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The long-term safety and performance of magnesium-based bioresorbable scaffolds (MgBRS) in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are uncertain.The aim of this study was to report the 3-year clinical outcomes of the MAGSTEMI trial.This investigator-driven, multicentre, randomised, single-blind, controlled trial randomised STEMI patients 1:1 to MgBRS or to permanent metallic sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) at 11 academic centres. The main secondary endpoints included device-oriented composite endpoints (DoCE) and patient-oriented composite endpoints (PoCE), their individual components, any bleeding, and device thrombosis rate. All endpoints were defined according to the Academic Research Consortium. Events were adjudicated by an independent committee.Three-year clinical follow-up was obtained in 142 (90.0%) patients. At 3-year follow-up, MgBRS were associated with a higher rate of DoCE than SES (13 [17.6%] vs 5 [6.6%], diff -11.0 [95% CI: -21.3 to -0.7]; p=0.038). This difference was driven by an increased incidence of DoCE within the first year of follow-up. In the landmark analysis, there was no difference between 1 and 3 years (0 [0.0%] vs 1 [1.4%]; p=1.000). The difference in the rate of DoCE was driven by a higher incidence of target lesion revascularisation (TLR) in the MgBRS group compared to SES (12 [16.2%] vs 4 [5.3%]; diff -10.9% [95% CI: -20.7 to -1.2]; p=0.030). The difference in TLR was observed during the first year, with no further differences observed between 1 and 3 years (0 [0.0%] vs 1 [1.4%]; p=1.000).At 3-year follow-up, MgBRS were associated with a higher rate of TLR, which was clustered within the first year, compared to SES.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El acceso transaxilar (ATx) se ha convertido en el acceso alternativo al transfemoral (ATF), mas utilizado en pacientes sometidos a implante percutaneo de valvula aortica (TAVI). El objetivo principal de este estudio es comparar la mortalidad total hospitalaria y a los 30 dias de los pacientes incluidos en el registro espanol de TAVI a los que se trato por acceso ATx frente a ATF. Metodos Se analizo a todos los pacientes incluidos en el registro espanol de TAVI tratados por ATx o ATF. Los eventos hospitalarios y a los 30 dias de seguimiento se definieron segun las recomendaciones de la Valve Academic Research Consortium. Se evaluo el impacto de la via de acceso mediante emparejamiento por puntuacion de propension segun las caracteristicas clinicas y ecograficas. Resultados Se incluyo a 6.603 pacientes, 191 (2,9%) tratados por ATx y 6.412 con ATF. Despues del ajuste (grupo de ATx, n = 113; grupo de ATF, n = 3.035), el exito del dispositivo fue similar entre ambos grupos (el 94% en el grupo de ATx frente al 95% en el de ATF; p = 0,95); sin embargo, se observo un incremento en la tasa de infarto agudo de miocardio (OR = 5,3; IC95%, 2,0-13,8; p = 0,001), complicaciones renales (OR = 2,3; IC95%, 1,3-4,1; p = 0,003) e implante de marcapasos (OR = 1,6; IC95%, 1,01-2,6; p = 0,03) en el grupo de ATx comparado con el de ATF. De mismo modo, la mortalidad hospitalaria y a los 30 dias fueron superiores en el grupo de ATx (respectivamente, OR = 2,2; IC95%, 1,04-4,6; p = 0,039; y OR = 2,3; IC95%, 1,2-4,5; p = 0,01). Conclusiones El ATx se asocia con un aumento en la mortalidad total tanto hospitalaria como a los 30 dias frente al ATF. Ante estos resultados, el ATx debe considerarse solo en caso de que el ATF no sea posible.

Introduction and objectives: Patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis have been excluded from the trials that support the non-inferiority of the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) compared to the fractional flow reserve (FFR) in the decision-making process of coronary revascularization. This study proposes to prospectively assess the concordance between the two indices in LMCA lesions and to validate the iFR cut-off value of 0.89 for clinical use. Methods: National, prospective, and observational multicenter registry of 300 consecutive patients with intermediate lesions in the LMCA (angiographic stenosis, 25% to 60%. A pressure gudiewire study and determination of the RFF and the iFR will be performed: in the event of a negative concordant result (FFR > 0.80/iFR > 0.89), no treatment will be performed; in case of a positive concordant result (FFR ≤ 0.80/iFR ≤ 0.89), revascularization will be performed; In the event of a discordant result (FFR> 0.80/iFR ≤ 0.89 or FFR ≤ 0.80/iFR> 0.89), an intravascular echocardiography will be performed and revascularization will be delayed if the minimum lumen area is > 6 mm2. The primary clinical endpoint will be a composite of cardiovascular death, LMCA lesion-related non-fatal infarction or need for revascularization of the LMCA lesion at 12 months. Conclusions: Confirm that an iFR-guided decision-making process in patients with intermediate LMCA stenosis is clinically safe and would have a significant clinical impact. Also, justify its systematic use when prescribing treatment in these potentially high-risk patients. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( Identifier: NCT03767621).

