2014 ESC/EACTS Guidelines on myocardial revascularization: The Task Force on Myocardial Revascularization of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)Developed with the special contribution of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI)

Addition of cilostazol to aspirin therapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized, open-label trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with established coronary artery disease are at increased risk for future ischemic events and require secondary prevention for systemic vascular disease. We performed a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of cilostazol on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

A total of 514 patients who had undergone coronary stent implantation >6 months previously and were thought to no longer need dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine were randomly assigned to receive aspirin plus cilostazol therapy or aspirin therapy alone after discontinuation of thienopyridine therapy. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular or cerebrovascular revascularization at 2 years after randomization. The main safety end point was major or minor bleeding, according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction bleeding definition.

RESULTS

At 2 years, follow-up clinical data were available for 98.1% of patients. The primary efficacy end point occurred in 13.9% of the aspirin plus cilostazol group versus 22.1% of the aspirin-only group (hazard ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.93, P = .021). The rate of major or minor bleeding was not significantly different between the aspirin plus cilostazol and aspirin-only groups (1.6% and 4.0%, respectively, hazard ratio 0.40, 95% CI 0.13-1.28, P = .12).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent coronary stent implantation, the addition of cilostazol to aspirin therapy was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events at 2 years compared with aspirin monotherapy.

[Contrast-induced nephropathy: An update]

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is common in hospitalized patients. Its occurrence is associated with an increased hospitalization stay and cost, morbidity and mortality. Thus, preventives strategies remain a major issue. Patients that are referred for cardiac catheterization are among the most vulnerable to develop CIN due to their comorbidities. Moreover, in some cases, such preventives measures cannot be introduced due to emergent clinical settings. After a summary regarding the properties of iodinated contrast medium, the aim of this work was to review the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis and preventive strategies related to CIN.

New Approaches to the Role of Thrombin in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Quo Vadis Bivalirudin, a Direct Thrombin Inhibitor?

The pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves platelet activation and thrombus formation after the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Thrombin is generated at the blood-plaque interface in association with cellular membranes on cells and platelets. Thrombin also amplifies the response to the tissue injury, coagulation and platelet response, so the treatment of ACS is based on the combined use of both antiplatelet (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor) and antithrombotic drugs (unfractionated heparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux and bivalirudin). Bivalirudin competitively inhibits thrombin with high affinity, a predictable response from its linear pharmacokinetics and short action. However, a present remarkable controversy exists between the latest main Guidelines in Clinical Practice and the key trials evaluating the use of bivalirudin in ACS. The aim of this review is to update the development of bivalirudin, including pharmacological properties, obtained information from clinical trials evaluating efficacy and safety of bivalirudin in ACS; as well as the recommendations of clinical Guidelines.

Combined Coronary Revascularization: Single-Center 10-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the long-term outcome of combined coronary revascularization.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and September 2010, 106 consecutive patients underwent combined coronary revascularization, either the same day or staged within 90 days. Percutaneous coronary intervention was always performed before coronary artery bypass grafting. We identified three groups as follows: one-stop combined coronary revascularization (n = 20), percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome before subsequent surgery (n = 39), and percutaneous coronary intervention for stable coronary artery disease before subsequent surgery (n = 47). Off-pump technique was used in all cases.

RESULTS

A total of 107 angioplasties were realized (drug-eluting stents, 21; bare metal stents, 114; balloon angioplasty, 4). Percutaneous coronary intervention was mostly performed in the right coronary artery or branches (85%). The mean (SD) number of grafts was 1.9 (0.6), among them 1.8 (0.7) with arterial grafts. A total of 87.7% of the patients underwent exclusive arterial revascularization. There was one reexploration for bleeding and no in-hospital death. Eleven patients died in the follow-up. Repeat percutaneous coronary intervention was necessary for six patients and repeat surgery for one patient. The mean (SD) follow-up was 6.1 (2.7) years. Complete follow-up was obtained in 96.2% of the patients. Freedom from ischemic events (all-cause deaths, angina, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction) was 86.3% (3.7%) at 5 years and 79.7% (5.2%) at 8 years (no difference between groups). Freedom from major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events was 88.8% (3.4%) at 5 years and 75.7% (5.2%) at 8 years (no difference between groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined coronary revascularization increases the use of arterial grafts, with good long-term outcome.

The Use of Echocardiography in Certified Chest Pain Units: Results from the German Chest Pain Unit Registry

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the current usage of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as a rapid, noninvasive tool in the early stratification of acute chest pain in certified German chest pain units (CPUs).

