Rescue angioplasty after failed thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction

From Atherosclerotic Plaque to Myocardial Infarction-The Leading Cause of Coronary Artery Occlusion

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes the most common cause of death worldwide. In Europe alone, approximately 4 million people die annually due to CVD. The leading component of CVD leading to mortality is myocardial infarction (MI). MI is classified into several types. Type 1 is associated with atherosclerosis, type 2 results from inadequate oxygen supply to cardiomyocytes, type 3 is defined as sudden cardiac death, while types 4 and 5 are associated with procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting, respectively. Of particular note is type 1, which is also the most frequently occurring form of MI. Factors predisposing to its occurrence include, among others, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood, cigarette smoking, chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). The primary objective of this review is to elucidate the issues with regard to type 1 MI. Our paper delves into, amidst other aspects, its pathogenesis, risk assessment, diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, and interventional treatment options in both acute and long-term conditions.

PCI vs. CABG in left main with multi-vessel coronary artery disease and diabetes: Case report

This case challenges the conventional preference for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with diabetes, left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and multivessel disease. Current guidelines generally recommend CABG, especially in the context of LMCAD. However, our case involves a male patient with diabetes with LMCAD and extensive multivessel disease who was successfully treated with PCI, demonstrating a favorable outcome. Despite the high-risk profile, including a SYNTAX score of 28, the PCI approach was selected. This decision was supported by evidence suggesting comparable outcomes between PCI and CABG in similar patients. Our case highlights the potential of PCI as not just a viable, but potentially superior alternative in specific high-risk patients with diabetes, contrary to the prevailing belief in favor of CABG for all patients with left main involvement.

Review and Key Takeaways of the 2021 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Guidelines

The 2021 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention guidelines completed by American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions provide a set of guidelines regarding revascularization strategies. With emphasis on equity of care, multidisciplinary heart team use, revascularization for acute coronary syndrome, and stable ischemic heart disease, the guidelines create a thorough framework with recommendations regarding therapeutic strategies. In this comprehensive review, our aim is to summarize the 2021 revascularization guidelines and analyze key points regarding each recommendation.

Metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy: a decade-long network in a populous city in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an effective myocardial reperfusion therapy when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) cannot be performed in a timely manner.

METHODS

Authors sought to evaluate metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in a decade-long registry of a pharmacoinvasive strategy network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data from a local network including patients undergoing fibrinolysis in county hospitals and systematically transferred to the tertiary center were accessed from March 2010 to September 2020. Numerical variables were described as median and interquartile range. Area under the curve (AUC-ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of TIMI and GRACE scores for in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2,710 consecutive STEMI patients aged 59 [51-66] years, 815 women (30.1%) and 837 individuals with diabetes (30.9%) were analyzed. The time from symptom onset to first-medical-contact was 120 [60-210] minutes and the door-to-needle time was 70 [43-115] minutes. Rescue-PCI was required in 929 patients (34.3%), in whom the fibrinolytic-catheterization time was 7.2 [4.9-11.8] hours, compared to 15.7 [6.8-22,7] hours in those who had successful lytic reperfusion. All cause in-hospital mortality occurred in 151 (5.6%) patients, reinfarction in 47 (1.7%) and ischemic stroke in 33 (1.2%). Major bleeding occurred in 73 (2.7%) patients, including 19 (0.7%) cases of intracranial bleeding. C-statistic confirmed that both scores had high predictive values for in-hospital mortality, demonstrated by TIMI AUC-ROC of 0.80 [0,77-0.84] and GRACE AUC-ROC of 0.86 [0.83-0.89].

CONCLUSION

In a real world registry of a decade-long network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on the pharmacoinvasive strategy, low rates of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes were observed, despite prolonged time metrics for both fibrinolytic therapy and rescue-PCI. Register Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02090712 date of first registration 18/03/2014.

Fibrinolytic therapy use for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and long-term outcomes in China: 2-year results from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

BACKGROUND

Data on fibrinolytic therapy use for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and long-term clinical outcomes in developing countries are limited. We aimed to investigate the management and 2-year mortality of fibrinolytic-treated patients in China.

METHODS

A total of 19,112 patients with STEMI from 108 hospitals participated in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014. We investigated the 2-year all-cause mortality among patients treated with fibrinolysis. Non-invasive clinical indexes were used to diagnose successful fibrinolysis or not.

RESULTS

Only 1823 patients (9.5%) enrolled in the registry underwent fibrinolysis and 679 (37.2%) could be treated within 3 h after symptom onset. The overall use of rescue percutaneous coronary intervention was 8.9%. Successful fibrinolysis, which could be achieved in 1428 patients (78.3%), was related to types of fibrinolytic agents, symptom to needle time, infarction site, and Killip class. Follow-up data were available for 1745 patients (95.7%). After multivariate adjustment, successful fibrinolysis was strongly associated with a decreased risk of death compared with failed fibrinolysis at 2 years (8.5% vs. 29.0%, hazard ratio: 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.20-0.35).

CONCLUSION

Within a minority of STEMI patients in the CAMI registry underwent fibrinolysis, most of them could achieve successful clinical reperfusion, presenting a much benign 2-year survival outcome than those with failed fibrinolysis. Quality improvement initiatives focusing on fibrinolysis are warranted to achieve its promise fully.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https// www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov . Unique identifier: NCT01874691. Registered 11/06/2013.

Late outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by pharmaco-invasive or primary percutaneous coronary intervention

AIMS

Pharmaco-invasive percutaneous coronary intervention (PI-PCI) is recommended for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)who are unable to undergo timely primary PCI (pPCI). The present study examined late outcomes after PI-PCI (successful reperfusion followed by scheduled PCI or failed reperfusion and rescue PCI)compared with timely and late pPCI (>120 min from first medical contact).