Introduction and objectives: After the positive pre-clinical and clinical results with Angiolite, a cobalt-chromium sirolimus-eluting stent, we decided to analyze its performance in a non-selected, real-world population: the RANGO registry. Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, multicenter registry of patients with different clinical indications. All consecutive patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with, at least, 1 Angiolite stent and who gave their informed consent were included. The registry primary endpoint was the occurrence of target lesion failure (TLF) at 6, 12, and 24 months defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) related to target vessel, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization. The secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary endpoint, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause mortality, any MI, or any revascularization), and stent thrombosis. We describe the 2-year clinical results of the RANGO study in the entire population, in those who only received Angiolite stents, and in 2 predefined subgroups: diabetics and patients with small-vessels (≤ 2.5mm). Results: 646 patients (426 of them only received Angiolite stents) with a high-risk profile were recruited: prevalence of previous MI (18.4%), previous coronary revascularization (23.4%), clinical presentation as ST-segment elevation MI (23.1%), and multivessel disease (47.8%). At the 2-year follow-up, the rates of TLF, MACE, and stent thrombosis were 3.4%, 9.6%, and 0.9%, respectively. Similar results were observed among patients treated with Angiolite stents only: TLF, 3.1%; MACE, 8.0%; thrombosis, 0.7%. The rates were not significantly different for the diabetic (TLF, 3.0%; MACE, 14.1%; thrombosis, 1.0%), and small-vessel subgroups (TLF, 4.3%; MACE, 12.1%; thrombosis, 0%). Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this observational registry on the use of Angiolite in a real-world population, including a high-risk population, corroborate the excellent results observed in previous studies, up to a 2-year follow-up. An extended 5-year follow-up is planned to discard the occurrence of late events.

Introducción y objetivos: Para confirmar los resultados observados en análisis preclínicos y clínicos del stent liberador de sirolimus Angiolite se diseñó el registro observacional de vida real RANGO. Métodos: El registro prospectivo multicéntrico incluyó pacientes con distintas indicaciones clínicas que recibieron al menos 1 stent Angiolite para tratar su enfermedad coronaria y que dieron su consentimiento informado. El objetivo primario fue la incidencia de fracaso del tratamiento de la lesión (FTL) a 6, 12 y 24 meses, definido como muerte de causa cardiaca, infarto de miocardio en relación con el vaso tratado o nueva revascularización de la lesión tratada. Los objetivos secundarios fueron los componentes individuales del objetivo primario y las incidencias de eventos cardiacos mayores (MACE) y de trombosis del stent. Se presentan los resultados del registro RANGO a 2 años en la población global, en los pacientes que recibieron stent Angiolite y en 2 subgrupos predefinidos de diabéticos y vasos pequeños ("64; 2,5 mm). Resultados: Se seleccionaron 646 pacientes (426 solo recibieron stents Angiolite) con un perfil de riesgo elevado: infarto previo (18,4%), revascularización coronaria previa (23,4%), presentación clínica como infarto agudo con elevación del segmento ST (23,1%) y enfermedad multivaso (47,8%). A los 2 años, la incidencia de FTL en el grupo global fue del 3,4%, la de MACE fue del 9,6% y la de trombosis del stent fue del 0,9%. En el grupo tratado solo con stents Angiolite, los resultados fueron similares (FTL 3,1%, MACE 8,0% y trombosis 0,7%). Los resultados no fueron significativamente diferentes en los diabéticos (FTL 3,0%, MACE 14,1% y trombosis 1,0%) y en los pacientes con vasos pequeños (FTL 4,3%, MACE 12,1% y trombosis 0%). Conclusiones: Los resultados del registro observacional RANGO a los 2 años en población de vida real con perfil de riesgo elevado confirman los excelentes resultados del stent Angiolite observados en estudios previos. Se plantea un seguimiento clínico a 5 años para descartar eventos muy tardíos.

