Safety and efficacy of the unilateral, suture-based, dry-closure technique in percutaneous trans-axillary aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Transaxillary transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAx-TAVI) is the most used alternative access when severe iliofemoral disease renders transfemoral access infeasible. Compared to surgical transaxillary access, a true percutaneous approach using vascular closure devices (VCD) has advantages but can be challenging. Herein, we describe the impact of the "unilateral, suture-mediated, dry-closure technique" on vascular safety and efficacy in patients undergoing true percutaneous TAx-TAVI.

METHODS

A total of 77 patients undergoing percutaneous TAx-TAVI were categorized into a cohort before (C1, n = 40) and after (C2, n = 37) implementation of the suture-based dry-closure technique using an upstream occlusion balloon. In C1, arteriotomy closure mainly consisted of plug-based VCD. The primary (safety) endpoint was occurrence of major or minor access-site related vascular complications in accordance with Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. Technical success rates (at exit from procedure room) were used to assess procedural efficacy.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 79 ± 7 years and 49 % were male. From C1 to C2, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality reduced numerically (from 4.1 to 3.6 %, p = 0.060). Procedures became more streamlined with use of local anesthesia in 100 % (83 % in C2) and the left axillary artery in 76 % (68 % in C2). The primary (safety) endpoint occurred in 34 % of the patients, but reduced from 45 % in C1 to 16 % in C2 (p = 0.011). Concurrently, there was a reduction in VCD failure (45 vs 14 % [incomplete arteriotomy closure in all 5 cases], p = 0.003), bleeding complications (45 vs 14 %, p = 0.003) and bailout vascular surgery/stenting (40 % vs. 16 %, p = 0.021). Technical success was 80 % in C1 and 87 % in C2 (p = 0.45) and median length of hospital stay reduced from 5 (25th-75th percentile: 2-7) to 3 days (25th-75th percentile: 2-5, p = 0.080).

CONCLUSIONS

The unilateral, suture-based dry-closure technique facilitates safe and effective access management in high-risk patients selected for percutaneous TAx-TAVI procedures.

Impact of amyloidosis on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Data on the impact of amyloidosis on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 1-year risk of adverse events post-TAVI in patients with amyloidosis.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TAVI (between 2005 and 2023) were categorized into 2 groups based on the presence of amyloidosis. The primary outcome was the 1-year risk of a composite endpoint: heart failure (HF), ischemic stroke, pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, and all-cause death. Secondary outcomes assessed the individual components of the composite. Propensity score matching was used to balance the groups, and Cox regression was used to assess the risk of adverse outcomes associated with amyloidosis. Composite outcomes were analyzed for early (30-days) and long-term (30-days to 1 year) follow-up.

RESULTS

Data from 589 TAVI patients with amyloidosis (mean age 78.9±8.2 years, 31.9% female) were compared with 52 296 individuals without amyloidosis (mean age 78.1±8.8 years, 40.3% female). After propensity score matching, patients with amyloidosis had a significantly higher 1-year risk of adverse events (HR, 1.27; 95%CI, 1.08-1.49). Specifically, patients with amyloidosis showed an increased risk of HF (HR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.10-1.70). Stroke risk (HR, 1.67; 95%CI, 1.16-2.40) and pacemaker implantation (HR, 2.25; 95%CI, 1.15-4.41) were higher during long-term follow-up, while no differences were found for acute kidney injury or all-cause mortality between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing TAVI, those with amyloidosis are at a higher risk of adverse events, particularly HF, and have an increased risk of pacemaker implantation and stroke in the long-term.

Sirolimus- vs Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis: The SIBLINT-ISR Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The use of drug-coated balloons is a well-established strategy for the management of coronary vessels. However, head-to-head comparisons of sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs) and paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) for treating in-stent restenosis (ISR) are currently limited.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this randomized, controlled trial (SIBLINT-ISR [Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Versus Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis]) was to compare a novel SCB with a PCB for the treatment of ISR.

METHODS

In this prospective, assessor-blinded, controlled trial, patients with eligible ISR lesions were randomized 1:1 to treatment with either an SCB (SeQuent SCB, B. Braun Melsungen; 4 μg/mm2) or a PCB (SeQuent Please NEO, B. Braun Melsungen; 3 μg/mm2). The primary endpoint was noninferiority for 9-month angiographic in-segment late lumen loss (LLL). The main secondary endpoints were procedural success, target lesion restenosis rate, and target lesion failure (cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or revascularization) at 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 258 patients with 285 lesions at 16 sites were randomly assigned to the SCB (n = 130) and PCB (n = 128) groups. At 9 months, the difference in the primary endpoint of in-segment LLL between the SCB group (0.37 ± 0.48 mm) and the PCB group (0.30 ± 0.38 mm) was 0.07 mm (95% CI: -0.05 to 0.19 mm), demonstrating noninferiority of the SCB to the PCB in terms of in-segment LLL, with a noninferiority margin of 0.20 mm (P for noninferiority < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in 12-month clinical outcomes between the SCB and PCB groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a novel SCB was found to be noninferior to a PCB in terms of in-segment LLL at 9 months in treating patients with ISR. (Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Versus Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis [SIBLINT ISR]; NCT04240444).

Real world federated learning with a knowledge distilled transformer for cardiac CT imaging

Federated learning is a renowned technique for utilizing decentralized data while preserving privacy. However, real-world applications often face challenges like partially labeled datasets, where only a few locations have certain expert annotations, leaving large portions of unlabeled data unused. Leveraging these could enhance transformer architectures' ability in regimes with small and diversely annotated sets. We conduct the largest federated cardiac CT analysis to date (n = 8, 104) in a real-world setting across eight hospitals. Our two-step semi-supervised strategy distills knowledge from task-specific CNNs into a transformer. First, CNNs predict on unlabeled data per label type and then the transformer learns from these predictions with label-specific heads. This improves predictive accuracy and enables simultaneous learning of all partial labels across the federation, and outperforms UNet-based models in generalizability on downstream tasks. Code and model weights are made openly available for leveraging future cardiac CT analysis.

Sex Differences in Patients Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

BACKGROUND

Sex differences in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) are well-established, but limited research exists on sex differences in STEMI patients with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and MINOCA mimickers.

METHODS

We analyzed 8560 consecutive STEMI patients, enrolled in the Midwest STEMI Consortium from 2003 to 2020. Patients with non-obstructive CAD were classified into MINOCA (defined as < 50% coronary artery stenosis and confirmed or suspected coronary artery plaque disruption, epicardial coronary spasm, or coronary embolism/thrombosis) and MINOCA mimickers (takotsubo cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy). The primary outcome was 5-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 8560 patients, 409 (4.8%) had non-obstructive CAD, including 120 (1.4%) MINOCA and 289 (3.4%) MINOCA mimickers. Females were more likely to have MINOCA and MINOCA mimickers (49.2% and 56.4%, respectively). There were no significant sex differences in in-hospital or 5-year mortality in MINOCA, but females with MINOCA mimickers had higher unadjusted 5-year mortality (HR 2.90, 95% CI 1.53-5.53). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the long-term mortality risk was similar between sexes (adjusted HR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.61-2.24). Females with obstructive CAD had higher 5-year mortality in unadjusted models (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.48, 1.86), but the difference was not significant after adjustment (adjusted HR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.98-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight important sex-based differences in the prevalence, treatment, and long-term outcomes of STEMI patients with MINOCA, MINOCA mimickers, and obstructive CAD. Despite clinical disparities, mortality risks were similar across sexes after adjusting for comorbidities.

Lack of Racial Disparities in Cangrelor Therapy in Patients Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Cangrelor is an intravenous P2Y12 receptor antagonist that exerts rapid and potent antiplatelet effects. It is associated with a reduction in the indcidence of ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

AIMS

The aim of our study was to investigate the racial disparities and their impact on outcomes among patients with ACS who were treated with cangrelor during PCI.

