Comparison of in-hospital and one-year outcomes in patients with left ventricular ejection fractions <or=40%, 41% to 49%, and >or=50% having percutaneous coronary revascularization

Same-day discharge after percutaneous coronary procedures-Structured review and comprehensive meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous coronary intervention is a well-established revascularization strategy for patients with coronary artery disease. The safety and feasibility of performing these procedures on a same-day discharge basis for selected patients has been studied in a large number of mostly nonrandomized trials. An up to date literature review should focus on trials with radial access, representing the current standard for coronary procedures in Austria and other European countries.

METHODS

The aim of this consensus statement is to review the most recent evidence for the safety and feasibility of performing same-day discharge procedures in selected patients. A structured literature search was performed using prespecified search criteria, focusing on trials with radial access procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 44 clinical trials and 4 large meta-analyses were retrieved, spanning 21 years of clinical evidence from 2001 to 2022. The outcome data from a wide range of clinical settings were unanimous in showing no negative effect on early (24 h) or late (30 day) major adverse events after same-day discharge coronary procedures. Based on nine prospective trials a comprehensive meta-analysis was compiled. Using 1‑month major adverse events data the pooled odds ratio of same-day discharge versus overnight stay procedures was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.35-01.24; p = 0.19; I2 0%), indicating a noninferiority in carefully selected patients.

CONCLUSION

Outcome data from same-day discharge coronary intervention trials with radial access confirm the robust safety profile showing no increase in the risk of major adverse events compared to overnight stay.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Revascularization in Severe Ischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article presents a comprehensive review of coronary revascularization versus optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with severe ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.

RECENT FINDINGS

The REVIVED-BCIS2 trial randomized 700 patients with extensive coronary artery disease and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and viability in more than four dysfunctional myocardial segments to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus OMT versus OMT alone. Over a median duration of 41 months, there was no difference in the composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, or improvement in LVEF with PCI plus OMT versus OMT alone at 6 and 12 months, quality of life scores at 24 months, or fatal ventricular arrhythmia. The STICH randomized trial was conducted between 2002 and 2007, involving patients with LV dysfunction and coronary artery disease. The patients were assigned to either CABG plus medical therapy or medical therapy alone. At the 5-year follow-up, the trial showed that CABG plus medical therapy reduced cardiovascular disease-related deaths and hospitalizations but no reduction in all-cause mortality. However, a 10-year follow-up showed a significant decrease in all-cause mortality with CABG. The currently available evidence showed no apparent benefit of PCI in severe ischemic cardiomyopathy as compared to OMT, but that CABG improves outcomes in this patient population. The paucity of data on the advantages of PCI in this patient population underscores the critical need for optimization of medical therapy for better survival and quality of life until further evidence from RCTs is available.

Influence of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients undergoing contemporary pLVAD-supported high-risk PCI

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction worsens outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate outcomes of pLVAD-supported high-risk PCI (HRPCI) patients according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS

Patients from the PROTECT III study undergoing pLVAD-supported HRPCI were stratified according to baseline LVEF: severe LV dysfunction (LVEF <30%), mild and moderate LV dysfunction (LVEF ≥30% to <50%), or preserved LV function (LVEF ≥50%). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and repeat revascularization), and PCI-related complications were assessed at 90 days and mortality was assessed at 1-year.

RESULTS

From March 2017 to March 2020, 940 patients had evaluable baseline LVEF recorded in the study database. Patients with preserved LV function were older, more frequently presented with myocardial infarction, and underwent more left main PCI and atherectomy. Immediate PCI-related coronary complications were infrequent (2.7%, overall), similar between groups (P = 0.98), and not associated with LVEF. Unadjusted 90-day MACCE rates were similar among LVEF groups; however, as a continuous variable, LVEF was associated with both 90-day MACCE (adj.HR per 5% 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.98], P = 0.018) and 1-year mortality (adj.HR per 5% 0.84 [0.78, 0.90], P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent pLVAD-supported HRPCI exhibited low incidence of PCI-related complications, regardless of baseline LVEF. However, LVEF was associated with 90-day MACCE and 1-year mortality.

Smaller left ventricular end-systolic diameter and lower ejection fraction at baseline associated with greater ejection fraction improvement after revascularization among patients with left ventricular dysfunction

Objectives

To investigate the predictive roles of pre-operative left ventricular (LV) size and ejection fraction (EF) in EF improvement and outcome following revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and LV dysfunction.

Background

Revascularization may improve EF and long-term outcomes of patients with LV dysfunction. However, the determinants of EF improvement have not yet been investigated comprehensively.

Materials and methods

Patients with EF measurements before and 3 months after revascularization were enrolled in a cohort study (No. ChiCTR2100044378). All patients had baseline EF ≤ 40%. EF improvement was defined as absolute increase in EF > 5%. According to LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) (severely enlarged or not) and EF (≤35% or of 36–40%) at baseline, patients were categorized into four groups.

