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Background: Managing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease on dialysis (renal replacement therapy, RRT) presents challenges due to elevated complication risks. Concerns about contrast-related kidney damage may lead to the omission of guideline-directed therapies like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in this population. Methods: We analysed German-DRG data of 2016 provided by the German Federal Bureau of Statistics (DESTATIS). We included cases with a primary diagnosis of AMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) ICD-10: I21 or I22) with and without CKD or RRT. We calculated crude- and age-standardized hospitalization rates (ASR, per 100,000 person years). Furthermore, we calculated log-binominal regression models adjusting for sex, CKD, RRT, comorbidities, and place of residence to estimate adjusted relative-risks (aRR) for receiving treatments of interest in AMI, such as PCI or CABG. Results: We identified 217,514 AMI-cases (69,728 STEMI-cases and 147,786 NSTEMI-cases). AMI-cases without CKD had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 60.8%. In contrast, AMI-cases with CKD or RRT had PCI in 46.6% and 54.5%, respectively. The ASR for AMI-cases amounted to 184.7 (95%CI 183.5-185.8) per 100,000 person years. In regression analysis AMI-cases with CKD were less likely treated with PCI (aRR: 0.89 (95%CI 0.88–0.90)), compared to cases without CKD. AMI-Cases with RRT showed no difference in PCI rates (aRR: 1.0 (95%CI 0.97–1.03)) but were more frequently treated with CABG (aRR: 2.20 (95%CI 2.03–2.39)). Conversely, CKD was negatively associated with CABG (aRR: 0.71, 95%CI 0.67–0.75) when non-CKD cases were used as the reference group. Conclusion: We show that AMI-cases with CKD underwent PCI less frequently, while RRT has no discernible impact on PCI utilization in AMI. Furthermore, AMI-cases with RRT exhibited a higher CABG rate. Key learning points: What was known: • In 2004, Glenn Chertow et al. coined "renalism" for low coronary intervention rates in chronic kidney disease. Fears of contrast-associated acute kidney injury led to avoiding invasive diagnostics in CKD patients with myocardial infarction. Mostly North American cohort studies consistently link underuse of percutaneous coronary intervention to higher mortality and morbidity in CKD patients. • Since then, awareness for this disadvantage has heightened and precise guidelines for the prevention of contrast-associated renal complications have been published. This study adds: • This nationwide study explores healthcare for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute myocardial infarction. • Findings show consistently lower percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rates with CKD. Remarkably, cases with renal replacement therapy (RRT) had PCI rates similar to those without CKD. • "Renalism" remains a concern in Germany's healthcare landscape. Potential impact: • The outcomes of our study underscore the need for a thorough re-evaluation of the treatment approach for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experiencing acute myocardial infarction. • We propose that this data serves as a catalyst for raising awareness and initiating campaigns aimed at mitigating the impact of "renalism" in routine patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the distinct clinical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic challenges faced by older women undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Older women present with a greater comorbidity burden, smaller coronary vessels, and post-menopausal hormonal changes, which increase procedural complexity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite these challenges, older women are less likely to receive evidence-based therapies, resulting in higher risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and bleeding. The paper further discusses the limitations of current risk stratification tools and outlines strategies for improving outcomes through tailored procedural techniques and patient-centered care approaches in this underrepresented population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Statin drugs are effective at reducing cardiovascular events, but adherence to statin therapy remains a problem for patients and their physicians. We review a paper estimating the economic costs of poor adherence to statin drugs. Methods: The authors examined two large databases (Medicare and Market Scan databases) including 230,000 patients with hospitalization for myocardial infarction between 2018 and 2019 to determine how many patients were not adhering to guideline-recommended anti-hyperlipidemic medications. They have also calculated the potential consequences of patients who are not adhering to the recommended therapy. Results: The authors estimate that if all patients were receiving guideline-directed medical therapy, then a 22% relative risk reduction would occur in the 3-year period following discharge from the initial cardiovascular event. These findings are consistent with prior reports. This editorial discusses rationale and strategies clinicians can use to improve patients' compliance with recommendations for lipid-lowering therapy. Conclusion: The authors conclude that better compliance with guideline-directed lipid therapy after a cardiovascular event would lead to a large reduction in second events. Increased efforts by clinicians to improve adherence to statin therapy are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which is essential in AMI management, combines aspirin with a P2Y12 receptor antagonist. This study compared the effectiveness of potent P2Y12 inhibitors versus clopidogrel in AMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: 65,986 AMI patients included in a nationwide prospective registry who underwent PCI and received DAPT were studied. In total, 9,014 patients received potent P2Y12 inhibitors, and 56,074 received clopidogrel. This study focused on mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, repeat revascularization, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over seven years. The analysis utilized unadjusted models and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to compare prognosis, and decision curve analyses were constructed to aid clinical decision making. Results: Potent P2Y12 inhibitors significantly reduced mortality risk (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.58; IPTW HR: 0.68) and MACE (unadjusted HR: 0.66; IPTW HR: 0.78). Diabetic patients showed greater benefits (HR:0.45). In patients at high bleeding risk, the mortality rate was 13% (HR: 0.87, p = 0.08). For patients aged 75–79, the HR for mortality was 0.82, whereas for those aged >80 years, it was 0.79, indicating significant mortality risk reduction. Similar trends were observed for MACE. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that potent P2Y12 inhibitors are more effective than clopidogrel in reducing mortality and MACE in patients with AMI and underscored their potential role in improving outcomes across diverse patient subgroups. The trend was consistent even during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the need for personalized DAPT strategies, particularly for high-bleeding-risk patients, and challenge current guidelines favoring clopidogrel use in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Techniques for treating difficult chronic total occlusions (CTOs) have evolved with the discovery of the tip detection-antegrade dissection re-entry (TDADR) guided by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). This case demonstrates TDADR as a viable bailout in failed subintimal tracking and re-entry (STAR) technique. Case summary A 78-year-old man with stable angina on optimal medical therapy had exertional angina pectoris secondary to a residual CTO lesion of the left circumflex coronary (LCX) artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed for a mid-LCX CTO with a blunt proximal stump where the dissection plane expanded along the main vessel and side branch 2. Due to lack of promising collaterals for the retrograde approach, STAR successfully recanalized side branch 1. As main vessel failed to be recanalized, we proceeded with an AnteOwl IVUS-guided TDADR, intending guidewire penetration into the true lumen from the middle of the dissection plane at the main vessel, proximal to side branch 2 origin. Accurate wiring was achieved, and a guidewire was placed on side branch 2 for protection. After stent placement in the main vessel and kissing inflation, cutting balloon dilatation was performed to create re-entries for the STAR-induced extended main vessel haematoma. The procedure resulted in complete revascularization of main vessel and side branches. At 12-month follow-up, no further angina was reported, and coronary computed tomography showed patent side branches with no significant in-stent restenosis. Discussion Imaging-based TDADR method was effective in our present case despite failed STAR technique. Limited IVUS and operator availability may become a barrier in implementing TDADR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Managing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease on dialysis (renal replacement therapy, RRT) presents challenges due to elevated complication risks. Concerns about contrast-related kidney damage may lead to the omission of guideline-directed therapies like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in this population. Methods We analysed German-DRG data of 2016 provided by the German Federal Bureau of Statistics (DESTATIS). We included cases with a primary diagnosis of AMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) ICD-10: I21 or I22) with and without CKD or RRT. We calculated crude- and age-standardized hospitalization rates (ASR, per 100,000 person years). Furthermore, we calculated log-binominal regression models adjusting for sex, CKD, RRT, comorbidities, and place of residence to estimate adjusted relative-risks (aRR) for receiving treatments of interest in AMI, such as PCI or CABG. Results We identified 217,514 AMI-cases (69,728 STEMI-cases and 147,786 NSTEMI-cases). AMI-cases without CKD had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 60.8%. In contrast, AMI-cases with CKD or RRT had PCI in 46.6% and 54.5%, respectively. The ASR for AMI-cases amounted to 184.7 (95%CI 183.5-185.8) per 100,000 person years. In regression analysis AMI-cases with CKD were less likely treated with PCI (aRR: 0.89 (95%CI 0.88–0.90)), compared to cases without CKD. AMI-Cases with RRT showed no difference in PCI rates (aRR: 1.0 (95%CI 0.97–1.03)) but were more frequently treated with CABG (aRR: 2.20 (95%CI 2.03–2.39)). Conversely, CKD was negatively associated with CABG (aRR: 0.71, 95%CI 0.67–0.75) when non-CKD cases were used as the reference group. Conclusion We show that AMI-cases with CKD underwent PCI less frequently, while RRT has no discernible impact on PCI utilization in AMI. Furthermore, AMI-cases with RRT exhibited a higher CABG rate.