Resumo Fundamento Os limiares de corte para a “relação do ciclo completo de repouso” (RFR) oscilam em diferentes séries, sugerindo que as características da população podem influenciá-los. Da mesma forma, foram documentados preditores de discordância entre a RFR e a reserva de fluxo fracionado (FFR). O Estudo RECOPA, mostrou que a capacidade diagnóstica está reduzida na “zona cinzenta” da RFR, tornando necessária a realização de FFR para descartar ou confirmar isquemia. Objetivos Determinar os preditores de discordância, integrar as informações que eles fornecem em um índice clínico-fisiológico: a “RFR Ajustada”, e comparar sua concordância com o FFR. Métodos Usando dados do Estudo RECOPA, os preditores de discordância em relação à FFR foram determinados na “zona cinzenta” da RFR (0,86 a 0,92) para construir um índice (“RFR Ajustada”) que pesaria a RFR juntamente com os preditores de discordância e avaliar sua concordância com a FFR. Resultados Foram avaliadas 156 lesões em 141 pacientes. Os preditores de discordância foram: doença renal crônica, cardiopatia isquêmica prévia, lesões não envolvendo a artéria descendente anterior esquerda e síndrome coronariana aguda. Embora limitada, a “RFR Ajustada” melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em comparação com a RFR na “zona cinzenta” (AUC-RFR = 0,651 versus AUC-“RFR Ajustada” = 0,749), mostrando também uma melhora em todos os índices diagnósticos quando foram estabelecidos limiares de corte otimizados (sensibilidade: 59% a 68%; especificidade: 62% a 75%; acurácia diagnóstica: 60% a 71%; razão de verossimilhança positiva: 1,51 a 2,34; razão de verossimilhança negativa: 0,64 a 0,37). Conclusões Ajustar a RFR integrando as informações fornecidas pelos preditores de discordância para obter a “RFR Ajustada” melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em nossa população. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar se os índices clínico-fisiológicos melhoram a capacidade diagnóstica da RFR ou de outros índices coronarianos. Abstract Background Cutoff thresholds for the “resting full-cycle ratio” (RFR) oscillate in different series, suggesting that population characteristics may influence them. Likewise, predictors of discordance between the RFR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have been documented. The RECOPA Study showed that diagnostic capacity is reduced in the RFR “grey zone”, requiring the performance of FFR to rule out or confirm ischemia. Objectives To determine predictors of discordance, integrate the information they provide in a clinical-physiological index, the “Adjusted RFR”, and compare its agreement with the FFR. Methods Using data from the RECOPA Study, predictors of discordance with respect to FFR were determined in the RFR “grey zone” (0.86 to 0.92) to construct an index (“Adjusted RFR”) that would weigh RFR together with predictors of discordance and evaluate its agreement with FFR. Results A total of 156 lesions were evaluated in 141 patients. Predictors of discordance were: chronic kidney disease, previous ischemic heart disease, lesions not involving the anterior descending artery, and acute coronary syndrome. Though limited, the “Adjusted RFR” improved the diagnostic capacity compared to the RFR in the “grey zone” (AUC-RFR = 0.651 versus AUC-“Adjusted RFR” = 0.749), also showing an improvement in all diagnostic indices when optimal cutoff thresholds were established (sensitivity: 59% to 68%; specificity: 62% to 75%; diagnostic accuracy: 60% to 71%; positive likelihood ratio: 1.51 to 2.34; negative likelihood ratio: 0.64 to 0.37). Conclusions Adjusting the RFR by integrating the information provided by predictors of discordance to obtain the “Adjusted RFR” improved the diagnostic capacity in our population. Further studies are required to evaluate whether clinical-physiological indices improve the diagnostic capacity of RFR or other coronary indices.

HOW WOULD I APPROACH IT? Currently, the management of thrombosis refractory to IV anticoagulant therapy of heart valves is limited: reintervention or fibrinolysis. Both procedures bring acceptable immediate results, but logically reintervention has a greater impact on the patient’s recovery. Also, the treatment of choice will be influenced by a series of parameters including hemorrhagic risk, the patient’s clinical status, the size of the thrombus, other concomitant findings in the imaging study, etc. The female patient of this case is young with a mechanical prosthesis in the mitral and aortic position and a second episode of mitral valve thrombosis with serious clinical repercussions. Also, it is a case refractory to pharmacological treatment after reintervention due a first thrombosis of acute presentation (< 3 months after the intervention). This makes us have to consider 2 important details before moving on with the possible percutaneous treatment: could this be a case of endocarditis with an added thrombus? and also, is this the case of a patient with some sort of refractoriness to antithrombotic treatment? I am exposing this because, in both cases, the percutaneous therapeutic strategy did not seem like the optimal strategy to me. Since thrombotic content was not massive here, the first...

Vàlvula aòrtica bicúspide; Talla del bicúspide; SAPIEN 3/Ultra Válvula aórtica bicúspide; Talla del bicúspide; SAPIEN 3/Ultra Bicuspid aortic valve; Bicuspid sizing; SAPIEN 3/Ultra Severe aortic stenosis patients with bicuspid anatomy have been excluded from the major transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) randomized clinical trials. As a result, there is no official recommendation on bicuspid TAVI. A panel of bicuspid experts was created to fill this gap. In this consensus statement, an algorithm is proposed to guide the choice of surgery or TAVI within this complex patient population, depending on aortic dilatation, age, surgical risk score, and anatomy. A step-by-step guide for sizing and positioning of the SAPIEN 3/Ultra TAVI bioprostheses is presented. Annular sizing remains the primary strategy in most bicuspid patients. However, some anatomies may require sizing at the supra-annular level, for which patients the panel recommends the circle method, a dedicated sizing and positioning approach for SAPIEN 3/Ultra. The consensus provides valuable pre-operative insights on the interactions between SAPIEN 3/Ultra and the bicuspid anatomy; understanding the valve–anatomy relationship is critical to avoid complications and to optimize outcomes for patients. The journal’s Rapid Service Fee was supported by Edwards Lifesciences.