METHODS

A total of 23,997 patients were enrolled. Analyses comprised TTE evaluation rates in relation to clinical presentation, risk profile, left ventricular impairment, final diagnosis and invasive management. Critical times were assessed. Multivariable analyses for independent determinants for the use of TTE were performed.

RESULTS

TTE evaluation was available in CPUs in 70.1% of cases. It was associated with lower rates of invasive management in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and with higher rates in patients with initially suspected non-cardiac origin of symptoms and/or reduced systolic function (p < 0.05). Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) was an independent determinant favoring TTE evaluation [NSTE-myocardial infarction: odds ratio (OR) 1.62; UAP: OR 1.34; p < 0.001 for both]. Clinical signs of heart failure (OR 1.31; p < 0.001), referral by emergency medical service (OR 1.18; p < 0.001) and kidney failure (OR 1.16; p < 0.05) were independently associated with higher TTE rates. TTE did not delay door-to-balloon times.

CONCLUSIONS

About two thirds of the patients admitted to certified CPUs received TTE evaluation, with the highest rates being in ACS patients, and thereby providing diagnostic information supporting or refuting further invasive management.

Troponin T in Prediction of Culprit Lesion Coronary Artery Disease and 1-Year Major Adverse Cerebral and Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Stroke

Troponin T (TnT) elevation above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) is considered diagnostic of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Non-specific increases of TnT are frequent in acute stroke patients. However, in these patients, correct diagnosis of MI is crucial because the antithrombotic medications used to treat acute MI might be harmful and produce intracranial bleeding. In this study, we aimed to associate enhanced TnT levels defined by different cutoff values with occurrence of culprit lesion coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as 1-year major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (MACCEs). In this cohort study, we investigated 84 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and concomitant MI. TnT levels were measured using a fourth-generation TnT assay. The incidence of culprit lesion CAD was determined by coronary angiography. MACCEs were recorded during 1-year follow-up. Culprit lesion CAD occurred in 55 % of patients, and 1-year MACCE in 37 %. TnT levels above the manufacturers' provided 99th URL (TnT > 0.01) were not associated with culprit lesion CAD (relative risk [RR], 1.3; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.96-1.8; P = 0.09). Slightly increased cutoff level (TnT > 0.03) increased specificity and was associated with culprit lesion CAD without decreasing sensitivity (RR, 1.5; 95 % CI 1.1-2.2; P = 0.021) and 1-year MACCE (RR, 1.7; 95 % CI 1.3-2.3; P < 0.001). Slightly increasement of the TnT cutoff level predicted MACCEs and is superior in prediction of culprit lesion CAD in stroke patients without being less sensitive. This finding has to be confirmed in large-scale clinical trials.

Remote ischaemic conditioning and healthcare system delay in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

We investigated influence of remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) on the detrimental effect of healthcare system delay on myocardial salvage in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

METHODS

A post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial in patients with STEMI randomised to treatment with pPCI or RIC+pPCI. RIC was performed as four cycles of intermittent 5 min upper arm ischaemia and reperfusion. Healthcare system delay was defined as time from emergency medical service call to pPCI-wire. Myocardial salvage index (MSI) was assessed by single photon emission computerised tomography.

RESULTS

Data for healthcare system delay and MSI were available for 129 patients. MSI was negatively associated with healthcare system delay in patients treated with pPCI alone (-0.003 decrease in MSI/min of healthcare system delay; 95% CI -0.005 to -0.001, r(2)=0.11, p=0.008) but not in patients treated with RIC+pPCI (-0.0002 decrease in MSI/min of healthcare system delay; 95% CI -0.001 to 0.001, r(2)=0.002, p=0.74). In patients with healthcare system delay ≤120 min, RIC+pPCI did not affect median MSI compared with pPCI alone (0.75 (IQR: 0.49-0.99) and 0.70 (0.45-0.94), p=1.00). However, in patients with healthcare system delay >120 min, RIC+pPCI increased median MSI compared with pPCI alone (0.74 (0.52-0.93) vs 0.42 (0.22-0.68), p=0.02). Adjusting for potential confounders did not affect the results.

CONCLUSIONS

RIC as adjunctive to pPCI attenuated the detrimental effect of healthcare system delay on myocardial salvage in patients with STEMI, suggesting that the cardioprotective effect of RIC increases with the duration of ischaemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00435266; post-results.

