Radial artery access is associated with lower mortality in patients undergoing primary PCI: a report from the SWEDEHEART registry

The prognostic significance of single-lead ST-segment resolution in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary PCI - A substudy of the randomized TOTAL trial

BACKGROUND

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Simple electrocardiogram (ECG) tools, including ST-segment resolution (STR) have been developed to identify high-risk STEMI patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the prognostic impact of STR in the ECG lead with maximal baseline ST-segment elevation (STE) 30-60 minutes after primary PCI in 7,654 STEMI patients included in the TOTAL trial. Incomplete or no STR was defined as < 70% STR and complete STR as ≥ 70% STR. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock, or new or worsening New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure at 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 7,654 patients, 42.9% had incomplete or no STR and 57.1% had complete STR. The primary outcome occurred in 341 patients (10.4%) in the incomplete or no STR group and in 234 patients (5.4%) in the complete STR group. In Cox regression analysis, adjusted hazard ratio for STR < 70% to predict the primary outcome was 1.56 (95% confidence interval 1.32-1.89; P < .001) (model adjusted for all baseline comorbidities, clinical status during hospitalization, angiographic findings, and procedural techniques).

CONCLUSION

In a large international study of STEMI patients, STR < 70% 30-60 minutes post primary PCI in the ECG lead with the greatest STE at admission was associated with an increased rate of the composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, cardiogenic shock, or new or worsening NYHA class IV heart failure at 1-year follow-up. Clinicians should pay attention to this simple ECG finding.

Clinical features, socioeconomic status, management, short and long-term outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction: Phase I results of PEACE MENA registry

BACKGROUND

The Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac Events in the Middle East and North Africa (PEACE MENA) is a prospective registry program in Arabian countries that involves in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF).

METHODS

This prospective, multi-center, multi-country study is the first report of the baseline characteristics and outcomes of inpatients with AMI who were enrolled during the first 14-month recruitment phase. We report the clinical characteristics, socioeconomic, educational levels, and management, in-hospital, one month and one-year outcomes.

RESULTS

Between April 2019 and June 2020, 1377 patients with AMI were enrolled (79.1% males) from 16 Arabian countries. The mean age (± SD) was 58 ± 12 years. Almost half of the population had a net income < $500/month, and 40% had limited education. Nearly half of the cohort had a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia; 53% had STEMI, and almost half (49.7%) underwent a primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) (lowest 4.5% and highest 100%). Thrombolytics were used by 36.2%. (Lowest 6.45% and highest (90.9%). No reperfusion occurred in 13.8% of patients (lowest was 0% and highest 72.7%).Primary PCI was performed less frequently in the lower income group vs. high income group (26.3% vs. 54.7%; P<0.001). Recurrent ischemia occurred more frequently in the low-income group (10.9% vs. 7%; P = 0.018). Re-admission occurred in 9% at 1 month and 30% at 1 year, whereas 1-month mortality was 0.7% and 1-year mortality 4.7%.

CONCLUSION

In the MENA region, patients with AMI present at a young age and have a high burden of cardiac risk factors. Most of the patients in the registry have a low income and low educational status. There is heterogeneity among key performance indicators of AMI management among various Arabian countries.

Is single-catheter technique for coronary angiography an optimal tool for beginners in interventional cardiology?-randomized controlled study TRACT 2: Transradial Coronary Angiography Trial 2

Background

Transradial coronary angiography can be performed using a dual-catheter technique (DCT) or single-catheter technique (SCT). The current study aimed to compare DxTerity SCT Ultra and the Trapease curve SCT catheters with DCT catheters in procedures performed by young, less experienced, interventional cardiologists.

