Standardized End Point Definitions for Coronary Intervention Trials: The Academic Research Consortium-2 Consensus Document

Cardiovascular Prognosis in Limb Ischemia Patients With Heart Failure and Systolic Dysfunction Following Major Amputation

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the severest stage of peripheral artery disease, frequently necessitates amputation. In CLTI patients, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) markedly raises mortality risk, with increased peripheral vascular resistance contributing to this exacerbation. This investigation aimed to assess the impact of major amputation (MA) on the cardiovascular (CV) prognosis in CLTI patients with HFrEF by lowering peripheral vascular resistance. Conducting a retrospective, observational analysis at a single center, a total of 60 patients with CLTI and HFrEF (EF < 50%) who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) at our institution were assessed. We compared CV outcomes in CLTI patients with HFrEF who received MA (n = 17) to those who did not (n = 43) after undergoing EVT. During the follow-up period, which median 641 (IQR: 245 to 1,734) days post-EVT, a composite primary endpoint of CV death or hospitalization for HF was observed. During the study period, 19 patients (32%) were admitted for HF or died as a consequence of CV events. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly reduced incidence of the primary endpoint in the MA cohort (log-rank test: p = 0.035). Adjustments for age and sex showed MA was significantly linked to improved CV prognosis (HR: 0.19; 95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.87). A nonsignificant trend toward decreased overall mortality was noted in the MA group, with infections being the predominant cause of death across both groups. In conclusion, in CLTI patients with HFrEF, MA might be linked to reduced CV events, proposing it as a potential definitive strategy for improving CV outcomes in this high-risk population.

Intracoronary stenting and additional results achieved by shockWAVE coronary lithotripsy: design and rationale of ISAR-WAVE trial

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention of severely calcified lesions is limited by inadequate stent expansion and poor clinical outcomes. Over the past decade, several devices and techniques have been developed for calcium modification and lesion preparation. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel tool in this context. Although numerous observational studies have been reported on this technique, randomized trials powered for clinical outcomes on the relative merits of IVL in patients with severely calcified lesions are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES

The ISAR-WAVE trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled trial. The aim is to test whether IVL is superior to other calcium-modifying techniques (modified or super high-pressure balloon and atheroablative devices) in de novo severely calcified coronary lesions. The study is planned to enroll 666 patients. The primary endpoint is the composite of major cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse events defined as death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke and clinically indicated target vessel revascularization at 12 months. In addition to the individual components of the primary endpoint, secondary endpoints include also safety, quality of life and cost-effectiveness measures.

CONCLUSIONS

ISAR-WAVE is a multicenter, randomized trial designed to test the hypothesis that a strategy of IVL confers superior clinical performance compared to other calcium-modifying techniques in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for a de novo severely calcified coronary artery lesion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClilicalTrial.gov, NCT06369142.

Patterns and Prognostic Impact of Postdischarge Ischemic, Bleeding, and Heart Failure Events After Myocardial Infarction

Although the in-hospital prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has considerably improved to date, ischemic, bleeding, and heart failure (HF) events after discharge remain clinical challenges. However, the pattern of such events is not fully understood in contemporary clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the timing and prognostic impact of cardiovascular and bleeding events after AMI. This multicenter, retrospective registry included 2,059 patients with AMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were grouped according to their first events after discharge, consisting of ischemic events (recurrent AMI or ischemic stroke), major bleeding, and HF hospitalization, whereas those without such events were classified as the no cardiovascular event group. All-cause mortality after discharge and the ischemic, bleeding, and HF events were evaluated. Ischemic events, major bleedings, and HF hospitalization as their first clinical outcome measures after discharge occurred in 99 (4.8%), 57 (2.8%), and 75 (3.6%) patients, respectively, during the median follow-up period of 538 days. Postdischarge mortality was highest in the major bleeding group, followed by the ischemic events, HF hospitalization, and no cardiovascular event groups. HF hospitalization occurred earlier than major bleeding and ischemic events after discharge. The mortality impact after the first events was greater in the major bleeding rather than ischemic events and HF hospitalization. In conclusion, patterns and prognostic impact of postdischarge outcomes differed significantly among ischemic, bleeding, and HF events, suggesting that timely and tailored follow-up may be needed after AMI.

Coronary Artery Dissection in Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty: Incidence, Predictors, and Clinical Outcomes

Coronary dissection is a potential occurrence after lesion preparation for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Unlike stents, drug-coated balloons (DCBs) do not allow to cover dissections, thus demanding an assessment of their safety in this setting. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of dissections occurring with DCB-based PCI for de novo coronary artery disease. Consecutive patients with de novo coronary artery disease who underwent PCI with intention-to-treat DCB angioplasty, with or without stent implantation, were retrospectively enrolled between 2018 and 2022 at 2 Italian centers. The decision whether to leave a dissection untreated or to proceed with bail-out stenting was based on a combined angiographic evaluation of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow, residual minimal lumen diameter, and persistent extraluminal contrast hang-up. The primary end point at 2-year follow-up was target lesion failure, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization. Among 522 DCB-treated lesions (466 patients), dissections were angiographically evident in 39.1% of cases, with 21.1% which underwent bail-out stenting and 78.9% left untreated. The incidence of bail-out stenting increased from type A to type E dissections (p for trend <0.001). Left anterior descending artery involvement (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.39) was the strongest risk factors for dissection. Target lesion failure at 2 years occurred in 2.7% of lesions with untreated dissection compared with 4.2% of those with no dissection (log-rank p = 0.324). In conclusion, coronary dissections often complicate PCI with DCB angioplasty but do not correlate with increased risk of adverse events at midterm follow-up.

Stepwise Provisional Versus Systematic Dual-Stent Strategies for Treatment of True Left Main Coronary Bifurcation Lesions

BACKGROUND

The optimal coronary stenting technique for true left main bifurcation lesions is uncertain. EBC MAIN (European Bifurcation Club Left Main Trial) aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes of a stepwise provisional strategy compared with a systematic dual-stent approach.

METHODS

EBC MAIN was a randomized, investigator-initiated, open-label, multicenter, parallel-group trial conducted across 35 hospitals in 11 European countries. A total of 467 participants undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected true left main bifurcation lesions were randomly assigned to the stepwise provisional strategy (n=230) or an upfront dual-stent approach (n=237). The mean (SD) age was 71 (10) years and 23% of participants were women. The primary end point was a composite of major adverse cardiac events, defined as all-cause mortality, all myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization. Events were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee and all analyses were by the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

At 3 years, the primary end point occurred in 54 of 230 (23.5%) stepwise provisional and 70 of 237 (29.5%) dual-stent patients (hazard ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.53-1.07]; P=0.11). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (10.0% versus 13.1%) or myocardial infarction (12.2% versus 11.0%). However, target lesion revascularization was significantly lower in the stepwise provisional group (8.3% versus 15.6%; hazard ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.29-0.86]; P=0.013). In this population, the mean side vessel diameter by quantitative angiography was 2.9 mm, and median side vessel lesion length was 5 mm. Significant interactions were identified between the assigned bifurcation strategy and both side vessel diameter and lesion length with respect to the primary outcome (P=0.009 and P=0.005, respectively), with smaller vessels (<3.25 mm diameter) and shorter lesions (<10 mm length) favoring the provisional approach.

CONCLUSIONS

In a European population with true left main stem bifurcation coronary disease requiring intervention, there was no difference in major adverse cardiovascular events between stepwise provisional and systematic dual-stent strategies at 3 years. Target lesion revascularization was significantly less frequent with the stepwise provisional approach, which should be the default strategy for noncomplex left main bifurcation coronary intervention.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02497014.

Durable versus biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents in all-comers

BACKGROUND

Drug-eluting stents (DESs) have become the gold standard of coronary angioplasty since their inception in 2002. Biodegradable polymer DESs (BP-DESs) have been postulated to be superior to durable polymer DESs (DP-DESs) due to their more biocompatible polymer. To date, no study has shown the superiority of one type of polymer compared with the other. We aimed to compare outcomes between a broad range of second-generation DP-DES and BP-DES in an all-comer population.

METHODS

We analysed data from 2824 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with BP-DES or DP-DES in the Cardio-FR database. Of these, 2079 (1286 DP-DES and 793 BP-DES) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed a 2-year follow-up: The primary outcome was the device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) of cardiac death, non-fatal target vessel myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularisation.

RESULTS

Mean age was 67 years, with 75% male. Despite the DP-DES group exhibiting significantly higher rates of risk factors, such as arterial hypertension (63.1% vs 57.5%, p=0.010), a greater average number of stents implanted per patient (1.72±0.92 vs 1.63±0.84, p=0.040), more acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (55.1% vs 50.2%, p=0.031) and a higher rate of post-dilatation (42.2% vs 35.2%, p<0.001), the rate of acute stent thrombosis (ST) was significantly lower than in the BP-DES group (HR 0.240, 95% CI 0.075 to 0.766; p=0.016). This difference remained significant even after adjusting for covariates using a Cox proportional hazards model and performing a win ratio analysis (4.09, 95% CI 1.28 to 13.09; p=0.018). Despite this increased rate of acute ST, there was no difference in DOCE (12.1% vs 14.5%, OR 1.218, 95% CI 0.926 to 1.600; p=0.158) between the two groups up to 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Clinical follow-up up to 2 years shows similar outcomes between BP-DES and DP-DES. The rate of acute ST is higher in patients with BP-DES.