Concomitant Use of Single Antiplatelet Therapy With Edoxaban or Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis From the ENGAGE AF-TIMI48 Trial

BACKGROUND

We studied the concomitant use of single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) on the efficacy and safety of the anti-Xa agent edoxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 was a randomized trial that compared 2 dose regimens of edoxaban with warfarin. We studied both the approved high-dose edoxaban regimen (HDER; 60 mg daily reduced by one half in patients with anticipated increased drug exposure), as well as a lower-dose edoxaban regimen (LDER; 30 mg daily, also reduced by one half in patients with anticipated increased drug regimen). SAPT (aspirin in 92.5%) was administered at the discretion of the treating physician. Cox proportional hazard regressions stratified by SAPT at 3 months with treatment as a covariate were performed. The 4912 patients who received SAPT were more frequently male, with histories of coronary artery disease and diabetes, and had higher CHADS2Vasc and HAS BLED scores than did the 14 977 patients not receiving SAPT. When compared to patients not receiving SAPT, those receiving SAPT had a higher incidence of major bleeding; (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj]=1.46; 95% CI, 1.27-1.67, P<0.001). SAPT did not alter the relative efficacy of edoxaban compared to warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolic events (SEEs): edoxaban versus warfarin without SAPT, hazard ratio (HRadj for HDER)=0.94; (95% CI: 0.77-1.15) with SAPT, HRadj=0.70 (95% CI: 0.50-0.98), P interaction (Pint)=0.14. (HRadj for LDER versus warfarin without SAPT=1.19 (95% CI 0.99-1.43) With SAPT, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.76-1.39) Pint=0.42. Major bleeding was lower with edoxaban than warfarin both without SAPT, HRadj for HDER=0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.95), and with SAPT, HRadj=0.82 (95% CI, 0.65-1.03; Pint=0.91). For LDER without SAPT (HRadj=0.56 [95% CI 0.46-0.67]) and with SAPT (HRadj=0.51 [95% CI 0.39-0.66]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AF who were selected by their physicians to receive SAPT in addition to an anticoagulant had a similar risk of stroke/SEE and higher rates of bleeding than those not receiving SAPT. Edoxaban exhibited similar relative efficacy and reduced bleeding compared to warfarin, with or without concomitant SAPT.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT00781391.

Impact of total stent length after cobalt chromium everolimus-eluting stent implantation on 3-year clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess whether total stent length (TSL) after cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stent (CoCr-EES) implantation was associated with long-term clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

The impact of TSL after CoCr-EES implantation on long-term clinical outcomes remained unclear.

METHODS

A total of 1,007 consecutive patients with 1,382 lesions treated only with CoCr-EES were analyzed. Patients and lesions were divided into tertile group: TSL per patient (TSL-P) (PA [8-23 mm], n = 382; PB [23-46 mm], n = 312; and PC [46-204 mm], n = 313), and TSL per lesion (TSL-L) (LA [8-18 mm], n = 486; LB [18-28 mm], n = 475; and LC [28-140 mm], n = 421). The cumulative 3-year incidence of clinically driven target-lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and definite stent thrombosis (ST) based on TSL-P and TSL-L groupings were accessed.

RESULTS

After inverse probability of weighted adjustment, the cumulative 3-year incidence of CD-TLR for the TSL-P and TSL-L were higher in the PC and LC groups than in the other groups (hazard ratio [HR] 2.92, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.66-5.15, P < 0.001 vs. PA; HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.47-4.20, P < 0.001 vs. PB; HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.15-3.28, P = 0.01 vs. LA; HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.73-4.54, P < 0.001 vs. LB, respectively). No significant differences in the cumulative 3-year incidence of definite ST were observed in both TSL-P and TSL-L groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TSL after CoCr-EES implantation has significantly impact on CD-TLR rate through 3 years, but it is not associated with an increased incidence of definite ST. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Temporal Evolution of Myocardial Hemorrhage and Edema in Patients After Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Pathophysiological Insights and Clinical Implications

Background

The time course and relationships of myocardial hemorrhage and edema in patients after acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are uncertain.