Results

A total of 939 patients were identified. A total of 549 (58.5%) had EF improved. Both LVESD [odds ratio (OR) per 1 mm decrease, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04–1.07; P < 0.001] and EF (OR per 1% decrease, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03–1.10; P < 0.001) at baseline were predictive of EF improvement after revascularization. Patients with LVESD not severely enlarged and EF ≤ 35% had higher odds of being in the EF improved group in comparison with other three groups both in unadjusted and adjusted analysis (all P < 0.001). The median follow-up time was 3.5 years. Patients with LVESD not severely enlarged and EF ≤ 35% had significantly lower risk of all-cause death in comparison with patients with LVESD severely enlarged and EF ≤ 35% [hazard ratio (HR), 2.73; 95% CI, 1.28–5.82; P = 0.009], and tended to have lower risk in comparison with patients with LVESD severely enlarged and EF of 36–40% (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 0.93–4.27; P = 0.074).

Conclusion

Among CAD patients with reduced EF (≤ 40%) who underwent revascularization, smaller pre-operative LVESD and lower EF had greatest potential to have EF improvement and better outcome. Our findings imply the indication for revascularization in patients with LV dysfunction who presented with lower EF but smaller LV size.

Outcomes of atherectomy in treating severely calcified coronary lesions in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Severely calcified coronary lesions with reduced left ventricular (LV) function result in worse outcomes. Atherectomy is used in treating such lesions when technically feasible. However, there is limited data examining the safety and efficacy of atherectomy without hemodynamic support in treating severely calcified coronary lesions in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of atherectomy in patient with reduced LVEF.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL Register and ClinicalTrials.gov (inception through July 21, 2021) for studies evaluating the outcomes of atherectomy in patients with severe LV dysfunction. We used random-effect model to calculate risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The endpoints were in-hospital and long term all-cause mortality, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR).

Results

A total of 7 studies consisting of 2,238 unique patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up duration was 22.4 months. The risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality using atherectomy in patients with severely reduced LVEF compared to the patients with moderate reduced or preserved LVEF was [2.4vs.0.5%; RR:5.28; 95%CI 1.65–16.84; P = 0.005], the risk of long term all-cause mortality was [21 vs. 8.8%; RR of 2.84; 95% CI 1.16–6.95; P = 0.02]. In-hospital TVR risk was 2.0 vs. 0.6% (RR: 4.15; 95% CI 4.15–15.67; P = 0.04) and long-term TVR was [6.0 vs. 9.9%; RR of 0.75; 95% CI 0.39–1.42; P = 0.37]. In-hospital MI was [7.1 vs. 5.4%; RR 1.63; 95% CI 0.91–2.93; P = 0.10], long-term MI was [7.5 vs. 5.7; RR 1.74; 95%CI 0.95–3.18; P = 0.07).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggested that the patients with severely reduced LVEF when using atherectomy devices experienced higher risk of clinical outcomes in the terms of all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality. As we know that the patients with severely reduced LVEF are inherently at increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes, this information should be considered hypothesis generating and utilized while discussing the risks and benefits of atherectomy in such high risk patients. Future studies should focus on the comparison of outcomes of different atherectomy devices in such patients. Adjusting for the inherent mortality risk posed by left ventricular dysfunction may be a strategy while designing a study.

Impact of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction on Procedural and Long-Term Outcomes of Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The association of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with procedural and long-term outcomes after state-of-the-art percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions remains unsettled. A total of 5,333 patients who underwent contemporary coronary bifurcation PCI were included in the intercontinental retrospective combined insights from the unified RAIN (veRy thin stents for patients with left mAIn or bifurcatioN in real life) and COBIS (COronary BIfurcation Stenting) III bifurcation registries. Of 5,003 patients (93.8%) with known baseline LVEF, 244 (4.9%) had LVEF <40% (bifurcation with reduced ejection fraction [BIFrEF] group), 430 (8.6%) had LVEF 40% to 49% (bifurcation with mildly reduced ejection fraction [BIFmEF] group) and 4,329 (86.5%) had ejection fraction (EF) ≥50% (bifurcation with preserved ejection fraction [BIFpEF] group). The primary end point was the Kaplan-Meier estimate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization). Patients with BIFrEF had a more complex clinical profile and coronary anatomy. No difference in procedural (30 days) MACE was observed across EF categories, also after adjustment for in-study outcome predictors (BIFrEF vs BIFmEF: adjusted hazard ratio [adj-HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 5.21, p = 0.626; BIFrEF vs BIFpEF: adj-HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.87, p = 0.883; BIFmEF vs BIFpEF: adj-HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.27, p = 0.683). BIFrEF was independently associated with long-term MACE (median follow-up 21 months, interquartile range 10 to 21 months) than both BIFmEF (adj-HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.41, p <0.001) and BIFpEF (adj-HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.60, p <0.001) groups, although no difference was observed between BIFmEF and BIFpEF groups (adj-HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.24, p = 0.449). In conclusion, in patients who underwent PCI of a coronary bifurcation lesion according to contemporary clinical practice, reduced LVEF (<40%), although a strong predictor of long-term MACEs, does not affect procedural outcomes.

Comparison of the prognostic value of SYNTAX score and clinical SYNTAX score on outcomes of Chinese patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Previous studies have validated the capability of SYNTAX score (SS) and clinical SYNTAX score (CSS) in the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients who have undergone PCI; however, studies on comparison of these two scoring systems in Chinese population have been sparse.

Methods

To study the ability of SS and CSS in prediction of clinical outcomes of Chinese patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We retrospectively calculated SS and CSS for 547 Chinese patients from a single center who underwent PCI. Patients were stratified into tertiles according to their SS and CSS. We compared the 2-year clinical outcomes in these patients stratified separately by SS and CSS tertiles.

