Ischemic cardiomyopathy: epidemiology, pathophysiology, outcomes, and therapeutic options

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is the most prevalent cause of heart failure (HF) in developed countries, with significant morbidity and mortality, despite constant improvements in the management of coronary artery disease. Current literature on this topic remains fragmented. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize the most recent data on ICM, focusing on its definition, epidemiology, outcomes, and therapeutic options. The most widely accepted definition is represented by a left ventricular dysfunction in the presence of significant coronary artery disease. The prevalence of ICM is largely influenced by age and sex, with older individuals and males being more affected. Its pathophysiology is characterized by plaque buildup, thrombus formation, hypoperfusion, ischemic cell death, and left ventricular remodeling. Despite improvements in therapy, ICM still represents a public health burden, with a 1-year mortality rate of 16% and a 5-year mortality rate of approximately 40% in the USA and Europe. Therefore, optimization of cardiovascular function, prevention of progressive remodeling, reduction of HF symptoms, and improved survival are the main goals of treatment. Therapeutic options for ICM include lifestyle changes, optimal medical therapy, revascularization, device therapy, mechanical circulatory support, and cardiac transplantation. Personalized management strategies and tailored patient care are needed to improve the outcomes of patients with ICM.

Cardiovascular events in patients with deferred lesions and chronic kidney disease

No study has reported the association between the worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events in patients with deferred coronary artery lesions. We included patients with deferred lesions, defined as a fractional flow reserve (FFR) value > 0.80 treated with conservative medical therapy. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1, CKD stages 1-2; group 2, CKD stages 3-5; and group 3, CKD stage 5D (hemodialysis), with the clinical outcomes compared. The primary endpoint was the first occurrence of target vessel myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization, or all-cause death. The primary endpoint was noted in 17, 25, and 36 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Within the three groups, the incidence rate of deferred lesions was 7.0%, 10.4%, and 32.4%, respectively. No difference was observed in the incidence of the primary endpoint between groups 1 and 2 (log-rank p = 0.16). However, the patients in group 3 had a significantly higher risk for the primary endpoint than those in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank p < 0.0001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, the patients in group 3 exhibited a higher incidence of the primary endpoint than those in group 1 (HR: 2.14; 95% CI 1.02-4.49; p < 0.01). Careful management is needed in patients undergoing hemodialysis, even if coronary artery stenosis is considered a deferred lesion.

Timing of Complete Revascularization with Multivessel PCI for Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel coronary artery disease, the time at which complete revascularization of nonculprit lesions should be performed remains unknown.

METHODS

We performed an international, open-label, randomized, noninferiority trial at 37 sites in Europe. Patients in a hemodynamically stable condition who had STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to undergo immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; immediate group) or PCI of the culprit lesion followed by staged multivessel PCI of nonculprit lesions within 19 to 45 days after the index procedure (staged group). The primary end point was a composite of death from any cause, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned ischemia-driven revascularization, or hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year after randomization. The percentages of patients with a primary or secondary end-point event are provided as Kaplan-Meier estimates at 6 months and at 1 year.

RESULTS

We assigned 418 patients to undergo immediate multivessel PCI and 422 to undergo staged multivessel PCI. A primary end-point event occurred in 35 patients (8.5%) in the immediate group as compared with 68 patients (16.3%) in the staged group (risk ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.72; P<0.001 for noninferiority and P<0.001 for superiority). Nonfatal myocardial infarction and unplanned ischemia-driven revascularization occurred in 8 patients (2.0%) and 17 patients (4.1%), respectively, in the immediate group and in 22 patients (5.3%) and 39 patients (9.3%), respectively, in the staged group. The risk of death from any cause, the risk of stroke, and the risk of hospitalization for heart failure appeared to be similar in the two groups. A total of 104 patients in the immediate group and 145 patients in the staged group had a serious adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients in hemodynamically stable condition with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease, immediate multivessel PCI was noninferior to staged multivessel PCI with respect to the risk of death from any cause, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned ischemia-driven revascularization, or hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year. (Supported by Boston Scientific; MULTISTARS AMI ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03135275.).

Complete surgical myocardial revascularization in patients with declined renal functions: 12-month outcomes

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of complete revascularization coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD)-CAD and declined renal functions, addressing the knowledge gap regarding optimal treatment strategies and outcomes in this specific patient population.

METHODS

Between 2020 and 2022, a total of 58 patients underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery for complete myocardial revascularization in this study. To assess overall survival, Kaplan-Meier with the log-rank test was conducted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of cohort was 60.7. The findings showed a high prevalence of medical conditions such as hypertension (50.0%), diabetes (50.0%), and anaemia (41.4%) among the participants. Intraoperatively, low cardiac output syndrome was reported in 5.2% of cases, while perioperative outcomes indicated a need for transfusions in 53.5% of cases and an in-hospital mortality rate of 3.4%. At the 12-month follow-up, no redo revascularization or renal replacement therapy was required, but cardiac mortality was 5.2% and all-cause mortality was 6.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that complete revascularization is safe for these patients and highlights the potential benefits, emphasizing the need for further research in optimizing revascularization techniques for this population.

Deferred Versus Performed Revascularization for Left Main Coronary Disease With Hemodynamic Significance

BACKGROUND

The majority of randomized controlled trials of revascularization decision-making excludes left main coronary artery disease (LMD). Therefore, contemporary clinical outcomes of patients with stable coronary artery disease and LMD with proven ischemia remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of physiologically significant LMD according to the treatment strategies of revascularization versus revascularization deferral.

METHODS

In this international multicenter registry of stable LMD interrogated with the instantaneous wave-free ratio, patients with physiologically significant ischemia (instantaneous wave-free ratio ≤0.89) were analyzed according to the coronary revascularization (n=151) versus revascularization deferral (n=74). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for baseline clinical characteristics. The primary end point was a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization of left main stem. The secondary end points were as follows: cardiac death or spontaneous LMD-related myocardial infarction; and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization of left main stem.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up period of 2.8 years, the primary end point occurred in 11 patients (14.9%) in the revascularized group and 21 patients (28.4%) in the deferred group (hazard ratio, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.20-0.89]; P=0.023). For the secondary end points, cardiac death or LMD-related myocardial infarction occurred significantly less frequently in the revascularized group (0.0% versus 8.1%; P=0.004). The rate of ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization of left main stem was also significantly lower in the revascularized group (5.4% versus 17.6%; hazard ratio, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.056-0.70]; P=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent revascularization for stable coronary artery disease and physiologically significant LMD determined by instantaneous wave-free ratio, the long-term clinical outcomes were significantly improved as compared with those in whom revascularization was deferred.

Sex disparities in guideline-recommended therapies and outcomes after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a contemporary nationwide cohort of patients over an eight-year period

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Outcome has improved during the last decades due to secondary prevention and widespread coronary interventions, but recent studies still show sex differences and insufficient drug adherence. We aimed to determine differences in the treatment strategies and outcomes between women and men with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Germany.

METHODS

From the Federal Association of the Local Health Insurance Funds (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse), 175,187 patients were identified who were hospitalized due to STEMI in Germany between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017.