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an established, highly effective procedure in selected patients with severe degenerative aortic valve stenosis at high risk for conventional surgery. Case presentation We report a case of a 74-year-old Caucasian man who had an acute left main occlusion after transcatheter implantation of balloon-expandable valve prosthesis, followed by coronary intervention with successful recanalization. Conclusions Acute coronary occlusion is a rare life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation that is poorly predictable and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To investigate the safety of different time decompression in patients undergoing coronary intervention via distal radial artery. Methods From December 2022 to December 2023, a total of 139 patients undergoing coronary intervention through distal radial artery in the department of cardiovascular medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were selected and divided into three groups by the random number table method. Group A, 47 cases, underwent first decompression 30 minutes after operation. Group B, 47 cases, underwent initial decompression 1 h after operation. Group C, 45 cases, underwent initial decompression 2 h after operation. Postoperative limb pain score, comfort score and palm-diameter swelling rate immediately after operation, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h, and postoperative puncture bleeding were compared among the three groups. Results Immediately after operation, the pain score, comfort score and the swelling rate of the circumference of the palm among the three groups showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05) . The limb pain score of group A at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h after operation was lower than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05), and the comfort score was higher than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05) . The swelling rate of the palms of group A at 1 h, 2 h and 4 h after operation was lower than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05) . There was no significant difference in postoperative bleeding among the three groups (P > 0.05) . Conclusion The first decompression within 30 minutes after operation is safe and effective for patients undergoing coronary intervention through distal radial artery, which can significantly relieve pain, swelling discomfort and improve comfort, and is worthy of promotion in clinical work.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an established, highly effective procedure in selected patients with severe degenerative aortic valve stenosis at high risk for conventional surgery. Case presentation: We report a case of a 74-year-old Caucasian man who had an acute left main occlusion after transcatheter implantation of balloon-expandable valve prosthesis, followed by coronary intervention with successful recanalization. Conclusions: Acute coronary occlusion is a rare life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation that is poorly predictable and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have investigated a 1 to 6-month short dual antiplatelet therapy (S-DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with modern drug eluting-stents to reduce bleeding events. To investigate cardiovascular outcomes in patients at high bleeding risk (HBR) according to the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria after PCI with the Synergy bioresorbable-polymer everolimus-eluting stents (EES). We applied ARC-HBR criteria in the population of the prospective, single-arm, multicenter POEM (Performance of Bioresorbable Polymer-Coated Everolimus-Eluting Synergy Stent in Patients at HBR Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Followed by 1-Month Dual Antiplatelet Therapy) trial. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or definite or probable stent thrombosis at 12 months. The original POEM cohort included 356 patients (80.4 %) fulfilling ARC-HBR criteria. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) usage and age ≥75 years were the most frequent major and minor ARC-HBR criteria, respectively. The ARC-HBR group was mainly represented by men (71.1 %), with 74.4 ± 9.3 years and a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors. DAPT was prescribed in 79.3 %, and single antiplatelet (SAPT) with OAC in 18.7 %. 12-month follow-up was completed in 96.2 %. The primary endpoint occurred in 5.2 % (95 % CI 3.29–8.10) of patients, whereas bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3–5 occurred in 2.7 % (95 % CI, 1.39 %–5.05 %). Previous results of the POEM trial showed positive outcomes regarding ischemic and bleeding events with an S-DAPT regimen after Synergy EES. These results are also confirmed in sub-group analysis when ARC-HBR criteria are applied. • High Bleeding Risk patients represent 40 % of coronary angioplasty population. • Short-DAPT could be safely use in PCI performed with several stent platform. • Clinical trials usually apply heterogeneous different bleeding definitions. • ARC-HBR criteria better discern clinical features of high bleeding risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the correlation between corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within the first month following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods: Eighty patients who underwent PPCI at Ayatollah Rouhani teaching Hospital in Babol Eighty patients who underwent PPCI at Ayatollah Rouhani teaching Hospital in Babol were included. CTFC, a measure of coronary blood flow, was assessed. Demographic and clinical data, were collected. ST segment resolution, a criterion for successful PPCI, was evaluated. MACE, including cardiac deaths, need for repeat revascularization of culprit vessels, and recurrent non-fatal myocardial infarction, and CVA (cerebrovascular accident) were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the association between CTFC and demographic/clinical variables, as well as ST resolution and MACE. Results: The majority of patients were (78.8%) men and (81.2%) nonsmokers. No significant association was found between CTFC and demographic/clinical variables. The left anterior descending (LAD) artery was the most commonly involved vessel (48.8%). ST segment resolution of more than 50% was observed in 51.2% of patients. During the one-month follow-up, 13.7% of patients experienced MACE, including 7 cardiac deaths. However, there was no significant association between CTFC and MACE. (P=0.30) Conclusion: This study concludes that CTFC is not a reliable predictor of MACE within the first month after PPCI. Furthermore, ST segment resolution of more than 50% was associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) is defined as a condition that can be detected by biochemical markers or cranial imaging methods but does not produce clinical symptom. This study aims both to compare the frequency of SCI in PCIs performed with right transradial access and left transradial access and to evaluate the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center study included 197 patients undergoing PCI via transradial access between November 2020 and July 2022. The patients were categorized into right radial and left radial groups. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) values were measured and recorded before and 18 h after the procedure. A post-procedure NSE level higher than 20 ng/dL was defined as SCI. Results: SCI occurred in 60 of the 197 patients. NSE elevation was observed in 37.4% (n = 37) of the right radial group and in 23.5% (n = 23) of the left radial group (p = 0.032). Patients with SCI had higher rates of smoking (p = 0.043), presence of subclavian tortuosity (p = 0.027), and HbA1c (p = 0.031). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of EF (ejection fraction) (OR: 0.958 95% CI 0.920–0.998, p = 0.039), right radial preference (OR: 2.104 95% CI 1.102–3.995 p = 0.023), and smoking (OR: 2.088 95% CI 1.105–3.944, p = 0.023) were observed as independent variables of NSE elevation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PCI via right radial access poses a greater risk of SCI compared to left radial access. Anatomical considerations and technical challenges associated with right radial procedures and factors such as smoking and low ejection fraction contribute to this elevated risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Iatrogenic acute aortic dissection resulting from coronary interventions can have fatal consequences. Although it is an uncommon complication during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), it can arise from various factors. Our case report aims to address this rare presentation further, seeking to enhance preprocedural planning which can result in better outcomes. Case Report: We describe an intriguing case of an elderly female patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who came to our emergency department presenting with chest pain. Her Electrocardiogram revealed an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for which she underwent successful primary PCI of the right coronary artery (RCA). Four days later, she had an infero-posterior STEMI, which necessitated immediate coronary angiography. Angiography revealed thrombosis of the stent placed earlier in the RCA. On attempting recanalization of the vessel, an acute aortic dissection was identified and was successfully managed by ostial stenting. Follow-up imaging showed no residual dissection, and the patient was found to be comfortable and stable post-procedure. Conclusion: We recommend optimizing blood pressure and performing rapid ostial stenting in these cases, irrespective of the dissection’s origin. This will facilitate effective sealing of the entry site and prevent further progression of the dissection. Our report highlights the favorable results achieved with immediate ostial stenting while discussing the conservative approach to managing such cases.

