The Canadian study of the sirolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of patients with long de novo lesions in small native coronary arteries (C-SIRIUS)

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Among Various Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Strategies for Small Coronary Artery Disease

It remains unclear which percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy is the most preferable in patients with small-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy of various PCI strategies for patients with small-vessel CAD through a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched multiple databases for RCTs investigating the efficacy of the following PCI strategies for small-vessel CAD (<3 mm in diameter): drug-coated balloons (DCB), early-generation paclitaxel-eluting stents and sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), bare-metal stents (BMS), cutting balloon angioplasty, and balloon angioplasty (BA). The primary outcome was the trial-defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), mostly defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. The secondary outcomes included each component of MACE and angiographic binary restenosis. We performed a sensitivity analysis for RCTs without BMS or first-generation DES. Our search identified 29 eligible RCTs, including 8,074 patients among the 8 PCI strategies. SES significantly reduced MACE compared with BA (hazard ratio 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.54) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 55.9%), and the rankogram analysis showed that SES was the best. There were no significant differences between DCB and newer-generation DES in any clinical outcomes, which was consistent in the sensitivity analysis. BMS and BA were ranked as the worst 2 for most clinical outcomes. In conclusion, SES was ranked as the best for reducing MACE. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between DCB and newer-generation DES. BMS and BA were regarded as the worst strategies for small-vessel CAD.

Association between pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of preterm birth: a mediating effect of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore the mediating effect of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on the relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in women with singleton live births.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data of 3,249,159 women with singleton live births were extracted from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) database in this retrospective cohort study. The associations between pre-pregnancy BMI and HDP, HDP, and PTB, and pre-pregnancy BMI and PTB were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the mediating effect of HDP on the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and PTB.

RESULTS

In total, 324,627 women (9.99%) had PTB. After adjustment for covariables, there were significant associations between pre-pregnancy BMI and HDP [OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 2.05-2.09)], HDP and PTB [OR = 2.54, 95% CI: (2.52-2.57)], and pre-pregnancy BMI and PTB [OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.03)]. The effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on PTB was significantly mediated by HDP with a mediation proportion of 63.62%, especially in women of different ages and having gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or not.

CONCLUSION

HDP may play a mediating role in the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on PTB risk. Women preparing for pregnancy should pay close attention to BMI, and pregnant women should monitor and develop interventions for HDP to reduce the risk of PTB.

Association between serum iron, blood lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, manganese and low cognitive performance in old adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): a cross-sectional study

Cognitive decline is a public health problem for the world's ageing population. This study was to evaluate the relationships between serum Fe, blood Pb, Cd, Hg, Se and Mn and cognitive decline in elderly Americans. Data of this cross-sectional study were extracted from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES 2011-2014). Cognitive performance was measured by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), Animal Fluency and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) tests. Weighted univariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between six trace elements and low cognitive performance. Subgroup analyses based on diabetes and hypertension history were further assessed the associations. A total of 2002 adults over 60 years old were included. After adjusting covariates, elevated serum Fe levels were associated with the decreased risk of low cognitive performance, especially in the elderly without diabetes history and with hypertension history. High blood Cd levels were associated with the high odds of low cognitive performance in old adults with diabetes and hypertension history. Elevated blood Mn levels were connected with low cognitive performance in old hypertensive people. High blood Pb levels were related to the high odds of low cognitive performance, especially in the elderly without diabetes and hypertension history. High blood Se levels were linked to the decreased risk of low cognitive performance in all the elderly. Appropriate Fe, Se supplementation and Fe-, Se-rich foods intake, while reducing exposure to Pb, Cd and Mn may be beneficial for cognitive function in the elderly.

Associations of polyunsaturated fatty acids with cardiovascular disease and mortality: a study of NHANES database in 2003-2018

