2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

The short- and long-term outcomes of percutaneous intervention with drug-eluting stent vs bare-metal stent in saphenous vein graft disease: An updated meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials

The use of drug-eluting stents (DES) vs bare-metal stents (BMS) in saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials comparing the outcomes of DES with BMS in SVG percutaneous coronary interventions. A search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed for all randomized clinical trials. We evaluated the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of the following: all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), definite/probable stent thrombosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target-vessel revascularization (TVR). From a total of 1582 patients in 6 randomized clinical trials, 797 had DES and 785 had BMS. Patients with DES had lower short-term MACE, TLR, and TVR in comparison with BMS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.91, P = 0.02; OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.99, P = 0.05; and OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22-0.95, P = 0.04, respectively). However, there were no different outcomes for all-cause mortality (P = 0.63) or stent thrombosis (P = 0.21). With long-term follow-up, there were no significant reductions of MACE (P = 0.20), TLR (P = 0.57), TVR (P = 0.07), all-cause mortality (P = 0.29), and stent thrombosis (P = 0.76). The use of DES in SVG lesions was associated with lower short-term MACE, TLR, and TVR in comparison with BMS. However, there were no significant differences with long-term follow-up.

Differential Event Rates and Independent Predictors of Long-Term Major Cardiovascular Events and Death in 5795 Patients With Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Treated With Stents, Bypass Surgery, or Medication: Insights From a Large International Multicenter Registry

BACKGROUND

Identifying predictive factors for major cardiovascular events and death in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease is of great clinical value for risk stratification and possible guidance for tailored preventive strategies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Interventional Research Incorporation Society-Left MAIN Revascularization registry included 5795 patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (percutaneous coronary intervention, n=2850; coronary-artery bypass grafting, n=2337; medication alone, n=608). We analyzed the incidence and independent predictors of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; a composite of death, MI, stroke, or repeat revascularization) and all-cause mortality in each treatment stratum. During follow-up (median, 4.3 years), the rates of MACCE and death were substantially higher in the medical group than in the percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary-artery bypass grafting groups (P<0.001). In the percutaneous coronary intervention group, the 3 strongest predictors for MACCE were chronic renal failure, old age (≥65 years), and previous heart failure; those for all-cause mortality were chronic renal failure, old age, and low ejection fraction. In the coronary-artery bypass grafting group, old age, chronic renal failure, and low ejection fraction were the 3 strongest predictors of MACCE and death. In the medication group, old age, low ejection fraction, and diabetes mellitus were the 3 strongest predictors of MACCE and death.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease, the key clinical predictors for MACCE and death were generally similar regardless of index treatment. This study provides effect estimates for clinically relevant predictors of long-term clinical outcomes in real-world left main coronary artery patients, providing possible guidance for tailored preventive strategies.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01341327.

Role of CYP2C19 genotype testing in clinical use of clopidogrel: is it really useful?

INTRODUCTION

P2Y12 inhibitors, including clopidogrel have become an integral part of treatment for patients receiving coronary stent placement as a result of stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and also for medically managed ACS patients. Areas covered: Clopidogrel efficacy can be significantly modified by polymorphism of CYP2C19 genotype (more than 25 allelic variants) involved in its metabolism that can adversely affect its anti-platelet activity. As a result, a substantial number of patients (20-30%) with ACS show an inadequate response to clopidogrel despite a standardized dosing regimen. Experts commentary: Currently, there is conflicting evidence in regards to the use of CYP2C19 genotyping to identify poor responders to clopidogrel in clinical practice. ACC/AHA guidelines do not recommend routine use of CYP2C19 in clinical practice, whereas Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines recommend its use to identify poor/intermediate metabolizers of Clopidogrel and suggest alternative P2Y12 inhibitors among ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. This review article will look at the literature evidence for the use of CYP2C19 genotyping in clinical practice.

Exploration of Bivalirudin Use during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for High Bleeding Risk Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion

The safety and efficacy of bivalirudin during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in high bleeding risk patients with chronic total occlusion lesions (CTO) has not been studied till date. The use of bivalirudin may increase the thrombotic events during CTO-PCI.Between May 2013 and April 2014, a total of 117 high bleeding risk patients with CTOs underwent PCI. Bivalirudin was used in 89 cases with different strategies, including standard usage, combination of heparin, and additional bolus of bivalirudin on the basis of standard usage. The clinical characteristics, procedural details and antithrombotic strategies were assessed, and the bleeding and ischemic events were evaluated. The first 7 of 9 patients with standard application of bivalirudin exhibited acute thrombogenesis in the procedure. Heparin was then added in decreasing amounts in the next 8 patients wherein no thrombosis occurred; however, 2 patients had bleeding complications. The subsequent 72 patients were randomly assigned to the heparin bolus or additional bivalirudin bolus groups before the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed. The baseline clinical characteristics and procedure information were identical in both the groups. There were no ischemic and bleeding events in both the groups during the 6-month follow-up.Monotherapy with bivalirudin in CTO-PCI should be treated with caution, as the potential risk of thrombogenesis may be due to the long procedure time, the frequent change of equipment and temporary blood flow convection. Combination of heparin or an additional bolus of bivalirudin before PTCA was observed to be likely to decrease the incidence of thrombogenesis.

Pressure wire versus microcatheter for FFR measurement: a head-to-head comparison

AIMS

Recently developed microcatheters can be used instead of a pressure wire for fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. We sought to assess the haemodynamic and clinical impact of using a larger profile device to measure FFR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our prospective registry included 77 consecutive patients who underwent invasive FFR measurement of intermediate coronary stenoses between June 2015 and July 2016. FFR values were obtained first using a pressure wire only (FFRw), second using a Navvus microcatheter (FFRMC), and finally using the wire with the microcatheter still in the stenosis (FFRw-MC) during intravenous adenosine infusion. Eighty-eight stenoses were suitable for a thorough head-to-head comparison. Mean FFRw (0.83±0.08) was significantly higher than mean FFRMC (0.80±0.10) and FFRw-MC (0.80±0.10). Mean FFRMC and FFRw-MC did not differ significantly. Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of -0.03±0.05 for lower FFRMC values compared to FFRw values. Using a threshold of 0.80 for FFR, the indication for revascularisation would have differed when based on FFRMC versus FFRw in 20/88 (23%) of the lesions and 18/77 (23%) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

FFR measured using a microcatheter overestimates stenosis severity, leading to erroneous indication for revascularisation in a sizeable proportion of cases.