First-in-man study of a novel everolimus-coated balloon for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis

BACKGROUND

Treatment of patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains challenging. In this setting the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) represents an attractive approach to avoid adding another metal layer to the coronary wall.

AIMS

The Chansu Vascular Technologies (CVT)-ISR trial aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel everolimus-DCB (CVT-DCB) using a new coating formulation and crystalline everolimus.

METHODS

The CVT-ISR trial was a prospective, multicenter, open, single-arm, first-in-man (FIM) study. A total of 51 patients (mean age 69.2 years, 74.5% male) with single ISR coronary lesions (≤24 mm in length) were enrolled at nine sites in Europe.

RESULTS

The primary safety endpoint, freedom from target lesion failure (TLF) at 180 days, was 92.2%, with the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (81.1%), above the protocol-defined objective performance criterion (OPC) (65% for conventional balloon angioplasty, P  < 0.05). At 1 year freedom from TLF was 90.2%. The primary efficacy endpoint, in-stent late lumen loss at 180 days (evaluated in a predefined subgroup of 25 patients scheduled for late angiography), was 0.40 mm (median 0.30 mm), lower than the protocol-defined OPC of the plain balloon angioplasty historical control (0.80 mm, P  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This FIM study demonstrated the superior efficacy of the new everolimus CVT-DCB compared with conventional balloon angioplasty in the treatment of patients with ISR.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT05731700.

Deferral of routine percutaneous coronary intervention in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Rationale and design of the PRO-TAVI trial

BACKGROUND

Concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The optimal treatment strategy for CAD is a topic of debate. An initial conservative strategy for CAD in patients undergoing TAVI may be favorable as multiple studies have failed to show an evident beneficial effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on mortality after TAVI. However, more randomized, controlled trials are warranted.

METHODS

The PeRcutaneous cOronary Intervention before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (PRO-TAVI) trial is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial comparing TAVI with or without routine preprocedural PCI. A total of 466 patients undergoing TAVI will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to PCI (reference group) or no PCI (index group). Concomitant CAD is defined as at least 1 stenosis of 70% to 99%, or at least 1 stenosis between 40% and 70% combined with positive physiological measurement in a coronary artery with a minimal diameter of 2.5 mm or bypass graft. The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or type 2 - 4 bleeding at 12 months after randomization, in accordance with Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 criteria. Key secondary endpoints include the individual components of the primary endpoint, revascularization, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The primary endpoint will be analyzed to assess non-inferiority of deferral of routine PCI in patients undergoing TAVI against the prespecified margin of 11 percentage points.

CONCLUSION

The PeRcutaneous cOronary intervention before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (PRO-TAVI) trial is designed to investigate the hypothesis that deferral of routine PCI in patients undergoing TAVI is non-inferior to TAVI with preceding PCI.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier NCT05078619.

Mechanical Circulatory Support With Impella in High-Risk Patients With Chronic Total Occlusion and Complex Multivessel Disease

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic management of patients with multivessel disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction is complex and controversial.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes and the changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and at least one chronic total occlusion (CTO) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with hemodynamic support provided by Impella.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicenter study enrolling patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and severe coronary artery disease with at least one CTO who required percutaneous mechanical circulatory support with Impella, from January 2019 to December 2023. The primary endpoints were the incidence of MACE (composite of cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarct, and target lesion revascularization) at 90 days. The secondary endpoint was changes in LVEF and functional class during the same period.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients (34 CTOs) were included in the study. The mean SYNTAX score was 35 ± 11. The median J-CTO score of 2 (1-3). At 90 day of follow-up, there were three MACE (11%), two cardiovascular deaths and one TLR; three vascular complications were related to access for the Impella device (only one required invasive treatment); and LVEF improved significantly after revascularization (delta LVEF: 10% [CI 95% 6, 15]). A total of 81% of patients improved their angina or dyspnea status at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In high-risk patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction with complex coronary disease including CTO, PCI with mechanical circulatory support using the Impella device is associated with favorable safety and efficacy outcomes at short-term follow-up.

Renal Function-Stratified Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Third-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents - Post Hoc Analysis From the HOST-IDEA Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially with third-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a prespecified post hoc analysis of the HOST-IDEA trial, randomizing patients undergoing PCI with third-generation DES to 3- to 6-month or 12-month DAPT. In all, 1,997 patients were grouped by their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): high (>90 mL/min/1.73 m2), intermediate (60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2), and low (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary outcome was net adverse clinical events (NACE), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, stent thrombosis, or major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium Type 3 or 5) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were target lesion failure (TLF) and major bleeding. The low eGFR group had the highest rates of NACE, TLF, and major bleeding compared with the other 2 groups (P<0.001). Rates of NACE were similar in the 3- to 6-month and 12-month DAPT in the high (2.9% vs. 3.2%; P=0.84), intermediate (2.1% vs. 2.8%, P=0.51), and low (8.9% vs. 9.1%; hazard ratio 0.99; P=0.97; Pinteraction=0.88) eGFR groups. TLF and major bleeding events showed similar trends.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing PCI with third-generation DES, 3- to 6-month DAPT was comparable to 12-month DAPT for clinical outcomes regardless of renal function.

Priorities for medical device regulatory approval: a report from the European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Round Table

The European Union (EU) Medical Device Regulation increased regulatory scrutiny to improve the safety and performance of new medical devices. An equally important goal is providing timely access to innovative devices to benefit patient care. The European Society of Cardiology strongly advocates for the evolution of the Medical Device Regulation system to facilitate priority access for innovative devices for unmet needs and orphan cardiovascular (CV) medical devices in EU countries. Although device approval is currently executed by Notified Bodies in the EU, it will be advantageous in the mid-term to consider a single EU regulatory agency for devices. In the short term, steps can be taken to transform the current system into a more efficient, predictable, cost-effective, and user-friendly service. Key strategies include the following: enhancing predictability of the approval process through use of early scientific advice from regulators; establishing unique regulatory pathways for CV orphan, paediatric, and innovative devices; promoting more efficient (re)certification of essential legacy CV devices; improving transparency of sponsor interactions with Notified Bodies; expanding the roles of the Expert Panels to assist in the approval of CV devices; promoting global regulatory harmonization, considering streamlined authorization of CV medical technologies across selected jurisdictions; developing an efficient system to monitor device safety; and ensuring funding for data collection platforms. Some strategies that could help include considering a pilot programme for joint approval processes of selected devices in partnership with other regions (i.e. US Food and Drug Administration); developing priority pathways for accelerated access to innovative or orphan devices; and increasing recognition of the importance of early feasibility studies in the EU.

Association of ABO blood group with risk of coronary stent thrombosis

BACKGROUND

ABO blood group's influence on cardiovascular risk, particularly in venous thromboembolism and coronary artery disease (CAD), is well-studied, with non-O blood groups associated with heightened CAD risk. However, its impact on stent thrombosis remains an unexplored area, prompting the question of whether ABO blood groups are also associated with risk of early stent thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to analyze the impact of ABO blood groups on the occurrence of early (≤30 days) stent thrombosis.

METHODS

The study included 10,714 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) at a tertiary care hospital. Among these, 78 patients (0.73 %) experienced early stent thrombosis. Propensity score matching was conducted using cardiovascular risk factors and predictors of stent thrombosis, including age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterinemia, and clinical presentation.

RESULTS

The presence of non-0 blood groups (blood groups A, B and AB; OR 1.48; 95 % CI 0.74-2.97; p = 0.27) and of A-antigen (blood groups A, AB; OR 0.93; 95 % CI 0.51-1.84; p = 0.89) was not associated early stent thrombosis, respectively. In contrast, patients with B-antigen (blood groups B, AB) were at higher risk of early stent thrombosis as compared to patients with blood group 0 (OR 2.48; 95 % CI 1.08-5.69; p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

The presence of blood group antigen B (blood groups B and AB) emerged as a significant factor associated with early stent thrombosis. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the specific biological mechanisms through which ABO blood group antigens could influence stent thrombosis.

Potent P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND

Although potent P2Y12 inhibitors, such as ticagrelor and prasugrel, are standard treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), evidence for their efficacy and safety compared with clopidogrel is limited in patients with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock.

METHODS

Among 28,949 patients from the nationwide pooled registry of KAMIR-NIH and KAMIR-V, a total of 1482 patients (5.1%) with AMI and cardiogenic shock who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit vessel were selected. Primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE, a composite of cardiac death, MI, repeat revascularization and definite stent thrombosis) and major secondary outcome was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2 or greater bleeding at 2 years.

