Mortality of patients presented with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction according to the status of standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors

BACKGROUND

Standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) remain well-established elements of assessing cardiovascular risk scores. However, there is growing evidence that patients presented without known SMuRFs at admission demonstrate worse post-myocardial outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the SMuRF status on short- and long-term mortality rates in patients with first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

This observational, cross-sectional study covered 182,726 patients admitted between 2003-2020 to the CathLabs, according to data from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome. Both baseline characteristics and mortality (in-hospital, 30-day, and 12-month) were examined and stratified by SMuRF status. The predictors of mortality were assessed at selected time points by multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of STEMI patients had at least one SMuRF (88.7%), however, mortality rates of SMuRF-less individuals were greater at selected time points of the follow-up (p < 0.001), and persisted at a higher level during each year of the follow-up period compared to the SMuRF group and general population. Furthermore, the SMuRFs status constituted an independent predictor of mortality at the 30-day (OR: 1.345; 95% CI: 1.142-1.585, p < 0.001) and 12-month (OR: 1.174; 95% CI: 1.054-1.308, p < 0.001) follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

SMuRF-less individuals presented with STEMI are at an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with at least one SMuRF. Consequently, further investigations regarding the recognition and treatment of risk factors, irrespective of SMuRF status, are indicated.

Prognosis of patients with renal failure one year following non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

Kidney failure is highly prevalent in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of baseline renal function regarding in-hospital and 1-year mortality among patients with NSTEMI and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) and included 47,052 NSTEMI patients treated with PCI between 2017 and 2021. The cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality during the 1-year follow-up was presented using the Kaplan-Meier curves. The multivariable Cox regression model was created to adjust the relationship between eGFR (as a spline term) and all-cause mortality for potential confounders.

RESULTS

After considering the exclusion criteria, 20,834 cases were evaluated, with a median eGFR of 72.7 (IQR 56.6-87.5) mL/min/1.73 m2. The median age was 69 (62-76) years. The study comprised 4,505 patients with normal (90-120), 10,189 with mild (60-89), 5,539 with moderate (30-59), and 601 with severe eGFR impairment (15-29). Lower eGFR was associated with worse baseline clinical profile and longer in-hospital delay to coronary angiography. There was a stepwise increase in the crude all-cause death rates across the groups at 1 year. The Cox regression model with a spline term revealed that the relationship between eGFR and the risk of death at 1 year was non-linear (reverse J-shaped), and the risk was the lowest in patients with eGFR∼90 mL/min/1.73 m2.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a J-curve relationship between the eGFR value and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with NSTEMI and treated with PCI.

Radial artery spasms - angiographic morphology, risk factors and management

Introduction

Radial artery is the preferred access for coronary interventions. However, the procedure is sometimes interrupted by a spasm which causes pain, prolongs the procedure, and can force the access crossover.

Aim

To observe factors contributing to a symptomatic radial artery spasm.

Material and methods

In this prospective study, we present results of 103 consecutive patients regarding radial artery spasm and angiographic image of the punctured artery. Angiography of the radial artery was performed in 70 (68.0%) patients. Potential risk factors for radial artery spasm were evaluated.

Results

The overall incidence of the radial artery spasm was high - 25 (24.3%). Signs of spasm were present in 37.1% of radial artery angiographies before the procedure and 60.1% after, however, it did not always indicate a symptomatic spasm. Risk factors related to radial artery spasm included female sex (OR = 2.94, p = 0.02), failure of the first puncture attempt (OR = 3.12, p = 0.014) and use of non-hydrophilic sheath (OR = 9.56, p = 0.036). Radial artery narrowing at the tip of the sheath was also a risk factor for spasm (p = 0.022). No spasms were observed after hydrophilic sheath application (n = 13). The administration of a radial cocktail was not observed to significantly decrease the spasm odds.

Conclusions

Risk factors for radial artery spasm include female sex and multiple puncture attempts. Hydrophilic sheath coating protects against radial artery spasm. Overall signs of a spasm in the angiography are common and do not imply a symptomatic spasm, which can be predicted by a tight narrowing at the tip of the sheath.

Implementation of Microcirculation Examination in Clinical Practice-Insights from the Nationwide POL-MKW Registry

Background and Objectives: The assessment of coronary microcirculation may facilitate risk stratification and treatment adjustment. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' clinical presentation and treatment following coronary microcirculation assessment, as well as factors associated with an abnormal coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) values. Materials and Results: This retrospective analysis included 223 patients gathered from the national registry of invasive coronary microvascular testing collected between 2018 and 2023. Results: The frequency of coronary microcirculatory assessments in Poland has steadily increased since 2018. Patients with impaired IMR (≥25) were less burdened with comorbidities. Patients with normal IMR underwent revascularisation attempts more frequently (11.9% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.003). After microcirculation testing, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were added more often for patients with IMR and CFR abnormalities, respectively, as compared to control groups. Moreover, patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD, defined as CFR and/or IMR abnormality), regardless of treatment choice following microcirculation assessment, were provided with trimetazidine (23.2%) and dihydropyridine CCBs (26.4%) more frequently than those without CMD who were treated conservatively (6.8%) and by revascularisation (4.2% with p = 0.002 and 0% with p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed no association between angina symptoms and IMR or CFR impairment. Conclusions: The frequency of coronary microcirculatory assessments in Poland has steadily increased. Angina symptoms were not associated with either IMR or CFR impairment. After microcirculation assessment, patients with impaired microcirculation, expressed as either low CFR, high IMR or both, received additional pharmacotherapy treatment more often.

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.