RESULTS

Compared to men, women were older (median 76 vs. 64 years) and had more often diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (all p <0.001). Women suffered from higher rates of in-hospital complications such as bleeding (9.3 vs. 6.6%), longer hospitalizations (12.2 vs. 11.7 days) and were less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (75.5 vs. 85.2%). After adjustment for patient's risk profile, female sex was associated with decreased overall survival (HR 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.04; p=0.036). Notably, more men received all four guideline-recommended drugs after STEMI (women 65.7% vs. men 69.8% after 90 days; p <0.001). With increasing number of prescribed drugs, patients benefit even more. This concerned both sexes, but was more pronounced in men (with 4 prescribed drugs: women HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.50-0.55; men HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.47-0.50, pint = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

In a contemporary nationwide analysis, women with STEMI were older, had more comorbidities, underwent revascularization less often and had an increased risk for major complications as well as overall survival. Guideline-recommended drug therapy was applied less frequently in women although associated with an improved overall-survival.

Association of guideline-directed medical therapy adherence with outcomes after fractional flow reserve-based deferral of revascularization

AIMS

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is essential to prevent future cardiovascular events in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients. However, whether achieving optimal GDMT could improve clinical outcomes in CCS patients with deferred lesions based on fraction flow reserve (FFR) remains thoroughly investigated. We sought to evaluate the association of GDMT adherence with long-term outcomes after FFR-based deferral of revascularization in a real-world registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a post-hoc analysis of the J-CONFIRM registry (long-term outcomes of Japanese patients with deferral of coronary intervention based on fractional flow reserve in multicentre registry). Optimal GDMT was defined as combining four types of medications: antiplatelet drug, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker, beta-blocker, and statin. After stratifying patients by the number of individual GDMT agents at 2 years, landmark analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between GDMT adherence at 2 years and 5-year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as a composite of all-cause death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, clinically driven target vessel revascularization. Compared with the suboptimal GDMT group (continuing ≤3 types of medications, n = 974), the optimal GDMT group (n = 139) showed a lower 5-year incidence of MACE (5.2% vs. 12.4%, P = 0.02). The optimal GDMT was associated with a lower risk of MACE (hazard ratio: 0.41; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.92; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with optimal GDMT were associated with better outcomes, suggesting the importance of achieving optimal GDMT on long-term prognosis in CCS patients after FFR-guided deferral of revascularization.

[The effect of low-frequency electrostatic therapy on immunoinflammatory reactions in patients with acute myocardial infarction after endovascular myocardial revascularization at the inpatient stage of medical rehabilitation]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To study the effect of complex rehabilitation with the inclusion of low-frequency electrostatic therapy on the dynamics of immune status in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) after endovascular myocardial revascularization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The state of the immune status was studied in 68 patients with MI after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) - coronary angioplasty with stenting, admitted to the inpatient stage of medical rehabilitation.

RESULTS

The study proved the involvement of the immune system in a complex set of reactions occurring in patients with myocardial infarction after PCI. Significant correlations between biochemical and immunological markers of inflammation and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases have been established. Carrying out complex rehabilitation measures using low-frequency electrostatic therapy at the stationary stage of medical rehabilitation helps to reduce the activity of the inflammatory process and eliminate the immunological imbalance in MI patients after endovascular myocardial revascularization.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of low-frequency electrostatic therapy in the medical rehabilitation complex has a significant immunocorrective effect on the parameters of cellular and humoral immunity, the ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which justifies the prospects for its use in the rehabilitation of patients with myocardial infarction.

Early and late outcomes of single versus bilateral internal thoracic artery revascularization for patients in critical condition

OBJECTIVE

The optimal surgical approach for critically ill patients with complex coronary disease remains uncertain. We compared outcomes of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) versus single ITA (SITA) revascularization in critical patients.

METHODS

We evaluated 394 consecutive critical patients with multi-vessel disease who underwent CABG during 1996-2001. Outcomes measured were early mortality, strokes, myocardial-infarctions, sternal infections, revisions for bleeding, and late survival. The critical preoperative state was acknowledged concisely by one or more of the following: preoperative ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, aborted sudden cardiac death, or the need for mechanical ventilation or for preoperative insertion of intra-aortic-balloon counter-pulsation.

RESULTS

During the study period, 193 of our patients who underwent SITA and 201 who underwent BITA were in critical condition. The SITA group was older (mean 68.0 vs. 63.3 years, p = 0.001) and higher proportions were females (28.5% vs. 18.9% p = 0.025), after recent-MI (69.9% vs. 57.2% p = 0.009) and with left-main disease (38.3% vs. 49.3% p = .029); the median logistic EuroSCORE was higher (0.2898 vs. 0.1597, p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the SITA and BITA groups in 30-day mortality; and in rates of early CVA, MI and sternal infections (13.0% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.148; 4.1% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.49; 6.7% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.32 and 2.1% vs. 2.5%, p>0.99, respectively). Long-term survival (median follow-up of 15 years, interquartile-range: 13.57-15) was better in the BITA group (median 14.39 vs. 9.31± 0.9 years, p = 0.001). Propensity-score matching (132 matched pairs) also yielded similar early outcomes and improved long-term survival (median follow-up of 15 years, interquartile-range: 13.56-15) for the BITA group (median 12.49±1.71 vs. 7.63±0.99 years, p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, BITA revascularization was found to be a predictor for improved survival (hazard-ratio of 0.419, 95%CI 0.23-0.76, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated long-term survival benefit for BITA revascularization in patients in a critical pre-operative state who presented for surgical revascularization.

Diagnosis of silent coronary ischemia with selective coronary revascularization might improve 2-year survival of patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia

BACKGROUND

Patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) have had poor long-term survival after lower extremity revascularization owing to coexistent coronary artery disease. A new cardiac diagnostic test, coronary computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR_CT), can identify patients with ischemia-producing coronary stenosis who might benefit from coronary revascularization. We sought to determine whether the diagnosis of silent coronary ischemia before limb salvage surgery with selective postoperative coronary revascularization can reduce the incidence of adverse cardiac events and improve the survival of patients with CLTI compared with standard care.

METHODS

Patients with CLTI and no cardiac history or symptoms who had undergone preoperative testing to detect silent coronary ischemia with selective postoperative coronary revascularization (group I) were compared with patients with standard preoperative cardiac clearance and no elective postoperative coronary revascularization (group II). Both groups received guideline-directed medical care. Lesion-specific coronary ischemia in group I was defined as FFR_CT of ≤0.80 distal to a stenosis, with severe ischemia defined as FFR_CT of ≤0.75. The endpoints included all-cause death, cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse CV events (i.MACE; CV death, MI, unplanned coronary revascularization, stroke) through 2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Groups I (n = 111) and II (n = 120) were similar in age (66 ± 9 vs 66 ± 7 years), gender (78% vs 83% men), comorbidities, and surgery performed. In group I, unsuspected, silent coronary ischemia was found in 71 of 103 patients (69%), with severe ischemia in 58% and left main coronary ischemia in 8%. Elective postoperative coronary revascularization was performed in 47 of 71 patients with silent ischemia (66%). In group II, the status of silent coronary ischemia was unknown. The median follow-up was >2 years for both groups. The 2-year outcomes for groups I and II were as follows: all-cause death, 8.1% and 20.0% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.84; P = .016); CV death, 4.5% and 13.3% (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.88; P = .028); MI, 6.3% and 17.5% (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.79; P = .012); and major adverse CV events, 10.8% and 23.3% (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.88; P = .021), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative evaluation of patients with CLTI and no known coronary artery disease using coronary FFR_CT revealed silent coronary ischemia in two of every three patients. Selective coronary revascularization of patients with silent coronary ischemia after recovery from limb salvage surgery resulted in fewer CV deaths and MIs and improved 2-year survival compared with patients with CLTI who had received standard cardiac evaluation and care. Prospective controlled studies are required to further define the role of FFR_CT in the evaluation and treatment of patients with CLTI.