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients with STEMI presenting within 12 h of symptom onset, who underwent PCI during their initial hospitalization at Liverpool Hospital (Sydney), from October 2003 to March 2014, were included. Amongst 2091 STEMI patients (80% male), 1077 (52%)underwent pPCI (68% timely, 32% late), and 1014 (48%)received PI-PCI (33% rescue, 67% scheduled). Mortality at 3 years was 11.1% after pPCI (6.7% timely, 20.2% late) and 6.2% after PI-PCI (9.4% rescue, 4.8% scheduled); P < 0.01. After propensity matching, the adjusted mortality hazard ratio (HR) for timely pPCI compared with scheduled PCI was 0.9 (95% CIs 0.4-2.0) and compared with rescue PCI was 0.5 (95% CIs 0.2-0.9). The adjusted mortality HR for late pPCI, compared with scheduled PCI was 2.2 (95% CIs 1.2-3.1)and compared with rescue PCI, it was 1.5 (95% CIs 0.7-2.0).

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent late pPCI had higher mortality rates than those undergoing a pharmaco-invasive strategy. Despite rescue PCI being required in a third of patients, a pharmaco-invasive approach should be considered when delays to PCI are anticipated, as it achieves better outcomes than late pPCI.

[Impact of out-of-hospital presentation remote areas of patients with myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation : From the Nord-Alpin Emergency Network [RENAU]]

BACKGROUND

European guidelines order management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) less than 12 hours. They encourage healthcare networks to rapid coronary reperfusion strategy depending on the distance of the patient from the PCI center.

OBJECTIVE

To determine impact of out-of-hospital presentation of patients with STEMI in remote areas within the framework of a care network, and to define the degree of compliance with local recommendations, and its prognostic impact.

METHOD

Over three years (2017-2019), from the RESURCOR prospective register, 310 patients with STEMI less than 12 hours were out-of hospital managed and transferred to Metrolpole Savoie Hospital in Chambéry. Depending on the "door in to PCI center" time, patients are divided into 2 groups: "Local area" for a time ≤ 60 min and "Remote area" for a time > 60 min.

RESULTS

51 patients were in the "Local area" group and 259 patients in the "Remote area" group with an average age of 63.36 years, without significant difference between the two groups. We noted more men, smokers and a higher heart rate in the "Local area" group (p = 0.015; p = 0.005 and p = 0.035 respectively). The median "call-EMS care" delay was similar at 24 min in each group. Seventy-five patients (29%) in the "Remote area" group had fibrinolysis versus only one patient in the "Local area" group (p < 0.001). Among them, 42 patients (56%) had rescue PCI, in 40% with 90 min of fibrinolytic administration. The presence of a primary care physicians "PCP" was reported in 39 cases of the "remote area" group. PCP intervention increased the rate of bolus of fibrinolytics within 10 min from STEMI diagnosis (69.2% vs 21.8%, p < 0.001), increased the rate of bolus treatment within 10 min from STEMI diagnosis within 10 min (60% vs 16% p < 0.001) and reduced the rate of rescue PCI (44.4% vs 62.5%, p = 0.035). Total ischemia time was significantly shorter in the "Local area" group (144 min vs 175 min, p = 0.005). No significant difference concerning the in-hospital outcomes was found between 2 groups. Concerning compliance with local recommendations in the "remote area" group, among those eligible for thrombolysis, 135 patients (64,2 %) had an inappropriate primary PCI (error in estimated time from STEMI diagnosis to PCI-mediated reperfusion (< 1 h)), which was associated with a higher rate of serious arrhythmias (11.1% vs 2.7% respectively, p = 0.035). Regardless of the group, if the strategy was primary PCI 22% of patients had angiography within 60 minutes after STEMI diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

In this work, the temporal distance from the PCI room does not seem to be responsible for a more pejorative in-hospital outcomes, unlike the proportion of inappropriate primary PCI which increase serious arrhythmias.

Structure, Process, and Mortality Associated with Acute Coronary Syndrome Management in Guatemala's National Healthcare System: The ACS-GT Registry

Background

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) include ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina (UA). The leading cause of mortality in Guatemala is acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and there is no established national policy nor current standard of care.

Objective

Describe the factors that influence ACS outcome, evaluating the national healthcare system's quality of care based on the Donabedian health model.

Methods

The ACS-Gt study is an observational, multicentre, and prospective national registry. A total of 109 ACS adult patients admitted at six hospitals from Guatemala's National Healthcare System were included. These represent six out of the country's eight geographic regions. Data enrolment took place from February 2020 to January 2021. Data was assessed using chi-square test, Student's t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test, whichever applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

One hundred and nine patients met inclusion criteria (80.7% STEMI, 19.3% NSTEMI/UA). The population was predominantly male, (68%) hypertensive (49.5%), and diabetic (45.9%). Fifty-nine percent of STEMI patients received fibrinolysis (alteplase 65.4%) and none for primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI). Reperfusion success rate was 65%, and none were taken to PCI afterwards in the recommended time period (2-24 hours). Prognostic delays in STEMI were significantly prolonged in comparison with European guidelines goals. Optimal in-hospital medical therapy was 8.3%, and in-hospital mortality was 20.4%.

Conclusions

There is poor access to ACS pharmacological treatment, low reperfusion rate, and no primary, urgent, or rescue PCI available. No patient fulfilled the recommended time period between successful fibrinolysis and PCI. Resources are limited and inefficiently used.