Current State of the Art in Approaches to Saphenous Vein Graft Interventions

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), used during coronary artery bypass graft surgery for severe coronary artery disease, are prone to degeneration and occlusion, leading to poor long-term patency compared with arterial grafts. Interventions used to treat SVG disease are susceptible to high rates of periprocedural MI and no-reflow. To minimise complications seen with these interventions, proper stents, embolic protection devices (EPDs) and pharmacological selection are crucial. Regarding stent selection, evidence has demonstrated superiority of drug-eluting stents over bare-metal stents in SVG intervention. The ACCF/AHA/SCA American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions guidelines recommend the use of EPDs during SVG intervention to decrease the risk of periprocedural MI, distal embolisation and no-reflow. The optimal pharmacological treatment for slow or no-reflow remains unclear, but various vasodilators show promise.

Individualizing dual antiplatelet therapy duration after percutaneous coronary intervention: from randomized control trials to personalized medicine

INTRODUCTION

Improved stent technologies have lead to reduced minimum durations of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent stent thrombosis. However, the anti-ischemic benefits seen in extended DAPT in both stent and non-stent related lesions have called into question the optimum duration of DAPT after stent placement. Areas covered: We review the evidence for varying durations of DAPT after drug eluting stent placement including for patients on oral anticoagulation; decision tools available for clinicians to optimize patient selection for extended therapy and insight into application of these risk assessment tools in clinical practice. Expert commentary: The use of risk assessment tools in optimizing DAPT duration after stent placement provides an opportunity for improved outcomes by means of a personalized approach to care while allowing clinicians to engage with patients in shared-decision making.

Comparative determinants of 5-year cardiovascular event rates in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM), low ejection fraction (EF), and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) have all been identified as predictors of cardiovascular events in multivessel disease, but their comparative contributions to future risk remain unclear in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. Through this study we aimed to categorize the risk for cardiovascular events in patients with ULMCA disease using simple clinical descriptors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study included a total of 5975 patients with ULMCA disease from the Interventional Research Incorporation Society-Left MAIN Revascularization registry who were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (n=2850), coronary artery bypass grafting (n=2337), or medical therapy alone (n=608). We categorized the risk for cardiovascular events using simple clinical descriptors (DM, low EF, and the extent of CAD). The primary outcome was a major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event (MACCE) (i.e. death from any cause, stroke, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization).

RESULTS

Overall, the 5-year rate of MACCE was highest in the medical group, lower in the percutaneous coronary intervention group, and lowest in the coronary artery bypass grafting group (42.5, 25.7, and 19.9%, respectively; P<0.001). In multivariable modeling, the presence of DM [hazard ratio (HR): 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.40; P<0.001], low EF of 40% or less (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.56-2.15; P<0.001), and the extent of CAD (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08-1.21; P<0.001) were independent predictors of MACCE; in addition, these factors were consistently associated with a significantly higher risk for MACCE, regardless of index treatment strategies.

CONCLUSION

Simple clinical descriptors can assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and in predicting future cardiovascular events within the broad range of risk factors for ULMCA disease.

Applying preoperative dipyridamole thallium-201 scintigraphy for preventing cardiac mortality and complications for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the value of preoperative dipyridamole thallium-201 scintigraphy for reducing cardiovascular complication in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPTH) patients.

METHODS

Thallium scintigraphy was arranged for all dialysis patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from Jan 2011 to July 2015. Management of defects on thallium scintigraphy included cardiac catheterization and ultrasonography. Analysis includes 30-day mortality, morbidity and the predicting factors for thallium scintigraphy defect.

RESULTS

Of 249 patients with SHPTH, 19 (7.6%) had defects on thallium scintigraphy, 15 (88%) of whom had coronary artery disease on angiography. History of acute coronary syndrome (ACS, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (DM, p = 0.03), male sex (p = 0.03), and higher body mass index (BMI, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of positive thallium scintigraphy results. History of ACS was the most significant predictor after adjustment in the multivariate logistic analysis (odds ratio, 22.56; 95% confidence interval, 7.02-72.53). All the patients survived the 30-day postoperative period, with minimal cardiovascular morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative dipyridamole thallium-201 scintigraphy is useful for SHPTH patients to minimized surgical mortality and morbidity.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug-Eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies had shown acceptable short-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in selected patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes of PCI using DES compared with CABG in patients with LMCAD. On November 1, 2016, we searched available databases for published RCTs directly comparing DES PCI with CABG in patients with LMCAD. Odds ratios (ORs) were used as the metric of choice for treatment effects using a random-effects model. I-squared index was used to assess heterogeneity across trials. Prespecified end points were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and repeat revascularization at maximal available follow-up. We identified 5 RCTs including a total of 4,595 patients, with a median follow-up of 60 months. The risk of all-cause mortality (OR 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 to 1.34) and cardiovascular mortality (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.42) were comparable between PCI with DES and CABG. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences between PCI with DES and CABG for MI (OR 1.45; 95% CI 0.87 to 2.40) and stroke (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.98). Conversely, repeat revascularization was significantly higher with PCI compared with CABG (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.51 to 2.21). In conclusion, in patients with LMCAD, PCI with DES appears to be a viable alternative to CABG at long-term follow-up, with similar risks of ischemic adverse events (mortality, MI, and stroke) but a higher risk of repeat revascularization.