METHODS

We reviewed the data of patients with ACS who were treated with cangrelor during PCI at our center from 2018 to 2023 and divided between African American (AA) and Caucasian patients. The primary safety outcome was in-hospital thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding. The primary efficacy outcome was in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, MI, or stroke. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the primary outcomes after controlling for differences in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

The study included 1181 patients who received cangrelor during PCI for ACS, including 616 AA and 565 Caucasian patients. AA patients were significantly younger (61 ± 13 vs. 64 ± 12 years; p < 0.001) and had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. There were no significant differences between AA and Caucasian patients regarding in-hospital TIMI major bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-1.88; p = 0.343) and in-hospital MACE (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 0.71-4.69; p = 0.212) after controlling for relevant baseline differences.

CONCLUSION

No racial disparities were observed with regard to the administration of cangrelor during PCI in patients presenting with ACS, and cangrelor was not associated with increased bleeding for AA patients as compared to Caucasian patients.

Structural Heart Disease Interventions. Year in Review 2023-2024

In 2023-2024, there was a surge in research on structural heart disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field for both general and interventional cardiologists, especially those with a keen interest in structural heart interventions. It summarizes the most important randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, retrospective analyses, data registries, and noteworthy late-breaking studies unveiled at prominent cardiology conferences.

Manual support during robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (R-PCI) is an efficacious and safe treatment option for coronary artery disease. However, predictors of manual support during R-PCI are unknown, which we aimed to investigate in a multi-center study.

METHODS

We utilized patient-level data from R-PCIs carried out from 2020 to 2022 at four sites in Germany. Manual support was defined as the combination of partial manual assistance, where the procedure is ultimately completed using robotic techniques, and manual conversion. A two-step selection process based on akaike information criteria was used to identify the ideal multivariable model predicting manual support.

RESULTS

In 210 patients (median age 69.0 years; 25.7% female), a total of 231 coronary lesions were treated by R-PCI. Manual support was needed in 46 lesions (19.9%). Procedures requiring manual support were associated with significantly longer procedural times, greater total contrast fluid volumes, longer fluoroscopy times, and higher dose-area products. Amongst the predictors of manual support were lesions in the left anterior descending artery [OR: 1.09 (95%-CI: 0.99-1.20)], aorto-ostial lesions [OR: 1.35 (95%-CI: 1.11-1.64)], chronic total occlusions [OR: 1.78 (95%-CI: 1.38-2.31)], true bifurcations [OR: 1.37 (95%-CI: 1.17-1.59)], and severe calcification [OR: 1.13 (95%-CI: 1.00-1.27)].

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that nearly one out five of patients undergoing R-PCI required manual support, which was linked to longer procedure durations. Predictors of manual support reflected characteristics of more complex coronary lesions. These results highlight the limitations of current R-PCI platforms and underscore the need for technical advancements to address different clinical scenarios.

Retrieving a Stent: Navigating Deep Complications

Objective

The authors describe a case of an infrequent complication of percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and discuss considerations for its prevention, recognition, and treatment.

Key steps

Diagnostic coronary angiography confirmed an acute total occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery. Angioplasty and stenting were performed without complications. A second stent was advanced to treat a distal lesion. During the advancement, stent dislodgement from the guidewire, with entrapment in the struts of the previously placed stent and migration to the proximal aorta, was identified. A multisnare device was used for stent retrieval, with embolization to the right femoral artery during the process.

Potential pitfalls

Operators should be aware of this potential complication and its management techniques. Stent dislodgement and migration should be rapidly identified and addressed because these adverse events can lead to embolization, thrombosis, and vascular damage.

Long-Term Results of Treatment of Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease With the Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) Technique: A UK Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

This updated UK multicenter study aims to report long-term results following use of the Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) technique for treating aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) or intermittent claudication (IC).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted including 85 patients who underwent CERAB between November 1, 2012, and March 31, 2020, till March 2024. Anatomical data were assessed using pre-operative imaging. Outcome measures included freedom from target lesion reintervention (fTLR), freedom from major limb amputation (fMLA), and overall survival.

RESULTS

The median age was 65 years, with 62.4% males. Over a median follow-up of 58.2 months (IQR 55.7-67.1 months), 2 patients were lost to follow-up. There were 16 deaths (18.8%) and 2 major amputations (2.4%) in the entire study period. Target lesion reintervention was required in 14 patients (16.5%) at the last follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier fTLR at 1, 3, and 5 years was 89.2%, 83.0%, and 83.0%, respectively. fMLA at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98% at all intervals, and survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 94.1%, 89.4%, and 80.1%, respectively. Subintimal iliac access was associated with worse fTLR (HR 4.33 (95% CI 1.30-14.37, p=0.017)), which remained significant when adjusted to patient and anatomical characteristics (HR 5.88 (95% CI 1.02-33.95, p=0.047)). There was no significant association between fTLR and the need for common femoral endarterectomy (HR 3.57 (95% CI 0.42-30.5, p=0.244)] or external iliac artery stenting (HR 0.47 (95% CI 0.07-3.05, p=0.427)) during the index procedure.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcomes of CERAB for treating AIOD demonstrate its viability as a durable revascularization option, with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and patency rates. Factors reflecting more complex lesions are associated with poorer outcomes. Findings support the need for randomized controlled trials on CERAB and a focus on the pre- and intra-operative decision-making based on the complexity of TASC C and D lesions.

CLINICAL IMPACT

The findings of this study reinforce the long-term durability of the Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) technique for treating aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), demonstrating favourable reintervention and limb salvage rates. These results support CERAB as a viable alternative to open surgery, particularly in patients with complex anatomies or significant comorbidities. This data enables clinicians to make more informed decisions regarding patient selection and procedural strategies, such as minimising the use of subintimal iliac access to improve long-term outcomes. The study underscores the need for further randomised trials to establish CERAB's role in evidence-based clinical guidelines for AIOD management.

Epicardial Fat Tissue: A Potential Marker for Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), which mimics symptoms of obstructive coronary artery disease, has significant prognostic implications. While epicardial adipose tissue normally has a protective role, increased epicardial adipose tissue is associated with inflammation and may contribute to CMD. However, a direct correlation remains unclear. We aimed to investigate this association.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The CMDR (Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry) is a prospective, 2-center registry that is enrolling patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease who underwent invasive hemodynamic assessment of the coronary microvasculature. Patients with chest computed tomography within 1 year of CMD evaluation were included. We measured epicardial fat volume (EFV) and calculated the EFV index. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between EFV and EFV index to CMD. Our study included 130 CMDR patients with associated chest CT; 35 were diagnosed with CMD. The CMD-negative patients were younger than the CMD-positive patients (58.52±11.97 versus 63.37±9.56 years; P=0.033), with numerically fewer women (64.2% versus 74.3%; P=0.279). Univariate regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between EFV index and CMD diagnosis (odds ratio, 1.037 [95% CI, 1.014-1.063]; P=0.003), while no significance was observed for EFV (odds ratio, 1.006 [95% CI, 0.995-1.017]; P=0.292).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a strong association between EFV index (a significant risk factor) and the presence of CMD. Future studies involving larger cohorts are needed to confirm the association of epicardial adipose tissue with CMD and investigate therapeutic targets to prevent CMD.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; unique identifier: NCT05960474.

Bedside management of a knotted Swan-Ganz catheter - A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Pulmonary artery catheters use remain invaluable in continuous invasive hemodynamic monitoring for patients with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction and those undergoing major cardiac surgeries. It detects cardiac dysfunction and guides treatment decisions. Its utilization has declined due to common complications associated with its insertion. This article highlights a rare, rather an important complication of pulmonary artery catheter knotting and reviews techniques for its management. Prompt recognition of this rare complication by the clinicians allow immediate intervention minimizing morbidity and optimizing the outcomes. This manuscript follows the SCARE guidelines.