Human Heart Anoxia and Reperfusion Tissue (HEART) Model for the Rapid Study of Exosome Bound miRNA Expression As Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction

Current biomarkers for myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosis are typically late markers released upon cell death, incapable of distinguishing between ischemic and reperfusion injury and can be symptoms of other pathologies. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been proposed as alternative biomarkers for MI diagnosis; however, detecting the changes in the human cardiac miRNA profile during MI is extremely difficult. Here, to study the changes in miRNA levels during acute MI, a heart-on-chip model with a cardiac channel, containing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes in human heart decellularized matrix and collagen, and a vascular channel, containing hiPSC-derived endothelial cells, is developed. This model is exposed to anoxia followed by normoxia to mimic ischemia and reperfusion, respectively. Using a highly sensitive miRNA biosensor that the authors developed, the exact same increase in miR-1, miR-208b, and miR-499 levels in the MI-on-chip and the time-matched human blood plasma samples collected before and after ischemia and reperfusion, is shown. That the surface marker profile of exosomes in the engineered model changes in response to ischemic and reperfusion injury, which can be used as biomarkers to detect MI, is also shown. Hence, the MI-on-chip model developed here can be used in biomarker discovery.

The British Cardiovascular Society and clinical studies in ischaemic heart disease: from RITA to ORBITA, and beyond

In this article, we provide a historical view of key aspects of British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) influence in clinical trials of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) followed by key research and developments, notable publications and future perspectives. We discuss the role of the BCS and its members. The scope of this article covers clinical trials in stable IHD and acute coronary syndromes, including interventions relating to diagnosis, treatment and management. We discuss the role of the BCS in supporting the original RITA trials. We highlight the changing face of angina and its management providing contemporary and future insights into microvascular disease, ischaemic symptoms with no obstructive coronary arteries and, relatedly, myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries. The article is presented as a brief overview of the BCS in IHD research, relationships with stakeholders, patient and public involvement and clinical trials from the perspective of past, present and future possibilities.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered.

STRUCTURE

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

D-dimer for risk stratification and antithrombotic treatment management in acute coronary syndrome patients: asystematic review and metanalysis

BACKGROUND

Data on the prognostic role of D-dimer in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are controversial. Our aim was to summarize current evidence on the association between D-dimer levels and short/long-term poor prognosis of ACS patients. We also investigated the association between D-dimer and no-reflow phenomenon.

METHODS

Systematic review and metanalysis of observational studies including ACS patients and reporting data on D-dimer levels. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched. Data were combined with hazard ratio (HR) and metanalysed. The principal endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular events (CVEs) including myocardial infarction, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 32 studies included in the systematic review with 28,869 patients. Of them, 6 studies investigated in-hospital and 26 studies long-term outcomes. Overall, 23 studies showed positive association of high D-dimer levels with CVEs. D-dimer levels predicted poor prognosis in all studies reporting in-hospital outcomes. Five studies satisfied inclusion criteria and were included in the metanalysis, with a total of 8616 patients. Median follow-up was 13.2 months with 626 CVEs. The pooled HR for D-dimer levels and CVEs was 1.264 (95% CI 1.134-1.409). Five out of 7 studies (4195 STEMI patients) investigating the association between D-dimer levels and no-reflow showed a positive correlation of D-dimer levels with no-reflow.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ACS, D-dimer was associated with higher in-hospital and short/long-term complications. D-dimer was also higher in patients with no-reflow phenomenon. The use of D-dimer may help to identify patients with residual thrombotic risk after ACS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42021267233 .

Reperfusion After Fibrinolytic Therapy (RAFT): An open-label, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial of bivalirudin versus heparin in rescue percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy profile of bivalirudin has not been examined in a randomised controlled trial of patients undergoing rescue PCI.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted an open-label, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial to compare bivalirudin with heparin ± glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) in patients undergoing rescue PCI.

METHODS

Between 2010-2015, we randomly assigned 83 patients undergoing rescue PCI to bivalirudin (n = 42) or heparin ± GPIs (n = 41). The primary safety endpoint was any ACUITY (Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy) bleeding at 90 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was infarct size measured by peak troponin levels as a multiple of the local upper reference limit (Tn/URL). Secondary endpoints included periprocedural change in haemoglobin adjusted for red cells transfused, TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) bleeding, ST-segment recovery and infarct size determined by the Selvester QRS score.

RESULTS

The trial was terminated due to slow recruitment and futility after an interim analysis of 83 patients. The primary safety endpoint occurred in 6 (14%) patients in the bivalirudin group (4.8% GPIs) and 3 (7.3%) in the heparin ± GPIs group (54% GPIs) (risk ratio, 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-7.3, P = 0.48). Infarct size was similar between the two groups (mean Tn/URL, 730 [±675] for bivalirudin, versus 984 [±1585] for heparin ± GPIs, difference, 254, 95% CI, -283-794, P = 0.86). There was a smaller decrease in the periprocedural haemoglobin level with bivalirudin than heparin ± GPIs (-7.5% [±15] versus -14% [±17], difference, -6.5%, 95% CI, -0.83-14, P = 0.0067). The rate of complete (≥70%) ST-segment recovery post-PCI was higher in patients randomised to heparin ± GPIs compared with bivalirudin.

CONCLUSIONS

Whether bivalirudin compared with heparin ± GPI reduces bleeding in rescue PCI could not be determined. Slow recruitment and futility in the context of lower-than-expected bleeding event rates led to the termination of this trial (ANZCTR.org.au, ACTRN12610000152022).

