Antithrombotic Treatment after Transcatheter Heart Valves Implant

Transcatheter heart valve replacement technology was introduced as alternative to surgery for the growing high-risk profile population. Developed first, aortic valve replacement (TAVR) became a standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis at high operative risk, with a potential future use also for low-risk subjects. In the last decade, a multitude of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) devices have been developed for the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation, with encouraging results coming from first-in-man and feasibility studies. As for biological surgical-type valves, transcatheter implanted valves still preserve the risk of thrombosis and embolic events and anticoagulation- or antiplatelet-based strategies are the most widely used options. Unfortunately, these last remain recommended on the basis of empirical or not widely validated evidence. Therefore, given the exponential rise of TAVR and TMVR procedures, it is important to identify the optimal antithrombotic strategies that best fit the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events. Hereafter, this review evaluates the current guidelines, trials, and observational data discussing antithrombotic strategy after transcatheter aortic or mitral valve replacement.

Prognostic value of post-procedural aPTT in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI

Unfractionated heparin is the most commonly used anticoagulant in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its effect can be monitored with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). However, the optimal aPTT range during heparin therapy after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is yet to be defined. A mean aPTT was calculated of all aPTT measurements in the first 24 hours after pPCI in a total of 1,876 STEMI patients. Mean aPTT measurements were stratified into four categories; < 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), 1.5 – 2.0 times ULN (the therapeutic group), 2.01 – 3.99 times ULN, and ≥ 4 times ULN. Compared to patients with a therapeutic aPTT, patients with aPTTs < 1.5 times ULN had no increase in recurrent ischaemic events and had similar rates of bleeding complications. Patients with a mean aPTT ≥ 4 times ULN had higher rates recurrent ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications. After multivariable analyses, aPTT ratios ≥ 4 times ULN were no longer associated with recurrent ischaemic events, but remained a strong predictor of severe and moderate bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 4.64, p = 0.016 and HR 2.27, p = 0.052). In conclusion, in 1,876 STEMI patients treated with pPCI, low aPTTs in the first 24 hours after PCI were not associated with an increase in ischaemic events, whereas high aPTT values were associated with more frequent bleeding complications. These results indicate no clear benefit as well as a safety concern with heparin treatment after primary PCI.

Quantitative angiographic characterisation of coronary artery disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

AIMS

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), and 6.5-15% of mortality in this population is attributable to cardiovascular disease. However, the angiographic pattern of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with HIV undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown. We sought to assess and describe the angiographic features and burden of CAD in patients with HIV as compared to those without HIV infection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a retrospective, single-centre study comparing 93 patients with HIV infection who underwent PCI between 2003 and 2011 with 93 control patients without HIV infection matched for age (±3 years), gender, diabetes, and year of PCI (±2 years). Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed for all treated lesions at baseline and following PCI in both groups. One-year clinical outcomes post PCI were also analysed and compared. The mean age for both study populations was 57 years; patients with HIV were more likely to present with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients had a similar extent of CAD as measured by the presence of multivessel disease as well as SYNTAX score; however, patients with HIV were more likely to have lesions in the proximal segment of the respective coronary artery. While both groups mostly displayed none/mild calcified lesions, HIV+ patients had longer and fewer stenotic lesions. Clinical outcomes at one year were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

While HIV+ patients were more likely to present with STEMI, detailed coronary angiographic analysis revealed less complex lesions and favourable anatomy. This paradox may suggest alterations in genesis and progression of atherosclerosis in this clinical setting.

Characterization of the Average Daily Ischemic and Bleeding Risk After Primary PCI for STEMI

BACKGROUND

The risk of recurrent ischemic and bleeding events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may not be uniform over time, which may affect the benefit-to-risk ratio of guideline-recommended antithrombotic therapies in different intervals.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to characterize the average daily ischemic rates (ADIRs) and average daily bleeding rates (ADBRs) within the first year after primary PCI for STEMI.