Methods

For this prospective, single-blinded, randomized study 107 were enrolled and assigned to 1 of 3 groups. They underwent planned coronary angiography at the Second Department of Cardiology Jagiellonian University in Kraków. In groups 1 (n=37) and 2 (n=35), DxTerity SCT Ultra catheters and the Trapease curve were used, respectively. In control group 3 (n=35), standard DCT Judkins catheters were applied. One patient was excluded from group 2, bringing the total number of cases analysed to 106. The study endpoints comprised the percentage of optimal stability, proper ostial artery engagement, a good quality angiogram, the duration of each procedure stage, the amount of contrast and the radiation dose.

Results

The highest percentage of optimal stability was observed in group 1 for the right coronary artery (RCA): 94%, and in group 3, for the left coronary artery (LCA): 85%. The necessity to change the catheter was most common in group 2. Group 1 was characterised by a shorter total procedural time. The contrast volume was higher in group 2, while there were no differences in radiation dose.

Conclusions

SCT is at least as adequate as DCT for young cardiologists. SCT was associated with lower necessity of catheter exchange during RCA visualization. The DxTerity Ultra curve catheter allows shortening the total procedure time.

Sex-stratified differences in early antithrombotic treatment response in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying the increased risk of bleeding that female patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) exhibit, remains unclear. The present report assessed sex-related differences in response to pre-hospital dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) initiation in patients with STEMI.

METHODS

The COMPARE CRUSH trial randomized patients presenting with STEMI to receive a pre-hospital loading dose of crushed or integral prasugrel tablets in the ambulance. In this substudy, we compared platelet reactivity levels and the occurrence of high platelet reactivity (HPR; defined as platelet reactivity ≥208) between sexes at 4 prespecified time points after DAPT initiation, and evaluated post-PCI bleeding between groups.

RESULTS

Out of 633 STEMI patients, 147 (23%) were female. Females compared with males presented with significantly higher levels of platelet reactivity and higher HPR rates at baseline (232 [IQR, 209-256] vs 195 [IQR, 171-220], P < .01, and 76% vs 41%, OR 4.58 [95%CI, 2.52-8.32], P < .01, respectively). Moreover, female sex was identified as the sole independent predictor of HPR at baseline (OR 5.67 [95%CI, 2.56-12.53], P < .01). Following DAPT initiation, levels of platelet reactivity and the incidence of HPR were similar between sexes. Post-PCI bleeding occurred more frequently in females compared with males (10% vs 2%, OR 6.02 [95%CI, 2.61-11.87], P < .01). Female sex was an independent predictor of post-PCI bleeding (OR 3.25 [95%CI, 1.09-9.72], P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

In this contemporary STEMI cohort, female STEMI patients remain at risk of bleeding complications after primary PCI. However, this is not explained by sex-specific differences in the pharmacodynamic response to pre-hospital DAPT initiation.

Lower Patient Height and Weight Are Predisposing Factors for Complex Radial Arterial Catheterization

Background: Radial artery (RA) catheterization for invasive blood pressure monitoring is often performed via palpation, and an ultrasound is used secondarily only in case of multiple unsuccessful attempts. Although more elaborate, it has been shown that primary ultrasound-guided catheterization may be advantageous compared with palpation. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with difficult RA catheterization. Methods: Left RA ultrasound assessments were performed in patients with indicated invasive blood pressure monitoring the day before surgery. RA catheterization was performed by personnel blinded to the ultrasound results. Based on the number of attempts needed for successful catheter placement, the cohort was divided into uncomplicated (group 1) and difficult (more than one attempt, group 2) catheterization cases. Cases subjected to primary ultrasound were excluded from the analysis. Results: Body weight, height and surface area (BSA) of patients in group 2 (n = 16) were significantly lower than those of patients in group 1 (n = 25), and internal RA diameters were significantly smaller in group 2 patients. In the whole cohort, BSA was significantly associated with distal and proximal internal RA diameters. In contrast, no differences were observed in the skin-to-artery distance, the longitudinal axis deviation (kinking) or blood flow velocity. Median time to successful catheterization was 77 (47–179) s. Prolonged time needed for cannulation was significantly associated with lower body weight, BMI and BSA, and with reduced distal and proximal internal RA diameter. Conclusions: RA catheterization performed through pulse palpation may be difficult, especially in adult patients with lower body weight and height, due to reduced arterial diameters. Initial use of ultrasound in these patients may reduce first-attempt failure, preventing procedural delays and patient discomfort.

