One-year follow-up after primary coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction in diabetic patients. A substudy of the STENT PAMI trial

OBJECTIVE

This analysis was undertaken to determine the composite incidence of cumulative adverse events (death, reinfarction, disabling stroke, and target vessel revascularization) at the end of the first year after acute myocardial infarction, in diabetic patients who underwent coronary stenting or primary coronary balloon angioplasty.

METHODS

From the STENT PAMI trial, we analyzed the 6-month angiographic and 1-year clinical outcomes of 135 diabetic (112, noninsulin dependent) patients who underwent the randomization process of the trial and compared them with 758 nondiabetic patients.

RESULTS

Coronary stenting did not significantly reduce the primary composite clinical end point when compared with PTCA (20 vs. 30%, p=0.2). A significant benefit from stenting was observed in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes, with a trend toward a lesser need for new revascularization procedures (10 vs. 21%, p<.001), with a significant reduction in the primary composite clinical end point at 1 year (12 vs. 28%, p=. 04). At 6 months, the restenosis rate were significantly reduced only in nondiabetic patients (18 vs. 33%, p<. 001). Diabetic patients had the same restenosis rate (38%) either with stenting or balloon PTCA.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary Stenting in diabetics noninsulin dependent offered a significant reduction in the composite incidence of major clinical adverse events compared with balloon PTCA.

Sustained suppression of neointimal proliferation by sirolimus-eluting stents: one-year angiographic and intravascular ultrasound follow-up

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported a virtual absence of neointimal hyperplasia 4 months after implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether these results are sustained over a period of 1 year.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-five patients with de novo coronary disease were successfully treated with the implantation of a single sirolimus-eluting Bx VELOCITY stent in São Paulo, Brazil (n=30, 15 fast release [group I, GI] and 15 slow release [GII]) and Rotterdam, The Netherlands (15 slow release, GIII). Angiographic and volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) follow-up was obtained at 4 and 12 months (GI and GII) and 6 months (GIII). In-stent minimal lumen diameter and percent diameter stenosis remained essentially unchanged in all groups (at 12 months, GI and GII; at 6 months, GIII). Follow-up in-lesion minimal lumen diameter was 2.28 mm (GIII), 2.32 mm (GI), and 2.48 mm (GII). No patient approached the >/=50% diameter stenosis at 1 year by angiography or IVUS assessment, and no edge restenosis was observed. Neointimal hyperplasia, as detected by IVUS, was virtually absent at 6 months (2+/-5% obstruction volume, GIII) and at 12 months (GI=2+/-5% and GII=2+/-3%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a sustained suppression of neointimal proliferation by sirolimus-eluting Bx VELOCITY stents 1 year after implantation.

Clinical and economic impact of diabetes mellitus on percutaneous and surgical treatment of multivessel coronary disease patients: insights from the Arterial Revascularization Therapy Study (ARTS) trial

BACKGROUND

Our aims were to compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and stenting for the treatment of diabetic patients with multivessel coronary disease enrolled in the Arterial Revascularization Therapy Study (ARTS) trial and to determine the costs of these 2 treatment strategies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (n=1205) were randomly assigned to stent implantation (n=600; diabetic, 112) or CABG (n=605; diabetic, 96). Costs per patient were calculated as the product of each patient's use of resources and the corresponding unit costs. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. At 1 year, diabetic patients treated with stenting had the lowest event-free survival rate (63.4%) because of a higher incidence of repeat revascularization compared with both diabetic patients treated with CABG (84.4%, P<0.001) and nondiabetic patients treated with stents (76.2%, P=0.04). Conversely, diabetic and nondiabetic patients experienced similar 1-year event-free survival rates when treated with CABG (84.4% and 88.4%). The total 1-year costs for stenting and CABG in diabetic patients were $12 855 and $16 585 (P<0.001) and in the nondiabetic groups, $10 164 for stenting and $13 082 for surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Multivessel diabetic patients treated with stenting had a worse 1-year outcome than patients assigned to CABG or nondiabetics treated with stenting. The strategy of stenting was less costly than CABG, however, regardless of diabetic status.

The use of primary stenting or balloon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for the treatment of acutely occluded saphenous vein grafts. Results from the Brazilian National Registry--CENIC. Central Nacional de Intervenções Cardiovasculares

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a comparative analysis of the in-hospital outcomes of patients who underwent primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) or stent implantation because of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) related to an acute vein graft occlusion.

METHODS

Since 1991 the Brazilian Society of Hemodynamic and Interventional Cardiology has maintained a large database (CENIC). From these, we selected all consecutive patients, who underwent primary PTCA or stenting in the first 24 hours of AMI, with the target vessel being an occluded vein graft. Immediate results and major coronary events occurring up until hospital discharge were analyzed.

RESULTS

During this period, 5,932 patients underwent primary PTCA or stenting; 158 (3%) of the procedures were performed because of an acute vein graft occlusion. Stenting was performed in 74 (47%) patients. Patients treated with stents had a higher success rate and lower mean residual stenosis compared with those who underwent primary balloon PTCA. The incidence of reinfarction and death were similar for stenting and balloon PTCA.