Residual platelet reactivity, thrombus burden and myocardial reperfusion in patients treated by PCI after successful pre-hospital fibrinolysis compared to primary PCI

We compared residual platelet reactivity and post PCI atherothrombotic burden using OFDI in patients successfully treated by primary PCI versus pharmacoinvasive approach (PI) defined as PCI after successful pre-hospital fibrinolysis. Despite pre-hospital P2Y12-inhibitor loading dose, high rates of high on-treatment platelet reactivity were found at the time of PCI in both groups. Primary PCI patients had higher post stenting thrombus burden and lower rates of final normal myocardial blush grade compared to PI. These findings support the use of a pharmacoinvasive reperfusion strategy especially when primary PCI cannot be timely performed.

Clinical features and outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction: early vs recent experience with impella

OBJECTIVES

To compare clinical features and outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) treated in the early experience with Impella percutaneous ventricular assist device and patients treated recently.

BACKGROUND

Since pre-market approval (PMA) of Impella device as treatment for AMICS, use of the device has grown considerably.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 649 AMICS patients treated with perioperative Impella, with 291 patients treated from 2008 to 2014 comprising the early experience cohort and 358 patients treated from 2017 to 2019 comprising the recent experience cohort. The primary end point was risk adjusted in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Mean age and gender distribution of patients was similar in the two cohorts. The recent cohort had more invasive hemodynamic monitoring (64% vs 46%; P < .001) and less use of an intra-aortic balloon pump prior to Impella (15% vs 41%; P < .001). Recently treated patients were significantly more likely to receive Impella support prior to PCI (58% vs 44%; P = .005). In-hospital mortality was lower in the recent cohort (48% vs 56%; P = .043). This difference was however no longer significant after risk adjustment (adjusted OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.59-1.34, P = .59). Rates of acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and vascular complications requiring surgery were also significantly lower in the recent cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of Impella for AMICS during recent years is associated with lower unadjusted in-hospital mortality, which may reflect better patient selection, earlier device implantation, and improved management algorithms. In-depth understanding of these factors may inform the development of future treatment protocols.

Fibrinolytic Therapy in Patients with Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction

Fibrinolytic agents provide an important alternative therapeutic strategy in individuals presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Ultimately, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred reperfusion strategy for most patients with STEMI, including elderly patients and patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Fibrinolytic therapy should always be considered when timely primary PCI cannot be delivered appropriately. Clinicians should promptly recognize the signs of fibrinolytic therapy failure and consider rescue PCI. When fibrinolytics are used, coronary angiography and revascularization should not be conducted within the initial 3 hours after fibrinolytic administration.

Rescue PCI in the management of STEMI: Contemporary results from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry

BACKGROUND

Fibrinolysis is an important reperfusion strategy in the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is unavailable. Rescue PCI is generally thought to have worse outcomes than PPCI in STEMI. We aimed to determine short- and long-term outcomes of patients with rescue PCI versus PPCI for treatment of STEMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients admitted with STEMI (excluding out-of-hospital cardiac arrest) within the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registry between 2005 and 2018 treated with either rescue PCI or PPCI were included in this retrospective cohort analysis. Comparison of 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and long-term mortality between the two groups was performed. There were 558 patients (7.1%) with rescue PCI and 7271 with PPCI. 30-day all-cause mortality (rescue PCI 6% vs. PPCI 5%, p = 0.47) and MACE (rescue PCI 10.3% vs. PPCI 8.9%, p = 0.26) rates were similar between the two groups. Rates of in-hospital major bleeding (rescue PCI 6% vs. PPCI 3.4%, p = 0.002) and 30-day stroke (rescue PCI 2.2% vs. PPCI 0.8%, p < 0.001) were higher following rescue PCI. The odds ratio for haemorrhagic stroke in the rescue PCI group was 10.3. Long-term mortality was not significantly different between the groups (rescue PCI 20% vs. PPCI 19%, p = 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

With contemporary interventional techniques and medical therapy, rescue PCI remains a valuable strategy for treating patients with failed fibrinolysis where PPCI is unavailable and it has been suggested in extenuating circumstances where alternative revascularisation strategies are considered.

2021 Korean Society of Myocardial Infarction Expert Consensus Document on Revascularization for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a fatal manifestation of ischemic heart disease and remains a major public health concern worldwide despite advances in its diagnosis and management. The characteristics of patients with AMI, as well as its disease patterns, have gradually changed over time in Korea, and the outcomes of revascularization have improved dramatically. Several characteristics associated with the revascularization of Korean patients differ from those of patients in other countries. The sophisticated state of AMI revascularization in Korea has led to the need for a Korean expert consensus. The Task Force on Expert Consensus Document of the Korean Society of Myocardial Infarction has comprehensively reviewed the outcomes of large clinical trials and current practical guidelines, as well as studies on Korean patients with AMI. Based on these comprehensive reviews, the members of the task force summarize the major guidelines and recent publications, and propose an expert consensus for revascularization in patients with AMI.

Assessment of Transportation by Air for Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction from Non-PCI Centers

The aim of this study was to assess the delays that can potentially occur in the emergency transfer of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centers. We conducted a retrospective study using the medical reports pertaining to 97 patients who presented to the Emergency Department of the Emergency County Hospital of Galati during the year of 2018 with the diagnosis of STEMI and meeting eligibility criteria for PCI, thus warranting transfer to a hospital with PCI facilities. The pick-up time of patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction from the emergency department by the transfer crew is significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than those transferred by air, regardless of the PCI center to which the transfer was performed, Iasi or Bucharest, when compared to the time required to process the patients transferred by land to the same PCI centers. The results of the study shows that the helicopter use for transferring acute myocardial infarction patients to a PCI center must be considered, given the distance between non-PCI and PCI centers is over 200 km.

