A prospective randomized trial comparing stenting with off-pump coronary surgery for high-grade stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery: three-year follow-up

Revascularization for Isolated Proximal Left Anterior Descending Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Most studies of patients with isolated proximal left anterior descending (PLAD) coronary artery disease do not include all 3 procedural options: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or minimally invasive CABG.

METHODS

New York's cardiac registries were used to identify patients who underwent revascularization for isolated PLAD disease between January 1, 2010, and November 30, 2016, in New York State. After exclusions, 14,327 patients, of whom 13,115 received PCI, 1001 of whom underwent CABG surgery, and 211 of whom underwent minimally invasive CABG were monitored through the end of 2017 to compare outcomes. Registry data were matched to vital statistics data to obtain deaths occurring after discharge and matched to claims data to obtain subsequent admissions for myocardial infarction and stroke.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in mortality or in mortality/myocardial infarction/stroke after 7 years (with median follow-up times in excess of 4 years) among the 3 procedures after adjusting for differences in patient risk factors. However, conventional CABG surgery was associated with a lower subsequent revascularization rate than PCI (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.58) and minimally invasive CABG surgery (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with isolated PLAD disease undergoing any of 3 revascularization options (PCI, conventional CABG surgery, or minimally invasive CABG surgery), conventional CABG surgery was associated with lower subsequent revascularization rates, but there were no differences in mortality or mortality/myocardial infarction/stroke rates.

The Utility of a 3D Endoscope and Robot-Assisted System for MIDCAB

Background: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has been revived with new techniques and hybrid procedures for MIDCAB and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We reviewed the midterm results of MIDCAB with a three-dimensional (3D) endoscope in our institution.

Methods: Of the 359 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from December 2013 to March 2017, 54 had MIDCAB with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery through a small left thoracotomy with a 3D endoscope. The same intercostal space was used for the main surgical incision and the insertion site of the 3D endoscope. In all, 22 patients had hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR), combined PCI and MIDCAB.

Results: There was no operative death. One patient had cerebral infarction without disability. No cases showed significant increases in CKMB. In all, 34 patients commenced ambulation on postoperative day 1. The postoperative hospital stay was 9.1 ± 5.0 days. In total, 37 patients had coronary computed tomography (CT), and their patency of LITA was 100%. In HCR, there was no mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Target lesion revascularization among 12 months was 1.6%.

Conclusion: The midterm results of MIDCAB with 3D endoscope-assisted LITA harvesting were satisfactory. MIDCAB, including HCR, is a good alternative for selected high-risk patients.

Mid-Term Results of Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) has the advantage of allowing arterial grafting on the left anterior descending artery without a sternotomy incision. We present our single-center clinical experience of 66 consecutive patients.

Methods

All patients underwent MIDCAB through a left anterior small thoracotomy between August 2007 and July 2015. Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data—including major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), graft patency, and the need for re-intervention—were collected.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 69.4±11.1 years and 73% were male. There was no conversion to an on-pump procedure or a sternotomy incision. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.5%. There were no cases of stroke, although 2 patients had to be re-explored for bleeding, and 81.8% were extubated in the operating room or on the day of surgery. The median stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital were 1.5 and 9.6 days, respectively. The median follow-up period was 11 months, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 85.3%±0.09% and a 5-year MACCE-free survival rate of 72.8%±0.1%. Of the 66 patients, 32 patients with 36 grafts underwent a postoperative graft patency study with computed tomography angiography or coronary angiography, and 88.9% of the grafts were patent at 9.7±10.8 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

MIDCAB is a safe procedure with low postoperative morbidity and mortality and favorable mid-term MACCE-free survival.

Minimally invasive direct coronary bypass compared with percutaneous coronary intervention for left anterior descending artery disease: a meta-analysis

Background

The clinical outcomes for left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery lesion between minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still controversial. The objective was to compare safety and efficacy between MIDCAB and PCI for LAD.

Methods

Electronic databases and article references were systematically searched to access relevant studies. End points included mortality, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR), major adverse coronary events (MACE), angina recurrence, and stroke.