CONCLUSION

Primary percutaneous treatment of AMI related to acute vein graft occlusion is still an uncommon practice. Primary stenting improved luminal diameter and offered higher rates of success; however, this strategy did not reduce the in-hospital reinfarction and death rate, compared with that occurring with PTCA treatment.

Lack of neointimal proliferation after implantation of sirolimus-coated stents in human coronary arteries: a quantitative coronary angiography and three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound study

BACKGROUND

Restenosis remains an important limitation of interventional cardiology. Therefore, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of sirolimus (a cell-cycle inhibitor)-coated BX Velocity stents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty patients with angina pectoris were electively treated with 2 different formulations of sirolimus-coated stents (slow release [SR], n=15, and fast release [FR], n=15). All stents were successfully delivered, and patients were discharged without clinical complications. Independent core laboratories analyzed angiographic and 3D volumetric intravascular ultrasound data (immediately after procedure and at 4-month follow-up). Eight-month clinical follow-up was obtained for all patients. There was minimal neointimal hyperplasia in both groups (11.0+/-3.0% in the SR group and 10.4+/-3.0% in the FR group, P:=NS) by ultrasound and quantitative coronary angiography (in-stent late loss, 0.09+/-0.3 mm [SR] and -0.02+/-0.3 mm [FR]; in-lesion late loss, 0.16+/-0.3 mm [SR] and -0.1+/-0.3 mm [FR]). No in-stent or edge restenosis (diameter stenosis >or=50%) was observed. No major clinical events (stent thrombosis, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction, or death) had occurred by 8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The implantation of sirolimus-coated BX Velocity stents is feasible and safe and elicits minimal neointimal proliferation. Additional placebo-controlled trials are required to confirm these promising results.

Acute myocardial infarction in progressively elderly patients. A comparative analysis of immediate results in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of the in-hospital results, in progressively elderly patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the first 24 hours of AMI.

METHODS

The patients were divided into three different age groups (60/69, 70/79, and > or =80 years) and were treated from 7/95 until 12/99. The primary success rate and the occurrence of major clinical events were analyzed at the end of the in-hospital phase. Coronary stent implantation and abciximab use were employed at the interventionist discretion.

RESULTS

We analyzed 201 patients with age ranging from 60 to 93 years, who underwent primary PCI. Patients with ages above 70 were more often female (p=.015). Those with ages above 80 were treated later with PCI (p=.054), and all of them presented with total occlusion of the infarct-related artery. Coronary stents were implanted in 30% of the patients. Procedural success was lower in > or =80 year old patients (p=.022), and the death rate was higher in > or =70 years olds (p=.019). Reinfarction and coronary bypass surgery were uncommon events. A trend occurred toward a higher combined incidence of major in-hospital events according to increased age (p=.064).

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients (> or =70 years) presented with adverse clinical and angiographic profiles and patients > or =80 years of age obtained reduced TIMI 3 flow success rates after primary PTCA, and those > or =70 years had a higher death rate.

Primary coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in acute myocardial infarction. Comparative analysis of the in-hospital results in the CENIC/SBHCI registry. National Center of Cardiovascular Interventions members

OBJECTIVE

Comparative analysis of the in-hospital results after primary implantation of stents or coronary balloon angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

CENIC (National Center of Cardiovascular Interventions) gathered data on 3, 924 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty (in the primary form, without the previous use of thrombolytic agents) in the first 24 hours after a MI, during the period of 1996-1998. From these 3,924 patients, 1,337 (34%) underwent stent implantation. We analyzed the success of the procedure and the occurrence of adverse cardiac events.

RESULTS

In patients undergoing stent implantation there were more males (77% vs 69%, p=0.001), previous by pass surgery (6. 3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.01), anterior MI and stent implantation in left descending artery (55% vs. 48% vs. p=0.009), and saphenous vein bypass grafts (3.3% vs. 1.9%). the procedure was more succesful in the group of stents (97% vs. 84%, p=0.001) and reinfarction rate (2. 5 vs. 4%, p=0.002). The need for emergency revascularization was similar (1% vs. 1.1%, NS). Total in-hospital mortality was lower in stent group (3.4% vs. 7. 2%, p=0.0001) and this effect was in patients Killip class III/V (19.5% vs. 32.5%, p= 0.002) because there was no difference in patients class I/II (1.7% vs. 2.8%, p=0. 9).

CONCLUSION

Primary stent implantation in acute myocardial infarction showed better early results than balloon angioplasty alome.

Percutaneous handling of coronary lesions >20mm through stents. Is there a first choice strategy?

