Neurological complications following percutaneous coronary interventions (a report from the 2000-2001 New York State Angioplasty Registry)

Neuroprotection Devices in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories: Does It Sufficiently Protect Our Patients?

Stroke is a devastating complication of cardiovascular interventions. Intraprocedural stroke is a well-documented and feared risk of cardiac percutaneous transcatheter procedures. If clinically significant strokes are absent, silent strokes remain the next in line to pose large concerns related to future cognitive decline, stroke risk, and overall increased morbidity and mortality. Cerebral protection devices (CPD) developed overtime aim to neutralize this risk through either a capture-based filter or a deflector mechanism. Many CPDs exist currently, each one unique, with varying degrees of evidence. The adoption of CPDs has allowed cardiac percutaneous transcatheter procedures to be carried out in patients with high thromboembolic risks who may have historically been discommended. Though skewed towards certain devices and transcatheter procedures, a large body of evidence is still present across other devices and procedures. This review will discuss clinical importance and respective stroke rates, updated evidence surrounding CPDs, differing opinions across types of CPDs, cost benefits, and what lies ahead for CPDs within the realm of procedures undertaken in cardiac catheterization laboratories.

Coronary Angiography Complicated by Acute Ischaemic Stroke and the Use of Thrombolysis: a Cardiology Perspective and Narrative Review of Current Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronary angiography-associated acute ischaemic stroke (CAAIS) is an uncommon event but is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The incidence of CAAIS has increased with a rise in the volume of coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is utilized in the general management of acute ischaemic stroke; however, it is associated with a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). As CA or PCI is performed more often in an aging population or high-risk patients that also carry an increased risk of ICH, it is vital to minimize additional complications from the treatment of CAAIS. This article aims to review the pathophysiological mechanisms for CAAIS, clarify the current evidence regarding IVT use in this setting, and thus assist cardiologists in the management of CAAIS.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathophysiology for CAAIS may be different from acute ischaemic stroke in the general population. Embolic phenomena from dislodgement of calcium or other debris during manipulation of instrumentation during CA or PCI are likely mechanisms. This may contribute to altered thrombus composition, which affects the efficacy of IVT as suggested in recent studies. Furthermore, IVT in the management of CAAIS has not been evaluated specifically. The utilization of IVT should be carefully considered in CAAIS given a paucity of evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy in this setting. A multidisciplinary pathway that emphasizes the involvement of cardiologists in the treatment decision-making process would aid in thoughtful risk-benefit evaluation for IVT use in CAAIS and reduce adverse patient outcomes. Future studies to assess the impact of this pathway on CAAIS outcomes would be beneficial.

ASNM and ASN joint guidelines for transcranial Doppler ultrasonic monitoring: An update

Today, it seems prudent to reconsider how ultrasound technology can be used for providing intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring that will result in better patient outcomes and decreased length and cost of hospitalization. An extensive and rapidly growing literature suggests that the essential hemodynamic information provided by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography neuromonitoring (TCDNM) would provide effective monitoring modality for improving outcomes after different types of vascular, neurosurgical, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and cardiothoracic surgeries and some endovascular interventional or diagnostic procedures, like cardiac catheterization or cerebral angiography. Understanding, avoiding, and preventing peri- or postoperative complications, including neurological deficits following abovementioned surgeries, endovascular intervention, or diagnostic procedures, represents an area of great public and economic benefit for society, especially considering the aging population. The American Society of Neurophysiologic Monitoring and American Society of Neuroimaging Guidelines Committees formed a joint task force and developed updated guidelines to assist in the use of TCDNM in the surgical and intensive care settings. Specifically, these guidelines define (1) the objectives of TCD monitoring; (2) the responsibilities and behaviors of the neurosonographer during monitoring; (3) instrumentation and acquisition parameters; (4) safety considerations; (5) contemporary rationale for TCDNM; (6) TCDNM perspectives; and (7) major recommendations.

Ischaemic stroke as a complication of cardiac catheterisation. Clinical and radiological characteristics, progression, and therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

Ischaemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of cardiac catheterisation. This study aims to analyse the clinical and prognostic differences between post-catheterisation stroke code (SC) and all other in-hospital and prehospital SC.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded SC activation at our centre between March 2011 and April 2016. Patients were grouped according to whether SC was activated post-catheterisation, in-hospital but not post-catheterisation, or before arrival at hospital; groups were compared in terms of clinical and radiological characteristics, therapeutic approach, functional status, and three-month mortality.

