Incidence and mechanism of creatine kinase-MB enzyme elevation after coronary intervention with different devices

TIcagrelor in Rotational Atherectomy to Reduce TROPonin Enhancement: The TIRATROP Study, A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Because rotational atherectomy (RA) is associated with arterial trauma and platelet activation, patients treated with RA may benefit from more potent antiplatelet drugs. The aim of this trial was to assess the superiority of ticagrelor over clopidogrel in reducing post procedure troponin release.

METHODS

TIRATROP (TIcagrelor in Rotational Atherectomy to reduce TROPonin enhancement) is a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial that included 180 patients with severe calcified lesions requiring RA who received either clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose, then 75 mg/d) or ticagrelor (loading dose 180 mg then 90 mg twice daily). Blood samples were collected at the beginning (T0), and 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 h after the procedure. Primary end point was troponin release within the first 24 h using area under the curve analysis (troponin level as a function of time).

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 76 ± 10 years, 35% had diabetes. RA was used to treat 1, 2 or 3 calcified lesions in 72%, 23% and 5% of patients, respectively. Troponin release within the first 24 h was similar in both the ticagrelor (adjusted mean ±SD of ln AUC 8.85 ± 0.33) and the clopidogrel (8.77 ± 0.34, p = 0.60) arms. Independent predictors for troponin enhancement were acute coronary syndrome presentation, renal failure, elevated C-Reactive protein and multiple lesions treated with RA.

CONCLUSION

Troponin release did not differ among treatment arms. Our results suggest that greater platelet inhibition does not affect periprocedural myocardial necrosis in the setting of RA.

A fresh look at coronary microembolization

Mechanical stress from haemodynamic perturbations or interventional manipulation of epicardial coronary atherosclerotic plaques with inflammatory destabilization can release particulate debris, thrombotic material and soluble substances into the coronary circulation. The physical material obstructs the coronary microcirculation, whereas the soluble substances induce endothelial dysfunction and facilitate vasoconstriction. Coronary microvascular obstruction and dysfunction result in patchy microinfarcts accompanied by an inflammatory reaction, both of which contribute to progressive myocardial contractile dysfunction. In clinical studies, the benefit of protection devices to retrieve atherothrombotic debris during percutaneous coronary interventions has been modest, and the treatment of microembolization has mostly relied on antiplatelet and vasodilator agents. The past 25 years have witnessed a relative proportional increase in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the presentation of acute coronary syndromes. An associated increase in the incidence of plaque erosion rather than rupture has also been recognized as a key mechanism in the past decade. We propose that coronary microembolization is a decisive link between plaque erosion at the culprit lesion and the manifestation of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. In this Review, we characterize the features and mechanisms of coronary microembolization and discuss the clinical trials of drugs and devices for prevention and treatment.

Cardioprotective effect of acupuncture for percutaneous coronary intervention-related myocardial injury in patients with coronary artery disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) rely increasingly upon percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), this therapy causes subsequent the complications of myocardial injury. Acupuncture safely protects the heart from ischemic injury; however, the efficacy of acupuncture for periprocedural myocardial injury after PCI remains unclear.

METHODS

Seven databases in English and Chinese including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database will be searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that use acupuncture to treat PCI-related myocardial injury in patients with CAD, regardless of blinding. The crossover randomized trials will be included, but only the pre-crossover data will be analyzed to avoid carryover effects. We will exclude non-RCTs, qualitative studies, uncontrolled clinical trials, and laboratory studies. The measurement of concentration of cardiac troponin (T or I) and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase will be used as primary outcome. Postprocedural cardiac function and the major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular event rate will be assessed as secondary outcome. Relevant data were collected independently by 2 reviewers and the third reviewer was responsible for resolving discrepancies through discussion. The Review Manager V.5.3.3 s will be used to perform the data synthesis and subgroup analysis.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis would provide convincing evidence of various types of acupuncture that specifically focuses on cardioprotective effect of acupuncture on PCI-related myocardial injury.

REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework (OSF) registries (osf.io/n2e6t) with the registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/79H2E.

A Comparison of Peri-Procedural Myocardial Infarction between Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon and Drug-Eluting Stent on De Novo Coronary Lesions

PURPOSE

This study compared the impact of paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) or drug eluting stents (DES) on peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) on de novo coronary lesion in stable patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this observational study, we compared the incidence of PMI amongst patients with single vessel de novo coronary lesions who underwent treatment with a PCB or DES. Propensity score-matching analysis was used to assemble a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics. PMI was classified as myocardial infarction occurring within 48 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention with a threshold of 5 x the 99th percentile upper reference limit of normal for creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) or troponin T (TnT).

RESULTS

One hundred four patients (52 receiving PCB and 52 receiving DES) were enrolled in this study. The peak mean values of CK-MB and TnT were significantly higher in the DES group. There was a significantly higher rate of PMI in the DES group (23.1% vs. 1.9%, p=0.002). Total occlusion of the side-branch occurred in two patients treated with DES, while no patients treated with PCB. In multivariable analysis, DES was the only independent predictor of PMI compared with PCB (odds ratio 42.85, 95% confidence interval: 3.44-533.87, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with a PCB on de novo coronary lesion might be associated with a significant reduction in the risk of PMI compared to DES.