Predictors of New and Persistent New Left Bundle Branch Block One Year after the Implantation of a Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valve Prosthesis

INTRODUCTION

Conduction disorders following aortic valve replacement therapy (AVR), either surgical or percutaneous, are related to a higher risk of complete atrioventricular block and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI).

AIM

The objective of this study was to assess risk factors regarding the incidence of new postoperative and persistent new left bundle branch block (LBBB) 1 year after the implantation of a sutureless/rapid-deployment (SURD) aortic valve prosthesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The current study included 200 consecutive patients treated with isolated or concomitant AVR between May 2014 and May 2017 at the Department of Cardiac Surgery in Pasawa with SURD aortic valve EDWARDS INTUITY EliteTM implantation. The patients were divided according to the presence of new postoperative LBBB (67 patients, 33.5%) and persistent new LBBB 1 year after AVR (35 patients, 17.5%). A comparative analysis was performed between patients with and without new LBBB after AVR and those with and without persistent LBBB 1 year after AVR. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to extract the risk factors of LBBB occurrence.

RESULTS

Among the risk factors for the lack of new LBBB development after AVR, Euroscore II (p < 0.001) was found, while for the occurrence of persistent new LBBB 1 year after AVR, atrial fibrillation (p = 0.001), length of hospital stay (p = 0.001) and body mass index (p = 0.004) were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with new or persistent new LBBB 1 year after AVR had lower mean Euroscore II and BMI values. Their stay at the hospital was also shorter.

Risk Factors of Suboptimal Coronary Blood Flow after a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is regarded as the most preferred strategy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade has been an important and cohesive predictor of outcomes in STEMI patients. We sought to evaluate potential variables associated with the risk of suboptimal TIMI flow after PCI in patients with anterior wall STEMI.

METHODS

We evaluated 107 patients admitted to our hospital between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 with a diagnosis of anterior wall STEMI treated with primary PCI.

RESULTS

Suboptimal TIMI flow grade (≤2) after PCI occurred in 14 (13%) patients while grade 3 was found in 93 (87%) of them presenting with anterior wall STEMI. Failure to achieve optimal TIMI 3 flow grade after PCI was associated with lower TIMI grade prior to PCI (OR 0.5477, 95% CI 0.2589-0.9324, p = 0.02), greater troponin concentration before (OR 1.0001, 95% CI 1-1.0001, p = 0.0028) and after PCI (OR 1.0001, 95% CI 1-1.0001, p = 0.0452) as well as lower mean minimal systolic blood pressure (OR 0.9653, 95% CI 0.9271-0.9985, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Among predictors of suboptimal TIMI flow grade after PCI, we noted lower TIMI grade flow pre-PCI, greater serum troponin concentrations in the periprocedural period and lower mean minimal systolic blood pressure.

The Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation including Nordic Walking in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndromes after Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Elective Mode

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is a worldwide method of coronary revascularisation. The aim of this study was to assess the immediate and long-term effects of Nordic Walking (NW) training added to a standard cardiac rehabilitation programme on physical activity (PA) and capacity and life quality, as well as selected proatherogenic risk factors. Methods: The studied group comprised 50 patients (considering exclusion criteria, 40 patients), aged 56-70, with CCS after elective PCI qualified them for a 6-weeks-long cardiac rehabilitation. The follow-up period lasted 4 months, and control visits occurred at 2 and 4 months. The studied patients were randomly divided into two groups: control group-standard cardiac rehabilitation programme and experimental group-standard cardiac rehabilitation programme additionally combined with NW training. Results: The cardiac rehabilitation programme in the experimental, compared to the control group, increased intense PA (from 731.43 ± 909.9 to 2740 ± 2875.96 vs. from 211.43 ± 259.43 to 582.86 ± 1289.74 MET min/week) and aerobic efficiency-VO2peak (from 8.67 ± 0.88 to 9.96 ± 1.35 vs. from 7.39 ± 2 to 7.41 ± 2.46 METs), as well as quality of life according to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (from 3.57 ± 0.51 to 4.14 ± 0.36 vs. from 3.29 ± 0.47 to 3.57 ± 0.51 points). The walking distance assessed with the 6-min walk test did not differ between the groups before the beginning of the rehabilitation programme. Both at the I follow-up and II follow-up time points, a significant increase in the walking distance was noted in the control and experimental groups compared to baseline, and the difference between both groups was significant at the end of follow-up (378.57 ± 71.35 vs. 469.29 ± 58.07, p = 0.003). Moreover, NW had a positive effect on the modulation within selected biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis, as well as subjective quality of life and well-being. Conclusions: Introducing NW training into the cardiac rehabilitation process proved to be a more effective form of therapy in patients with CCS treated via PCI, as compared to the standard cardiac rehabilitation programme alone.

Single versus Dual-Operator Approaches for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions within Chronic Total Occlusion-An Analysis of 27,788 Patients

(1) Background: Since the treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with high procedural complexity, it has been suggested to use a multi-operator approach. This study was aimed at evaluating the procedural outcomes of single (SO) versus dual-operator (DO) CTO-PCI approaches. (2) Methods: This retrospective analysis included data from the Polish Registry of Invasive Cardiology Procedures (ORPKI), collected between January 2014 and December 2020. To compare the DO and SO approaches, propensity score matching was introduced with equalized baseline features. (3) Results: The DO approach was applied in 3604 (13%) out of 27,788 CTO-PCI cases. Patients undergoing DO CTO-PCI experienced puncture-site bleeding less often than the SO group (0.1% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.03). No differences were found in the technical success rate (successful revascularization with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 2/3) of the SO (72.4%) versus the DO approach (71.2%). Moreover, the presence of either multi-vessel (MVD) or left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) (odds ratio (OR), 1.67 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-2.32); p = 0.002), as well as lower annual and total operator volumes of PCI and CTO-PCI, could be noted as factors linked with the DO approach. (4) Conclusions: Due to the retrospective character, the findings of this study have to be considered only as hypothesis-generating. DO CTO-PCI was infrequent and was performed on patients who were more likely to have LMCA lesions or MVD. Operators collaboratively performing CTO-PCIs were more likely to have less experience. Puncture-site bleeding occurred less often in the dual-operator group; however, second-operator involvement had no impact on the technical success of the intervention.