RESULTS

The sample included 2224 patients, of whom 31 presented stroke post-catheterisation. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was lower for post-catheterisation SC than for other in-hospital SC and pre-hospital SC (5, 10, and 7, respectively; P=.02), and SC was activated sooner (50, 100, and 125minutes, respectively; P<.001). Furthermore, post-catheterisation SC were more frequently due to transient ischaemic attack (38%, 8%, and 9%, respectively; P<.001) and less frequently to proximal artery occlusion (17.9%, 31.4%, and 39.2%, respectively; P=.023). The majority of patients with post-catheterisation strokes (89.7%) did not receive reperfusion therapy; 60% of the patients with proximal artery occlusion received endovascular treatment. The mortality rate was 12.95% for post-catheterisation strokes and 25% for all other in-hospital strokes. Although patients with post-catheterisation stroke had a better functional prognosis, the adjusted analysis showed that this effect was determined by their lower initial severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-catheterisation stroke is initially less severe, and presents more often as transient ischaemic attack and less frequently as proximal artery occlusion. Most post-catheterisation strokes are not treated with reperfusion; in case of artery occlusion, mechanical thrombectomy is the preferred treatment.

Ischaemic stroke as a complication of cardiac catheterisation. Clinical and radiological characteristics, progression, and therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

Ischaemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of cardiac catheterisation. This study aims to analyse the clinical and prognostic differences between post-catheterisation stroke code (SC) and all other in-hospital and prehospital SC.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded SC activation at our centre between March 2011 and April 2016. Patients were grouped according to whether SC was activated post-catheterisation, in-hospital but not post-catheterisation, or before arrival at hospital; groups were compared in terms of clinical and radiological characteristics, therapeutic approach, functional status, and three-month mortality.

RESULTS

The sample included 2224 patients, of whom 31 presented stroke post-catheterisation. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was lower for post-catheterisation SC than for other in-hospital SC and pre-hospital SC (5, 10, and 7, respectively; P=.02), and SC was activated sooner (50, 100, and 125minutes, respectively; P<.001). Furthermore, post-catheterisation SC were more frequently due to transient ischaemic attack (38%, 8%, and 9%, respectively; P<.001) and less frequently to proximal artery occlusion (17.9%, 31.4%, and 39.2%, respectively; P=.023). The majority of patients with post-catheterisation strokes (89.7%) did not receive reperfusion therapy; 60% of the patients with proximal artery occlusion received endovascular treatment. The mortality rate was 12.95% for post-catheterisation strokes and 25% for all other in-hospital strokes. Although patients with post-catheterisation stroke had a better functional prognosis, the adjusted analysis showed that this effect was determined by their lower initial severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-catheterisation stroke is initially less severe, and presents more often as transient ischaemic attack and less frequently as proximal artery occlusion. Most post-catheterisation strokes are not treated with reperfusion; in case of artery occlusion, mechanical thrombectomy is the preferred treatment.

Neurological Complications of Cardiac Procedures

Neurological complications after cardiac surgery and percutaneous cardiac interventions are not uncommon. These include periprocedural stroke, postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery, contrast-induced encephalopathy after percutaneous interventions, and seizures. In this article, we review the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of these complications. Improved understanding of these complications could lead to their prevention, faster detection, and facilitation of diagnostic workup and appropriate treatment.

A rare complication of cerebral venous thrombosis during simple percutaneous coronary intervention: A case report

RATIONALE

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), although rare, are associated with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of CVAs compared with arterial disease but is associated with favorable outcomes in most cases. We present a rare case of CVT following a simple PCI procedure with stent implantation, which has not been previously reported in the literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 78-year-old woman with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease received simple PCI with stent implantation. After PCI, she developed a throbbing headache with nausea and vomiting, with her blood pressure increasing to 190/100 mmHg. Drowsiness, disorientation, and neck stiffness were noted. Neurological complication due to the PCI procedure was highly suspected.

DIAGNOSIS

Noncontrast brain computed tomography was performed along with emergency neurological consultation, and the patient was diagnosed as having acute CVT.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with anti-intracranial pressure therapy and anticoagulation therapy through low-molecular-weight heparin and was subsequently treated with warfarin.

OUTCOMES

After treatment, the patient's symptoms and signs gradually subsided, and her clinical condition improved. She was discharged with full recovery thereafter.

LESSONS

A case of acute CVT, a rare, and atypical manifestation of venous thromboembolism and CVA, complicated simple PCI with stent implantation. During PCI, identifying patients with a high risk of a CVA is critical, and special care should be taken to prevent this devastating complication.

Cerebrovascular events complicating cardiac catheterization - A tertiary care cardiac centre experience

Background:

Cerebrovascular events (CVEs) are one of the rare complications of cardiac catheterization. This prospective single-center study was conducted to assess the incidence, presentations, and outcomes of CVEs in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Methods:

Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization who developed CVEs within 48 h of procedure were analyzed prospectively with clinical assessment and neuroimaging.

Results:

Out of 55,664 patients, 35 had periprocedural CVEs (0.063%). The incidence of periprocedural CVEs with balloon mitral valvotomy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary angiography was 0.127%, 0.112%, and 0.043%, respectively. A larger proportion of periprocedural CVEs occurred in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, 77.1%) than in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The majority of CVEs were ischemic type (33 patients, 94.3%). It was most commonly seen in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Hemorrhagic CVEs were very rare (2 patients, 5.7%). The majority of the CVEs manifested during or within 24 h of the procedure (31 patients, 88.6%). Neurodeficits persisted during the hospital stay in 20 patients (57.2%), who had longer duration of procedure compared to those with recovered deficits (P = 0.0125). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients (8.5%) and post-discharge mortality in another 3 (8.5%).