CASE PRESENTATION

A case of a 61-year-old man who was initially admitted to the cardiothoracic unit for mitral valve replacement for symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation secondary to a bi-leaflet prolapse. Intra-operatively, a pulmonary artery catheter was inserted for invasive continuous hemodynamic monitoring. It was noted on a routine postoperative chest X-ray coiling of the pulmonary artery catheter in the right atrium. The catheter was not repositioned. On postoperative day one, significant resistance was encountered while removing the catheter. A chest x-ray was done and showed a knotted catheter in the superior vena cava. After contingency planning, bedside removal was opted as the preferred management approach. The catheter was carefully pulled out to tighten the knot and decrease its diameter, allowing successful extraction through the insertion site at the neck.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Pulmonary artery catheter utilization remains essential; however its insertion is prone to complications, which includes pulmonary artery catheter knotting a rare but an important complication that warrants immediate recognition and management. Numerous approaches for the management of knotted catheter were described in the literature. Bedside removal of the knotted catheter may be considered if the knot is simple and more proximal. This approach carries the risk of venous injury and hematoma formation, thus thorough planning and preparation are needed to avoid complications. An endovascular approach is opted in more complex cases and has largely supplanted surgical methods. Innovative methods were described in the literature and include the introduction of guide wires or specialized catheters to untangle knots under fluoroscopic guidance. Retrieval baskets may also be used. Surgery is reserved for complex cases, when endovascular attempts fail.

CONCLUSION

While pulmonary artery catheter use provides significant benefits, its use demands meticulous planning and preparation to avoid complications. Catheter knotting requires immediate attention. If bedside maneuvers fail, endovascular or surgical approaches may be necessary.

Drug Loss at Arterial Bends Can Dominate Off-Target Drug Delivery by Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons

Background/Objective: Paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) can deliver efficacious drug concentrations to treated arterial segments but are known to exhibit high tracking losses. We aimed to define the governing factors impacting tracking loss and to contrast its drug distribution consequences with those of PCB inflation at the treatment site. Methods: Four naïve and four in-stent restenosis (ISR) porcine superficial femoral arteries (SFA) were treated with PCBs, and plasma samples were collected post-tracking and post-inflation. Animals were sacrificed <1 h post-intervention, and local, upstream, and downstream tissues were collected for paclitaxel quantification. Computationally driven quantitative benchtop-tracking and frictional PCB-sliding experiments modeled paclitaxel loss and delivery to upstream tissue. Results: Paclitaxel concentrations in plasma peaked pre-inflation and declined 30-fold immediately post-inflation. Correspondingly, losses of 30% and 1% of nominal PCB load were measured in vitro during, respectively, tracking over single bend and during device insertion. Mean paclitaxel concentrations were equally high at ISR and naïve SFA treatment sites (56,984 vs. 79,837 ng/g, p > 0.99) and ranged from 9 to 89 ng/g in tissues downstream of these treatment sites. Sampling of non-target upstream iliac artery tissues revealed paclitaxel concentration of 4351 ± 4084 ng/g. Benchtop sliding of PCB samples onto ex vivo porcine artery samples exhibited efficient, pressure independent frictional paclitaxel transfer (124 µg at 0.05 atm vs 126 µg at 0.1 atm, p > 0.99). Conclusions: PCB interactions at porcine vessel bends led to premature tracking loss, resulting in peak plasma concentrations exceeding post-inflation concentrations, and delivery to upstream tissue that is plausibly explained as arising from efficient friction-mediated coating transfer.

Sex Differences in Computed Tomography Coronary Stenosis Severity Versus Flow Impairment and Impact on Revascularization, Clinical Events and Health Care Costs: A FORECAST Substudy

BACKGROUND

The impact of sex-related differences in coronary atheroma and flow impairment severity on clinical events and costs remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a secondary analysis of patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent both coronary computed tomography angiography  and fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography as part of the FORECAST (Fractional Flow Reserve Derived From Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in the Assessment and Management of Stable Chest Pain) trial, investigating (1) the relationship between coronary stenosis severity on coronary computed tomography angiography and fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography FFRCT by sex and (2) the association with revascularization, resource usage, and adverse clinical events. A total of 212 patients (64 female participants [32.1%]) and 1245 vessels were included. There was no significant sex difference in the frequencies of significant coronary artery disease (38.2% of women versus 51.3% of men; P=0.073), but female participants had significantly less coronary flow impairment, according to the presence of at least 1 fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography≤0.8 (47.0% versus 71.5%; P=0.008). Female subjects underwent fewer revascularization procedures (23.5% versus 42.3%; P=0.014), less coronary artery bypass graft surgery (2.9% versus 13.1%; P=0.025) and were less likely to be on statin treatment (72.0% versus 84.7%; P=0.022) by 9-month follow-up. This resulted in lower overall health care costs for female participants compared with male counterparts (median total cost, £1276 versus £2051; P=0.014). In multivariable Cox analysis the presence of significant coronary artery disease (hazard ratio [HR], 2.91; 95% CI, 1.30-6.51) and having a positive fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography (HR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.15-14.69) were independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events at 9 months, whereas sex was not statistically significant (p=0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant sex differences in the anatomico-functional assessment of coronary artery disease leading to differences in clinical management, costs, and adverse events.

Enhancing Care in Cardiogenic Shock: Role of Palliative Care in Acute Cardiogenic Shock Through Destination Therapy

Despite advances in the management of cardiogenic shock (CS), morbidity and mortality in CS remain exceedingly high and one third of patients do not survive their admission. Palliative care (PC) is an interdisciplinary approach focussed on improving the quality of life of patients and families facing life-threatening illness. Rates of PC use in CS remain low, despite evidence suggesting decreased symptom burden and reduced use of health care in patients with heart failure and in critical care settings. PC should occur in tandem with mobilization of aggressive life-sustaining measures such as mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the care of patients presenting with CS. In this review, we describe the role of PC throughout the care continuum of patients with acute CS through to destination therapy with a left ventricular assist device. We explore the current use of PC in CS and challenges to goals-of-care discussions posed by MCS and ECMO, and highlight strategies on integrating PC in acute and chronic CS. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of incorporating PC early in management and challenge the traditional use of PC primarily as an end-of-life intervention.

Sex-related differences in hospital outcomes after balloon aortic valvuloplasty

BACKGROUND

Sex differences in the prevalence and characteristics of cardiac pathologies, including aortic stenosis (AS), are well-documented. For instance, females with severe AS exhibit lower degrees of calcification but higher levels of fibrosis compared to males. This study aims to evaluate sex-based differences in in-hospital outcomes among patients with AS undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV).

METHODS

National Inpatient Sample database was queried from 2015 to 2019, identifying adult patients with severe nonrheumatic AS undergoing BAV using ICD-10 codes. Statistical analyses included Chi-Squared tests for initial comparisons followed by logistic regression to adjust for covariates.

RESULTS

The study included 19,510 patients: 10,556 males (54.1 %) and 8954 females (45.9 %). Females demonstrated lower rates of post-procedural in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury, infection, ventricular arrhythmias, and pneumothorax, however higher incidence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), red blood cell transfusions, vascular complications, and pericardial effusion. Adjusted analysis revealed female patients had lower mortality rates (OR 0.89; 95 % CI [0.79-1.0]; p = 0.042), but higher rates of red blood cell transfusions (OR 1.6; 95 % CI [1.4-1.8]; p < 0.001) and vascular complications (OR 1.5; 95 % CI [1.3-1.8]; p < 0.001), without significant difference in stroke (OR 1.1; 95 % CI [0.91-1.3]; p = 0.309).

CONCLUSIONS

Females undergoing BAV for severe AS experienced lower in-hospital mortality but higher rates of vascular complications and red blood cell transfusions compared to males. These findings underscore the importance of a sex-specific approach in the management of AS to reduce adverse outcomes and optimize patient care.