BACKGROUND

This study was to explore the association between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consumption and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), all-cause mortality, and CVD-specific mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study extracted demographic and clinical data of 38,838 adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2003-2018. We explored the association between octadecadienoic acid (ODA), octadecatrienoic acid (ALA), octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA), eicosatetraenoic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and different CVDs using weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The PUFAs were divided into four levels according to the quartiles (≤ Q1, Q1 to Q2, Q1 to Q2, > Q3). Weighted univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were used for exploring the association between PUFAs and all-cause mortality, CVD-specific mortality and other cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, a total of 4,908 (9.12%) eligible participants died. The results showed that after adjusting for covariates, ODTA intake was related to low odds of coronary heart disease (CHD) [OR = 0.75, 95%CI: (0.64-0.88)]. Q1-Q2 quartile of ALA [OR = 0.81, 95%CI: (0.66-0.99)] and Q2-Q3 quartile of DPA [OR = 0.78, 95%CI: (0.62-0.99)] intakes were linked to low odds of heart attack, and > Q3 quartile of ODA intake was associated with low odds of congestive heart failure (CHF) [OR = 0.66, 95%CI: (0.49-0.90)] and stroke [OR = 0.65, 95%CI: (0.47-0.90)]. Q2-Q3 quartile of DPA intake was linked to low odds of angina [OR = 0.76, 95%CI: (0.58-0.99)]. Higher ALA intake was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality [Q2-Q3: HR = 0.86, 95%CI: (0.74-0.99); > Q3: HR = 0.76, 95%CI: (0.63-0.91)]. Additionally, Q2-Q3 quartile of ALA, Q1-Q2 quartile of AA and DPA intakes were respectively related to a low risk of CVD-specific mortality, while that > Q3 quartile of ALA related to that of mortality by other causes.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that PUFAs were associated with different CVDs, and higher ALA intake was related to lower risk of all-cause mortality. Ensuring adequate intake of PUFAs was beneficial to the health and may decrease the risk of mortality.

Sirolimus-Coated Balloon With a Microsphere-Based Technology for the Treatment of De Novo or Restenotic Coronary Lesions

BACKGROUND

Non stent-based local drug delivery with drug-coated balloon (DCB) is an alternative to drug-eluting stent with favorable clinical applicability in the treatment of selected coronary lesions. Our purpose was to report the initial performance, safety and efficacy evaluations of a novel sirolimus-coated balloon in the treatment of coronary lesions.

METHODS

This was a phase I (first-in-man), prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial evaluating the novel SELUTION SLR™ DCB (M.A. Med Alliance SA, Nyon, Switzerland), which incorporates a polymeric microsphere-based technology for controlled and continuous release of sirolimus, in the treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients/lesions were enrolled between November/2018 and March/2019. Diabetes was found in 46.6 %, and de novo lesions represented 79.6 % of cases. Device and procedural/clinical success were 100 % and 96.4 %, respectively. There was only one major adverse cardiac event (target lesion revascularization) reported at late follow-up. By quantitative coronary angiography analysis, mean % diameter stenosis was 30.5 ± 16.7 %, late lumen loss was 0.26 ± 0.45 mm and angiographic binary restenosis occurred in 4 of 45 cases at 6-month angiographic follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The novel SELUTION sirolimus-coated balloon demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of diseased coronary vessels, including absence of mortality and relatively low late lumen loss at late follow-up.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for de novo lesions in small coronary arteries: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has a well-established role in revascularization for coronary artery disease. We performed network meta-analysis to provide evidence on optimal intervention strategies for de novo lesions in small coronary arteries.

Materials and methods

Enrolled studies were randomized clinical trials that compared different intervention strategies [balloon angioplasty (BA), biolimus-coated balloon (BCB), bare-metal stent (BMS), new-generation drug-eluting stent (New-DES), older generation sirolimus-eluting stent (Old-SES), paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB), and paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES)] for de novo lesions in small coronary arteries. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

A total of 23 randomized clinical trials comparing seven intervention devices were analyzed. In terms of the primary outcome, New-DES was the intervention device with the best efficacy [surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), 89.1%; mean rank, 1.7], and the Old-SES [risk ratio (RR), 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–2.64] and PCB (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.72–2.74) secondary to New-DES, but there was no statistically significant difference between these three intervention devices. All DES and PCB were superior to BMS and BA for MACE in both primary and sensitivity analysis. For secondary outcomes, there was no association between all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) with any intervention strategy, and additionally, the findings of target lesion revascularization (TLR) were similar to the primary outcomes.

Conclusion

Paclitaxel-coated balloon yielded similar outcomes to New-DES for de novo lesions in small coronary arteries. Therefore, this network meta-analysis may provide potential support for PCB as a feasible, effective, and safe alternative intervention strategy for the revascularization of small coronary arteries.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails], identifier [CRD42022338433].