RESULTS

Among the study population, 537 patients (36.2%) received potent P2Y12 inhibitors and 945 patients (63.8%) received clopidogrel after index procedure. The risk of MACE was significantly lower in the potent P2Y12 inhibitors group than in the clopidogrel group (16.6% versus 24.7%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.76 [95% CI 0.59-0.99]; P = 0.046). Regarding BARC type 2 or greater bleeding, there was no significant difference between the potent P2Y12 inhibitors group and the clopidogrel group (12.5% versus 10.7%; adjusted HR, 1.36 [95% CI 0.98-1.88]; P = 0.064). Significant interaction was observed in patients aged ≥ 75 years (interaction P = 0.021) or venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA-ECMO) use (interaction P = 0.015) for significantly increased risk of BARC type 2 or greater bleeding following the use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock, the use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors was associated with a lower risk of MACE compared with clopidogrel, without an increased risk of BARC type 2 or greater bleeding. The current data supports the use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with AMI and cardiogenic shock, except in patients aged ≥ 75 years or receiving VA-ECMO support.

Clinical Impact of P2Y12 Pretreatment in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights from the SEMPRE (St-Elevation Mestre Pretreatment Registry) Study

Early administration of P2Y12 receptor antagonists, in patients admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) diagnosis, is still debatable. Aim of this observational registry was to describe the clinical impact of a preloading strategy on coronary reperfusion and in-hospital bleeding in a real-world population, compared with patients who did not receive a P2Y12 receptor antagonist. Consecutive patients from January 2016 to April 2021 with STEMI, who underwent emerging coronary angiography in our institution were included. Primary outcomes were: infarct related artery (IRA) patency; definite or probable stent thrombosis (ST) and in-hospital BARC3-5 bleeding. To overcome the limit of the observational nature of the study an inverse-probability-weighting (IPW) analysis has been performed to adjust for baseline differences. A total of 1004 patients were included, 70% of them did not receive a P2Y12 inhibitor, while 301 patients (30%) were pretreated with a P2Y12 inhibitor before coronary angiography. We have not found differences in IRA reperfusion (46.9% vs. 46.8%; p = 0.81), final TIMI 3 flow after PCI (85.6% vs. 84.9%; p = 0.47) and acute or subacute ST (2% vs. 0.7%; p = 0.17). BARC 3-5 bleeding was significantly higher in the P2Y12 inhibitor-pretreated group (7.3% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.005). At multivariate analysis, pretreatment with a P2Y12 inhibitor, before knowing the coronary anatomy, was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic events (adj OR 3.45 [95% CI 1.78 to 6.69]; p <0.001), In STEMI patients, a routine pretreatment strategy with a P2Y12 inhibitor, before the coronary angiography, seems to not impact on reperfusion outcomes, despite a trend toward increased risk of stent thrombosis; on the other hand, it may increase the risk of major bleedings.

Assessment of Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon-Only Angioplasty for Stent Thrombosis: SPARTAN-ST Study

BACKGROUND

There are no data regarding the outcomes of patients with stent thrombosis (ST) being treated with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of patients with ST treated with DCB vs. a drug eluting stent (DES).

METHODS

In this registry analysis, we identified all patients treated for ST in our institution from June 2011 until November 2019. We excluded patients who died in the cath lab, patients with uncrossable lesions, and patients treated with thrombectomy only. Patient outcomes were obtained from Hospital Episodes Statistics from NHS England. The primary endpoint of this study was the composite of cardiovascular mortality, acute coronary syndrome, or target lesion revascularisation. The data were analysed with Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier estimator plots.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients were identified; 92 treated with DCB-only, 36 with balloon angioplasty (BA), 26 with DES, and 19 with a combination of DES and DCB. We compared the outcomes of 92 patients with DCB versus 20 patients with DES, all of which had presented with late or very late ST. There was no difference between DCB and DES in terms of the primary endpoint (p = 0.06). Multivariate analysis identified diabetes (adverse) and the use of GPIIbIIIa inhibitor (favourable) as the only independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Implantation of a DES was independently associated with worse cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study assessing the outcomes of patients with ST treated with DCB only. It has demonstrated that DCBs are an attractive therapeutic option with a tendency towards favourable outcomes when compared to DESs.

Differential Prognosis of True Bifurcation Lesions According to Left Main Versus Non-Left Main Location and Treatment Strategy

BACKGROUND

Although true bifurcation lesions are associated with a high risk of procedural complications, the differential prognostic implications of percutaneous coronary intervention for true bifurcations according to lesion location are unclear. This study aimed to identify whether clinical outcomes of true bifurcation lesions differed between left main coronary artery (LM) and non-LM bifurcations and to determine the optimal treatment strategy for subtypes of bifurcation lesions in the current-generation drug-eluting stent era.

METHODS

The ULTRA-BIFURCAT (Combined Insights From the Unified COBIS III, RAIN, and ULTRA Registries) was created by merging 3 bifurcation-dedicated registries from Korea and Italy. For this, 6548 patients treated with bifurcation lesions were stratified by lesion location and subtype. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis) at 800 days.

RESULTS

In patients with an LM bifurcation, those with a true bifurcation had a significantly higher risk of a MACE than those with a nontrue bifurcation (20.2% versus 13.4%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.44 [95% CI, 1.11-1.86]; P=0.006). Conversely, there was no significant difference in the risk of a MACE according to true versus nontrue bifurcation in patients with non-LM bifurcation lesions (9.0% versus 8.8%; adjusted HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.82-1.27]; P=0.849). For LM true bifurcations, MACE rates were comparable between 1-stent and 2-stent strategies, whereas for LM nontrue bifurcations, the 2-stent strategy was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACEs than the 1-stent strategy. No significant differences in the risk of MACEs were observed in non-LM bifurcation lesions according to lesion subtype or treatment strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes were worse for LM true bifurcation lesions than non-LM true bifurcation lesions. A provisional 1-stent strategy should be the preferred approach for treating LM nontrue bifurcation lesions.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03068494, NCT03544294, and NCT05205148.

Coronary revascularisation deferral based on quantitative flow ratio or fractional flow reserve: a post hoc analysis of the FAVOR III Europe trial

BACKGROUND

Safe deferral of revascularisation is a key aspect of physiology-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While recent evidence gathered in the FAVOR III Europe trial showed that quantitative flow ratio (QFR) guidance did not meet non-inferiority to fractional flow reserve (FFR) guidance, it remains unknown if QFR might have a specific value in revascularisation deferral.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the safety of coronary revascularisation deferral based on QFR as compared with FFR.

METHODS

Patients randomised in the FAVOR III trial in whom PCI was deferred in at least one coronary artery, based on QFR or FFR>0.80, were included in the present substudy. The primary outcome was the 1-year rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), with results reported for two subsets of deferred patients: (1) any study lesion deferral and (2) complete study lesion deferral.

RESULTS

A total of 523 patients (55.2%) in the QFR group and 599 patients (65.3%) in the FFR group had at least one coronary revascularisation deferral. Of these, 433 patients (82.8%) and 511 (85.3%) patients, respectively, had complete study lesion deferral. In the "complete study lesion deferral" patient group, the occurrence of MACE was significantly higher in QFR-deferred patients as compared with FFR-deferred patients (24 [5.6%] vs 14 [2.8%], adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-4.03; p=0.03). In the subgroup of "any study lesion deferral", the MACE rate was 5.6% vs 3.6% (QFR vs FFR), adjusted HR 1.55, 95% CI: 0.88-2.73; p=0.13.

CONCLUSIONS

QFR-based deferral of coronary artery revascularisation resulted in a higher incidence of 1-year MACE as compared with FFR-based deferral.

Sex-related outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention of in-stent restenosis

Limited data are available for sex-related long-term outcomes of patients treated for coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis. The aim of this observational, retrospective analysis was to close this lack of evidence. Between January 2007 and February 2021, a total of 3511 patients with 5497 in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions were treated at two large-volume centers in Munich, Germany, of which 763 (21.7%) were female. Endpoints of interest were all-cause mortality and rates of repeat revascularization. Outcomes are presented as Kaplan-Meier event rates. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Female patients were older (72.1 ± 10.4 versus 68.4 ± 10.4 years, p < 0.001) and suffered more often from diabetes (38.8% versus 34.4%, p = 0.029). There was no statistical difference regarding the clinical presentation and interventional treatment strategy. After 10 years, the risk of all-cause mortality was higher in female patients [hazard ratio (HR) 1.18 (1.02-1.35); p = 0.022]; however, after adjustment for age, the risk did not differ significantly between both sexes [adjusted HR 0.96 (0.83-1.11); p = 0.6]. Regarding target vessel revascularization (TVR) and non-target vessel revascularization (NTVR), the risk was lower in female patients [HR 0.73 (0.61-0.87); p < 0.001 and HR 0.74 (0.64-0.86); p < 0.001] even after age adjustment. No statistical differences were found regarding the risk of target lesion revascularization, target vessel myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. In the long term, all-cause mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention of DES-ISR did not differ between both sexes after age adjustment. The risk of TVR and NTVR was lower in female patients even after age adjustment.