The Management of Coronary Artery Disease in Ethiopia: Emphasis on Revascularization

Cardiovascular diseases are number one cause of death worldwide. Over half of the cardiovascular diseases, 51%, are due to coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a pathological process characterized by atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the epicardial coronary arteries. Rupture of the fibrous cap of the plaque causes the majority of the deaths due to myocardial infarction. Angina pectoris is a discomfort in the chest or adjacent areas caused by myocardial ischemia usually precipitated by exertion. In acute coronary syndrome, the chest discomfort is either of low threshold or appears at rest and when it evolves on the background of established angina pectoris, the discomfort becomes more frequent and prolonged. Exercise electrocardiography which has been the most frequently used non-invasive test to diagnose obstructive coronary artery disease is currently shown to have inferior diagnostic performance compared with diagnostic imaging tests. The pivotal tests in patients presenting with clinical features of acute coronary syndrome are electrocardiography and determination of serum troponin I and/or T. Revascularization is the mainstay of treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome. In chronic coronary syndrome, on top of optimal medical treatment, revascularization reduces mortality in:- 1) left main stenosis, 2) three-vessel coronary artery disease, particularly with ejection fraction of less than 40%, 3) two vessel disease with more than 75% stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery disease.

Rationale and design of the OPTIMAL-REPERFUSION trial: A prospective randomized multi-center clinical trial comparing different fibrinolysis-transfer percutaneous coronary intervention strategies in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), the preferred reperfusion strategy for all acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, is not universally available in clinical practice. Pharmacoinvasive strategy has been proposed as a therapeutic option in patients with STEMI when timely PPCI is not feasible. However, pharmacoinvasive strategy has potential delay between clinical patency and complete myocardial perfusion. The optimal reperfusion strategy for STEMI patients with anticipated PPCI delay according to current practice is uncertain. OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, superiority trial with blinded evaluation of outcomes. A total of 632 STEMI patients presenting within 6 hours after symptom onset and with an expected time of first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ≥120 minute will be randomized to a reduced‐dose facilitated PCI strategy (reduced‐dose fibrinolysis combined with simultaneous transfer for immediate invasive therapy with a time interval between fibrinolysis to PCI < 3 hours) or to standard pharmacoinvasive treatment. The primary endpoint is the composite of death, reinfarction, refractory ischemia, congestive heart failure, or cardiogenic shock at 30‐days. Enrollment of the first patient is planned in March 2021. The recruitment is anticipated to last for 12 to 18 months and to complete in September 2023 with 1 year follow‐up. The OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION trial will help determine whether reduced‐dose facilitated PCI strategy improves clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI and anticipated PPCI delay. This study is registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04752345).

Inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction managed with a pharmacoinvasive strategy and conservative management of delayed atrioventricular block: classical case report

Background

The 2017 ESC guideline on patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) provides guidance regarding the optimal management of these patients. Transient atrioventricular (AV) block is a relatively common complication of inferior STEMI and its management is also addressed in the guidelines.

Case summary

A 64-year-old gentleman with multiple cardiovascular risk factors presented to the emergency department with a history of ischaemic type chest pain and evidence of inferior ST-segment elevation on his electrocardiogram (ECG). First-degree AV block was noted on his initial ECG. He was given thrombolytic therapy as part of a pharmacoinvasive strategy of reperfusion. He, however, failed fibrinolytic therapy, and emergency angiography revealed critical disease of the right coronary artery which was successfully stented. Subsequent to reperfusion, he developed complete AV block without evidence of re-infarction, which was managed conservatively with successful resolution of the block after 7 days of expectant management with temporary transvenous pacing.

Discussion

We highlight some of the important management principles from the ESC guideline of STEMI including timing and the management of AV block in these patients. In addition, we highlight the role of a pharmacoinvasive strategy for reperfusion where timeous primary percutaneous coronary intervention cannot be performed. The usefulness of such a strategy within the COVID-19 era is also emphasized.

Characteristics of ST-elevation myocardial infarction with failed thrombolysis

BACKGROUND

Fibrinolytic therapy is an important reperfusion strategy, especially when primary percutaneous coronary interventions cannot be offered to ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Given that failed reperfusion after fibrinolytic therapy is common, it is pragmatic that the predictors, outcomes, and angiographic profiles of patients with failed thrombolysis are carefully scrutinized.

METHODS

We prospectively studied clinical variables and outcomes over 30 months in 243 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients who received fibrinolytics as primary treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of failed thrombolysis.

RESULTS

Failed thrombolysis occurred in 38.68% of patients with a mean window period of 6.58 ± 1.42 h, and 55.32% of patients with failed thrombolysis had Killip class >I on presentation. Risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (55.32%), dyslipidemia (60.64%) and obesity (77.66%) were frequently associated with failed thrombolysis; 73.40% of patients with failed thrombolysis had Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0/1 in the infarct-related artery, and 58.51% of such patients needed a rescue percutaneous coronary intervention. The mean Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score was 5.46 ± 2.77 in failed thrombolysis patients, with mortality of 4.25% at the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Non-resolution of presenting symptoms and ST changes on electrocardiography at 90 min served as the earliest indicators of failed thrombolysis, with a significant angiographic correlation. Clinical variables such as delayed presentation (>6 h), dyspnea, Killip class >I, cardiogenic shock, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score, and conventional risk factors including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity represented cluster of predictors of failed thrombolysis.