Treatment of radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary catheterization: a review of the literature and proposed treatment algorithm

The transradial artery has been established as the default access site for most coronary catheterization procedures with fewer access-related and bleeding complications, rapid hemostasis, early ambulation of the patient, and reduction in all-cause mortality compared with transfemoral access. However, radial artery occlusion (RAO) remains the most frequent complication of coronary catheterization procedures performed via transradial artery access. The purpose of our review was to conduct detailed literature research and summarize all the available treatment strategies for RAO, given the lack of a standardized treatment protocol in the literature. Pharmacological treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or other anticoagulants, invasive strategies, and pharmaco-invasive methods available in the literature were included in our review. Data were derived from case series, case reports, clinical trials, and observational studies. Eight studies regarding pharmacological treatment with LMWH or any other anticoagulant and seven studies of invasive treatment were included in our review. There were only two randomized studies: one with LMWH (tinzaparin) and one with apixaban. Furthermore, taking into consideration data derived from the above-mentioned studies, a treatment algorithm for RAO was proposed. RAO remains the most frequent complication of coronary procedures with transradial access. Application of preventive strategies and comprehensive knowledge of the risk factors remain the key factors for the reduction of the incidence of this clinical entity. Therapeutic options include anticoagulation regimens and interventional techniques through the distal radial artery. Large, randomized, multicenter studies should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the available treatment methods and define a standardized treatment protocol for RAO.

The effects of Stemregen® host modulation therapy on experimentally induced apical periodontitis in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effect of Stemregen® nutritional supplement on inflammation and resorption in apical periodontitis using a rat model.

METHODOLOGY

Rats were divided in three groups: negative control (n=7), positive control (n=10), and Stemregen® (Stem) (n=10). Apical periodontitis was induced in the positive control and Stem groups, and all rats were sacrificed on the 30th day. Serum phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were analyzed. Histopathological assessments measured osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, inflammation, fibrosis, and abscess density. Immunohistochemical analyses evaluated RANKL, TRAP, and OPG levels.

RESULTS

Results showed significantly lower osteoblastic activity in the negative control compared to Stem and positive control groups (p=0.005). Osteoclastic activity was higher in the positive control (p=0.032). Inflammation and abscess formation were reduced in the Stem group compared to the positive control (p<0.001). OPG levels were lower in the negative control compared to the other groups (p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Stemregen® effectively reduced inflammation and bone destruction, suggesting potential benefits for apical periodontitis management, though further research is needed.

Fractional flow reserve- and intravascular ultrasound-guided strategies for intermediate coronary stenosis and low lesion complexity in patients with or without diabetes: a post hoc analysis of the randomised FLAVOUR trial

BACKGROUND

A recent randomised trial demonstrated fractional flow reserve (FFR) guidance for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was non-inferior to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance regarding clinical outcomes, with a lower frequency of PCI.

AIMS

We sought to evaluate the prognosis of FFR versus IVUS guidance for PCI of intermediate coronary artery stenosis and low lesion complexity in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

METHODS

This study is a prespecified post hoc analysis from the FLAVOUR trial. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 24 months, defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction or any revascularisation. The secondary outcomes were target vessel failure (TVF) and each component of MACE and TVF at 24 months.

RESULTS

Among 1,682 randomly assigned patients, 554 (32.9%) had diabetes, and the mean SYNTAX score was 8.64±6.03 at baseline. The FFR group had a lower PCI rate than the IVUS group in both diabetic (48.2% vs 69.1%; p<0.001) and non-diabetic (42.6% vs 63.3%; p<0.001) patients. At 24 months, there was no difference in the cumulative incidence of MACE between the FFR and the IVUS groups in either diabetic (9.3% vs 8.3%; p=0.90) or non-diabetic (7.5% vs 8.6%; p=0.50) patients. The cumulative incidence of TVF was also comparable between the FFR and the IVUS groups regardless of diabetic status.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with intermediate coronary stenosis and low lesion complexity, regardless of diabetic status, FFR guidance had no significant differences in MACE or TVF with a lower frequency of PCI compared with IVUS guidance.

Clinical impact of direct rotational atherectomy in patients with complex coronary artery lesions

Owing to limited data on the optimal timing of rotational atherectomy (RA), we sought to evaluate the clinical impact of the early application of the RA strategy. Consecutive patients with severe coronary artery calcification were enrolled, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using RA between January 2010 and October 2019 at 9 tertiary centers. Direct RA was defined as the early application of RA before the balloon was expanded to a size more than or equal to 2.0 mm. The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of technical failure or severe coronary dissection (type D, E, or F) during entire procedure. Of 581 lesions, 360 (62.0%) lesions underwent direct RA. The technical success rate was higher in the direct RA group than in the indirect RA group (97.5% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.021). The primary endpoint was more frequently observed in the indirect RA group than in the direct RA group (24.4% vs. 11.9%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of the primary endpoint was higher in the indirect RA group than in the direct RA group (odds ratio 2.512, 95% CI 1.547-4.078, p < 0.001). Early application of RA may reduce the incidences of in-hospital adverse events and procedure-related complications.

Mechanical circulatory support for complex, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention

The evidence base evaluating the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in complex, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention is evolving from a small number of randomised clinical trials to incorporate an amassing body of real-world data. Due to both the growing incidence of the procedures and the limitations of the evidence, there is wide variability in the use of MCS, and the benefits are actively debated. The goal of this review is to perform an integrated analysis of randomised and non-randomised studies which have informed clinical and regulatory decision-making in contemporary clinical practice. In addition, we describe forthcoming studies that have been specifically designed to advance the field and resolve ongoing controversies that remain unanswered for this complex, high-risk patient population.

Small-Diameter Stents in Cardiovascular Applications

Small-diameter stents play a crucial role in treating congenital heart diseases and variety of vascular conditions that have application from paediatrics to geriatric conditions, and a comprehensive review in this direction is lacking. This review explores historical development, design innovations, material compositions and mechanistic insights into functions of small-diameter stents, with a specific emphasis on biodegradable options. The necessity for stents that can adapt to growth of paediatric patients is discussed, highlighting the transition from durable polymers to bioresorbable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and magnesium alloys. While acknowledging the advancements made in reducing complications like restenosis and thrombosis, the review addresses the challenges that persist, including the need for improved biocompatibility and minimization of late adverse cardiac events associated with certain stent technologies. A detailed examination of various stent generations emphasizes the importance of drug release kinetics, structural integrity and potential for personalized interventions based on patient-specific factors. The exploration of novel therapeutic compounds, including nanoparticles and interfering RNA, illustrates the ongoing research aimed at enhancing stent efficacy. Ultimately, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of current landscape while identifying the gaps that future research must address to develop the ideal stent for diverse patient populations.

Association of Coronary Revascularization Modality and Timing With Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among renal transplant (RTx) recipients, with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) representing a disproportionately high burden. However, the optimal revascularization strategy for NSTE-ACS in RTx recipients remains unclear. This retrospective study analyzed the 2016 to 2021 Nationwide Readmissions Database. RTx recipients (≥18 years) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for NSTE-ACS were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, while perioperative complications, unplanned 30- and 90-day readmissions, repeat revascularization, and renal allograft failure were also considered. Multivariable logistic regression and Royston-Parmar models were used to identify the risk-adjusted association of revascularization modality, timing, and outcomes. Of an estimated 3,323 patients, 20.5% underwent CABG and 79.5% PCI. Following adjustment, CABG was associated with higher perioperative complications (AOR 3.46, 95% CI 2.31 to 5.19) and demonstrated a trend toward increased mortality risk (AOR 1.79, 95% CI 0.76 to 4.18). Royston-Parmar analysis demonstrated no difference in freedom from readmission or renal allograft failure within 90 days of discharge, but CABG was associated with a lower hazard of repeat revascularization (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.76). Timing analysis revealed stable mortality rates across intervals for both modalities. While PCI complications increased with longer delays to revascularization, CABG demonstrated a more stable pattern. In conclusion, our findings suggest that PCI appears to be associated with lower risks of mortality and complications compared to CABG in RTx recipients with NSTE-ACS. However, CABG may offer benefits of reduced risk of repeat revascularization and greater flexibility in timing without compromising renal allograft function.