To test the Doppler guide wire (DGW) for navigation of the wire positioning by color Doppler ultrasound in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). An acoustically active DGW was tested in a water tank before its in vivo use. A waveform generator was connected to the DGW, and a transducer scanned the DGW to visualize a Doppler shift signal between the vibrating piezoelectric crystal located at the DGW tip and Doppler signal from the transducer as a distinct, instantaneous color marker. An intracoronary injection was tested in four male domestic pigs using an open-chest setting. A Judkins left coronary guiding catheter was inserted into the ascending aorta via the right carotid artery under B-mode ultrasound guidance. The DGW with an infusion catheter or over-the-wire (OTW) balloon catheter was inserted into the guiding catheter. The color marker instantaneously defined the DGW tip and navigated the catheter into the left anterior descending artery (LAD). The tip of the DGW was visualized within the guiding catheter by a distinct color marker and helped to engage the guiding catheter to the left main orifice. The DGW with an infusion or OTW balloon catheter was inserted into the LAD. We confirmed that the catheter was positioned in the proximal LAD by the colored territory perfused by an injected indigo carmine solution. Ultrasound navigation using acoustically active DGW was feasible. Our pilot study introduces a new concept of color Doppler-navigated wire positioning in the coronary artery in the setting of PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: Percutaneous coronary intervention is a well-established revascularization strategy for patients with coronary artery disease. Recent technical advances such as radial access, third generation drug-eluting stents and highly effective antiplatelet therapy have substantially improved the safety profile of coronary procedures. Despite several practice guidelines and a clear patient preference of early hospital discharge, the percentage of coronary procedures performed in an outpatient setting in Austria remains low, mostly due to safety concerns. Methods: The aim of this consensus statement is to provide a practical framework for the safe and effective implementation of coronary outpatient clinics in Austria. Based on a structured literature review and an in-depth analysis of available practice guidelines a consensus statement was developed and peer-reviewed within the working group of interventional cardiology (AGIK) of the Austrian Society of Cardiology. Results: Based on the available literature same-day discharge coronary procedures show a favorable safety profile with no increase in the risk of major adverse events compared to an overnight stay. This document provides a detailed consensus in various clinical settings. The most important prerequisite for same-day discharge is, however, adequate selection of suitable patients and a structured peri-interventional and postinterventional management plan. Conclusion: Based on the data analysis this consensus document provides detailed practice guidelines for the safe operation of daycare cathlab programs in Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Metastatic tumours, notably lung cancer, can cause conditions resembling acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs), contributing to the minor percentage of AMIs unrelated to coronary atherosclerosis. These instances necessitate specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches due to the distinct underlying pathology. Case summary We report a case of a 65-year-old male with metastatic lung cancer presenting with prolonged angina pectoris. Elevated troponin and creatine kinase levels led to emergency catheterization, revealing a total occlusion of the distal left coronary artery attributed to tumour infiltration. Intervention attempts were unsuccessful, and given the palliative context, other revascularization strategies were not pursued. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram depicted tumour invasion at the heart's apex, confirming the diagnosis. The patient passed away shortly after receiving palliative radiation therapy. Discussion This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing myocardial infiltrations from metastatic tumours mimicking AMI. It accentuates the importance of imaging studies for accurate diagnosis and the critical evaluation of intervention strategies, highlighting the need for focused palliative care in such complex scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) is an occupational hazard that predisposes health care workers to the development of adverse health effects such as cataracts, cancer, and orthopedic injury. To mitigate radiation exposure, personal protective shielding as well as permanently installed shields reduces these adverse effects. Yet, heavy protective lead aprons and poor ergonomics required for positioning movable shields remain barriers to a safer environment. Recent innovations to enhance personal protective equipment and revolutionize fixed shielding systems will permit the CCL team to work in a personal lead-free environment, markedly reducing occupational hazards. The purpose of this review is to update the status and future of radiation protection in the CCL.