Revascularization for Coronary Artery Disease: Principle and Challenges

Coronary revascularization is the most important strategy for coronary artery disease. This review summarizes the current most prevalent approaches for coronary revascularization and discusses the evidence on the mechanisms, indications, techniques, and outcomes of these approaches. Targeting coronary thrombus, fibrinolysis is indicated for patients with diagnosed myocardial infarction and without high risk of severe hemorrhage. The development of fibrinolytic agents has improved the outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Percutaneous coronary intervention has become the most frequently performed procedure for coronary artery disease. The evolution of stents plays an important role in the result of the procedure. Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most effective revascularization approach for stenotic coronary arteries. The choice of conduits and surgical techniques are important determinants of patient outcomes. Multidisciplinary decision-making should analyze current evidence, considering the clinical condition of patients, and determine the safety and necessity for coronary revascularization with either PCI or CABG. For coronary artery disease with more complex lesions like left main disease and multivessel disease, CABG results in more complete revascularization than PCI. Furthermore, comorbidities, such as heart failure and diabetes, are always correlated with adverse clinical events, and a routine invasive strategy should be recommended. For patients under revascularization, secondary prevention therapies are also of important value for the prevention of subsequent adverse events.

2019 Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology Guidelines on the Acute Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Focused Update on Regionalization and Reperfusion

Rapid reperfusion of the infarct-related artery is the cornerstone of therapy for the management of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Canada's geography presents unique challenges for timely delivery of reperfusion therapy for STEMI patients. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology STEMI guideline was developed to provide advice regarding the optimal acute management of STEMI patients irrespective of where they are initially identified: in the field, at a non-percutaneous coronary intervention-capable centre or at a percutaneous coronary intervention-capable centre. We had also planned to evaluate and incorporate sex and gender considerations in the development of our recommendations. Unfortunately, inadequate enrollment of women in randomized trials, lack of publication of main outcomes stratified according to sex, and lack of inclusion of gender as a study variable in the available literature limited the feasibility of such an approach. The Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to develop specific evidence-based recommendations for the early identification of STEMI patients, practical aspects of patient transport, regional reperfusion decision-making, adjunctive prehospital interventions (oxygen, opioids, antiplatelet therapy), and procedural aspects of mechanical reperfusion (access site, thrombectomy, antithrombotic therapy, extent of revascularization). Emphasis is placed on integrating these recommendations as part of an organized regional network of STEMI care and the development of appropriate reperfusion and transportation pathways for any given region. It is anticipated that these guidelines will serve as a practical template to develop systems of care capable of providing optimal treatment for a wide range of STEMI patients.

Five-year outcomes following timely primary percutaneous intervention, late primary percutaneous intervention, or a pharmaco-invasive strategy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the FAST-MI programme

Aims

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) guidelines recommend primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) as the default reperfusion strategy when feasible ≤120 min of diagnostic ECG, and a pharmaco-invasive strategy otherwise. There is, however, a lack of direct evidence to support the guidelines, and in real-world situations, pPCI is often performed beyond recommended timelines. To assess 5-year outcomes according to timing of pPCI (timely vs. late) compared with a pharmaco-invasive strategy (fibrinolysis with referral to PCI centre).

Methods and results

The French registry of Acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI) programme consists of nationwide observational surveys consecutively recruiting patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction every 5 years. Among the 4250 STEMI patients in the 2005 and 2010 cohorts, those with reperfusion therapy and onset-to-first call time &lt;12 h (n = 2942) were included. Outcomes at 5 years were compared according to type of reperfusion strategy and timing of pPCI, using Cox multivariable analyses and propensity score matching. Among those, 1288 (54%) patients had timely pPCI (≤120 min from ECG), 830 (28%) late pPCI (&gt;120 min), and 824 (28%) intravenous fibrinolysis. Five-year survival was higher with a pharmaco-invasive strategy (89.8%) compared with late pPCI [79.5%; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.51; 1.13–2.02] and similar to timely pPCI (88.2%, adjusted HR 1.02; 0.75–1.38). Concordant results were observed in propensity score-matched cohorts and for event-free survival.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients have pPCI beyond recommended timelines. As foreseen by the guidelines, these patients have poorer 5-year outcomes, compared with a pharmaco-invasive strategy.

Bone marrow donor selection and characterization of MSCs is critical for pre-clinical and clinical cell dose production

Background

Cell based therapies, such as bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs; also known as mesenchymal stromal cells), are currently under investigation for a number of disease applications. The current challenge facing the field is maintaining the consistency and quality of cells especially for cell dose production for pre-clinical testing and clinical trials. Here we determine how BM-donor variability and thus the derived MSCs factor into selection of the optimal primary cell lineage for cell production and testing in a pre-clinical swine model of trauma induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

We harvested bone marrow and generated three different primary BM-MSCs from Yorkshire swine. Cells from these three donors were characterized based on (a) phenotype (morphology, differentiation capacity and flow cytometry), (b) in vitro growth kinetics and metabolic activity, and (c) functional analysis based on inhibition of lung endothelial cell permeability.

Results

Cells from each swine donor exhibited varied morphology, growth rate, and doubling times. All expressed the same magnitude of standard MSC cell surface markers by flow cytometry and had similar differentiation potential. Metabolic activity and growth potential at each of the passages varied between the three primary cell cultures. More importantly, the functional potency of the MSCs on inhibition of endothelial permeability was also cell donor dependent.