Precision Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham: Laying the Foundational Processes Through Implementation of Genotype-Guided Antiplatelet Therapy

Precision medicine entails tailoring treatment based on patients' unique characteristics. As drug therapy constitutes the cornerstone of treatment for most chronic diseases, pharmacogenomics (PGx), the study of genetic variation influencing individual response to drugs, is an important component of precision medicine. Over the past decade investigations have identified genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantified their effect on drug response. Parallel development of point-of-care (POC) genotyping platforms has enabled the interrogation of the genes/SNPs within a timeline conducive to the provision of care. Despite these advances, the pace of integration of genotype-guided drug therapy (GGTx) into practice has faced significant challenges. These include difficulty in identifying SNPs with sufficiently robust evidence to guide clinical decision making, lack of clinician training on how to order and use genotype data, lack of clinical decision support (CDS) to guide treatment, and limited reimbursement. The University of Alabama at Birmingham's (UAB) efforts in precision medicine were initiated to address these challenges and improve the health of the racially diverse patients we treat.

Advancing precision medicine in healthcare: addressing implementation challenges to increase pharmacogenetic testing in the clinical setting

The incorporation of precision medicine into the clinical setting is becoming increasingly feasible with the availability of more affordable genetic sequencing technologies and successful genetic associations with phenotypes, especially in the pharmacogenomic field. Although substantial progress has been made to ensure successful uptake of pharmacogenomic testing in the clinical setting already, many challenges still remain for sustainable implementation. The importance of pharmacogenomic information in patient care, identifying key barriers, and proposed solutions for advancing pharmacogenomic implementation will be discussed.

Diagnostic accuracy of a hybrid approach of instantaneous wave-free ratio and fractional flow reserve using high-dose intracoronary adenosine to characterize intermediate coronary lesions: Results of the PALS (Practical Assessment of Lesion Severity) prospective study

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and high-dose intracoronary adenosine fractional flow reserve (IC-FFR) compared with classical intravenous adenosine fractional flow reserve (IV-FFR) to assess coronary stenosis severity. The usefulness of two hybrid strategies combining iFR and high-dose IC-FFR was also evaluated.

BACKGROUND

Physiological assessment of intermediate coronary stenoses to guide revascularization is currently recommended.

METHODS

Consecutive real-world patients with angiographically intermediate coronary stenosis (40-80% diameter stenosis) were prospectively included in the PALS (Practical Assessment of Lesion Severity) study. In every target lesion iFR, high-dose IC-FFR and IV-FFR were systematically measured to assess the accuracy of an hybrid sequential approach combining iFR and IC-FFR.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients with 121 intermediate coronary lesions were analyzed. Both, iFR and IC-FFR showed a significant correlation with IV-FFR (iFR: r = 0.60, 95%CI 0.48-0.70; IC-FFR: r = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.83-0.92). High-dose IC-FFR provided lower FFR values than IV-FFR (0.81 ± 0.08 vs. 0.82 ± 0.09, P = 0.25). Using a receiver-operating-characteristic curve an optimal iFR threshold of 0.91 for the screening test was identified. A sequential test strategy (initial iFR followed by IC-FFR only in lesions with iFR <0.91) yielded an excellent diagnostic accuracy (96.7%, 95%CI 96.7-99.1%) with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values of 100%, 94.7%, 91.8%, and 100%, respectively. A hybrid approach using the previously described iFR gray zone (0.85-0.94) also provided an excellent diagnostic accuracy (95%, 95%CI: 89.5-98.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with intermediate coronary lesions a hybrid strategy by using a sequential approach of iFR and high-dose IC-FFR, provided a very good diagnostic performance to identify physiologically significant stenoses. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of clinical outcomes after drug-eluting stent implantation in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients in China: A retrospective study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been proved to be a predictor of adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Drug-eluting stents (DESs) could reduce the adverse events in DM patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical outcome after DES implantation in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients in China. Totally, 200 Chinese DM patients and 400 Chinese non-DM patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients were more likely to have a higher incidence of cardiac death (3.5% vs. 1.0%, P = .048), stent thrombosis (2.5% vs. 0.5%, P = .044), target lesion revascularization (6.0% vs. 1.8%, P = .005), target vessel failure (15.5% vs. 8.0%, P < .001), target lesion failure (14.0% vs. 4.3%, P < .001), myocardial infarction (4.5% vs. 1.5%, P = .030), and major adverse cardiac events (12.5% vs. 5.0%, P = .001) at 2-year follow-up. However, the incidence of target vessel revascularization (7.5% vs. 5.5%, P = .340) was similar between DB and non-DB patients. Patients with DB (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.54, P = .001), older than 80 years (HR = 1.33, P = .027) with hypercholesterolemia (HR = 1.03, P < .001), serum creatinine >177 μmol/L (HR = 3.04, P = .011), a history of cerebral vascular accident (HR = 4.29, P = .010), or a history of myocardial infarction (HR = 31.4, P < .001) were more likely to experience adverse events. In China, DM could also be served as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes after DES implantation. These patients should be reexamined more frequently.

The outcomes of intravascular ultrasound-guided drug-eluting stent implantation among patients with complex coronary lesions: a comprehensive meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials and 8,084 patients

Objective:

The effects of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in patients with complex coronary artery lesions remains to be controversial. This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of IVUS guidance in these patients.

Methods:

The EMBASE, Medline, and other internet sources were searched for relevant articles. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and target-vessel revascularization (TVR). The incidence of definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST) was analyzed as the safety endpoint.

Results:

Fifteen clinical trials involving 8.084 patients were analyzed. MACE risk was significantly decreased following IVUS-guided DES implantation compared with coronary angiography (CAG) guidance (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.53–0.73, p<0.001), which might mainly result from the lower all-cause mortality risk (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40–0.67, p<0.001), MI (OR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56–0.86, p=0.001), and TVR (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.40–0.70, p<0.001). The subgroup analyses indicated better outcomes of IVUS guidance in DES implantation for these patients with left main disease or bifurcation lesions.