METHODS

Among 3,602 patients with STEMI who were enrolled in the HORIZONS-AMI (Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial, all ischemic and bleeding events, including recurrent events, were classified according to the timing of their occurrence as acute (≤24 h after PCI), subacute (1 day to 30 days), and late (30 days to 1 year). Patients were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel for the entire year. ADIRs included cardiac death, reinfarction, and definite stent thrombosis. ADBRs included non-coronary artery bypass graft-related Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction major and minor bleeding. ADIRs and ADBRs were calculated as the total number of events divided by the number of patient-days of follow-up in each interval assuming a Poisson distribution. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the absolute least square mean differences (LSMD) between ADIRs and ADBRs.

RESULTS

The ADIR and ADBR both exponentially decreased from the acute to the late periods (p < 0.0001). Although there were no significant differences in ADIR and ADBR in the acute phase (LSMD: +0.11%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.35% to 0.58%; p = 0.63), the ADBR was greater than the ADIR in the subacute phase (LSMD: -0.39%; 95% CI: -0.58% to -0.20%; p < 0.0001). In the late phase, the ADIR exceeded the ADBR (LSMD: +1.51%; 95% CI: 1.04% to 1.98%; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

After primary PCI, the ADIR and ADBR both markedly decreased over time. Although the rates for bleeding exceeded those for ischemia within 30 days, the daily risk of ischemia significantly exceeded the daily risk of bleeding beyond 30 days, supporting the use of intensified platelet inhibition during the first year after STEMI.

Integrating invasive hemodynamic parameters into risk stratification of acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock

A ratio of systolic blood pressure over left ventricle end-diastolic pressure (SBP/LVEDP) ≤4 identifies patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at greater risk of in-hospital mortality or that may require the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The predictive performance of the SBP/LVEDP ratio was comparable to non-invasive hemodynamic parameters (the shock index and the modified shock index) and established clinical risk stratification tools (the TIMI risk score). Alongside established clinical risk factors, invasive hemodynamic parameters may help in identifying STEMI patients who may benefit from early MCS.

Relation of Baseline Hemoglobin Levels and Adverse Events in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (from the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategY and Harmonizing Outcomes with RevasculariZatiON and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction Trials)

The association between anemia at admission and adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been incompletely studied. Anemia was defined as serum hemoglobin <12 g/dl in women or <13 g/dl in men in 2 large trials of patients with ACS. We plotted hazard functions for major bleeding at 30 days and all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis at 1 year according to baseline hemoglobin. Among 16,318 patients, 3070 (18.8%) had anemia at baseline. All-cause death at 1 year (2.9% vs 1.5%), major bleeding (7.6% vs 3.6%, p <0.001), and transfusions (6.7% vs 1.5%, p <0.001) were more common in patients with baseline anemia. Spline transformations of the hazard for adverse events as a function of hemoglobin level on admission showed that adverse outcomes increased in a nonlinear fashion with lower levels of baseline hemoglobin; the lowest rates were observed at a level of ∼14 g/dl. Baseline hemoglobin and anemia were independent predictors of major bleeding and death. In conclusion, in patients with ACS, baseline hemoglobin carries important independent prognostic information and demonstrates a nonlinear association with major bleeding and mortality.

Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Scaffolds Versus Everolimus-Eluting Metallic Stents

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are associated with an excess of thrombotic complications compared with metallic everolimus-eluting stents (EES).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the comparative effectiveness of the Food and Drug Administration-approved BVS versus metallic EES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention at longest available follow-up.

METHODS

The authors searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and web sources for randomized trials comparing BVS and EES. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were target lesion failure and definite or probable stent thrombosis, respectively.

RESULTS

Seven trials were included: in sum, 5,583 patients were randomized to receive either the study BVS (n = 3,261) or the EES (n = 2,322). Median time of follow-up was 2 years (range 2 to 3 years). Compared with metallic EES, risk of target lesion failure (9.6% vs. 7.2%; absolute risk difference: +2.4%; risk ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.10 to 1.59; number needed to harm: 41; p = 0.003; I² = 0%) and stent thrombosis (2.4% vs. 0.7%; absolute risk difference: +1.7%; risk ratio: 3.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.87 to 5.30; number needed to harm: 60; p < 0.0001; I² = 0%) were both significantly higher with BVS. There were no significant differences in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality between groups. The increased risk for ST associated with BVS was concordant across the early (<30 days), late (30 days to 1 year), and very late (>1 year) periods (p_interaction = 0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with metallic EES, the BVS appears to be associated with both lower efficacy and higher thrombotic risk over time. (Bioresorbable vascular scaffold compare to everolimus stents in long term follow up; CRD42017059993).