Coronary Stenting: Reflections on a 35-Year Journey

Stenting was introduced as a therapy for coronary artery disease 35 years ago, and is currently the most commonly performed minimally invasive procedure globally. Percutaneous coronary revascularization, initially with plain old balloon angioplasty and later with stenting, has dramatically affected the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndromes. Coronary stenting is probably the most intensively studied therapy in medicine on the basis of the number of randomized clinical trials for a broad range of indications. Continuous improvements in stent materials, design, and coatings concurrent with procedural innovations have truly been awe-inspiring. The story of stenting is replete with high points and some low points, such as the initial experience with stent thrombosis and restenosis, and the more recent disappointment with bioabsorbable scaffolds. History has shown rapid growth of stent use with expansion of indications followed by contraction of some uses in response to clinical trial evidence in support of bypass surgery or medical therapy. In this review we trace the constantly evolving story of the coronary stent from the earliest experience until the present time. Undoubtedly, future iterations of stent design and materials will continue to move the stent story forward.

Coronary intravascular brachytherapy for in-stent restenosis: A review of the contemporary literature

Intracoronary stent restenosis (ISR) is a clinically relevant challenge in the modern era. Heterogeneity in patient- and lesion-specific factors can further compound this clinical challenge. Coronary intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT) was the standard therapeutic approach for ISR prior to the advent of drug-eluting stents (DES). Despite prospective data describing the superiority of DES over IVBT for treating de novo ISR, IVBT remains a treatment option for patients with complex disease. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the historical and contemporary literature surrounding IVBT in order to elucidate its role in modern cardiac care and to describe opportunities for future investigations to improve patient selection. Herein, we provide a review of the contemporary literature describing IVBT as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with recurrent, refractory ISR after multilayer DES and no good surgical or mechanical option. Combination therapy with emerging technologies such as DCBs may further increase efficacy.

Small vessel coronary artery disease: How small can we go with myocardial revascularization?

The issue of small coronary artery atherosclerosis represents an intriguing aspect of coronary artery disease, which is related with higher rates of peri- and post-procedural complications and impaired long-term outcome. This problem is further complicated by the unclear definition of small coronary vessel. Recent randomized controlled trials have provided new data on possible novel interventional treatment of small coronary vessels with drug-coated balloons instead of traditional new-generation drug-eluting stent implantation. Also, the conservative management represents a therapeutic option in light of the results of the recent ISCHEMIA trial. The current article provides an overview of the most appropriate definition, interventional management, and prognosis of small coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Relationship Between Stent Diameter, Platelet Reactivity, and Thrombotic Events After Percutaneous Coronary Artery Revascularization

Small vessel diameter and residual platelet reactivity are independent predictors of thrombotic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to determine whether an interaction exists between residual platelet reactivity and stent diameter regarding the occurrence of stent thrombosis and other adverse events after PCI. We stratified patients in the prospective ADAPT-DES registry who underwent single-lesion PCI according to if they received a small diameter stent (SDS, defined as a stent with a diameter of 2.25 mm). Patients receiving an SDS were compared with patients receiving a stent ≥2.5 mm using Kaplan-Meier rates and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. We defined major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis (ST). Among 5,608 patients who underwent single-lesion PCI in ADAPT-DES, 222 (4.0%) patients received an SDS. Patients with an SDS were more likely than patients without an SDS to have 3-vessel disease but received, on average, fewer stents and were less likely to present with a thrombotic lesion. Receiving versus not receiving an SDS was associated with increased risk of ST (adjusted hazard ratio 4.35, 95% confidence interval 1.95 to 9.73, p <0.001) as well as MACE (adjusted hazard ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 2.75, p = 0.02). There was no statistical interaction between platelet reactivity and SDS regarding ST (p = 0.12) or MACE (p = 0.51). In conclusion, PCI with small drug-eluting stents is associated with a high risk of thrombotic events, including ST. Further studies should explore whether alternative treatment strategies are appropriate in small vessels.

The Smoker's Paradox Revisited: A Patient-Level Pooled Analysis of 18 Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the smoker's paradox using patient-level data from 18 prospective, randomized trials of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation.

BACKGROUND

Studies on the effects of smoking and outcomes among patients undergoing PCI have reported conflicting results.