Deep dive into intravascular coronary imaging in calcified lesions

Percutaneous coronary intervention has been developed for patients with coronary artery disease. Calcified lesions are recognized as an unsolved issue where many clinical devices have evolved and some disappeared. Understanding intracoronary imaging of the calcified lesions can help operators to make decisions during the procedure. There are several potential stories of progression of calcification, although a precise mechanism of progression of calcification remains unknown. In the process of a large calcification, it is histologically believed that lipid is replaced by calcification. This process can be observed by intracoronary imaging devices, i.e., intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. Calcified nodule is a unique type of calcifications. Among the calcified lesions, especially calcified nodule has serious clinical outcomes such as target lesion revascularization (TLR) with stent under-expansion. Additionally, in-stent calcified nodule is a distinctive type of restenosis pattern after stenting to calcified nodule, leading to malignant cycle of repeated TLR. Recently, calcified nodule is divided into two types based on the surface irregularity: (1) eruptive and (2) non-eruptive calcified nodule. Eruptive calcified nodule has higher rate of target vessel revascularization than non-eruptive calcified nodule despite greater stent expansion in eruptive calcified nodule. It is thought that there are differences of component such as the amount of fibrin and the size of calcific nodules between both, although it is common for both to include calcific nodules and fibrin. Histopathological understanding calcified nodule can be helpful to choose the treatment devices during the procedure in the area where there is no correct answer.

The Role of IVUS in Coronary Complications

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an essential tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of coronary artery disease. In daily practice, IVUS is particularly useful for plaque characterization, optimizing stent implantation, and identifying the cause of in-stent restenosis. In acute coronary syndromes, it helps to detect culprit lesions that are not clearly visible on angiography and plays a key role in the diagnostic algorithm for myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Additionally, IVUS is frequently used in complex and calcified lesions to guide optimal plaque modification strategies and improve procedural and long term outcomes. Beyond these common applications, IVUS is crucial in managing coronary complications, such as coronary dissection, perforation, intramural hematoma, and side-branch occlusion. In these challenging cases, IVUS allows us to overcome some of the limitations of angiography. This review explores the role of IVUS in bail out situations, offering practical tips and techniques for navigating coronary complications and improving procedural success in a safer and more refined manner.

Outcomes of contemporary stents with deep femoral artery coverage

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate deep femoral artery (DFA) status during endovascular treatment (EVT) and the patency of the femoropopliteal (FP) artery and DFA using current stent devices for ostial FP lesions.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective study analyzed data from 457 patients who underwent EVT with stent deployment for de novo ostial FP lesions between April 2018 and December 2021 at eight centers in Japan. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare the clinical impacts of DFA coverage for ostial FP lesions with stent deployment. The prognostic value was analyzed based on DFA status during EVT, primary patency of the FP artery, clinically driven-target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) of the FP artery, and incidence of DFA occlusion/major amputation/acute limb ischemia (ALI) at 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 132 matched pairs of patients was analyzed using propensity score matching. The percentage of DFA occlusion and stenosis was significantly higher in the DFA coverage group. However, there were no significant differences in terms of primary patency of the FP artery, CD-TLR, DFA occlusion, major amputation, or ALI after 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent deployment in DFA coverage significantly led to the DFA stenotic events of EVT during the procedure, but patency of the FP artery and DFA, major amputation, and ALI up to 3 years did not differ according to stent deployment for ostial FP lesions.

Advancing Health Equity in the Cardiovascular Device Life Cycle

Despite advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics for cardiovascular disease, significant health disparities persist among patients from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups, women, individuals who are socioeconomically under-resourced or underinsured, and those living in rural communities. While transcatheter interventions have revolutionized the treatment landscape in cardiology, populations bearing the greatest burden of disease continue to face inequitable access and poorer outcomes. A notable gap in the literature concerns the role of modern approaches to cardiovascular device innovation in shaping and perpetuating health disparities. Health equity has been declared one of the top strategic initiatives for 2022 to 2025 by the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health, underscoring the need for greater attention, dialogue, and targeted interventions in this space. This narrative review uses the cardiovascular device life cycle as a conceptual framework to enhance understanding and guide future efforts to mitigate disparities in the field of interventional cardiology. Drawing on illustrative examples from interventional cardiology, we examine current practices in cardiovascular device regulation and approval, clinical trial evaluation, adoption patterns, and postprocedural outcomes with the aim of uncovering potential mechanisms of disparities and identifying opportunities for targeted interventions.

Prevalence and outcomes of concomitant cardiac amyloidosis and coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and coronary artery disease (CAD) can have similar presentations in the acute care setting which can potentially delay the diagnosis of CA.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients referred to our institution for evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis. We obtained demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and echocardiographic measurements of those patients with confirmed cardiac amyloidosis. The population was divided into two groups based on the presence of CAD. Frequency of heart failure hospitalizations, and one-year overall mortality were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

Between 2018 to 2021, 327 patients with suspected cardiac amyloidosis were referred to our institution. Out of 114 confirmed CA patients, 28 patients (25%) had concomitant CAD and CA. The overall mean age of CA diagnosis was 74.7 (±8.4) years for the CAD group and 69.7 (±9.8) for the non-CAD group (P value 0.002). Notably, a higher percentage of males were observed in the CAD group (92/.9% vs. 60%, p-value 0.002), and a higher prevalence of hypertension (92.9% vs 70%, p-value 0.018) and dyslipidemia (89.3% vs 59%, p-value 0.004) were also found in the CAD group. Overall, there were no significant differences in outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Larger studies are needed to identify characteristics that will result in a prompt diagnosis of CA in patients with concomitant CAD. Although our study did not appreciate a significant difference between these two groups, outcomes of our study were likely impacted by a small sample size in the CA with CAD cohort.

Electrospun nanofibers: Focus on local therapeutic delivery targeting infectious disease

Whether it be due to genetic variances, lack of patient adherence, or sub-optimal drug metabolism, the risk of antibiotic resistance from medications administered systemically continues to pose significant challenges to fighting infectious diseases. Ideally, infections would be treated locally for maximal efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. The electrospinning of biomaterials has recently facilitated the creation of electrospun nanofibers as an alternative delivery vehicle for local treatment. This review describes electrospun nanofiber applications to locally target various infectious diseases. Electrospinning is first reviewed as a method to fabricate nanofiber platforms with advantageous properties for developing drug delivery systems. The emergence of artificial intelligence to facilitate the development of nanofiber formulations and the evaluation of operating parameters to customize therapeutic behavior are described. A range of biomaterials utilized for electrospinning nanofibers is summarized in the context of properties suitable for drug delivery, particularly to treat infectious diseases. The current body of literature for electrospun nanofiber applications to tackle infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, oral infections, and Staphylococcus Aureus infections is described. We anticipate that the advantages of electrospun nanofibers to facilitate targeted application while minimizing antibiotic resistance will substantially expand their clinical use in coming years.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Stroke: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

OBJECTIVE

To provide an update on palliative care needs specific to stroke and provide key points for clinicians and health care systems caring for patients with stroke and their families.

METHODS

Members of the writing group were chosen to represent the multidisciplinary team of professionals who care for people who have had a stroke. Each member was assigned a topic within their area of expertise, reviewed the literature, and drafted content with a focus on the past decade to complement the 2014 American Heart Association scientific statement on palliative and end-of-life care in stroke.

RESULTS

Stroke has multidimensional effects on patients and their families because of threats to personhood, prognostic uncertainty, and the need to adapt to functional changes after stroke. Palliative care has evolved as both a specialty and a skillset with a goal to improve communication about goals of care and quality of life for patients and their families that emphasizes a holistic, all-person approach. After stroke, palliative care needs (eg, to address pain and physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual distress) are insufficiently addressed by current models of care. Integrating palliative care principles is fundamental in all stages of stroke and should include strategies to improve communication about prognosis and goals of care, address psychosocial needs such as coping with loss, navigating complex health care systems, and preparing for death when necessary. We also review strategies to address the substantial inequities that exist across sociodemographic and regional strata in the use of life-sustaining treatment and access to specialists in stroke or palliative care.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative care needs are common after stroke and should be addressed throughout the illness continuum. Research is urgently needed.

