Outcomes After Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting According to Lesion Site: Results From the EXCEL Trial

Prognostic Impact of a Routine Six-Month Exercise Stress Test after Complex Left Main Bifurcation Percutaneous Intervention

The prognostic value of exercise stress test after complex left main (LM) coronary artery bifurcation (LM) stenting has been poorly investigated. To partially fill this gap in knowledge, we retrospectively analyzed the procedural and medical data of consecutive patients referred to our center for complex LM bifurcation disease between January 2008 and May 2018 who were treated using either single- or dual-stenting techniques. The prognostic impact of an exercise stress test, performed 6 months after the coronary intervention, was evaluated in 502 patients (316 males, mean age 70.3 ± 12.8 years, mean Syntax score 31.6 ± 6.3). At follow up after a mean of 37.1 ± 10.8 months (range 22.1-47.3 months), the target lesion failure (TLF) rate was 10.1% while stent thrombosis and cardiovascular mortality were 1.2 and 3.6%, respectively. A positive exercise stress test was detected at 6-month follow up in 42 out of 502 patients (8.4%); the incidence of a significant restenosis was 7.6% (n = 38). Patients with a negative exercise stress test at 6-month follow up had higher freedom from TLF and improved survival compared to those with a positive exercise stress test.

Provisional Strategy for Left Main Stem Bifurcation Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review of Technique and Outcomes

Left main coronary artery (LMA) disease jeopardizes a large area of myocardium and increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. LMCA disease is found in 5% to 7% of all diagnostic coronary angiographies, and more than 80% of the patients enrolled in recent large randomized controlled left main trials had distal left main bifurcation or trifurcation disease. Emerging clinical evidence from prospective all-comer registries and randomized trials has provided a solid basis for percutaneous coronary intervention as a treatment option in selected patients with unprotected LMCA disease; however, to date, no uniform recommendations as to optimal stenting strategy for LMCA bifurcation lesions exist. This review provides an overview of provisional stenting technique and escalation to 2-stent strategies in LMCA bifurcation lesions. Data from randomized controlled trials and registries are reviewed. Technical characteristics of optimal provisional LMCA stenting technique and angiographic and intravascular determinants of escalation are also summarized.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Revascularization of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

Owing to a large-jeopardized myocardium, left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) represents the substantial high-risk anatomical subset of obstructive coronary artery disease. For several decades, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been the "gold standard" treatment for LMCAD. Along with advances in CABG, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has also dramatically evolved over time in conjunction with advances in the stent or device technology, adjunct pharmacotherapy, accumulated experiences, and practice changes, establishing its position as a safe, reasonable treatment option for such a complex disease. Until recently, several randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational registries comparing PCI and CABG for LMCAD have shown comparable long-term survival with tradeoffs between early and late risk-benefit of each treatment. Despite this, there are still several unmet issues for revascularization strategy and management for LMCAD. This review article summarized updated knowledge on evolution and clinical evidence on the treatment of LMCAD, with a focus on the comparison of state-of-the-art PCI with CABG.

A large, prospective, multicentre study of left main PCI using a latest-generation zotarolimus-eluting stent: the ROLEX study

BACKGROUND

Data on left main (LM) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have mostly been obtained in studies using drug-eluting stent (DES) platforms without dedicated large-vessel devices and with limited expansion capability.

AIMS

Our study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of LM PCI with the latest-generation Resolute Onyx DES.

METHODS

ROLEX (Revascularization Of LEft main with resolute onyX) is a prospective, multicentre study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03316833) enrolling patients with unprotected LM coronary artery disease and a SYNTAX score <33 undergoing PCI with the Resolute Onyx zotarolimus-eluting coronary stent, that includes dedicated extra-large vessel platforms. The primary endpoint (EP) was target lesion failure (TLF): a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) and ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularisation (ID-TLR), at 1 year. All events were adjudicated by an independent clinical event committee. An independent core lab analysed all procedural angiograms.