Results

Fourteen studies with 941 patients were finally involved in the present study. The mortality and incidence of myocardial infarction were similar in MIDCAB and PCI groups at 30 days, 6 months, and at follow-up beyond 1 year. Compared with PCI, MIDCAB decreased incidence of TVR and MACE at 6 months and beyond 1 year follow-up. MIDCAB was associated with a lower incidence of angina recurrence at 6 months compared with PCI. PCI was associated with higher risk of restenosis in target vessel. No significant difference was shown for stroke.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates that there are no significant differences in the safety between MIDCAB and PCI in patients with LAD. However MIDCAB is superior to PCI for TVR and MACE.

Relationship between left coronary artery bifurcation angle and restenosis after stenting of the proximal left anterior descending artery

INTRODUCTION

Restenosis after a percutaneous coronary intervention for proximal left anterior descending (pLAD) coronary artery disease remains a clinical challenge. However, the relationship between the left main trunk (LMT)/LAD bifurcation angle and the pLAD artery restenosis is unclear. This study examined the relationship between the LMT-LAD bifurcation angle and restenosis after stent implantation for pLAD disease.

METHODS

We analysed the data of 177 consecutive patients who underwent stent implantation for pLAD disease, followed by coronary angiography between December 2008 and September 2013. The LMT-LAD bifurcation angle was measured in the left or the right anterior oblique caudal (CAU) angiographic view.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Out of 177 patients, 12 developed in-stent restenosis and 21 developed in-segment restenosis. The mean angle in patients with in-stent restenosis (52.2°±14.5°) in the left anterior oblique CAU view was significantly larger than that in patients without restenosis (32.0°±18.1°; P<0.001). The LMT-LAD angle in the right anterior oblique CAU view was significantly larger in patients with in-segment restenosis (27.3°±14.3°) than in patients without restenosis (17.5°±10.1°; P<0.001). Moreover, by multivariate analysis, the LMT-LAD angle was an independent predictor of in-stent and in-segment restenosis, after adjustment for significant confounders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, final minimum lesion diameter and lesion length.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a wide LMT-LAD angle is a predictor of restenosis after stent implantation for pLAD artery disease.

Percutaneous coronary invervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched, and randomized controlled trials were included. Outcomes were assessed at maximum available follow-up.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis includes 31 trials with 15,004 patients. As regards death, more patients died after PCI compared with CABG across all types of patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.3; P = .05) as well as in patients with multivessel disease (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.4; P = .02) or diabetes (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1; P < .01). Myocardial infarction occurred as frequently after PCI (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9-1.5; P = .28). Repeat revascularization was more common after PCI (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 3.5-5.8; P < .01), with a progressive decline in ORs from the pre-stent era (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 5.1-9.7; P < .01), to the bare metal stent era (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 3.6-5.5; P < .01), and to the drug-eluting stent era (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.8-3.4; P < .01). Stroke was more common after CABG (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with PCI, CABG had a lower risk of death in multivessel disease or diabetes patients eligible for either intervention, a lower risk of repeat revascularization, but a higher risk of stroke.

Mid-term outcomes of patients with PCI prior to CABG in comparison to patients with primary CABG

The number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) increased drastically during the last decade. Patients are referred for CABG with more severe coronary pathology, which may influence postoperative outcome. Outcomes of 200 CABG patients, collected consecutively in an observational study, were compared (mean follow-up: 5 years). Group A (n = 100, mean age 63 years, 20 women) had prior PCI before CABG, and group B (n = 100, mean age 66, 20 women) underwent primary CABG. In group A, the mean number of administered stents was 2. Statistically significant results were obtained for the following preoperative criteria: previous myocardial infarction: 54 vs 34 (P = 0.007), distribution of CAD (P < 0.0001), unstable angina: 27 vs 5 (P < 0.0001). For intraoperative data, the total number of established bypasses was 2.43 ± 1.08 vs 2.08 ± 1.08 (P = 0.017), with the number of arterial bypass grafts being: 1.26 ± 0.82 vs 1.07 ± 0.54 (P = 0.006). Regarding the postoperative course, significant results could be demonstrated for: adrenaline dosage (0.83 vs 0.41 mg/h; [p is not significant (ns)]) administered in 67 group A vs 47 group B patients (P = 0.006), and noradrenaline dosage (0.82 vs 0.87 mg/h; ns) administered in 46 group A vs 63 group B patients (P = 0.023), CK/troponine I (P = 0.002; P < 0.001), postoperative resuscitation (6 vs 0; P = 0.029), intra aortic balloon pump 12 vs 1 (P = 0.003), and 30-day mortality (9% in group A vs 1% in group B; P = 0.018). Clopidogrel was administered in 35% of patients with prior PCI and in 19% of patients without prior PCI (P = 0.016). Patients with prior PCI presented for CABG with more severe CAD. Morbidity, mortality and reoperation rate during mid term were significantly higher in patients with prior PCI.