Results

The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebro-vascular events (MACCE) was the highest in patients with SS_HIGH (13.5%), comparing to 6.8% in SS_MED and 0% in SS_LOW (p < 0.0001). The Cox multivariable analysis showed that the SS and CSS were both strong independent predictors for MACCE [1.100 (1.069–1.133), 1.017 (1.010–1.025), both p < 0.0001]. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed the areas-under-the-curves for all-cause death by CSS was slightly larger comparing to SS but not significantly (AUC SS, 0.64; AUC CSS, 0.71; p = 0.23).

Conclusion

We concluded that both the SS and CSS were capable of risk stratification of clinical outcomes in all-comers population as well as in low and moderate risk Chinese patients undergoing PCI with CSS showing slightly better advantage.

Independent and cumulative association of clinical and morphological heart failure with long-term outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a risk factor for adverse post-procedural outcome after revascularization; however, it is unclear how left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and clinical HF symptoms affect percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes. We investigated the characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with clinical HF or LVSD after PCI.

METHODS

This was a Japanese multicenter registry study of adult patients receiving PCI. Among 4689 consecutive patients who underwent PCI at 15 hospitals from January 2009 to December 2012, we analyzed 2634 (56.2%) with documented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). They were divided into four groups based on clinical HF (symptoms or HF hospitalization) and LVEF [≥35% and <35% (HF due to LVSD)]. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), comprising all-cause death, acute coronary syndrome, HF hospitalization, performance of coronary artery bypass grafting, and stroke within 2 years after the initial PCI.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed 354 patients (13.4%) with HF (clinical HF, n = 173, 48.9%; LVSD, n = 132, 37.3%; both, n = 49; 13.8%). The incidence of MACE was higher in patients with clinical HF or LVSD, and was largely due to higher non-cardiac death and HF hospitalization. After adjustment, clinical HF (hazard ratio 2.16, 95% confidence interval; 1.49-3.14) and lower LVEF (per 10%, hazard ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval; 0.81-0.99) were independently associated with higher MACE risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical HF and LVSD were independently associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes, particularly with non-cardiac death and HF readmission, in patients treated with PCI.

Acute and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Systolic Function Undergoing Rotational Atherectomy: A Single-Center Observational Retrospective Study

Introduction

Rotational atherectomy (RA) historically was contraindicated in patients with impaired left ventricular (LV) function due to inherent cardio-depressive effects. Contemporary RA practice is less aggressive than traditional RA and no longer withheld from patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). The aim of this analysis is to explore the outcomes of rotational atherectomy (RA) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

Patients undergoing RA (n = 644) were divided into three groups according to LVEF (severely reduced ≤ 35%, n = 82; moderately reduced 36–54%, n = 170; and preserved LVEF ≥ 55%, n = 392).

Results

Compared to patients with preserved LVEF, those with severely reduced LVEF had higher rates of angiographic failure (12.2 vs. 3.3%, p = 0.003) and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE: 9.8 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.004) driven by more peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI: 6.1 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.049). In-hospital outcomes were similar between patients with preserved and moderately reduced LVEF. At 5-year follow-up, a stepwise increase in all-cause death was observed with lower LVEF (preserved: 15%, moderately reduced: 23%, severely reduced: 43%; p < 0.001). On the other hand, revascularization and MI rates at 5 years were not affected by LVEF.

Conclusions

Compared to patients with preserved LVEF, those with severely reduced LVEF have worse acute outcomes after RA, whereas a moderate reduction of LVEF poses no additional acute hazard after RA. Up to 5 years, the extent of left ventricular dysfunction was associated with a stepwise increase in mortality.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40119-019-0143-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prognostic Value of SYNTAX Score II in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Referred for Invasive Management: A Subanalysis from the SPUM and COMFORTABLE AMI Cohorts

Aims

To assess the incremental prognostic value of SYNTAX score II (SxSII) as compared to anatomical SYNTAX Score (SxS) and GRACE risk score in patients with acute coronary syndromes who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and results

SxSII and SxS were determined in 734 ACS patients. Patients were enrolled in the prospective Special Program University Medicine ACS and the COMFORTABLE AMI cohorts and later on stratified according to tertiles of SxSII (SxSII_Low ≤21.5 (n=245), SxSII_Mid 21.5–30.6 (n=245), and SxSII_High ≥30.6 (n=244). The primary endpoint of adjudicated all-cause mortality and secondary endpoints of MACE (cardiac death, repeat revascularization, and myocardial infarction) and MACCE (all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular events, MI, and repeat revascularization) were determined at 1-year follow-up. SxSII provided incremental predictive information for risk stratification when compared to SxS and GRACE risk score (AUC 0.804, 95% CI 0.77–0.84, p < 0.001 versus 0.67, 95% CI 0.63–0.72, p=0.007 versus 0.69, 95% CI 0.6–0.8, p=0.002), respectively. In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, we found that unlike SxS (adjusted HR 1.013, 95% CI (0.96–1.07), p=0.654), SxSII was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR = 1.095, 95% CI (1.06–1.11), p < 0.001). This was also true for the prediction of both secondary outcomes MACE (n=60) and MACCE (n=70) with an adjusted HR = 1.055, 95% CI (1.03–1.08), p < 0.001, and HR = 1.065, 95% CI (1.04–1.09), p < 0.001.