Factors determining the frequency of optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound use in patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions in recent years: Analysis based on a large national registry

BACKGROUND

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have demonstrated improvement in the clinical outcome of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

AIMS

We aimed to examine the frequency of implementing OCT and IVUS during coronary angiography (CA) and PCI in everyday practice in Poland. Factors related to the more common choice of these imaging techniques were determined.

METHODS

Data from the Polish National Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (ORPKI) were procured for analysis. Between January 2014 and December 2021, we extracted data on 1 452 135 CAs, 11 710 using IVUS (0.8%) and 1471 with OCT (0.1%) and 838 297 PCIs, 15 436 with IVUS (1.8%) and 1680 with OCT (0.2%). We assessed the determining factors for applying IVUS and OCT via multiple regression logistics models.

RESULTS

The frequency of applying IVUS during CAs and PCIs increased significantly between the years 2014 and 2021. In 2021, it reached 1.54% for CAs and 4.42% for PCIs, while for OCT, there was a rise regarding the CA group, namely 0.13% in 2021, and, in the PCI group, 0.43%. Age was one of the factors significantly associated with the frequency of using IVUS/OCT during CA/PCI, which was confirmed by multivariate analysis (Odds ratio: 0.981 for IVUS and 0.973 for OCT use with PCI).

CONCLUSION

The frequency at which IVUS and OCT were used has undergone a significant increase in previous years. This increase can be largely attributed to the current reimbursement policies. Further improvement is required for this frequency to be at a satisfactory level.

The impact of sex on in-hospital and long-term mortality rates in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement: The SAVR and SEX study

BACKGROUND

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is among the most commonly performed valvular surgeries. Despite many previous studies conducted in this setting, the impact of sex on outcomes in patients undergoing SAVR is still unclear.

AIMS

This study aimed to define sex differences in short- and long-term mortality in patients undergoing SAVR.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively all the patients undergoing isolated SAVR from January 2006 to March 2020 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology in John Paul II Hospital in Kraków. The primary endpoint was in-hospital and long-term mortality. Secondary endpoints included the duration of hospital stay and perioperative complications. Groups of men and women were compared with regard to the prosthesis type. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

A total number of 4 510 patients undergoing isolated surgical SAVR were analyzed. A follow- up median (interquartile range [IQR]) was 2120 (1000-3452) days. Females made up 41.55% of the cohort and were older, displayed more non-cardiac comorbidities, and faced a higher operative risk. In both sexes, bioprostheses were more often applied (55.5% vs. 44.5%; P <0.0001). In univariable analysis, sex was not linked to in-hospital mortality (3.7% vs. 3%; P = 0.15) and late mortality rates (23.37% vs. 23.52 %; P = 0.9). Upon adjustment for baseline characteristics (propensity score matching analysis) and considering 5-year survival, a long-term prognosis turned out to be better in women (86.8%) compared to men (82.7%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A key finding from this study suggests that female sex was not associated with higher in-hospital and late mortality rates compared to men. Further studies are needed to confirm longterm benefits in women undergoing SAVR.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Do we have to perform coronary angiography?

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading cause of global mortality, while survivors are burdened with long-term neurological and cardiovascular complications. OHCA management at the hospital level remains challenging, due to heterogeneity of OHCA presentation, the critical status of OHCA patients reaching the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the demands of post ROSC treatment. The validity and optimal timing for coronary angiography is one important, yet not fully defined, component of OHCA management. Guidelines state clear recommendations for coronary angiography in OHCA patients with shockable rhythms, cardiogenic shock, or in patients with ST-segment elevation observed in electrocardiography after ROSC. However, there is no established consensus on the angiographic management in other clinical settings. While coronary angiography may accelerate the diagnostic and therapeutic process (provided OHCA was a consequence of coronary artery disease), it might come at the cost of impaired post-resuscitation care quality due to postponing of intensive care management. The aim of the current statement paper is to discuss clinical strategies for the management of OHCA including the stratification to invasive procedures and the rationale behind the risk-benefit ratio of coronary angiography, especially with patients in critical condition.

The Reduction of Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction after Multi-Vessel PCI during Acute Myocardial Infarction as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Revascularisation strategy in patients with multi-vessel coronary disease and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains challenging. One of the potential treatment options is complete percutaneous revascularisation during index hospitalisation. This strategy could positively influence left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF).

AIM

To investigate the long-term changes in LVEF and clinical outcome among patients with AMI after complete coronary revascularisation (CCR).

METHODS

Records of 171 patients with a diagnosis of AMI and multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) on index angiography, in whom CCR was performed as a staged procedure during initial hospitalisation, were analysed. Clinical data were collected from in-hospital medical records and discharge letters. Cardiac ultrasound (CU), with particular assessment of LVEF, was performed one day before discharge. Follow-up (FU) CU was collected from the out-patient department at least six months ± one week after discharge. Follow-up data, including major adverse cardiac events (MACE), were collected during follow-up visits by telephone. Depending on the LVEF change during the follow-up period, patients were divided into two groups. Patients with a decrease in the LVEF (D-LVEF group) were compared with patients with no changes (preserved) or improvement regarding LVEF (P/I-LVEF).