ImportanceTo our knowledge, no randomized clinical trial has compared the invasive and conservative strategies in frail, older patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).ObjectiveTo compare outcomes of invasive and conservative strategies in frail, older patients with NSTEMI at 1 year.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted at 13 Spanish hospitals between July 7, 2017, and January 9, 2021, and included 167 older adult (≥70 years) patients with frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥4) and NSTEMI. Data analysis was performed from April 2022 to June 2022.InterventionsPatients were randomized to routine invasive (coronary angiography and revascularization if feasible; n = 84) or conservative (medical treatment with coronary angiography for recurrent ischemia; n = 83) strategy.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point was the number of days alive and out of the hospital (DAOH) from discharge to 1 year. The coprimary end point was the composite of cardiac death, reinfarction, or postdischarge revascularization.ResultsThe study was prematurely stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic when 95% of the calculated sample size had been enrolled. Among the 167 patients included, the mean (SD) age was 86 (5) years, and mean (SD) Clinical Frailty Scale score was 5 (1). While not statistically different, DAOH were about 1 month (28 days; 95% CI, −7 to 62) greater for patients managed conservatively (312 days; 95% CI, 289 to 335) vs patients managed invasively (284 days; 95% CI, 255 to 311; P = .12). A sensitivity analysis stratified by sex did not show differences. In addition, we found no differences in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.74-2.85; P = .28). There was a 28-day shorter survival in the invasive vs conservatively managed group (95% CI, −63 to 7 days; restricted mean survival time analysis). Noncardiac reasons accounted for 56% of the readmissions. There were no differences in the number of readmissions or days spent in the hospital after discharge between groups. Neither were there differences in the coprimary end point of ischemic cardiac events (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.54-1.57; P = .78).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this randomized clinical trial of NSTEMI in frail older patients, there was no benefit to a routine invasive strategy in DAOH during the first year. Based on these findings, a policy of medical management and watchful observation is recommended for older patients with frailty and NSTEMI.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03208153

Free wall perforation during percutaneous manipulation of devices and wires into the ventricular cavities is an uncommon but life-threatening complication that should be managed with emergent surgery whenever possible. However, the number of patients with prohibitive surgical risk that undergo complex percutaneous cardiac procedures is increasing. Some cases of ventricle perforation during Impella® (Abiomed; Danvers, MA) implantation have been previously reported but in all previous reported cases the patient underwent emergent surgery. We present a case of iatrogenic perforation during Impella® implantation that was emergently treated using an Amplatzer® Duct Occluder II device (Abbott Vascular; Santa Clara, CA).

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA), as well as, the long-term outcomes and the factors associated with ELCA failure in uncrossable lesions. Background Uncrossable lesions constitute a challenge for percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods This multicenter registry included 126 patients with 126 uncrossable lesions. Study endpoints were ELCA success, technical success and a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target-lesion revascularization (TLR) on follow-up. Predictors of ELCA failure were analyzed. Results Moderate or severe calcification was present in 79 (62.7%) of the lesions and 58 (46%) were a chronic total occlusion. ELCA success was obtained in 103 (81.8%) patients. Rotational atherectomy was attempted as bailout in 21 out of 23 ELCA failure (91.3%), being successful in 14 (66.7%) of them. Finally, technical and procedural success were achieved in 114 (90.5%) and 110 (87.3%) of the patients. Severe calcification was independently associated with ELCA failure (OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 1.35-10.32; p = .011). Two (1.6%) patients died (one after a stroke and another patient because of heart failure), 4 (3.2%) developed a non-Q MI without clinical consequences and 1 (0.8%) patient had a Q-MI. Other complications were ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (n = 2; 1.6%) and flow-limiting dissection (n = 1, 0.8%). At follow-up (median 424 days), 3 (2.4%) patients died (1 (0.8%) from cardiovascular cause) and 15 (11.9%) required TLR. Conclusions In our multicenter experience, ELCA use demonstrated to be safe and reasonably effective with a rate of events on follow-up relatively low. Severe calcification was associated with ELCA failure.