The role of revascularization versus medical therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk for cardiovascular clinical events, adverse nonfatal outcomes, and death. There has been considerable improvement in the medical management of patients with T2DM in an attempt to alter the metabolic cascade that is triggered by insulin resistance. Recent trials have demonstrated that medical management of patients with diabetes mellitus and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is equivalent to revascularization in terms of morality benefit and rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly in patients who do not have extensive CAD. Nonetheless, in those diabetic patients with additional high-risk features including left main disease, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), severe ischemia, or acute coronary syndrome, revascularization remains the best treatment option. Although the evidence still supports coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as the standard of care for revascularization of diabetic patients with multivessel CAD and/or reduced LVEF, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) has resulted in at least partial closure of the gap in benefit between surgery and catheter-based intervention. Ongoing trials of diabetic patients with CAD randomized to PCI or CABG will help further elucidate the role of PCI with DES as a potential revascularization option for this patient population.

Comparison of outcomes of drug-eluting stents versus bare-metal stents in nonostial proximal left anterior descending coronary arteries

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have reduced the rate of in-stent restenosis compared with bare-metal stents, but are associated with an increased risk of late stent thrombosis. The proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) is a large vessel and is considered to be at increased risk of both restenosis and stent thrombosis. The risk-benefit ratio of each type of stent therefore is of great clinical interest in this location. The aim was to compare 1-year outcomes of DESs and bare-metal stents in nonostial proximal LADs. Historic cohorts of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of nonostial proximal LAD lesions were compared. A total of 137 patients in the bare-metal stent group and 350 patients in the DES group were compared. The primary and secondary end points were target-lesion revascularization (TLR) rate and major adverse cardiac event rate, including death, myocardial infarction and TLR at 1-year follow-up. Patients in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Intravascular ultrasound guidance was used in most percutaneous coronary intervention (bare-metal stents vs DESs 72.4% vs 74.5%; p = 0.6). Stent diameter was large in both groups (3.2 +/- 0.5 vs 3.2 +/- 0.3 mm; p = 0.6). Patients in the DES group had longer stents implanted (15 +/- 7 vs 17 +/- 7 mm; p <0.01). Major adverse cardiac event and TLR rates were not different (bare-metal stents vs DESs 16.4% vs 14.7%; p = 0.7 and 4.5% vs 5.2%; p = 0.8). In multivariate analysis, the TLR rate was independent of type of stent used. In conclusion, DESs carry no clinical benefit over bare-metal stents for nonostial proximal LAD lesions. Bare-metal stents therefore could be a cost-effective alternative in this location.

Differences between early, intermediate, and late angioplasty after coronary artery bypass grafting

The aim of the present study was to identify patients with recurrent ischemia after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Graft failure after CABG may be managed conservatively or treated by surgery or PCI. We thought to investigate clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics in relation to clinical outcome. This was a retrospective single-center study. Patients who underwent revascularization by PCI with a previous CABG were analyzed. Patients were divided in 3 groups, depending on interval between CABG and index PCI: group 1, interval <72 hours; group 2, interval between 72 hours and 1 year; group 3, interval >1 year. Two hundred twenty-one patients were studied. Clinical characteristics and survival curves were comparable in groups 2 and 3. Postoperative creatine kinase MB and troponin values were significantly higher in group 1 (P = 0.000). From group 1, significantly more patients (10.5%) required emergency CABG after the index PCI than compared with group 2 (2.1%) and group 3 (0%), (P = 0.003). There were more off-pump CABGs in group 1 than in the other 2 groups. Group 1 received less PCIs in native ungrafted vessels compared with the other 2 groups. Mortality in group 1 (18.4%) was higher than in the other 2 groups (7.4 and 4.5%, respectively; P < 0.05). Mortality in group 1 was higher in the acute phase of follow-up. PCI performed less than 72 hours after CABG is feasible but accompanied by a higher mortality and redo CABG. This outcome is probably related to the high-risk patient category.