RESULTS

The median duration of the follow-up was 19 months (14-24 months). The median change in LVEF during observation was -5.0p% (IQR (-7.0)-(-2.75p.%)) in the D-LVEF group and +4.0% (IQR 1.0-5.0p%) in the P/I-LVEF group. Among patients in the P/I-LVEF group, there was a sub-group of patients with no change in LVEF (28 patients), and one demonstrating improvement in LVEF (104 patients). In the subgroup of patients with improved LVEF, the median change in LVEF was 4.5p% (IQR 2-6.25p%). Among patients with decreasing LVEF, there was a significantly higher risk of MACE (15 vs. 2.3%, p = 0.031), especially non-fatal AMI (10 vs. 0%, p = 0.017). We found the following among predictors concerning increased risk of MACE occurrence: urgent PCI (p = 0.004), hospitalisations regardless of cause (p = 0.028), EF worsening (p = 0.025), fasting glucose serum concentration (p = 0.024) and fasting triglyceride serum concentration (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete revascularisation (CR) at baseline (one stage) in patients with AMI and multi-vessel disease is associated with LVEF improvement and MACE rate reduction. Patients with worse LVEF have poor clinical outcome and a higher rate of MACE.

Procedural outcomes and annual operator volume among patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions – analysis based on a large national registry

Background

It has been demonstrated that low operator and institutional volume is associated with poorer procedural and long-term clinical outcomes in general population of patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between operator volume and procedural outcomes of patients treated with PCI within chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Methods

Data for conducting the current analysis were obtained from the national registry of percutaneous coronary interventions (ORPKI) maintained in cooperation with the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions (AISN) of the Polish Cardiac Society. The study covered data obtained from the registry from January 2014 to December 2020. To investigate the association between operator and all periprocedural complications, coronary artery perforation (CAP) and TIMI flow grade 2/3 after PCI in the presence of confounding and clustering effects, we used multivariable, mixed effects logistic regression modelling.

Results

During the investigated period, there were 162 active CathLabs, at which 747,033 PCI procedures were performed during the time of observation. Of those 14,924 were CTO-PCI procedures. Considering the number of CTO-PCIs performed annually by individual operators during the analyzed 7 years we assessed differences between four groups (≤10; &gt;10≤20; &gt;20≤30 and &gt;30 procedures). We demonstrated by nonlinear relationship with annualised CTO-PCI operator volume that operators performing more than 40 PCI with CTO per year have lower number of the overall periprocedural complications (Fig. 1) including CAP, as well greater procedural success rates (Fig. 2) compared to operators performing less procedures (p&lt;0.0001).

Conclusions

High-volume CTO operators achieve a greater procedural success with a lower frequency of periprocedural complications. This study suggests that the cut-off of 50 CTO-PCIs per year recommended in the EuroCTO Consensus remains a reasonable compromise to optimize outcome and maintain local availability. Special CTO training programs and a higher annual case load might increase the overall quality of CTO PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Experience with Optical Coherence Tomography Enhanced by a Novel Software (Ultreon™ 1.0 Software)-The First One Hundred Cases

Introduction: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) intravascular imaging including the latest version Ultreon™ 1.0 Software (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA), not only improve patients prognosis, but also facilitates improved percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare procedure related decision making, procedural indices, clinical outcomes according to the extent of stent expansion and assess risk factors of underexpansion in patients treated with PCI using OCT. Methods: The study comprised 100 patients, which were divided in groups according to the extent of stent expansion: <90 (29 patients) and ≥90% (71 patients). Comparison of OCT parameters, selected clinical and procedural characteristics was performed between groups. We assessed clinical outcomes during the follow-up: major adverse cardiovascular events and risk factors of stent underexpansion. Results: Patients from the stent underexpansion group were treated more often in the past with percutaneous peripheral interventions (p=0.02), no other significant differences being noted in general characteristics, procedural characteristics or clinical outcomes comparing both groups. Significant predictors of stent underexpansion assessed by simple linear univariable analysis included: hypercholesterolemia, obstructive bronchial diseases and treatment with inhalators, family history of cardiovascular disease, PCI of other than the left main coronary artery, stent and drug-eluting stent implantation, PCI without drug-eluting balloon, paclitaxel antimitotic agent, greater maximal stent diameter and lower mean Euroscore II value. Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between stent underexpansion and greater creatinine serum concentration before [OR: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.95-0.99, p=0.01] and after PCI [OR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96-0.99, p=0.02]. Conclusions: Based on the presented analysis, the degree of stent expansion is not related to the selected procedural, OCT imaging indices and clinical outcomes. Logistic regression analysis confirmed such a relationship for creatinine level.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Treating In-Stent Restenosis in Unprotected-Left Main: LM-DRAGON-Registry

Background

Data regarding management of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery in-stent restenosis (LM-ISR) are scarce.

Objectives

This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs. coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the treatment of unprotected LM-ISR.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent PCI or CABG for unprotected LM-ISR were enrolled. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke.