Association between the severity of newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients without overt cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been associated with both subclinical and accelerated atherosclerosis; however, it still remains unknown whether this association is unique or is mediated by the higher burden of co-existing cardio-metabolic disorders frequently seen in patients with OSA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 40 subjects without clinically diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD) referred for polysomnography test were included in the study. Subjects with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI > 15/h) were classified as moderate/severe OSA. Subclinical changes in carotid atherosclerosis were assessed using mean carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and presence of atheromatic plaques on both carotid arteries. The measurement was performed using B-mode ultrasonogram. Framingham risk score was used in the approximation of cardiovascular risk.

RESULTS

The mean age of our cohort was 56.8 years, 70% (n = 28) of whom were males. Moderate/severe OSA was diagnosed in 21 subjects. Both groups were well matched in terms of clinical and demographic characteristics, and cardiovascular risk profile, as shown in their respective Framingham risk scores (10.4 ± 6.6 vs. 11.8 ± 8.8, p = NS). Patients with moderate/severe OSA had a higher mean AHI, 3% oxygen desaturation index, and lower minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation than controls. No significant differences were detected in terms of C-reactive protein levels. The two groups had similar cIMT (0.66 ± 0.17 vs. 0.75 ± 0.20 p = 0.33) and presence of atheromatic plaque (50% vs. 45%, p = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that among patients with similar cardiovascular risk profile and free of overt CVD, the severity of newly diagnosed OSA was not correlated with increased inflammation or subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

Assessment of trans-aortic pressure gradient using a coronary pressure wire in patients with mechanical aortic and mitral valve prostheses

Accurate evaluation of trans-aortic valvular pressure gradients is challenging in cases where dual mechanical aortic and mitral valve prostheses are present. Non-invasive Doppler echocardiographic imaging has its limitations due to multiple geometric assumptions. Invasive measurement of trans-valvular gradients with cardiac catheterization can provide further information in patients with two mechanical valves, where simultaneous pressure measurements in the left ventricle and ascending aorta must be obtained. Obtaining access to the left ventricle via the mitral valve after a trans-septal puncture is not feasible in the case of a concomitant mechanical mitral valve, whereas left ventricular apical puncture technique is associated with high procedural risks. Retrograde crossing of a bileaflet mechanical aortic prosthesis with standard catheters is associated with the risk of catheter entrapment and acute valvular regurgitation. In these cases, the assessment of trans-valvular gradients using a 0.014˝ diameter coronary pressure wire technique has been described in a few case reports. We present the case of a 76-year-old female with rheumatic valvular heart disease who underwent mechanical aortic and mitral valve replacement in the past. She presented with decompensated heart failure and echocardiographic findings suggestive of elevated pressure gradient across the mechanical aortic valve prosthesis. The use of a high-fidelity 0.014˝ diameter coronary pressure guidewire resulted in the detection of a normal trans-valvular pressure gradient across the mechanical aortic valve. This avoided a high-risk third redo valve surgery in our patient. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Treatment of Higher-Risk Patients With an Indication for Revascularization: Evolution Within the Field of Contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Patients with severe coronary artery disease with a clinical indication for revascularization but who are at high procedural risk because of patient comorbidities, complexity of coronary anatomy, and/or poor hemodynamics represent an understudied and potentially underserved patient population. Through advances in percutaneous interventional techniques and technologies and improvements in patient selection, current percutaneous coronary intervention may allow appropriate patients to benefit safely from revascularization procedures that might not have been offered in the past. The burgeoning interest in these procedures in some respects reflects an evolutionary step within the field of percutaneous coronary intervention. However, because of the clinical complexity of many of these patients and procedures, it is critical to develop dedicated specialists within interventional cardiology who are trained with the cognitive and technical skills to select these patients appropriately and to perform these procedures safely. Preprocedural issues such as multidisciplinary risk and treatment assessments are highly relevant to the successful treatment of these patients, and knowledge gaps and future directions to improve outcomes in this emerging area are discussed. Ultimately, an evolution of contemporary interventional cardiology is necessary to treat the increasingly higher-risk patients with whom we are confronted.