Radial versus femoral access in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A propensity-matched analysis from real-world data of the K-ACTIVE registry

BACKGROUND

The access site for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recently shifted from femoral to radial. However, few real-world data on Japanese patients exist.

METHODS

To elucidate the clinical selection and impact of the access site in STEMI patients, we analyzed a Japanese observational prospective multicenter registry of acute myocardial infarction (K-ACTIVE: Kanagawa ACuTe cardIoVascular rEgistry) in 2015 to 2021. Data were analyzed in the entire population and a propensity score-matched population adjusted for confounding factors. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 was used to assess bleeding events. MACE plus BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding were considered composite events. Clinical outcomes were followed for 30 days.

RESULTS

The 6802 STEMI patients included 4786 patients with radial access (70.3 %) and 2016 with femoral access (29.7 %). Femoral access tended to be selected for more severe conditions than radial access. The median door-to-device time in the radial access group was significantly shorter than the femoral access group in the entire population (75 min versus 79 min, p < 0.01). After propensity score matching (each group, n = 1208), the incidence of MACE tended to be lower in the radial access group [risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.63-1.09, p = 0.17]. The incidence of BARC 3 or 5 bleeding was significantly less in the radial access group (RR 0.47, 95%CI 0.23-0.97, p = 0.04). The incidence of composite events was significantly less in the radial access group (RR 0.74, 95%CI 0.57-0.96, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, in comparison to femoral access, radial access reduced composite events in the entire population and the matched population, through a reduction in MACE and BARC 3 or 5 bleeding.

[Imaging and radial approach]

Radial approach allows in a large majority of cases to perform endovascular imaging. If we can assess anatomical variations with angiography, echography approach begins a mandatory tool to do the puncture safely, but also allows to identify anatomical variations and complications.

Outcomes of Elderly Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure Who Undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: As life expectancy rises, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is being performed more frequently, even in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study evaluated outcomes of elderly patients with AMI complicated by heart failure (AMIHF), as defined by Killip Class ≥2 at admission, who undergo PCI. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed 185 patients with AMIHF aged ≥80 years (median age 85 years) who underwent PCI between 2009 and 2019. The median follow-up period was 572 days. The rates of in-hospital major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium Type 3 or 5) and in-hospital all-cause mortality were 20.5% and 25.9%, respectively. The proportion of frail patients increased during hospitalization, from 40.6% at admission to 59.2% at discharge (P<0.01). The cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 36.3% at 1 year and 44.1% at 2 years. After adjusting for confounders, advanced age, Killip Class 4, final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade <3, and longer door-to-balloon time were associated with higher mortality, whereas higher left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac rehabilitation were associated with lower mortality (all P<0.05). Progression of frailty during hospitalization was an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in hospital survivors (P<0.01). Conclusions: The management of patients with AMIHF aged ≥80 years who undergo PCI remains challenging, with high rates of in-hospital major bleeding, frailty progression, and mortality.

Prevalence and predictors of difficult vascular anatomy in forearm artery access for coronary angiography and PCI

Transradial access has established as preferred access for cardiac catheterization. Difficult vascular anatomy (DVA) is a noticeable threat to procedural success. We retrospectively analyzed 1397 consecutive cardiac catheterizations to estimate prevalence and identify predictors of DVA. In the subclavian-innominate-aortic-region (SIAR), DVA was causing failure in 2.4% during right-sided vs. 0.7% in left-sided forearm-artery-access (FAA) attempts (χ² = 5.1, p = 0.023). Independent predictors were advanced age [odds ratio (OR) 1.44 per 10-year increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.80, p = 0.001] and right FAA (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.69, p < 0.001). In the radial-ulnar-brachial region (RUBR), DVA was causing failure in 2.5% during right-sided vs. 1.7% in left-sided FAA (χ² = 0.77, p = 0.38). Independent predictors were age (OR 1.28 per 10-year increase, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.61, p = 0.04), lower height (OR 1.56 per 10-cm decrease, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.15, p = 0.008) and left FAA (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.18, p < 0.001). Bilateral DVA was causing procedural failure in 0.9% of patients. The prevalence of bilateral DVA was rare. Predictors in SIAR were right FAA and advanced age and in RUBR, left FAA, advanced age and lower height. Gender, arterial hypertension, body mass, STEMI and smoking were not associated with DVA.