Introduction and objectives: This study primary endpoint was to present the in-hospital all-cause mortality of the Spanish TAVI registry from its inception until 2018. Secondary endpoints included other in-hospital clinical events, 30-day all-cause mortality, and an assessment of the time trend of this registry. Methods: All consecutive patients included in the Spanish TAVI registry were analyzed. In this time-based analysis, the population was been divided into patients treated before 2014 (cohort A: 2009-2013) and patients treated between 2014 and 2018 (cohort B). Results: From August 2007 to June 2018, 7180 patients were included. The mean age was 81.2 ± 6.5 years and 53% were women. The logistic EuroSCORE was 12% (8-20). Transfemoral access was used in 89%. In-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality was 4.7% and 5.7%, respectively. On the time-based analyses during the hospital stay, the rate of myocardial infarction, stroke, need for pacemakers, tamponade, coronary obstruction, and vascular complications was similar between both groups. However, cohort B showed less need for conversion to surgery and malapposition of the valve. Also, the implant success rate increased from 93% to 96% (P< .001). In-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality was significantly lower in cohort B, ([OR, 0.65; IC95%, 0.48-0.86; P= .003] and [OR, 0.71; IC95%, 0.54-0.92; P= .002], respectively). Conclusions: The time trend analysis of the Spanish TAVI registry showed a change in the patients’ clinical profile and an improvement in the in-hospital clinical outcomes and 30-day all-cause mortality in patients treated more recently.

Introduction and objectives: The Lotus Valve device (Boston Scientific) is a second-generation fully-retrievable and repositionable transcatheter aortic valve. We report the initial multicenter experience with the Lotus valve in the management of patients with severe aortic stenosis. Methods: Observational study that described the short and long-term results of implanting the Lotus valve in 8 Spanish and Portuguese centers from March 2014 through April 2016. Results: The study included 102 patients (mean age 80.4 ± 6.1 years; STS score 5.2% ± 3.3%) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (mean aortic valve area 0.66 ± 0.17 cm2, aortic gradients 74.3 / 45.6 mmHg). The valve was successfully implanted in 100 patients (98%), with significant improvement in both the peak and mean aortic valve gradients and with only one patient showing moderate paravalvular regurgitation. Upon hospital discharge, mortality rate was 3.9% while the stroke rate was 2.9%. No cases of valve embolization, ectopic valve deployment or additional valve implantation (valve-in-valve) were seen. Thirty-three patients (32.3%) received a permanent pacemaker. Conclusions: The Lotus Valve System is effective and safe for the management of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. In particular, considering the low rate of periprosthetic regurgitation and lack of complications like embolization or ectopic valve deployment; however at the expense of a high pacemaker implantation rate.

Objectives This study sought to determine the incidence, clinical impact, and changes over time of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLG-AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background Few data exist on the clinical impact and changes in severity over time of MR in patients with LFLG-AS undergoing TAVR. Methods A total of 308 TAVR candidates with LFLG-AS were included. Patients were categorized according to MR severity at baseline, and presence of MR improvement at 12-month follow-up. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 1 and 12 months (+ echocardiography), and yearly thereafter. Results Baseline mild and moderate-to-severe MR were present in 118 (38.3%) and 115 (37.3%) patients, respectively. MR was of functional and mixed etiology in 77.2% and 22.7% of patients, respectively. A total of 131 patients (42.5%) died after a median follow-up of 2 (1 to 3) years. Baseline moderate-or-greater MR had no impact on mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72 to 2.48) or heart failure hospitalization (HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.49 to 2.10). At 1-year follow-up, MR improved in 44.3% of patients and remained unchanged/worsened in 55.7%. The lack of MR improvement was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiac mortality (HR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.29 to 3.17; HR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.27 to 7.23, respectively), rehospitalization for cardiac causes (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.15), and an increased overall-mortality/heart failure rehospitalization (HR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.02). A higher baseline left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and a higher increase in left ventricular ejection fraction were found to be independent predictors of MR improvement at 1-year follow-up (odds ratio: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.94; and odds ratio: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.96, respectively). Conclusions Most TAVR candidates with LFLG-AS had some degree of MR, of functional origin in most cases. MR improved in about one-half of patients, with larger left ventricular size and a higher increase in left ventricular ejection fraction post-TAVR determining MR improvement over time. The lack of MR improvement at 1 year was associated with poorer outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize sex differences in the composition of coronary thrombus in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), especially in the young (age ≤ 55 years). BACKGROUND: Women have smaller coronary vessels than men and their vascular lesions can be influenced by different exposure to circulating estrogens throughout life. These factors could determine a different composition of the coronary thrombus in women with STEMI. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted on patients with STEMI and coronary thrombus was aspirated immediately before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a suction catheter (ProntoV3® or Export®). Histopathology, immunohistochemistry and ELISA techniques were used for the quantitative determination of fibrin, p-selectin and von Willebrand factor (vWF) within thrombi. RESULTS: Thrombi were collected from 100 patients (50 men and 50 women; 13 women and 13 men of