Methods and Results

Patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on 4 occasions: at 4 to 12 hours, 3 days, 10 days, and 7 months after reperfusion. Myocardial edema (native T2) and hemorrhage (T2*) were measured in regions of interest in remote and injured myocardium. Myocardial hemorrhage was taken to represent a hypointense infarct core with a T2* value <20 ms. Thirty patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (mean age 54 years; 25 [83%] male) gave informed consent. Myocardial hemorrhage occurred in 7 (23%), 13 (43%), 11 (33%), and 4 (13%) patients at 4 to 12 hours, 3 days, 10 days, and 7 months, respectively, consistent with a unimodal pattern. The corresponding median amounts of myocardial hemorrhage (percentage of left ventricular mass) during the first 10 days after myocardial infarction were 2.7% (interquartile range [IQR] 0.0–5.6%), 7.0% (IQR 4.9–7.5%), and 4.1% (IQR 2.6–5.5%; P<0.001). Similar unimodal temporal patterns were observed for myocardial edema (percentage of left ventricular mass) in all patients (P=0.001) and for infarct zone edema (T2, in ms: 62.1 [SD 2.9], 64.4 [SD 4.9], 65.9 [SD 5.3]; P<0.001) in patients without myocardial hemorrhage. Alternatively, in patients with myocardial hemorrhage, infarct zone edema was reduced at day 3 (T2, in ms: 51.8 [SD 4.6]; P<0.001), depicting a bimodal pattern. Left ventricular end‐diastolic volume increased from baseline to 7 months in patients with myocardial hemorrhage (P=0.001) but not in patients without hemorrhage (P=0.377).

Conclusions

The temporal evolutions of myocardial hemorrhage and edema are unimodal, whereas infarct zone edema (T2 value) has a bimodal pattern. Myocardial hemorrhage is prognostically important and represents a target for therapeutic interventions that are designed to preserve vascular integrity following coronary reperfusion.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02072850.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion improved prognosis in patients with renal insufficiency at high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy

We investigated whether attempted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) would improve the prognosis in patients with renal insufficiency at high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We analyzed 2,330 consecutive patients with renal insufficiency with or without CTOs who underwent coronary angiography or PCI from prospectively collected data. The long-term death and risk of CIN were evaluated among three groups: patients without CTOs (group A, n = 1,829), patients with un-attempted PCI for CTOs (group B, n = 142), and patients who underwent attempted PCI for CTOs (group C, n = 359). Overall, group B and group C (successful rate, 89%) patients had similar renal function and were not significantly associated with an increased risk of CIN (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–1.93, P = 0.758). During a 2.33-year period (median), multivariate analysis demonstrated that attempted PCI for CTOs was independently associated with lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio for death: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18–0.83; P = 0.015). Attempted PCI for CTOs improved the long-term prognosis in patients with high-risk renal insufficiency and did not increase the risk of CIN.

Cerebrovascular Events After No-Touch Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Conventional Side-Clamp Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass, and Proximal Anastomotic Devices: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Off‐pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) has been shown to reduce the risk of neurologic complications as compared to coronary artery bypass grafting performed with cardiopulmonary bypass. Side‐clamping of the aorta while constructing proximal anastomoses, however, still carries substantial risk of cerebral embolization. We aimed to perform a comprehensive meta‐analysis of studies assessing 2 clampless techniques: aortic “no‐touch” and proximal anastomosis devices (PAD) for OPCAB.

Methods and Results

PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases were screened for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing “no‐touch” and/or PAD with side‐clamp OPCAB and reporting short‐term (≤30 days) outcomes: cerebrovascular accident and all‐cause mortality. A total of 18 studies (3 randomized controlled trials) enrolling 25 163 patients were included. Aortic “no‐touch” was associated with statistically lower risk of cerebrovascular accident as compared to side‐clamp OPCAB: risk ratio 95% CI: 0.41 (0.27–0.61); P<0.01; I²=0%. Event rates were 0.36% and 1.28% for “no‐touch” and side‐clamp OPCAB, respectively. No difference was seen between PAD and side‐clamp OPCAB: 0.71 (0.33–1.55); P=0.39; I²=39%. A trend towards increased 30‐day all‐cause mortality with PAD and no difference with “no‐touch” were observed when compared to side‐clamp OPCAB. In a subset analysis, “no‐touch” consistently reduced the risk of cerebrovascular accident regardless of patients’ baseline risk characteristics. A benefit with PAD was observed in low‐risk patients.

Conclusions

Aortic “no‐touch” technique was associated with nearly 60% lower risk of postoperative cerebrovascular events as compared to conventional side‐clamp OPCAB with effect consistent across patients at different risk.

Workstation-Based Calculation of CTA-Based FFR for Intermediate Stenosis

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the proportion of patients with intermediate coronary stenosis diagnosed on computed tomography angiography (CTA), which may be saved from any further testing due to use of CTA-based fractional flow reserve (FFR).