Conclusions:

Periprocedural CVEs are rare and have decreased over time. They occur in a greater proportion in patients with ACS than in patients with stable CAD, more with interventional than diagnostic procedures. Ischemic event in the left MCA territory is the most common manifestation, commonly seen within 24 h of the procedure. Longer duration of procedure was a risk factor for larger infarcts and hence persistent neurodeficit at discharge. Although a substantial number of patients recover the neurodeficits, periprocedural CVEs are associated with adverse outcomes.

Cerebral Infarction Observed on Brain MRI in Unconscious Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Cumulative evidence regarding the use of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting prognosis of unconscious out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) is available. Theoretically, these patients are at a high risk of developing cerebral infarction. However, there is a paucity of reports regarding the characteristics of cerebral infarction in this population. Thus, we performed a pilot study to identify the characteristics and risk factors of cerebral infarction and to evaluate whether this infarction is associated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective, registry-based cohort study was conducted at Severance Hospital, a tertiary center. Unconscious OHCA survivors were registered and treated with TTM between September 2011 and December 2015. We included patients who underwent brain MRI in the first week after the return of spontaneous circulation. We excluded patients who underwent any endovascular interventions to focus on "procedure-unrelated" cerebral infarctions. We assessed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and procedure-unrelated cerebral infarction separately on MRI. Patients were categorized into the following groups based on MRI findings: HIE (-)/infarction (-), infarction-only, and HIE (+) groups. Conventional vascular risk factors showing p < 0.05 in univariate analyses were entered into multivariate logistic regression. We also evaluated if the presence of this procedure-unrelated cerebral infarction lesion or HIE was associated with a poor clinical outcome at discharge, defined as a cerebral performance category of 3-5.

RESULTS

Among 71 unconscious OHCA survivors who completed TTM, underwent MRI, and who did not undergo endovascular interventions, 14 (19.7%) patients had procedure-unrelated cerebral infarction based on MRI. Advancing age [odds ratio (OR) 1.11] and atrial fibrillation (OR 5.78) were independently associated with the occurrence of procedure-unrelated cerebral infarction (both p < 0.05). There were more patients with poor clinical outcomes at discharge in the HIE (+) group (88.1%) than in the infarction-only (30.0%) or HIE (-)/infarction (-) group (15.8%) (p < 0.001). HIE (+) (OR 38.69, p < 0.001) was independently associated with poor clinical outcomes at discharge, whereas infarction-only was not (p > 0.05), compared to HIE (-)/infarction (-).

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, procedure-unrelated cerebral infarction was noted in approximately one-fifth of unconscious OHCA survivors who were treated with TTM and underwent MRI. Older age and atrial fibrillation might be associated with the occurrence of procedure-unrelated cerebral infarction, and cerebral infarction was not considered to be associated with clinical outcomes at discharge. Considering that the strict exclusion criteria in this pilot study resulted in a highly selected sample with a relatively small size, further work is needed to verify our findings.

Incidence and risk factors for stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Stroke rates and risk factors may change as percutaneous coronary intervention practice evolves and no data are available comparing stroke incidence after percutaneous coronary intervention to the general population.

AIMS

This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for inpatient and subsequent stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention with comparison to age-matched controls.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected from 22,618 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the Melbourne Interventional Group registry (2005-2015). The cohort was compared to the North-East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study population-based cohort (1997-1999) and predefined variables assessed for association with inpatient or outpatient stroke.

RESULTS

Inpatient stroke occurred in 0.33% (65.3% ischemic, 28.0% haemorrhagic, and 6.7% cause unknown), while outpatient stroke occurred in 0.55%. Inpatient and outpatient stroke were associated with higher rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (p < 0.0001) and mortality (p < 0.0001), as well as 12-month mortality (p < 0.0001). Factors independently associated with inpatient stroke were renal impairment, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, previous stroke, left ventricular ejection fraction 30-45%, and female sex, while those associated with outpatient stroke were previous stroke, chronic lung disease, previous myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, female sex, and older age. Compared to the age-standardized population-based cohort, stroke rates in the 12 months following discharge were higher for percutaneous coronary intervention patients <65 years old, but lower for percutaneous coronary intervention patients ≥65 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of inpatient stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention appears to be largely associated with clinical status at presentation, while outpatient stroke relates more to age and chronic disease. Compared to the general population, outpatient stroke rates following percutaneous coronary intervention are higher for younger, but not older, patients.