Conclusion

This study suggests that for production of MSCs for cell-based therapy, it is imperative to examine donor variability and characterize derived MSCs for marker expression, growth and differentiation characteristics and testing potency in application dependent assays prior to selection of the optimal cell lineage for large scale expansion and dose production.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1877-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preintensive care: Thrombolytic (streptokinase or tenecteplase) in ST elevated acute myocardial infarction at peripheral hospital

Background:

Coronary artery disease is a major cause of death in India. Sudden death preceded by chest pain is due to acute myocardial infarction. Villagers are aware and afraid of chest pain. Majority of chest pain victims attend the primary physician in golden hours. Hence, primary doctors can play important role for early thrombolysis and salvage the myocardium from irreversible injury. This study determined year mortality in a patient who received the rapid thrombolysis at primary care hospital (streptokinase or tenecteplase) at rural setting.

Setting:

Peripheral General Hospital Mahad on Mumbai–Goa highway.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with typical chest pain with electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) with or without risk factors admitted from 2005 to march 2016 were studied. Details clinically studied: time interval between chest pain to hospital, hospital to needle time, reperfusion and arrhythmias. Time required for regression of elevated ST segment, a response to thrombolytic (streptokinase or tenecteplase) therapy, is studied.

Results:

Total 244 patient reported with chest pain of these 35 cases brought dead with history of chest pain and convulsive moment before they died. Of these, 209 patients had acute STEMI. Of these, 162 received streptokinase (STK) and 47 received tenecteplase (TNP)]. Analysis of STK Vs TNP patients 18 (11.11%) versus 3 (6.38%) (P = 0.361) died during the treatment. Around 17 (18.49%) vs 5 (10.63%) (P = 0.941) did not show signs of reperfusion, respectively. Re infarction occurred during hospitalization 3 (2.5%) versus 3 (6.38%) (P = 0.094) cases. Around 12 (7.40%) versus 0% (P = 0.072) died at the end of 12 months of thrombolytic therapy.

Conclusion:

Thrombolysis of STEMI within golden hours improved the reperfusion. However, 1-year fatality is significance with streptokinase as compared with tenecteplase.

Modern Management of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Disruption of intracoronary plaque with thrombus formation resulting in severe or total occlusion of the culprit coronary artery provides the pathophysiologic foundation for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Management of STEMI focuses on timely restoration of coronary blood flow along with antithrombotic therapies and secondary prevention strategies. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of STEMI. In addition, the review will focus on guideline-directed therapy for these patients and review potential associated complications.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study Comparing Intracoronary Versus Intravenous Abciximab in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Transradial Rescue Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Failed Thrombolysis

The risk and benefit ratio of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors with dual oral antiplatelet therapy after failed thrombolysis and rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear. Using a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind design, we compared intravenous (IV) and intracoronary (IC) abciximab delivery in 74 patients referred for rescue transradial PCI. The primary angiographic end points were the final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow and myocardial blush grades. Secondary end points included acute and 6-month outcomes using angiographic parameters, platelet aggregation parameters, cardiac biomarkers, cardiac magnetic resonance measurements (CMR) and clinical end points. After rescue PCI, normal thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 flows were obtained in 70% in the IC group, 48% in the IV group, and 71% in the placebo group, respectively (p = 0.056). Final myocardial blush grades 2 and 3 were obtained in 43% and 39% in the IC group, 48% and 26% in the IV group, and 46% and 42% in the placebo group (p = 0.67), respectively. Acutely, peak release of cardiac biomarkers, necrosis size, myocardial perfusion and no-reflow as assessed by CMR, and clinical end points were similar between the groups and did not suggest a benefit for IC or IV abciximab compared with placebo. There was no increase in bleeding or access site-related complications with abciximab compared with placebo. Clinical, angiographic, and CMR outcomes at 6 months remained comparable between the groups. In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction presenting with failed thrombolysis undergoing transradial rescue PCI, IC or IV abciximab had no significant clinical impact.

Fibrinolytic treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the preferred reperfusion therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), as long as it can be delivered within 90-120 minutes from patient’s first medical contact, and is the leading reperfusion strategy in most European countries. However, as PPCI cannot be offered in a timely manner to all patients, fibrinolytic therapy (FT) is the recommended choice in patients with an anticipated delay to PPCI of >90-120 minutes, presenting early after symptom onset and without contra-indications. FT should preferably be started in the pre-hospital setting. Following FT, all patients should be transferred to a PCI-center for rescue PCI or routine coronary angiography with PCI as indicated. Such a pharmaco-invasive strategy, combining FT with invasive treatment, has recently been shown to be non-inferior to PPCI in patients living in areas with long transfer delays to PCI (>60 minutes).

In this overview, we will briefly present the evidence for the benefit of FT in STEMI, and discuss the role of FT in the current era of PPCI as well as the optimal treatment following pharmacologic reperfusion.

Trends in clinical outcomes and survival following prehospital thrombolytic therapy given by ambulance clinicians for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in rural sub-arctic Norway

BACKGROUND:

Prehospital thrombolytic therapy given by ambulance emergency medical services to patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may produce earlier reperfusion than percutaneous coronary intervention. Clinical results from prehospital thrombolytic therapy in rural areas are scarce.

METHODS:

We studied outcomes during 11 years of a prehospital thrombolytic therapy system in rural sub-arctic Norway. Ambulance personnel gave protocol basic treatment and transmitted electrocardiograms to hospital physicians who made the decision for prehospital thrombolytic therapy. The study was divided into three time periods; 2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011.