OBJECTIVE - This study compared the early and late results of the use of one single stent with those of the use of multiple stents in patients with lesions longer than 20mm. METHODS - Prospective assessment of patients electively treated with stents, with optimal stent deployment and followed-up for more than 3 months. From February '94 to January '98, 215 patients with lesions >20mm were treated. These patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: Group A - 105 patients (49%) with one stent implanted; Group B - 110 patients (51%) with multiple stents implanted. RESULTS - The mean length of the lesions was 26mm in group A (21-48mm) versus 29mm in group B (21-52mm) (p=0.01). Major complications occurred in one patient (0.9%) in group A (subacute thrombosis, myocardial infarctionand death) and in 2 patients (1.8%) in group B (one emergency surgery and one myocardial infarction) (p=NS). The results of the late follow-up period (>6 months) were similar for both groups (group A = 82% vs group B = 76%; p=NS), and we observed an event-free survical in 89% of the patients in group A and in 91% of the patients in group B (p=NS). Angina (group A = 11% vs group B = 7%) and lesion revascularization (group A = 5% vs group B = 6%; p=NS) also occurred in a similar percentage. No infarction or death was observed in the late follow-up period; restenosis was identified in 33% and 29% of the patients in groups A and B, respectively (p=NS). CONCLUSION - The results obtained using one stent and using multiple stents were similar; the greater cost-effectiveness of one stent implantation, however, seems to make this strategy the first choice.

Safety and efficacy of coronary stent implantation. Acute and six month outcomes of 1,126 consecutive patients treated in 1996 and 1997

PURPOSE

The authors analyzed the 30-day and 6-month outcomes of 1,126 consecutive patients who underwent coronary stent implantation in 1996 and 1997.

METHODS

The 30-day results and 6-month angiographic follow-up were analyzed in patients treated with coronary stents in 1996 and 1997. All patients underwent coronary stenting with high-pressure implantation (> 12 atm) and antiplatelet drug regimen (aspirin plus ticlopidine).

RESULTS

During the study period, 1,390 coronary stents were implanted in 1,200 vessels of 1,126 patients; 477 patients were treated in the year 1996 and 649 in 1997. The number of percutaneous procedures performed using stents increased significantly in 1997 compared to 1996 (64% vs 48%, p = 0.0001). The 30-day results were similar in both years: the success and stent thrombosis rates were equal (97% and 0.8%, respectively). The occurrence of new Q wave MI (1.3% vs 1.1%, 1996 vs 1997, p = NS), emergency coronary bypass surgery (1% vs 0.6%, 1996 vs 1997, p = NS) and 30-day death rates (0.2% vs 0.5%, 1996 vs 1997, p = NS) were similar. The 6-month restenosis rate was 25% in 1996 and 27% in 1997 (p = NS); the target vessel revascularization rate was 15% in 1996 and 16% in 1997 (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary stenting showed a high success rate and a low incidence of 30-day occurrence of new major coronary events in both periods, despite the greater angiographic complexity of the patients treated with in 1997. These adverse variables did not have a negative influence at the 6-month clinical and angiographic follow-up, with similar rates of restenosis and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization rates.

Coronary angioplasty in Brazil

In 1979, the first transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed in Brazil, two years after the original contribution of Andreas Gruentzig, in Zurich. In the years which followed, the development of PTCA in the country grew and in the mid eighties several centres had already had the experience of more than 600 cases. In the beginning of the nineties, PTCA underwent an additional promotion with a large number of procedures, now subventioned by the bodies of public health. In addition to this, the introduction of new technologies such as directional atherectomy, rotablator, laser and stents. In 1991, the Brazilian Society of Interventional Cardiology created a national registry (CENIC) to gather data on the coronary procedures performed in the country. The CENIC data for the 1992/1993 and 1996/1997 bienniums were compared and it was observed that there had been a significant increase in the number of cases treated (from 16,429 in 92/93 to 22,025 in 96/97), complex lesions of the B/C type (from 71.4% to 92.3%), patients with previous revascularisation (from 22% to 28.3%), acute myocardial infarction (from 16% to 17.4%) and multiarterial lesions (from 34.4% to 38.8%). However, despite a greater clinical and angiographic complexity, the success of the procedure grew (from 89.7% to 92.8%) and complications reduced: acute occlusion (from 3.2% to 1.5%); acute myocardial infarction (from 2.5% to 1.2%) and death (from 1.8% to 1.4%). Interventional cardiology in Brazil has consequently progressed at the same rate as that of other countries. The incorporation of new technologies, particularly coronary endoprostheses has increased, guaranteeing better success rates, better results and a decrease in complications arising from acute occlusion of the target vessel.

[Risk factors for acute myocardial infarction in Brazil. FRICAS Study]

PURPOSE

To determine risk factors related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Brazil.