Long term risk and costs of bleeding in men and women treated with triple antithrombotic therapy-An observational study

OBJECTIVES

Bleeding is the most common non-ischemic complication in patients with coronary revascularisation procedures, associated with prolonged hospitalisation and increased mortality. Many factors predispose for bleeds in these patients, among those sex. Anyhow, few studies have characterised the population receiving triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) as well as long term bleeds from a sex perspective. We investigated the one year rate of bleeds in patients receiving TAT, potential sex disparities and premature discontinuation of TAT. We also assessed health care costs in bleeders vs non-bleeders.

SETTING

Three hospitals in the County of Östergötland, Sweden during 2009-2015.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients discharged with TAT registered in the SWEDEHEART registry.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

All bleeds receiving medical attention during one-year follow-up were collected by retrieving relevant information about each patient from medical records. Resource use associated with bleeds was assigned unit cost to estimate the health care costs associated with bleeding episodes.

RESULTS

Among 272 patients, 156 bleeds occurred post-discharge, of which 28.8% were gastrointestinal. In total 54.4% had at least one bleed during or after the index event and 40.1% bled post discharge of whom 28.7% experienced a TIMI major or minor bleeding. Women discontinued TAT prematurely more often than men (52.9 vs 36.1%, p = 0.01) and bled more (48.6 vs. 37.1%, p = 0.09). One-year mean health care costs were EUR 575 and EUR 5787 in non-bleeding and bleeding patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The high bleeding incidence in patients with TAT, especially in women, is a cause of concern. There is a need for an adequately sized randomised, controlled trial to determine a safe but still effective treatment for these patients.

Physiology-Based Revascularization of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

It is of critical importance to correctly assess the significance of a left main lesion. Underestimation of significance beholds the risk of inappropriate deferral of revascularization, whereas overestimation may trigger major but unnecessary interventions. This article addresses the invasive physiological assessment of left main disease and its role in deciding upon revascularization. It mainly focuses on the available evidence for fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio, their interpretation, and limitations. We also discuss alternative invasive physiological indices and imaging, as well as the link between physiology, ischemia, and prognosis.

Derivation and validation of the J-CTO extension score for pre-procedural prediction of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients with chronic total occlusions

We developed a prediction model of long-term risk after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) based on pre-procedural clinical information. A total of 4,139 eligible patients, who underwent CTO-PCI at 52 Japanese centers were included. Specifically, 1,909 patients with 1-year data were randomly divided into the derivation (n = 1,273) and validation (n = 636) groups. Major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular event (MACCE) was the primary endpoint, including death, stroke, revascularization, and non-fatal myocardial infarction. We assessed the performance of our model using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and assigned a simplified point-scoring system. One-hundred-thirty-eight (10.8%) patients experienced MACCE in the derivation cohort with hemodialysis (HD: odds ratio [OR] = 2.55), left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) <35% (OR = 2.23), in-stent occlusions (ISO: OR = 2.27), and diabetes mellitus (DM: OR = 1.72). The AUC of the derivation model was 0.650. The model’s performance was similar in the validation cohort (AUC, 0.610). When assigned a point for each associated factor (HD = 3, LVEF <35%, ISO = 2, and DM = 1 point), the average predicted versus the observed MACCE probability using the Japan-CTO extension score for the low, moderate, high, and very high risk groups was 8.1% vs. 7.3%, 16.9% vs. 15.9%, 22.0% vs. 26.1%, and 56.2% vs. 44.4%, respectively. This novel risk model may allow for the estimation of long-term risk and be useful in disseminating appropriate revascularization procedures.

Clinical profiles and outcomes in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in Japan of aging society

To address many uncertainties in the acute care of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in proportion to increasing age, we underwent the nationwide current survey consisted of 11,676 patients with AMI based on the database of the Japanese Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry between January 2011 and December 2013 to figure out how difference of clinical profiles and outcomes between coronary revascularization and conservative treatments for AMI. Clinical profiles in a total of 763 patients with AMI with conservative treatments (7% of all) were characterized as more elderly women (median age, 71 yeas vs. 68 years, p < 0.0001, male, 71% vs. 76%, p = 0.0008), high Killip class (Killip class I, 61% vs. 75%, p < 0.0001), and non-ST-segment elevation AMI (37% vs. 27%, p < 0.0001) as compared with 10,913 with coronary revascularization, with a consequence of more than twofold higher in-hospital mortality (12% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001). When compared with conservative treatments, highly effective of coronary revascularization to decrease in-hospital mortality was found in patients with ST-segment elevation AMI (6% vs. 16%, p < 0.0001), while these advantages were not evident in those with non-ST-segment elevation AMI (4% vs. 6%, p = 0.1107), especially with high Killip class, regardless of whether or not propensity score matching of clinical characteristics. A risk-adapted allocation of invasive management therefore may have the potential of benefiting patients with non-ST-segment elevation AMI, in particular elders.

Risk or Beneficial Factors Associated with Unplanned Revascularization Risk Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Large Single-Center Data

OBJECTIVE

To analyze factors associated with unplanned revascularization (UR) risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A total of 10,640 cases with CAD who underwent PCI were analyzed. Multivariate COX regressions and competing risk regressions were applied.

RESULTS

The patients who underwent UR following PCI in 30 days, 1, and 2 years accounted for 0.3%, 6.5%, and 8.7%, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the number of target lesions [hazard ratio ( HR) = 2.320; 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.643-3.277; P < 0.001], time of procedure ( HR= 1.006; 95% CI: 1.001-1.010; P = 0.014), body mass index ( HR= 1.104; 95% CI: 1.006-1.210; P = 0.036), incomplete revascularization (ICR) ( HR= 2.476; 95% CI: 1.030-5.952; P = 0.043), and age ( HR = 1.037; 95% CI: 1.000-1.075; P = 0.048) were determined as independent risk factors of 30-day UR. Factors, including low-molecular-weight heparin or fondaparinux ( HR= 0.618; 95% CI: 0.531-0.719; P < 0.001), second-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stent ( HR = 0.713; 95% CI: 0.624-0.814; P < 0.001), left anterior descending artery involvement ( HR= 0.654; 95% CI: 0.530-0.807; P < 0.001), and age ( HR= 0.992; 95% CI: 0.985-0.998; P = 0.014), were independently associated with decreased two-year UR risk. While, Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score ( HR= 1.024; 95% CI: 1.014-1.033; P < 0.001) and ICR ( HR= 1.549; 95% CI: 1.290-1.860; P < 0.001) were negatively associated with two-year UR risk.