Coronary artery stents: Part I. Evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention

The subspecialty of interventional cardiology has made significant progress in the management of coronary artery disease over the past three decades with the development of percutaneous coronary transluminal angioplasty, atherectomy, and bare-metal and drug-eluting stents (DES). Bare-metal stents (BMS) maintain vessel lumen diameter by acting as a scaffold and prevent collapse incurred by angioplasty. However, these devices cause neointimal hyperplasia leading to in-stent restenosis and requiring reintervention in more than 20% of patients by 6 mo. DES (sirolimus and paclitaxel) prevent restenosis by inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia. However, DESs also delay endothelialization, causing the stents to remain thrombogenic for an extended, yet unknown, period of time. Late stent thrombosis is associated with a 45% mortality rate. Premature discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy, particularly clopidogrel, is the strongest predictor of stent thrombosis. Sixty percent of patients receive stents for off-label (unapproved) indications, which also increases the frequency of stent thrombosis. Clopidogrel and aspirin are the cornerstone of therapy in the prevention of stent thrombosis in both BMS and DES. Recommendations pertaining to the optimal duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy have been debated. Both the Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiologists, in association with other major societies, have made recommendations to extend the duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy in patients with DES to 1 yr. The 6-wk duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy in patients with BMS remains unchanged. All patients with coronary stents must remain on life-long aspirin monotherapy. Since the introduction of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis, the practice of percutaneous coronary intervention has undergone a dramatic transformation from simple balloon dilation catheters to sophisticated mechanical endoprostheses. These advancements have impacted the practice of perioperative medicine. In this series of two articles, in Part I we will review the evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention and discuss the issues associated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary stenting; in Part II we will discuss perioperative issues and management strategies of coronary stents during noncardiac surgery.

An entropic perspective of protein stability on surfaces

The interaction of proteins with surfaces regulates numerous processes in nature, science, and technology. In many applications, it is desirable to place proteins on surfaces in an active state, and tethering represents one manner in which to accomplish this. However, a clear understanding of how tether placement and design affects protein activity is lacking. Available theoretical models predict that proteins will be stabilized when tethered to substrates. Such models suggest that the surface reduces the number of states accessible to the unfolded state of the protein, thereby reducing the entropic cost of folding on the surface compared to the bulk case. Recent studies, however, have shown that this stabilization is not always seen. The purpose of this article is to determine the validity of the theory with a thorough thermodynamic analysis of the folding of peptides attached to surfaces. Configuration-temperature-density-of-states Monte Carlo simulations are used to examine the behavior of four different peptides of different secondary and tertiary structure. It is found that the surface does reduce the entropic cost of folding for tethered peptides, as the theory suggests. This effect, however, does not always translate into improved stability because the surface may also have a destabilizing enthalpic effect. The theory neglects this effect and assumes that the enthalpy of folding is the same on and off the surface. Both the enthalpic and entropic contributions to the stability are found to be topology- and tether-placement-specific; we show that stability cannot be predicted a priori. A detailed analysis of the folding of protein A shows how the same protein can be both stabilized and destabilized on a surface depending upon how the tethering enhances or hinders the ability of the peptide to form correct tertiary structures.

Drug eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with isolated proximal lesion in left anterior descending artery suffering from chronic stable angina

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of drug eluting stents (DES) compared with bypass surgery (CABG) with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in patients with single vessel disease suffering from chronic stable angina.

BACKGROUND

There are a limited number of studies investigating this group of patients.

METHODS

We included 257 consecutive patients with isolated lesion in the proximal segment of left anterior descending artery (LAD). All patients suffered from chronic stable angina or from stress-induced ischemia. Of 257 patients, 147 underwent DES implantation and 110 CABG with LIMA. All patients were followed-up clinically for major adverse cardiac events.

RESULTS

The baseline demographic and angiographic characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the DES group we used sirolimus-, paclitaxel-, and ABT-578-eluting stents. The mean duration of hospitalization after CABG was 7.86 +/- 3.84 days vs. 1.02 +/- 0.19 days after PCI (P < 0.01). The incidence of MACE was 2.72% in the DES and 2.72% in the surgical group during a mean follow-up period of 18.71 +/- 6.27 months for PCI and 18.70 +/- 7.31 months for CABG (P = 0.99). There was one cardiac related death in the DES group and two in the surgical group (P = 0.58). There were three reinterventions in the DES group versus none in the surgical group (P = 0.26). Recurrence of angina was observed in 4.08% of pts in the DES group versus 6.36% in the CABG group (P = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that patients suffering from chronic stable angina with isolated lesion in the proximal segment of LAD have excellent long-term outcome in both surgical and DES treatment.