Cutoff thresholds for the "resting full-cycle ratio" (RFR) oscillate in different series, suggesting that population characteristics may influence them. Likewise, predictors of discordance between the RFR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have been documented. The RECOPA Study showed that diagnostic capacity is reduced in the RFR "grey zone", requiring the performance of FFR to rule out or confirm ischemia.To determine predictors of discordance, integrate the information they provide in a clinical-physiological index, the "Adjusted RFR", and compare its agreement with the FFR.Using data from the RECOPA Study, predictors of discordance with respect to FFR were determined in the RFR "grey zone" (0.86 to 0.92) to construct an index ("Adjusted RFR") that would weigh RFR together with predictors of discordance and evaluate its agreement with FFR.A total of 156 lesions were evaluated in 141 patients. Predictors of discordance were: chronic kidney disease, previous ischemic heart disease, lesions not involving the anterior descending artery, and acute coronary syndrome. Though limited, the "Adjusted RFR" improved the diagnostic capacity compared to the RFR in the "grey zone" (AUC-RFR = 0.651 versus AUC-"Adjusted RFR" = 0.749), also showing an improvement in all diagnostic indices when optimal cutoff thresholds were established (sensitivity: 59% to 68%; specificity: 62% to 75%; diagnostic accuracy: 60% to 71%; positive likelihood ratio: 1.51 to 2.34; negative likelihood ratio: 0.64 to 0.37).Adjusting the RFR by integrating the information provided by predictors of discordance to obtain the "Adjusted RFR" improved the diagnostic capacity in our population. Further studies are required to evaluate whether clinical-physiological indices improve the diagnostic capacity of RFR or other coronary indices.Os limiares de corte para a “relação do ciclo completo de repouso” (RFR) oscilam em diferentes séries, sugerindo que as características da população podem influenciá-los. Da mesma forma, foram documentados preditores de discordância entre a RFR e a reserva de fluxo fracionado (FFR). O Estudo RECOPA, mostrou que a capacidade diagnóstica está reduzida na “zona cinzenta” da RFR, tornando necessária a realização de FFR para descartar ou confirmar isquemia.Determinar os preditores de discordância, integrar as informações que eles fornecem em um índice clínico-fisiológico: a “RFR Ajustada”, e comparar sua concordância com o FFR.Usando dados do Estudo RECOPA, os preditores de discordância em relação à FFR foram determinados na “zona cinzenta” da RFR (0,86 a 0,92) para construir um índice (“RFR Ajustada”) que pesaria a RFR juntamente com os preditores de discordância e avaliar sua concordância com a FFR.Foram avaliadas 156 lesões em 141 pacientes. Os preditores de discordância foram: doença renal crônica, cardiopatia isquêmica prévia, lesões não envolvendo a artéria descendente anterior esquerda e síndrome coronariana aguda. Embora limitada, a “RFR Ajustada” melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em comparação com a RFR na “zona cinzenta” (AUC-RFR = 0,651 versus AUC-“RFR Ajustada” = 0,749), mostrando também uma melhora em todos os índices diagnósticos quando foram estabelecidos limiares de corte otimizados (sensibilidade: 59% a 68%; especificidade: 62% a 75%; acurácia diagnóstica: 60% a 71%; razão de verossimilhança positiva: 1,51 a 2,34; razão de verossimilhança negativa: 0,64 a 0,37).Ajustar a RFR integrando as informações fornecidas pelos preditores de discordância para obter a “RFR Ajustada” melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em nossa população. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar se os índices clínico-fisiológicos melhoram a capacidade diagnóstica da RFR ou de outros índices coronarianos.

This is the case of a 27-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital with acute oppressive chest pain. Clinical history was only remarkable for HIV infection under treatment with antiretroviral therapy. The electrocardiogram revealed the ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, aVF, and a QS-pattern in leads V1 to V4 suggestive of established anterior necrosis. Coronary angiography was performed 1 hour after symptom onset revealing a total acute thrombotic occlusion of the left circumflex artery (white arrow, figure 1A), and angiographic haziness in the mid left anterior descending coronary artery (black arrow, figure 1B). The circumflex artery was treated with thrombectomy and angioplasty with drug-eluting stent implantation. The optical coherence tomography performed on the left anterior descending coronary artery revealed a honeycomb-like structure with multiple intraluminal channels. (figure 1C, video 1 of the supplementary data). The MRI confirmed the presence of moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction = 45%), established anterior, anteroseptal, apical, and inferoseptal transmural necrosis without myocardial viability, and apical thrombi. (figure 1D). Dyslipidemia and thrombophilia were investigated and discarded. The patient was discharged on triple antithrombotic therapy. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for case report purposes. Figure 1. Woven coronary artery disease is an extremely...