CONCLUSION

Specific factors were positively or negatively associated with short- and medium-long-term UR following PCI.

Safety of the Deferral of Coronary Revascularization on the Basis of Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio and Fractional Flow Reserve Measurements in Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndromes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients deferred from coronary revascularization on the basis of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) or fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements in stable angina pectoris (SAP) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

BACKGROUND

Assessment of coronary stenosis severity with pressure guidewires is recommended to determine the need for myocardial revascularization.

METHODS

The safety of deferral of coronary revascularization in the pooled per-protocol population (n = 4,486) of the DEFINE-FLAIR (Functional Lesion Assessment of Intermediate Stenosis to Guide Revascularisation) and iFR-SWEDEHEART (Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio Versus Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris or Acute Coronary Syndrome) randomized clinical trials was investigated. Patients were stratified according to revascularization decision making on the basis of iFR or FFR and to clinical presentation (SAP or ACS). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization at 1 year.

RESULTS

Coronary revascularization was deferred in 2,130 patients. Deferral was performed in 1,117 patients (50%) in the iFR group and 1,013 patients (45%) in the FFR group (p < 0.01). At 1 year, the MACE rate in the deferred population was similar between the iFR and FFR groups (4.12% vs. 4.05%; fully adjusted hazard ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.72 to 1.79; p = 0.60). A clinical presentation with ACS was associated with a higher MACE rate compared with SAP in deferred patients (5.91% vs. 3.64% in ACS and SAP, respectively; fully adjusted hazard ratio: 0.61 in favor of SAP; 95% confidence interval: 0.38 to 0.99; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, deferral of revascularization is equally safe with both iFR and FFR, with a low MACE rate of about 4%. Lesions were more frequently deferred when iFR was used to assess physiological significance. In deferred patients presenting with ACS, the event rate was significantly increased compared with SAP at 1 year.

Deferral Versus Performance of Revascularization for Coronary Stenosis With Grey Zone Fractional Flow Reserve Values: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies using fractional flow reserve (FFR) to determine whether revascularization should be performed or deferred for patients with coronary stenosis and grey zone FFR. Meta-analysis was performed using the generic inverse variance method, and hazard ratios (HR) were synthesized with a random-effects model. Of 2766 records, 7 nonrandomized studies including 2683 patients were selected. The pooled results demonstrated, during a median follow-up of 32 months, that revascularization significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; 7 studies: HR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.65 [0.45-0.93], P = .02) and target vessel revascularization (TVR; 4 studies: HR [95% CI]: 0.52 [0.36-0.76], P < .01). Whereas revascularization was not significantly superior in terms of all-cause death (3 studies: HR [95% CI]: 0.56 [0.26-1.22], P = .14), cardiac death (2 studies: HR [95% CI]: 0.57 [0.16-2.01], P = .38), myocardial infarction (MI; 4 studies: HR [95% CI]: 1.03 [0.26-4.03]), and all-cause death or MI (3 studies: HR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.20-2.19], P = .50). Therefore, revascularization appeared to be superior to deferral for patients with grey zone FFR in MACE and TVR, while hard end points did not show such significance. This work was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019118432).

Perioperative myocardial injury in revascularized coronary patients who undergo noncardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin elevation during the perioperative period is associated with poor clinical outcome in revascularized coronary patients who undergo noncardiac surgery remains unclear. We investigated the effects of perioperative troponin elevation on the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with a history of coronary revascularization.

METHODS

We analyzed patients whose pre- or postoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay results were available. Patients were divided into two groups according to hs-cTnI levels. The patient groups were analyzed separately according to whether hs-cTnI was assessed preoperatively or postoperatively. The primary outcome was all-cause death during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Median follow-up duration was 25 months (interquartile range 11-50). In the propensity-matched analysis, the risk of all-cause death during follow-up was higher in the group with elevated hs-cTnI group than in the normal group (12.7% vs 6.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.67; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.04-6.82; p = 0.04). In the propensity-matched analysis of preoperative hs-cTnI levels, we found no significant difference between the groups in the rate of all-cause death (12.9% vs. 11.9%; HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.45-2.50; p = 0.89). In the postoperative propensity-matched analysis, all-cause death was higher in patients with elevated hs-cTnI than in those with normal levels (14.9% vs. 5.9%; HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.01-7.77; p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

In revascularized coronary patients who underwent noncardiac surgery, postoperative (but not preoperative) hs-cTnI elevation was associated with all-cause death during follow-up. Larger datasets are needed to support this finding.

Comparison of 30-Day MACE between Immediate versus Staged Complete Revascularization in Acute Myocardial Infarction with Multivessel Disease, and the Effect of Coronary Lesion Complexity

Background and objective: In patients with acute myocardial infarction and multivessel disease, the timing of intervention to non-culprit lesions is still a matter of debate, especially in patients without shock. This study aimed to compare the effect of multivessel intervention, performed at index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (MVI-I) or index hospitalization (MVI-S), on the 30-day results of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to investigate the effect of coronary lesion complexity assessed by the Syntax (Sx) score on the timing of multivessel intervention. Materials and methods: We enrolled 180 patients with MVI-I, and 425 patients with MVI-S. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for this study were identified as mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, acute heart failure, ischemia driven revascularization, major bleeding, and acute renal failure developed within 30 days. Results: The unadjusted MACE rates at 30 days were 11.2% and 5% among those who underwent MVI-I and MVI-S, respectively (OR 3.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–6.02; p = 0.002). Associations were statistically significant after adjusting for covariates in the penalized multivariable model (adjusted OR 2.06; 95%CI 1.02–4.18; p = 0.043), propensity score adjusted multivariable model (adjusted OR 2.46; 95%CI 1.19–5.07; p = 0.015), and IPW (adjusted OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.28–3.47; p = 0.041). We found that the Syntax score of lesions did not affect the results. Conclusion: MVI-S was associated with a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days after discharge.

Do We Need Potent Intravenous Antiplatelet Inhibition at the Time of Reperfusion During ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction?

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is still a large source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although early reperfusion therapy has been prioritized in the modern era of percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis, attempts at incremental improvements in clinical outcomes by reducing MI size have not been successful so far. Herein, we review the studies that have evaluated immediate-onset antiplatelet therapy as attempts to improve meaningful clinical outcomes in ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). Unfortunately, many of the adjunctive pharmacotherapies have proven to be disappointing. Recent studies performed in the background of routine oral administration of P2Y₁₂ adenosine receptor inhibitors, which may take several hours to take full effect, and aspirin have largely shown no improvement in outcomes, despite an earlier onset of antiplatelet activity of the investigative agents. Further progress in improving outcomes during STEMI may depend on exploring therapeutics that modulate the pathophysiology of microvascular damage during ischemia-reperfusion injury, a phenomenon whose effects evolve over hours to days. We speculate that the dynamic nature of the no-reflow phenomenon may be an explanation for these disappointing results with the intravenous antiplatelet agents. We hope that appreciation for what has not worked in this domain may direct future research efforts to focus on novel pathways. Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury are very much still a lingering issue. Despite significant improvements in door-to-balloon times, rates of in-hospital mortality for STEMI remain unchanged. Outcomes following successfully reperfused STEMI are likely determined by the initial size of myocardial necrosis (ie, cardiomyocyte death during the period of ongoing ischemia), patency of the infarct-related epicardial coronary artery, possible reperfusion injury, the microvascular no-reflow phenomenon, and adverse remodeling after infarction.