Conclusion

In patients with ACS who underwent PCI, SxSII is an independent predictor of mortality during 1-year follow-up. SxSII shows superiority in discriminating risk compared to conventional SxS and GRACE for all-cause mortality.

2015 SCAI/ACC/HFSA/STS Clinical Expert Consensus Statement on the Use of Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in Cardiovascular Care (Endorsed by the American Heart Association, the Cardiological Society of India, and Sociedad Latino Americana de Cardiologia Intervencion; Affirmation of Value by the Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology-Association Canadienne de Cardiologie d'intervention)

Although historically the intra-aortic balloon pump has been the only mechanical circulatory support device available to clinicians, a number of new devices have become commercially available and have entered clinical practice. These include axial flow pumps, such as Impella(®); left atrial to femoral artery bypass pumps, specifically the TandemHeart; and new devices for institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These devices differ significantly in their hemodynamic effects, insertion, monitoring, and clinical applicability. This document reviews the physiologic impact on the circulation of these devices and their use in specific clinical situations. These situations include patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention, those presenting with cardiogenic shock, and acute decompensated heart failure. Specialized uses for right-sided support and in pediatric populations are discussed and the clinical utility of mechanical circulatory support devices is reviewed, as are the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical practice guidelines.

Dynamic changes in left ventricular function after a percutaneous coronary intervention: prevalence, predictors, and prognosis

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence, identify predictors, and assess the prognostic implications of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI in our institution and were evaluated with echocardiography before and within 1 year of the procedure. Patients were grouped in terms of baseline LVEF. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality and acute myocardial infarction were calculated for baseline LVEF groups and in terms of LVEF normalization or decline.

RESULTS

A total of 974 patients were included. Patients with moderately impaired (HR 1.41, P=0.01) and poor LVEF (HR 2.44, P<0.001) had significantly worse survival in comparison with patients with good LVEF. Decline from preserved to impaired LVEF following PCI was associated with an increased 1-year risk (HR 3.48, P<0.001) and 5-year risk (HR 2.79, P<0.001) for the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and acute myocardial infarction. LVEF recovery from impaired to preserved was associated with a decreased 5-year risk for the composite outcome (HR 0.5, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Changes in LVEF after elective PCI occur often. Both higher baseline LVEF and post-PCI LVEF normalization are associated with improved outcomes.

The impact of left ventricular ejection fraction on fractional flow reserve: Insights from the FAME (Fractional flow reserve versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) trial

BACKGROUND

Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) significantly improves outcomes compared with angio-guided PCI in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. However, there is a theoretical concern that in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) FFR may be less accurate and FFR-guided PCI less beneficial.

METHODS

From the FAME (Fractional flow reserve versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) trial database, we compared FFR values between patients with reduced EF (both ≤ 40%, n = 90 and ≤ 50%, n = 252) and preserved EF (> 40%, n = 825 and > 50%, n = 663) according to the angiographic stenosis severity. We also compared differences in 1 year outcomes between FFR- vs. angio-guided PCI in patients with reduced and preserved EF.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar FFR values in lesions with 50-70% stenosis (p = 0.49) and with 71-90% stenosis (p = 0.89). The reduced EF group had a higher mean FFR compared to the preserved EF group across lesions with 91-99% stenosis (0.55 vs. 0.50, p = 0.02), although the vast majority of FFR values remained ≤ 0.80. There was a similar reduction in the composite end point of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization with FFR-guided compared to angio-guided PCI for both the reduced (14.5% vs. 19.0%, relative risk = 0.76, p = 0.34) and the preserved EF group (13.8 vs. 17.0%, relative risk = 0.81, p = 0.25). The results were similar with an EF cutoff of 40%.

CONCLUSION

Reduced EF has no influence on the FFR value unless the stenosis is very tight, in which case a theoretically explainable, but clinically irrelevant overestimation might occur. As a result, FFR-guided PCI remains beneficial regardless of EF.

Prognostic value of the age, creatinine, and ejection fraction score for 1-year mortality in 30-day survivors who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention after acute myocardial infarction

Few simple and effective tools are available for determining the prognosis of 30-day survivors after acute myocardial infarction. We aimed to assess whether the simple age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) score could predict 1-year mortality of 12,000 post-myocardial infarction 30-day survivors who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The ACEF score was computed as follows: (age/ejection fraction)+1, if the serum creatinine was >2 mg/dl. Accuracy was defined through receiver-operating characteristics analysis and area under the curve (AUC) evaluation. Twelve risk factors were selected and ranked according to their AUC value. Age, ejection fraction, and serum creatinine levels indicated the best AUC value. The ACEF score was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors (1.95±0.82 vs 1.28±0.50; p<0.001) and was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 2.26; p<0.001). The best accuracy was achieved by a prediction model including 12 risk factors (AUC=0.80), but this did not significantly differ compared with the AUC (0.79) of the ACEF score (p=ns). Adjusted hazard ratios for 1-year mortality were 1 (reference), 3.11 (p<0.001), and 10.38 (p<0.001) for the ACEFLOW (ACEF score<1.0), ACEFMID (ACEF score 1.0 to 1.39), and ACEFHIGH (ACEF score≥1.4) groups, respectively. The ACEF score may be a novel valid model to stratify the 1-year mortality risk in 30-day survivors who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention after acute myocardial infarction.