Time to intervention during cardiac interventions. Are we forgetting a confounder?

As we evolve in the field of contemporary cardiothoracic surgery and witness modern applications of new techniques and technology, we need to be careful of how statistical methods are executed. Publications with hidden mediators that are not adequately addressed can lead to biased conclusions, especially when meta-analyzed. Public health policies need to be sure that their statements are as unbiased as possible for correct inference, leading to optimal patient safety and well-being. Careful analysis of hidden mediators is important in studies comparing the effectiveness of procedures and devices. Such analysis is critical in identifying mediators such as waiting time that should be considered when constructing interventions to be evaluated in the next RCT. In particular, RCTs of devices and procedures should always conduct (and report) ITT analysis, capturing all events from the time of randomization forward to control for differential waiting time. Similarly, observational registries and databases should count time zero as the time when patients are first referred for therapy, rather than when they enter a hospital to receive treatment; this would ensure that events during the waiting period are captured.

Does off-pump or minimally invasive coronary artery bypass reduce mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization when compared with percutaneous coronary intervention? A meta-analysis of randomized trials

OBJECTIVE

To determine, through meta-analysis, whether off-pump coronary artery bypass, including minimally invasive off-pump coronary artery bypass, improves short-term and midterm outcomes compared with percutaneous coronary intervention for single- or double-vessel coronary artery disease.

METHODS

The primary outcome was need for coronary reintervention at 1 to 5 years. Secondary outcomes included all major clinical morbidities and resource utilization. A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify all randomized trials of off-pump coronary artery bypass versus percutaneous coronary intervention. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and abstract databases were searched up to May 2006. All randomized trials comparing off-pump coronary artery bypass (sternotomy or minimally invasive) versus percutaneous coronary intervention and reporting at least one predefined outcome were included. Odds ratios (OR, 95% confidence intervals [CI]) and weighted mean differences (WMD, 95% CI) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six trials involving 989 patients were included. Compared with percutaneous coronary intervention, off-pump coronary artery bypass decreased angina recurrence (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.87) and need for reintervention at 1 to 5 years (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.15-0.40). Major adverse coronary events were significantly reduced (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30-0.63) and event-free survival was significantly increased at 1 to 5 years (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.62-3.32) for off-pump coronary artery bypass versus percutaneous coronary intervention. Coronary stenosis at 6 months was reduced with off-pump coronary artery bypass compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.55). Hospital stay was significantly increased with off-pump coronary artery bypass versus percutaneous coronary intervention (WMD 4.03, 95% CI 2.37-5.70). Quality of life favored off-pump coronary artery bypass in some domains but was reported in few studies. Death, myocardial infarction, and stroke did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSIONS

In single- or double-vessel disease, off-pump coronary artery bypass improved short-term and midterm clinical outcomes compared with percutaneous coronary intervention but was associated with an increased length of hospital stay.

Coronary artery revascularization: past, present, future: part II--newer technologies

Advances in coronary artery revascularization have been accompanied by clinical trials evaluating these advances. Part I of this paper addressed historic trials related to coronary artery revascularization. This paper reviews the data supporting newer revascularization strategies for our patients, including drug-eluting stents and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Benefits include reduced repeat revascularization in patients who undergo percutaneous treatments with drug-eluting stents, the durability of surgical arterial revascularization, and the importance of medical therapy as the mainstay of treatment.