Successful Treatment of Cardiac Tamponade with Corticosteroids After Surgical Myocardial Revascularization: Case Report

AIM

The aim of this case report is to show the significance of the cardiac tamponade, it's timely diagnosis and to present the unusual approach of the treatment. That was conducted with corticosteroids when the surgical procedure gave no results in rare cases like this.

CASE REPORT

This paper presents the case of a man aged 72 years with a verified tamponade of pericardium. A large pericardial effusion with tamponade signs was verified by ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) of the chest in a hemodynamically stable patient, and in the inability to evacuate the same, with pericardial fenestration, was successfully treated with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

A large pericardial effusion with the signs of tamponade verified by echocardiography and computerized tomography, in hemodynamically stable patient, and in the inability to evacuate the same by fenestration, was treated successfully with corticosteroids.

Complete revascularization for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

INTRODUCTION

Despite the recent findings in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with limited sample sizes and the updates in clinical guidelines, the current available data for the complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still contradictory.

AIM

The aim of this meta-analysis of the existing RCTs was to assess the efficacy of the CR versus revascularization of infarct-related artery (IRA) only during primary PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases aiming to find RCTs for patients with STEMI and MVD which compared CR with IRA-only. Random effect risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for efficacy and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with 3291 patients were included. The median follow-up duration was 17.5 months. Major adverse cardiac events (RR=0.57; 0.43-0.76; P<0.0001), cardiac mortality (RR=0.52; 0.31-0.87; P=0.014), and repeat revascularization (RR=0.50; 0.30-0.84; P=0.009) were lower in CR compared with IRA-only strategies. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy.

CONCLUSION

For patients with STEMI and MVD undergoing primary PCI, the current evidence suggests that the risk of major adverse cardiac events, repeat revascularization, and cardiac death is reduced by CR. However, the risk for all-cause mortality and PCI-related complications is not different from the isolated culprit lesion-only treatment. Although these findings support the cardiac mortality and safety benefit of CR in stable STEMI, further large trials are required to provide better guidance for optimum management of such patients.

Hypothyroidism is a Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

INTRODUCTION

Few reports in the world have shown a differential effect of hypothyroidism in relation to morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between preoperative hypothyroidism, composite and disaggregated outcomes of mortality and complications in patients undergoing first-time isolated myocardial revascularization surgery.

METHODS

Historical cohort of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization between January 2008 and December 2014, with 626 patients included for evaluation of the composite and disaggregated outcomes of in-hospital mortality and complications (atrial fibrillation, surgical site infection and reoperation due to bleeding). A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between hypothyroidism and the onset of those outcomes.

RESULTS

Cohort of 1696 eligible patients for the study, with 1.8 mortality. Median age, female gender and prevalence of arterial hypertension were all significantly higher among hypothyroid patients. No differences were found in other preoperative or intraoperative characteristics. Hypothyroidism was associated with the presence of the composite outcome, RR 1.6 (1.04-2.4) and atrial fibrillation 1.9 (1.05-3.8). No association with mortality, infections or reoperation due to bleeding was found.

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism is a disease that affects females predominantly and does not determine the presence of other comorbidities. Hypothyroidism is a risk factor for the onset of postoperative fibrillation in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery. Postoperative care protocols focused on the prevention of these complications in this type of patients must be instituted.

[Perioperative Care of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome]

Low cardiac syndrome( LOS) is the imbalance of the oxygen supply and demand at the tissue due to reduced oxygen supply by decreased cardiac function. The causes of the cardiac dysfunction are insufficient cardioplegia, elongation of aortic clamp or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration, incomplete revascularization, and so on. The preventions of LOS are myocardial protections intraoperatively. The most important myocardial protection is to accomplish more quickly, accurately and safety to operation. And today, cardioplegia is essential for surgery requiring CPB. The integrated myocardia protection is likely to be effective to the patients who suffer low cardiac function. LOS is commonly defined the decreased cardiac index (CI)[<2.0~2.2 l/min/m2], systolic blood pressure (<80~90 mmHg) and the signs of tissue malperfusion, in the absence of hypovolemia. The treatment of LOS is, at first, the correction of hypovolemia, then rhythm control, adjustment of preload and afterload. When it does not recover from LOS despite adequate treatment, the mechanical circulatory assist devices should be introduced without hesitation.

Complete versus culprit-only revascularisation in ST elevation myocardial infarction with multi-vessel disease

BACKGROUND

Multi-vessel coronary disease in people with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is common and is associated with worse prognosis after STEMI. Based on limited evidence, international guidelines recommend intervention on only the culprit vessel during STEMI. This, in turn, leaves other significantly stenosed coronary arteries for medical therapy or revascularisation based on inducible ischaemia on provocative testing. Newer data suggest that intervention on both the culprit and non-culprit stenotic coronary arteries (complete intervention) may yield better results compared with culprit-only intervention.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of early complete revascularisation compared with culprit vessel only intervention strategy in people with STEMI and multi-vessel coronary disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the last search was 4 January 2017. We applied no language restrictions. We handsearched conference proceedings to December 2016, and contacted authors and companies related to the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs), wherein complete revascularisation strategy was compared with a culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of people with STEMI and multi-vessel coronary disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We assessed the methodological quality of each trial using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. We resolved the disagreements by discussion among review authors. We followed standard methodological approaches recommended by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were long-term (one year or greater after the index intervention) all-cause mortality, long-term cardiovascular mortality, long-term non-fatal myocardial infarction, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes were short-term (within the first 30 days after the index intervention) all-cause mortality, short-term cardiovascular mortality, short-term non-fatal myocardial infarction, revascularisation, health-related quality of life, and cost. We analysed data using fixed-effect models, and expressed results as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used GRADE criteria to assess the quality of evidence and we conducted Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) to control risks of random errors.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine RCTs, that involved 2633 people with STEMI and multi-vessel coronary disease randomly assigned to either a complete (n = 1381) versus culprit-only (n = 1252) revascularisation strategy. The complete and the culprit-only revascularisation strategies did not differ for long-term all-cause mortality (65/1274 (5.1%) in complete group versus 72/1143 (6.3%) in culprit-only group; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.11; participants = 2417; studies = 8; I2 = 0%; very low quality evidence). Compared with culprit-only intervention, the complete revascularisation strategy was associated with a lower proportion of long-term cardiovascular mortality (28/1143 (2.4%) in complete group versus 51/1086 (4.7%) in culprit-only group; RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.79; participants = 2229; studies = 6; I2 = 0%; very low quality evidence) and long-term non-fatal myocardial infarction (47/1095 (4.3%) in complete group versus 70/1004 (7.0%) in culprit-only group; RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.89; participants = 2099; studies = 6; I2 = 0%; very low quality evidence). The complete and the culprit-only revascularisation strategies did not differ in combined adverse events (51/2096 (2.4%) in complete group versus 57/1990 (2.9%) in culprit-only group; RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.21; participants = 4086; I2 = 0%; very low quality evidence). Complete revascularisation was associated with lower proportion of long-term revascularisation (145/1374 (10.6%) in complete group versus 258/1242 (20.8%) in culprit-only group; RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.57; participants = 2616; studies = 9; I2 = 31%; very low quality evidence). TSA of long-term all-cause mortality, long-term cardiovascular mortality, and long-term non-fatal myocardial infarction showed that more RCTs are needed to reach more conclusive results on these outcomes. Regarding long-term repeat revascularisation more RCTs may not change our present result. The quality of the evidence was judged to be very low for all primary and the majority of the secondary outcomes mainly due to risk of bias, imprecision, and indirectness.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared with culprit-only intervention, the complete revascularisation strategy may be superior due to lower proportions of long-term cardiovascular mortality, long-term revascularisation, and long-term non-fatal myocardial infarction, but these findings are based on evidence of very low quality. TSA also supports the need for more RCTs in order to draw stronger conclusions regarding the effects of complete revascularisation on long-term all-cause mortality, long-term cardiovascular mortality, and long-term non-fatal myocardial infarction.