Polymer-free sirolimus- and probucol-eluting stents versus durable polymer-based everolimus-eluting stents for percutaneous coronary revascularization: A prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Owing to the advent of new generation drug-eluting stents, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes are improving. However, the polymers, which have been the most common type of coatings used in drug-eluting stents, have some issues. The study aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing PCI with polymer-free sirolimus- and probucol-eluting stents (NP023).

METHODS

This clinical trial was a prospective multicenter single-blind noninferiority randomized study performed at 22 hospitals in Japan. We randomly assigned patients in a 2:1 ratio to undergo PCI with either NP023 or durable polymer-based everolimus-eluting stents (control stents) with a 5-year follow-up. The primary outcome was freedom from target lesion failure (TLF) at 9 months, defined as patient-oriented composite of cardiac death, ischemia-driven target vessel-related myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. The secondary outcome included adverse outcomes at 5 years following the index procedure.

RESULTS

Overall, 432 patients (463 lesions) were treated at 22 sites in Japan [mean age, 68 years; males, 345 (80 %); chronic coronary artery diseases, 322 (74.5 %)]. Of the participants, 91 % completed the 5-year follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of the percentages of patients who were free from TLF were 95.8 % and 97.3 % with NP023 and control stents, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95 % confidential interval, 0.80-1.21; p < 0.01 for noninferiority). At the 5-year follow-up, the secondary endpoint for safety was not different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed similar outcomes for polymer-free sirolimus- and probucol-eluting stents and durable polymer-based everolimus-eluting stents regarding freedom from TLF at 9 months and other outcomes at 5 years among patients undergoing PCI.

Intravascular Imaging Predictors Associated With Cardiovascular Events After Complex PCIs

BACKGROUND

Intravascular imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with complex coronary artery lesions compared with angiography-guided PCI. However, the prognostic impact of suboptimal findings on intravascular imaging such as stent underexpansion, malapposition, or dissection is unclear in the era of contemporary drug-eluting stents.

METHODS

From RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI (Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravascular Imaging Guidance Versus Angiography-Guidance on Clinical Outcomes After Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) which compared imaging-guided PCI with angiography-guided PCI in patients with complex lesions, post-PCI intravascular imaging findings, including minimum stent area (MSA), relative stent underexpansion (MSA≤80% of the average reference lumen area), malapposition, or dissection, were assessed in nonleft main target lesions. The primary end point was target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target lesion-related myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, or definite stent thrombosis.

RESULTS

A total of 897 nonleft main lesions from 714 patients undergoing imaging-guided PCI were included. During a median follow-up duration of 2.1 years, the optimal cutoff value of MSA to predict the occurrence of TLF was 5.5 mm2, and MSA<5.5 mm2 was associated with a significantly higher risk of TLF than MSA≥5.5 mm2 (2.2% versus 4.8%; adjusted hazard ratio, 3.09 [95% CI, 1.01-9.50]; P=0.048). Compared with the reference group (MSA≥5.5 mm2 and no suboptimal findings), the subgroup of patients with MSA≥5.5 mm2 and post-PCI intravascular imaging findings of relative stent underexpansion, major malapposition, or major dissection was associated with a numerically increased risk of TLF (0.0% versus 3.2%; P=0.057). Compared with the same reference group, the subgroup of patients with MSA<5.5 mm2 and suboptimal post-PCI intravascular imaging findings was associated with a significantly increased risk of TLF (0.0% versus 4.7%; P=0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

After intravascular imaging-guided PCI with contemporary drug-eluting stents for nonleft main complex lesions, inadequate absolute stent expansion was independently associated with a higher risk of TLF. Suboptimal post-PCI intravascular imaging findings of relative stent underexpansion, major malapposition, and major dissection seem to contribute to the risk of TLF.

REGISTRATION

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03381872.

Impact of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Elevation After On- and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Long-Term Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative myocardial injury is correlated with long-term prognosis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is diagnosed according to troponin levels, which vary substantially upon surgical strategies. We aimed to explore the troponin I cutoff values for prognostically significant myocardial injury separately in on-pump and off-pump procedures with the use of a high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnI).

METHODS

Patients who underwent isolated CABG from 2018 to 2020 with available perioperative hs-cTnI measurements were included in this study. We explored the relationships between hs-cTnI levels and different outcomes. To identify hs-cTnI threshold levels indicative of higher risks, restrictive spline regressions were performed for on-pump and off-pump procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 7813 patients were included with a median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range 1.7-3.3 years), 218 (2.8%) of whom died. Adjusting for clinical variables, the study found a significant association between peak hs-cTnI levels within the first 48 hours after surgery and all end points. The spline regressions demonstrated that the hs-cTnI levels measured within 48 hours after surgery that were associated with a hazard ratio of more than 1.00 for all-cause death were 1446 ng/L (55.6 × upper reference limit [URL], 95% confidence interval [CI] 45.0-106.5 × URL) for on-pump and 564 ng/L (21.7 × URL, 95% CI 21.0-30.2 × URL) for off-pump.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated hs-cTnI levels after CABG were associated with poorer longer-term outcomes. A prognosis-relevant hs-cTnI cutoff value within 48 hours after CABG for on-pump is significantly higher than that for off-pump.

Impact of impaired renal function on kinetics of high-sensitive cardiac troponin following cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Impaired renal function can increase cardiac troponin levels due to reduced elimination, potentially affecting its diagnostic utility. Limited data exist on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) kinetics after cardiac surgery relative to renal function. This study evaluates how impaired renal function influences hs-cTnI kinetics following cardiac surgery, distinguishing between patients with and without postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery at our hospital from January 2013 to May 2019. Serial hs-cTnI measurements were taken from baseline up to 48 h post-surgery. Renal function was assessed using the MDRD formula, defining impaired renal function as a GFR < 60 ml/min. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was based on postoperative creatinine levels, and PMI was defined by ARC-2 criteria. Predictors of long-term all-cause mortality were analyzed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

Out of 14,355 patients (51.4% CABG, 39.4% valvular procedures, 9.2% thoracic aortic procedures), 139 (1.0%) had PMI. Hs-cTnI levels were higher in patients with impaired renal function across the cohort and in those without PMI. However, in patients with PMI, hs-cTnI levels did not vary significantly with renal function. Elevated hs-cTnI ≥ 213 times the upper limit of normal was a significant predictor of long-term mortality regardless of renal function (hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17-1.40, p < 0.001), but early postoperative hs-cTnI measures held poor discriminatory yield to predict PMI with an AUC of 0.55 (95% confidence intervals: 0.54-0.56).

CONCLUSION

Renal function and acute kidney injury affect hs-cTnI kinetics post-surgery only in patients without PMI. Elevated hs-cTnI remains a strong predictor of long-term mortality, independent of renal function, but early postoperative detection of PMI requires additional metrics, including ECG, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and signs of hemodynamic instability.

Culprit-Lesion Drug-Coated-Balloon Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Presenting with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

Background/Objectives: Drug-eluting stents (DESs) remain the standard of treatment for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, complications such as stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis still pose significant risks. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as a promising alternative, but data for this clinical scenario are still scarce. The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DCB culprit-lesion primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients presenting with STEMI and to evaluate its impact on the microcirculatory territory. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted across six European centers. Results: In total, 118 patients were included. Of these, 82.2% were male, with a median age of 67 years (IQR 36-92); 28% patients presented with stent thrombosis and most of them (94%) underwent paclitaxel-DCB-pPCI. The median follow-up was 23.2 months (IQR 6.7-77.3). Target lesion failure (TLF) rates were low (3.4%), with no differences between patients presenting with native coronary vessel and stent thrombosis (4.7% vs. 0%; p = 0.205). Overall mortality rates at follow-up were 7%, with only 1.8% attributed to cardiac causes. A target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate of 1.8% was observed, with no target vessel myocardial infarction reported. A subgroup of patients (42; 35.6%) underwent an adenosine-free angiographic microvascular resistance (AMR) analysis. The median AMR was 4.7 (3.9-5.5) and was greater in the stent thrombosis group than in the native coronary group (5.1 vs. 4.6; p = 0.038) with no clinical differences between patients based on the AMR. Conclusions: DCB-pPCI has emerged as an alternative potential treatment for patients presenting with STEMI, with few long-term adverse cardiac events. Despite the encouraging outcomes, these findings underscore the need for a large randomized clinical trial powered by a relevant clinical outcome in order to elucidate the role of DCB-PCI in patients presenting with STEMI.