Results

A total of 305 patients were enrolled, of which 203(66.6%) underwent PCI and 102(33.4%) underwent CABG. At 30-day follow-up, a lower risk of cardiac death was observed in the PCI group, compared with the CABG-treated group (2.1% vs. 7.1%, HR 3.48, 95%CI 1.01–11.8, p = 0.04). At a median of 3.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.3–5.5] follow-up, MACCE occurred in 27.7% vs. 29.6% (HR 0.82, 95%CI 0.52–1.32, p = 0.43) in PCI- and CABG-treated patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between PCI and CABG in cardiac death (9.9% vs. 18.4%; HR 1.56, 95%CI 0.81–3.00, p = 0.18), MI (7.9% vs. 5.1%, HR 0.44, 95%CI 0.15–1.27, p = 0.13), or stroke (2.1% vs. 4.1%, HR 1.79, 95%CI 0.45–7.16, p = 0.41). TVR was more frequently needed in the PCI group (15.2% vs. 6.1%, HR 0.35, 95%CI 0.15–0.85, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

This analysis of patients with LM-ISR revealed a lower incidence of cardiac death in PCI compared with CABG in short-term follow-up. During the long-term follow-up, no differences in MACCE were observed, but patients treated with CABG less often required TVR.

Visual overview

A visual overview is available for this article.

Registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04968977.

Long-term outcomes following drug-eluting balloons vs. thin-strut drug-eluting stents for treatment of recurrent restenosis in drug-eluting stents

BACKGROUND

There is limited data on the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with recurrent in-stent restenosis (R-ISR).

AIMS

To compare the long-term outcomes of patients treated with either a thin-strut drug-eluting stent (thin-DES) or a drug-eluting balloon (DEB) for R-ISR in a drug-eluting stent (DES).

METHODS

A multicenter DEB-DRAGON registry was used to retrospectively identify patients with R-ISR who received either a thin-DES or a DEB. Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for baseline differences. The primary outcome was target lesion revascularization (TLR).

RESULTS

Out of 311 patients (mean age, 67 years; 63% male) with R-ISR, 86 (27.7%) were treated with a thin-DES and 225 (72.3%) with a DEB. Median follow-up was 2.6 years. TLR occurred in 18 (20.9%) patients who received thin-DES and 61 (27.1%) patients treated with DEB (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.98; log-rank P = 0.04). The difference remained significant in a propensity score-matched cohort of 57 patients treated with thin-DES and 57 patients treated with a DEB (17.5 vs. 33.3%, respectively; HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.86; P = 0.01). The risks of device-oriented adverse cardiac events and all-cause mortality were similar after thin-DES or DEB in both unadjusted and propensity score-matched cohorts. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, the treatment with a thin-DES was an independent predictor of a TLR-free survival (HR, 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.84; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with R-ISR implantation of a thin-DES is associated with a lower risk of repeated revascularization compared with angioplasty with a DEB.

Intravascular Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Stent Underexpansion: The Multicenter IVL-DRAGON Registry

Background: Whereas the efficacy and safety of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) have been confirmed in de novo calcified coronary lesions, little is known about its utility in treating stent underexpansion. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IVL in treating stent underexpansion. Methods and Results: Consecutive patients with stent underexpansion treated with IVL entered the multicenter IVL-Dragon Registry. The procedural success (primary efficacy endpoint) was defined as a relative stent expansion >80%. Thirty days device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) (defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, or target vessel myocardial infarction) was the secondary endpoint. A total of 62 patients were enrolled. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 72.6% of patients. Both stent underexpansion 58.5% (47.5−69.7) vs. 11.4% (5.8−20.7), p < 0.001, and the stenotic area 82.6% (72.4−90.8) vs. 21.5% (11.1−37.2), p < 0.001, measured by quantitative coronary angiography improved significantly after IVL. Intravascular imaging confirmed increased stent expansion following IVL from 37.5% (16.0−66.0) to 86.0% (69.2−90.7), p < 0.001, by optical coherence tomography and from 57.0% (31.5−77.2) to 89.0% (85.0−92.0), p = 0.002, by intravascular ultrasound. Secondary endpoint occurred in one (1.6%) patient caused by cardiac death. There was no target lesion revascularization or target vessel myocardial infarction during the 30-day follow-up. Conclusions: In this real-life, largest-to-date analysis of IVL use to manage underexpanded stent, IVL proved to be an effective and safe method for facilitating stent expansion and increasing luminal gain.

Annual operator volume among patients treated using percutaneous coronary interventions with rotational atherectomy and procedural outcomes: Analysis based on a large national registry

BACKGROUND

Low operator and institutional volume are associated with poorer procedural and long-term clinical outcomes in the general population of patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

AIM

To assess the relationship between operator experience and procedural outcomes of patients treated with PCI and rotational atherectomy (RA).

METHODS

Data for conducting the current analysis were obtained from the national registry of percutaneous coronary interventions (ORPKI) maintained in cooperation with the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions (AISN) of the Polish Cardiac Society. The study covers data from January 2014 to December 2020.

RESULTS

During the investigated period, there were 162 active CathLabs, at which 747,033 PCI procedures were performed by 851 operators (377 RA operators [44.3%]). Of those, 5188 were PCI with RA procedures; average 30 ± 61 per site/7 years (Me: 3; Q1-Q3: 0-31); 6 ± 18 per operator/7 years (Me: 0; Q1-Q3: 0-3). Considering the number of RA procedures annually performed by individual operators during the analyzed 7 years, the first quartile totaled (Q1: < =2.57), the second (Q2: < =5.57), and the third (Q3: < =11.57), while the fourth quartile was (Q4: > 11.57). The maximum number of procedures was 39.86 annually per operator. We demonstrated, through a nonlinear relationship with annualized operator volume and risk-adjusted, that operators performing more PCI with RA per year (fourth quartile) have a lower number of the overall periprocedural complications (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

High-volume RA operators are related to lower overall periprocedural complication occurrence in patients treated with RA in comparison to low-volume operators.