Periprocedural Myocardial Injury After Recanalization of Single Chronic Coronary Occlusion - A Propensity Score Analysis Comparing Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Rates and importance of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) after crossing coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is not well understood. This study sought to investigate long-term clinical implications of PMI in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for single CTO utilizing antegrade technique.

METHODS

Out of 11,957 patients undergoing non-urgent PCI, a total of 1110 patients with symptomatic angina and single CTO were treated by antegrade PCI and observed for up to 10 years. The primary objective included cardiac death, while the secondary aim comprised all major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate.

RESULTS

Troponin-defined PMI occurred in 4.7% patients (n = 52). At 1 year, the cardiac death and MACCE rates were significantly higher in patients with vs without PMI (hazard ratio [HR], 5.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-20.49; P=.01; HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.07-3.18; P=.03, respectively). At long-term follow-up, patients with PMI had a trend toward a higher incidence of cardiac death than patients without PMI (HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 0.99-6.33; P=.05) and no differences were demonstrated in terms of overall MACCE between both groups (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.73-1.93; P=.49). After propensity score adjustment, no significant differences were observed regarding the short-term and long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSION

CTO-PCI is a safe procedure if routinely performed in symptomatic patients at a high-volume center. PMI does not influence long-term outcomes after antegrade CTO-PCI.

Reducing the Risk of Myocardial Revascularization: Relevance of Multimodal Brain Monitoring

Perioperative neurologic events in heart surgery are the most devastating complications. Although myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has reduced the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents, they still remain a reality that the cardiothoracic surgeon is unable to completely eliminate. The events leading to a neurologic complication are related to hemodynamic instability and embolization of aortic debris at the time a side-biting clamp is applied. Combined events may eventually impact the brain to varying degrees, ranging from a temporary confusional state to a fullblown stroke from which meaningful recovery may be impossible. This report describes the interventions necessary to maintain hemodynamic stability, the role of brain monitoring required, and how to safely achieve complete off-CPB myocardial revascularization and minimize the incidence of neurologic complications. Cardiac interventions include maintaining sinus rhythm, providing adequate blood supply to all vital organs, and avoiding induction of myocardial ischemia, which may induce supraventricular, ventricular arrhythmias, or both. These interventions depend upon an experienced surgical team (anesthesiologist, cardiologist, surgeon, and operating room and intensive care unit recovery nurses). Anticipation of myocardial ischemia may require loading the patient with antiarrhythmic drugs, and placement of intracoronary shunts and intraaortic balloon pump support. Patience from the surgeon is often required to allow time for the specific intervention to act. In addition to interventions to maintain a balance between the demand and supply of oxygen, we frequently rely on “intermittent hypotensive anesthesia” while performing the distal and proximal coronary anastomoses. Hypotension may lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain, so multimodal brain monitoring becomes mandatory. We use a combination of transcranial brain oximetry and electroencephalographic compressed spectral array. This combined monitoring results in a safer surgical procedure, allowing the hemodynamic interventions to be performed rationally and without interruption of the surgical procedure.

Transmyocardial Revascularization: Peril and Potential

Transmyocardial laser revascularization is a technique for the treatment of patients with chronic angina pectoris that is refractory to medical therapy and who are not eligible for surgical intervention. Percutaneous myocardial revascularization is a less-invasive catheter-based procedure that has been adapted from transmyocardial laser revascularization. Six prospective randomized clinical trials have been performed with transmyocardial laser revascularization and 5 have been performed using percutaneous myocardial revascularization. All of the transmyocardial laser revascularization and 4 of the percutaneous myocardial revascularization studies showed a significant improvement in angina class; however, results for improved survival, increased exercise tolerance, improved ejection fraction, and improved myocardial perfusion were less definitive. Transmyocardial laser revascularization has significant potential for morbidity and mortality. This article summarizes the results of the randomized trials, explains the current theories for the mechanism of transmyocardial laser revascularization, and discusses its current role in treatment for patients, considering the evidence that currently exists.

To Revascularise or Not To Revascularise, That Is the Question: the Diagnostic and Management Conundrum of Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy

Ischaemic cardiomyopathy is an important cardiovascular condition that has differing pathophysiological substrates and clinical manifestations. Contemporary management involves the administration of heart failure pharmacotherapy and device therapy where indicated, which has good prognostic data to support it. Whilst the role of revascularisation is clear in those patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome or angina, the role in those patients presenting either incidentally, with predominant heart failure symptoms, or in those presenting with acute heart failure with an associated elevated troponin is less well defined and lacks randomised outcome data to support its adoption. The aim of this review is therefore to discuss the challenges in the diagnosis of ischaemic cardiomyopathy with a review of the existing imaging modalities that can facilitate, and to revisit the variety of clinical presentations that can occur, with particular emphasis on the contemporary role of revascularisation in these cohorts of patients.

Cost-minimization analysis of three decision strategies for cardiac revascularization: results of the "suspected CAD" cohort of the european cardiovascular magnetic resonance registry

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be one of the top public health burden. Perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is generally accepted to detect CAD, while data on its cost effectiveness are scarce. Therefore, the goal of the study was to compare the costs of a CMR-guided strategy vs two invasive strategies in a large CMR registry.

METHODS

In 3'647 patients with suspected CAD of the EuroCMR-registry (59 centers/18 countries) costs were calculated for diagnostic examinations (CMR, X-ray coronary angiography (CXA) with/without FFR), revascularizations, and complications during a 1-year follow-up. Patients with ischemia-positive CMR underwent an invasive CXA and revascularization at the discretion of the treating physician (=CMR + CXA-strategy). In the hypothetical invasive arm, costs were calculated for an initial CXA and a FFR in vessels with ≥50% stenoses (=CXA + FFR-strategy) and the same proportion of revascularizations and complications were applied as in the CMR + CXA-strategy. In the CXA-only strategy, costs included those for CXA and for revascularizations of all ≥50% stenoses. To calculate the proportion of patients with ≥50% stenoses, the stenosis-FFR relationship from the literature was used. Costs of the three strategies were determined based on a third payer perspective in 4 healthcare systems.