METHODS

Data from the RAVEL, E-SIRIUS, SIRIUS, C-SIRIUS, TAXUS IV and V, ENDEAVOR II to IV, SPIRIT II to IV, HORIZONS-AMI, COMPARE I and II, PLATINUM, and TWENTE I and II randomized trials were pooled. Patients were stratified by smoking status at time of enrollment. The 1- and 5-year ischemic outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Among 24,354 patients with available data on smoking status, 6,722 (27.6%) were current smokers. Smokers were younger and less likely to have diabetes mellitus; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; or prior myocardial infarction (MI), PCI, or coronary artery bypass grafting. Angiographically, smokers had longer lesions, more complex lesions, and more occlusions, but were less likely to have moderate or severe calcification or tortuosity. At 5 years, smokers had significantly higher rates of MI (7.8% vs. 5.6%; p < 0.0001) and definite or probable stent thrombosis (3.5% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.0001); however, there were no differences in the rates of death, cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, or composite endpoints (cardiac death, target vessel MI, or ischemic target lesion revascularization). After multivariable adjustment for potential confounders, smoking was a strong independent predictor of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63 to 2.12; p < 0.0001), cardiac death (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.38 to 2.05; p < 0.0001), MI (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.58; p < 0.0001), stent thrombosis (HR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.99; p < 0.0001), and target lesion failure (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.30; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The present large, patient-level, pooled analysis with 5-year follow-up clearly demonstrates smoking to be an important predictor of adverse outcomes after PCI.

Consensus Document ANMCO/ANCE/ARCA/GICR-IACPR/GISE/SICOA: Long-term Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is the cornerstone of pharmacologic management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or those receiving coronary stents. Long-term (>1 year) DAPT may further reduce the risk of stent thrombosis after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and may decrease the occurrence of non-stent-related ischaemic events in patients with ACS. Nevertheless, compared with aspirin alone, extended use of aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor may increase the risk of bleeding events that have been strongly linked to adverse outcomes including recurrent ischaemia, repeat hospitalisation and death. In the past years, multiple randomised trials have been published comparing the duration of DAPT after PCI and in ACS patients, investigating either a shorter or prolonged DAPT regimen. Although the current European Society of Cardiology guidelines provide a backup to individualised treatment, it appears to be difficult to identify the ideal patient profile which could safely reduce or prolong the DAPT duration in daily clinical practice. The aim of this consensus document is to review contemporary literature on optimal DAPT duration, and to guide clinicians in tailoring antiplatelet strategies in patients undergoing PCI or presenting with ACS.

The evolution of coronary stents

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is 40 years old this year. From its humble beginnings of experimental work, PCI has transitioned over years with coronary artery stenting now a standard medical procedure performed throughout the world. Areas covered: The conversion from plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) to the present era of drug eluting stents (DES) has been driven by many technological advances and large bodies of clinical trial evidence. The journey to present day practice has seen many setbacks, such as acute vessel closure with POBA; rates of instant restenosis with bare metal stents (BMS) and more recently, high rates of stent thrombosis with bioabsorbable platforms. This work discusses POBA, why there was a need for BMS, the use of inhibiting drugs to create 1^st generation DES, the change of components to 2^nd generation DES, the use of absorbable drug reservoirs and platforms, and possible future directions with Prohealing Endothelial Progenitor Cell Capture Stents. Expert commentary: This paper reviews the evolution from the original pioneering work to modern day practice, highlighting landmark trials that changed practice. Modern day contemporary practice is now very safe based on the latest drug eluting stents and supported by large datasets.

Rationale of a novel study design for the BIOFLOW V study, a prospective, randomized multicenter study to assess the safety and efficacy of the Orsiro sirolimus-eluting coronary stent system using a Bayesian approach

BACKGROUND

Traditional study design submitted to the Food and Drug Administration to test newer drug-eluting stents (DES) for marketing approval is the prospective randomized controlled trial. However, several DES have extensive clinical data from trials conducted outside the United States that have led to utilization of a novel design using the Bayesian approach. This design was proposed for testing DES with bioresorbable polymer compared with DES most commonly in use today that use durable polymers for drug elution.

STUDY DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the Orsiro bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP SES). Up to 1,334 subjects with up to 3 de novo or restenotic coronary artery lesions who qualify for percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting will be randomized 2:1 to the BP SES versus the Xience durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP EES). Data from this trial will be combined with data from 2 similarly designed trials that also randomize subjects to BP SES and DP EES (BIOFLOW II, N=452 and BIOFLOW IV, N=579) by using a Bayesian approach. The primary end point is target lesion failure at 12 months post index procedure, defined as cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization, and the primary analysis is a test of noninferiority of the BP SES versus DP EES on the primary end point according to a noninferiority delta of 3.85%. Secondary end points include stent thrombosis and the individual components of target lesion failure. Subjects will be followed for 5 years after randomization.