Standardized Forearm Angiography Increases Procedural Success Rates of Coronary Angiography and PCI: A Retrospective Analysis of an all-Comers Patient Cohort in a Real-Life Scenario

Background

There is a consensus, that Transradial-Access (TRA) for coronary procedures should be preferred over Transfemoral-Access (TFA). Previously, Forearm-Artery-Angiography (FA) was mainly performed when difficulties during the advancement of the guidewire/-catheter were encountered. We explored the implication of a Standardized Forearm-Angiography (SFA) on procedural success rates of TRA under real-world conditions.

Methods

In a single-center study, an all-comers-cohort of 1191 consecutive cases during 1/2020-12/2020 were assessed retrospectively. Primary TFA rates, crossover to TFA, reasons for Forearm-Artery-Access (FAA) failure, the prevalence of kinking at the level of the forearm and the occurrence of vascular complications were analyzed. Major forearm side branches including the common interosseus artery were assessed via SFA.

Results

In 1191 consecutive procedures, primary FAA access was attempted in 97.9% of cases. Crossover to TFA after a primary or secondary FAA attempt was necessary in 2.8%. Severe kinking was the most frequent cause of FAA failure and occurred in 3.0% of attempts. A second or third FAA attempt to avoid TFA was successful in 81%. Severe kinking at the level of the forearm was reported in 1.8% of procedures.

Conclusion

This is the first study to provide detailed success rates of a primary FAA strategy combined with a Standardized-Forearm-Angiography (SFA) in an all-comers-cohort. While severe kinking proved to be a rare but relevant challenge for FAA success, the prevalence of arterial spasm was marginal. Multiple attempts of FAA to avoid TFA might be safe possibly due to collateral blood supply by the common interosseus artery.

Stent Selection for Primary Angioplasty and Outcomes in the Era of Potent Antiplatelets. Data from the Multicenter Randomized Prague-18 Trial

Drug-eluting stents (DES) are the recommended stents for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to determine why interventional cardiologists used non-DES and how it influenced patient prognoses. The efficacy and safety outcomes of the different stents were also compared in patients treated with either prasugrel or ticagrelor. Of the PRAGUE-18 study patients, 749 (67.4%) were treated with DES, 296 (26.6%) with bare-metal stents (BMS), and 66 (5.9%) with bioabsorbable vascular scaffold/stents (BVS) between 2013 and 2016. Cardiogenic shock at presentation, left main coronary artery disease, especially as the culprit lesion, and right coronary artery stenosis were the reasons for selecting a BMS. The incidence of the primary composite net-clinical endpoint (EP) (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, serious bleeding, or revascularization) at seven days was 2.5% vs. 6.3% and 3.0% in the DES, vs. with BMS and BVS, respectively (HR 2.7; 95% CI 1.419–5.15, p = 0.002 for BMS vs. DES and 1.25 (0.29–5.39) p = 0.76 for BVS vs. DES). Patients with BMS were at higher risk of death at 30 days (HR 2.20; 95% CI 1.01–4.76; for BMS vs. DES, p = 0.045) and at one year (HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.19–3.69; p = 0.01); they also had a higher composite of cardiac death, reinfarction, and stroke (HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.0–2.74; p = 0.047) at one year. BMS were associated with a significantly higher rate of primary EP whether treated with prasugrel or ticagrelor. In conclusion, patients with the highest initial risk profile were preferably treated with BMS over BVS. BMS were associated with a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular events whether treated with prasugrel or ticagrelor.