Randomized comparison of the combined Sirolimus eluting and endothelial progenitor cell combo Stent vs. biolimus eluting absorbable polymer coated biomatrix alpha stent in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Rationale and study design of the Scandinavian Organization for randomized trials with clinical outcome (SORT OUT) XI trial

RATIONALE

The biodegradable polymer Biomatrix Alpha stent contains biolimus A9 drug which is a sirolimus derivative increased in lipophicity. The biodegradable polymer sirolimus eluting Combo stent is a dual-therapy sirolimus-eluting and CD34+ antibody coated stent capturing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

HYPOTHESIS

The main hypothesis of the SORT OUT XI trial was that the biodegradable polymer biolimus A9 Biomatrix Alpha stent is noninferior to the biodegradable polymer sirolimus eluting Combo stent in an all-comers population with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

The SORT OUT XI study was a randomized, multicenter, single blinded, all-comer, 2-arm, noninferiority trial comparing the biodegradable polymer biolimus A9 Biomatrix Alpha stent to the biodegradable polymer sirolimus eluting Combo stent in 3 Danish University Hospitals in Western Denmark. The composite primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) within 12 months. TLF was defined as composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction not related to other than index lesion or target lesion revascularization. Clinically driven event detection was used and no planned follow up was performed. With a sample size of 1,564 patients in each treatment arm, a 2-group large-sample normal approximation test of proportions with a 1-sided 5% significance level had a 90% power to detect noninferiority with a predetermined noninferiority margin of 2.1%.

RESULTS

The trial ran from August 14, 2019 to March 19, 2023. A total of 3141 patients were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to Combo stent (n = 1,573) and Biomatrix Alpha stent (n = 1,568).

CONCLUSION

The SORT OUT XI trial will assess if the biolimus A9 eluting Biomatrix Alpha stent is noninferior to the dual-therapy Combo stent with respect to target lesion failure.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV: NCT03952273.

Revascularization of Chronic Total Occlusions vs. Planned Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Long-Term Outcomes and Mortality

Introduction: The number of chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization procedures has continuously increased, obtaining better results in recent years. However, there are few data regarding long-term outcomes and no comparisons to planned complex non-CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We included all patients undergoing planned complex PCI. Our main objective was to compare a combined endpoint of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at the long-term follow-up of CTO PCI versus planned complex non-CTO PCI. We compared the groups using multivariable Cox regression and performed a propensity score matching analysis to control the baseline characteristics. We repeated the analysis for the separate components of the primary endpoint. Results: From January 2018 to June 2023, 1394 complex coronary PCIs were performed at our center. After excluding 393 non-planned cases, 201 CTO PCIs and 800 non-CTO PCIs were included. The mean follow-up was 2.5 ± 1.5 years. The composite endpoint occurred in 23 (11.6%) CTO PCIs and 219 (28.2%) planned non-CTO PCIs. The multivariable Cox regression using the CTO group as the reference showed a lower risk for the primary outcome (HR: 0.59; 95% CI 0.37-0.95; p = 0.031). After matching, a total of 195 adequately balanced pairs were obtained. The CTO group presented a lower risk for the primary combined outcome (HR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.27-0.76; p = 0.003). Conclusions: In patients undergoing planned complex PCI, those in the CTO group presented a reduced risk of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at the end of the follow-up.

Six-month safety and efficacy outcomes from the randomized-controlled arm of the WRAPSODY Arteriovenous Access Efficacy (WAVE) trial

Stenosis within the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of hemodialysis patients leads to vascular access dysfunction and inadequate hemodialysis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is the standard therapy for stenosis. However, rates of restenosis and loss of access patency remain high. Outcomes of a novel cell-impermeable endoprosthesis (CIE) have not been investigated in this setting. Therefore, our study was designed to address this as a prospective, international, multicenter pivotal trial (NCT04540302) with 245 patients with stenosis in their venous outflow circuit randomized to treatment: 122 receiving CIE and 123 receiving PTA across 43 international centers. Primary endpoints included target lesion primary patency (TLPP) at six months (freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization or target lesion thrombosis) and freedom from safety events through 30 days post-index procedure that affected the access circuit and resulted in reintervention, hospitalization, or death. Access circuit primary patency (ACPP) was evaluated as a secondary efficacy endpoint. Six-month TLPP and ACPP were significantly higher for the CIE cohort versus PTA (TLPP: 89.6% vs. 62.3%; ACPP: 72.2% vs. 57.0%). Thirty days post-index procedure, there was no statistically significant difference in the freedom from safety events for the CIE versus PTA (96.6 vs. 95.0%). No differences were observed in adverse events between either cohort. Our study shows that among patients with stenosis in their AVF, the CIE was superior to PTA with respect to six-month TLPP and ACPP with no observed difference in 30-day primary safety events.

Early and Late Outcomes With the Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold: Final Report From the ABSORB Clinical Trial Program

BACKGROUND

The risk-benefit ratio of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) may vary before and after 3 years, the time point of complete bioresorption of the poly-L-lactic acid scaffold.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the time-varying outcomes of the Absorb BVS compared with cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stents (EES) from a large individual-patient-data pooled analysis of randomized trials.

METHODS

The individual patient data from 5 trials that randomized 5,988 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention to the Absorb BVS vs EES with 5-year follow-up were pooled. The primary effectiveness and safety endpoints were target lesion failure (TLF) (cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization) and device thrombosis (DT).

RESULTS

Between 0 and 5 years, TLF occurred in 15.9% BVS patients vs 13.1% EES patients (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08-1.43; P = 0.002), and DT occurred in 2.2% vs 1.0%, respectively (HR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.49-3.79; P = 0.0002). Between 0 and 3 years, TLF occurred in 12.4% BVS patients vs 9.3% EES patients (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.15-1.59; P = 0.0002), and DT occurred in 2.0% vs 0.6%, respectively (HR: 3.58; 95% CI: 2.01-6.36; P < 0.0001). Between 3 and 5 years, TLF occurred in 4.5% BVS patients vs 4.7% EES patients (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.76-1.27; P = 0.91), and DT occurred in 0.2% vs 0.4%, respectively (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.18-1.38; P = 0.17). By spline analysis, the TLF hazard by 5 years was lower with BVS than EES.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with EES treatment, BVS increased TLF and DT rates through 5-year follow-up. However, the period of excess risk for the first-generation Absorb BVS ended at 3 years, when poly-L-lactic acid bioresorption is complete. Thereafter event rates were comparable or lower with BVS. (ABSORB II Randomized Controlled Trial, NCT01425281; A Clinical Evaluation of Absorb™ Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold [Absorb™ BVS] System in Chinese Population - ABSORB CHINA Randomized Controlled Trial [ABSORB CHINA], NCT01923740; AVJ-301 Clinical Trial: A Clinical Evaluation of AVJ-301 [Absorb™ BVS] in Japanese Population [ABSORB JAPAN], NCT01844284; ABSORB III Randomized Controlled Trial [ABSORB III], NCT01751906; Absorb IV Randomized Controlled Trial, NCT02173379).

Polymer-free versus biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stent in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: an assessor-blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Few data are available on polymer-free drug-eluting stents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

AIMS

We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a polymer-free amphilimus-eluting stent (AES), using a reservoir-based technology for drug delivery, compared with a biodegradable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent (EES).

METHODS

This was a randomised, investigator-initiated, assessor-blind, non-inferiority trial conducted at 14 hospitals in Italy (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04135989). All-comer patients undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to either polymer-free AES or biodegradable-polymer EES. The primary endpoint was a device-oriented composite endpoint, including cardiovascular death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularisation at 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Between January 2020 and June 2022, a total of 2,107 patients with 3,042 coronary lesions were randomised to polymer-free AES (1,051 patients) or biodegradable-polymer EES (1,056 patients). At 1-year follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 86 (8.2%) patients randomised to polymer-free AES and 76 (7.2%) patients randomised to biodegradable-polymer EES (risk difference 1%, upper limit of the 1-sided 95% confidence interval [CI] of 2.9%; p for non-inferiority=0.041). There were no significant differences in the incidence of the components of the primary endpoint between groups. However, definite or probable stent thrombosis occurred more frequently in patients randomised to polymer-free stents (1.0% vs 0.3%; hazard ratio 3.72, 95% CI: 1.04-13.33; p=0.044) due to an increased risk of early stent thrombosis within 30 day Conclusions: In all-comer patients undergoing PCI, polymer-free AES were non-inferior to biodegradable-polymer EES at 1-year follow-up in terms of a device-oriented composite endpoint despite being associated with an increased risk of early stent thrombosis.

Downstream cangrelor versus upstream ticagrelor in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Pretreatment with a P2Y12 inhibitor may be considered in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Intravenous cangrelor is an alternative in this setting, where oral absorption can be hindered. The aim of this study was to compare cangrelor administered after coronary angiography (i.e., "downstream") and ticagrelor pretreatment (i.e., "upstream").

METHODS

STEMI patients undergoing PCI from October 2019 to June 2023 were included. The primary outcome was the composite of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome and in-hospital major bleeding. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed in unmatched and propensity-matched cohorts.

RESULTS

Of 6086 patients enrolled in the prospective CAST registry, 761 were included: 383 (50.3 %) received downstream cangrelor and 378 (49.7 %) upstream ticagrelor. In the matched population, no between-group differences were observed in MACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.30; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.79-2.17; P 0.308), all-cause death (OR 1.91; 95 % CI 0.87-4.54; P 0.124), myocardial infarction (OR 2.64; 95 % CI 0.76-12.14; P 0.154), stent thrombosis (OR 0.38; 95 % CI 0.06-1.80; P 0.255), unplanned repeat revascularization (OR 1.22; 95 % CI 0.32-4.98; P 0.766) and major bleeding (OR 0.98; 95 % CI 0.50-1.93; P 0.955). Cardiogenic shock and bailout administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were independent predictors of MACE, while radial access showed an inverse association with the primary outc.