CONCLUSIONS

The BIOFLOW V trial offers an opportunity to assess clinical outcomes in patients treated with coronary revascularization using the Orsiro BP SES relative to a commonly used DP EES. The use of a Bayesian analysis combines a large randomized cohort of patients 2 two smaller contributing randomized trials to augment the efficiency of the comparison.

Impact of Paclitaxel-Eluting Balloons Compared to Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents for of In-Stent Restenosis in a Primarily Acute Coronary Syndrome Population

Background

The place of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) in the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) is not well-defined, particularly in a population of all-comers with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Objective

Compare the clinical outcomes of DEB with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) for the treatment of ISR in a real-world population with a high proportion of ACS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with ISR treated with a DEB compared to patients treated with a second-generation DES was performed. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization). Comparisons were performed using Cox proportional hazards multivariate adjustment and Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank.

Results

The cohort included 91 patients treated with a DEB and 89 patients treated with a DES (74% ACS). Median follow-up was 26 months. MACE occurred in 33 patients (36%) in the DEB group, compared to 17 patients (19%) in the DES group (p log-rank = 0.02). After multivariate adjustment, there was no significant difference between the groups (HR for DEB = 1.45 [95%CI: 0.75-2.83]; p = 0.27). Mortality rates at 1 year were 11% with DEB, and 3% with DES (p = 0.04; adjusted HR = 2.85 [95%CI: 0.98-8.32]; p = 0.06).

Conclusion

In a population with a high proportion of ACS, a non-significant numerical signal towards increased rates of MACE with DEB compared to second-generation DES for the treatment of ISR was observed, mainly driven by a higher mortality rate. An adequately-powered randomized controlled trial is necessary to confirm these findings.

Gender based differences in drug eluting stent implantation - data from the German ALKK registry suggest underuse of DES in elderly women

BACKGROUND

Observational studies suggest there are gender based differences in the treatment of coronary artery disease, with women receiving evidence based therapy less frequently than suggested by current guidelines. The aim of our study was to evaluate gender based differences in the use of DES.

METHODS

We analysed prospectively collected data from 100704 stent implantations in the PCI registry of the ALKK between 2005 and 2009.

RESULTS

The usage of DES increased from 16.0 to 43.9%. Although women had smaller vessel sizes, they received DES less often compared to men (28.2 vs. 31.3%), with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.89-0.97) at the age of 75, and an adjusted odds ratio of 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.84-0.94) at the age of 80.

CONCLUSION

Despite having smaller vessels than men, women were treated less often with DES. These findings apply to women above the age of 75 years. These findings support previous reports, that elderly women with coronary artery disease are treated differently to men.

Vessel Size and Long-Term Outcomes After Limus-Based Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation Focusing on Medium- and Small-Diameter Vessels

Introduction:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of limus-based drug-eluting stent (DES) implanted in medium or small coronary vessels during a very long-term follow-up period.

Methods:

A total of 2383 patients treated with 2916 limus-based DES between April 2003 and March 2015 were evaluated. The enrolled patients were stratified into 3 groups according to the reference vessel diameter: group A: ≤2.5 mm; group B: 2.51 to 3.00 mm; group C: 3.01 to 3.50 mm.

Results:

Group A had a significantly higher loss index and binary restenosis rate than the other 2 groups at 9 months of angiographic follow-up. Group A also had a significantly higher rate of target lesion revascularization and a lower rate of major adverse cardiovascular event–free survival than the other 2 groups after a follow-up period of 68 ± 59 months. The long-term cardiovascular event–free survival curves based on a Cox regression model showed large vessel size, and second-generation DES had better outcomes.

Conclusion:

An inverse relationship between vessel size (≤3.5 mm) and clinical outcomes was noted in patients who received limus-based DES implantation.

Long term follow-up of "full metal jacket" of de novo coronary lesions with new generation Zotarolimus-eluting stents

BACKGROUND

Diffuse coronary artery disease treatment still remains a challenge for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. There are few data on full metal jacket (FMJ) stenting, especially with new-generation drug-eluting stents. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of FMJ with new-generation Zotarolimus-eluting stents (n-ZES).