Safety and Efficacy of Four Different Diagnostic Catheter Curves Dedicated to One-Catheter Technique of Transradial Coronaro-Angiography-Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study. TRACT 1: Trans RAdial CoronaryAngiography Trial 1

Transradial coronaro-angiography (TRA) can be performed with one catheter. We investigate the efficacy of four different DxTerity catheter curves dedicated to the single-catheter technique and compare this method to the standard two-catheter approach. For this prospective, single-blinded, randomized pilot study, we enrolled 100 patients. In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, the DxTerity catheters Trapease, Ultra, Transformer and Tracker Curve, respectively, were used. In group 5 (control), standard Judkins catheters were used. The study endpoints were the percentage of optimal stability, proper ostial artery engagement and a good quality angiogram, the duration of each procedure stage, the amount of contrast, and the radiation dose. The highest rate of optimal stability was observed in groups 2 (90%) and 5 (95%). Suboptimal results with at least one episode of catheter fallout from the ostium were most frequent in group 1 (45%). The necessity of using another catheter was observed most frequently in group 4. The analysis of time frames directly depending on the catheter type revealed that the shortest time for catheter introduction and for searching coronary ostia was achieved in group 2 (Ultra). There were no differences in contrast volume and radiation dose between groups. DxTerity catheters are suitable tools to perform TRA coronary angiography. The Ultra Curve catheter demonstrated an advantage over other catheters in terms of its ostial stability rate and procedural time.

Association Between Radial Versus Femoral Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Long-Term Mortality

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention with radial arterial access has been associated with fewer occurrences of major bleeding. However, published data on the long‐term mortality and major adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention with radial or femoral arterial access are inconclusive.

Method and Results

This was a territory‐wide retrospective cohort study including 26 022 patients who underwent first‐ever percutaneous coronary intervention between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 in Hong Kong. Among the 14 614 patients matched by propensity score (7307 patients in each group), 558 (7.6%) and 787 (10.8%) patients died during the observation period in the radial group and femoral group, respectively, resulting in annualized all‐cause mortality rates of 2.69% and 3.87%, respectively. The radial group had a lower risk of all‐cause mortality compared with the femoral group up to 3 years after percutaneous coronary intervention (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.78; P<0.001). Radial access was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73–0.83, P<0.001), myocardial infarction after hospital discharge (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70–0.87, P<0.001), and unplanned revascularization (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68–0.85, P<0.001). The risks of stroke were similar across the 2 groups (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.82–1.13, P=0.655).

Conclusions

Radial access was associated with a significant reduction in all‐cause mortality at 3 years compared with femoral access. Radial access was associated with reduced risks of myocardial infarction and unplanned revascularization, but not stroke. The benefits were sustained beyond the early postoperative period.

Interventional treatment of acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute revascularization is with some evidence the only intervention proven to improve the prognosis in myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock but several interventions are continuously being investigated in order to increase survival among these patients. In this review, several aspects related to the interventional treatment of cardiogenic shock are discussed chronologically from symptom debut to leaving the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the randomized CULPRIT-SHOCK trial, a culprit-only revascularization strategy was reported superior to immediate complete revascularization among patients with multivessel disease. Recent large-scale observational data underline the marked prognostic importance of time from medical contact to revascularization in acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock. Moreover, studies suggest a potential beneficial effect of a transradial vascular access as well as early initialization of mechanical circulatory support in carefully selected patients. This, however, needs further validation.

SUMMARY

Acute revascularization remains a crucial part of the initial management of acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock. Among cardiogenic shock patients presenting with multivessel disease, a culprit-only approach should be the routine strategy. Time to revascularization plays a crucial role in the setting of cardiogenic shock, why prehospital optimization and triaging may be the most important factors in order to improve prognosis in AMI-related cardiogenic shock.