Abstract Background There are many percutaneous coronary approaches. The most commonly used one is the radial artery because of its lowest risk of adverse vascular events. However, it could not be an option in some situations as congenital radial artery hypoplasia and spasm. In these cases, the second most common access is the femoral artery. The current literature over the brachial artery access is controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the brachial artery approach's effectiveness and safety. Results We studied 300 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography and angioplasty in our institution with failed radial access between August 2022 and February 2023. They were classified into two groups; 150 patients with brachial access and 150 with femoral access. Access, procedural and fluoroscopy times were recorded. All patients were examined carefully immediately after the procedure and before discharge to assess any complications. Left brachial access was used more frequently than left femoral access (32.7% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.05), but no significant difference noted regarding right sided or bilateral access. Procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume did not significantly differ (P = 0.19, 0.06 and 0.1 respectively). However, brachial group had shorter access time (2.6 ± 1.1 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7 min, P = 0.05) and hospital stay (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.3 days, P

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are the main interventional treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Both procedures are constantly being perfected and developed. This study aims to analyze the evolution of intervention mortality rates of PCI and CABG in recent years in Spain. We use a database of all hospital discharges from CABG and PCI procedures in Spain during two periods, between the years 2010 to 2012 and 2016 to 2019. We elaborate two multivariate regression logistic models to test the differences in mortality between the two periods and the two procedures, adjusting the mortality rates by age, gender, and comorbidities. We find strong evidence that CABG significantly reduced mortality rates, especially in complex patients, while PCI remained almost constant. We also discuss how physicians incorporate the improvement in procedures’ performance into the decision-making for the recommendation of these two procedures in CAD patient management.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes associated with periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients who underwent elective PCI between January 2023 and December 2023. Data encompassed patient demographics, procedural specifics, and post-procedural outcomes, including PMI occurrence defined by elevated cardiac troponin levels exceeding the 99th percentile upper reference limit. Statistical analyses included logistic regression to evaluate the association of various predictors with PMI incidence. Results: The PMI incidence in our cohort stood at 2.5%. Significant predictors of PMI encompassed older age, male gender, higher lesion complexity, and the utilization of bare -metal stents. Patients experiencing PMI exhibited a substantially higher rate of subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within six months post -procedure (33% vs. 4.27%, p = 0.045). Conclusion: PMI persists as a notable complication of elective PCI, intricately linked to adverse long-term cardiovascular outcomes. These findings underscore the imperative for meticulous patient and procedural selection to mitigate PMI risk. Given PMI's substantial implications for patient prognosis, future research should concentrate on refining risk assessment tools and crafting targeted interventions to reduce PMI incidence and enhance overall patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The study aimed to explore the predictors of vascular complications (VCs) associated with transradial access, as the occurrence and severity of these complications were found to be significantly lower compared to femoral access. However, it is important to note that the occurrence of these complications still has a negative impact on clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, there is limited available data on the predictors of complications specifically related to radial access. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on individuals who underwent percutaneous coronary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures at Daping Hospital, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study compared demographic characteristics, VC types, ankle brachial index (ABI), and severity of coronary artery stenosis between the two groups. Results We enrolled 300 subjects with VCs and 300 age- and sex-matched subjects without VCs as controls. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics or comorbidities between the groups. Compared to the control group, the VC group has a higher portion of left radial access (6.0%) and previous radial artery puncture history (29.7% vs. 18.3%, p<0.001). The ABI was significantly lower than the non-VC group (1.17 ± 0.17 vs. 1.23±0.14, p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, several factors were found to be independently associated with the occurrence of VC. These factors include ABI (OR=0.060, 95% CI: 0.014–0.249, p<0.001), the procedure being performed by junior operators (OR=1.892, 95% CI: 1.314–2.745, p<0.001), and previous access on the same radial artery (OR=1.795, 95% CI: 1.190–2.707, p<0.01). Conclusions Patients who exhibit a lower ABI and have a history of prior radial access procedures may be at an increased risk of developing radial access VC. Therefore, it is recommended to routinely measure ABI prior to these procedures, as it may serve as a predictive tool for assessing the risk of VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Supraflex (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited, Surat, India) is a newgeneration, biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) designed on an ultrathin (60 µm) cobalt-chromium platform with a flexible "S-link." The S-FLEX Slovakia registry aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Supraflex SES in an all-comers population, with a subgroup of diabetic patients. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, multi-center, post-market registry conducted between February 2018 and May 2019. All consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention with Supraflex SES were enrolled. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (CI-TLR) by percutaneous or surgical methods at 1-year follow-up. Stent thrombosis was a safety endpoint. Results: A total of 413 patients was assessed (145 diabetics and 268 nondiabetics). At 1-year follow-up, the primary endpoint of TLF occurred in 5.1% patients, comprised of 3.9% cardiac deaths, 0.5% TV-MI, and 0.7% CI-TLR. Overall stent thrombosis occurred in 0.5% patients at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analysis, TLF occurred in 6.2% diabetics and 4.5% nondiabetics (P = .433) and comprised 4.8% and 3.4% cardiac deaths (P = .447), 0.7% and 0.4% TV-MI (P = .653), and 0.7%, and 0.7% CI-TLR (P = .952) in diabetics and nondiabetics, respectively. Overall stent thrombosis occurred in 0.7% diabetic and 0.4% nondiabetic patient (P = .659). Conclusion: This registry demonstrates favourable clinical outcomes after the implantation of the ultrathin biodegradable polymer coated Supraflex SES in an all-comers population, with event rates that were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome, ticagrelor decreases cardiovascular events more efficiently than clopidogrel. In several studies investigating novel P2Y12 inhibitors dyspnea has been detected. A rise of adenosine blood levels is supposed to be one of cases of dyspnea induced by ticagrelor. Dyspnea is a prevalent and complex symptom. It is associated with deterioration of the quality of life and hospital readmission.Aim. To determine the frequency of dyspnea related with ticagrelor or clopidogrel intake in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing coronary intervention. Also, to determine which patients could continue ticagrelor intake and which patients couldn’t, and show the causes of ticagrelor discontinuation.Material and methods. Between October 2023 and January 2024, an observational prospective comparative case-control study was conducted at Baghdad Heart Center in Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Medical City. In this study, individuals with stable coronary artery disease who just had therapeutic catheterization and dual antiplatelet therapy were included. The patients from group 1 received aspirin and ticagrelor, while those from group 2 received aspirin and clopidogrel.Results. A total of 120 patients were included. With the ticagrelor intake, the severity of dyspnea was classified as mild 64.2% (77 [120]) and moderate 19.1% (23 [120]). About 16.7% (20 [120]) had no dyspnea at all. The difference between patients who continued ticagrelor intake (16%) and those who stopped using it (84%) was significant. With clopidogrel intake no dyspnea was recorded.Conclusions. According to our findings, the risk or occurrence of dyspnea is only evident in patients who received ticagrelor. When compared to irreversible P2Y12 inhibitors like clopidogrel, the reversible P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor has a higher incidence of dyspnea in increasing order.