CONCLUSIONS

In P2Y12-naïve STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, no significant differences were noted in the risk of in-hospital ischemic and bleeding events between downstream cangrelor and upstream ticagrelor.

Association of coronary inflammation with plaque vulnerability and fractional flow reserve in coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

The fat attenuation index (FAI) measured using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) enables the direct evaluation of pericoronary adipose tissue composition and vascular inflammation. We aimed to investigate the association of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and plaque vulnerability with coronary inflammation.

METHODS

Patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCTA and invasive FFR measurements within 90-day were included. A cloud-based medical device, CaRi-Heart, serves as a surrogate tool for evaluating coronary inflammation based on FAI by analyzing CCTA images. The correlations between CCTA-defined plaque characteristics, invasive coronary angiographic and physiologic assessments, and CaRi-Heart risk were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the patient-oriented composite outcome (POCO) consisting of all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, and any revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 564 patients (median age 67.0 years; 75.4 ​% men) were included. There were no significant differences in quantitative and qualitative plaque characteristics or FFR between the high- and low-CaRi-Heart risk groups (i.e., ≥5 ​% and <5 ​%). During the median follow-up of 3.2 years [1.13-4.73 years], CaRi-Heart risk ≥5 ​% was associated with a significantly higher rate of POCO compared to CaRi-Heart risk <5 ​% (0.9 ​% vs. 10.1 ​%, P ​= ​0.037). The CaRi-Heart risk was an independent predictor of POCO as a continuous (adjusted HR 1.016, 95 ​% CI 1.005-0.027, P ​= ​0.004) and categorical variable (CaRi-Heart risk ≥5 ​%, adjusted HR 2.949, 95 ​% CI 1.182-7.360, P ​= ​0.021), regardless of high-risk plaque characteristics and FFR.

CONCLUSION

Coronary inflammation risk assessed using CaRi-Heart risk provides independent prognostic information regardless of plaque vulnerability and physiologic stenosis in patients with CAD.

Sex-Specific Troponin and Creatine Kinase Thresholds After Coronary Bypass Surgery

BACKGROUND

The impact of sex-differences on the release of cardiac biomarkers after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unknown. The aim of our study was to (1) investigate the impact of sex-differences in cardiac biomarker release after CABG and (2) determine sex-specific thresholds for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) associated with 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of 3687 patients, comprising 643 women (17.4%) and 3044 men (82.6%), undergoing CABG from 2008 to 2021 in 2 tertiary university centers with serial postoperative cTn and CK-MB measurement was analyzed. The composite primary outcome was MACE at 30 days. Secondary end points were 30-day mortality and 5-year mortality and MACE. Sex-specific thresholds for cTn and CK-MB were determined.

RESULTS

Lower levels of cTn were found in women after CABG (69.18 vs 77.57 times the upper reference limit [URL]; P < .001). The optimal threshold value for cTn was calculated at 94.36 times the URL for female patients and 206.07 times the URL for male patients to predict 30-day MACE. Female patients missed by a general threshold had increased risk for MACE or death within 30 days (cTn: MACE: odds ratio [OR], 3.78; 95% CI, 1.03-13.08; P = .035; death: OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.20-20.61; P = .027; CK-MB: MACE: OR, 10.04; 95% CI, 2.07-48.75; P < .001; death: OR 13.59; 95% CI, 2.66-69.47; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence for sex-specific differences in the outcome and biomarker release after CABG. Sex-specific cutoffs are necessary for the diagnosis of perioperative myocardial injury to improve outcomes of women after CABG.

Frequency of periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction stratified by cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T

BACKGROUND

There are different definitions of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PPMI) both in terms of thresholds for cardiac biomarkers and the ancillary criteria for myocardial ischemia. Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) are used interchangeably to diagnose PPMI.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the frequency of periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction as defined by the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), the Academic Research Consortium-2 (ARC-2), and the 4th Universal definition of MI (4UDMI) stratified using cTnT versus cTnI, among patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and unstable angina.

RESULTS

Among 830 patients, PPMI rates according to the SCAI, ARC2 and 4UDMI criteria were 4.34 %, 2.05 %, and 4.94 % respectively, with higher rates seen for all definitions when using cTnI versus cTnT (SCAI: 9.84 % vs. 1.91 %, p < 0.001; ARC 2: 3.15 % vs. 1.56 %, p = 0.136; and 4UDMI 5.91 % vs. 4.51 %, p = 0.391). Minor and major periprocedural myocardial injury was respectively observed in 58.31 % and 27.10 % of patients, with rates of both significantly higher when using cTnI versus cTnT (Minor: 69.29 % vs. 53.47 %, p < 0.001, Major: 49.21 % vs. 17.36 %, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with CCS and unstable angina, PPMIs defined by SCAI occurred more frequently when using cTnI as opposed to cTnT, whereas the type of troponin had no impact on the incidence of PPMIs according to the ARC-2 and 4UDMI.

Prognostic Value of Postpercutaneous Coronary Intervention Murray-Law-Based Quantitative Flow Ratio: Post Hoc Analysis From FLAVOUR Trial

Background

Coronary physiology measured by fractional flow reserve (FFR) is superior to angiography for assessing the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Yet, the clinical adoption of post-PCI FFR is limited. Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) may represent a promising alternative, as it can quickly compute FFR from a single angiographic view.

Objectives

The authors aimed to investigate the potential role of post-PCI μQFR in predicting clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a post hoc blinded analysis of the FLAVOUR trial. Patients with angiographically intermediate lesions randomized 1:1 to receive FFR or intravascular ultrasound-guided PCI were included. Post-PCI μQFR was assessed in successfully stented vessels, blinded to clinical outcomes. Suboptimal physiological outcome post-PCI was defined a priori as post-PCI μQFR <0.90. The primary endpoint was 2-year target vessel failure, including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. Secondary endpoints included the diagnostic concordance of pre-PCI μQFR with FFR in the FFR-guidance arm.

Results

Post-PCI μQFR was successfully analyzed in 806 vessels from 777 participants (feasibility 97.0% [806 of 831]). Suboptimal physiological outcome post-PCI was identified in 24.7% (199 of 806) of vessels and post-PCI μQFR <0.90 was associated with higher risk of 2-year target vessel failure (6.1% [12 of 199] vs 2.7% [16 of 607]; HR: 2.45 [95% CI: 1.14-5.26]; P = 0.022). Pre-PCI μQFR was obtained in 877 of 919 vessels (feasibility 95.4%), showing 90% accuracy, 82% sensitivity, and 94% specificity for identifying physiologically significant stenosis defined by pre-PCI FFR ≤0.80.

Conclusions

In patients with intermediate lesions who underwent PCI with contemporary imaging or physiology guidance, lower post-PCI μQFR values predict subsequent adverse events. (Fractional FLow Reserve And IVUS for Clinical OUtcomes in Patients With InteRmediate Stenosis [FLAVOUR]; NCT02673424).

Dual antiplatelet therapy duration and stent type in patients with high bleeding risk: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is uncertain whether the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with high bleeding risk (HBR) vary according to DAPT duration and stent type (eg, durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DESs), biodegradable polymer DESs (BP-DESs), or polymer-free drug-coated stents (PF-DCSs)). We aimed to study the stent type and DAPT duration appropriate for patients with HBR.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched until October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with HBR that compared standard DAPT (6-12 months) with DP- or BP-DES versus short DAPT (≤3 months) with DP- or BP-DES or PF-DCS or bare-metal stent (BMS) were identified. The primary efficacy outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included MI and stent thrombosis (ST). We performed a network meta-analysis using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs with a total of 19,418 patients with HBR were included. Compared to standard DAPT with DP-DES, short DAPT with BMS was associated with a higher risk of MACE and MI. For major bleeding, short DAPT strategies were associated with a lower risk than standard DAPT strategies (e.g. short DAPT with DP-DES vs standard DAPT with DP-DES; HR[95% CI]: 0.48[0.28-0.82]). Interestingly, the use of BP-DES was associated with a higher risk of ST than DP-DES (e.g. standard DAPT with BP-DES vs short DAPT with DP-DES; HR[95% CI]: 2.65[1.03-6.79]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HBR who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, a short DAPT strategy with DP-DES should be used since it offers the best combination of efficacy and safety.