Prospective Study on the Incidence of Cerebrovascular Disease After Coronary Angiography

AIM

Previous studies have reported a 10.2%-22% rate of silent cerebral infarction and a 0.1%-1% rate of symptomatic cerebral infarction after coronary angiography (CAG). However, the risk factors of cerebral infarction after CAG have not been fully elucidated. For this reason, we investigated the incidence and risk factors of CVD complications within 48 h after CAG using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Diffusion-weighted MRI) at Kagoshima University Hospital.

METHODS

From September 2013 to April 2015, we examined the incidence and risk factors, including procedural data and patients characteristics, of cerebrovascular disease after CAG in consecutive 61 patients who underwent CAG and MRI in our hospital.

RESULTS

Silent cerebral infarction after CAG was observed in 6 cases (9.8%), and they should not show any neurological symptoms of cerebral infarction. Only prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was more frequently found in the stroke group (n=6) than that in the non-stroke group (n=55); however, no significant difference was observed (P=0.07). After adjusting for confounders, prior CABG was a significant independent risk factor for the incidence of stroke after CAG (odds ratio: 11.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-129.8, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggested that the incidence of cerebral infarction after CAG was not related to the catheterization procedure per se but may be caused by atherosclerosis with CABG.

Impact of Cerebrovascular Events Older Than One Year on Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes With Cangrelor in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Cangrelor is a potent intravenous adenosine diphosphate-receptor antagonist that in the CHAMPION trials reduced the 48-hour and 30-day rates of ischemic events during percutaneous coronary intervention without an increase in severe bleeding.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CHAMPION PCI (A Clinical Trial to Demonstrate the Efficacy of Cangrelor), CHAMPION PLATFORM (Cangrelor Versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition), and CHAMPION PHOENIX (A Clinical Trial Comparing Cangrelor to Clopidogrel Standard Therapy in Subjects Who Require Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) were 3 randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trials in which cangrelor was compared with clopidogrel during percutaneous coronary intervention. The effect of cangrelor on ischemic events and bleeding was analyzed in the subgroup of patients with a history of cerebrovascular events at least 1 year prior to randomization; the Breslow-Day test was used to test for interaction of treatment effect in subgroups with and without such a history. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, or stent thrombosis at 48 hours. Among 24 910 randomized patients, 1270 patients (5.1%) had a cerebrovascular event >1 year old, including 650 assigned to cangrelor and 620 assigned to clopidogrel. Consistent with the overall trial results, the rate of the primary efficacy end point was 4.3% in the cangrelor group versus 5.3% in the clopidogrel group (odds ratio 0.80; 95% confidence interval 0.48-1.34; P=0.40; P for interaction =0.97), and the rate of GUSTO (Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries) severe bleeding was 0.3% in both groups (P=0.97; P for interaction =0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients in the CHAMPION trials with a prior cerebrovascular event at least 1 year before the percutaneous coronary intervention, the efficacy and bleeding profile of cangrelor compared with clopidogrel was similar to that in the overall trial.

Influence of Anatomic Angulations in Chimney and Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

The lack of widespread availability of Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) encouraged alternative strategies. Hence, Chimney graft (CG)-EVAR spread when costs, manufacturing delays, or anatomy preclude F-EVAR. Our objective is to evaluate CG- and F-EVAR outcomes depending on the angulation of target renal arteries and hostility of iliac accesses in order to determine the potential impact of a choice made between both techniques on the basis of preoperative anatomic criteria.

METHODS

Consecutive patients treated by CG-EVAR or F-EVAR, from January 2010 to January 2015, were considered for inclusion. Anatomic parameters were defined by preoperative computed tomography angiography. A subgroup analysis was performed depending on renal arteries' angulation (cut-off: -30°) and iliac arteries' hostility (cut-off: diameter <6 mm, tortuosity index = 3).

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were included the CG group (mean age 74.7 ± 6.9 years, 30 target vessels) and 66 in the F-EVAR group (71.7 ± 7.9 years, 133 target vessels). Infrarenal aortic neck length was significantly longer for CG-EVAR (3.3 ± 3.7 vs. 1.8 ± 3.2 mm, P = 0.04), while the distance between the superior mesenteric artery and highest renal artery was shorter in the CG group (11.7 ± 6.2 mm vs. 14.1 ± 5.9 mm, P = 0.06). Longitudinal angulation of the right renal artery was not statistically different between both groups, while the left renal artery presented with a significantly more downward angulation in the CG group (-32.0 ± 15.3 vs. -19.0 ± 19.6, P = 0.003). There were significantly more grade 3 iliac tortuosity indexes for CG-EVAR (P = 0.03) with significantly smaller external iliac diameters (7.8 ± 1.7 vs. 8.8 ± 1.6 mm, P = 0.0009). There was 1 renal artery early occlusion in the <-30° CG subgroup and 2 in the <-30° F-EVAR subgroup where severe downward angulation crushed the stents, with a tendency toward higher early occlusions compared with the ≥-30° F-EVAR subgroup (P = 0.054). Mean follow-up duration was 20 months in the CG group and 14 in the F-EVAR group. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed no significant difference in terms of overall survival, freedom from reintervention, freedom from type I or III endoleak, or patency. In the CG group, 14 patients (53.8%) presented with hostile iliac accesses without any significant difference in terms of limb events.