Intracoronary Macrothrombus Formation During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Despite Optimal Activated Clotting Time Using Bivalirudin

The occurrence of intracoronary thrombus during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a well-known complication. It has been estimated that it complicates approximately 6% of all coronary procedures. Patients at highest risk for this complication include those with acute ischemic syndromes or with angiographically apparent thrombus. Since the development of PCI, intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) has remained the primary antithrombotic therapy for the prevention of periprocedural ischemic complications. The availability of a rapid “point of care” test for dose individualization (the activated clotting time [ACT]) has facilitated this process. Other forms of antithrombotic therapies such as direct thrombin inhibitors or low-molecular-weight heparin have been proposed as more effective anticoagulants during PCI. Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor proven to decrease post-PCI ischemic complication rate compared with UFH and have a lower vascular complication rate compared with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. We herein report a case of acute macrothrombus formation during PCI despite adequate ACT achieved with bivalirudin.

Safe and feasible immediate retransfer of patients to the referring hospital after acute coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary angioplasty for patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

The challenge with fast track (FT) is to avoid compromising medical safety. We aimed to investigate whether patients with acute coronary syndrome could be safely retransferred to the referral hospital on the same day after coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 399 consecutive patients were prospectively randomized: 206 to ordinary care (OC) and 193 to the FT group. Of these, 30% of patients were admitted for unstable angina pectoris and 70% for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The FT patients were evaluated for possible same-day return after angiography and/or PCI. Crossover, acute, and 30-day major events were recorded. The radial approach was used in 91 and 87% in the OC and FT group, respectively. Of the FT patients, 95% were returned on the same day and nine crossover patients (4.7%) the next day or later. Major events occurred in nine patients (2.2%); five in the OC and four in the FT group. There were a total of five events within 24 hours. No events were observed during transportation and there were no early retransfers.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate written reports and good communication with the referring hospital enabled thoroughly selected patients to be safely returned on the same day as angiography and/or PCI.

The effect of dalteparin versus unfractionated heparin on the levels of troponin I and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB in elective percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of dalteparin during an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure in a large cohort.

Materials and methods

In this prospective, randomized, open-label design study, 733 patients undergoing elective PCI were divided into an unfractionated heparin group (group 1, 323 patients) or a dalteparin group (group 2, 410 patients). Blood samples were collected before and 18–24 h after the PCI procedure to determine the serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and bleeding events during hospitalization were also recorded. Patients with an increased level of serum cTnI before PCI were excluded from the study.

Results

After PCI, the cTnI values were greater than three times the upper limit of normal in 43 cases (13.3%) in group 1 and 52 cases (12.7%) in group 2, without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.801). An increased creatine kinase isoenzyme MB level of greater than two times the upper limit of normal was found in 10 cases (3.1%) in group 1 and 12 cases (2.9%) in group 2, without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.894). Postoperative bleeding was observed in nine patients (2.8%) in group 1 and six patients (1.5%) in group 2. Postoperative MACEs were observed in two patients (0.6%) in group 1 and two patients (0.5%) in group 2. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to bleeding events or MACEs.

Conclusion

Our study showed that dalteparin might be as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin for anticoagulation during elective PCI.

Association of baseline C-reactive protein levels with periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing percutaneous bifurcation intervention: a CACTUS study subanalysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) on periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI), evaluated by creatine kinase-myocardial band isoform (CK-MB) elevation in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions is actually unknown.

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammation as assessed by CRP has been associated with averse events after DES implantation. After PCI, the occurrence of PMI is common and has also been associated with worse outcomes. Finally, bifurcations are frequently encountered anatomically complex lesions which the treatment is associated with higher complication rate compared with simple lesions.

METHODS

A total of 96 patients (66 ± 10 years, 70 men) from the Coronary bifurcations: Application of the Crushing Technique Using Sirolimus-eluting stents (CACTUS) trial who had baseline CRP dosage and both baseline and postprocedural CK-MB measurement were included.

RESULTS

A complex bifurcation strategy was implemented in 53 (55%) patients, and angiographic success was achieved in all but two (2%) patients. Periprocedural myocardial necrosis (increase of CK-MB between one and three times the upper limit of normal [ULN]) was observed in 12 (13%) patients, and four (4%) patients had PCI-related myocardial infarction (increase of CK-MB more than three times ULN). Notably, progressively higher CRP levels were observed in patients with different increase in CK-MB (P = 0.041). Moreover, CRP >1 mg/L significantly predicted CK-MB rise (odds ratio 5.6, 95% confidence interval 1.5-4.3, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

In the setting of true coronary bifurcations treated by DES, baseline CRP levels were significantly associated with both the incidence and the extent of PMI.

Prognostic value of creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme elevation following percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether different degrees of creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme (CK-MB) elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affect the subsequent risk of death.