Prognostic value of nutritional changes in older patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

Nutritional status, as one of the core characteristics of frailty, the impact of its changes on clinical outcomes in older patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study included a total of 781 patients who underwent TAVR at West China Hospital between 2012 and 2022.

METHOD

The average age of the patients was 72.6 years, with a mean follow-up period of 2.2 years. All patients were followed for at least one year, and their nutritional status was assessed using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score both before TAVR and six months post-TAVR. Based on post-TAVR changes in nutritional status, patients with normal nutritional status pre-TAVR were categorized into Non-malnutrition and New malnutrition groups, while patients with malnutrition pre-TAVR were categorized into Malnutrition regression and Malnutrition persistence groups.

RESULT

The New malnutrition group experienced higher cumulative incidences of all-cause mortality (20.5% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.002), MACE (25.5% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.001), and readmissions for heart failure (13.1% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.027) compared to the Non-malnutrition group. Conversely, the Malnutrition regression group showed a lower cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality (3.1% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.016) compared to the Malnutrition persistence group, although no statistically significant differences were observed in MACE (14.7% vs. 28.5%, P = 0.087) and readmissions for heart failure (7.0% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.551).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that deterioration in nutritional status after TAVR is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, whereas improvement is associated with better outcomes.

The beauty of pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound

Ultrasound is a powerful technique in pediatric imaging and musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging in many specific clinical scenarios. This article will feature some common and less common spot diagnoses in pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound.Cases were collected by members of the Educational Committee of the ESSR (European Society of musculoSkeletal Radiology) and the Pediatric Subcommittee of the ESSR with expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound.Fifteen clinical entities are discussed based on the features that allow diagnosis by ultrasound.Clinical history, location, and ultrasound appearance are the keys to spot diagnoses when performing pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound. · Ultrasound in pediatric musculoskeletal imaging can achieve a diagnosis in specific clinical settings.. · Clinical history, location, and ultrasound appearance are keys to spot diagnoses.. · Knowledge of spot diagnoses in pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound facilitates daily clinical practice.. · Drakonaki EE, Adriaensen M, Simoni P et al. The beauty of pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound. Rofo 2025; 197: 172-185.

Edoxaban Monotherapy and Incidence of Transcatheter Heart Valve Leaflet Thrombosis - The Rotterdam Edoxaban (REDOX) Study

BACKGROUND

Trials comparing non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) versus antiplatelet-based strategies have shown a reduction of subclinical leaflet thrombosis at the cost of increased mortality and major-bleedings. NOACs were often combined with antiplatelet therapy.

AIMS

The Rotterdam Edoxaban (REDOX) study aimed to evaluate the impact of edoxaban monotherapy on the incidence of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and reduced leaflet motion (RLM) and to evaluate safety in terms of mortality, thromboembolic events and major bleeding.

METHODS

The REDOX study is a single-arm, open-label trial including patients after successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with no formal indication for oral anticoagulation or dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients received edoxaban monotherapy for 3 months, followed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of HALT. Clinical follow-up continued up to 1 year after TAVI.

RESULTS

We included 58 patients, of which 50 reached study completion including MSCT scanning and eight withdrew consent before end of study. At 3-months follow-up, HALT of any grade was detected in 12.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.0%-23.1%) of patients. HALT grade ≥ 3 occurred in 4.0% (95% CI: 0.8%-12.2%) of patients. At 1 year follow-up, all patients were alive and free of disabling strokes. Three patients had a non-disabling stroke and one patient had a major bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

In the REDOX study, edoxaban monotherapy after TAVI was associated with a 12.0% incidence of any HALT and a 4.0% incidence of HALT grade ≥ 3. HALT was not associated with clinical events.

Exploring the causes of stiff left atrial syndrome: a case series

Background

Stiff left atrial syndrome (SLAS) is a complication that occurs due to left atrial scarring following procedures such as radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Case summary

We present a series of four patients with pre-existing conditions that ultimately were diagnosed as SLAS. In each case, clinical manifestations of SLAS may overlapped with other conditions and required a high index of clinical suspicion and diligent hemodynamic assessment to differentiate it from other concomitant cardiac conditions.

Discussion

We aim to highlight key differentiating diagnostic features from overlapping cardiac conditions and to summarize current treatment options for patients with SLAS.

Safety and Clinical Outcomes of a Complete "Minimalist" Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Pathway

The standard approach to catheter based left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) involves trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) guided screening and placement, and procedural general anesthesia requiring overnight stay. In pursuit of improved patient experience and reduced cost, streamlined approaches in each phase of care have been explored. However, the safety and clinical outcomes for a completely protocolized minimalist approach utilizing computed tomography angiogram (CTA), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), conscious sedation, and same-day discharge are lacking. We retrospectively studied 179 patients undergoing LAAO for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation using a novel "Minimalist" pathway. Efficacy and safety endpoints included stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding requiring transfusion, pericardial effusion, vascular complication, or death through 7 or 45 days post-procedure. The procedural success rate in Minimalist cases was 100%. A total of 159 patients (88.8%) were eligible for SDD. All patients survived to 45 days of follow up and there was a 0% incidence of stroke, systemic embolism, and vascular complications. There were low rates of DRT (1.3%) and peri-device flow (0.7%), yielding a high rate of safe OAC discontinuation. Using a pre-defined Minimalist pathway, eligible patients demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes comparable to those reported in national clinical registries, supporting use of our novel pathway to safely improve both patient experience and efficiency of care.

Right ventricular to pulmonary artery coupling in patients with different types of aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis (AS) has long been disregarded. We aimed to assess the predictive value of RV to pulmonary artery coupling (RV/PAc), defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary artery pressure, on mortality in different flow types of AS after TAVI.

METHODS

All patients undergoing TAVI for AS at our centre between 2018 and 2020 were assessed; 862 patients were analysed. The cohort was dichotomized using a ROC analysis (cut-off 0.512 mm/mmHg), into 429 patients with preserved and 433 patients with reduced RV/PAc.

RESULTS

Reduced RV/PAc was associated with male sex and a higher rate of comorbidities. Short-term VARC-3 endpoints and NYHA classes at follow-up were comparable. Reduced RV/PAc was associated with higher 2-year all-cause mortality (35.0% [30.3-39.3%] vs. 15.4% [11.9-18.7%], hazard ratio 2.5 [1.9-3.4], p < 0.001). Cardiovascular mortality was almost tripled. Results were consistent after statistical adjustment and in a multivariate model. Sub-analyses of AS flow types revealed lower RV/PAc in classical and paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS, with the majority having reduced RV/PAc (74% and 59%). RV/PAc retained its predictive value in these subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

RV dysfunction defined by low RV/PAc is a strong mortality predictor after TAVI independent of flow group. It should be incorporated in future TAVI risk assessment.

The impact of chronic kidney disease on prognosis in acute stroke: unraveling the pathophysiology and clinical complexity for optimal management

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases stroke risk and severity, posing challenges in both acute management and long-term outcomes. CKD contributes to cerebrovascular pathology through systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, impaired cerebral autoregulation, and a prothrombotic state, all of which exacerbate stroke risk and outcomes.

METHODS

This review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed literature to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking CKD and stroke. It evaluates the efficacy and safety of acute reperfusion therapies-intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy-in CKD patients with acute ischemic stroke. Considerations, such as renal function, drug dosage adjustments, and the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, are critically analyzed. Evidence-based recommendations and research priorities are drawn from an analysis of current practices and existing knowledge gaps.