Gender Differences in Associations Between Intraprocedural Thrombotic Events During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Adverse Outcomes

Women are frequently reported to have increased morbidity after presentation with acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction; however, whether a greater thrombotic tendency contributes to gender differences in clinical outcomes of urgent percutaneous coronary intervention is unknown. Intraprocedural Thrombotic Events (IPTEs) are defined as new or increasing thrombus, abrupt vessel closure, no reflow or slow reflow, or distal embolization at any time during percutaneous coronary intervention. IPTEs were evaluated in this pooled analysis of 6,591 patients with stent implantation and blinded quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analysis, from the ACUITY and HORIZONS-AMI trials. We compared major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year follow-up and major bleeding at 30 days according to gender and the presence or absence of IPTE. IPTE was identified in 507 patients (7.7%), with 119 of 1,744 (6.8%) occurring in women and 388 of 4,847 (8.0%) in men (p = 0.12). IPTE, but not gender, was independently associated with MACE at in-hospital and 30-day follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, the adjusted hazard of MACE was higher in women and in patients with IPTE; however, the risk of MACE associated with IPTE was similar among women and men. There was no significant interaction between IPTE and gender for 1-year MACE or 30-day bleeding. IPTE predicted major bleeding only in women. In conclusion, in acute coronary syndromes, women have increased risk of adverse outcome at 1 year. IPTEs are common, occur at similar frequency, and are associated with similar degree of increased MACE in both genders at short- and long-term follow-up. Higher thrombotic propensity does not offer a mechanistic explanation for the worse outcomes noted in women.

Impact of Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease on 1-Year Mortality in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Purpose:

To determine the impact of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) on clinical outcomes in patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Methods and Results:

Symptomatic PAD was identified in 1969 (18.9%) of 10440 consecutive patients undergoing PCI. Patients with PAD were older, more frequently female, and had smaller body surface area and more atherosclerotic risk factors, chronic renal insufficiency, and heart failure. Patients with PAD had lower rates of procedural success (94.2% versus 96.2%, p<0.0001) and higher rates of in-hospital complications, including all-cause mortality (2.1% versus 1.1%, p=0.0002), cardiac death (1.5% versus 0.7%, p=0.0009), urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (1.9% versus 1.2%, p=0.01), recurrent ischemia (5.6% versus 2.8%, p<0.0001), re-PCI to the target lesion (2.4% versus 1.1%, p<0.0001), stroke (0.6% versus 0.3%, p=0.0344), transient ischemic attack (0.4% versus 0.1%, p=0.01), femoral hematoma (10.3% versus 8.5%, p=0.01), retroperitoneal hematoma (0.8% versus 0.3%, p=0.009), limb ischemia (3.0% versus 0.7%, p<0.0001), gastrointestinal bleeding (1.9% versus 0.9%, p<0.0001), and blood transfusion (10.1% versus 5.2%, p<0.0001). At 1-year follow-up, patients with PAD had a higher mortality rate (13.6% versus 5.2%, p<0.0001), a higher rate of myocardial infarction (8.3% versus 6.5%, p=0.008), and also more target lesion (21.2% versus 19.8%, p=0.02) or target vessel revascularization (24.6% versus 21.2%, p=0.002). By multivariate analysis, PAD was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 2.07, p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Nearly a fifth of patients undergoing PCI have symptomatic PAD. The presence of PAD is associated with lower rates of procedural success, higher rates of in-hospital and 1-year adverse events, and is independently associated with increased 1-year mortality.