RESULTS

Revascularizations were performed in 6.2%, 4.5%, and 12.9% of all patients, patients with atypical chest pain (n = 1'786), and typical angina (n = 582), respectively; whereas complications (=all-cause death and non-fatal infarction) occurred in 1.3%, 1.1%, and 1.5%, respectively. The CMR + CXA-strategy reduced costs by 14%, 34%, 27%, and 24% in the German, UK, Swiss, and US context, respectively, when compared to the CXA + FFR-strategy; and by 59%, 52%, 61% and 71%, respectively, versus the CXA-only strategy. In patients with typical angina, cost savings by CMR + CXA vs CXA + FFR were minimal in the German (2.3%), intermediate in the US and Swiss (11.6% and 12.8%, respectively), and remained substantial in the UK (18.9%) systems. Sensitivity analyses proved the robustness of results.

CONCLUSIONS

A CMR + CXA-strategy for patients with suspected CAD provides substantial cost reduction compared to a hypothetical CXA + FFR-strategy in patients with low to intermediate disease prevalence. However, in the subgroup of patients with typical angina, cost savings were only minimal to moderate.

Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome after revascularization: A meta-analysis of eighteen cohorts with 18,457 patients

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to clarify the effect of revascularization methods among them in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing successful revascularization.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched. Cohort studies evaluating the association between MetS and risk of MACE and providing the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) or sufficient data to calculate HR and its 95%CI among patients after revascularization were included. The pooled estimates were performed by using a random-effects model despite heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted adherence to guidelines.

RESULTS

Eighteen trials with 18457 patients were included. Overall, MetS was associated with significant increased risks of MACE (HR 1.47, 95%CI 1.26-1.72, I(2)=46.4%, PH=0.016, P<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.58, 95%CI 1.29-1.92, I(2)=45.6%, PH=0.075, P<0.001) in CAD patients received revascularization. The results remained stable and robust in our subgroup analysis. However, no significant increased risk of MACE or all-cause mortality was found in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or drug-eluting stent (DES) in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

MetS was associated with increased risks of MACE and all-cause mortality in patients after revascularization, but not in patients receiving CABG or DES. Therefore, prevention and treatment of MetS are extremely necessary in patients undergoing revascularization. Moreover, CABG and DES should be recommended for CAD patients with MetS and future researches are still warranted.

Cardiopulmonary bypass increases the risk of vasoplegic syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVE

Coronary artery bypass grafting is currently the best treatment for dialysis patients with multivessel coronary artery involvement. Vasoplegic syndrome of inflammatory etiology constitutes an important postoperative complication, with highly negative impact on prognosis. Considering that these patients have an intrinsic inflammatory response exacerbation, our goal was to evaluate the incidence and mortality of vasoplegic syndrome after myocardial revascularization in this group.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center study of 50 consecutive and non-selected dialysis patients who underwent myocardial revascularization in a tertiary university hospital, from 2007 to 2012. The patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass or not (off-pump coronary artery bypass). The incidence and mortality of vasoplegic syndrome were analyzed. The subgroup of vasoplegic patients was studied separately.

RESULTS

There were no preoperative demographic differences between the cardiopulmonary bypass (n=20) and off-pump coronary artery bypass (n=30) group. Intraoperative data showed a greater number of distal coronary arteries anastomosis (2.8 vs. 1.8, P<0.0001) and higher transfusion rates (65% vs. 23%, P=0.008) in the cardiopulmonary bypass group. Vasoplegia incidence was statistically higher (P=0.0124) in the cardiopulmonary bypass group (30%) compared to the off-pump coronary artery bypass group (3%). Vasoplegia mortality was 50% in the cardiopulmonary bypass group and 0% in the off-pump coronary artery bypass group. The vasoplegic subgroup analysis showed no statistically significant clinical differences.

CONCLUSION

Cardiopulmonary bypass increased the risk for developing postoperative vasoplegic syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic renal failure.

Transmyocardial laser revascularization versus medical therapy for refractory angina

BACKGROUND

This is an update of a review previously published in 2009. Chronic angina and advanced forms of coronary disease are increasingly more frequent. In spite of the improvement in the efficacy of available revascularization treatments, a subgroup of patients continue suffering from refractory angina. Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) has been proposed to improve the clinical situation of these patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (both benefits and harms) of TMLR versus optimal medical treatment in people with refractory angina who are not candidates for percutaneous coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft, in alleviating angina severity, reducing mortality and improving ejection fraction.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following resources up to June 2014: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials database, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. We applied no languages restrictions. We also checked reference lists of relevant papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected studies if they fulfilled the following criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TMLR, by thoracotomy, in patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society or New York Heart Association angina grade III-IV who were excluded from other revascularization procedures.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors independently extracted data for each trial about the population and interventions compared and assessed the risk of bias of the studies, evaluating randomisation sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding (of participants, personnel and outcome assessors), incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other potential sources of bias.

MAIN RESULTS

From a total of 502 references, we retrieved 47 papers for more detailed evaluation. We selected 20 papers, reporting data from seven studies, which included 1137 participants, of which 559 were randomized to TMLR. Participants and professionals were not blinded, which suggests high risk of performance bias. Overall, 43.8% of participants in the treatment group decreased two angina classes, as compared with 14.8% in the control group: odds ratio (OR) 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.43 to 6.25), and heterogeneity was present. Mortality by intention-to-treat analysis was similar in both groups at 30 days (4.0% in the TMLR group and 3.5% in the control group), and one year (12.2% in the TMLR group and 11.9% in the control group). However, the 30-day mortality as-treated was 6.8% in the TMLR group and 0.8% in the control group (pooled OR was 3.76, 95% CI 1.63 to 8.66), mainly due to a higher mortality in participants crossing from standard treatment to TMLR. The assessment of subjective outcomes, such as improvement in angina, was affected by a high risk of bias and this may explain the differences found. Other adverse events such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias or heart failure, were not considered in this review, as they were not predefined outcomes in trials design and they show a high inconsistency across studies. No new trials on transmyocardial laser revascularization have been published in the last ten years and it is very unlikely that new research will be undertaken in this field.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that risks associated with TMLR outweigh the potential clinical benefits. Subjective outcomes are subject to high risk of bias and no differences were found in survival, but a significant increase in postoperative mortality and other safety outcomes suggests that the procedure may pose unacceptable risks.

Incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary angioplasty: Doppler-guided follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial coronary angioplasty (TRA).

BACKGROUND

RAO can occur after TRA but has not been well studied by serial vascular Doppler examination.

METHODS

A total of 198 patients undergoing TRA were included. Radial pulse and Doppler examination of the radial artery were performed 1 day before, 1 day after, and 3 months after the procedure. RAO was defined as an absence of antegrade flow on Doppler studies. Logistic regression analysis was done to evaluate the predictors of RAO.