CONCLUSIONS

CG-EVAR is a complementary strategy to F-EVAR, and understanding which technique is applicable to which patient is important to improve outcomes. Our results suggest that considering renal artery angulation and diameter, iliac artery hostility, and aortic neck length among other parameters may help the surgeon make a decision toward the endovascular strategy that seems best suited for each specific patient.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention as a Trigger for Stroke

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a plausible triggering factor for stroke, yet the magnitude of this excess risk remains unclear. This study aimed to quantify the transient change in risk of stroke for up to 12 weeks after PCI. We applied the case-crossover method, using data from the Norwegian Patient Register on all hospitalizations in Norway in the period of 2008 to 2014. The relative risk (RR) of ischemic stroke was highest during the first 2 days after PCI (RR 17.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2 to 72.8) and decreased gradually during the following weeks. The corresponding RR was 2.0 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.3) 4 to 8 weeks after PCI. The RR for women was more than twice as high as for men during the first 4 postprocedural weeks, RR 10.5 (95% CI 3.8 to 29.3) and 4.4 (95% CI 2.7 to 7.2), respectively. Our results were compatible with an increased RR of hemorrhagic stroke 4 to 8 weeks after PCI, but the events were few and the estimates were very imprecise, RR 3.0 (95% CI 0.8 to 11.1). The present study offers new knowledge about PCI as a trigger for stroke. Our estimates indicated a substantially increased risk of ischemic stroke during the first 2 days after PCI. The RR then decreased gradually but stayed elevated for 8 weeks. Increased awareness of this vulnerable period after PCI in clinicians and patients could contribute to earlier detection and treatment for patients suffering a postprocedural stroke.

Comparison of Transradial vs Transfemoral Access for Aortoiliac and Femoropopliteal Interventions

Purpose: To compare the procedure and safety outcomes of the transradial approach (TRA) with the femoral approach (FA) for treating aortoiliac and femoropopliteal stenoses and occlusions. Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted involving 188 patients (mean age 66.4±10.8 years; 116 men) with lower limb claudication or critical limb ischemia who underwent aortoiliac (131, 62.4%) or femoropopliteal (79, 37.6%) interventions on 210 lesions over a 3-year period. Operator discretion determined TRA suitability; exclusions included Raynaud’s disease, upper limb occlusive disease, previous TRA difficulties, or planned hemodialysis. Lesion characteristics, clinical endpoints, and access site complications were compared. Results: FA was used primarily in 123 patients and the TRA (12 left and 53 right radial arteries) in 65 procedures. Eleven (16.9%) TRAs failed vs 9 (7.3%) FAs (p=0.42). Crossover to FA was due to occlusive lesions requiring alternative equipment in 9 cases and to tortuosity of the aortic arch vessels in 2 patients. The 134 FA interventions (balloon angioplasty, stents) were retrograde (112, 83.6%) or antegrade (22, 16.4%). There were significantly more TASC C/D lesions in the FA group (p=0.02). Sheath sizes (5-F to 8-F) did not differ between groups, and no significant differences were found between FA vs TRA in terms of procedure time (50.0±28.9 vs 46.8±25.1 minutes, p=0.50) or length of stay (2.2±0.6 vs 2.1±0.3 days, p=0.24). While there were no strokes, access site complications occurred in 6.0% of the FA patients vs 3.7% of the TRA patients (p=0.12). Conclusion: The transradial approach for aortoiliac and femoropopliteal interventions is safe and efficacious compared with the transfemoral approach for a range of lesion subtypes. Nevertheless, there remains a need for improvements in peripheral device and catheter technology to decrease transradial failure rates.

Ischaemic Stroke Following Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA): A Rare Complication

Stroke following coronary interventions is a devastating and most dreaded complication with significant morbidity and mortality. Various factors have been ascribed for this complication including the technical errors. We hereby describe such a patient who presented to us with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) but unfortunately developed left sided hemiparesis due to ischaemic stroke (right middle cerebral artery). She was managed as per the standard treatment protocols for acute coronary syndrome and later on for ischaemic stroke which she nicely responded to and was discharged in a haemodynamically stable condition. On follow-up after 15 days, she was totally symptom-free. We will discuss all the possible preventive and treatment measures for this rare complication of (PCI).