RESULTS

A total of 450 patients (mean age 71.8 years, SYNTAX score 24.5±7.2, acute coronary syndrome in 53%) were enrolled in 26 centres. Of these, 77% of subjects underwent PCI with a single-stent and 23% with a 2-stent technique (8% double kissing [DK] crush, 6% culotte, 9% T/T and small protrusion [TAP] stenting). Intravascular imaging guidance was used in 45% (42% intravascular ultrasound [IVUS], 3% optical coherence tomography [OCT]). At 1 year, the primary EP incidence was 5.1% (cardiac death 2.7%, TVMI 2.7%, ID-TLR 2.0%). The definite/probable stent thrombosis rate was 1.1%. In a prespecified adjusted subanalysis, the primary EP incidence was significantly lower in patients undergoing IVUS/OCT-guided versus angio-guided PCI (2.0 vs 7.6%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.58; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, multicentre, prospective registry, LM PCI with the Resolute Onyx DES showed good safety and efficacy at 1 year, particularly when guided by intracoronary imaging.

Left Main Coronary Artery Disease-Current Management and Future Perspectives

Due to its anatomical features, patients with an obstruction of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) have an increased risk of death. For years, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been considered as a gold standard for revascularization. However, notable advancements in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) led to its acknowledgement as an important treatment alternative, especially in patients with low and intermediate anatomical complexity. Although recent years brought several random clinical trials that investigated the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous approach in LMCA, there are still uncertainties regarding optimal revascularization strategies. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods of LMCA disease, focusing on percutaneous methods.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

For several decades, coronary artery bypass grafting has been regarded as the standard choice of revascularization for significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, in conjunction with remarkable advancement of device technology and adjunctive pharmacology, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) offers a more expeditious approach with rapid recovery and is a safe and effective alternative in appropriately selected patients with LMCA disease. Several landmark randomized clinical trials showed that PCI with drug-eluting stents for LMCA disease is a safe option with similar long-term survival rates to coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, especially in those with low and intermediate anatomic risk. Although it is expected that the updated evidence from recent randomized clinical trials will determine the next guidelines for the foreseeable future, there are still unresolved and unmet issues of LMCA revascularization and PCI strategy. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the evolution and an update on the management of LMCA disease.

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With advancements in PCI, clinical outcomes after left main PCI have progressively improved.

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Unmet needs still exist between clinical practice and the current evidence for left main PCI.

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Better decision making of revascularization choice and PCI optimization should be emphasized to improve outcomes of LMCA disease.

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Further research will provide further evidence to resolve conflicting issues on left main PCI.

PCI or CABG for Left Main Disease: Does Disease Location Matter?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review attempts to specifically assess impact of disease location in left main artery on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

The management of left main disease, once thought to be the sole province of cardiothoracic surgeon, has recently undergone a reappraisal by the cardiovascular medicine community. For many years, societal guideline recommendations advised bypass surgery as the "de rigeur" method of revascularization for unprotected left main disease. However, recent studies suggest that coronary intervention, especially with advances in drug-eluting stent technology, has mounted a serious challenge to surgical bypass in treatment of this disease. Although overall mortality rates are comparable for percutaneous coronary intervention and bypass surgery, left main disease location does influence long-term outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention more than bypass surgery. A patient- and lesion-centered approach to treatment of this disease may provide optimal outcomes.

Percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery surgery for left main disease according to lesion site: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Comparative data after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease according to lesion site (ostial/shaft vs distal) are scant. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate outcomes after PCI or CABG for ULMCA disease according to lesion site.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and adjusted observational studies that compared PCI versus CABG in patients with ULMCA disease and reported outcomes according to lesion site were systematically identified. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization) and all-cause death were the co-primary end points. Individual components of MACE were secondary end points. Sensitivity analysis including RCTs only were performed for each outcome.

RESULTS

Nine studies (3 RCTs, 6 adjusted observational), encompassing 6296 patients (2274 and 4022 treated for ostial/shaft or distal ULMCA, respectively) were included. At the 5-year follow-up, there were no significant differences between CABG and PCI for MACE, death, or any other secondary outcome for ostial/shaft ULMCA lesions (MACE: hazard ratio [HR], 1.0 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79-1.27]; death: HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.84-1.46]). For distal ULMCA, PCI was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10-1.58), death (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.19-2.04), and revascularization (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.5-2.84). The benefit of CABG for MACE and revascularization was confirmed in the analysis limited to RCTs, whereas the benefit for mortality was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with distal ULMCA disease, CABG is associated with lower incidence of MACE and revascularization compared with PCI, whereas no differences in outcomes were observed for ostial/shaft ULMCA disease.