METHODS

Five hundred ninety one patients were selected in 20 medical centers in Brazil, between January/94 and March/95. Two-hundred-ninety-nine patients were cases, and 292 controls with a variety of acute diseases not related to the suspected or known risk factors for acute myocardial infarction. All data were collected through a structured questionnaire filled by the patients. The evaluation of the variables was done through univariate analysis with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The factors related to acute myocardial infarction were respectively to cases and controls: Hypercholesterolemia--210.93 +/- 46.74 mg/dl and 185.71 +/- 45.45 mg/dl, (p = 0.000); smoking--41.69% and 27.20% (p = 0.000); hypertension--52.35% and 20.88% (p = 0.000); diabetes--19.70% and 9.93% (p = 0.001); family history--related to the patient's father in 42.14% and 33.22% (p = 0.025) and to the mother in 42.14% and 30.82% (p = 0.007); socioeconomic level--88.99% and 60.20% owned house (p = 0.002); 44.45% and 33.21% owned car (p = 0.010); physical activity--56.83% and 48.28% had the habit of walking in the year prior to study entry (p = 0.029); diet--38.79% and 28.42% consumed canned food (p = 0.013). The mean weight was 72.50 +/- 26.89 kg and 69 +/- 12.26 kg (p = 0.0271). The mean height was 166.56 +/- 8.81 cm and 166.66 +/- 8.47 cm.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the importance of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight and family history as risk factors for acute myocardial infarction. There was a significant relation between socioeconomic level and the prevalence of acute myocardial infarction.

[Percutaneous myocardial revascularization procedures in Brazil in 1996-1997 compared to the 1992-1993 period. A report of the National Registry--National Center for Cardiovascular Interventions (CENIC)]

PURPOSE

To report the results of percutaneous coronary interventions, in Brazil, in the years 1996-97, comparing them to those of 1992-93.

METHODS

Data were collected in a standard form and the 1996-97 results were compared to those of 1992-93.

RESULTS

The current Registry received data from 79% effective members of the SBHCI in 127 hospitals, including 22,025 patients, 60.67% of whom underwent PTCA, 36.57% stent implantation, 2.3% PTRA, 0.06% DCA and 0.4% laser angioplasty. Balloon angioplasty was the most frequent procedure in 1996-97, but its overall rate fell from 6.75% to 55.8% (p = 0.0001) concomitantly, there was a 35% relative increase in the use of stents from 1992-93 to 1996-97. The success rate of the later period was higher (89.7% vs 92.8%, p = 0.000001), with lower residual stenosis (22% vs 19%, p = 0.001). Besides, there were lower major complications rates: acute myocardial infarction (2.5% vs 1.2%, p = 0.002) and death (1.8% vs 1.4%, p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The procedures most often carried out in both periods were balloon angioplasty (60.67%) and implantation of stents (36.57%); the success rate high, abrupt closure rate was low (1.5%). These favorable results corroborate the high standards of the Brazilian Interventional Cardiology.

[Influence of the clinical presentation on immediate and long-term results after rotational atherectomy]

PURPOSE

To analyse the influence of unstable coronary syndromes (UCS) in the early and late prognosis after rotational atherectomy (RA).

METHODS

We treated 236 patients with RA between Aug/1992 and May/1996. Patients were divided into two groups: A) stable coronary syndromes 120 (51%) patients; B) UCS: 116 (49%) patients.

DEFINITIONS

1) procedure success (PS)--lesion success in all locations were RA use was attempted, without a major complication; 2) late coronary events (LCE)--angina, MI, additional revascularization or death.

RESULTS

There was a significant predominance of age > 70 (A = 14% x B = 24%, p = 0.03) in B and previous MI (A = 32% x B = 11%, p = 0.0001) in A. Other characteristics were similar in both groups, including complex lesions (type B2/C), which were observed in 77% A stenosis and 80% B lesions. PS was 95% in A and 92% in B (p = NS). In-hospital major complications were observed in 2.5% A and 4.3% B patients, (p = NS). One patient died in each group. A and B patients had similar time of follow-up. LCE occurred in 25% A and 39% B patients (p = 0.002). Recurrence of angina (36% x 23%; p = 0.01) and target lesion revascularization (29% x 18%; p = 0.03) were also more frequently required in B cases.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that UCS (group A) does not implicate in worse acute results after RA. However, UCS patients present greater incidence of late coronary events, particularly recurrence of angina and target-lesion revascularization.

[Coronary angioplasty in patients with restenosis. Characterization of clinical and angiographic profiles, hospital clinical course, and implications for the selection of patients]

PURPOSE

To define the clinical and angiographic profile of patients undergoing to a 2nd or a 3rd coronary angioplaty (PTCA) for the treatment of restenosis, and assess the safety and efficacy of redilatation.

METHODS

Patients submitted to PTCA for a 1st (1stRE) or a 2nd (2ndRE) restenosis, from Jan/1980 through Dec/1993, were retrospectively identified, and compared to those undergoing to PTCA for de novo lesions (DN).

RESULTS

A total of 5,736 underwent to dilatation of primary lesions, 610 of a 1stRE, and 64 of a 2ndRE. Patients with restenotic lesions had a higher prevalence of diabetes, smoking, history of prior infarction (1stRE e 2ndRE) and hyperlipidemia (2ndRE) as compared with primary lesions (p < 0.05). Besides patients with a 2ndRE had a higher incidence of left ventricular dysfunction, as compared to those with DN or a 1stRE (31.3% with EF < 45% in group 2ndRE, vs 19.8% and 23.1% in groups 1stRE and DN, respectively, p < 0.05). Primary success, infarct rate and mortality were similar in all groups, but emergency bypass surgery was significantly higher in the DN (2.1% vs 0.8% in 1stRE and 0% in 2ndRE, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Restenosis can be effectively treated by redilatation. Patients with clinical and angiographic features predisposing to further recurrence can be better treated with other interventions (i.e., coronary stents, bypass surgery).