BACKGROUND

While there is consensus that extensive cardiac enzyme elevation increase mortality significantly, there is uncertainty about the exact clinical impact of smaller CK-MB elevations after PCI.

METHODS

The published literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases such as PubMed and MEDLINE from January 1999 to October 2011. Risk ratio (RR) was used as summary estimate.

RESULTS

Ten studies have been included totaling 48,022 patients who underwent PCI (12,246 patients with CK-MB elevation and 35,776 patients without CK-MB elevation). Mean followup duration for each study ranged from 6 to 48 months. CK-MB elevation >1× the upper limit of normal (ULN) conferred a significant increase in the risk of mortality with an overall RR of 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 2.13, P < 0.001). Compared with patients without CK-MB elevation, there was a dose-response relationship with RR for death being 1.48 (95% CI, 1.25-1.77, P < 0.001) with CK-MB elevation 1 to <3× ULN, 1.71 (95% CI, 1.23-2.37, P = 0.001) with CK-MB elevation 3 to 5× ULN, and 2.83 (95% CI, 1.98-4.04, P < 0.001) with CK-MB elevation ≥ 5× ULN.

CONCLUSIONS

Even a small increase in CK-MB levels after PCI is associated with significantly higher risk of late mortality. Monitoring cardiac enzymes after PCI may help predict the long term clinical outcome.

Rotational atherectomy: a "survivor" in the drug-eluting stent era

Mechanical debulking of coronary plaques with rotational atherectomy (RA) has been used for more than 20 years during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Modification of plaque characteristics may be accomplished with selective ablation of inelastic fibrocalcific tissue. The use of RA, though reduced with the development of bare-metal stents (BMS) and even more with drug-eluting stents (DES), has never been completely abandoned. The present review will analyze reasons for conflicting results obtained in large series and randomized trials on this topic in the past, and will identify criteria for an appropriate use in current times.

Natural history of side branches jailed by drug-eluting stents

BACKGROUND

 Stent deployment across side branch (SB) ostium is common in daily practice. The present study investigated the natural history of SBs jailed by drug-eluting stents (DES).

METHODS

 The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades of 271 consecutive SBs jailed by DES in 196 patients was assessed immediately after the procedure and at 9 months of follow-up. Patients receiving any SB intervention were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 271 jailed SBs, occlusion occurred in 6.27% and deterioration of flow occurred in 6.27% immediately after stenting. In patients with these SB changes, periprocedural myocardial infarction was more likely than in those without (10.0% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.017), while there was no increase of cardiac death or life-threatening complications such as stent thrombosis and Q-wave myocardial infarction (Q MI) during follow-up. At 9 months, angiography showed that one-third of the initially obstructed SBs were still occluded. In contrast, flow was maintained in almost all (98.6%) SBs with early TIMI flow grade 3 and there was no delayed occlusion of these branches. Multiple regression analysis showed that lesion complexity (Medina bifurcation class, calcification, and preprocedural TIMI grade 2 flow in the SB) and technical factors (jailing by overlapping stents) were related to SB occlusion or flow deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

 Jailed SBs showing good flow after stenting had a favorable angiographic and clinical outcome after 9 months of follow-up. However, preprocedural lesion complexity and technical factors should be considered to avoid SB occlusion/flow deterioration associated with periprocedural myocardial infarction.

Prognostic implications of creatine kinase-MB elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention: results from the Evaluation of Drug-Eluting Stents and Ischemic Events (EVENT) registry

BACKGROUND

Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with increased risk for mortality. Although most studies have defined periprocedural myocardial infarction (pMI) as an elevation in CK-MB >3× upper limit of normal (ULN), use of different CK-MB assays and variation in site-specific definitions of the ULN may limit the value of such relative thresholds.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used data from the multicenter Evaluation of Drug-Eluting Stents and Ischemic Events (EVENT) registry to examine the impact of variations in site-specific thresholds for CK-MB elevation on the incidence of pMI as well as the relationship between absolute peak levels of CK-MB after PCI and 1-year mortality. The study cohort consisted of 6347 patients who underwent nonemergent PCI and had normal CK-MB at baseline. Across the 59 study centers, the ULN for CK-MB ranged from 2.6 to 10.4 ng/mL (median, 5.0 ng/mL), and there was an inverse relationship between the site-specific ULN and the incidence of pMI (defined as CK-MB elevation >3× ULN). Although any postprocedure elevation of CK-MB was associated with an adverse prognosis, in categorical analyses, only CK-MB ≥50 ng/mL was independently associated with increased 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 2.42 to 9.13; P<0.001). Spline analysis using peak CK-MB as a continuous variable suggested a graded, nonlinear relationship with 1-year mortality, with an inflection point at ≈30 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Among unselected patients undergoing PCI, there is a graded relationship between CK-MB elevation after PCI and 1-year mortality that is particularly strong for large CK-MB elevations (>30 to 50 ng/mL). Future studies that include pMI as a clinical end point should consider using a core laboratory to assess CK-MB (to ensure consistency) and raising the threshold for defining pMI above current levels (to enhance clinical relevance).