Approach of Pregnant Women from Poland and the Ukraine to COVID-19 Vaccination—The Role of Medical Consultation

There are many arguments for the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The aim of this study is to describe the level of vaccination acceptance, to find the factors that most influence the decision to vaccinate, and to describe the scale of changes in vaccination acceptance influenced by medical information on the safety, efficacy, and benefits of vaccination among pregnant women. A total of 300 patients completed the questionnaire, including 150 in Poland and 150 in the Ukraine. The level of vaccination acceptance was assessed before and after medical consultation. There were 53 (35.3%) patients with the intention to get vaccinated in Poland and 25 (16.7%) in the Ukraine. After consultation with a physician, this increased to 109 (72.6%) in Poland and 69 (46%) in the Ukraine. The main factors influencing the acceptance of vaccinations were the fear of harming the foetus (OR-0.119, CI-0.039–0.324 p < 0.001), complications in pregnancy (OR-0.073 CI-0.023–0.197 p < 0.001), and limitations in the vaccination programme (OR-0.026 CI-0.001–0.207 p < 0.001). Medical information about the safety, effectiveness and benefits of vaccinations among pregnant women, provided during a medical visit, may increase the acceptance of vaccinations by 105.6%, as among Polish patients, and by 176%, as among pregnant women from the Ukraine.

Clinical outcomes in patients undergoing complex, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention and haemodynamic support with intra-aortic balloon versus Impella pump: Real-life single-centre preliminary results

BACKGROUND

Patients and mechanical circulatory support assortment, as well as periprocedural and post-procedural clinical outcomes in complex high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) underpinned by percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVAD) are the subject of debate.

AIMS

The study aimed to identify differences between patients qualified for complex high-risk PCIs with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or Impella pump support and to compare peri- and post-procedural clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The presented analysis is a single-center study, which comprised consecutive patients undergoing complex high-risk PCIs performed with the pLVAD, either IABP or Impella. Patients included in the current analysis were recruited between January 2018 and December 2021. There were 28 (56%) patients in the Impella group and 22 (44%) in the IABP group. The primary endpoints included overall mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and cerebrovascular events.

RESULTS

Patients from the IABP group were significantly older, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and less frequent history of PCI, while the in-hospital risk of death assessed by EuroSCORE II remained similar in the Impella and IABP groups (median interquartile range [IQR] 2.8 [2-3.8] vs. 2.5 [1.8-5.2]; P = 0.73). Patients undergoing complex high-risk PCIs with pLVAD support presented similar results during the follow-up, assessed by log-rank estimates in terms of MACE (P = 0.41) and mortality rate (P = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of pLVAD devices in patients undergoing complex high-risk PCIs, with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, is a promising treatment option for patients disqualified from surgery by cardiac surgeons.

The Most Relevant Factors Affecting the Perioperative Death Rate in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and COVID-19, Based on Annual Follow-Up in the ORPKI Registry

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affecting the functioning of the entire healthcare system. The disease itself may be associated with thromboembolic complications. The purpose of this study is to compare patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and patients with ACS who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in terms of their clinical profile, management, treatment complications, and prognosis. Methods: We analyzed 47,940 cases of patients treated for ACS in 2020, including 44,952 patients (93.8%) who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 and 2988 patients (6.2%) who tested positive for COVID-19. Results: Patients with COVID-19 were significantly more likely to experience out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (7.9 vs. 1.1%; p < 0.0001) and be transported directly to a catheterization laboratory (21.3% vs. 8.1%; p < 0.0001). Mortality was significantly higher in this group (0.9% vs. 0.4%; p < 0.0001). The risk of perioperative death was increased by age over 65 years, use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI IIb/IIIa), femoral access, critical left main stem coronary artery (LMCA) vascular lesions, ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and no-reflow phenomenon. Conclusions: Despite the pandemic, patients with COVID-19 were treated equally to healthy patients. Efficient organization of the healthcare system allowed the prompt transportation of patients to catheterization laboratories. The study group was characterized by a worse prognosis that was affected by multiple factors.

Sex-related differences and rotational atherectomy - analysis of 5 177 percutaneous coronary interventions based on a large national registry from between 2014 and 2020

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with rotational atherectomy (RA) have massively calcified coronary arteries and differ according to sex.

AIMS

To assess trends in sex-related percentage shares in following years, to compare demographic characteristics between men and women, and to identify factors associated with the risk of periprocedural complications and death.

METHODS

Based on the Polish National Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (ORPKI), we analyzed 751 113 patients treated with PCI between 2014 and 2020. We extracted 5 177 (0.7%) patients treated with RA, 3 552 of them (68.6%) being men. To determine risk factors of periprocedural complications and death, multivariable analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The proportion of PCIs involving RA increase between 2014 and 2020 (P < 0.001). Almost twice as many RA procedures pertain to men (68.55%), while the percentage share did not change in following years. Data are reported as mean (standard deviation). The female patients were older (75.2 [8.3] vs 70.5 [9.2] years; P < 0.001). When considering periprocedural complications, their overall rate (3.45% vs 2.31%; P = 0.01) and death rate (0.68% vs 0.17%; P = 0.006) were greater among women. Also, via multivariable analysis, female sex was found to be a risk factor of greater periprocedural mortality (P = 0.02) and overall complication rate (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients treated with RA are men and sex-related distribution was stable during the analyzed period of time. Female sex is a risk factor of greater periprocedural complications and mortality in patients treated with RA.

Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy and long-term outcomes following drug-eluting balloon or drug-eluting stents for treatment of in-stent restenosis (DAPT-Dragon Registry)

Objectives

The aim of the DAPT-DRAGON registry was to asses long-term outcomes and the length of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to drug-eluting stent in stent restenosis (DES-ISR) with drug-eluting balloons (DEB) or thin-DES.