Conclusion:

IVUS guidance in DES implantation is associated with a significant reduction in MACE risk in patients with complex lesions, particularly those with left main disease or bifurcation lesions. More large and powerful randomized trials are still warranted to guide stenting decision making. (Anatol J Cardiol 2017; 17: 258-68)

Dosing recommendations for pharmacogenetic interactions related to drug metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Pharmacogenomic studies have established the important contribution of drug-metabolizing enzyme genotype toward drug toxicity and treatment failure; however, clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics has been slow. The aim of this study was to systematically review the information on drug-metabolizing enzyme pharmacogenomics available in the US drug labeling, practice guidelines, and recommendations.

METHODS

Drug-metabolizing enzyme genotype and phenotype information was assessed in US FDA drug labeling, clinical practice guidelines, and independent technology assessors to evaluate the consistency in information sources for healthcare providers.

RESULTS

Eighty four gene-drug pairs were identified as having drug-metabolizing enzyme genotype or phenotype information within the label. The manner in which pharmacogenomic information was presented was heterogeneous both within the label and between clinical practice recommendations.

CONCLUSION

For proper implementation of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice, information sources for healthcare providers should relay consistent and clear information for the appropriate use of biomarkers.

Case Study: Ticagrelor in PLATO and Prasugrel in TRITON-TIMI 38 and TRILOGY-ACS Trials in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Cross-trial comparisons are typically inappropriate as there are often numerous differences in study designs, populations, end points, and loading doses of the study drugs. These differences are clearly reflected in the most recent updates to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) guidelines, which include recommendations for the use of the antiplatelet agents ticagrelor, prasugrel, and clopidogrel, based in part on results from the TRial to assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by optimizing platelet inhibitioN with prasugrel-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TRITON-TIMI) 38, TaRgeted platelet Inhibition to cLarify the Optimal strateGy to medicallY manage Acute Coronary Syndromes (TRILOGY-ACS) and PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trials. Here, we describe each of these trials in detail and explain the differences between them that make direct comparisons difficult. In conclusion, this information, along with the current guidelines and recommendations, will assist clinicians in deciding the most appropriate treatment pathway for their patients with NSTE-ACS and STEMI.

Safety of bailout stenting after paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty

BACKGROUND

Bailout stenting after suboptimal paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) angioplasty is required in up to 28% of cases. We sought to compare the safety of bailout stenting with drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with the more established combination of PCB with bare metal stents (BMS).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated all patients who had stents implanted owing to suboptimal PCB angioplasty results between January 2010 and April 2015. Endpoints analyzed were major adverse cardiac events (MACE) - defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) - as well as major and minor bleeding.

RESULTS

Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable with a high proportion of diabetics in both groups (50.0% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.74). BMS and DES sizes were similar (mean diameter 2.72 ± 0.50 mm vs. 2.89 ± 0.56 mm, p = 0.20, length 25.22 ± 13.47 mm vs. 28.08 ± 9.08 mm, p = 0.47). Outcomes were comparable at the end of 1 year (MACE 12.2% vs. 9.5%, p = 1.00, TLR 6.1% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.00, MI 0% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.30). There was no case of stent thrombosis or major bleeding, and the rates of minor bleeding were similar (4.2% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Our initial experience using DES instead of BMS as a bailout after suboptimal PCB results shows that the procedure is safe and effective at 1 year.

Contrast media use in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing coronary angiography: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing coronary angiography (CA), adequate hydration and minimizing volume of contrast media (CM) are class 1b recommendations for preventing contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). Current data are insufficient to justify specific recommendations about isoosmolar vs. low-osmolar contrast media by the ACCF/AHA/SCAI guidelines.

METHODS

Randomized trials comparing IOCM to LOCM in CKD stage 3 and above patients undergoing CA, and reporting incidence of CIN (defined by a rise in creatinine of 25% from baseline) were included in the analysis. The secondary outcome of the study was the incidence of serum creatinine increase by >1mg/dl.

RESULTS

A total of 2839 patients were included in 10 trials, in which 1430 patients received IOCM and 1393 received LOCM. When compared to LOCM, IOCM was not associated with significant benefit in preventing CIN (OR=0.72, [CI: 0.50-1.04], P=0.08, I2=59%). Subgroup analysis revealed non-significant difference in incidence of CIN based on baseline use of N-acetylcystine (NAC), diabetes status, ejection fraction, and whether percutaneous coronary intervention vs coronary angiography alone was performed. The difference between IOCM and LOCM was further attenuated when restricted to studies with larger sample size (>250 patients) (OR=0.93; [CI: 0.66-1.30]) or when compared with non-ionic LOCM (OR=0.79, [CI: 0.52-1.21]).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CKD stage 3 and above undergoing coronary angiography, use of IOCM showed overall non-significant difference in incidence of CIN compared to LOCM. The difference was further attenuated when IOCM was compared with non-ionic LOCM.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on efficacy and safety of extended thienopyridine therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation

BACKGROUND

The potential benefits and risks of extended thienopyridine therapy beyond 12 months after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation remain unclear.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The adverse clinical endpoints were compared between 12 months group (aspirin alone) and >12 months group (additional thienopyridine plus aspirin after 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used as summary statistics. A random-effect model was used in the meta-analysis process.

RESULTS

Finally, three RCTs incorporating 16,265 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the incidences of myocardial infarction (1.55% vs. 2.90%; OR =0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84; P=0.004) and stent thrombosis (0.32% vs. 0.98%; OR =0.35; 95% CI, 0.20-0.62; P<0.001) in the >12 months group were significantly lower than the 12 months group. However, compared to the 12 months group, the extended thienopyridine therapy markedly increased the risk of bleeding events (2.09% vs. 1.28%; OR =1.64; 95% CI, 1.23-2.17; P<0.001). The risks of stroke (0.78% vs. 0.84%; P=0.67) and cardiac death (0.94% vs. 0.89%; P=0.61) were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The synthesis of available evidence indicates that a regimen of extended thienopyridine therapy beyond 12 months may significantly reduce the risks of myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis but increase the risk of bleeding events in the patients who have received DESs implantation.