Temporal trends in percutaneous coronary intervention--associated acute cerebrovascular accident (from the 1998 to 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database)

Acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2008 was used to identify 1,552,602 PCIs performed for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease. We assessed temporal trends in the incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of CVA in a broad range of patients undergoing PCI. The overall incidence of CVA was 0.56% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55 to 0.57). The incidence of CVA remained unchanged over the study period (adjusted p for trend=0.2271). The overall mortality rate in the CVA group was 10.76% (95% CI 10.1 to 11.4). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of CVA for in-hospital mortality was 7.74 (95% CI 7.00 to 8.57, p<0.0001); this remained high but decreased over the study period (adjusted p for trend<0.0001). Independent predictors of CVA included older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03, p<0.0001), disorder of lipid metabolism (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.38, p<0.001), history of tobacco use (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.34, p=0.0002), coronary atherosclerosis (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.43 to 1.71, p<0.0001), and intra-aortic balloon pump use (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.77, p=0.0073). A nomogram for predicting the probability of CVA achieved a concordance index of 0.73 and was well calibrated. In conclusion, the incidence of CVA associated with PCI has remained unchanged from 1998 to 2008 in face of improved equipment, techniques, and adjunctive pharmacology. The risk of CVA-associated in-hospital mortality is high; however, this risk has decreased over the study period.

Neurologic complications of myocardial infarction

Cardiac disease, in particular coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of mortality in developed nations. Strokes can complicate cardiac disease - either as result of left ventricular dysfunction and associated thrombus formation or of therapy for the cardiac disease. Antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants routinely used to treat cardiac disease increase the risk for hemorrhagic stroke.

Incidence and Clinical Impact of Stroke Complicating Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background—

Stroke is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). So far, scant information is available about the incidence and outcome of patients developing stroke after PCI for stable angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in daily clinical practice in Europe today.

Methods and Results—

Between 2005 and 2008, 46 888 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled into the PCI Registry of the Euro Heart Survey Programme (176 centers in 33 European countries) to document patient’s characteristics, PCI details, and hospital complications in different PCI indications. Stroke was observed in 0.4% of the procedures in the total population, in 0.3% of PCIs in elective patients, and in 0.6% in PCIs performed for ACS. The overall in-hospital mortality was 19.2% for patients who developed stroke (elective PCIs, 10.0%; PCI for ACS, 23.2%) compared with 1.3% for those without stroke (elective PCIs, 0.2%; PCI for ACS, 2.3%). In multivariate analysis hemodynamic instability, age ≥75 years, history of stroke, and congestive heart failure were found to be independent predictors for periprocedural stroke in ACS, whereas only PCI of a bypass graft and renal failure could be identified as independent predictors for stroke in elective patients.

Conclusions—

Stroke as complication of PCI occurs rarely (0.4%) in clinical practice in Europe today. However, peri-interventional stroke is still associated with an exceedingly high in-hospital mortality rate. Most predictors for periprocedural stroke are not modifiable and cannot be diminished before PCI. Therefore, treatment of patients with stroke after PCI needs further research.

Medical therapy v. PCI in stable coronary artery disease: a cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with either drug-eluting stents (DES) or bare metal stents (BMS) reduces angina and repeat procedures compared with optimal medical therapy alone. It remains unclear if these benefits are sufficient to offset their increased costs and small increase in adverse events.

OBJECTIVE

Cost utility analysis of initial medical therapy v. PCI with either BMS or DES.

DESIGN

. Markov cohort decision model. Data Sources. Propensity-matched observational data from Ontario, Canada, for baseline event rates. Effectiveness and utility data obtained from the published literature, with costs from the Ontario Case Costing Initiative.

TARGET POPULATION

Patients with stable coronary artery disease, confirmed after angiography, stratified by risk of restenosis based on diabetic status, lesion size, and lesion length. Time Horizon. Lifetime. Perspective. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Interventions. Optimal medical therapy, PCI with BMS or DES.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

of Base Case Analysis. In the overall population, medical therapy had the lowest lifetime costs at $22,952 v. $25,081 and $25,536 for BMS and DES, respectively. Medical therapy had a quality-adjusted life expectancy of 10.1 v. 10.26 QALYs for BMS, producing an ICER of $13,271/QALY. The DES strategy had a quality-adjusted life expectancy of only 10.20 QALYs and was dominated by the BMS strategy. This ranking was consistent in all groups stratified by restenosis risk, except diabetic patients with long lesions in small arteries, in whom DES was cost-effective compared with medical therapy (ICER of $18,826/QALY). Limitations. There is the possibility of residual unobserved confounding.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable coronary artery disease, an initial BMS strategy is cost-effective.

Influence of access site choice on incidence of neurologic complications after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Neurologic complications (NCs) are a rare but potentially devastating complication that may follow percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In recent years, there has been an increase in use of transradial access, driven by a developing body of evidence that favors its use over femoral access. Concerns have been raised, however, that transradial access may increase the risk of NC compared with transfemoral access. We aimed to investigate the influence of access site selection on the occurrence of NCs through a period of transition during which transradial access became the dominant route for PCI procedures performed in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database between January 2006 and December 2010. The data were split into 2 cohorts based on access site. An NC was defined as a periprocedural ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischemic attack occurring before hospital discharge. Binary logistic multivariate analysis was used to investigate the influence of access site utilization on NCs and adjust for measured confounding factors.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2010, the use of radial access increased from 17.2% to 50.8% of all PCI procedures. A total of 124,616 radial procedures and 223,476 femoral procedures were studied with a NC rate of 0.11% in each cohort. In univariate (odds ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.82-1.24, P = .93) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.23, P = .91), there was no significant association between the use of radial access and the occurrence of NCs.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that radial access is not associated with an increased risk of clinically detected NCs, even during a period when there was a rapid evolution in the preferred access site for PCI in the United Kingdom. These are reassuring results, particularly for operators embarking on a change to radial access for PCI.