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients who underwent FMJ with n-ZES (≥60mm stent length) in eleven Italian interventional centers participating in the Clinical Service® project were included in this analysis. The project population consisted of 120 patients and 122 lesions. Mean age was 67±10years and 95 (79.2%) patients were male. A chronic total occlusion was present in 34 lesions (27.9%). The number of stents implanted per lesion was 2.9±0.8, and the diameter of the stents was 3.0±0.5mm. Predilation and post-dilatation were performed in 107 (87.7%) and 92 (75.4%) patients, respectively. At 41±21month follow-up there were 2 patients with subacute definite stent thrombosis, 6 patients (5.0%) had cardiac death and 5 patients (4.2%) had non-fatal myocardial infarction. Seven patients (5.8%) underwent clinically-driven target lesion revascularization. Fourteen patients (11.7%) had at least one major adverse cardiac event.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of diffuse coronary artery disease with FMJ stenting with n-ZES appears to be effective and safe. Late and very-late ST does not seem to be an issue and the rate of restenosis and of major cardiac adverse events after more than 3-year follow-up is rather low.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Safety of Methotrexate and Its Possible Benefits on Restenosis After Bare-Metal Stent Deployment

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revolutionized treatment of coronary artery disease. Drug-eluting stents are effective and safe but their cost is high, especially for some countries. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of methotrexate (MTX) in patients who underwent PCI and the secondary goal was to evaluate the possibility that MTX has an impact on restenosis.

Methods

This was a transversal, prospective and descriptive study that recruited 16 patients in whom PCI was planned. MTX was administered to patients at a dose of 5 mg/week for 2 weeks before PCI and 8 weeks after PCI. Bare-metal stent (BMS) deployment was performed according to standard practice. Patients were monitored clinically every 15 days during the first 2 months after the procedure and monthly until 9 months after PCI.

Results

There were no immediate or late complications associated with PCI. Adverse events and side effects due to MTX occurred in three patients (prevalence 18.7%). These side effects are classified as minor complications. MTX was not discontinued due to these side effects. There were no reported cases of clinical restenosis.

Conclusions

MTX was safe in the study population and raised the possibility that a low-cost drug may have positive effects on restenosis after BMS implantation. However, studies with larger sample sizes and other imagine modalities (intravascular ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography) are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Small-vessel treatment with contemporary newer-generation drug-eluting coronary stents in all-comers: Insights from 2-year DUTCH PEERS (TWENTE II) randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment of lesions in small vessels was associated with worse clinical outcome, and various definitions of "small vessels" have been used. Data with novel drug-eluting stents are scarce.

METHODS

To compare the outcome of patients with vs without small-vessel treatment, we assessed 2-year follow-up data of the DUTCH PEERS randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01331707), in which 1,811 all-comers were treated with contemporary zotarolimus-eluting (Resolute Integrity) or everolimus-eluting (Promus Element) stents. Primary end point was target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization.

RESULTS

The rates of TLF (9.5% vs 5.4%; P log rank = .001) and 2 individual components thereof-target vessel myocardial infarction (3.1% vs 1.3%; P log rank = .006) and target lesion revascularization (4.8% vs 2.8%; P log rank = .02)-were higher among 798 (44.1%) patients treated in at least one small vessel (<2.50 mm by quantitative coronary angiography). Multivariate analysis with propensity score adjustment demonstrated that treatment of small-vessel lesions independently predicted TLF at 2-year follow-up (hazard ratio 1.60, 95% CI 1.09-2.34). Patients with the smallest target vessel being <2.25 mm had TLF rates similar to patients with smallest target vessels of 2.25 to <2.50 mm; however, patients treated in vessels no smaller than 2.50 to <3.00 mm and patients treated in vessels ≥3.00 mm had lower TLF rates (9.3%, 9.8%, 5.0%, and 5.8%, respectively; P log rank = .009).

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with novel drug-eluting stents in small-vessel lesions had higher adverse event rates than did patients who had no small-vessel treatment. Our data suggest that with current stents, a vessel diameter <2.50 mm is a suitable threshold to identify small target vessels.

WITHDRAWN: Drug-eluting stents versus bare metal stents for angina or acute coronary syndromes

This review 'topic' has been included in work being carried out as part of a Health Technology Assessment commissioned by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in England and Wales. Details of this research is available via www.nice.org.uk.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the HTA programme, NICE, NIHR, NHS or the Department of Health.