Intracoronary Stem Cell Delivery to the Right Ventricle: A Preclinical Study

Clinical protocols for stem cell-based therapies are currently under development for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. An ideal cell delivery method should have minimal safety risks and provide a wide distribution of cells to the nonischemic right ventricle (RV). However, the optimal strategy for stem cell delivery to the RV has yet to be explored in a preclinical model, necessary for a hypoplastic left heart syndrome trial. Human c-kit⁺ cardiac stem cells (CSCs) were delivered to healthy Yorkshire swine through the proximal right coronary artery with a stop and reflow technique. The effect of premedication with antiarrhythmic (AA) medications in this model was retrospectively reviewed, with the primary outcome of survival 2 hours after infusion. A group underwent CSC delivery to the RV without prophylactic AA medication (no AA, n = 7), whereas the second group was premedicated with a loading dose and intravenous infusion of amiodarone and lidocaine (AA, n = 13). Cardiac biopsies were obtained from each chamber to ascertain the biodistribution of CSCs. Survival was significantly greater in the prophylactic AA group compared with the group without AA (13/13 [100%] vs 1/7 [14.3%], P < 0.0001). Cardiac arrest during balloon inflation was the cause of death in each of the nonmedicated animals. In the premedicated group, 9 (69.2%) pigs experienced transient ST segment changes in the precordial leads during CSC delivery, which resolved spontaneously. Most c-kit⁺ CSCs were distributed to lateral segments of the RV free wall, consistent with the anatomical course of the right coronary artery (lateral RV, 19.2 ± 1.5 CSCs/field of view vs medial RV, 10.4 ± 1.3 CSCs/field of view, P < 0.0001). Few c-kit⁺ CSCs were identified in the right atrium, septum, or left ventricle. Prophylactic infusion of AA enhances survival in swine undergoing intracoronary delivery of human c-kit⁺ CSCs to the RV. Additionally, intracoronary delivery results in a limited biodistribution of c-kit⁺ CSCs within the RV. Human clinical protocols can be optimized by requiring infusion of AA medications before cell delivery.

A potential marker of bare metal stent restenosis: monocyte count - to- HDL cholesterol ratio

Background

Oxidation and inflammation play significant roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery diseases. Monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a new marker and has revealed as an indicator of inflammation in the literature. The present study aimed to search the effect of MHR on in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with stable or unstable angina pectoris undergoing bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation.

Methods

A total of 468 consecutive stable or unstable angina pectoris patients (mean age 60.3 ± 10.1 and 70 % men) who had undergone successful BMS implantation were included the study. Serum samples were obtained before the procedure.

Results

The mean period between two coronary angiography procedures was 14 ± 7.9 months. The baseline MHR levels were significantly higher in patients that had ISR (odds ratio, 3.64; 95 % confidence interval, 2.45- 4.84; P < 0.001). Stent diameter, the time between the two coronary angiographic studies, uric acid and MHR levels emerged as independent predictors of ISR.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that elevated MHR is an independent and powerful predictor of ISR in patients with stable or unstable angina pectoris who underwent successful BMS implantation.

Daily cardiac catheterization procedural volume and complications at an academic medical center

BACKGROUND

Over 1,000,000 cardiac catheterizations (CC) are performed annually in the United States. There is a small risk of complication that has persisted despite advances in technology. It is unknown whether daily CC procedural volume can influence this risk. In an effort to improve outcomes at our academic medical center, we investigated the relationship between daily CC volume and complication rates.

METHODS

We obtained data from both the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Cath-PCI and Lumedx© databases reviewing the records of patients undergoing scheduled, non-emergent CC at our facility between January 2005 to June 2013. Daily CC volume was analyzed as were complications including death, post-procedure MI, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, stroke, tamponade, bleeding, hematoma and acute kidney injury (AKI).

RESULTS

12,773 patients were identified who underwent 16,612 CCs on 2,118 days. The average age was 63 years (SD 12.4; range, 18-95). 61% were men. A total of 326 complications occurred in 243 patients on 233 separate days (2.0% CC complication rate). The average volume per day was 7.8 CCs. We found a low correlation between daily complications and CC volume (Spearman's rho =0.11; P<0.01) though complication rates were lowest on days with 6-11 procedures; higher rates were found on slower and busier days.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a U-shaped association between CC volume and rates of CC complications. The lowest complication rates were found on days with 6-11 procedures a day. The highest complication rate was seen with >11 procedures a day.

Six Versus Twelve Months Clopidogrel Therapy After Drug-Eluting Stenting in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: An ISAR-SAFE Study Subgroup Analysis

In patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) the optimal duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation remains unclear. At 6 months after intervention, patients receiving clopidogrel were randomly assigned to either a further 6-month period of placebo or clopidogrel. The primary composite endpoint was death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, or major bleeding 9 months after randomization. The ISAR-SAFE trial was terminated early due to low event rates and slow recruitment. 1601/4000 (40.0%) patients presented with ACS and were randomized to 6 (n = 794) or 12 months (n = 807) clopidogrel. The primary endpoint occurred in 14 patients (1.8%) receiving 6 months of clopidogrel and 17 patients (2.2%) receiving 12 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-1.68, P = 0.60. There were 2 (0.3%) cases of stent thrombosis in each group; HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.14-7.09, P = >0.99. Major bleeding occurred in 3 patients (0.4%) receiving 6 months clopidogrel and 5 (0.6%) receiving 12 months; HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.15-2.49, P = 0.49. There was no significant difference in net clinical outcomes after DES implantation in ACS patients treated with 6 versus 12 months clopidogrel. Ischaemic and bleeding events were low beyond 6-months.