We report a case of a patient who presented with non ST-elevation myocardial infarction and coronary angiography showing a long myocardial bridge (MB) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with a fixed significant stenosis at the entry point of the MB. The lesion was treated with a semi-compliant balloon and drug-eluted stent (DES). After the stent placement, a large arterial perforation with fistula to right ventricle was observed. There was no hemodynamic instability due to the fistula progression during the procedure and the perforation point was successfully closed with a stent-graft. Additionally, we provide a short review of diagnostic and therapeutic approach to MB stenting and reports of cases with coronary artery perforation after stenting of MB.

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high burden of coronary artery disease (CAD), which remains the leading cause of death in CKD patients. Despite the high cardiovascular risk, ACS patients with renal dysfunction are less commonly treated with guideline-based medical therapy and are less frequently referred for coronary revascularization. Summary: The management of CAD is more challenging in patients with CKD than in the general population due to concerns regarding side effects and renal toxicity, as well as uncertainty regarding clinical benefit of guideline-based medical therapy and interventions. Patients with advanced CKD and especially those receiving dialysis have not traditionally been represented in randomized trials evaluating either medical or revascularization therapies. Thus, only scant data from small prospective studies or retrospective analyses are available. Recently published studies suggest that there are significant opportunities to substantially improve both cardiovascular and renal outcomes of patients with CAD and CKD, including new medications and interventions. Thus, the objective of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the management of CAD in CKD patients, in particular with respect to improvement of both cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Key Messages: Adequate medical therapy and coronary interventions using evidence-based strategies can improve both cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with CAD and CKD.

Background and purpose: Targeted temperature management (TTM) has been recommended for post-resuscitation care of cardiac arrest (CA) patients who remain comatose. However, the differences between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes need further investigation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the difference in outcomes between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic CA patients receiving TTM. Methods: The TIMECARD registry established the study cohort and database for patients receiving TTM between January 2013 and September 2019. A total of 543 patients were enrolled, with 305 and 238 patients in the cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic groups, respectively. Results: Compared with the non-cardiogenic group, the cardiogenic group had higher proportion of initial shockable rhythm, better survival (cardiogenic: 45.9%; non-cardiogenic: 30.7%, P = 0.0017), and better neurologic performance at discharge. In the cardiogenic group, witnessed collapse (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13–0.72), and coronary intervention (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.84) were positive predictors for overall outcome. Mean arterial pressure

Abstract Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients with extensive CAD and multiple comorbidities who require complex, high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR‐PCI) are at risk of haemodynamic instability and may require short‐term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) during the procedure to maintain sufficient perfusion and prevent ischaemia. Impella is a microaxial continuous blood flow pump used for percutaneous support of the left ventricle in patients undergoing HR‐PCI. Data from randomized controlled trials and registries suggested an advantage for Impella devices in patients undergoing HR‐PCI, compared with other types of MCS. As a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the Impella technology is crucial for patient outcomes, we provide a technological overview of Impella and share our experiences gathered during the implementation of institutional Impella programmes in Poland as a roadmap of selection and periprocedural care for patients treated with Impella in the setting of HR‐PCI. We propose 10 steps for implementation of an institutional Impella programme for HR‐PCI, including (i) dedicated staff training; (ii) standard operating procedure and troubleshooting algorithms prior to the first intervention; (iii) patient selection by the multidisciplinary Heart Team; (iv) patient preparation using multimodality imaging; (v) procedure planning in terms of large‐bore access, equipment, and complete revascularization; (vi) starting with HR‐PCI support; (vii) starting with femoral artery access in a patient without extensive peripheral artery disease; (viii) multidisciplinary care after the procedure; (ix) haemodynamic and laboratory monitoring to ensure immediate diagnosis of access‐site complications, bleeding, haemolysis, acute kidney injury, and infections; and (x) careful revision of every HR‐PCI case with the team.