RESULTS

CKD influences stroke outcomes through systemic and local pathophysiological changes, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches. Reperfusion therapies are effective in CKD patients but require careful monitoring of renal function to mitigate risks, such as contrast-induced nephropathy and thrombolytic complications. The bidirectional relationship between stroke and CKD highlights the need for integrated management strategies to address both conditions. Early detection and optimized management of CKD significantly reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing stroke care in CKD patients requires a comprehensive understanding of their pathophysiology and clinical management challenges. This article provides evidence-based recommendations, emphasizing individualized treatment decisions and coordinated care. It underscores the importance of integrating renal considerations into stroke treatment protocols and highlights the need for future research to refine therapeutic strategies, address knowledge gaps, and consider tailored interventions to improve outcomes and quality of life for this high-risk population.

Impact of Robotic Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (R-PCI) With and Without CCTA-Guidance on Clinical Outcomes and Hospital Economics: A Single Center Registry

BACKGROUND

Several studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of robotic assisted coronary interventions for simple and complex coronary lesions. However, in the real-world clinical setting the currently available evidence is still inconclusive with regard to clinical outcomes. In terms of financial sustainability, the emerging use of pre-PCI Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) may potentially impact the overall patient journey and related costs. However, the role of CCTA guidance in elective robotic-assisted revascularizations and its potential impact on hospital economics has never been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the clinical impact of R-PCI according to procedural complexity and its potential financial sustainability when integrated with CCTA guidance.

METHODS

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at the latest clinical follow-up available have been prospectively evaluated in a single center cohort of 111 patients undergoing elective R-PCI (CorPath, Corindus GRX Robotic Drive, Boston, MA). The study population was subsequently divided into two groups according to either the median Syntax Score (SS = 14) as a surrogate of procedural complexity or the adoption of CCTA-guidance. Additionally, both periprocedural and in-hospital outcomes have been investigated in the overall cohort and in the subgroups.

RESULTS

Overall, MACE occurred in 5.4% of the patients at a median follow-up of 309 days. Procedural complexity was associated with significantly longer procedural time and radiation exposure (SS ≥ 14: 94.5 ± 32.1 vs. 78.7 ± 25.5 min, p = 0.011, and 32.7 ± 30.9 vs. 22.5 ± 19.8 mSv, p = 0.010, respectively), but not with increased in-hospital and long-term clinical outcomes. Additionally, patients undergoing CCTA-guided R-PCI had a significantly higher rate of same-day-discharge (SDD-64.6% vs. 44.2% respectively, p = 0.034) than those without CCTA support.

CONCLUSION

R-PCI appears safe and effective regardless the procedural complexity. Moreover, the integration of robotics and CCTA-guidance appears to have beneficial impact on hospital economics by optimizing resource utilization and improving patient selection for percutaneous revascularization.

Give it time to SOBER up - GITSU- a new strategy in percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) in coronary angiography (CAG) has risen with ageing populations, along with the expansion of CTO percutaneous coronary interventions (CTO-PCI). However, CTO-PCI encounters challenges such as undersized stents, dissection risks, and limited access to intravascular imaging (IVI), particularly in regions with limited health budgets. This study introduces the 'GIVE IT TIME TO SOBER UP - GITSU strategy', a two-session CTO-PCI approach where Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI-3) antegrade flow is achieved without stent placement in the first session. We aim to present its key attributes, outcomes, and implications for invasive cardiology.

METHODS

Demographic data, CTO lesion characteristics in the first PCI session, procedural features, in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular adverse events (MACE), technical features of the second PCI session, and in-hospital MACE were examined.

RESULTS

We applied the GITSU strategy to 53 CTO lesions between August 2020 and June 2023. The mean lesion length was shortened compared to the first session (21.3 ± 10.5%). There was an increase in mean distal reference vessel diameter (2.52 ± 0.49 mm), and the increase was 24.2%±11.3% compared to the first session. There was 24.4%±11.5% stent length savings. We achieved an increase in stent size of 20.3% to 10.1% compared to the mean stent diameter. The technical success and procedural success rate were 92.5% and 90.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent GITSU used shorter and wider stents in the second PCI session. This strategy is likely to reduce TLR and ISR rates.

Role of C/EBP Homologous Protein in Vascular Stenosis After Carotid Artery Injury

The study aims to explore the fluctuating expression of C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) following rat carotid artery injury and its central role in vascular stenosis. Using in vivo rat carotid artery injury models and in vitro ischemia and hypoxia cell models employing human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (T/G HA-VSMCs), a comprehensive investigative framework was established. Histological analysis confirmed intimal hyperplasia in rat models. CHOP expression in vascular tissues was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, and its presence in HAECs and T/G HA-VSMCs was determined through RT-PCR and Western blot. The study evaluated HAEC apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine secretion, cell proliferation, and T/G HA-VSMCs migration through Western blot, ELISA, CCK8, and Transwell migration assays. The rat carotid artery injury model revealed substantial fibrous plaque formation and vascular stenosis, resulting in an increased intimal area and plaque-to-lumen area ratio. Notably, CHOP is markedly elevated in vessels of the carotid artery injury model compared to normal vessels. Atorvastatin effectively mitigated vascular stenosis and suppresses CHOP protein expression. In HAECs, ischemia and hypoxia-induced CHOP upregulation, along with heightened TNFα, IL-6, caspase3, and caspase8 levels, while reducing cell proliferation. Atorvastatin demonstrated a dose-dependent suppression of CHOP expression in HAECs. Downregulation of CHOP or atorvastatin treatment led to reduced IL-6 and TNFα secretion, coupled with augmented cell proliferation. Similarly, ischemia and hypoxia conditions increased CHOP expression in T/G HA-VSMCs, which was concentration-dependently inhibited by atorvastatin. Furthermore, significantly increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 concentrations in the cell culture supernatant correlated with enhanced T/G HA-VSMCs migration. However, interventions targeting CHOP downregulation and atorvastatin usage curtailed MMP-9 and MMP-2 secretion and suppressed cell migration. In conclusion, CHOP plays a crucial role in endothelial injury, proliferation, and VSMCs migration during carotid artery injury, serving as a pivotal regulator in post-injury fibrous plaque formation and vascular remodeling. Statins emerge as protectors of endothelial cells, restraining VSMCs migration by modulating CHOP expression.

Intravascular Lithotripsy in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Procedural and One-Year Clinical Outcomes From the BENELUX-IVL Registry

BACKGROUND

Despite the excellent success and safety of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in heavily calcified lesions, evidence in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains limited.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the procedural and clinical outcomes of IVL in heavily calcified ACS.

METHODS

Patients who underwent IVL between 2019 and 2024 from the ongoing prospective BENELUX registry were eligible for inclusion. Patients were therefore classified in ACS and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) groups. The primary technical endpoint was angiographic success < 30%, defined as the successful delivery of the IVL catheter across the target lesion and delivery of IVL pulses without angiographic complications and residual target lesion less than 30%. The primary clinical endpoint was in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 454 patients underwent IVL, with 251 (55.3%) treated for CCS and 203 (44.7%) for ACS. The median SYNTAX score (p-value 0.17), the need for inotropes (p-value 0.09), and the use of mechanical circulatory support (p-value 0.71) were similar between CCS and ACS groups. Comparable angiographic success (< 30% residual stenosis) was observed between CCS and ACS groups (90.1% vs. 91.1%, p = 0.69). MACE were similar across groups during hospital stays (CCS 1.6% vs. ACS 3.0%, p = 0.33), at 30 days (CCS 3.2% vs. ACS 3.9%, p = 0.86), and at 12-month follow-up (CCS 8.4% vs. ACS 7.9%, p = 0.91).

CONCLUSION

IVL provides high procedural success and consistent clinical outcomes in both CCS and ACS cases.

Drug-Coated Balloons for the Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease: A Review

Importance

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty has emerged as an alternative to drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) as well as de novo coronary artery disease.