[Therapeutic approach in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions]

While the performance of percutaneous coronary interventions remains the domain of interventional cardiologists, the management of these patients before, during, and after the procedure is in the domain of general cardiologists, internists and primary care physicians. Therefore, for optimal patient care it is crucial that all engaged physicians should understand the procedural risks, complications and optimal treatment strategy before, during and after the procedure. Before a percutanous coronary intervention, patients with known allergies to iodinated contrast dye should be pretreated with oral corticosteroids and H1-receptor blockers. Diabetic patients as well as patients with renal failure need special care. Hydration is crucial for patients with renal insufficiency in order to minimise the risk of contrast nephropathy. Metformin therapy should be discontinued before the procedure in patients with renal failure in order to avoid lactic acidosis, and it should be reinstituted after the procedure only when normal serum creatine level is confirmed. Double antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus clopidogrel) should be initiated at least six hours before the procedure. While aspirin therapy after the procedure is life long, the duration of clopidogrel therapy depends on the type of implanted stent (in patients with bare stents implanted clopidogrel should be taken at least 3 - 4 weeks post procedural, and in patients with drug-eluting stents implanted clopidogrel should be taken at least 6 - 12 months after the procedure due to in-stent restenosis prevention). Patients who experience typical anginal pain in a period of one to eight month after percutaneous coronary revascularization are likely to have restenosis, and they should be reevaluated with stress echocardiography and/or repeated coronary angiography.

Impact of final activated clotting time after transradial coronary stenting with maximal antiplatelet therapy

The optimal value of activated clotting time (ACT) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with unfractionated heparin remains controversial. No data are available on the relation between the ACT at the end of the procedure (final ACT) and the clinical outcomes after transradial PCI and maximal antiplatelet therapy. By dividing the final ACT values in tertiles, we analyzed the ischemic and bleeding events in 1,234 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome recruited in the EArly Discharge after Transradial Stenting of CoronarY Arteries (EASY) trial. All patients were pretreated with aspirin and clopidogrel. After radial sheath insertion, patients received 70 IU/kg unfractionated heparin. Abciximab was given before the first balloon inflation. The median final ACT value was 312 seconds (interquartile range 279 to 344). At 30 days, the rate of major adverse cardiac events, including death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization, from the lower to upper tertiles was 4%, 4%, and 2%, respectively (p = 0.16), and the rate of major bleeding was 2%, 1% and 0.7%, respectively (p = 0.20). During the 3 years of follow-up, the incidence of myocardial infarction was less in the tertile with the greatest ACT value (>330 seconds) than in the other 2 tertiles (4%, 8%, and 8%, respectively; p = 0.038). Troponin-T and creatine kinase-MB release after PCI indicated that the effect was related to periprocedural myonecrosis protection. After adjustment for baseline and procedural differences, a final ACT of >330 seconds remained associated with a 47% relative reduction in myocardial infarction (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.93, p = 0.024). Death and target vessel revascularization remained similar in all tertiles for < or =3 years. In conclusion, with the combination of aspirin, clopidogrel pretreatment, and abciximab, a final ACT value of >330 seconds appears protective against peri-PCI myonecrosis, and this benefit was maintained for < or =3 years. With a transradial approach and maximal antiplatelet therapy, greater ACT values did not correlate with an increased risk of bleeding.

Angiographic adverse events during percutaneous coronary intervention fail to predict creatine kinase-MB elevation

We attempted to determine if aggressive detection of angiographic adverse events during coronary intervention could predict subsequent creatine kinase (CK)-MB elevations. During coronary intervention, both fluoroscopy and cine angiography were used to detect angiographic adverse events. At least one angiographic adverse event occurred in 133/251 (53%) of procedures. CK-MB elevation occurred in 24% of procedures. Slow flow during the procedure (P=0.002) and chest discomfort at the end of the procedure (P=0.007) were the strongest predictors of CK-MB elevation. Among procedures with no angiographic adverse events, CK-MB elevation occurred in 15/121 (12%), accounting for 25% of CK-MB elevations. We conclude that CK-MB elevation occurs after angiographically uncomplicated coronary interventions even when angiographic adverse events are aggressively detected. Routine monitoring of cardiac enzymes is necessary to detect all patients who will experience myocardial injury after coronary intervention.

Angiographic adverse events, creatine kinase-MB elevation, and ischemic end points complicating percutaneous coronary intervention (a REPLACE-2 substudy)

Several angiographic adverse events during coronary balloon angioplasty have been associated with increased creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) enzymes and adverse clinical outcomes. The significance of angiographic adverse events in the stent era has not been widely studied. We analyzed 10 types of angiographic adverse events that were reported in the 6,010-patient Second Randomized Evaluation in PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE-2) trial to determine their relation to CK-MB elevation and clinical ischemic end points after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Angiographic adverse events occurred in 9.1% of REPLACE-2 patients. Most (8 of 10) types of angiographic adverse events were associated with an increased risk of increased CK-MB (p <0.001 for each), and 47% of all patients with an angiographic adverse event developed increased CK-MB. Logistic regression analysis showed that the strongest predictor of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization at 6 months was the occurrence of an angiographic adverse event during PCI (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 2.4, p <0.001). Side branch closure, abrupt closure, any decreased flow during the procedure, angiographic distal embolization, and perforation or tamponade were individual predictors of the occurrence of the combined clinical ischemic end point at 6-month follow-up (p <0.005 for each). In conclusion, most angiographic adverse events during PCI are associated with increased CK-MB and are powerful predictors of adverse clinical events within 6 months.