[Percutaneous cardiovascular intervention procedures in Brazil (1992-1993). Report of the National Registry-National Center for Cardiovascular Interventions]

PURPOSE

To report the data on the first 2 years (1992-1993) of activity of the National Registry of Cardiovascular Interventions (CENIC) of the Hemodynamic and Angiography Department (DHA) of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC).

METHODS

The full members of the DHA of the SBC sent their data on seven types of interventions: balloon angioplasty (PTCA), mitral balloon valvoplasty (MBV), pulmonary balloon valvoplasty (PBV), aortic balloon valvoplasty (ABV), tricuspid balloon valvoplasty (TBV), aortic balloon dilation (AoB) and balloon dilation of pulmonary branches (PBB), to the CENIC.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven interventional cardiologists and 71 hospitals in 14 states, participated in this data bank. During this time, 16,429 PTCA, 551 MBV, 347 PBV, 62 ABV, 61 AoB, 3 TBV and 3 PBB were registered. PTCA was therefore the most performed procedure (94%); primary success rate was 89.7%. As for the major complications, there were 2.5% acute myocardial infarction; 0.8% emergency bypass surgery and 1.8% death. As for the other interventions, the primary success rate was 92.9% for MBV, 88.5% for PBV, 80.3% for AoB, 72.6% for ABV, 66.7% for TBV with 0.54% deaths for MBV patients and 3.23% for ABV patients.

CONCLUSION

The performance of the interventional cardiology in Brazil reflects the difusion of intervention methods in the main hospitals of the country. The results demonstrate a high efficacy and safety rate, characterizing an excellent performance.

[Inefficacy of diltiazem in restenosis prevention after coronary angioplasty]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of diltiazem in preventing restenosis after balloon angioplasty (PTCA).

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients who were undergone to successful PTCA, were divided them in 2 groups (G): A) 44 patients (50%) who received diltiazem (180 mg tid) immediately after PTCA and were kept on it for 6 months); B) 45 patients (50%) who received placebo. Fifty two lesions were dilated in GA and 54 in GB. Patients were excluded from analysis for several reasons, including: necessity of diltiazem or others calcium channel blockers use; heart failure, bradicardia, AV block of any degree, PTCA to chronic total occlusion, ostial lesions and AMI less than 30 days prior to PTCA. Patients were randomized to either the active drug or placebo in a double blind fashion. Restenosis was defined as a 50% lesion. Patients underwent late angiography either at 6 months or sooner if clinically indicated.

RESULTS

Both G were similar to age > 70 years (A = 7% vs B = 4%-p = NS), sex (A = 13% vs B = 11%-p = NS), stable angina (A = 43% vs B = 51%), unstable angina (A = 57% vs B = 49%-p = NS) and single vessel (A = 91% vs B = 87%-p = NS) or multivessel (A = 9% vs B = 13%-p = NS) PTCA. We studied 39/44 (89%) patients in GA and 43/45 (96%) in GB (p = NS). We observed restenosis in 17/39 (43%) in GA and 16/43 (37%) in GB (p = NS). The restenosis rate per lesion was 39% in GA and 31% in GB (p = NS).

CONCLUSION

Diltiazem was ineffective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA.

[Coronary angioplasty using double balloon in artery of large calibre (hugging balloons)]

In this case report the transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed in a oversized right coronary artery with a severe lesion with thrombus inside, using the Hugging balloon technique (two dilatation balloon catheters used simultaneously). This technique achieved minimal residual lesion and had a favorable clinical outcome of the patient.

[Acute occlusion after coronary angioplasty. Early management and late course]

PURPOSE

Assess the efficacy of the different strategies employed in the management of acute closure and verify the late prognosis of patients who develop this complication.

METHODS

From january 1987, through December 1990, 2315 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in our Institution. We analyzed 100 patients who had had acute closure of the dilated vessel determining the total incidence of myocardial infarction and death, the effectiveness of the different treatment strategies and clinical and angiographic predictors of poor in-hospital outcome. Late follow-up was obtained in the hospital survivors.