Long-Term Outcomes After PCI or CABG for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease According to Lesion Location

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of lesion site (ostial or shaft vs. distal bifurcation) on long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease.

BACKGROUND

Long-term comparative data after PCI and CABG for LMCA disease according to lesion site are limited.

METHODS

Patients from the MAIN-COMPARE (Revascularization for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis: Comparison of Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Versus Surgical Revascularization) registry were analyzed, comparing adverse outcomes (all-cause mortality [a composite outcome of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or stroke] and target vessel revascularization) between PCI and CABG according to LMCA lesion location during a median follow-up period of 12.0 years.

RESULTS

In overall population, the adjusted risks for death and serious composite outcome were higher after PCI than after CABG for distal bifurcation disease, which was mainly separated beyond 5 years. These outcomes were not different for ostial or shaft disease. When comparing drug-eluting stents (DES) and CABG, the adjusted risks for death and serious composite outcome progressively diverged beyond 5 years after DES compared with CABG for distal bifurcation disease (death: hazard ratio: 1.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.22 to 2.59; composite outcome: hazard ratio: 1.94; 95% confidence interval: 1.35 to 2.79). This difference was driven mainly by PCI with a 2-stent technique for distal bifurcation. In contrast, the adjusted risks for these outcomes were similar between DES and CABG for ostial or shaft disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with distal LMCA bifurcation disease, CABG showed lower mortality and serious composite outcome rates compared with DES beyond 5 years. However, there were no between-group differences in these outcomes among patients with ostial or shaft LMCA disease.

Role of IVUS in the rectification of angiographically judged ramus intermedius and its clinical significance

Background

Due to the technical limitations of coronary artery angiography (CAG), ramus intermedius (RI) is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a high-origin obtuse marginal branch or a high-origin diagonal branch. This study sought to investigate the role of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) in the rectification of angiographically judged RI.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 165 patients who were reported to have an RI based on CAG and underwent IVUS implementation from 02/01/2009 to 31/12/2019 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Taking IVUS as the gold standard, we calculated the accuracy of RI identification by CAG and evaluated the impact of RI on revascularization strategy.

Results

Among the 165 patients, 89 patients (54%) were demonstrated to have an RI on IVUS (IVUS-RI), 32 patients (19%) were identified to have a high-origin diagonal branch on IVUS (IVUS-h-D), and 44 patients (27%) had an actual high-origin obtuse marginal artery on IVUS (IVUS-h-OM). Among 84 patients who underwent one-stent crossover stenting because of left main furcation lesions (48 patients in the IVUS-RI group, 12 patients in the IVUS-h-D group, and 24 in the IVUS-h-OM group), 14.6% of patients in the IVUS-RI group, 33.3% in the IVUS-h-D group and 0% in the IVUS-h-OM group had CAG-RI compromise (P = 0.02), which was defined as severe stenosis of the RI ostium (> 75%) or significant RI flow impairment (TIMI < 3).

Conclusions

Only 54% of CAG-RIs were confirmed by IVUS, which indicates the necessity of preintervention IVUS to distinguish real RIs from other branches in LM furcation lesions.

Comparison of simple versus complex stenting in patients with true distal left main bifurcation lesions

INTRODUCTION

Distal left main (LM) bifurcation disease is one of the most challenging lesion subsets for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and optimal stenting strategy for such complex lesions is still debated. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes following single versus dual stenting for true distal LM bifurcation lesions.

METHODS

Patients with true distal LM bifurcation lesions (type 1,1,1 or 0,1,1: both left anterior descending and circumflex artery >2.5 mm diameter) receiving PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES) from two large clinical registries were evaluated. The primary outcome was target-lesion failure (TLF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction (MI), or target-lesion revascularization (TLR). Outcomes were compared with the use of propensity scores and inverse probability-weighting adjustment to reduce treatment selection bias.

RESULTS

Among 1,002 patients undergoing true distal LM PCI, 440 (43.9%) and 562 (56.1%) were treated with single and dual stents, respectively. The TLF rates at 3 year was 20.3% in the single-stent group and 24.1% in the dual-stenting group (log-rank p = 0.18). The adjusted risk for TLF did not differ significantly between two groups (hazard ratio [HR] with dual-stent vs. single-stent: 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-1.71). The adjusted risks for death, MI, repeat revascularization, or stent thrombosis were also similar between the single- and dual-stenting groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing PCI for true distal LM disease, single- and dual-stent strategies showed a similar adjusted risk of TLF at 3 years. Our findings should be confirmed or refuted through large, randomized clinical trials.