Preprocedural statin use is associated with a reduced hazard of postprocedural myonecrosis in patients undergoing rotational atherectomy--a propensity-adjusted analysis

Incidence of myonecrosis in patients undergoing rotational atherectomy was evaluated by preprocedural statin use. The incidence of any myonecrosis (24.1% vs 52.3%, P < .001) or significant myonecrosis (7.5% vs 21.8%, P < .001) was significantly lower among patients pretreated with statins. This difference remained significant after multivariable and propensity adjustment.

Clinical effectiveness of bare-metal stenting compared with balloon angioplasty in total coronary occlusions: insights from a systematic overview of randomized trials in light of the drug-eluting stent era

BACKGROUND

We sought to compare, using meta-analytic techniques, bare-metal stent versus balloon angioplasty in the percutaneous treatment of total coronary occlusions by means of a quantitative systematic review and to indicate new avenues for future treatments.

METHODS

MEDLINE and CENTRAL were searched. Inclusion criteria were random allocation, prospective comparison, and intention to treat. Random-effect odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death, myocardial infarction (MI), repeated revascularization, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and angiographic restenosis and reocclusion were computed.

RESULTS

Nine trials (1409 patients) were included. Death rate was not different in the 2 groups, 0.4% after stenting versus 0.7% after balloon angioplasty (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.21-2.50). MI rate was significantly increased after stenting (6.7% vs 3.4%, OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.22-3.46), mainly because of a higher rate of periprocedural non-Q-wave MI. By contrast, the risk of repeated revascularization was significantly reduced by stenting (17% vs 32%, OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31-0.53). This yielded to an overall reduction in the rate of MACE after stenting (23.2% vs 35.4%, OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36-0.68). Angiographic restenosis and reocclusion were also decreased by stent (41.1% vs 60.9%, OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.57; 6.8% vs 16%, OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.59, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In total coronary occlusions, stenting yields an important benefit over balloon angioplasty in reduction of MACE, repeated revascularizations, and angiographic restenosis and reocclusion. However, these events remain frequent. Moreover, the finding of an increased rate of periprocedural minor myocardial damage after stenting casts caution. New strategies aimed to reduce the need of repeated revascularizations and periprocedural MIs should be further investigated.

Percutaneous coronary intervention: recommendations for good practice and training

Cardiologists undertaking percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are excited by the combination of patient and physician satisfaction and technological advance occurring on the background of the necessary manual dexterity. Progress and applicability of percutaneous techniques since their inception in 1977 have been remarkable; a sound evidence base coupled with the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the medical device industry has resulted in a sea change in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD), which continues to evolve at breakneck speed. This is the third set of guidelines produced by the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society and the British Cardiac Society. Following the last set of guidelines published in 2000, we have seen PCI activity in the UK increase from 33,652 to 62,780 (87% in four years) such that the PCI to coronary artery bypass grafting ratio has increased to 2.5:1. The impact of drug eluting stents has been profound, and the Department of Health is investigating the feasibility of primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, the changes in the structure of National Health Service funding are likely to focus our attention on cost effective treatments and will require physician engagement and sensitive handling if we are to continue the rapid and appropriate growth in our chosen field. It is important with this burgeoning development now occurring on a broad front (in both regional centres and district general hospitals) that we maintain our vigilance on audit and outcome measures so that standards are maintained for both operators and institutions alike. This set of guidelines includes new sections on training, informed consent, and a core evidence base, which we hope you will find useful and informative.

Side branch occlusion after coronary stent implantation in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: clinical impact and angiographic predictors

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical outcome of the occlusion of major (> 1 mm) side branches following coronary stenting in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

Among 276 consecutive patients presenting with STEMI, we found 80 patients (29%) with 101 stent-covered side branches. Clinical data and quantitative angiographic analysis were evaluated. Angiographic follow-up was available in 56 (70%) patients, and clinical follow-up could be completed in all patients.

RESULTS

Acute side branch occlusion after stent implantation (SBO) was observed in 10 (12.5%) patients involving 11 (10.9%) side branches. Predictors for SBO were: (1) reference side branch diameter at baseline < or = 1.4 mm; (2) ostial side branch stenosis > 50%; and (3) minimal side branch diameter at baseline < or = 0.6 mm. During hospitalization, in the SBO group, 2 patients died in cardiogenic shock and 1 underwent bypass surgery; no events were causally related to SBO. During long-term follow-up, 1 patient with SBO developed repeat MI as opposed to 7 patients in the non-SBO group who developed major adverse cardiac events (1 death, 6 repeat revascularizations).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a side branch originating from the target lesion in patients undergoing coronary stenting for acute STEMI is a frequent observation (29%) and is associated with a low incidence of side branch occlusion. Major predictors for SBO are the side branch size and the presence of an ostial side branch stenosis.