Percutaneous Mechanical Ventricular Support in Acute Cardiac Care: A UK Quaternary Centre Experience Using 2.5L, 3.8L and 5.0L Impella Catheters

Aims

The Impella is a percutaneous ventricular assist device. The majority of published data describes the 2.5L and 5.0L devices, and little data is available for the newer 3.8L device. We examined the indications and outcomes from our single-centre “real-world” registry at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK, using all three pump sizes.

Methods and Results

Records from all patients who underwent attempted Impella-assisted procedures at our centre were examined retrospectively. Impella implantation was attempted in 49 patients (mean age 72 ± 13 years; 80% male) and was successful in 48 (98%). 45 patients underwent high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), one patient underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty and 3 patients had Impella as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. The 2.5L and 3.8L devices were used in 36 (75%) and 11 (23%) patients, respectively, while one patient (2%) had the 5L device. Vascular complications occurred in only one patient (2%) and stroke and peri-procedural myocardial infarction occurred in one patient (2%), while in-hospital mortality was 20% (10/49).

Conclusions

In this large real-world registry, we have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the Impella device for a wide range of indications. This includes the first series of the 3.8L device which provides superior support with no increase in vascular complications.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40119-014-0033-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of age on the prognostic value of left ventricular function in relation to procedural outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society

BACKGROUND

Around one third of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Whilst the prevalence of LV dysfunction is known to increase with age, the prevalence of LV dysfunction in different age groups in the PCI setting is not known and the effect of age on the prognostic value of LV function in the PCI setting has not been examined.

METHODS

The relationship between LV function and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing PCI in different age groups (<60 years, 60 to <70 years, 70 to <80 years and ≥80 years) was studied in 246,840 patients in the UK between 2006 and 2011.

RESULTS

Prevalent LV dysfunction in patients undergoing PCI increased with age; 25,106/83,161 (30.2%: <60 years), 24,114/76,895 (31.4%: 60 to <70 years), 23,580/64,711 36.4% (70 to <80 years) and 9,851/22,073 (44.6%) in patients aged 80 or over (P < 0.0001). Poor LV function was independently associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality outcomes in all age groups (OR 5.65:95% CI 4.21-7.58, age <60 years; OR 5.07: 95% CI 3.91-6.57, age 60 to <70 years; OR 4.50: 95% CI 3.64-5.57, 70 to <80 years and OR 4.83:95% CI 3.79-6.15, age ≥80 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests that worsening LV function is an important independent predictor of worse 30-day mortality outcomes across all age groups and underscores the need for a measure of LV function in all patients for accurate risk stratification prior to PCI.

PPAR Gamma Expression Levels during Development of Heart Failure in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease after Coronary Artery Bypass-Grafting

Genetic research has elucidated molecular mechanisms of heart failure (HF). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) seem to be important in etiology of HF. The aim of study was to find the correlation between PPARγ expression during development of HF in patients and coronary artery disease (CAD) after coronary artery bypass-grafting (CABG). Methods and Results. We followed up 157 patients (mean age 63) with CAD without clinical, laboratory, or echo parameters of HF who underwent CABG. Clinical and laboratory status were assessed before CABG and at 1, 12, and 24 months. During CABG slices of aorta (Ao) and LV were collected for genetic research. HF was defined as LVEF <40% or NT-proBNP >400 pg/mL or 6MWT <400 m. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with and without HF. PPARγ expression in Ao and LV was not increased in both groups at 2-year follow-up. Sensitivity of PPARγ expression in Ao above 1.1075 in detection of HF was 20.5% (AUC 0.531, 95% CI 0.442–0.619). Positive predictive value (Ppv) was 85.7%. Sensitivity and specificity of PPARγ expression in the LV in detection of HF were 58% and 92.9%, respectively (AUC 0.540, 95% CI 0.452–0.626). Ppv was 73.2%. Conclusion. PPARγ expression in Ao and LV was comparable and should not be used as predictive factor for development of HF in patients with CAD after CABG.

Prevalence and 1-year prognosis of transient heart failure following coronary revascularization

The occurrence of heart failure during the whole pre-discharge course of coronary revascularization, as far as its influence on subsequent prognosis, is poorly understood. The present study examined the effect of transient heart failure (THF) developing in the acute and rehabilitative phase on survival after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients in the Italian survey on cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention after cardiac revascularization (ICAROS) were analyzed for THF, the latter being defined either as signs and symptoms consistent with decompensation or cardiogenic shock. ICAROS was a prospective, multicenter registry of 1,262 consecutive patients discharged from 62 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) facilities, providing data on risk factors, lifestyle habits, drug treatments, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) during a 1-year follow-up. Records were linked to the official website of the Italian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (GICR-IACPR). The overall prevalence of pre-discharge THF was 7.6%, with 69.8% of cases in acute wards, 22.9% during CR, and 7.3% in both settings. THF affected more frequently patients with chronic cardiac condition (42.7 vs. 30.6%; p < 0.05), age ≥75 years (33.3 vs. 23.1%; p < 0.005), COPD (19.8 vs. 12.3%; p < 0.05), and chronic kidney disease (17.7 vs. 7%; p < 0.001). After discharge, THF patients showed good maintenance rates of RAAS modulators (90.6%) and beta-blockers (83.3%), while statin therapy significantly decreased from 81.3 to 64.6% (p < 0.05). The pursuit of secondary prevention targets, as far as self-reported drug adherence, was not different among groups. Patients with THF had increased 1-year mortality (8.3 vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001). Moreover, THF independently predicted adverse outcome with OR for recurrent events (mainly further episodes of decompensation) of 2.4 (CI 1.4-4.3). Patients who experienced THF after coronary revascularization had increased post-discharge mortality and cardiovascular events. Hemodynamic instability, rather than recurrent myocardial ischemia, seems to be linked with worse prognosis.