Stentless Strategy by Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty following Directional Coronary Atherectomy for Left Main Bifurcation Lesion

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of stentless strategy by drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty following directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) for left main (LM) bifurcation lesions.

Methods

A total of 38 patients who underwent DCB angioplasty following DCA for LM bifurcation lesions were retrospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included procedure-related major events during the hospitalization, major adverse cardiac events at 12 months, ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months, and bleeding complications defined as the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria ≥2 at 12 months.

Results

Among these 38 lesions, 31 lesions were de novo LM bifurcation lesions and 7 lesions were stent edge restenosis at the left anterior descending (LAD) ostium. The mean % plaque area (%PA) after DCA was 44.0 ± 7.4%. TVF at 12 months occurred in 1 lesion (3.2%) of de novo LM bifurcation lesion and in 3 lesions (42.9%) of stent edge restenosis at the LAD ostium. All events of TVF were ischemia-driven TLR by percutaneous coronary intervention. Among 4 TLR cases, %PA after DCA was high (55.9%) in the de novo LM bifurcation lesions; on the other hand, %PA after DCA was low (42.4%, 38.7%, and 25.7% in the 3 cases) in stent edge restenosis at the LAD ostium. No procedure-related major events were observed during hospitalization. There was no cardiac death, no myocardial infarction, no coronary artery bypass grafting, and no bleeding complications at 12 months.

Conclusions

Stentless strategy by DCB angioplasty following DCA for de novo LM bifurcation lesions resulted in acceptable outcomes. On the other hand, its efficacy was limited for stent edge restenosis at the LAD ostium even after aggressive debulking by DCA.

The EXCEL Trial: The Interventionalists' Perspective

Left main stem (LMS) disease is identified in up to 5% of diagnostic angiography cases, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to the proportion of myocardium it subtends. In the past 10 years, there has been a significant change in the way we contemplate treating lesions in the LMS due to evolving experience and evidence in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies and technologies. This has been reflected in recent changes in European and International guidance on managing patients with this lesion subset. Here, the authors provide an overview of the current literature regarding the management of LMS disease using PCI in light of new developments and emerging concepts in this field, specifically looking at the recent EXCEL trial.

Adoption of same day discharge following elective left main stem percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

This study sought to investigate the safety and feasibility of same day discharge (SDD) practice and compare clinical outcomes to patients admitted for overnight stay (ON) undergoing elective left main stem (LMS) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ON observation is still widely practiced in highly complex PCI as the standard of care, with no previous data comparing clinical outcomes in patients undergoing LMS PCI.

METHODS

We analysed 6452 patients undergoing elective LMS PCI between 2007 and 2014 in England and Wales. Multiple logistic regressions and the BCIS risk model were used to study association between SDD and 30 day mortality.

RESULTS

SDD rates almost doubled from 19.9% in 2007 to 39.8% in 2014 for all LMS procedures and increased from 20.7% to 41.4% for unprotected LMS cases during the same study period. There was a significant increase in procedural complexity with higher use of rotational atherectomy, longer stents and multivessel PCI. SDD was not associated with increased 30 day mortality (OR 0.70 95%CI 0.30-1.65) in the overall LMS PCI cohort and the results were similar in unprotected LMS (OR 0.48 95%CI 0.17-1.41) and those requiring ON stay (OR 0.58 95%CI 0.25-1.34).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find evidence that SDD is not safe or feasible in highly complex LMS PCI procedures despite increasing procedural complexity with no significant increase in 30 day mortality rates.

Gender and coronary artery bypass grafting in cardiogenic shock

Purpose

Bypass surgery in patients undergoing cardiogenic shock caused by acute coronary syndrome is one of the most urgent and often performed cardiac operations. It remains unclear if patients gender independently influences the outcome. Literature reveals that females and males primarily differ from each other with regard to many important preoperative characteristics. Our objective was to compare the outcome and postoperative courses of both genders, using matched samples, eliminating these preoperative differences.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2015, 491 patients in cardiogenic shock underwent urgent bypass surgery in our institution. To assess the impact of gender on outcomes, we performed a propensity score matching to create two groups [males and females] which were matched for age, severity of shock, coronary artery disease morphology, and other comorbidities. Two groups were created: (1) 103 female and (2) 103 male patients. We analyzed the outcomes, complications and potential mortality predictors.