Peri-procedural myocardial injury: 2005 update

During the past three decades, percutaneous coronary intervention has become one of the cardinal treatment strategies for stenotic coronary artery disease. Technical advances, including the introduction of new devices such as stents, have expanded the interventional capabilities of balloon angioplasty. At the same time, there has been a decline in the rate of major adverse cardiac events, including Q-wave acute myocardial infarction, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, and cardiac death. Despite these advances, the incidence of post-procedural cardiac marker elevation has not substantially decreased since the first serial assessment 20 years ago. As of now, these post-procedural cardiac marker elevations are considered to represent peri-procedural myocardial injury (PMI) with worse long-term outcome potential. Recent progress has been made for the identification of two main PMI patterns, one near the intervention site (proximal type, PMI type I) and one in the distal perfusion territory of the treated coronary artery (distal type, PMI type II) as well as for preventive strategies. Integrating these new developments into the wealth of clinical information on this topic, this review aims at giving a current perspective on the entity of PMI.

Preprocedural plasma C-reactive protein levels, postprocedural creatine kinase-MB release, and long-term prognosis after successful coronary stenting (four-year results from the GENERATION study)

Increased creatine kinase-MB isoenzymes after coronary stenting are common, and many studies have suggested an association of this increase with an adverse long-term prognosis. How such postprocedural creatine kinase-MB release affects long-term prognosis remains unclear. Whether any actual causal relation exists remains unanswered.

Impact of major side branch on periprocedural enzyme elevation and long-term outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and brachytherapy for in-stent restenosis

Side branch occlusion is 1 mechanism for the increase of creatine phosphokinase-MB after percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with long-term adverse events. We studied 248 patients who underwent brachytherapy for in-stent restenosis with and without side branches, compared levels of creatine phosphokinase-MB with procedural, in-hospital, and long-term clinical outcomes, and found that patients with side branches have increased levels of creatine phosphokinase-MB after percutaneous coronary intervention and higher rates of restenosis, target vessel, and target lesion revascularization at 6-month follow-up.

Mortality risk conferred by small elevations of creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme after percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess whether small creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) elevations after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affect the subsequent mortality risk.

BACKGROUND

Several studies have evaluated the relationship of CK-MB levels after PCI with the subsequent risk of death. While there is consensus that elevations exceeding 5 times the upper limit of normal increase mortality significantly, there is uncertainty about the exact clinical impact of smaller CK-MB elevations.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of seven studies with CK-MB measurements and survival outcomes on 23230 subjects who underwent PCI. Data were combined with random effects models.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 6 to 34 months per study. By random effects, 19% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16% to 23%) had one- to five-fold CK-MB elevations, while only 6% (95% CI, 5% to 9%) had >5-fold elevations. Compared with subjects with normal CK-MB, there was a dose-response relationship with relative risks for death being 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2 to 1.8, no between-study heterogeneity) with one- to three-fold CK-MB elevations, 1.8 (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.4, no between-study heterogeneity) with three- to five-fold CK-MB elevations, and 3.1 (95% CI, 2.3 to 4.2, borderline between-study heterogeneity) with over five-fold CK-MB elevations (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Any increase in CK-MB after PCI is associated with a small, but statistically and clinically significant, increase in the subsequent risk of death.

Prognostic implication of creatine kinase release after elective percutaneous coronary intervention in the pre-IIb/IIIa antagonist era

BACKGROUND

The significance of mild elevations in cardiac enzymes after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) still remains controversial. We evaluated the significance of creatine phosphokinase level (CPK) elevations in a large cohort of patients who had undergone an elective PCI before the IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist era.

METHODS

All patients enrolled in the Emory databank from 1981 to 1996 who had an elective PCI were evaluated. We identified 15,637 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into 4 groups on the basis of the magnitude of the CPK elevation noted in the post-PCI period: group I (CPK <250 mg/dL, n = 14,512); group II (CPK 250-500 mg/dL, n = 715); group III (CPK 500-750 mg/dL, n = 164); and group IV (CPK >750 mg/dL, n = 246).

RESULTS

CPK elevations were associated with a significant increase in the periprocedure angiographic complications. Angiographic complication rates were 14.6%, 30.5%, 40.2%, and 43.5% in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively (P <.001). Long-term survival also correlated inversely with the magnitude of CPK elevations. The 10-year survival rates were 73%, 71%, 69%, and 55% in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively (P <.0001). After multivariate analysis to correct for clinical factors, a CPK elevation of at least 3-times normal (group IV) was found to be an independent predictor of diminished 30-day and long-term survival (hazard ratio 1.84, 95% CI 1.41-2.41, P <.0001). Elevations in CPK <3-times normal (groups II and III) were not independently predictive of poor long-term survival.

CONCLUSION

A CPK level >3-times normal after an elective PCI is a strong independent predictor of poor long-term prognosis.

