randomised data, suggest that CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be considered in symptomatic patients. However, in the absence of any randomised data, CTO PCI should not be performed for prognostic benefit. Ongoing trials are needed to confirm these findings as well as to identify the optimal timing and strategy of such interventions.

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are commonly found in patients undergoing coronary angiography and is associated with poorer prognosis than in those patients with other forms of stable coronary artery disease. As such, with an increasing appreciation of this clinical entity, there is a need to identify, firstly the pathophysiological process driving its formation, as well as new percutaneous strategies for revascularisation with long term durability and improved outcomes. An appropriate, reliable and reproducible animal model is vital for both of these objectives. We review the prevalence of spontaneous collaterals in different species, as well as review the current literature with respect to animal models of CTOs, and compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of these differing models. Whilst both extrinsic compression models and endoluminal procedures may create situations analogous to a CTO in a human, the ideal animal model of a CTO will include an occluded artery, functional collaterals and a viable myocardium. This would allow study of the process driving collateral formation and arteriogenesis as well as percutaneous intervention strategies for both acute and long term benefits.