Observations

DCBs are balloons coated with antiproliferative agents and excipients, whose aim is to foster favorable vessel healing after appropriate lesion preparation. By providing homogeneous antiproliferative drug delivery in the absence of permanent foreign body implantation, DCBs offer multiple advantages over DES, including preservation of vessel anatomy and function and positive vessel remodeling. As such, DCBs have become appealing for treatment of ISR, small-vessel disease, long lesions, simplification of bifurcation procedures, and treatment of diffuse distal disease after recanalization of chronic total occlusions. In addition, patients with high bleeding risk, diabetes, and acute coronary syndrome might also stand to benefit from DCB angioplasty.

Conclusions and Relevance

Although commercially available in numerous countries now for more than a decade, DCB only recently obtained US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of coronary ISR. Moreover, preliminary results from newer generation devices tested in different clinical scenarios have raised the interest of the international community. Accordingly, an up-to-date review is timely particularly with the anticipated wave of research on the matter. Herein, this review encompasses DCB technologies, their worldwide usage, details on relevant indications, and key procedural aspects of DCB angioplasty.

Interaction of a self-expandable stent with the arterial wall in the presence of hypocellular and calcified plaques

Self-expandable stents manufactured from nitinol alloys are commonly utilized alongside traditional balloon-expandable stents to provide scaffolding to stenosed arteries. However, a significant limitation hampering stent efficacy is restenosis, triggered by neointimal hyperplasia and resulting in the loss of gain in lumen size, post-intervention. In this study, a nonlinear finite element model was developed to simulate stent crimping and expansion and its interaction with the surrounding vessel in the presence of a plaque. The main aim was to determine contact pressures and forces induced at the interface between an artery wall with hypocellular and calcified plaques and an expanded stent. The results demonstrated the drawbacks of plaque calcification, which triggered a sharp contact pressure and radial force surge at the interface as well as a significant rise in von Mises stress within the vessel, potentially leading to rupture and restenosis. A regression line was then established to relate hypocellular and calcified plaques. The adjusted coefficient of determination indicated a good correlation between contact pressures for calcified and hypocellular plaque models. Regarding the directionality of wall properties, contact pressure and force observations were not significantly different between isotropic and anisotropic arteries. Moreover, variations in friction coefficients did not substantially affect the interfacial contact pressures.

Digital health in cardiovascular medicine: An overview of key applications and clinical impact by the Portuguese Society of Cardiology Study Group on Digital Health

Digital health interventions including telehealth, mobile health, artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, extended reality, computational and high-fidelity bench simulations are an integral part of the path toward precision medicine. Current applications encompass risk factor modification, chronic disease management, clinical decision support, diagnostics interpretation, preprocedural planning, evidence generation, education, and training. Despite the acknowledged potential, their development and implementation have faced several challenges and constraints, meaning few digital health tools have reached daily clinical practice. As a result, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology Study Group on Digital Health set out to outline the main digital health applications, address some of the roadblocks hampering large-scale deployment, and discuss future directions in support of cardiovascular health at large.

Incidence, timing and variation in unplanned readmissions within 30-days following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is the most common cardiac surgery, yet little is known about unplanned readmissions after CABG despite increasing clinical and policy focus on reducing readmissions. We assessed the incidence, timing, and reasons for unplanned readmission within 30 days of CABG and evaluated for variation in readmission rates across hospitals in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

Method

We identified isolated CABG procedures from 2013 to 2017 across all public and most private hospitals in ANZ. The primary outcome was unplanned (acute) readmissions within 30-days of discharge. Hospital specific risk standardised readmission rates (RSRRs) and 95% CI were estimated using a hierarchical generalized linear model accounting for differences in patient characteristics.

Results

52,104 patients (mean age 66.1 ± 9.9 years, 17.6 % female, 30.7 % acute) were included. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate was 12.7 % (n = 6,613) and was higher following urgent surgery (16.2 %, n = 2,595). Readmission rates peaked on days 2-4 with a median time to readmission of 9 (IQR: 4-17) days. Procedural complications and chest pain were the most common diagnoses on readmission. Risk adjustment model demonstrated satisfactory performance (C-statistic = 0.62). The median RSRR was 12.8 % (range: 6.1-20.3 %) across 37 hospitals. Only one hospital had its RSRR estimate lower than average and no hospitals had higher than average RSRR.

Conclusion

One-in-8 patients undergoing CABG experienced an unplanned readmission within 30-day, rising to one-in-6 following urgent CABG. There was little statistically significant institutional variation in RSRR. Nevertheless, many readmissions are likely related to care quality and potentially preventable, highlighting scope for clinical and policy interventions to reduce readmissions.

A randomised control trial to compare conventional and haemostatic dressings in radial arterial access: Assessment of Radial Artery Complications Whilst Achieving Rapid Haemostasis (ARCH Trial)

OBJECTIVES

This trial aimed to compare conventional and haemostatic dressings in achieving rapid and effective radial artery haemostasis following coronary procedures.

BACKGROUND

In small studies, using a haemostatic dressing is associated with expedited haemostasis and a reduced duration of external radial compression.

METHODS

Patients were randomised to one of three compression strategies: 120-min (min) with conventional dressing (C2) vs 60-min with conventional dressing (C1) vs 60-min with haemostatic dressing (H1). The primary outcome was failure to achieve haemostasis at the planned time. The secondary outcomes included: total time-to-final haemostasis (TTH); subsequent radial artery occlusion (RAO), puncture-related haematoma and vascular injury requiring repair; incidence of delayed discharge due to prolongation of radial access site care.

RESULTS

A total of 2114 patients were randomised. At the planned time, 62 % of patients in C1 and 50 % in C2 failed to achieve haemostasis vs 5.2 % in H1 (P < 0.001 for H1 vs C2 or C1). Median (IQR) TTH was 72 mins [68-81 min] in H1, 136 mins [80-189] in C1, and 166 min [133-213] in C2 (P < 0.001 for H1 vs C2 or C1). No significant differences were seen in access-site complications, with low rates of haematomas >5 cm and RAO. Overall, 16.2 % of patients in C2 and 15.8 % in C1 experienced delayed discharge exclusively due to prolonged radial care vs 2.0 % in H1 (P < 0.001 for H1 vs C2 or C1).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the haemostatic dressing allowed for more rapid, consistent and safe haemostasis, reducing nursing care requirements and incidence of delayed discharge.

Evaluation of balloon and self-expandable stents for common femoral artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of the common femoral artery (CFA) and its bifurcation is currently recommended for patients with hostile groin (prior femoral bifurcation open surgery, history of radiotherapy) or severe comorbidities (advanced age, frailty, obesity). Preliminary results have shown favorable outcomes. Among the different endovascular techniques (atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, plain balloon angioplasty, drug-coated balloon angioplasty, stenting), stents are mainly used but the best type of stent to use is still debated. The aim of this study was to assess the value of balloon-expandable stents (BES) and self-expandable stents (SES) for stenosis of the femoral bifurcation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with stenosis of the CFA and its bifurcation were included from 2016 to 2022. Demographic data, the type of stent used, procedural data, and angiographic variables were collected. Groups were defined according to the type of stent implanted. Primary patency was defined as a binary end point based on a duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocity ratio of ≤2.4 as assessed by duplex ultrasound examination, in the absence of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) or bypass of the target lesion. Secondary outcomes were clinical sustained improvement, freedom from TLR at 12 months, mean ankle-brachial index improvement, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency.

RESULTS

A total of 90 procedures conducted in 77 patients were included in this study, 26 in the SES group and 64 in the BES group. The most common symptomatology according to the Rutherford classification was class 2, 3, and 4 (28%, 48%, and 8%, respectively). The type of lesions in the CFA, assessed using the Azema classification, were comparable between both groups (SES/BES group type 2: 31%/27%; type 3: 54%/62%). At 12 months, the primary patency rates for SES and BES were 88% (26/26 patients) and 72% (58/64 patients) (P = .10). At 12 months, freedom from TLR rates for SES and BES were 97% vs 81%, respectively (P = .13).

CONCLUSIONS

SES for CFA stenosis show a trend toward better patency and freedom from TLR rates at 12 months. However, controlled studies are warranted to further investigate the significance of this trend.