Comparison of frequency of postoperative stroke in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention

The stroke rate after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is generally considered high because cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic manipulations are often associated with cerebrovascular complications. However, an increasing number of CABGs performed without cardiopulmonary bypass (OPCAB) may improve those outcomes. Of 6,323 patients with multivessel and/or left main coronary artery disease, 3,877 patients underwent PCI, 1,381 conventional on-pump CABG, and 1,065 OPCAB. Median follow-up was 3.4 years. Stroke types were classified as early (onset of stroke within 24 hours after revascularization), delayed (within 30 days), and late (after 30 days). Propensity score analysis showed that the incidences of early, delayed, and late stroke did not differ between PCI and OPCAB (0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 5.45, p = 1.00; 0.36, 0.10 to 1.29, p = 0.23; 0.81, 0.52 to 1.27, p = 0.72, respectively). In contrast, incidence of early stroke after on-pump CABG was higher than after OPCAB (7.22, 1.67 to 31.3, p = 0.01), but incidences of delayed and late stroke were not different (1.66, 0.70 to 3.91, p = 0.50; 1.18, 0.83 to 1.69, p = 0.73). In conclusion, occurrence of stroke was not found to differ in patients after PCI versus OPCAB regardless of onset of stroke. Occurrence of early stroke after OPCAB was lower than that after on-pump CABG, yet occurrences of delayed and late strokes were similar for the 3 revascularization strategies.

Silent cerebral infarcts after cardiac catheterization: a randomized comparison of radial and femoral approaches

BACKGROUND

Single center studies using serial cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in patients having cardiac catheterization have suggested that cerebral microembolism might be responsible for silent cerebral infarct (SCI) as high as 15% to 22%. We evaluated in a multicenter trial the incidence of SCIs after cardiac catheterization and whether or not the choice of the arterial access site might impact this phenomenon.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were randomized to have cardiac catheterization either by Radial (n = 83) or Femoral (n = 77) arterial approaches by experimented operators. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of new cerebral infarct on serial diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Patient and catheterization characteristics, including duration of catheterization, were similar in both groups. The risk of SCI did not differ significantly between the Femoral and Radial groups (incidence of 11.7% versus 17.5%; OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.62-1.16; P = .31). At multivariable analysis, the independent predictors of SCI were the patient's higher height and lower transvalvular gradient.

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of SCI after cardiac catheterization of patients with aortic stenosis was confirmed, but its occurrence was not affected by the selection of Radial and Femoral access.

Risks and complications of coronary angiography: a comprehensive review

Coronary angiography and heart catheterization are invaluable tests for the detection and quantification of coronary artery disease, identification of valvular and other structural abnormalities, and measurement of hemodynamic parameters. The risks and complications associated with these procedures relate to the patient’s concomitant conditions and to the skill and judgment of the operator. In this review, we examine in detail the major complications associated with invasive cardiac procedures and provide the reader with a comprehensive bibliography for advanced reading.

The Carina as a Useful Radiographic Landmark for Positioning the Intraaortic Balloon Pump

BACKGROUND

The aortic knob is thought to be the most useful radiographic landmark for the proper positioning of the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) tip. However, this has not been studied formally. In this study we assessed whether the aortic knob is a reliable landmark for positioning the IABP and compared it with another potential landmark, the carina.

METHODS

We measured the distance from the top of the distal aortic arch (aortic knob) to the left subclavian artery (LSCA) on three-dimensional computed tomography angiography in 100 patients. The distance from the level of the LSCA origin to the level of the carina was also measured using three-dimensional computed tomography in 150 additional patients.

RESULTS

In 16% of the aortic knob study population, the LSCA to aortic knob distance was <0 cm or 0 cm. The median distance from the LSCA to the carina was 42 mm (range: 30-63 mm). In the carina study population, the origin of the LSCA was 35-55 mm above the carina in 95.3% of patients.

CONCLUSION

In 16% of patients, the IABP was too close to the LSCA origin when it was placed at the aortic knob, whereas positioning the IABP at 2 cm above the carina provided an adequate position for the IABP tip (1.5-3.5 cm distal to the origin of the LSCA) in 95.3% of patients. The carina may be a more reliable landmark for positioning the IABP than the aortic knob.