Platelets, Biomarkers of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis, and Early Coronary Stent Thrombosis

Background/Objectives: Acute stent thrombosis (ST) is a rare yet severe complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Herein, we investigated the possible association between routinely available coagulation and fibrinolysis markers with early ST. Methods: Within a single-center registry, we investigated the association between the preprocedural platelet count, plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-Dimer, and the incidence of early ST in the first 30 days after PCI. Results: Out of 10,714 consecutive patients who underwent PCI using drug-eluting stents (DESs), the preprocedural platelet count, fibrinogen, and D-Dimer measurements were available in 6337, 6155, and 956 patients, respectively. Fifty-eight patients (0.92%) experienced an early ST within 30 days after PCI. Compared with those without ST, patients with early ST showed significantly elevated preprocedural platelet counts (p < 0.05) and fibrinogen levels (p < 0.05). D-Dimer levels were not associated with early ST. Patients in the fifth quintile of platelet count had a significantly increased risk for early ST (HR 2.43; 95% CI 1.43-4.14; p = 0.001) compared with patients in the lower four quintiles. In addition, patients in the fifth quintile of fibrinogen also had a significantly increased risk for early ST (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.07-3.26; p < 0.05) compared with patients in the lower four quintiles. These associations were independent of clinical risk factors, the number of stents, the presence of acute coronary syndromes, and white blood cell count. Conclusions: Preprocedural platelet counts and fibrinogen plasma levels can identify patients at elevated risk of early ST after implantation of DESs in addition to procedure-level and device-related risk factors.

Role of LipoprotEin(a) in CardiovascuLar diseases and premature acute coronary syndromes (RELACS study): Impact of Lipoprotein(a) levels on the premature coronary event and the severity of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] emerging as a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the role and the impact of Lp(a) in the early formation and progression of complex CAD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Lp(a) levels on the age of first acute coronary events and CAD severity in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The RELACS study, a single-center prospective observational study that included 774 consecutive ACS patients. Lp(a) levels were measured and stratified into tertiles. Primary endpoint was the correlation between Lp(a) levels and the age of first acute coronary event. Secondary endpoint was correlation between Lp(a) levels and CAD complexity (SYNTAX I and Gensini scores). The mean (SD) age was 63.2 (12.6) years and 603 (78 %) were males. The clinical presentations included 40.1 % of patients with STEMI, 46.9 % with NSTEMI, and 13 % with unstable angina. Median baseline Lp(a) level was 21.85 mg/dL. Higher Lp(a) levels were linked to a younger age of the first coronary event (B coefficient -0.83, p = 0.002). Positive correlations were found between Lp(a) levels and Gensini (r = 0.16, p = 0.011) and SYNTAX scores (r = 0.14, p = 0.004). Each tertile increase in Lp(a) corresponded to an 8.01-point increase in Gensini score (p = 0.019) and a 2.92-point increase in SYNTAX score (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with earlier onset and greater complexity of CAD in ACS patients. These findings suggest Lp(a) is a critical risk factor for early atherogenesis and may require aggressive lipid-lowering strategies in primary prevention settings.

Effectiveness of the repeated 3-time-balloon-inflation method in reducing coronary stent edge dissection

The optimal procedural protocol for coronary stent deployment remains undetermined. Post-dilation with a high-pressure balloon is often performed to optimize the stent expansion. However, high-pressure dilation also carries the potential risk of coronary artery injury. A previous in vitro study reported that multiple-times balloon inflation at the same pressure resulted in better stent expansion compared to one-time balloon inflation. In our facility, we frequently perform the repeated 3-time-balloon-inflation method, wherein the stent delivery balloon was inflated 3 times at nominal pressure to deploy the stent, to improve stent expansion without high-pressure balloon inflation. Although this method seems effective in avoiding excessive high-pressure dilation, its clinical data are insufficient. In this study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of the repeated 3-time-balloon-inflation method. This retrospective study included 370 patients with 467 stented coronary lesions. These subjects were divided into two groups: one with standard balloon inflation and the other with repeated 3-time balloon inflation, and treatment outcomes were compared. The repeated 3-time-balloon-inflation group had 254 lesions, and the standard-balloon-inflation group had 213 lesions. Stent edge dissection occurred in 6 lesions (2.8%) in the standard-balloon-inflation group, whereas did not occur in the repeated 3-time-balloon-inflation group. A statistically significant difference remained even after propensity score matching (p = 0.040). The final minimum stent area and long-term clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. The repeated 3-time-balloon-inflation method may reduce stent edge dissection while demonstrating comparable minimal stent area and long-term outcomes to the standard-balloon-inflation method.

Validation of a High Bleeding Risk Definition in Cancer Patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

AIM

Due to the absence of validated bleeding risk tools in cancer patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we aimed to validate an adapted version of the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) High Bleeding Risk (HBR) criteria.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with active or remission cancer undergoing PCI between 2012 and 2022 at Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, USA) were included. Patients were considered at HBR if they met at least one of the major ARC-HBR criteria, other than cancer, or two minor criteria.The primary endpoint was a composite of periprocedural in-hospital or post-discharge bleeding at 1 year. The key secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including death, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

RESULTS

Of the 2,007 cancer patients included in this study, 1,142 (56.9%) were classified as HBR. Moderate to severe anemia was the most prevalent major HBR criterion (35%). At 1 year, the incidence of bleeding was significantly higher in HBR compared to non-HBR patients (10.9% vs. 3.9%, adj. HR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.57-3.53, p<0.001), mainly driven by higher periprocedural bleeding. Similarly, HBR patients were at higher risk of MACCE (11.0% vs. 3.2%, adj. HR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.72-4.47, p<0.001) and death (8.8% vs. 2.2%, adj. HR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.87-5.77, p<0.001) than non-HBR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

An adapted version of the ARC-HBR criteria, in which cancer is not a major criterion, effectively delineates cancer patients undergoing PCI who are at HBR. Cancer patients at HBR according to this definition also exhibited a higher mortality risk. .

Long-term impacts of complete revascularization on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion

The impact of complete revascularization (CR), achieved through the recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs), on long-term patient outcomes remains uncertain. To evaluate this in patients who achieved CR after CTO-PCI with those who did not due to deferred CTO-PCI, the Asan Medical Center Registry was reviewed to identify coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with CTOs treated between January 2003 and December 2018. Patients were included with single-vessel disease with CTO and with multivessel disease who had undergone revascularization for non-CTO lesions. These subjects were divided into those who achieved CR with CTO-PCI and those who did not due to deferred CTO-PCI. Their outcomes were compared following 1:1 propensity score matching. Of the 2746 enrolled CAD patients with CTOs, 1837 achieved CR with CTO-PCI and 909 did not. Propensity score matching yielded 653 patient pairs. The CR-achieving group had a significantly lower 10-year risk of the primary composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.57; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.72; P < 0.001), as well as significantly lower risks of death (HR: 0.66; 95 % CI: 0.51-0.87; P = 0.003) and repeat revascularization (HR: 0.67; 95 % CI: 0.48-0.95; P = 0.023). CR was beneficial in all subgroups, including patients with major cardiovascular risk factors such as older age, hypertension, diabetes, and advanced CAD. Compared with incomplete revascularization, CR may significantly reduce the 10-year incidence of major adverse cardiac events in patients with CTO.

Role of del Nido Cardioplegia Solution in Prolonged Aortic Cross-clamp Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

The myocardial-protective effect of del Nido cardioplegia solution was evaluated in adult patients undergoing prolonged aortic cross-clamping during cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

SETTING

Single-center tertiary academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 462 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass with an expected aortic cross-clamp time >120 minutes between January 2020 and January 2024 were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients with an expected aortic cross-clamp time >120 minutes were randomly assigned to low- and high-risk del Nido and Buckberg groups, with 112 patients in each group. Serum levels of cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase-MB were measured at 1, 24, and 48 hours after operation. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation within 48 hours postoperatively and other intraoperative and postoperative parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in preoperative parameters between the groups. The level of cardiac troponin T was significantly higher in the low-risk del Nido group than in the Buckberg group at 24 hours postoperatively (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in cardiac troponin T or creatine kinase-MB levels at the other time points. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in the Buckberg group at 48 hours was significantly higher than the del Nido group in both the low- and high-risk groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation at 48 hours was significantly lower in the del Nido group than in the Buckberg group. del Nido cardioplegia solution can be safely used for high-risk patients undergoing prolonged aortic cross-clamping.

Polymer free biolimus coated stents to treat acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Asian patients

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have a high thrombotic burden and often have a high bleeding risk (HBR). Asian patients have different patterns of thrombotic and bleeding risk from other populations which may be particularly relevant in the setting of PPCI for STEMI.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of the polymer free biolimus coated coronary stent (PF-BCS, BioFreedomTM, Biosensors International) in Asian STEMI patients.

METHODS

Patients with acute STEMI who received at least one PF-BCS were invited to participate after their index procedure. Follow-up was performed at 1, 4, and 12 months. The primary endpoint was the rate of target lesion failure (TLF) at 1 year. A performance goal was derived from the biolimus eluting stent arm of the COMFORTABLE AMI study which was the only prior dedicated study of biolimus eluting stents in patients with STEMI.

RESULTS

A total of 914 patients with STEMI were enrolled. Mean patient age was 60 ± 13 years, diabetes was present in 23.2% and 43% were active smokers. According to the ARC definition, 12.4% of the patients were HBR. TLF rate was 2.54% [95% CI: 1.52-3.56], p-value for non-inferiority <0.0001, p-value for superiority = 0.0004). The rate of definite/probable stent thrombosis was 0.44% [95% CI: 0.16-1.16]. There was a trend toward more BARC 3 to 5 bleeding in ARC-HBR patients (3.69% vs 1.46%, HR = 2.74, [95% CI: 0.87-8.62], p = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

In Asian patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI and treated with variable durations of DAPT, the use of a PF-BCS was associated with low rates of TLF and stent thrombosis (NCT03609346).