Se presenta el caso de un varón de 27 años hospitalizado en nuestro centro con un cuadro de dolor torácico opresivo agudo. El único hallazgo de interés en la historia clínica era una infección por VIH a tratamiento antirretroviral. El electrocardiograma reveló la presencia de un segmento ST elevado en las derivaciones II, III y aVF y un patrón QS en las derivaciones de V1 a V4 sugestivo de necrosis anterior establecida. La coronariografía realizada 1 hora antes de cursar síntomas confirmó la presencia de una oclusión trombótica aguda total de la circunfleja izquierda (flecha blanca, figura 1A) y nebulosidad angiográfica en el segmento medio de la descendente anterior (flecha negra, figura 1B). La cirfunfleja se trató mediante trombectomía y angioplastia con implante de stent farmacoactivo. La tomografía de coherencia óptica realizada en la descendente anterior reveló la presencia de una estructura en panal de abeja con múltiples conductos intraluminales (figura 1C, vídeo 1 del material adicional). Las imágenes de resonancia magnética confirmaron la presencia de disfunción sistólica moderada del ventrículo izquierdo (fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo = 45%), necrosis transmural anterior, anteroseptal, apical e inferoseptal establecida sin viabilidad miocárdica y trombos apicales (figura 1D). Se descartó la presencia...

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: Los pacientes con estenosis en el tronco coronario izquierdo (TCI) han sido excluidos de los ensayos que apoyan la no inferioridad del cociente de presiones en el índice diastólico instantáneo sin ondas (iFR) respecto a la reserva fraccional de flujo (RFF) en la toma de decisiones sobre revascularización coronaria. El presente estudio propone valorar de manera prospectiva la concordancia entre los dos índices en lesiones del TCI y validar el valor de corte del iFR de 0,89 para su uso clínico. Métodos: Registro multicéntrico nacional, prospectivo, observacional, con la inclusión de 300 pacientes consecutivos con lesiones intermedias (estenosis angiográfica 25-60%) en el TCI. Se realizará un estudio con guía de presión y determinación de RFF e iFR. En caso de resultado concordante negativo (RFF > 0,80 / iFR > 0,89), no se realizará tratamiento; en caso de resultado concordante positivo (RFF ≤ 0,80 / iFR ≤ 0,89), se realizará revascularización; en caso de resultado discordante (RFF > 0,80 / iFR ≤ 0,89 o RFF ≤ 0,80 / iFR > 0,89), se realizará estudio con ecocardiografía intravascular y se considerará diferir la revascularización si el área luminal mínima es > 6 mm2. El criterio de valoración clínico primario será la incidencia del combinado de muerte cardiovascular, infarto no mortal relacionado con la lesión del TCI o necesidad de revascularización de la lesión del TCI a los 12 meses. Conclusiones: La demostración de la seguridad clínica en la toma de decisiones del iFR en pacientes con lesiones intermedias en el TCI tendría un impacto clínico importante y justificaría su uso sistemático para la decisión del tratamiento en estos pacientes de potencial alto riesgo. Registrado en ClinicalTrials.gov (identificador: NCT03767621).

TiNO-coated BAS have demonstrated competitive outcomes compared to drug-eluting stents (DES). These devices allow short antiplatelet regimens and may be a good option for the growing elderly population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Multicenter observational trial in routine clinical practice. A propensity-score matched analysis compared a prospective cohort of patients ≥ 75 years undergoing PCI with BAS, with a contemporary and retrospective cohort treated with last-generation DES. The co-primary endpoints of the study were the Target-Lesion-Failure (Cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization) and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (total death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or new revascularization) at 1 year.Whole population included 1000 patients, and 326 patients in each group were matched for analysis. No differences in primary endpoints were found: TLF 10.4% vs. 11% (HR 0.96 (Confidence Interval 95%, 0.36-1.7; p = 0.87)) and MACE 16.3% vs. 17.2% (HR 0.98 (Confidence Interval 95%; 0.3-1.5, p = 0.93)). Patients treated with BAS received shorter antiplatelets regimens (dual antiplatelet therapy at 1 year, 25.7% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.0001), and they presented lower incidence of bleeding (3.7% vs. 11.7%, HR 0.3 (IC 95% 0.16-0.6, p = 0.001)).In this real-life registry of patients ≥ 75 years, BAS were similar to the latest-generation DES in terms of efficacy and reduced the duration of the antithrombotic therapy, lowering bleeding events.

Introduction and objectives: After the positive pre-clinical and clinical results with Angiolite, a cobalt-chromium sirolimus-eluting stent, we decided to analyze its performance in a non-selected, real-world population: the RANGO registry. Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, multicenter registry of patients with different clinical indications. All consecutive patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with, at least, 1 Angiolite stent and who gave their informed consent were included. The registry primary endpoint was the occurrence of target lesion failure (TLF) at 6, 12, and 24 months defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) related to target vessel, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization. The secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary endpoint, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause mortality, any MI, or any revascularization), and stent thrombosis. We describe the 2-year clinical results of the RANGO study in the entire population, in those who only received Angiolite stents, and in 2 predefined subgroups: diabetics and patients with small-vessels ("64; 2.5mm). Results: 646 patients (426 of them only received Angiolite stents) with a high-risk profile were recruited: prevalence of previous MI (18.4%), previous coronary revascularization (23.4%), clinical presentation as ST-segment elevation MI (23.1%), and multivessel disease (47.8%). At the 2-year follow-up, the rates of TLF, MACE, and stent thrombosis were 3.4%, 9.6%, and 0.9%, respectively. Similar results were observed among patients treated with Angiolite stents only: TLF, 3.1%; MACE, 8.0%; thrombosis, 0.7%. The rates were not significantly different for the diabetic (TLF, 3.0%; MACE, 14.1%; thrombosis, 1.0%), and small-vessel subgroups (TLF, 4.3%; MACE, 12.1%; thrombosis, 0%). Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this observational registry on the use of Angiolite in a real-world population, including a high-risk population, corroborate the excellent results observed in previous studies, up to a 2-year follow-up. An extended 5-year follow-up is planned to discard the occurrence of late events