Background

Data regarding the duration of DAPT in patients with DES-ISR treated with PCI is still undergoing research and observation, and the adequate duration of DAPT in this group of patients is not unambiguously sanctioned.

Methods

Overall, 1,367 consecutive patients with DES-ISR who underwent PCI with DEB or DES, were entered into the multi-center DAPT-DRAGON Registry (Fig. 1). The mean age was 66.7±9 years (70.5% males). The median follow-up was 3.3 years. There were 34.1% patients with chronic coronary syndrome, 35.2% with unstable angina, 2.9% with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and 27.7% with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). We assessed selected study endpoints according to the duration of DAPT (≤3 vs. &gt;3 months and ≤6 vs. &gt;6 months), before and after propensity score matching (PSM): stroke, target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), MI, death and device-oriented composite endpoints (DOCE).

Results

Among predictors of increased DOCE rate before PSM, we demonstrated: PCI with DEB vs. DES (p&lt;0.001), recurrent ISR (p=0.002), treatment with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor during PCI (p&lt;0.001), lower left ventricle ejection fraction (p=0.004) and extent of stenosis (p&lt;0.001). Pairwise contrast analysis considering type of PCI (thin-DES vs. DEB) and duration of DAPT (≤6 vs. &gt;6 months) before PSM revealed superiority of thin-DES+DAPT &gt;6 months vs. DEB+DAPT &gt;6 months for DOCE (p&lt;0.001), TVR (p=0.02) and TLR (p=0.01). After PSM analysis, the length of DAPT (≤3 vs. &gt;3 months) had no significant influence on assessed long-term outcomes, while the percentage of stroke free survival was significantly lower in the group of patients with DAPT ≤6 months vs. &gt;6 months (p=0.01; Fig. 2).

Conclusions

Long-term treatment with DAPT (&gt;6 months) in patients with DES-ISR with DES implantation is related to better long-term outcomes in terms of lower rate of DOCE, TVR and TLR compared to PCI with DEB. DAPT &gt;6 months is related to a greater rate of strokes, independently of the type of treatment (thin-DES and DEB) compared to DAPT ≤6 months.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Gender distribution in patients treated with rotablation – analysis of 5,177 percutaneous coronary interventions based on a large national registry from between 2014 and 2020

Background

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures using rotational atherectomy (RA) are a special group of patients characterised by the presence of massive calcifications in the coronary arteries. Due to a significant increase regarding the frequency of these procedures in recent years and the distinctiveness of this narrow group of patients among all patients undergoing PCIs, we have characterised the group according to gender.

Aims

The aim of analysis was to assess the gender percentage share in following years and differences between both groups of Polish patients undergoing PCI with rotational RA between 2014 and 2020.

Methods

Based on the Polish National Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (ORPKI), we analysed 751,113 patients treated with PCI between 2014 and 2020. Then, we extracted 5,177 (0.7%) treated with PCI and RA, 3,552 of them (68.6%) were males. Selected indices among the two groups were compared using the t-test for continuous variables, the χ2 test or the likelihood-ratio test for nominal variables where appropriate. To compare means of samples in the following years, one-way ANOVA test was used.

Results

The results of the study indicate an upward RA tendency in successive years (p&lt;0.001). Moreover, this tendency and its increase was greater between the years 2016–2019 (Fig. 1). Almost twice as many RA procedures pertain to men, while the percentage share did not undergo a significant change in following years (Fig. 2). The mean age was 72±9 years in the overall group. In the total group, there were 2,873 patients (55.49%) with chronic coronary syndrome, 1,033 (19.95%) with unstable angina, 654 (12.63%) with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 494 (9.54%) with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Females were significantly older in comparison to males [75.2±8.3 vs. 70.5±9.2, p&lt;0.001], more often diabetics [613 (37.72%) vs. 1,068 (30.07%), p&lt;0.001], less often smokers [173 (10.6%) vs. 635 (17.9%), p&lt;0.001] and were significantly more often treated due to acute coronary syndrome [780 (48.8%) vs. 1,401 (40.5%), p&lt;0.001]. Considering periprocedural complications among females, there were more cardiac arrests [13 (0.8%) vs. 10 (0.28%), p=0.01] and deaths [11 (0.68%) vs. 6 (0.17%), p=0.006] when compared to males.

Conclusion

The percentage of RA among overall PCIs has been still growing in recent years in Poland. The majority of patients treated with RA are men. Gender distribution did not change significantly among patients treated with PCI and RA during the analysed period of time.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Frequency and predictors of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention related stroke

Background

Acute stroke related to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) is an infrequent complication, although potentially life-threatening and often leading to serious disability, characterised by high morbidity and mortality rate. However, particular data on periprocedural complications, predictors, prognosis and the type of coronary intervention has not yet been adequately investigated.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the type of coronary procedure [coronary angiography (CA) and PCI] and incidence of stroke as well as predictors of stroke.

Material and methods

This retrospective analysis was performed on prospectively collected data gathered in the Polish National Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (ORPKI), which covered the period between January 2014 and December 2019 and included 1,177,161 coronary procedures. Among them, 650,674 patients underwent isolated CA and 526,487 underwent PCI. Stroke was diagnosed in 157 patients (0.013%), of which 100 (0.015%) refers to patients admitted for CA and 57 (0.011%) in patients qualified for PCI. Subsequently, the mentioned groups were analysed for similarities and compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to separate predictors of stroke in patients undergoing coronary angiography and PCI.