Early outcome of treatment of ostial de novo left anterior descending coronary artery lesions with drug-eluting stents

We investigated early and mid-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients who had de novo ostial left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) lesions that were treated with drug-eluting stents (DESs) or bare metal stents (BMSs). We identified 43 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous intervention for isolated de novo ostial LAD lesions with implantation of DESs and compared them with 43 patients who had similar lesions that were treated with BMSs. All stents were successfully implanted. There were no significant differences with respect to major in-hospital complications between the 2 groups. One patient in the BMS group died during hospitalization. Non-Q-wave myocardial infarction occurred in 2 patients (4.7%) in the DES and in 1 patient (2.3%) in the BMS group. At 9-month follow-up, 3 patients (7%) in the DES group and 11 (25.6%) in the BMS group underwent target lesion revascularization (p = 0.038); major adverse cardiac events were less frequent in the DES than in the BMS group (9.3% vs 32.6%, p = 0.015). Angiographic follow-up was available in 82% of patients in the DES group and 75% of those in the BMS group (p = 0.6) and showed lower binary restenotic rates (5.7% vs 31.3%, p = 0.01) and smaller late loss (0.30 +/- 0.81 vs 1.23 +/- 0.93 mm, p = 0.0001) in the DES group. In conclusion, DES implantation in de novo ostial LAD lesions appears safe and effective and is associated with a significant decrease in restenotic rates compared with historical experience with BMSs.

Comparison of Bare-Metal Stenting With Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery for Stenosis of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

Background— Randomized trials comparing stenting with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with isolated proximal left anterior descending lesions have shown a significantly higher reintervention rate for stenting and similar results for mortality and reinfarction at short-term follow-up. Long-term follow-up data are sparse.

Methods and Results— Patients with isolated proximal left anterior descending stenosis were randomized to either surgery (n=110) or bare-metal stenting (n=110). At 5 years, follow-up data were obtained with respect to the primary end point of death, reinfarction, or repeated target vessel revascularization. Clinical symptoms were assessed by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification. Follow-up information was completed for 216 patients (98.2%), and mean follow-up was 5.6±1.2 years. With respect to mortality (surgery, 12%; stenting, 10%; P =0.54) and reinfarctions (surgery, 7%; stenting, 5%; P =0.46), there were no differences between treatment strategies. The need for repeated target vessel revascularization was significantly higher after stenting (32%) compared with surgery (10%; P <0.001). Clinical symptoms improved significantly in both treatment groups compared with baseline; however, there was a favorable trend for surgery (stenting: CCS, 2.6±0.9 to 0.5±0.8, P <0.001; surgery: CCS, 2.6±0.9 to 0.3±0.6, P <0.001; P =0.05, stenting versus surgery).

Conclusions— At the 5-year follow-up, minimally invasive bypass surgery and bare-metal stenting showed similar results for the end points of mortality and reinfarctions. However, the reintervention rate is higher after stenting, and the relief in clinical symptoms is slightly better after surgery.

The association between prior percutaneous coronary intervention and short-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, patients are being referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for management of symptoms after prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we assessed the impact of prior PCI on inhospital mortality after CABG.

METHODS

Perioperative data were collected on patients who underwent first-time CABG at 2 surgical centers. Patients who underwent PCI and CABG during the same admission were excluded. Patients with prior PCI were compared with patients with no prior PCI, and the risk-adjusted impact of prior PCI on inhospital mortality after CABG was determined using both multivariate techniques and propensity score matching techniques.

RESULTS

Six thousand thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Patients with prior PCI were less likely to be between the ages of 70 and 80 (P < .0001), to have an ejection fraction <0.40 (P < .0001), and to have 3-vessel/left main disease (P < .0001). They were, however, more likely to have Canadian Cardiovascular Society class IV symptoms (P < .0001) and to have an urgent status (P = .02). Rates of inhospital mortality after CABG were higher in patients with prior PCI (3.6% vs 2.3%, P = .02). Using multivariate techniques, prior PCI emerged as an independent predictor of postoperative inhospital mortality (odds ratio 1.93, P = .003). When patients with prior PCI were matched to patients with no prior PCI using propensity scores, inhospital mortality remained higher among patients with prior PCI (3.6% vs 1.7%, P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Patients with prior PCI presented for CABG with less comorbidity and diminished coronary disease; yet, they had more advanced symptoms and greater urgency. After adjusting for these differences, prior PCI emerged as an independent predictor of inhospital mortality after CABG.

Robotic Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass and Catheter Based Coronary Intervention in One Operative Session

A 56-year-old male patient underwent robotically assisted totally endoscopic left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) grafting. After protamine administration complete heart block developed in the patient. On intraoperative angiography the LIMA to LAD graft was perfectly patent but an acute occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) was noted. We performed an immediate on table percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stent placement to the RCA. The heart regained sinus rhythm and the wall motion abnormalities on the back wall of the heart resolved. No clinical symptoms indicating ongoing myocardial ischemia were noted postoperatively. This case demonstrates that a hybrid procedure of robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting and catheter based coronary intervention is feasible in one simultaneous session.