Saphenous vein bypass graft intervention and embolic protection devices: Time for reassessment (and revision of percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines)

Professional societies recommend embolic protection devices (EPDs) during percutaneous intervention of saphenous vein bypass grafts (SVGs; class I, level of evidence B). Practice patterns indicate that 21% of SVG interventions are performed with EPDs. Despite a single randomized trial that demonstrated efficacy for EPDs, other studies suggest that the benefits of EPDs are controversial. Consideration should be given toward performing a contemporary EPD trial to incorporate new technologies and pharmacotherapies; in the meantime, guideline recommendations for use of EPDs should be downgraded.

Predicting Likelihood for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting After Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Finding the Best Prediction Model

BACKGROUND

Up to half of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) do not receive dual antiplatelet therapy before angiography "pretreatment" because of the risk of increased bleeding if coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation is needed. Several models have been published that predict the likelihood of CABG after NSTEMI, but they have not been independently validated. The purpose of this study was to validate these models and improve the best one.

METHODS

We studied patients with NSTEMI who were enrolled in the 24-center Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients' Health Status (TRIUMPH) registry between 2005 and 2008. Previous CABG prediction models were assessed using c-statistics and calibration assessments to determine the best model. Variables from TRIUMPH likely to be associated with CABG were tested to see whether they could improve the best model's performance.

RESULTS

Among 2,473 patients with NSTEMI, 11.8% underwent in-hospital CABG. C-statistics for the Modified Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction, Treat Angina With Aggrastat and Determine the Cost of Therapy With an Invasive or Conservative Strategy-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 18, Poppe, and Global Risk of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) models were 0.54, 0.61, 0.61, and 0.62, respectively. The GRACE model showed the best discrimination and calibration. From the TRIUMPH registry, preselected variables were added to the GRACE model but did not significantly improve model discrimination. A GRACE model risk score of less than 9 had high sensitivity (96%), thus making it useful for predicting patients with NSTEMI who were at low risk for requiring CABG, which included approximately 21% of patients with NSTEMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study could not improve on the GRACE model, which had the best predictive value for identifying a need for CABG after NSTEMI with a broader range of predicted risk levels and high sensitivity, especially in patients with scores lower than 9.

Endovascular treatment of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction

The treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been a fascination involving multiple medical specialities over the past century with urologic, cardiac and surgical experts all contributing knowledge toward this multifactorial disease. With the well-described association between ED and cardiovascular disease, angiography has been utilized to identify vasculogenic impotence. Given the success of endovascular drug-eluting stent (DES) placement for the treatment of coronary artery disease, there has been interest in using this same technology for the treatment of vasculogenic ED. For men with inflow stenosis, DES placement to bypass arterial lesions has recently been reported with a high technical success rate. Comparatively, endovascular embolization as an approach to correct veno-occlusive dysfunction has produced astonishing procedural success rates as well. However, after a thorough literature review, arterial intervention is only recommended for younger patients with isolated vascular injuries, typically from previous traumatic experiences. Short-term functional outcomes are less than optimal with long-term results yet to be determined. In conclusion, the hope for a minimally invasive approach to ED persists but additional investigation is required prior to universal endorsement.

Successful Revascularization of an LCx CTO Lesion by Retrograde Approach From an Acute Thrombotic SVG Without Protection Device in an ACS Patient

We describe a patient who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with the presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The diagnostic coronary angiogram showed acute thrombotic and occluded saphenous vein graft (SVG) and proximal right coronary artery (RCA) drug eluting stent (DES) instent restenosis (ISR) with chronic total occlusion (CTO). Our strategy was to recanalize the native left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) CTO instead of SVG or RCA instent CTO. After heparinization for 5 days, the LCx antegrade approach and the retrograde approach from left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) septal branches were first attempted but failed, and the LCx CTO was successfully revascularized retrogradely via the acute thrombotic SVG without an embolic protection device (EPD).

Urine proteomics in the diagnosis of stable angina

Background

We have previously described a panel of 238 urinary polypeptides specific for established severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Here we studied this polypeptide panel in patients with a wider range of CAD severity.

Methods

We recruited 60 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography for investigation of stable angina. Patients were selected for either having angiographic evidence of CAD or not (NCA) following coronary angiography (n = 30/30; age, 55 ± 6 vs. 56 ± 7 years, P = 0.539) to cover the extremes of the CAD spectrum. A further 66 patients with severe CAD (age, 64 ± 9 years) prior to surgical coronary revascularization were added for correlation studies. The Gensini score was calculated from coronary angiograms as a measure of CAD severity. Urinary proteomic analyses were performed using capillary electrophoresis coupled online to micro time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The urinary polypeptide pattern was classified using a predefined algorithm and resulting in the CAD₂₃₈ score, which expresses the pattern quantitatively.

Results

In the whole cohort of patients with CAD (Gensini score 60 [40; 98]) we found a close correlation between Gensini scores and CAD₂₃₈ (ρ = 0.465, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age (β = 0.144; P = 0.135) the CAD₂₃₈ score remained a significant predictor of the Gensini score (β =0.418; P < 0.001). In those with less severe CAD (Gensini score 40 [25; 61]), however, we could not detect a difference in CAD₂₃₈ compared to patients with NCA (−0.487 ± 0.341 vs. −0.612 ± 0.269, P = 0.119).

Conclusions

In conclusion the urinary polypeptide CAD₂₃₈ score is associated with CAD burden and has potential as a new cardiovascular biomarker.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0246-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical Utility of the Japan-Chronic Total Occlusion Score in Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions: Results from a Multicenter Registry

BACKGROUND

The performance of the Japan-chronic total occlusion (J-CTO) score in predicting success and efficiency of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention has received limited study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the records of 650 consecutive patients who underwent CTO percutaneous coronary intervention between 2011 and 2014 at 6 experienced centers in the United States. Six hundred and fifty-seven lesions were classified as easy (J-CTO=0), intermediate (J-CTO=1), difficult (J-CTO=2), and very difficult (J-CTO≥3). The impact of the J-CTO score on technical success and procedure time was evaluated with univariable logistic and linear regression, respectively. The performance of the logistic regression model was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic and receiver operator characteristic curves. Antegrade wiring techniques were used more frequently in easy lesions (97%) than very difficult lesions (58%), whereas the retrograde approach became more frequent with increased lesion difficulty (41% for very difficult lesions versus 13% for easy lesions). The logistic regression model for technical success demonstrated satisfactory calibration and discrimination (P for Hosmer-Lemeshow =0.743 and area under curve =0.705). The J-CTO score was associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of technical failure (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.52-2.80, P<0.001). Procedure time increased by ≈20 minutes for every 1-point increase of the J-CTO score (regression coefficient 22.33, 95% confidence interval 17.45-27.22, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

J-CTO score was strongly associated with final success and efficiency in this study, supporting its expanded use in CTO interventions.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02061436.