Results

Most of the patients had three-vessel disease (70.1%, n = 344) with proximal left anterior descending lesion (88%, n = 432). Our study showed no differences between female and male patients regarding choice of conduits, number of anastomosed vessels, and outcome. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred significantly more often in female patients and pericardial tamponade in their male counterparts. There were no differences regarding other major complications.

Conclusion

Gender does not appear to influence long-term outcomes in the study sample. Female gender is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI. Other complications occurred with comparable rates in both genders. Exertion tolerance in the follow-up period was similar between genders.

Do EXCEL and NOBLE translate into real world? A 5-year observational study of left main stem outcomes

AIMS

We aimed to uncover the 5-year real world outcomes of patients with significant left mainstem (LMS) disease managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or medical management.

METHODS

We identified patients with LMS disease in 2012 and analysed baseline characteristics and outcomes in the following 5 years.

RESULTS

119 patients were identified, 62% (74) received CABG and 12% (14) received PCI and 26% (31) were medically managed. In PCI versus CABG, there was no significant difference in age and Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score but there were significantly higher rates of pretreatment heart failure (ejection fraction 42%±10 vs 52%±13p=0.01). Overall major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) being a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularisation and all-cause mortality were not statistically different but numerically higher in the PCI group (36% (5) vs 23% (17) p=0.12). Medically managed patients were significantly older than those that were revascularised (PCI or CABG n=88; 75±11 vs 69±9 years p=0.01). They also had higher MACE (74% (23) vs 25% (22) p=0.000002) driven by MI (19% (6) vs 2% (1) p=0.01) and all-cause mortality (52% (16) vs 19% (17) p=0.01) compared with those with revascularisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The bleak outcomes of medical management in LMS disease are reflective findings from studies performed from several decades ago. Our findings show that there is still a role for PCI in the management of LMS disease in selected patients.

Prospective evaluation of drug eluting self-apposing stent for the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery disease: 1-year results of the TRUNC study

OBJECTIVES

To assess long-term safety and efficacy of the Xposition S self-apposing stent in the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous intervention with stents has emerged as a valid alternative to surgical revascularization to treat ULMCA disease. Conventional balloon-expandable stents face technical challenges, particularly in large left main diameter requiring extensive optimization and side branch access in distal bifurcation. Xposition S allows for optimal apposition, bridging diameter differences, and allows expansion to vessel diameters up to 6.0 mm.

METHODS

Between June 2016 and July 2017, 205 patients were enrolled in this international, prospective, multicenter registry. Patients with SYNTAX score ≥ 33 or recent STEMI were excluded. IVUS during procedure was performed in a prespecified subgroup of 50 patients. The primary clinical endpoint was 12 months Target lesion failure (TLF) and the primary efficacy endpoint was angiographic success.

RESULTS

Distal left main bifurcation was involved in 92.7%, treated with provisional approach in most cases (79.4%). TLF rate at 12 months was 8.3%, which was defined as a composite of cardiac death (2.0%), target-vessel MI (2.9%), and TLR (5.4%). Most revascularizations occurred at SB ostium. IVUS analysis demonstrated optimal stent apposition with only one reported malapposition and promising poststenting minimal stent area measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The TRUNC study confirms that Xposition S self-apposing stent is a valid and feasible option for the treatment of ULMCA disease. Such results were reached without the systematic need of stent optimisation techniques, focusing mainly on lesion treatment.

Sirolimus-eluting BiOSS LIM dedicated bifurcation stent in the treatment of unprotected distal left main stenosis

BACKGROUND

Proximal optimization technique (POT) has been proposed to adapt the conventional drug-eluting stent (DES) with the fractal anatomy of the bifurcation. However, only few DES are labeled for post-expansion beyond 5.0 mm. Furthermore, recrossing in the side branch (SB) through the main vessel (MV) stent cells may be challenging.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the sirolimus-eluting, balloon-expandable dedicated bifurcation stent BiOSS LIM DES versus the second generation DES in the treatment of distal unprotected left main coronary arteries (ULMCAs) lesions.