Midterm Follow-Up After Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Techniques

BACKGROUND

Revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery can be performed by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) or percutaneous coronary intervention techniques (PCI). The study compared the midterm results of both techniques.

METHODS

The outcome of 206 consecutive MIDCAB and 256 PCI patients treated from 1998 until 2001 was retrospectively analyzed. Cardiologists determined the primary patient allocation for the distinct revascularization technique. Periprocedural complications and midterm follow-up, including quality-of-life assessment (SF-36), was reported up to 5.2 years (3.4 +/- 0.7 years).

RESULTS

Periprocedural and overall mortality (p = 0.206) showed no differences. Four MIDCAB patients required early reoperation but not for repeated target vessel revascularization. In 16 patients secondary PCI (7.8%) of other coronary vessels was performed. Repeated revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery was necessary in 24.2% of patients in the PCI group (p < 0.001), with 4.7% finally requiring surgical revascularization. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events, including myocardial infarction (p = 0.581), repeated target vessel revascularization (p < 0.001), or death (p = 0.206) was higher in the PCI group. This difference consisted basically of the need for repeated target vessel revascularization. Patient-based quality-of-life assessment (SF-36) was independent from the primary chosen revascularization method.

CONCLUSIONS

At midterm follow up, MIDCAB resulted in significantly superior results regarding the need for repeated target vessel revascularization compared with PCI, with no significant differences regarding other major cardiac events.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting for people with stable angina or acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) replaces obstructed vessels with ones from other parts of the body. Alternatively, obstructions are remodelled using catheter-based techniques such as percutaneous coronary angioplasty with the use of stents. Though less invasive, stenting techniques are limited by the re-narrowing of treated vessels (restenosis). We examined evidence on cardiac-related outcomes occurring after CABG or stenting, with implications for resource use, resource allocation and informing patient choice.

OBJECTIVES

To examine evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on benefit of stents or CABG in reducing cardiac events in people with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

SEARCH STRATEGY

CENTRAL (Issue 2 2004), EMBASE (1990 to 2004), MEDLINE (1990 to 2004) and handsearching to July 2004.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only RCTs comparing stents used with PTCA with CABG were included. Participants were adults with stable angina or ACS and unstable angina and had either single or multiple vessel disease. Published and unpublished sources were considered.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Outcomes included composite event rate (major adverse cardiac event, event free survival), death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), repeat revascularisation and binary restenosis as well as information on design and baseline characteristics. Quality assessment was completed independently. Meta-analyses are presented as odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a fixed-effect model. Heterogeneity between trials was assessed.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine studies (3519 patients) were included. Four RCTs included patients with multiple vessel disease, five focused on single vessel disease. Four studies reported beyond 1 year. No statistical differences were observed between CABG and stenting for meta-analysis of mortality or AMI, but there was heterogeneity. Composite cardiac event and revascularisation rates were lower for CABG than for stents. Odds ratios resulting from meta-analysis of event rate data at 1 year were, odds ratio 0.43 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.54) and at 3 years, odds ratio 0.37 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.48). Odds ratios for revascularisation at 1 year were, odds ratio 0.18 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.25) and at 3 years, odds ratio 0.09 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.34). Binary restenosis at 6 months (single vessel trials) favoured CABG, odds ratio 0.29 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.51).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

CABG is associated with reduced rates of major adverse cardiac events, mostly driven by reduced repeat revascularisation. However, the RCT data are limited by follow-up, unrepresentative samples and rapid development of both surgical techniques and stenting. Research on real-world patient population or patient level data meta-analyses may identify risk factors and groupings who may benefit most from one strategy over the other.