Saphenous Vein Graft Interventions

Saphenous vein graft interventions compose a small but important subset of percutaneous coronary revascularization. Because of their unique biology, percutaneous angioplasty and stenting require tailored patient and lesion selection and modification of intervention technique to optimize outcomes. The use of embolic protection and appropriate adjunctive pharmacology can help minimize periprocedural complications, such as the no-reflow phenomenon. Recommendations for best practice in saphenous vein graft interventions continue to evolve with emerging research and therapy.

Depression and anxiety as predictors of recurrent cardiac events 12 months after percutaneous coronary interventions

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are associated with recurrent cardiac events after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). However, few investigators have evaluated the impact of depression and anxiety on recurrent cardiac events in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship among depression, anxiety, and recurrent cardiac events in Korean patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after PCI.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken with a sample of 133 CAD patients with PCI. Data were collected between August 2009 and September 2010, and patients were followed after discharge through 2011 with self-report questionnaires on anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and with patient medical records on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Recurrent cardiac events were collected for 12 months after discharge and were assessed by patient interviews and medical records.

RESULTS

There were 18 recurrent cardiac events (13.5%) among the 133 participants. After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, a hierarchical Cox proportional hazards regression model found that a moderate or severe level of anxiety (hazard ratio, 6.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-23.54) and a moderate or severe level of depression (hazard ratio, 4.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-13.88) were independent predictors of recurrent cardiac events.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CAD who have a high level of anxiety and depression are at increased risk for recurrent cardiac events after PCI. Screening should be focused on patients who experience anxious and depressive feelings in addition to traditional risk factors. Furthermore, psychoeducational support interventions to reduce anxiety and depression after PCI may improve health outcomes.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome between hospitals with and without onsite cardiac surgery backup

BACKGROUND

Based on the 2011 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guideline, it is recommended that PCI should be performed at hospital with onsite cardiac surgery. But, data suggest that there is no significant difference in clinical outcomes following primary or elective PCI between the two groups. We examined the impact of with or without onsite cardiac surgery on clinical outcomes following PCI for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

From August 2008 to March 2011, subjects (n=3241) were enrolled from the Kumamoto Intervention Conference Study (KICS). Patients were assigned to two groups treated in hospitals with (n=2764) or without (n=477) onsite cardiac surgery. Clinical events were followed up for 12 months. Primary endpoint was in-hospital death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. And we monitored in-hospital events, non-cardiovascular deaths, bleeding complications, revascularizations, and emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). There was no overall significant difference in primary endpoint between hospitals with and without onsite cardiac surgery [ACS, 7.6% vs. 8.0%, p=0.737; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 10.4% vs. 7.5%, p=0.200]. There was also no significant difference when events in primary endpoint were considered separately. In other events, revascularization was more frequently seen in hospitals with onsite surgery (ACS, 20.0% vs. 13.0%, p<0.001; STEMI, 21.9% vs. 14.5%, p=0.009). We performed propensity score matching analysis to correct for the disparate patient numbers between the two groups, and there was also no significant difference for primary endpoint (ACS, 8.6% vs. 7.5%, p=0.547; STEMI, 11.2% vs. 7.5%, p=0.210).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant difference in clinical outcomes following PCI for ACS between hospitals with and without onsite cardiac surgery backup in Japan.

Risk of Hemorrhage during Needle-Based Ophthalmic Regional Anesthesia in Patients Taking Antithrombotics: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery are usually elderly and, due to systemic disease, may be on long-term therapy, such as antithrombotic agents. Rates of hemorrhagic complications associated with invasive procedures may be increased by the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of hemorrhagic complications in patients undergoing needle-based ophthalmic regional anesthesia between patients on antithrombotic therapy and those not on such therapy.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted by two independent reviewers based on searches of Cochrane, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the "gray" literature (Google Scholar). The end search date was May 8, 2015, across all databases.

RESULTS

Five studies met the eligibility criteria. In three studies, individual risk of bias was low, and in two of them, moderate. In all studies, no differences regarding mild to moderate incidence of hemorrhagic complications were found between patients using antithrombotics (aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin) and those not using them. Rates of severe hemorrhagic complication were very low (0.04%) in both groups, supporting the safety of needle blocks, even in patients using antithrombotics. High heterogeneity across studies prevented meta-analysis. Limitations to these results include low statistical power in three experimental studies and a large 95% confidence interval in the two retrospective cohorts.

CONCLUSION

In this review, none of the selected studies showed significant bleeding related to needle-based ophthalmic regional anesthesia in association with the use of aspirin, clopidogrel, or vitamin K inhibitors. Since the available data is not powerful enough to provide a reliable evaluation of the true effect of antithrombotics in this setting, new studies to address these limitations are necessary.

Impact of coronary artery calcification in percutaneous coronary intervention with paclitaxel-eluting stents: Two-year clinical outcomes of paclitaxel-eluting stents in patients from the ARRIVE program

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery calcification (CAC).

BACKGROUND

Smaller studies have reported worse clinical outcomes in patients with CAC who undergo PCI. The impact of CAC in the drug-eluting stent era is unclear.

METHODS

Data from 7,492 patients treated by PCI with ≥1 TAXUS Express stent in the ARRIVE registry with no inclusion/exclusion criteria were stratified by the severity of CAC, as determined by the operator. Endpoints were independently adjudicated. All major adverse cardiac events were assessed at 2 years.