Silent cerebral infarct after cardiac catheterization as detected by diffusion weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: a randomized comparison of radial and femoral arterial approaches

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cerebral microembolism detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) occurs systematically during cardiac catheterization, but its clinical relevance, remains unknown. Studies suggest that asymptomatic embolic cerebral infarction detectable by diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI might exist after percutaneous cardiac interventions with a frequency as high as 15 to 22% of cases. We have set up, for the first time, a prospective multicenter trial to assess the rate of silent cerebral infarction after cardiac catheterization and to compare the impact of the arterial access site, comparing radial and femoral access, on this phenomenon.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective study will be performed in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. To assess the occurrence of cerebral infarction, all patients will undergo cerebral DW-MRI and neurological assessment within 24 hours before, and 48 hours after cardiac catheterization and retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve. Randomization for the access site will be performed before coronary angiography. A subgroup will be monitored by transcranial power M-mode Doppler during cardiac catheterization to observe cerebral blood flow and track emboli. Neuropsychological tests will also be recorded in a subgroup of patients before and after the interventional procedures to assess the impact of silent brain injury on potential cognitive decline. The primary end-point of the study is a direct comparison of ischemic cerebral lesions as detected by serial cerebral DW-MRI between patients explored by radial access and patients explored by femoral access. Secondary end-points include comparison of neuropsychological test performance and number of microembolism signals observed in the two groups.

IMPLICATIONS

Using serial DW-MRI, silent cerebral infarction rate will be defined and the potential influence of vascular access site will be evaluated. Silent cerebral infarction might be a major concern during cardiac catheterization and its potential relationship to cognitive decline needs to be assessed.

STUDY REGISTRATION

The SCIPION study is registered through National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trials registry and has been assigned the Identifier: NCT 00329979.

Management of cerebrovascular accidents during cardiac catheterization

Ischemic cerebrovascular events are a rare complication of cardiac catheterization. Consequently a unique standard of management for these events is yet to be defined. Immediate cerebral angiography followed by local thrombolysis is an effective strategy and we report six cases for which this approach was successfully employed. In contrast the use of immediate neuroimaging by means of MRI or CT scan in two cases delayed the implementation of appropriate therapy.

Stroke Complicating Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Stroke associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a tragic complication. Despite advances in the practice of PCI, the incidence of stroke complicating PCI has not changed over the decades. The objective of the present study was to evaluate incidence and correlates of stroke occurring in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing PCI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Stroke was defined as the presence of any new focal neurological deficit lasting > or =24 h that occurred anytime during or after PCI until discharge. In 2,281 consecutive patients with PCIs for non-ST-elevation MI, or ST-elevation MI (STEMI), 20 strokes were identified (0.88%). Strokes were ischemic in 95%. On multivariate analyses, ejection fraction < or =30% (odds ratio =4.3, p=0.003) was the only independent predictor for stroke. In patients who developed stroke within 24 h of PCI, PCI of vein grafts was more frequent, and use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was less frequent. Those patients tended to present late in the course of MI. Stroke found more than 24 h after PCI was related to diabetes, higher serum creatinine, lower ejection fraction, anterior wall STEMI and emergency use of intra-aortic balloon pumps.

CONCLUSIONS

Low ejection fraction was the only independent predictor for stroke, but risk factors for periprocedural stroke are different from those of stroke occurring more than 24 h after PCI. Upstream use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor might decrease the risk of periprocedural stroke.

Cerebral Microembolism During Cardiac Catheterization and Risk of Acute Brain Injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral microembolism detected by transcranial Doppler occurs systematically during cardiac catheterization, but its clinical relevance remains unknown. Studies suggest that asymptomatic embolic cerebral infarction detectable by diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI might exist after percutaneous cardiac interventions, especially after retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve in patients with valvular aortic stenosis, with a frequency as high as 22% of cases. We investigated the incidence of new ischemic lesions on serial cerebral DW MRI after cardiac catheterization.

METHODS

This prospective study involved 46 patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. To assess the occurrence of cerebral infarction, all patients underwent cerebral DW MRI and neurological assessment within 24 hours before and 48 hours after cardiac catheterization and retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve. A subgroup was monitored by transcranial power M-mode Doppler during cardiac catheterization to observe cerebral blood flow and track emboli.

RESULTS

One patient had a focal diffusion abnormality on DW MRI before cardiac catheterization. After catheterization, we detected only 1 additional acute cerebral diffusion abnormality in a single case (2.2%), although cerebral microemboli were detected in all transcranial Doppler-monitored patients during cardiac catheterization, as expected. All patients remained asymptomatic. Based on these results a mid-point incidence of 5.9% (95% CI, 0.01 to 12.5) for abnormalities on DW MRI in asymptomatic cardiac catheterization patients in our center can be assigned.

CONCLUSIONS

Unsuspected cerebral infarctions can be detected by DW MRI after cardiac catheterization, but this phenomenon remains unfrequent in our series. Further studies are needed to identify factors explaining the discrepancy between these results and those of previous studies.