Postprocedure chest pain after coronary stenting: implications on clinical restenosis

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to analyze the incidence and predictors of postprocedure chest pain (PPCP) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its correlation with clinical restenosis.

BACKGROUND

Chest pain after PCI occurs frequently even in the absence of procedural events and is considered to be due to vasospasm or coronary artery stretch. The short- and long-term significance of PPCP after otherwise successful stenting is not clear.

METHODS

We analyzed 1,362 patients undergoing coronary stenting for PPCP, procedural and in-hospital events, 30-day major adverse cardiac events, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 6 to 9 months.

RESULTS

There were 488 patients with PPCP and, of these, 312 patients were excluded due to procedural events. The remaining 176 patients with PPCP were compared with 874 patients without PPCP. Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme elevation occurred in 25.6% of the PPCP group versus 9.6% of the no PPCP group (p < 0.001). Despite similar reference vessel diameter, the PPCP group had larger postprocedure minimum lumen diameter, higher stent-to-vessel ratio, and higher inflation pressure versus the no PPCP group (p < 0.01). At 30 days, the emergency room visits and repeat catheterization (16% vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001) were higher in the PPCP group versus the no PPCP group, but repeat intervention was similar. At 6- to 9-month follow-up, the TVR was significantly higher in the PPCP group compared with the no PPCP group (29.5% vs. 16.6%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests micromyonecrosis and vessel stretch as causes of PPCP. Postprocedure chest pain is associated with similar short-term outcome as no PPCP, but has higher restenosis, perhaps mediated by deep vessel wall injury. Therefore, PPCP may identify patients at high risk for restenosis.

Effect of abciximab on angiographic complications during percutaneous coronary stenting in the Evaluation of Platelet IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Stenting Trial (EPISTENT)

In the Evaluation of Platelet IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Stenting Trial (EPISTENT), abciximab reduced ischemic complications of stent implantation at 30 days and 6 months. The responsible mechanisms remain unclear. We sought to determine if abciximab decreases ischemic complications by decreasing the incidence of angiographic complications during coronary stenting. In EPISTENT, patients were randomized to stenting with abciximab (abciximab group), stenting with placebo (placebo group), or balloon angioplasty with abciximab. Angiographic complications (including major or minor dissection, distal embolization, thrombus postprocedure, side branch or other vessel occlusion, residual stenosis >50%, transient coronary occlusion, and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction final flow <3) were recorded prospectively. Creatine kinase (CK)-MB enzyme levels after intervention were measured at 6-hour intervals. We analyzed angiographic complications and CK-MB elevations in the abciximab group (n = 784) and the placebo group (n = 803). Angiographic complications were 29% less frequent in the abciximab group compared with the placebo group (17.0% vs 23.8%; p = 0.001). In patients with angiographic complications, there was a nonsignificant reduction in the incidence of CK-MB elevation >3 times normal with abciximab therapy (19.7% vs 24.5% in placebo group; p = 0.314). Abciximab (compared with placebo) significantly reduced the incidence of CK-MB elevation >3 times normal in those without any angiographic complications (6.5% vs 10.7%; p = 0.007). In summary, abciximab (compared with placebo) significantly reduced angiographic complications during coronary stenting. Abciximab also prevented CK-MB elevations in patients without angiographic complications.

Reduction in periprocedural enzyme elevation by abciximab after rotational atherectomy of type B2 lesions: Results of the Rota ReoPro randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Abciximab has been shown to reduce ischemic complications and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) elevation of both simple and complex coronary interventions. In addition to the procedural complications, one of the important mechanisms for CK-MB elevation after rotational atherectomy is an interaction between platelets and the atheromatous debris.

METHODS

This study was conducted to determine whether abciximab would limit the extent of periprocedural CK-MB release after rotational atherectomy of American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology type B(2) lesions in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled manner. A total of 100 lesions in 100 patients were randomized with the primary end point being a CK-MB elevation of >16 U/L.

RESULTS

Procedural success was achieved in 100% in the abciximab arm compared with 98% in the placebo group with any CK-MB elevation >16 U/L of 8% in the abciximab versus 22% in the placebo group (P =.04). The peak creatine phosphokinase level (units per liter) was 102 +/- 14 versus 153 +/- 22 (P =.05) and the peak CK-MB level was 12.8 +/- 1.8 versus 24.6 +/- 3.5 (P =.06) between the abciximab and placebo groups, respectively. Slow-flow or postprocedure chest pain occurred in 14% in the abciximab group versus 30% in the placebo group (P =.04). There was 1 Q-wave myocardial infarction in the placebo arm and 1 nonhemorrhagic stroke in the abciximab group.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore the Rota ReoPro randomized trial revealed the benefit of abciximab during rotational atherectomy in reducing procedural morbidity and CK-MB elevation, and its routine use can be justified even in moderately complex lesions undergoing rotational atherectomy.