Potent P2Y12 receptor antagonists have been used widely for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with different results. Benefits from different regimens various between trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have restrictive inclusion and exclusion criteria; thus, they may limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population. This study was aimed to comprehensively investigate the outcomes of potent P2Y12 inhibitors in patients undergoing PCI, including RCTs and real-world evidence (RWE) studies.Multiple electronic databases were systemically reviewed and searched on compared potent P2Y12 inhibitors with clopidogrel. The primary efficacy end point was composite ischemic cardiovascular event and primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Overall estimates of proportions and incidence rates with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed-effects models. Total 24 studies (140,986 patients) underwent coronary intervention were included in this meta-analysis, including 18 RCTs and 6 large cohort studies with propensity score matching. The potent P2Y12 inhibitors including cangrelor, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, significantly decreased the risk of composite adverse cardiovascular ischemic events (95 % CI 0.89–0.96, p

Objective: To analyse four cases of intervention via the internal mammary artery–anterior descending branch and provide and summarise the clinical treatment experience. Methods: The clinical data of four patients with distal restenosis of a left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis after left internal mammary artery (LIMA)–LAD bypass surgery, who were admitted to the Gansu Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases between March 2013 and April 2022, were retrospectively analysed and reviewed together with the relevant literature. Results: Among the four patients, one was treated with intracoronary stenting via the internal mammary artery route, two were treated with intracoronary drug-coated balloon dilation (one of whom underwent fractional flow reserve [FFR] testing), and two underwent FFR testing (one of whom had a negative test result until the end of the procedure and continued to take medication during follow-up; the other patient had a positive result and further interventions). There were no deaths or postoperative complications in the group, and the patients were followed up for 4 months to 9 years, with good long-term outcomes. Conclusion: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the internal mammary artery route is safe and effective, and patients with anastomotic distal stenosis or anastomotic stenosis of LAD bypass anastomosis may be considered for PCI via the internal mammary artery route.

Objective: Silent brain infarcts (SBI) are thromboembolic complications associated with cardiac surgery, diagnostic angiography, and percutaneous interventions. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is the proven biomarker for measuring neuronal damage. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of SBI, defined as elevated NSE after coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention and elective coronary stenting. Design: The study population consisted of two patient groups: the CTO group included consecutive patients with coronary CTO intervention, and the control group consisted of patients who underwent elective coronary intervention. NSE blood levels were measured before and 12-18 h after the procedure. NSE blood levels of >20 ng/mL were considered SBI. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Of these, 55 (50.9%) had SBI after the procedure. The SBI rate was 59.7% in the CTO group and 39.1% in the control group. Patients with SBI were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, higher HbA1c, higher total stent length, and longer procedural time. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CTO procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 3.129; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.246-7.858; p < 0.015) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.185-7.291; p < 0.020) are independent predictors of SBI. Conclusion: Our data suggest that SBI occurs more frequently after CTO intervention than after non-CTO intervention. Intervention complexity and patient clinical characteristics may explain the increased incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a frequently performed treatment option for recanalization in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). As CTO-PCIs are often complicated and challenging for interventionalists, the stressful and damaging nature of the procedure can be remarkable, thus platelets can be easily activated. Our aim was to investigate the effect of CTO-PCI on platelet activation and the expression of selected circulating microRNAs (miR) of platelet and endothelium origin after CTO-PCI. In this study, 50 subjects after CTO-PCI were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained before PCI, at 2 days and 3–6 months after the procedure to measure the degree of platelet activation and the level of plasma miR-223, miR-181b, and miR-126. Patients were divided based on the characteristics of the intervention. Patients with higher Japanese CTO scores and longer duration of PCI showed significantly elevated platelet P-selectin positivity (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively) 2 days after the procedure compared to pre-PCI and increased concentration of soluble P-selectin 3–6 months after the intervention (higher Japanese CTO score: p = 0.028 and longer duration of PCI: p = 0.023) compared to baseline values. Shorter total stent length caused a significantly lower miR-181b expression at 3–6 months after the intervention (p = 0.031), while no difference was observed in miR-223 and miR-126. One stent thrombosis occurred during the follow-up period. Although these technically challenging CTO-PCIs may cause enhanced platelet activation right after the intervention and long-term endothelial cell dysfunction, these interventions are not associated with more adverse clinical events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trisulo Wasyanto,1 Ahmad Yasa,1 Yoga Yudhistira2 1Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University/Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia; 2Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, IndonesiaCorrespondence: Trisulo Wasyanto, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University / Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Jl. Kol. Sutarto 132, Surakarta, Central Java, 57126, Indonesia, Email trisulo.wasyanto@staff.uns.ac.idPurpose: To prove that cystatin C is a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), either with ST-segment Elevation (AMI-EST) or without ST-segment elevation (AMI-NEST), without cardiogenic shock or renal impairment.Patient and Methods: This was an observational cohort study. Samples were obtained from AMI patients who underwent PCI between February 2022 and March 2022 at the Intensive Cardiovascular Care Unit. Cystatin C levels were measured before PCI. MACE were observed within 6 months. Comparisons between normally distributed continuous data were performed using the t-test; Mann–Whitney test was used for non-normally distributed data. Categorical data were compared using the chi-squared test. The cut-off point of cystatin C levels to predict MACE was analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC).Results: The participants were 40 AMI patients, consisting of 32 patients (80%) with AMI-EST and eight patients (20%) diagnosed with AMI-NEST, who were evaluated for the occurrence of MACE within 6 months after PCI. Ten patients (25%) developed MACE during follow-up [(MACE (+)], and the rest were in the MACE (-) group. Cystatin C levels were significantly higher in the MACE (+) group (p=0.021). ROC analysis revealed a cystatin C level of 1.21 mg/dL; cystatin C > 1.21 is associated with MACE risk, showing a significant relationship with the odds ratio value reaching 26.00, with 95% CI (3.99– 169.24).Conclusion: Cystatin C level is an independent predictor of MACE in patients with AMI without cardiogenic shock or renal impairment after PCI.Keywords: cystatin C, acute myocardial infarction, coronary intervention, cardiovascular events

Dujuan Xu,1,&ast; Ying Liu,1,&ast; Chao Xu,2,&ast; Xuekui Liu,3 Ye Chen,1 Chunguang Feng,4 Nan Lyu1 1Department of Ultrasound, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Radiology, Xuzhou Children’s Hospital, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Central Laboratory, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Nan Lyu; Chunguang Feng, Email kksfm8833@qq.com; fcg999@163.comObjective: To determine the factors influencing proximal radial artery occlusion (PRAO) right radial artery after coronary intervention.Methods: This is a single-center prospective observational study. A total of 460 patients were selected to undergo coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the proximal transradial approach (PTRA) or distal transradial approach (DTRA). The 6F sheath tube were received by all patients. Radial artery ultrasound was performed 1 day before procedure and 1– 4 days after procedure. Patients were divided into the PRAO group (42 cases) and the non-PRAO group (418 cases). General clinical data and preoperative radial artery ultrasound indexes of the two groups were compared to analyze related factors leading to PRAO.Results: The total incidence of PRAO was 9.1%, including 3.8% for DTAR and 12.7% for PTRA. The PRAO rate of DTRA was significantly lower than that of PTRA (p < 0.05). Female, low body weight, low body mass index (BMI) and CAG patients were more likely to develop PRAO after procedure (p < 0.05). The internal diameter and cross-sectional area of the distal radial artery and proximal radial artery were smaller in the PRAO group than in the non-PRAO group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Multifactorial model analysis showed that the puncture approach, radial artery diameter and procedure type were predictive factors of PRAO, and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a good predictive value.Conclusion: A larger radial artery diameter and DTRA may reduce the incidence of PRAO. Preoperative radial artery ultrasound can guide the clinical selection of appropriate arterial sheath and puncture approach.Keywords: proximal radial artery occlusion, coronary intervention, ultrasound, influencing factors, the distal transradial approach