Stent thrombosis in early-generation drug-eluting stents versus newer-generation everolimus-eluting stent assorted by LVEF

OBJECTIVE

Everolimus drug-eluting stents (EES) are superior to early-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), releasing sirolimus (SES) or paclitaxel (PES) in preventing stent thrombosis (ST). Since an impaired LVEF seems to increase the risk of ST, we aimed to investigate the difference in outcome of patients with varying LVEF using EES versus early-generation DES.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, we compared the risk of ST in patients in three LVEF subgroups: normal (LVEF >50%), mildly impaired (LVEF >40% and ≤50%) and moderate-severely impaired (LVEF ≤40%). Within these various LVEF groups, we compared EES with SES and PES after adjustment for baseline differences.

RESULTS

We assessed a cohort of 5363 patients, with follow-up of up to 4 years and available LVEF. Overall definite ST occurred in 123 (2.3%) patients. ST rates were higher in the LVEF moderate-severely impaired group compared with the normal LVEF group (2.8% vs 2.1%; HR 1.82; CI 1.10 to 3.00). Especially early ST (EST) was more frequent in the moderate-severely impaired LVEF group (HR 2.20; CI 1.06 to 4.53). Overall rates of definite ST were lower in patients using EES compared with patients using SES or PES in all LVEF groups. Interaction terms were not statistically significant. ST rates were higher in the moderate-severely impaired LVEF group compared with the normal LVEF group when using SES or PES, but not significantly different when using EES.

CONCLUSIONS

EES was associated with a lower risk of definite ST compared with early-generation DES. This lower risk was independent of LVEF, even though ST rates were higher in patients with a moderate-severely impaired LVEF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NO

MEC-2013-262.

Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction is independently associated with high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between left ventricular systolic function and the response to clopidogrel.

METHODS

The efficacy of clopidogrel was measured by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation 20 ± 4 h after 600 mg of clopidogrel. High on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HCPR) was defined as a platelet reactivity index (PRI) ≥50%. The 30-day combined incidence of death, non-fatal acute coronary syndrome, re-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), stent thrombosis, and stroke was also investigated.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 519 patients undergoing PCI. The values (mean and 95% confidence interval) of the PRI were as follows: 40.4% (37.8-43.0) in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50%, 42.4% (39.3-45.6) in patients with LVEF 35-50%, and 46.7% (40.6-52.9) in patients with LVEF <35% (p = 0.013). The proportions of patients with HCPR were 35.9% in patients with LVEF ≥35 and 51.9% in patients with LVEF <35% (p = 0.022). After adjustment for variables that significantly influenced clopidogrel efficacy, LVEF <35% was found to be independently associated with HCPR (p = 0.039). The 30-day combined clinical endpoint occurred in 18% of patients with LVEF <35% and in 7.3% of patients with LVEF ≥35% (p = 0.026). The 30-day incidence of all-cause mortality was 14% in patients with LVEF <35 and 1.0% in patients with LVEF ≥35% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An LVEF <35% was found to be independently associated with HCPR.

Comparison of Impella and intra-aortic balloon pump in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention: vascular complications and incidence of bleeding

OBJECTIVE

Compare vascular complications and incidence of bleeding of Impella 2.5 and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Large arterial sheath size for device insertion is associated with vascular and/or bleeding complications; gastrointestinal bleeding may also occur with anti-coagulation use.

METHODS

Patients with an acute coronary syndrome receiving Impella 2.5 or IABP during high-risk PCI were studied (13 Impella; 62 IABP). Vascular complications and incidence of bleeding were compared.

RESULTS

Post-procedure hematocrit was similar between groups. Blood transfusion occurred in 38.4% and 32.2% of patients in the Impella and IABP groups, respectively (P = NS); 65.3%, 30.7% and 3.8% of bleeding were due to vascular access site/procedure related, gastrointestinal and genitourinary, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in vascular complications between the Impella and IABP groups (15.3% and 6.4% of patients, respectively); mesenteric ischemia (n = 1) and aortic rupture (n = 1) were only in the IABP group. In-hospital and one-year mortality were not statistically significant between groups.

CONCLUSION

Impella can be used as safely as IABP during high-risk PCI with similar vascular and bleeding complications. Importantly, approximately one third of bleeding was from the gastrointestinal system warranting careful prophylactic measures and monitoring.

Outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing drug-eluting stents in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Ischemic cardiomyopathy with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is predictive of death after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but its association with stent thrombosis (ST) and the need for repeat revascularization is less clearly defined. In total 5,377 patients undergoing PCI were retrospectively evaluated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression and competitive outcome analysis were employed. The primary end point was 1-year major adverse cardiac events (all-cause death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, ST, and target lesion revascularization [TLR]). Individual end points of ST and of TLR were also evaluated. Patients with normal LVEF (>50%) were compared to those with mild (41% to 50%), moderate (25% to 40%), and severe (<25%) decreases in LVEF. Patients with abnormal LVEF were older and more commonly diabetic and had renal insufficiency and heart failure syndrome (p <0.001 for all variables). These patients demonstrated more angiographically complex lesions and less frequently received a drug-eluting stent. The primary end point was significantly increased in patients with lower LVEF (9.7% for normal LVEF vs 20.6% for severely decreased LVEF, p <0.001). ST occurred more frequently in these patients (1.4% for normal LVEF vs 6% for severely decreased LVEF, p <0.001), but clinically driven TLR did not significantly change across LVEF categories. After adjustment, only moderate and severe LVEF decreases (i.e., LVEF ≤40%) demonstrated an association with major adverse cardiac events and with the individual outcome of ST. Subgroup analysis of patients receiving only a drug-eluting stent or a bare-metal stent demonstrated no statistically significant differences for the probability of ST. In conclusion, decreased LVEF is not associated with clinically driven TLR but does increase the risk of ST. Patients with LVEF ≤40% appear to be at significantly higher risk for ST and therefore might benefit from interventional and pharmacologic strategies aimed at minimizing this risk.

High-risk PCI in acute coronary syndromes with Impella LP 2.5 device support

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate feasibility, safety, efficacy as well as acute and short-term outcome of hemodynamically supported percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by a percutaneous, catheter-based left ventricular assist device (LVAD) (Impella LP 2.5, Abiomed Europe GmbH, Aachen, Germany) in a high-risk patient population with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Although hemodynamic support by intraaortic balloon pump favorably affects myocardial oxygen supply and demand, it has modest effects on cardiac output, providing passive support only. In contrast, the Impella LP 2.5 microaxial pump, which is placed within the left ventricular outflow tract and actively ejects blood into the ascending aorta, might offer additional hemodynamic support and thereby procedural safety during PCI.

METHODS

Thirty-eight consecutive high-risk patients (mean age, 69.7 ± 10.3 years, logistic EuroSCORE, 22.4 ± 14.9%) with unstable angina pectoris or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and severe three-vessel-disease were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline as well as at 6, 24 and 48 h after the procedure and 30 days after discharge.

RESULTS

Device insertion and explantation was feasible in all patients without vascular complications and continuous hemodynamic stability was obtained during PCI. PCI was uneventfully performed in all but one patient for technical reasons. One non procedure-related death occurred 7 days after the intervention, accounting for a total 30-day mortality of 2.86%. Other major cardiac or cerebrovascular events did not occur.

CONCLUSIONS

LVAD support using a percutaneous microaxial flow pump is a promising and safe approach for high-risk PCI providing good short-term results.

A new tool for the risk stratification of patients with complex coronary artery disease: the Clinical SYNTAX Score

BACKGROUND

Presently, no effective risk model exists to predict long-term mortality or other major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in those patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to assess whether the Clinical SYNTAX Score (CSS) calculated by multiplying the SYNTAX Score to a modified ACEF score (age/ejection fraction +1 for each 10 mL the creatinine clearance <60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)) would improve the ability of either score to predict mortality and MACCE.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The CSS was calculated in 512 patients enrolled in the ARTS-II study who had serum creatinine levels, ejection fraction, and body weight recorded at baseline. Clinical outcomes in terms of MACCE and mortality at 1- and 5-year follow-up were stratified according to CSS tertiles: CSS(LOW)< or =15.6 (n=170), 15.6<CSS(MID)< or =27.5 (n=171), and CSS(HIGH)>27.5 (n=171). At 1-year follow-up, rates of repeat revascularization and MACCE were significantly higher in the highest tertile group. At 5-year follow-up, CSS(HIGH) had a comparable rate of myocardial infarction, a trend toward a significantly higher rate of death, and significantly higher rates of repeat revascularization and overall MACCE compared with patients in the lower 2 tertiles. The respective C-statistics for the CSS, SYNTAX Score, and ACEF score for 5-year mortality were 0.69, 0.62, and 0.65 and for 5-year MACCE were 0.62, 0.59, and 0.57.

CONCLUSIONS

An improvement in the ability of the SYNTAX Score to predict MACCE and mortality can be achieved by combining the SYNTAX Score with a simple clinical risk score incorporating age, ejection fraction, and creatinine clearance to produce the Clinical SYNTAX score.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00235170.

Off-pump Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients with Low Ejection Fraction

Objective

Long-term survival after off-pump surgery in patients with low ejection fraction was investigated.

Methods

Three hundred forty-six patients with ejection fraction 30% or less with isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) were compared with a propensity matched historical group operated on-pump (ONCAB) and with data from literature after percutaneous coronary intervention and OPCAB surgery.

Results

The lower invasiveness of OPCAB contributed to a significantly better 30-day survival, shorter postoperative length of stay, and fewer in-hospital complications. Incomplete revascularization of the posterior and lateral territories of the heart correlated with higher 1-year mortality. The probability of survival for 8 years after OPCAB was 50.1% (n = 76) versus 49.7% (n = 82) for ONCAB without comparable data from literature for OPCAB or percutaneous coronary intervention in these high-risk patients.