Effect of eptifibatide on angiographic complications during percutaneous coronary intervention in the IMPACT--(Integrilin to Minimize Platelet Aggregation and Coronary Thrombosis) II Trial

We sought to determine whether eptifibatide reduces elevation of creatine kinase (CK)-MB isoenzyme release during coronary intervention by preventing angiographic complications, by minimizing the sequelae of angiographic complications once they occur, or by other mechanisms. In the Integrilin to Minimize Platelet Aggregation and Coronary Thrombosis trial, patients underwent coronary intervention during treatment with placebo versus the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor eptifibatide. Eptifibatide decreased ischemic complications at 24 hours and 30 days. CK-MB elevations and in-laboratory angiographic complications (including major dissection, distal embolization, residual thrombus, abrupt closure, residual stenosis >50%, and side branch occlusion) were prospectively recorded. The incidence of any angiographic complication was lower in eptifibatide-treated patients (33%) than in placebo-treated patients (38%, p = 0.019). For patients with angiographic complications, there was a trend toward a reduced incidence of any elevation in CK-MB in the first 24 hours (29%, 135/0.75 eptifibatide dose; 33%, 135/0.5 eptifibatide dose; 37%, placebo). Among patients without angiographic complications, there was a similar trend toward fewer abnormal CK-MB levels in patients receiving eptifibatide (17% and 18% in eptifibatide arms vs 21% placebo). Thus, eptifibatide reduces angiographically evident complications during coronary intervention, but this effect accounts for only 1/3 of the reduced frequency of CK-MB elevations observed with eptifibatide. When angiographic complications occur, eptifibatide reduces rates of subsequent CK-MB elevation, accounting for another 1/3 of the reduction in CK-MB elevations. Finally, eptifibatide reduces the incidence of periprocedural CK-MB elevations in patients without angiographically evident complications, accounting for 1/3 of eptifibatide's overall effect in reducing of CK-MB elevations in patients undergoing percutanous coronary intervention.

Effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition on angiographic complications during percutaneous coronary intervention in the ESPRIT trial

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether eptifibatide decreases the incidence of in-laboratory angiographic complications and to determine the relationship of angiographically evident complications to elevations of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) enzyme levels during percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND

In the Enhanced Suppression of the Platelet IIb/IIIa Receptor with Integrilin Therapy (ESPRIT) trial, eptifibatide during coronary intervention was associated with decreased ischemic complications at 48 h and 30 days.

METHODS

Patients (n = 2,064) were randomized to placebo versus eptifibatide (two 180 microg/kg boluses 10 min apart and as a continuous infusion of 2 microg/kg per min) during percutaneous coronary stenting. Angiographic complications including major dissection, distal embolization, residual thrombus, abrupt closure, residual stenosis >50% and side-branch occlusion were prospectively recorded by the operator. Creatine kinase-MB levels were measured after the procedure and every 6 h thereafter. The incidence of angiographic complications and CK-MB elevation was determined for eptifibatide versus placebo groups.

RESULTS

Eptifibatide-treated patients demonstrated nonsignificant trends toward fewer angiographic complications (10 vs. 12% for placebo patients, p = 0.13) and, for patients with angiographic complications, fewer subsequent CK-MB elevations (43 vs. 50% for placebo patients, p = 0.31). In patients without any angiographic complications, the incidence of CK-MB elevation >3 times the normal was 7% with placebo and 4% with eptifibatide (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Eptifibatide during nonurgent coronary stent intervention only minimally (and insignificantly) reduces the incidence of angiographic complications and subsequent CK-MB elevations in patients developing an angiographic complication. The greater effect is to reduce myocardial infarction in patients undergoing otherwise uneventful coronary stent implantation as well as in the overall study population.

Cardioprotective effect of prior beta-blocker therapy in reducing creatine kinase-MB elevation after coronary intervention: benefit is extended to improvement in intermediate-term survival

BACKGROUND

Both retrospective studies and prospective randomized trials have shown that beta-blockers improve survival and reduce the risk of reinfarction in patients with myocardial infarction. To evaluate whether beta-blockers exert similar protective benefits during and after coronary intervention, we studied the incidence of postprocedure creatine kinase (CK)-MB elevation in patients with or without prior beta-blocker therapy and its effect on intermediate-term ( approximately 1 year) survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively analyzed 1675 consecutive patients undergoing coronary intervention; of these patients, 643 (38.4%) were on beta-blocker therapy before the intervention. The incidence of CK-MB elevation after coronary intervention was 13.2% in patients on beta-blocker therapy before intervention and 22.1% in patients who were not on beta-blockers (P<0.001). Patients with prior beta-blocker therapy had lower persistent/recurrent postprocedure chest pain and lower preprocedure and postprocedure heart rates and mean blood pressures compared with patients who were not on beta-blockers (P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed prior beta-blocker therapy as the sole independent factor for lower CK-MB release after coronary intervention. During intermediate-term follow-up at 15+/-3 months, patients on beta-blocker therapy before intervention had lower mortality rates compared with those not on beta-blockers (0.78% versus 1.96%; P=0. 04), although the benefit was independent of the reduction in CK-MB release.

CONCLUSIONS

Our nonrandomized, prospective analysis suggests that prior beta-blocker therapy has a cardioprotective effect in limiting CK-MB release after coronary intervention and that it is associated with a lower mortality at intermediate-term follow-up.