RESULTS

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction in the group of 100 patients was 57%; death occurred in 12% of the patients. Forty-one individuals were referred to emergency bypass surgery, 35 received clinical treatment and 24 underwent redilatation of the vessel. Those managed clinically had a higher incidence of myocardial infarction compared to the ones who underwent either redilatation or surgery (74.3% versus 50% and 48.8%). The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction < 45% (44.4%, p < 0.001) and in procedures involving the left anterior descending artery (20%, p < 0.05); patients undergoing repeat dilatation had the lower death rate (4.2% versus 8.6% in the clinical group and 17.1% in the surgical group). Late follow-up was obtained in 65 of 88 hospital survivors (mean follow-up = 17 months). Patients who underwent repeat dilatation were significantly less symptomatic in the follow-up than those who received medical therapy during the acute phase (89% versus 60.9% of patients without symptoms respectively, p < 0.05). Patients who were referred to surgery had also a tendency towards having less symptoms (87.5% of asymptomatic patients in the late follow-up) although the difference was not statistically significant (0.01 > p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acute coronary occlusion is a serious complication of angioplasty and is associated with high rates of major complications (myocardial infarction, death). Low left ventricular ejection fraction and PTCA involving the left anterior descending are predictors of higher in-hospital mortality in patients with acute closure. Late outcome is less favourable in patients submitted to clinical treatment in the acute phase.

[Mitral double catheter-balloon valvuloplasty, hemodynamics evaluation of 52 cases one year after the procedure]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the late hemodynamic and angiographic results of 52 patients who underwent mitral valvoplasty by the double balloon technique in the treatment of the rheumatic mitral stenosis.

METHODS

The mean follow-up was of 18 months and the patients had a Doppler-echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization one year after dilatation. Of the 52 patients 84.6% were female and the mean age was 21.9% years. Eighty one percent were in NYHA class I whereas 5.7% had atrial fibrillation at the end of 18 months.

RESULTS

Immediately after valvoplasty 46 patients (88.5%) had a valvar area larger, and 6 (11.5%) smaller than 1.5 cm2. The first group had a good clinical outcome with maintenance of the clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic results in the late follow-up, including the diastolic gradient and the valvar area. Of the 6 cases with mitral area smaller than 1.5 cm2, 2 had a good clinical evolution, 2 were re-dilated, 1 was scheduled for surgery and the last one is under clinical management but with poor hemodynamic results. Three (5.7%) cases developed an atrial septal defect after the procedure, with hemodynamic repercussion in 1. Mitral regurgitation developed in 16 cases (+ in 8, +/++ in 8) without changes during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Double balloon mitral valvoplasty is a safe effective method in the treatment of the rheumatic mitral stenosis, and offers a better evolution in patients with a valvar area larger than 1.5 cm2 after the dilatation.

[Nonsurgical treatment of coronary pulmonary arteriovenous fistula]

Fifty eight year old man, with dyspnea, fatigue and progressive angina underwent cinecoronarography, which showed an arterio-venous coronary-pulmonary fistula originating from the circumflex artery to the pulmonary circulation. We decided to occlude it percutaneously, using a detachable balloon technic. The occlusion was accomplished successfully. Clinical evolution was excellent and the follow-up cinecoronarography 6 months later showed the maintainance of the initial results.

[Heparin in coronary angioplasty. Randomized study in cases with low risk of acute occlusion]

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of heparin in preventing the abrupt closure after coronary angioplasty in low risk patients for this phenomenon.

METHODS

In the last 4 years, 525 patients successfully dilated were randomized to receive intravenous heparin (n = 264) or not (n = 261) after the angioplasty. The excluding criteria were contraindications for heparin and risk for abrupt closure (refractory unstable angina, primary coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction, evidence of intracoronary thrombus, intimal tear after the procedure and cases of chronic total occlusions). Both heparin and non heparin groups were similar in respect to female sex (15% x 17%; p = NS), age over 70 years old (7% x 9%; p = NS), previous myocardial infarction (26% x 24%; p = NS), multi-vessel procedures (4% x 7%; p = NS, stable angina (40% x 46%; p = NS), unstable angina (52% x 48%; p = NS) and angioplasty after thrombolytic therapy (8% x 6%; p = NS).

RESULTS

The overall incidence of abrupt closure was 2/525 (0.4%), with one case (0.4%) in each group. The in-hospital mortality was 1/525 (0.2%), which occurred in a non-heparin patient, due to a anterior myocardial infarction. Major complications occurred similarly in heparin and non-heparin groups (0.4%). Bleeding complications were observed more frequently in the heparin group (7% x 2%; p = 0.002). All of them were in the catheterization site and none required blood transfusion. Severe systemic bleeding were not observed.

CONCLUSION

In patients regarded as low risk for abrupt closure, the incidence of this complication was really low (0.4%) and heparin probably do not prevent it.

[Outpatient heart catheterization. An analysis of experience accumulated over 10 months]

PURPOSE

To identify patients suitable for outpatient cardiac catheterization strategy, based on social aspects, risks and complications, for a 24 hour period.