Background and Objectives: Silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) is defined as a condition that can be detected by biochemical markers or cranial imaging methods but does not produce clinical symptom. This study aims both to compare the frequency of SCI in PCIs performed with right transradial access and left transradial access and to evaluate the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center study included 197 patients undergoing PCI via transradial access between November 2020 and July 2022. The patients were categorized into right radial and left radial groups. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) values were measured and recorded before and 18 h after the procedure. A post-procedure NSE level higher than 20 ng/dL was defined as SCI. Results: SCI occurred in 60 of the 197 patients. NSE elevation was observed in 37.4% (n = 37) of the right radial group and in 23.5% (n = 23) of the left radial group (p = 0.032). Patients with SCI had higher rates of smoking (p = 0.043), presence of subclavian tortuosity (p = 0.027), and HbA1c (p = 0.031). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of EF (ejection fraction) (OR: 0.958 95% CI 0.920–0.998, p = 0.039), right radial preference (OR: 2.104 95% CI 1.102–3.995 p = 0.023), and smoking (OR: 2.088 95% CI 1.105–3.944, p = 0.023) were observed as independent variables of NSE elevation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PCI via right radial access poses a greater risk of SCI compared to left radial access. Anatomical considerations and technical challenges associated with right radial procedures and factors such as smoking and low ejection fraction contribute to this elevated risk.

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesThere is no consensus regarding the optimal choice between single long stent (SLS) and overlapped double short stents (DSS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Therefore, we aimed to compare treatment outcomes among patients with AMI treated with these two different stenting methods.MethodsIn total, 537 patients with AMI from a single tertiary center were categorized into two groups: (1) those who received an SLS (stent length ≥38 mm) (n = 254; 47.3%) and (2) those who received overlapped DSS (individual stent lengths

Diabetes mellitus is associated with more complex coronary artery diseases. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a preferred revascularization strategy over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in diabetics with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). This study sought to examine the different prognostic effects of revascularization strategies according to the diabetes status from the randomized BEST (Randomized Comparison of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation in the Treatment of Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease) trial. Patients (n = 880) with MVD were randomly assigned to undergo PCI with an everolimus-eluting stent vs CABG stratified by diabetics (n = 363) and nondiabetics (n = 517). The primary endpoint was the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization during a median follow-up of 11.8 years (IQR: 10.6-12.5 years). In diabetics, the primary endpoint rate was significantly higher in the PCI group than in the CABG group (43% and 32%; HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.12-2.08; P = 0.008). However, in nondiabetics, no significant difference was found between the groups (PCI group, 29%; CABG group, 29%; HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.67-1.39; P = 0.86; P interaction = 0.009). Irrespective of the presence of diabetes, no significant between-group differences were found in the rate of a safety composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke and mortality rate. However, the rate of any repeat revascularization was significantly higher in the PCI group than in the CABG group. In diabetics with MVD, CABG was associated with better clinical outcomes than PCI. However, the mortality rate was similar between PCI and CABG irrespective of diabetes status during an extended follow-up. (Ten-Year Outcomes of Randomized Comparison of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation in the Treatment of Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease [BEST Extended], NCT05125367 ; Randomized Comparison of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation in the Treatment of Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease [BEST], NCT00997828) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors infl uencing the frequency and type of microembolic signals (MES) detected using transcranial Doppler (TCD) in patients undergoing elective coronary intervention, and to correlate MES with silent stroke detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: The subset study of a randomized clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients (58 males; mean age 59.9 ± 8.4 years) who underwent bilateral TCD monitoring of middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) during elective coronary interventions. Neurologic examination and brain MRI were performed prior to, and 24 h post-intervention. Cognitive function tests were performed prior to, and on day 30 post-intervention. RESULTS: The incidence of detected MES was 94.3 %. Eighteen (25.7 %) patients had new clinically asymptomatic ischemic lesions on MRI. The number of solid MES negatively correlated with changes in revised Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination test (ACE-R) and, the number of solid MES and combinations of solid and gaseous MES negatively correlated with changes in Mini Mental-State Examination (MMSE) conducted on day 30 after the intervention (p < 0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSION: Cardiac catheterization was associated with a high risk of cerebral embolism in our patients. A higher number of solid MES and combinations of solid and gaseous MES was associated with the deterioration in cognitive tests (Tab. 5, Fig. 3, Ref. 30). T ext in PDF www.elis.sk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted temperature management (TTM) has been recommended for post-resuscitation care of cardiac arrest (CA) patients who remain comatose. However, the differences between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes need further investigation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the difference in outcomes between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic CA patients receiving TTM. The TIMECARD registry established the study cohort and database for patients receiving TTM between January 2013 and September 2019. A total of 543 patients were enrolled, with 305 and 238 patients in the cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic groups, respectively. Compared with the non-cardiogenic group, the cardiogenic group had higher proportion of initial shockable rhythm, better survival (cardiogenic: 45.9%; non-cardiogenic: 30.7%, P = 0.0017), and better neurologic performance at discharge. In the cardiogenic group, witnessed collapse (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13–0.72), and coronary intervention (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.84) were positive predictors for overall outcome. Mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg led to poor outcome regardless in the cardiogenic (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.46–7.52) or non-cardiogenic group (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.06–5.39). Patients with cardiogenic CA post TTM had better survival and neurologic performance at discharge than those without cardiogenic CA. Cardiogenic etiology was a potential predictor of better cardiac arrest survival, but it was not an independent risk factor for overall outcome after adjusting for potential covariates. In the cardiogenic group, better outcomes were reported in patients with witnessed collapse, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as those receiving coronary intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients with extensive CAD and multiple comorbidities who require complex, high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR‐PCI) are at risk of haemodynamic instability and may require short‐term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) during the procedure to maintain sufficient perfusion and prevent ischaemia. Impella is a microaxial continuous blood flow pump used for percutaneous support of the left ventricle in patients undergoing HR‐PCI. Data from randomized controlled trials and registries suggested an advantage for Impella devices in patients undergoing HR‐PCI, compared with other types of MCS. As a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the Impella technology is crucial for patient outcomes, we provide a technological overview of Impella and share our experiences gathered during the implementation of institutional Impella programmes in Poland as a roadmap of selection and periprocedural care for patients treated with Impella in the setting of HR‐PCI. We propose 10 steps for implementation of an institutional Impella programme for HR‐PCI, including (i) dedicated staff training; (ii) standard operating procedure and troubleshooting algorithms prior to the first intervention; (iii) patient selection by the multidisciplinary Heart Team; (iv) patient preparation using multimodality imaging; (v) procedure planning in terms of large‐bore access, equipment, and complete revascularization; (vi) starting with HR‐PCI support; (vii) starting with femoral artery access in a patient without extensive peripheral artery disease; (viii) multidisciplinary care after the procedure; (ix) haemodynamic and laboratory monitoring to ensure immediate diagnosis of access‐site complications, bleeding, haemolysis, acute kidney injury, and infections; and (x) careful revision of every HR‐PCI case with the team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive methods for creating models of focal coronary narrowing in large animals are challenging. Rapid prototyping using three-dimensionally (3D) printed coronary implants can be employed to percutaneously create a focal coronary stenosis. However, reliable delivery of the implants can be difficult without the use of ancillary equipment. We describe the use of a mother-and-child coronary guide catheter for stabilization of the implant and for effective delivery of the 3D printed implant to any desired location along the length of the coronary vessel. The focal coronary narrowing was confirmed under coronary cineangiography and the functional significance of the coronary stenosis was assessed using gadolinium-enhanced first-pass cardiac perfusion MRI. We showed that reliable delivery of 3D printed coronary implants in swine models (n = 11) of ischemic heart disease can be achieved through repurposing mother-and-child coronary guide catheters. Our technique simplifies the percutaneous delivery of coronary implants to create closed-chest swine models of focal coronary artery stenosis and can be performed expeditiously, with a low procedural failure rate.