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Equal opportunities to access technical advances with recognized clinical value should be a priority of the publicly-funded health system. We analyzed variability among all the Spanish autonomous communities in the use of cardiovascular techniques with an established indication and its relationship with economic indicators, burden of disease, and hospital mortality. METHODS: The activity registries of various Associations of the Spanish Society of Cardiology from 2011 to 2019 were analyzed for coronary angiography, overall percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), primary PCI, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Economic indices (gross domestic product and per capita health care expenditure) were obtained from public sources and data on attendance rates and mortality from the Resources and Quality in Cardiology (RECALCAR) reports of the Spanish Society of Cardiology. We analyzed the coefficient of variation for activity and the correlation of activity with regional economic indices, attendance rates, and risk-adjusted rates of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We identified wide variability in the use of technologies, especially for primary PCI (18%), ICD (22%), cardiac resynchronization therapy (36%), and TAVR (42%). A certain correlation with attendance rates was seen only for overall PCI and ICD. In general, no significant correlation was found between the use of the techniques and the economic indices of wealth and expenditure. The correlation with in-hospital mortality showed no significant results, although this was the analysis with the greatest limitations because the impact of these techniques on survival is exerted more in the mid- and long-term. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, despite its inherent limitations, show marked variability between autonomous communities in the use of cardiovascular technologies, which is not explained by economic differences or by hospital attendance rates due to the corresponding diseases.

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.

incomplete strut coverage determines the risk of stent thrombosis in the first months after stent implantation.To evaluate the potential better early healing of a novel probucol coated polymer free ultra-thin strut sirolimus eluting stent (PF-SES). [Clinical trial unique identifier: NCT02785237].Patients with two (angiographically similar) lesions with clinical indication for PCI were enrolled. The investigated stent was compared to a thin strut, bioresorbable polymer, sirolimus eluting stent (BP-SES). Every patient received both stents, one in each lesion, assigned in a randomized sequence. OCT was systematically performed at 3 months. Primary end point was the difference in the proportion of covered struts at 3 months (defined as ≥20 μm of tissue coverage). Secondary end points included differences in percentage of uncovered struts (0 μm coverage), mean strut coverage thickness, and malapposed struts' coverage proportion. Major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and definite or probable stent thrombosis) at 12 months were also evaluated.70 patients were included. At 3 months, a consistent and significantly higher strut coverage rate (≥20 μm) was observed in PF-SES as compared to BP-SES, both for well apposed (87.3% versus 79.1%, p 0.001) and malapposed struts (50.4% vs 37.8%, p 0.00). Uncoverage rate (0 μm) was also significantly lower for the PF-SES (3.1% vs 5.3%, p 0.001). There were no differences in clinical endpoints.The probucol coated non-polymeric ultra-thin strut sirolimus eluting stent showed a significantly better early strut coverage at 3 months.

Introduction and objectives: Coronary lesions with stent overlapping are associated with higher neointimal proliferation that leads to more restenosis. Furthermore, the tapering of coronary arteries is a major challenge when treating long coronary lesions. This study attempted to assess the safety and clinical level of performance of long nontapered sirolimus-eluting coronary stent systems (> 36 mm) to treat long and diffused de novo coronary lesions in real-world scenarios. Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized, multicentre study that included 696 consecutive patients treated with the long nontapered BioMime sirolimus-eluting coronary stent system in long and diffused de novo coronary lesions. The safety endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding at the 12-month follow-up. Results: Of a total of 696 patients, 38.79% were diabetic. The mean age of all the patients was 64.6 ± 14 years, and 80% were males. The indication for revascularization was acute coronary syndrome in 63.1%. A total of 899 lesions were identified out of which 742 were successfully treated with long BioMime stents (37 mm, 40 mm, 44 mm, and 48 mm). The cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was 8.1% at the 12-month follow-up including cardiac death (2.09%), myocardial infarction (1.34%), and total stent thrombosis (0.5%). Conclusions: This study confirms the safety and good performance of long nontapered BioMime coronary stents to treat de novo coronary stenosis. Therefore, it can be considered a safe and effective treatment for long and diffused de novo coronary lesions in the routine clinical practice.