Impact of Covert Brain Infarction Following Coronary Angiography on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between preoperative covert brain infarction following coronary angiography (CAG) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

DESIGN

A cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and December 2019, with the follow-up period concluding at either 5 years after surgery, the date of death, or April 27, 2023.

SETTING

A single tertiary center in Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent preoperative CAG and subsequent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before elective CABG.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was the incidence of MACCEs within 30 days of CABG. MACCEs included operative death (all-cause death within 30 days of surgery or before discharge), myocardial infarction, mechanical circulatory support, circulatory arrest, and stroke. Secondary outcomes included each component of MACCEs and all-cause mortality at 5 years after surgery. Of the 2,476 study patients (median [interquartile range] age: 65 [58-71] years; 24.7% were female), 212 (8.6%) had covert cerebral infarction on brain MRI after CAG but before CABG, and 353 (14.3%) patients experienced MACCEs after CABG. After performing 1:4 propensity-score matching, 1,057 patients were included in the final outcome analysis (212 with covert brain infarction and 845 without). The incidence of MACCEs within 30 days was not significantly different between patients with covert brain infarction and those without (15.1% [32/212] v 15.6% [132/845]; risk difference: -0.5, 95% confidence interval: -5.6 to 4.4; risk ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 1.32, p = 0.85). There were also no significant differences in each component of MACCEs within 30 days. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding all-cause mortality at 5 years (18.7% v 17.0%, respectively, p for stratified log-rank test = 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing elective CABG, there was no significant association between covert brain infarction following CAG and the occurrence of MACCEs within 30 days or long-term mortality after CABG.

Coronary angiography: a review of the state of the art and the evolution of angiography in cardio therapeutics

Traditionally, coronary angiography was restricted to visual estimation of contrast-filled lumen in coronary obstructive diseases. Over the previous decades, considerable development has been made in quantitatively analyzing coronary angiography, significantly improving its accuracy and reproducibility.  Notably, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) holds promise for further enhancing diagnostic accuracy and predictive capabilities. In addition, non-invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) indices, including computed tomography-FFR, have emerged as valuable tools, offering precise physiological assessment of coronary artery disease without the need for invasive procedures. These innovations allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of disease severity and aid in guiding revascularization decisions. This review traces the development of QCA technologies over the years, highlighting key milestones and current advancements. It also explores prospects that could revolutionize the field, such as AI integration and improved imaging techniques. By addressing both historical context and future directions, the article underscores the ongoing evolution of QCA and its critical role in the accurate assessment and management of coronary artery diseases. Through continuous innovation, QCA is poised to remain at the forefront of cardiovascular diagnostics, offering clinicians invaluable tools for improving patient care.

Complete vs Culprit-Only Revascularization in Older Patients With Myocardial Infarction With or Without ST-Segment Elevation

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of complete revascularization is well established in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but it is less investigated in those with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess whether complete revascularization, compared with culprit-only revascularization, was associated with consistent outcomes in older patients with STEMI and NSTEMI.

METHODS

In the FIRE (Functional Assessment in Elderly MI Patients with Multivessel Disease) trial, 1,445 older patients with myocardial infarction (MI) were randomized to culprit-only or physiology-guided complete revascularization, stratified by STEMI (n = 256 culprit-only vs n = 253 complete) and NSTEMI (n = 469 culprit-only vs n = 467 complete). The primary outcome comprised a composite of death, MI, stroke, or revascularization at 1 year. The key secondary outcome included a composite of cardiovascular death or MI at 1 year.

RESULTS

In the overall study population, physiology-guided complete revascularization reduced both primary and key secondary outcomes. The primary outcome occurred in 54 (21.1%) STEMI patients randomized to culprit-only vs 41 (16.2%) STEMI patients of the complete group (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.50-1.13) and in 98 (20.9%) NSTEMI patients randomized to culprit-only vs 72 (15.4%) NSTEMI patients of the complete group (HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.53-0.97), with negative interaction testing (P for interaction, 0.846). Similarly, no signal of heterogeneity with respect to the initial clinical presentation was observed for the key secondary endpoint (P for interaction, 0.654).

CONCLUSIONS

Physiology-guided complete revascularization, compared with culprit-only revascularization, provided consistent benefit across the whole spectrum of patients with MI. (FIRE [Functional Assessment in Elderly MI Patients With Multivessel Disease]; NCT03772743).

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after short DAPT in acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after a short course of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may balance ischaemic and bleeding risks in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it remains uncertain how different P2Y12 inhibitors used as monotherapy affect outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Randomized controlled trials comparing P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after a short course of DAPT (≤3 months) vs. 12-month DAPT in ACS were included. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). All analyses included an interaction term for the P2Y12 inhibitor used as monotherapy. Trial sequential analyses were run to explore whether the effect estimate of each outcome may be affected by further studies. Seven trials encompassing 27 284 ACS patients were included. Compared with 12-month DAPT, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after a short course of DAPT was associated with no difference in MACE [odds ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.12] and a significant reduction in net adverse clinical events (NACE) (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60-0.94), any bleeding (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.43-0.66), and major bleeding (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37-0.60). Significant interactions for subgroup difference between ticagrelor and clopidogrel monotherapy were found for MACE (Pint = 0.016), all-cause death (Pint = 0.042), NACE (Pint = 0.018), and myocardial infarction (Pint = 0.028). Trial sequential analysis showed conclusive evidence of improved NACE with ticagrelor, but not with clopidogrel monotherapy, compared with standard DAPT.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ACS, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after short DAPT halves bleeding without increasing ischaemic events compared with standard DAPT. Ticagrelor, but not clopidogrel monotherapy, reduced MACE, NACE, and mortality compared with standard DAPT, supporting its use after aspirin discontinuation.

Serial Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Coronary Atherosclerosis and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The impact of high-risk coronary artery plaques identified using optical coherence tomography on late luminal narrowing and clinical events remains poorly understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This multicenter prospective study included 176 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and serial optical coherence tomography at baseline and 1-year follow-up to investigate nontarget regions with angiographically intermediate stenosis. At 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention, the coronary artery lumen area decreased significantly from 6.06 (95% CI, 5.60-6.53) mm2 to 5.88 (95% CI, 5.41-6.35) mm2 (difference, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.22 to -0.14 mm2; P<0.001), particularly in thin-cap fibroatheromas, thick-cap fibroatheromas, mixed plaques, and fibrous plaques. The prevalence of fibroatheroma decreased from 38% to 36% (P<0.001), whereas calcified plaque increased from 31% to 34% (P<0.001), accompanied by a significant increase in calcium thickness and angle. Diabetes and current smoking habits were independently associated with increasing calcium prevalence. Patients with thin-cap fibroatheroma had a significantly higher 3-year risk of ischemia-driven nontarget vessel revascularization (hazard ratio, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.03-5.71]; P=0.04), primarily due to revascularization in the imaged region. No significant association was observed between coronary artery calcium prevalence and clinical outcomes within 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The coronary artery lumen area significantly decreased over a 1-year interval, particularly in thin-cap fibroatheromas, thick-cap fibroatheromas, mixed plaques, and fibrous plaques. Although thin-cap fibroatheroma prevalence was associated with higher risk of ischemia-driven nontarget vessel revascularization, no significant association was noted between coronary artery calcium prevalence and clinical outcomes within 3 years. The interaction between calcium progression and long-term clinical events necessitates further investigation.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique Identifier: UMIN000031937.

The association between trimethylamine N-oxide levels and coronary microvascular dysfunction and prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is common after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), leading to adverse clinical outcomes. However, its diagnosis remains difficult, and mechanisms elusive. This study explores the role of Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite, as a potential biomarker for diagnosing CMD in STEMI patients.

METHODS

This prospective, observational study enrolled 210 STEMI patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). TMAO levels were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months post-PCI, whilst coronary physiology was assessed at 3 months. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CMD at 3 months, with the secondary endpoint being major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 12 months. An additional 59 consecutive patients were enrolled for validation.

RESULTS

TMAO levels varied from baseline to 3 months, then stabilised. The areas under the ROC curve for baseline TMAO and TMAO at 3-month were 0.55 (95 % CI 0.46-0.64; p = 0.426), and 0.80 (95 % CI 0.73-0.87; p < 0.001), respectively. The optimal cut-off for TMAO at 3-month to diagnose CMD was 3.91, with similar sensitivity and specificity in the derivation and validation cohort. The incidence of MACCE was higher in patients with TMAO≥3.91 (41.4 % vs 10.7 %; p < 0.001). The addition of 3-month TMAO improved the diagnostic performance of traditional risk factors.

CONCLUSION

TMAO is a robust biomarker for CMD and is significantly associated with the incidence of MACCE. TMAO has the potential in guiding clinical decision-making and suggests an interplay between gut microbiota and CMD.