METHODS

Forty-two consecutive patients with distal ULMCA lesions were treated with the BiOSS LIM (BiOSS LIM group) in our center. A matched-group of patients treated with second-generation DES was selected from our database (Control group). The primary endpoint was the procedural complication rate, including (a) SB occlusion, defined as intraprocedural TIMI flow grade <3 immediately after MV stenting; and/or (b) trouble in SB access, defined as the need of ≥2 guidewires or a failure to recross in the SB trough the MV stent cells. The need of POT in the two groups was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint occurred in four (9.5%) patients in the BiOSS LIM group and in 13 (31%) in the Control group (p = 0.028; OR = 4.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.25-14.43). POT was performed more often in the Control group (71% vs. 35%; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to conventional DES, the BiOSS LIM stent (1) facilitates SB recrossing and (2) fits well with the fractal anatomy of the left main bifurcation.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for ostial lesions of the left main stem in a patient with congenital single left coronary artery: A case report

BACKGROUND

Single coronary artery (SCA) originating from a solitary ostium in the aorta and perfusing the entire myocardium is a very rare congenital anomaly of the coronary artery. Furthermore, a right coronary artery (RCA) arising from the mid segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is an extremely uncommon variation of SCA.

CASE SUMMARY

A 76-year-old woman presented a 5-mo history of exertional angina. Selective coronary angiography revealed an SCA, with severe ostial stenosis that originated from the left sinus of Valsalva and bifurcated normally into the LAD and circumflex coronary artery. In addition, an anomalous RCA originated from the mid segment of the LAD as a separate branch. Successful balloon angioplasty and stenting for the SCA ostial stenosis were performed on the patient.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the main trunk for SCA is very similar to PCI of an unprotected left main coronary artery. Although technical difficulties and risks do exist, PCI for severe ostial stenosis of the main trunk is safe and efficacious in selected SCA patients.

Percutaneous or surgical revascularization for left main stem disease: NOBLE ideas, but do they EXCEL?

Introduction: Although coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has traditionally been the standard treatment for significant left main stem (LMS) disease, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug-eluting stents (DES) is now considered an acceptable alternative. Areas covered: This article aims to summarise the key findings of the landmark clinical trials on LMS revascularization and the recently published ESC/EACTS guidelines on myocardial revascularization related to LMS disease. Expert opinion: It is unlikely that there will be a further large randomized trial aimed at addressing the issue of the optimum method of revascularization for LMS disease. Both PCI and CABG are reasonable revascularization options for appropriately selected patients with LMS disease. 'Heart Team' approach is vital to guide the management of patients with LMS disease, when there is obvious clinical equipoise and a mandate for complete revascularization. With an aging and increasing co-morbid patient population, clinical equipoise may not always be obvious, making extrapolation of clinical trial results to the 'real world' difficult.

Cardiac surgery 2018 reviewed

For the year 2018, more than 22,000 published references can be found in PubMed when entering the search term "cardiac surgery". As in the last 4 years, this review focusses on conventional cardiac surgery publications which provide important and interesting information especially relevant for non-surgical colleagues. Interventional techniques have been considered if they were published in the context of classic surgical techniques. We have again reviewed the fields of coronary revascularization and valve surgery and briefly touched on aortic surgery and surgery for terminal heart failure. For revascularization of complex coronary artery disease, bypass grafting was reconfirmed as gold standard and computer-tomographic angiography established equipoise for decision-making with classic angiography. For aortic valve treatment, some new longer-term outcomes from TAVI vs. SAVR trials confirmed equipoise of both treatments for high and medium risk. New information was provided for INR-management of mechanical aortic valves as well as long-term experiences for alternatives to mechanical valves (i.e., Ross and the relatively new Ozaki procedure). In the mitral and tricuspid field, prevalence data illustrate a significant amount of under-treatment for mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation and evidence for life prolonging-effects of surgery. Finally, elongation of the ascending aorta was identified as new risk factor for aortic dissection and 2 years outcome of the newest generation of left ventricular assist devices demonstrate impressive improvements in outcome. While this article attempts to summarize the most pertinent publications, it does not expect to be complete and cannot be free of individual interpretation. As in recent years, it provides a condensed summary that is intended to give the reader "solid ground" for up-to-date decision-making in cardiac surgery and a stimulus for in-depth reading.