Directional coronary atherectomy plus stent implantation vs. left internal mammary artery bypass grafting for isolated proximal stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery

The aim of this study was to compare the short- (< 30 days) and long-term (> or = 30 days) clinical outcomes of left internal mammary artery bypass grafting (LIMA-LAD) and directional coronary atherectomy plus stent implantation (DCA + stent) in the treatment of isolated proximal left anterior descending coronary (LAD) lesions. One hundred and twenty-six patients underwent LIMA-LAD and 132 consecutive patients underwent DCA + stenting. The primary endpoint was the incidence of short- and long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE); the secondary endpoints included any periprocedural events and long-term target vessel revascularization (TVR). We found no significant between-treatment difference in the occurrence of short-term MACE, and the long-term MACE rate per 100 person-years was 3.0 in the LIMA-LAD group and 4.6 in the DCA + stent group. After 5-year follow-up, 79% of the patients in the DCA + stent group and 89% of those in the LIMA-LAD group were still MACE-free. The risk of any periprocedural events was six times lower in the DCA + stent group, and the risk of TVR was six times higher. We conclude that both procedures lead to good short- and long-term follow-up results in isolated proximal LAD disease. As fewer periprocedural events and more TVRs occur after DCA + stenting than after LIMA-LAD, they can be considered valuable alternatives to each other.

Comparison of late (four years) functional health status between percutaneous transluminal angioplasty intervention and off-pump left internal mammary artery bypass grafting for isolated high-grade narrowing of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery

In a 4-year follow-up study, we compared functional health status (FHS) in patients randomized to surgery (n = 51) or angioplasty (n = 51) for an isolated narrowing of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. FHS was assessed with the Short Form-36 and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaires. Although the occurrence of angina (p = 0.036) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (p = 0.02) was significantly higher 4 years after angioplasty, FHS did not differ between treatments and was comparable to a healthy reference population.

Que faut-il attendre de la chirurgie coronaire sans circulation extracorporelle ?

Coronary artery bypass surgery with beating heart (off-pump) has become more common in the last ten years allowing seven randomized studies with at least 60 patients, comparing off-pump and on-pump coronary bypass. Anaesthesia, monitoring and haemodynamic complications are described. Randomized studies concluded to less elevation of biochemical markers of myocardial and renal injury, less hydric inflation, less cerebral microemboli, reduction of homologous blood transfusions, of hospital stay and global costs. However in low risk patients no reduction in myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, stroke, acute renal failure, early reoperation, surgical site infection and mortality were observed. Non-randomized studies suggest a benefit in stroke and mortality in elderly patients but the possibility of incomplete revascularization remains.

Treatment of left anterior descending coronary artery disease with sirolimus-eluting stents

BACKGROUND

Revascularization strategies often hinge on the presence and degree of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis. A decision for bypass surgery is often based on the durability of surgical LAD revascularization compared with percutaneous approaches. By decreasing restenosis, drug-eluting stents may have reduced the "reintervention gap" between surgery and percutaneous intervention, making the percutaneous route preferable.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of the 1101 patients in the SIRIUS trial, 459 with an LAD stenosis were randomized to percutaneous intervention with either sirolimus-eluting or bare-metal stents. Baseline demographic, clinical, and angiographic data were obtained. Patients had 1-year clinical and 8-month angiographic follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The majority of lesions were tubular type B lesions (69.7%) with a mean diameter of 2.73 mm and a mean length of 14.0 mm. The binary in-stent restenosis rate was 2% for the sirolimus stent group and 41.6% for the bare-metal arm (relative risk, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.1; P<0.001). One-year major adverse events (defined as cardiac death, Q-wave and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization) was decreased 59% in the sirolimus-stent group (9.8% versus 24.9%; relative risk, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.61; P<0.001). Subgroup analysis of 135 patients with proximal LAD lesions showed similar benefits. In-stent restenosis was 0 in the proximal LAD sirolimus-eluting group (n=67), compared with 38% in the bare-metal arm (n=68), and major adverse events demonstrated a similar trend, with a 50% decrease compared with control patients (10.4% versus 20.6%, P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Sirolimus-eluting stents significantly decrease revascularization rates in LAD lesions. At 1 year, sirolimus-eluting stent revascularization rates are comparable to historic single vessel bypass surgery revascularization rates.

Robotic mammary takedown and off-pump bypass surgery for single-vessel disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery

Robotic takedown of the left internal mammary artery and direct off-pump anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery through small thoracotomy incisions can be done safely with minimal morbidity and is associated with decreased blood loss, decreased ventilatory requirements, less intensive care unit stay, and less overall length of stay. It should be considered as an alternative to percutaneous angioplasty and stenting for those with isolated left anterior descending artery disease.