RESULTS

The mean radial arterial diameter was 2.8 ± 0.4 mm. On the day after TRA, radial artery Doppler examination revealed RAO in 30 patients (15.2%). Radial pulse was still palpable in 30.0% of these patients. All of them were asymptomatic. At 3-month follow-up, no new RAO was noted. Interestingly, the radial artery had spontaneously recanalized in 8 patients (26.7%) with RAO. Patients with persistent RAO remained asymptomatic. On univariate analysis, female sex, diabetes, lower body mass index, radial artery diameter ≤2.5 mm, lower peak systolic velocity, and radial artery to sheath ratio <1 were predictors of RAO. Interestingly, procedural characteristics and duration of the procedure were not identified as predictors of RAO. On multivariate analysis, radial artery diameter ≤2.5 mm and preprocedural peak systolic velocity emerged as independent predictors for RAO.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic RAO occurs in about 15% of patients after TRA. Spontaneous recanalization occurs in about one-fourth of these patients. Preprocedure radial artery inner diameter ≤2.5 mm and peak systolic velocity are the independent predictors of RAO.

[Influence of remote ischemic preconditioning on brain injury markers dynamics during cardiopulmonary bypass]

INTRODUCTION

Remote ischemic preconditioning has gained clinicians' attention as a technique to protect the heart in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. While experimental data report neuroprotective properties of remote ischemic preconditioning, we failed to find any clinical studies investigating its effects on neurologic outcome in cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This prospective randomized placebo-controlled study was undertaken with the aim of elucidating the role of remote ischemic preconditioning for neuroprotection in cardiac surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

88 patients with coronary heart disease scheduled for on-pump coronary bypass grafting surgery were randomized to receive either remote ischemic preconditioning or control. We studied S100B peptide and neuron-specific enolase to assess neurological damage. Psychophysiological tests were employed to investigate cognitive function after surgery.

RESULTS

The perioperative dynamics of S100B and neuron-specific enolase followed similar patterns in both groups throughout the observation period. At the end of surgery, level of S100B was significantly higher in the preconditioning group as compared to controls--0.58 (0.33-0.65) vs. 0.34 (0.23-0.42) mcg/l, p<O. 01). No other significant between-group differences in biochemical markers were observed. No between-group differences in cognitive function and neurologic outcome after surgery were detected.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that remote ischemic preconditioning does not affect neuronal damage and neurologic outcome in patients operated under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Incidence of stroke and acute renal failure in patients of postoperative atrial fibrillation after myocardial revascularization

Introduction

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in cardiac surgery, its incidence range between 20% and 40%.

Objective

Quantify the occurrence of stroke and acute renal insufficiency after myocardial revascularization surgery in patients who had atrial fibrillation postoperatively.

Methods

Cohort longitudinal bidirectional study, performed at Portuguese Beneficent Hospital (SP), with medical chart survey of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery between June 2009 to July 2010. From a total of 3010 patients were weaned 382 patients that presented atrial fibrillation preoperatively and/or associated surgeries. The study was conducted in accordance with national and international following resolutions: ICH Harmonized Tripartite Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice - 1996; CNS196/96 Resolution, and Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

The 2628 patients included in this study were divided into two groups: Group I, who didn't show postoperative atrial fibrillation, with 2302 (87.6%) patients; and group II, with 326 (12.4%) who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation. The incidence of stroke in patients was 1.1% without postoperative atrial fibrillation vs. 4% with postoperative atrial fibrillation (P<0.001). Postoperative acute renal failure was observed in 12% of patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation and 2.4% in the group without postoperative atrial fibrillation (P<0.001), that is a relation 5 times greater.

Conclusion

In this study there was a high incidence of stroke and acute renal failure in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation, with rates higher than those reported in the literature.

Incomplete revascularization is associated with greater risk of long-term mortality after stenting in the era of first generation drug-eluting stents

The association between incomplete revascularization (IR) and long-term mortality after stenting in the era of drug-eluting stents is not well understood. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that IR is associated with a greater risk of long-term (5-year) mortality after stenting for multivessel coronary disease. Using data from the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Reporting System of New York State, 21,767 patients with multivessel disease who underwent stenting during October 2003 to December 2005 were identified. Complete revascularization (CR) was achieved in 6,844 patients (31.4%), and 14,923 patients (68.6%) were incompletely revascularized. The CR and IR patients were propensity matched on a 1:1 ratio on the number of diseased vessels, the presence of total occlusion, type of stents, and the probability of achieving CR estimated using a logistic model with established risk factors as independent variables. Patients were followed for vital status until December 31, 2008 using the National Death Index. Differences in survival between the matched CR and IR patients were compared. Among the 6,511 pairs of propensity-matched patients, the 5-year survival rate for IR was lower compared with CR (79.3% vs 81.4%, p = 0.004), and the risk of death during follow-up was 16% greater for IR compared with CR (hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.27, p = 0.001). In addition, subgroup analyses demonstrated that the association between IR and long-term mortality was not dependent on major patient risk factors. In conclusion, IR is associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality after stenting for multivessel disease in the era of drug-eluting stents.

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography of the left internal mammary artery graft

Assessment of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft patency currently requires invasive investigation through coronary angiography. In the last years the successful application of noninvasive Doppler spectrum analysis has been reported for patency assessment of the LIMA graft after myocardial revascularization. Echocardiography is considered to be a sensitive noninvasive screening modality to diagnose critical narrowing of LIMA grafts and angiography should be reserved for cases in which Doppler echocardiography fails to visualize the LIMA or reveals an abnormal flow pattern.

[Features of living activity limitations of elderly people with heart ischemic disease after surgical myocardial revascularization]

The article presents a comparative analysis of vital activity restriction in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after surgical myocardial revascularization in elderly and working age patients. It is demonstrated that elderly patients have some features of vital activity restriction, which is necessary to take into account in medical social expertise and rehabilitation program development.

Weighting composite endpoints in clinical trials: essential evidence for the heart team

BACKGROUND

Coronary revascularization trials often use a composite endpoint of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The usual practice in analyzing data with a composite endpoint is to assign equal weights to each of the individual MACCE elements. Noninferiority margins are used to offset effects of presumably less important components, but their magnitudes are subject to bias. This study describes the relative importance of MACCE elements from a patient perspective.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was conducted. Survey respondents were presented with a scenario that would make them eligible for the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial three-vessel disease cohort. Respondents chose among pairs of procedures that differed on the 3-year probability of MACCE, potential for increased longevity, and procedure/recovery time. Conjoint analysis derived relative weights for these attributes.

RESULTS

In all, 224 respondents completed the survey. The attributes did not have equal weight. Risk of death was most important (relative weight 0.23), followed by stroke (0.18), potential increased longevity and recovery time (each 0.17), myocardial infarction (0.14), and risk of repeat revascularization (0.11). Applying these weights to the SYNTAX 3-year endpoints resulted in a persistent, but decreased margin of difference in MACCE favoring coronary artery bypass graft surgery compared to percutaneous coronary intervention. When labeled only as "procedure A" and "procedure B," 87% of respondents chose coronary artery bypass graft surgery over percutaneous coronary intervention. When procedures were labeled as "coronary stent" and "coronary bypass surgery," only 73% chose coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Procedural preference varied with demographics, sex, and familiarity with the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The MACCE elements do not carry equal weight in a composite endpoint, from a patient perspective. Using a weighted composite endpoint increases the validity of statistical analyses and trial conclusions. Patients are subject to bias by labels when considering coronary revascularization.