BACKGROUND

Coronary CTA often results in diagnosis of intermediate stenosis, triggering further physiological testing. CTA-based FFR (CTA-FFR) is a promising diagnostic tool, which may obviate the need for further testing. However, the specific thresholds for CTA-FFR values predicting ischemic versus nonischemic FFR with acceptable confidence are unknown, obscuring clinical utility of the diagnostic strategy using CTA-FFR.

METHODS

We analyzed 96 lesions (mean CTA stenosis: 69.7 ± 11.7%) in 90 patients (63.4 ± 8.2 years, 32% were men) who underwent CTA for suspected CAD and were diagnosed with at least 1 intermediate coronary stenosis (50% to 90%) scheduled for further physiological testing. All patients underwent routine invasive FFR and CTA-FFR evaluation. The objective was to determine the proportion of patients falling between the lower and upper CTA-FFR thresholds that predict ischemic and nonischemic stenosis, respectively (on the basis of an invasive FFR cutpoint of ≤0.80), with ≥90% accuracy.

RESULTS

The invasive FFR ≤0.8 was observed in 41 of 96 lesions (42.7%). According to Bland-Altman analysis, the CTA-FFR underestimated FFR by 0.01 and the 95% limits of agreement were ±0.19. Receiver-operating characteristic area under the curve was significantly higher for CTA-FFR than that for CTA (per lesion 0.835 vs. 0.660, respectively; p = 0.007). The CTA-FFR thresholds for which the positive and negative predictive values were each ≥90% (corresponding to an FFR of ≤0.80) were >0.87 or <0.74, respectively, encompassing 49 lesions (51%) and 45 of 90 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In around one-half of the patients diagnosed with intermediate stenosis, coronary CTA-based FFR may confidently discriminate between ischemic versus nonischemic stenoses. Our findings require validation in an independent cohort.

Unprotected Left Main Disease: Indications and Optimal Strategies for Percutaneous Intervention

OPINION STATEMENT

Although the incidence of left main (LM) coronary artery disease is relatively low in patients undergoing routine angiography, it is a common presentation in patients with acute coronary syndromes. With the current interventional tools and techniques, percutaneous intervention for LM disease has become a viable alternative to the traditional coronary artery bypass grafting. Factors that contribute to the success and appropriateness of percutaneous intervention for LM disease include coronary anatomy and patient-specific factors such as left ventricular function. Multiple considerations should be taken into account prior to intervention, including hemodynamic support if necessary, intravascular imaging to guide therapy, and stent technique. This review provides an overview of the current body of literature to support the use of percutaneous intervention in LM disease and serves as guideline for the interventionalist approaching LM revascularization.

Impact of multivessel revascularization on health status outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Up to 65% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). Long-term health status of STEMI patients after multivessel revascularization is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the relationship between multivessel revascularization and health status outcomes (symptoms and quality of life [QoL]) in STEMI patients with MVCAD.

METHODS

Using a U.S. myocardial infarction registry and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), we determined the health status of patients with STEMI and MVCAD at the time of STEMI and 1 year later. We assessed the association of multivessel revascularization during index hospitalization with 1-year health status using multivariable linear regression analysis, and also examined demographic, clinical, and angiographic factors associated with multivessel revascularization.

RESULTS

Among 664 STEMI patients with MVCAD, 251 (38%) underwent multivessel revascularization. Most revascularizations were staged during the index hospitalization (64.1%), and 8.0% were staged after discharge, with 27.9% performed during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Multivessel revascularization was associated with age and more diseased vessels. At 1 year, multivessel revascularization was independently associated with improved symptoms (4.5 points higher SAQ angina frequency score; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0 to 7.9) and QoL (6.6 points higher SAQ QoL score; 95% CI: 2.7 to 10.6). One-year mortality was not different between those who did and did not undergo multivessel revascularization (3.6% vs. 3.4%; log-rank test p = 0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

Multivessel revascularization improved angina and QoL in STEMI patients with MVCAD. Patient-centered outcomes should be considered in future trials of multivessel revascularization.