METHODS

In a series of 2.126 cases submitted to cardiac catheterization at the Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, between September 1990 and June 1991, were excluded: a) those over 75 years of age; b) the acute ischemic syndromes; c) those in NYHA functional class IV; d) patients who used 7 or 8 French femoral angiographic catheters; e) patients who had undergone general anesthesia, electrophysiological study or endomyocardial biopsy. After the procedure, the patients were observed for a 3 hour period and in the absence of any complication, they were discharged from the hospital, returning the next day for clinical evaluation. If any complication occurred it was registered.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 719 eligible patients, 68% were male, with a mean age of 55.3 years. Sixty one per cent were in NYHA functional class I and most of them (80.8%) were studied by the brachial approach. Eighty-three per cent of the patients were submitted to coronary angiography, with 52% of them having coronary artery disease. Four hundred and fourteen patients were not discharged on the same day: 217 did not have their procedures finish after 6 p.m., 111 for social-economical reasons, 23 because of their physician's refuse, 8 because of left main coronary disease, 55 because of any kind of complication. All the 305 patients who were discharged on the same day, did not have shown any complication in the next day evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient cardiac catheterization is a safe technique in selected patients, making possible the accomplishment of a greater number of procedures improving bed utilization and decreasing hospital costs.

[The usefulness of digital angiography in performing coronary angioplasty. An analysis of 100 cases]

PURPOSE

To analyse the actual contribution of digital angiography in the angioplasty setting and to assess its utility to optimize angioplasty results.

METHODS

One hundred patients with single vessel coronary artery disease, without previous angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, who underwent angioplasty from January to December 1990. Views were obtained in standard films and also in digitized angiograms. The latter was acquired before angioplasty in order to precisely quantify the stenosis and also to measure the reference diameter of the artery that was used and to choose the balloon catheter for each case. New acquisitions were done during and after the end of the procedure to confirm the residual stenosis and to measure the final diameter.

RESULTS

The mean stenosis pre angioplasty was 78.2%, the mean reference diameter 2.8 mm and the mean diameter at the stenotic site 0.8 mm. The balloon artery relation was 0.9:1. After angioplasty the residual stenosis was 13.6% and the dilated segment had a final diameter of 2.6 mm. There were no complications in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Digital angiography is a useful method for laboratories devoted to coronary interventions for it allows confirmation of the severity of the stenosis, optimizes the balloon/artery relation, monitors partial results and measures the residual stenosis as well as the final diameter.

[The use of primary coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction in patients over 70 years of age]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of primary coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients older than 70 years, evolving with acute myocardial infarction, without the previous administration of thrombolytic agents.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and more than 70 years of age (m = 76.4y). There were 54.7% men and 43% of them had anterior MI. PTCA was carried out during the first 12 hours of evolution and in the first 3 hours of duration in 47% of them. PTCA was done only to the AMI related artery, which was the left descending artery in 43%, the right coronary artery in 47% and the left circumflex in the remaining patients. Nineteen percent of these patients were in Killip class III e IV.

RESULTS

Primary success was achieved in 86%. The in hospital mortality was 14.2%, and it was superior in female gender (26.3%), in Killip class III and IV (37.5%), in those with multivessel coronary disease (16.6%) and in those where primary PTCA failed (33%). There were 9.3% of reinfarction, but no major hemorrhages happened. Late angiography was done in 50% of patients, showing 72% of patency in the AMI related artery, and a significant improval of global ejection fraction and of the wall motion, particularly, in those who maintained arterial patency.

CONCLUSION

Primary PTCA, without former use of thrombolytic agents, when applied early in elderly patients evolving with AMI, has a high success rate and low mortality rate in this subset of high risk patients. It also shows no major hemorrhagic complications.

[Treatment of acute coronary dissection by angioplasty during diagnostic catheterization by the Sones' technique]

Male, 50 year-old, white, who underwent coronary arteriography and exhibited proximal dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery induced by the Sones catheter with subsequent acute vessel occlusion. The patient was immediately treated by balloon angioplasty with excellent outcome.

[Coronary angioplasty in the 8th and 9th decades of life: an effective technique for myocardial revascularization?]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA), as a revascularization procedure in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease in the 8th and 9th decades of life.

METHODS

Four hundred and fifty-two elderly patients (mean age 74.7 years) underwent balloon dilation, between April 1982 and June 1990, at the Institute "Dante Pazzanese" of Cardiology. There were 70.4% male, 34.9% with high blood pressure, 18.8% smoked and 10.8% with diabetes. Ninety-four patients (20.7%) had previous myocardial infarction and systemic disorders were diagnosed in 14% (renal failure 5.1%, respiratory insufficiency 3.1%, rheumatic and bone disorders 1.1%, malignancy 4.2%, haematologic disorders 0.4%). One hundred and seventy-three (38.3%) had multivessel coronary artery disease whereas 84 (18.5%) had moderate to severe dysfunction of the left ventricle. PTCA was done according to the method described by Grüntzig, with the use of a "over the wire" (LPS, USCI, Mini Profile USCI, ACX ACS) balloon or a "on the wire" (Probe USCI, Axcel ACS) System.