RESULTS

Moderate/severe CAC was present in 19.6%. The nil/mild CAC group had higher rate of current smokers. The moderate/severe CAC group was older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, kidney disease, prior coronary artery bypass grafting, congestive heart failure, and left main disease. After adjustment for imbalanced baseline variables, patients with moderate/severe CAC had higher 2 year rates of major adverse cardiac events (18.3% vs 13.5%, p = 0.01) and death (10.3% vs 5.6%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate/severe CAC was associated with increased clinical events in patients who underwent PCI with TAXUS stents. This may be explained in part due to differences important baseline characteristics including more patients with more comorbidities and more complex lesions. After adjustment for imbalanced baseline variables, the moderate/severe CAC group had a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events and death. Improvements in treatment strategies are needed for this high-risk group of patients who undergo PCI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficacy and safety of antithrombotic regimens after coronary intervention in patients on oral anticoagulation: Traditional and Bayesian meta-analysis of clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of diverse antithrombotic regimens in patients on long-term anticoagulation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

After searching electronic database (up to 27 June 2015), we included trials comparing dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus clopidogrel), oral anticoagulant (OAC) plus clopidogrel, OAC plus aspirin, or triple therapy (OAC with clopidogrel and aspirin). Efficacy outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and all-cause mortality; safety outcomes included major bleeding and any bleeding. We conducted both traditional and Bayesian network meta-analysis, computing pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare diverse antithrombotic therapies simultaneously.

RESULTS

Eighteen trials were included in the quantitative analysis. OAC plus clopidogrel and triple therapy were associated with a lower risk of MACE, ischemic stroke, MI and all-cause mortality compared with dual antiplatelet or OAC plus aspirin regimens. OAC plus clopidogrel was ranked the most efficacious option without an increase in bleeding episodes. However, triple therapy improved the efficacy outcomes at the expense of increasing hemorrhage. For the initial short-term outcomes, OAC plus clopidogrel inconclusively reduced the risk of MACE and had a significantly lower risk of any bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

OAC plus clopidogrel may be the optimal antithrombotic therapy in patients on oral anticoagulation undergoing PCI, which has equal or better efficacy outcomes without increasing the rates of bleeding episodes. Moreover, we found initial triple therapy to be unnecessary as it increased the risk of bleeding.

Effectiveness of regionalized systems for stroke and myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are ischemic emergencies. Guidelines recommend care delivery within formally regionalized systems of care at designated centers, with bypass of nearby centers of lesser or no designation. We review the evidence of the effectiveness of regionalized systems in AIS and STEMI.

METHODS

Literature was searched using terms corresponding to designation of AIS and STEMI systems and from 2010 to the present. Inclusion criteria included report of an outcome on any dependent variable mentioned in the rationale for regionalization in the guidelines and an independent variable comparing care to a non- or pre-regionalized system. Designation was defined in the AIS case as certification by the Joint Commission as either a primary (PSC) or comprehensive (CSC) stroke center. In the STEMI case, the search was conducted linking "regionalization" and "myocardial infarction" or citation as a model system by any American Heart Association statement.

RESULTS

For AIS, 17 publications met these criteria and were selected for review. In the STEMI case, four publications met these criteria; the search was therefore expanded by relaxing the criteria to include any historical or anecdotal comparison to a pre- or nonregionalized state. The final yield was nine papers from six systems.

CONCLUSION

Although regionalized care results in enhanced process and reduced unadjusted rates of disparity in access and adverse outcomes, these differences tend to become nonsignificant when adjusted for delayed presentation and hospital arrival by means other than emergency medical services. The benefits of regionalized care occur along with a temporal trend of improvement due to uptake of quality initiatives and guideline recommendations by all systems regardless of designation. Further research is justified with a randomized registry or cluster randomized design to support or refute recommendations that regionalization should be the standard of care.

The effect of cangrelor and access site on ischaemic and bleeding events: insights from CHAMPION PHOENIX

Aims

To assess whether the use of the femoral or radial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) interacted with the efficacy and safety of cangrelor, an intravenous P2Y₁₂ inhibitor, in CHAMPION PHOENIX.

Methods and results

A total of 11 145 patients were randomly assigned in a double-dummy, double-blind manner either to a cangrelor bolus and 2-h infusion or to clopidogrel at the time of PCI. The primary endpoint, a composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischaemia-driven revascularization, or stent thrombosis, and the primary safety endpoint, Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) defined severe bleeding, were evaluated at 48 h. Of the patients undergoing PCI and receiving study drug treatment, a total of 8064 (74%) and 2855 (26%) patients underwent femoral or radial PCI, respectively. Among the femoral cohort, the primary endpoint rate was 4.8% with cangrelor vs. 6.0% with clopidogrel (odds ratio, OR [95% confidence interval, CI] = 0.79 [0.65–0.96]); among the radial cohort, the primary endpoint was 4.4% with cangrelor vs. 5.7% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 0.76 [0.54–1.06]), P-interaction 0.83. The rate of GUSTO severe bleeding in the femoral cohort was 0.2% with cangrelor vs. 0.1% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 1.73 [0.51–5.93]). Among the radial cohort, the rate of GUSTO severe bleeding was 0.1% with cangrelor vs. 0.1% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 1.02 [0.14–7.28]), P-interaction 0.65. The evaluation of safety endpoints with the more sensitive ACUITY-defined bleeding found major bleeding in the femoral cohort to be 5.2% with cangrelor vs. 3.1% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 1.69 [1.35–2.12]); among the radial cohort the rate of ACUITY major bleeding was 1.5% with cangrelor vs. 0.7% with clopidogrel (OR [95% CI] = 2.17 [1.02–4.62], P-interaction 0.54).

Conclusion

In CHAMPION PHOENIX, cangrelor reduced ischaemic events with no significant increase in GUSTO-defined severe bleeding. The absolute rates of bleeding, regardless of the definition, tended to be lower when PCI was performed via the radial artery.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01156571.