Effect of Preoperative Aspirin Replacement With Enoxaparin in Patients Undergoing Primary Isolated On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Management of preoperative antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is variable among surgeons: guidelines collide with prejudices because replacement of aspirin with low-molecular-weight heparin is still performed because of a presumed minor bleeding risk. This study aims to analyze postoperative bleedings and complications in patients scheduled for elective primary isolated on-pump CABG, depending on preoperative aspirin treatment or its replacement with enoxaparin. In this cohort study, we propensity score matched 200 patients in whom aspirin was stopped at least 5 days before CABG and replaced with enoxaparin and 200 patients who continued aspirin therapy until the day before surgery. Postoperative bleedings and complications were monitored during hospitalization. Among patients who continued aspirin treatment, mean overall bleeding was 701.0 ± 334.6 ml, whereas in the matched enoxaparin group, it was significantly greater (882.6 ± 64.6 ml, p value <0.001); this was associated with reduced postoperative complications, lower values of postoperative C-reactive protein in aspirin takers, and a presumed protective effect for statins. After propensity score adjustment, aspirin treatment carried a protective effect against major postoperative bleeding (odds ratio 0.312, p = 0.001). In conclusion, postoperative bleeding is reduced in patients who continued aspirin, likely due to a reduction in postoperative inflammation. The practice of empirically discontinuing aspirin and replacing it with enoxaparin before CABG should be abandoned. Patients with coronary artery disease referred to CABG should continue antiplatelet medications until the surgical procedure. Those results might be extended to patients under oral anticoagulant therapy requiring CABG.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Everolimus-Eluting Stents Versus Drug-Eluting Balloons in Patients With In-Stent Restenosis (from the RIBS IV and V Randomized Clinical Trials)

Treatment of patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a challenge. This study sought to compare the efficacy of everolimus-eluting stents (EESs) and drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) with paclitaxel in patients with ISR. A pooled analysis of the Restenosis Intra-Stent of Drug-Eluting Stents: Drug-Eluting Balloon vs Everolimus-Eluting Stent (RIBS IV) and Restenosis Intra-Stent of Bare-Metal Stents: Drug-Eluting Balloon vs Everolimus-Eluting Stent (RIBS V) randomized trials was performed using patient-level data. In both trials, EESs were compared with DEBs in patients with ISR (RIBS V included 189 patients with bare-metal ISR; RIBS IV included 309 patients with drug-eluting ISR). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were identical in both trials. A total of 249 patients were allocated to EES and 249 to DEB. Clinical follow-up at 1 year was obtained in all (100%) patients and late angiography (median 249 days) in 91% of eligible patients. Compared with patients treated with DEBs, patients treated with EESs obtained better short-term results (postprocedural minimal lumen diameter 2.28 ± 0.5 vs 2.12 ± 0.4 mm, p <0.0001). At follow-up, patients treated with EESs had larger in-segment minimal lumen diameter (primary end point 2.16 ± 0.7 vs 1.88 ± 0.6 mm, p <0.0001; absolute mean difference 0.28 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16 to 0.40) and net lumen gain (1.33 ± 0.6 vs 1.00 ± 0.7 mm, p <0.0001) and had lower %diameter stenosis (19 ± 21% vs 28 ± 22%, p <0.0001) and binary restenosis rate (8.7% vs 15.7%, p = 0.02). Consistent results were observed in the in-lesion analysis. No interactions were found between the underlying stent type and treatment effects. At 1-year clinical follow-up, the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization was significantly reduced in the EES arm (8.8% vs 14.5%, p = 0.03; hazard ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.94) mainly driven by a lower need for target vessel revascularization (6% vs 12.4%, p = 0.01, hazard ratio 0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.86). This pooled analysis of the RIBS IV and RIBS V randomized trials demonstrates the superiority of EES over DEB in the treatment of patients with ISR.

Intravenous Enoxaparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Elderly Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Analysis of the Randomized ATOLL Trial

Elderly (≥75 years old) patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have higher ischemic and bleeding risk compared with those <75 years old. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) enoxaparin versus IV unfractionated heparin (UFH) in elderly patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI. A prespecified analysis of the Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Primary Angioplasty and Intravenous Enoxaparin or Unfractionated Heparin to Lower Ischemic and Bleeding Events at Short- and Long-term Follow-up (ATOLL) study was performed examining the 30-day outcomes in the elderly patients. Of the 165 elderly patients in the ATOLL study, 85 patients received IV enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg and 80 patients received IV UFH. Intravenous enoxaparin did not reduce the primary end point, the main secondary efficacy end point, major bleeding, major or minor bleeding, and all-cause mortality compared with IV UFH. The rate of minor bleeding (5.9% vs 22.8%, P _adjusted = .01) was significantly lower with IV enoxaparin compared with IV UFH. Intravenous enoxaparin appears to be a safe alternative to IV UFH in primary PCI of the elderly patients with STEMI.