Conclusions

OPCAB surgery in patients with low ejection fraction is a viable alternative but so far without demonstrable long-term survival advantage to ONCAB.

In-hospital mortality and complications after coronary angioplasty, City of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To estimate in-hospital mortality and prevalence of complications of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in public hospitals.

METHODS

Data for 2,913 PTCA were obtained from the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) Hospital Authorization Database in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, between 1999 and 2003. After simple random sampling and data weighting, 529 medical records of patients undergoing PTCA, including all deaths, in four public hospitals (federal and state university, and federal and state reference hospitals) were studied. Comparison tests of mortality according to patient characteristics, comorbidities, complications, types of PTCA procedures, and indications for PTCA were performed using Poisson's regression models.

RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality was 1.6% (range: 0.9-6.8%). The age distribution of mortality was as follows: 0.2% in patients younger than 50; 1.6% in those 50-69; and 2.7% in those older than 69. High mortality was seen in primary and rescue PTCAs: 17.4% and 13.1%, respectively; and mortality in elective PTCA was 0.8%. The main complications during PTCA were dissection (5%; mortality: 11.5%) and artery occlusion (2.6%; mortality: 21.8%). Bleeding was seen in 5.9% of the patients (mortality: 5.6%) and 3.0% required blood transfusion (mortality: 12.0%). The complication of acute myocardial infarction was seen in 1.1% of patients (mortality: 38%) and stroke was associated with a mortality of 17.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The cardiac in-hospital mortality was high when PTCA was performed for a patient with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction. Elective PTCA had mortality and complications levels above the expected in four public hospitals in the main city of Rio de Janeiro.

Impact of left ventricular dysfunction on hospital mortality among patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Many patients with systolic dysfunction undergo elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) despite the unknown risk and limited data supporting its use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the severity of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and hospital mortality in patients who undergo elective PCI. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients who underwent elective PCI in New York State in 1998 and 1999. Patients were stratified into 5 groups on the basis of their LV ejection fractions (EFs) before PCI (>55%, 46% to 55%, 36% to 45%, 26% to 35%, and < or =25%). Comparisons of demographic, procedural, and outcome variables were performed, and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to evaluate the relation between the EF and hospital mortality. Among 55,709 patients who underwent elective PCI, EFs < or =25%, 26% to 35% and 36% to 45% were present in 3.4%, 7.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. Hospital mortality was 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 2.7% in the groups with EFs >55%, 46% to 55%, 36% to 45%, 26% to 35%, and < or =25%, respectively (p <0.001). After multivariate adjustment, an increased risk for hospital mortality was significant for EF groups of 36% to 45% (OR 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.30), 26% to 35% (OR 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.31), and < or =25% (OR 3.85, 95% confidence interval 2.46 to 6.01) compared with EF >55%, respectively. In conclusion, this analysis demonstrates that elective PCI is commonly performed in patients with reduced EFs, and the risk for hospital mortality increases as the EF decreases. For patients who undergo elective PCI, an EF < or =45% is associated with higher adjusted hospital mortality. Whether elective PCI in patients with low EFs reduces morbidity and/or mortality over medical therapy alone is unknown.

Short- and long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction

AIMS

Poor left ventricular function is considered a high risk condition for performing either percutaneous (PCI) or surgical revascularisation. The aim of this study was to evaluate immediate and long term results of PCI in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF < 0.30).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-eight consecutive patients with CAD and severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF < 30%) were selected. The majority of these patients (87%) had multivessel disease. Coronary angioplasty procedure was mainly motivated by angina associated with clinical manifestation of heart failure (54%). Total number of treated vessels was 181, and a total of 203 stents were implanted (2.6 stent/patient). Procedural success was achieved in 77 patients (97.8%). The total procedural and in-hospital adverse event rate was 7.8%. Mean follow-up period (FU) was 25+/-6 months. Event-free survival rate at the end of FU was 55%; repeat revascularisation was performed in 21 patients (27.6%). Female gender, diabetes, new acute myocardial infarction and number of treated vessels were independent predictors for death and combined mayor adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In symptomatic patients with CAD and severe left ventricular dysfunction, PCI can be performed with excellent procedural outcome and acceptable long-term morbidity and mortality.

Percutaneous coronary stenting in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

There is uncertainty on the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). We thus performed a systematic review of studies reporting on PCI in LVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pertinent studies were searched in PubMed, and included if reporting on >/=30 patients, with ejection fraction < 50%, and prevalently (>60%) treated with stents. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at the longest follow-up. Outcomes were pooled with random-effect methods (95% confidence intervals). We retrieved 11 studies including 1,284 patients with ejection fraction <50% (specifically <40% in 1,033 and <30% in 211). All studies but one reported on bare-metal stenting only. In-hospital MACE occurred in 5% (3-6), with death in 2% (1-3), myocardial infarction in 3% (2-4), and repeat revascularisation in 1% (0-2). After a median of 18 months, MACE occurred in 33% (30-36), with death in 11% (9-13), myocardial infarction in 7% (6-9), and repeat revascularisation in 15% (13-18). Meta-regression suggested the beneficial impact of drug-eluting stents on MACE (p=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Currently available data support the adoption of percutaneous revascularisation in carefully selected patients with LVD. While event attrition remains substantial at long-term follow-up, drug-eluting stents hold the promise of significantly improving event-free and overall survival.