RESULTS

Primary success was achieved in 406 (89.5%) patients where PTCA was done to dilate one vessel in 412, two vessels in 38 and three vessels in 2, accomplishing 494 dilated vessels. Major complications occurred in 14 (3.1%) patients, due to occlusion of the treated coronary artery. Emergency by-pass surgery was necessary in 5 (1.1%) patients, while 8 patients involved to acute myocardial infarction (1.8%), and 5 (1.1%) died. At the end of the late follow-up (mean 24.5 months) of 349 elderly patients (86% of the 406 successful dilated) 246 (70.5%) were asymptomatic, chest pain had recurred in 101 (28.9%) and 2 (0.6%) had myocardial infarction. Twenty-eight patients died during the follow-up, 14 of them (4.0%) due to cardiac causes. Late restenosis developed in 66 patients and 22 had progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Forty patients underwent a late PTCA, and 33 others underwent a late bypass surgery.

CONCLUSION

PTCA in patients in the 8th and 9th decade of life was a safe and efficient procedure (primary success rate about 90% and major complications of 3.1%). The late evolution showed satisfactory clinical results (70.5% of asymptomatic) low myocardial infarction rate (0.3% per year) and low incidence of cardiac death (2% per year). About 2/3 of the patients were free of any cardiac event (angina, myocardial infarction, by-pass surgery or death) at the end of the follow-up.

[Coronary angioplasty of moderate lesions (50 to 60%)]

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with moderate (50-60%) coronary lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty nine patients, 108 (78%) male, mean age was 55 years, who underwent coronary angioplasty from August 1983 to January 1989. Clinical findings included stable angina in 91 (65%) and unstable angina in 48 (35%). Single vessel disease was the case for 117 (84%), whereas 22 (16%) had two vessel coronary artery disease.

RESULTS

Primary success rate was 130 (94%). All patients with two vessel disease had complete revascularization. In the failure group there were 2 acute myocardial infarction (1.4%), and 4 (2.8%) emergency coronary artery by-pass surgery. There were no in-hospital deaths. Of the 130 patients with success, 119 (92%) had late follow-up (mean time 31 months). At the end of the follow-up period we found 85 (71%) asymptomatic, while 27 (23%) had recurrence of symptoms. There were 2 late cardiovascular deaths. Fifty four patients underwent late angiography and 42 (78%) had maintenance of the result while 12 (22%) had restenosis, with a mean degree more severe than pre-coronary angioplasty.

CONCLUSION

Coronary angioplasty of moderate lesions has a high success rate (94%); nevertheless the rate of major complications and restenosis is very similar to that of coronary angioplasty for severe stenosis. Such findings led us to reserve the indication of coronary angioplasty for moderate lesions for patients at higher risk with clear evidence of myocardial ischemia.

[Occlusion of secondary branches after angioplasty of the left descending coronary artery]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence and clinical presentation of the occlusion of such secondary branches in patients with single vessel coronary artery disease in the left anterior descending artery, who underwent a first elective and successful PTCA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and thirteen side branches of 121 patients considered to be at risk. They were divided into group I (GI-85 side branches, 39.9%), if they originated from the atherosclerotic site; and group II (GII-120 side branches, 61.5%), if their origin would be involved during the balloon inflation. In the GI there were 54 septal branches and 31 diagonal branches, and 36& had angiographic evidence of ostium disease. GII was constituted by 77 septal and 51 diagonal branches, and 7.8% of them had evidence of ostium disease.

RESULTS

Seven side branches (3.3%) at risk occluded, 4 from GI (4.7%) and 3 (2.3%) from GII. As for the clinical presentation, 57% of them had angina, where as 28.6% showed minor abnormalities in the ECG. No patient elevated its serum CK-MB, and silent occlusion occurred in 43% of them.

CONCLUSION

Occlusion of side branches is a low incidence phenomenon, which happens more often in septal branches with ostium disease that originates from the atherosclerotic site; that about half of the patient had silent occlusion (43%) or mild ischemic manifestations.

[Coronary angioplasty: efficacy of the new low profile balloon catheters]

New low profile balloon catheter have allowed the indication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for more complex lesions. We report our initial experience with these systems in 50 out of 101 patients (50%) who underwent a PTCA from March 15 to May 15, 1989 in "Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia". Mean age was 58.6 +/- 10.4 years and most of the patients were male (78%). We dilated 54 lesions. Single vessel disease was the case for 84% of the patients. As for the localization of the lesions in the coronary arteries, 56% of the lesions were in the proximal or mid segments of the coronary arteries and the mean diameter stenosis pre-PTCA was 84 +/- 10.2%. Left ventricular function was normal in 60% of the patients. Primary success rate (per patient) was 95% and the coronary stenosis was crossed in all the cases. The mean inflation number was 2.7 +/- 0.6 per patient, the mean highest pressure was 8 +/- 1.15 atm and the mean maximum time of inflation was 86.1 +/- 29.6 sec. The mean residual stenosis was 15.2 +/- 10.6%. There was only one major complication, namely an acute myocardial infarction of the lateral wall. There were no emergency CABG surgery or deaths. We conclude that the new low profile balloon catheters have broadened the indication for PTCA in more complicated lesions, showing a high rate of primary success (95%), but did not increase the number of procedural complications (2.5%).