Dynamic changes in left ventricular function after a percutaneous coronary intervention: prevalence, predictors, and prognosis

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence, identify predictors, and assess the prognostic implications of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI in our institution and were evaluated with echocardiography before and within 1 year of the procedure. Patients were grouped in terms of baseline LVEF. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality and acute myocardial infarction were calculated for baseline LVEF groups and in terms of LVEF normalization or decline.

RESULTS

A total of 974 patients were included. Patients with moderately impaired (HR 1.41, P=0.01) and poor LVEF (HR 2.44, P<0.001) had significantly worse survival in comparison with patients with good LVEF. Decline from preserved to impaired LVEF following PCI was associated with an increased 1-year risk (HR 3.48, P<0.001) and 5-year risk (HR 2.79, P<0.001) for the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and acute myocardial infarction. LVEF recovery from impaired to preserved was associated with a decreased 5-year risk for the composite outcome (HR 0.5, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Changes in LVEF after elective PCI occur often. Both higher baseline LVEF and post-PCI LVEF normalization are associated with improved outcomes.

Everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds versus everolimus-eluting metallic stents: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Bioresorbable coronary stents might improve outcomes of patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions. The everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold is the most studied of these stent platforms; however, its performance versus everolimus-eluting metallic stents remains poorly defined. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds versus everolimus-eluting metallic stents in patients with ischaemic heart disease treated with percutaneous revascularisation.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), scientific sessions abstracts, and relevant websites for randomised trials investigating everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds versus everolimus-eluting metallic stents published or posted between Nov 30, 2006, and Oct 12, 2015. The primary efficacy outcome was target lesion revascularisation and the primary safety outcome was definite or probable stent (scaffold) thrombosis. Secondary outcomes were target lesion failure (the composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularisation), myocardial infarction, death, and in-device late lumen loss. We derived odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences with 95% CIs, and calculated the risk estimates for the main outcomes according to a random-effects model. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42015026374.

FINDINGS

We included six trials, comprising data for 3738 patients randomised to receive percutaneous coronary intervention with either an everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (n=2337) or an everolimus-eluting metallic stent (n=1401). Median follow-up was 12 months (IQR 9-12). Patients treated with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds had a similar risk of target lesion revascularisation (OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.66-1.43]; p=0.87), target lesion failure (1.20 [0.90-1.60]; p=0.21), myocardial infarction (1.36 [0.98-1.89]; p=0.06), and death (0.95 [0.45-2.00]; p=0.89) as those treated with metallic stents. Patients treated with a bioresorbable vascular scaffold had a higher risk of definite or probable stent thrombosis than those treated with a metallic stent (OR 1.99 [95% CI 1.00-3.98]; p=0.05), with the highest risk between 1 and 30 days after implantation (3.11 [1.24-7.82]; p=0.02). Lesions treated with a bioresorbable vascular scaffold had greater in-device late lumen loss than those treated with a metallic stent (weighted mean difference 0.08 [95% CI 0.05-0.12]; p<0.0001).

INTERPRETATION

Compared with everolimus-eluting metallic stents, everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds had similar rates of repeat revascularisation at 1 year of follow-up, despite inferior mid-term angiographic performance. However, patients treated with a bioresorbable vascular scaffold had an increased risk of subacute stent thrombosis. Studies with extended follow-up in a larger number of patients are needed to fully assess the long-term advantages of everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds.

FUNDING

None.

Usefulness of Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Counterpulsation

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation is the most widely used mechanical circulatory support device because of its ease of use, low complication rate, and fast manner of insertion. Its benefit is still subject of debate, and a considerable gap exists between guidelines and clinical practice. Retrospective nonrandomized studies and animal experiments show benefits of IABP therapy. However, recent large randomized trials do not show benefit of IABP therapy, which has led to a downgrading in the guidelines. In our view, this dichotomy between trials and practice might be the result of insufficient understanding of the prerequisites needed for effective IABP therapy, that is, exhausted autoregulation, and of not including the right patient population in trials. The population included in recent large randomized trials has been heterogeneous, also including patients in whom benefit of IABP could not be expected. The clinical condition in which most benefit is expected, that is persistent ischemia in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, is discussed in this review. In conclusion, this review aims to explain the physiological principles needed for effective IABP therapy, to reflect critically on the large randomized trials, and to solve some of the controversies in this field.

Acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock: a multidisciplinary practical guidance

PURPOSE

Acute heart failure (AHF) causes high burden of mortality, morbidity, and repeated hospitalizations worldwide. This guidance paper describes the tailored treatment approaches of different clinical scenarios of AHF and CS, focusing on the needs of professionals working in intensive care settings.