RESULTS:

A total of 385 STEMI patients received prehospital thrombolytic therapy, median patient age was 61.2 years, and 77% were men. Time saved by prehospital reperfusion therapy was 131 minutes. The proportion who got prehospital thrombolytic therapy within 2 hours of symptom onset increased from 21% in 2000-2003 to 39% in 2008-2011 ( P=0.003). The proportion who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours of first medical contact increased from 56.4% to 95.4% ( P<0.001). Post-STEMI systolic heart failure decreased from 19.4% to 8.1% ( P=0.02), while 1-year mortality fell, non-significantly, by 50% over time to reach 5.6%. Thirteen patients suffered acute out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; all were successfully defibrillated. Ten patients had major bleeding events (2.6%).

CONCLUSION:

A decentralised prehospital thrombolytic therapy system based on ambulance personnel, telemetry and centralised 7/24 invasive diagnosis and treatment service, combined with system maturation over time, was associated with earlier reperfusion, improved clinical outcomes and better survival. Prehospital thrombolytic therapy is a feasible and safe intervention used in rural settings with long evacuation lines to percutaneous coronary intervention facilities.

Antithrombotic treatment during coronary angioplasty after failed thrombolysis: strategies and prognostic implications. Results of the RESPIRE registry

Background

Thrombolysis is still used when primary angioplasty is delayed for a long time, but 25%–30% of patients require rescue angioplasty (RA). There are no established recommendations for antithrombotic management in RA. This registry analyzes regimens for antithrombotic management.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter, observational registry of consecutive patients treated with RA at 8 hospitals. All variables were collected and follow-up took place at 6 months.

Results

The study included 417 patients. Antithrombotic therapy in RA was: no additional drugs 22.3%, unfractionated heparin (UFH) 36.6%, abciximab 15.5%, abciximab plus UFH 10.5%, bivalirudin 5.7%, enoxaparin 4.3%, and others 4.7%. Outcomes at 6 months were: mortality 9.1%, infarction 3.3%, definite or probable stent thrombosis 4.3%, revascularization 1.9%, and stroke 0.5%. Mortality was related to cardiogenic shock, age > 75 years, and anterior location. The stent thrombosis rate was highest with bivalirudin (12.5% at 6 months). The incidence of bleeding at admission was high (14.8%), but most cases were not severe (82% BARC ≤2). Variables independently associated with bleeding were: femoral access (OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.3–8.3: p = 0.004) and post-RA abciximab infusion (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.02–5: p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Antithrombotic treatment regimens in RA vary greatly, predominant strategies consisting of no additional drugs or UFH 70 U/kg. No regimen proved predictive of mortality, but bivalirudin was related to more stent thrombosis. There was a high incidence of bleeding, associated with post-RA abciximab infusion and femoral access.

Pre-hospital thrombolysis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a regional Australian experience

OBJECTIVE

The system of care in the Hunter New England Local Health District for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) foresees pre-hospital thrombolysis (PHT) administered by paramedics to patients more than 60 minutes from the cardiac catheterisation laboratory (CCL), and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the CCL for others. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of the pre-hospital diagnosis strategy, which allocates patients to PHT or primary PCI according to travel time to the CCL.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospective, non-randomised, consecutive, single-centre case series of STEMI patients diagnosed on the basis of a pre-hospital electrocardiogram (ECG), from August 2008 to August 2013. All patients were treated at the tertiary referral hospital (John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary efficacy endpoint was all-cause mortality at 12 months; the primary safety endpoint was bleeding.

RESULTS

STEMI was diagnosed in 484 patients on the basis of pre-hospital ECG; 150 were administered PHT and 334 underwent primary PCI. The median time from first medical contact (FMC) to PHT was 35 minutes (IQR, 28-43 min) and to balloon inflation 130 minutes (IQR, 100-150 min). In the PHT group, 37 patients (27%) needed rescue PCI (median time, 4 h; IQR, 3-5 h). The 12-month all-cause mortality rate was 7.0% (PHT, 6.7%; PCI, 7.2%). The incidence of major bleeding (TIMI criteria) in the PHT group was 1.3%; no patients in the primary PCI group experienced major bleeding.

CONCLUSION

PHT can be delivered safely by paramedical staff in regional and rural Australia with good clinical outcomes.

A comparison of rescue and primary percutaneous coronary interventions for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Objective

To perform a comparative analysis of in-hospital results obtained from patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), who underwent rescue or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim is to determine rescue PCI as a practical option for patients with no immediate access to primary PCI.

Methods

From the Cardiology PCI Clinic of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), we selected all consecutive patients presenting with acute STEMI </ = 24 h door-to-balloon delay for primary PCI and </ = 72 h door-to-balloon delay, (90 min after failed thrombolysis) for rescue PCI, from March 2013 to April 2015 and their in-hospital results were analyzed, comparing rescue and primary PCI patients.

Results

We evaluated 159 patients; 78 underwent rescue PCI and 81 underwent primary PCI. The culprit left anterior descending (LAD) vessel (76.9% vs. 58.8%; P = 0.015) was more prevalent in rescue than in primary patients. Thrombus aspiration was less frequent in rescue group (19.2% vs. 40.7%; p = 0.004). The degree of moderate-to-severe left ventricular dysfunction reflected by the ejection fraction <40% (24.3% vs. 23.7%; P = 0.927) and prevalence of multivessel disease (41.0% vs. 43.8%; P = 0.729) revealed no significant difference. Coronary stents were implanted at similar rates in both strategies (96.2% vs. 92.6%; P = 0.331). Procedural success (97.4% vs. 97.5%; P = 0.980) and mortality rates (5.1% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.674), were similar in the rescue and primary groups.

Conclusion

In-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) are similar in both rescue and primary intervention groups, supporting the former as a practical option for patients with no immediate access to PCI facilities.