The review has been split into 2 reviews that will be published as "Drug‐eluting stents versus bare‐metal stents for stable ischaemic heart disease" and "Drug‐eluting stents versus bare‐metal stents for acute coronary syndrome".

The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.

Effect of Hemodialysis on 7-Year Clinical Outcomes After Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are reported to show poor clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) compared with non-HD patients and their long-term prognosis remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively enrolled 489 consecutive patients undergoing PCI with SES and performed a retrospective analysis focusing on HD patients. Median follow-up was 7.0 years (interquartile range, 4.2-7.9) and the follow-up rate was 100%. At the 7-year follow-up, the cumulative incidences of all-cause death, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were significantly higher in HD patients than in non-HD patients (HD vs. non-HD=34.7% vs. 9.6%, 42.6% vs. 10.2% and 75.3% vs. 24.4%, respectively; log-rank P<0.001). Cox-proportional hazard analysis revealed that independent predictors of all-cause death were HD (hazard ratio [HR] 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-6.00), insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (HR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.17-4.11), heart failure (HR 2.58, 95% CI: 1.25-5.32) and older age (HR 1.06/1-age, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10). Moreover, HD was an independent predictor of TLR (HR 3.63, 95% CI: 1.85-7.11) and MACE (HR 3.54, 95% CI: 2.19-5.73).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, Japanese HD patients undergoing PCI with SES showed poorer long-term clinical outcomes than non-HD patients. HD was a strong predictor of long-term adverse events after SES implantation.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of homogeneous and nonhomogeneous tissue of in-stent restenosis visualized by optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUND

Although it is known that in-stent restenosis (ISR) patterns appear homogeneous or nonhomogeneous by optical coherence tomography (OCT), interpretations of the ISR inflammatory response, of the OCT image, and its pathological implications are unclear. The aim of this study was to use OCT to characterize ISR and its inflammatory index in patients after coronary stenting.

METHODS

OCT was performed at follow-up in 100 angiographic ISR lesions. ISR lesions were divided into two groups: (a) homogeneous (n=48) and (b) nonhomogeneous (n=52) image groups. We assessed the ISR images produced by OCT for tissue heterogeneity and neo-intimal hyperplasia using the normalized standard deviation of OCT signal-intensity (OCT-NSD) observed in neo-intimal hyperplasia tissue. In some patients with a nonhomogeneous OCT image, we collected pathological tissue.

RESULTS

The prevalence of drug-eluting stents was 48% in the nonhomogeneous group and 29% in the homogeneous group (P=0.05). The OCT-NSD value in the nonhomogeneous group (0.223±0.019) was significantly higher than that in the homogeneous group (0.203±0.025; P<0.0001). Pathological tissue showed fibrin thrombi with infiltrating macrophage in 12 cases of nonhomogeneous ISR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the prediction of a nonhomogeneous image was 0.73 for OCT-NSD (95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.83: P<0.0001). The odds ratio for the prediction of a nonhomogeneous image was 3.47 (95% confidence interval: 1.18-10.2: P=0.02) for smoking by logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Nonhomogeneous ISR visualized by OCT showed a high OCT-NSD value, which was a useful predictor for nonhomogeneous images. Moreover, the nonhomogeneous ISR image visualized by OCT may show chronic inflammation and fibrin thrombi.

Prevention of stent thrombosis: challenges and solutions

Stent thrombosis is an uncommon but serious complication which carries with it significant mortality and morbidity. This review analyzes the entity of stent thrombosis from a historical and clinical perspective, and chronicles the evolution of this condition through the various generations of stent development, from bare metal to first-generation, second-generation, and third-generation drug-eluting stents. It also delineates the specific risk factors associated with stent thrombosis and comprehensively examines the literature related to each of these risks. Finally, it highlights the preventative strategies that can be garnered from the existing data, and concludes that a multifactorial approach is necessary to combat the occurrence of stent thrombosis, with higher risk groups, such as patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, meriting further research.