RESULTS

Tissue congestion and hypoperfusion are the two leading mechanisms of end-organ injury and dysfunction, which are associated with worse outcome in AHF. Diagnosis of AHF is based on clinical assessment, measurement of natriuretic peptides, and imaging modalities. Simultaneously, emphasis should be given in rapidly identifying the underlying trigger of AHF and assessing severity of AHF, as well as in recognizing end-organ injuries. Early initiation of effective treatment is associated with superior outcomes. Oxygen, diuretics, and vasodilators are the key therapies for the initial treatment of AHF. In case of respiratory distress, non-invasive ventilation with pressure support should be promptly started. In patients with severe forms of AHF with cardiogenic shock (CS), inotropes are recommended to achieve hemodynamic stability and restore tissue perfusion. In refractory CS, when hemodynamic stabilization is not achieved, the use of mechanical support with assist devices should be considered early, before the development of irreversible end-organ injuries.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary approach along the entire patient journey from pre-hospital care to hospital discharge is needed to ensure early recognition, risk stratification, and the benefit of available therapies. Medical management should be planned according to the underlying mechanisms of various clinical scenarios of AHF.

Multivessel versus culprit lesion only percutaneous revascularization plus potential staged revascularization in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: Design and rationale of CULPRIT-SHOCK trial

BACKGROUND

In acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS), up to 80% of patients present with multivessel coronary artery disease. Currently, the best revascularization strategy is unknown. Therefore, a prospective randomized adequately powered clinical trial is warranted.

STUDY DESIGN

The CULPRIT-SHOCK study is a 706-patient controlled, international, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial. It is designed to compare culprit lesion only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with possible staged non-culprit lesion revascularization versus immediate multivessel PCI in patients with CS complicating acute myocardial infarction. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to one of the two treatment arms. The primary efficacy endpoint of CULPRIT-SHOCK is 30-day mortality and severe renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. Secondary outcome measures such as hemodynamic, laboratory, and clinical parameters will serve as surrogate endpoints for prognosis. Furthermore, an intermediate- and long-term follow-up at 6 and 12 months will be performed. Safety endpoints include the assessment of bleeding and stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial will address the question of optimal revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease and acute myocardial infarction complicated by CS.

Intravenous Clopidogrel (MDCO-157) Compared with Oral Clopidogrel: The Randomized Cross-Over AMPHORE Study

BACKGROUND

The extent of P2Y12 inhibition during coronary intervention is an important determinant of ischemic complications. The currently available oral P2Y12 inhibitors are limited by a relatively slow onset of action and variable on-treatment response.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the pharmacodynamic (PD) dose-antiplatelet response relationship and the pharmacokinetics of MDCO-157, an intravenous formulation of clopidogrel complexed with sulphobutylether betacyclodextrin, and to identify the dose level of MDCO-157 that matches the PD effect of oral clopidogrel 300 mg.

METHODOLOGY

A randomized open-label crossover study was performed in 33 healthy adult volunteers to determine the pharmacokinetic (clopidogrel and clopidogrel H4 thiol active metabolite) and the PD (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein [VASP]) effects of MDCO-157 at doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg and of oral clopidogrel 300 mg.

RESULTS

Data are presented as %, mean (standard deviation). The maximum effect of P2Y12 receptor inhibition assessed by flow cytometry using VASP was 70.42 (6.7), 69.45 (7.1), and 65.58 (12.6) for intravenous MDCO-157 at doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg, respectively, compared with 56.6 (17.5) with oral clopidogrel 300 mg administration (p < 0.0001). Intravenous administration of MDCO-157 led to a stepwise increase in plasma exposure of clopidogrel, higher than with administration of an oral dose of 300 mg (p < 0.0001). Plasma exposure of H4-thiol also increased with intravenous dose (3.6 ± 2.6, 6.9 ± 4.6, and 12.4 ± 9.1 h·ng/ml for intravenous 75, 150, and 300 mg, respectively) but was lower than with oral administration of a 300-mg dose (34.0 ± 16.0 h.ng/ml; pairwise p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

MDCO-157, an intravenous formulation of clopidogrel complexed with sulphobutylether betacyclodextrin, did not show significant platelet inhibition when administered at doses up to 300 mg. Higher doses with longer infusion may be needed to reach a sufficient threshold of active metabolite generation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01860105.