Objective To evaluate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor （SGLT2i） on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Four hundred and six patients with STEMI complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing PCI were selected and divided into the conventional treatment group and SGLT2i group according to whether SGLT2i was used. Clinical data were collected. Patients were followed up by outpatient or telephone. Results The incidence of MACE and heart failure readmission rate in the SGLT2i group were lower than those in the conventional treatment group （both P < 0.01）. After the adjustment of all risk factors， SGLT2i could reduce the incidence of MACE（OR=3.59，95%CI 9.43-1.36）and the risk of heart failure readmission（OR=4.54，95%CI 15.30-1.35）compared with conventional treatment. Conclusion SGLT2i is a safe treatment for STEMI patients complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus after PCI， which can lower the incidence of MACE and heart failure readmission after surgery.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of early application of Dapagliflozin in patients undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods AMI patients undergoing emergency PCI (n = 68) were chosen from the Tengzhou Central People′s Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021, and divided randomly into control group (n = 34) and research group (n = 34). Both groups of patients were given aspirin, ticagrelor, etc after PCI. The control group received conventional treatments such as metoprolol perindopril, and the research group received dapagliflozin on bases of conventional oral medicine, a course for 6 months. The level of N -terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT - proBNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV), ventricular remodeling rate, the incidence of heart failure, the readmission rate, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results After 1 month and 6 months of treatment, the levels of NT-proBNP in the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P < 0.05), and LVEF was significantly higher than before treatment (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, compared with control group, the levels of NT - proBNP、LVEDV、LVESV、ventricular remodeling and Incidence of heart failure were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and LVEF was evidently higher in the study group (P < 0.05). However, There were no significant differences in the rates of readmission and adverse drug reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Early application of dapagliflozin can effectively reduce ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction after emergency PCI, with relatively good safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias other than Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter in postmyocardial Infarction (MI) patients is usually rare. The incidence of in-hospital AF after MI ranges from 5%-18%. Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) occurs in less than 10% of patients after an acute MI. Herein, the authors presented a case of a 47-year-old male presented to the Casualty Department with chief complaints of palpitations for the past six hours. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), and immediate pharmacological cardioversion was performed. Coronary Angiogram (CAG) was conducted, which revealed double vessel disease with critical lesions in the proximal Right Coronary Artery (RCA) and mid Left Circumflex (LCX). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed for both lesions. The patient was discharged in a stable condition. Prompt and immediate diagnosis of arrhythmias is crucial, especially in patients with MI, to reduce mortality and morbidity.

Background: Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are predicted to be low in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Endothelin-1 has been considered a pro inflammatory biomarker and suggested as a novel prognostic indicator in CCS. The objective of this research was to prove endothelin- 1 as predictor of MACE within 1-year evaluation in CCS patients undergoing PCI. Methods: This research was an analytic observational study with a cohort design. The participants were CCS patients who had undergone PCI. Endotelin-1 levels were checked before the patient underwent PCI. Occurrences of MACE were observed within 1 year. The comparison between normally distributed continuous data was performed with a T-test, and the Mann–Whitney test was used for not normally distributed data. A comparison between categorical data was performed with the Chi-square test . The cut-off point of endothelin-1 levels to predict MACE was analyzed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC). Results: Participants in this study were 63 patients. Six patients experienced MACE within 1 year (9.5%) and 57 patients were included in the non-MACE group (90.5%). Mann Whitney T test showed there were significance differences in endothelin-1 levels from the two groups (p=0.022). The ROC curve showed cut off point the endothelin-1 is 4.07 ng/dl with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 75.4% and accuracy of 76.2% for the occurrence of MACE. Based on the area under curve (AUC) value and the accuracy of this study, endothelin-1 was able to detect MACE within 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions: Endothelin-1 can be used as predictor of MACE within 1-year evaluation in CCS patients undergoing coronary intervention.