Inhibitory effects of roscovitine on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro

Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the major cause of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Intervention proliferation and migration of VSMCs is an important strategy for antirestenotic therapy. Roscovitine, a second-generation cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, can inhibit cell cycle of multiple cell types. We studied the effects of roscovitine on cell cycle distribution, proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro by flow cytometry, BrdU incorporation and wound healing assay, respectively. Our results showed that roscovitine increased the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells after 12 h (69.57±3.65 vs. 92.50±1.68, P=0.000), 24 h (80.87±2.24 vs. 90.25±0.79, P=0.000) and 48 h (88.08±3.86 vs. 88.87±2.43, P=0.427) as compared with control group. Roscovitine inhibited proliferation and migration of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent way. With the increase of concentration, roscovitine showed increased capacity for growth and migration inhibition. Roscovitine (30 μmol/L) led to an almost complete VSMCs growth and migration arrest. Combined with its low toxicity and selective inhibition to ISR-VSMCs, roscovitine may be a potential drug in the treatment of vascular stenosis diseases and particularly useful in the prevention and treatment of ISR.

Comparison of full lesion coverage versus spot drug-eluting stent implantation for coronary artery stenoses

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term clinical outcomes of the spot drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation strategy, which is used to minimize implanted stent length and the number of stents, versus full lesion coverage for treatment of coronary artery stenoses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 1-year clinical outcomes of 1619 patients with stent implantation for a single coronary lesion. They were divided into two groups: those treated by full lesion coverage (n=1200) and those treated with the spot stenting strategy (n=419). The combined occurrence of 1-year target vessel failure (TVF), including cardiac death, target-vessel related myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization was evaluated.

RESULTS

The spot DES implantation group had a shorter stent length (23.14±9.70 mm vs. 25.44±13.24 mm, respectively; p<0.001) and a fewer number of stents (1.09±0.30 vs. 1.16±0.41, respectively; p<0.001), even though the average lesion length was similar to the full lesion coverage group (21.36±10.30 mm vs. 20.58±10.97 mm, respectively; p=0.206). Spot DES implantation was superior to full DES coverage with respect to 1-year TVF (1.4% vs. 3.3%, p=0.044). Cox proportional hazard model analysis showed that the risk for 1-year TVF was almost 60% lower among patients who received spot DESs compared to those who received full DES coverage after adjustment for other risk factors (HR=0.40, 95% confidence interval=0.17-0.98; p=0.046).

CONCLUSION

Minimizing stent length and the number of stents with overlapping by spot DES implantation may result in reduced rates of 1-year TVF, compared with full DES coverage.

Impact of coronary lesion complexity on drug-eluting stent outcomes in patients with and without diabetes mellitus: analysis from 18 pooled randomized trials

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether baseline lesion complexity affects drug-eluting stent (DES) outcomes according to diabetic status.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported conflicting results regarding DES safety and efficacy in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Patient-level data from 18 prospective randomized trials were pooled. DES treatment outcomes in patients with versus without DM were analyzed in 2 propensity score-matched groups further stratified according to lesion complexity (American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association class A/B1 vs. B2/C). Remaining baseline differences were adjusted for by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

DM was present in 3,467 of 18,441 patients (18.8%). DM was a predictor of 1-year repeat revascularization (target lesion revascularization: hazard ratio: 1.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.70; target vessel revascularization: hazard ratio: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.15 to 1.72) and cardiac death or myocardial infarction (hazard ratio: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 1.81). Rates of target lesion and target vessel revascularization were significantly higher in patients with versus those without DM with type B2/C lesions (8.0% vs. 4.5% and 10.6% vs. 5.9%, respectively, p < 0.0001 for both), but not in patients with only type A/B1 lesions (4.6% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.87, and 7.4% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.47, respectively), with a significant interaction between DM and lesion type observed for both endpoints (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). No interaction was observed for death or myocardial infarction (p = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

In the DES era, patients with DM remain at increased risk for cardiac death or myocardial infarction. However, DM is a risk factor for repeat revascularization only in those patients with complex lesions; patients with DM and noncomplex lesions have similar rates of 1-year freedom from repeat revascularization as do patients without DM.

Risk assessment to predict arterial and venous events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE) share common risk factors. We set to assess the strength of the association between atherosclerosis risk factors and disease manifestation, and VTE, in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. We pooled data from 6 global randomized controlled trials assessing coronary stenting (ENDEAVOR and SIRIUS programs), developed separate risk scores to predict major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and VTE, and compared their performance. The 5-year rates of MACCE and VTE were 10.8% and 2.04%, respectively. Selected predictors for MACCE performed equally well in predicting VTE (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.651 vs 0.672), and selected predictors for VTE performed equally well in predicting MACCE (AUC 0.699 vs 0.620). Ejection fraction and age were associated with both MACCE and VTE. These findings support the concept of overlapping pathophysiology of VTE and atherothrombosis.