Results

The amount of patients with periprocedural stroke was higher in a group treated with isolated CA during the analysed time. The mean age of the patients, who developed cerebral stroke, was significantly higher in the overall group (71.4±10.6 vs. 66.7±10.8; p&lt;0.001). Patients with stroke, in comparison to non-stroke group, were treated more often from femoral access for CA (p&lt;0.001) and PCI (p=0.04), they had a history of prior stroke for CA (p&lt;0.001) and PCI (p&lt;0.001) more often, and acute myocardial infarction at admission for CA (p&lt;0.001) and PCI (p=0.01). They were also more frequently transported directly to the catheterisation laboratory for CA (p&lt;0.001) and PCI (p=0.002). Predictors of periprocedural stroke, assessed by multivariate analysis for CA, are presented at Fig. 1 and for PCI at Fig. 2.

Conclusions

Based on the large national registry, PCI is associated with fewer risk factors and lower rate of periprocedural strokes than isolated CA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Long-Term Outcomes Following Drug-Eluting Balloons Versus Thin-Strut Drug-Eluting Stents for Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis (DEB-Dragon-Registry)

[Figure: see text].

Frequency and predictors of diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention related to stroke

BACKGROUND

Stroke related to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) is an infrequent complication, which can be potentially life-threatening and can lead to serious disability.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the type of coronary procedure and incidence of stroke, as well as its predictors.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis was performed on prospectively collected data gathered in the Polish National Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (ORPKI) between January 2014 and December 2019 and included 1177 161 coronary procedures. Among them, 650 674 patients underwent isolated diagnostic coronary angiography (DCA), and 526 487 PCI. Stroke was diagnosed in 157 patients (0.013%), of which 100 (0.015%) happened during DCA and 57 (0.011%) during PCI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to separate predictors of stroke in patients undergoing coronary angiography and PCI.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with periprocedural stroke was higher in the group treated with isolated DCA during the analyzed time. Among predictors of stroke in patients undergoing DCA, we confirmed prior stroke (P <0.001), contrast amount (P = 0.007), femoral access (P = 0.002), unfractionated heparin use (P = 0.01), direct transport to the catheterization laboratory (P = 0.04), older age (P <0.001) and multi-vessel disease (P <0.001). While for PCI ± DCA, these were prior stroke (P <0.001), thrombolysis (P = 0.003), treatment with bivalirudin (P <0.001), and acetylsalicylic acid loading during PCI (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the large national registry, PCI ± DCA is associated with fewer risk factors and a lower rate of periprocedural strokes than isolated DCA.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: Score derivation for prediction based on a large national registry

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) and obstructive coronary arteries (MI-CAD) are treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI), while patients with STEMI and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), usually require non-invasive therapy. The aim of the study is to design a score for predicting suspected MINOCA among an overall group of STEMI patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the Polish national registry of PCIs, we evaluated patients between 2014 and 2019, and selected 526,490 subjects treated with PCI and 650,728 treated using only coronary angiography. These subjects were chosen out of 1,177,218 patients who underwent coronary angiography. Then, we selected 124,663 individuals treated with pPCI due to STEMI and 5,695 patients with STEMI and MINOCA. The score for suspected MINOCA was created using the regression model, while the coefficients calculated for the final model were used to construct a predictive model in the form of a nomogram.

RESULTS

Patients with MINOCA differ significantly from those in the MI-CAD group; they were significantly younger, less often males and demonstrated smaller burden of concomitant diseases. The model allowed to show that patients who scored more than 600 points had a 19% probability of MINOCA, while for those scoring more than 650 points, the likelihood was 71%. The other end of the MINOCA probability scale was marginal for patients who scored less than 500 points (< .2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the created MINOCA score presented in the current publication, we are able to distinguish MINOCA from MI-CAD patients in the STEMI group.

Clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention stratified according to duration of pain-to-balloon time and type of myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Based on the clinical outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), this study intended to assess mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates according to duration of pain-to-balloon (PTB) time and type of MI.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study based on the prospectively collected ORPKI registry which covers PCIs performed in Poland chosen between January 2014 and December 2017. Under assessment were 1,994 STEMI and 923 NSTEMI patients. Study endpoints included mortality and MACCE rates (in-hospital, 30-day, 12- and 36-month). Predictors of all-cause mortality in the overall group, STEMI and NSTEMI were assessed by multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis did not reveal significant differences between the STEMI and NSTEMI group for all-cause mortality or MACCE at the 36-month follow-up. While in the long PTB time group, MACCE rate was significantly greater in STEMI patients when compared to NSTEMI (p = 0.004). Among STEMI patients, the short, medium and long PTB time groups differed significantly in the rate of all-cause mortality (p = 0.006) and MACCE (p = 0.04) at 1,095 days of follow-up, which were the greatest in the long PTB time group.

CONCLUSIONS

Before considering the length of PTB time, there were no statistically significant differences in mortality or MACCE frequency between the STEMI and NSTEMI group at 36-month follow-up. Longer PTB times are related to significantly greater mortality at the 36-month follow-up in the STEMI, but not in the NSTEMI group.

Endothelial function in patients with critical and non-critical limb ischemia undergoing endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most advanced stage of peripheral arterial disease. CLI patients, compared to non-CLI, achieve worse treatment outcomes and generate higher costs.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to compare endothelial function and clinical outcomes in CLI and non-CLI patients after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

METHODS

In this prospective, follow-up study, 30 CLI patients and 40 non-CLI patients underwent PTA. Endothelial function was assessed based on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), reactive-hyperaemia index (RHI), while the ankle-brachial index, toe-brachial index and the Rutherford scale were used for PAD progression evaluation. The results were assessed before as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after PTA.

RESULTS

There were no differences at the baseline regarding to endothelial function between both groups. Neither FMD nor RHI changed after PTA in any of the groups, although there was a difference in median RHI value between CLI and non-CLI patients regarding the 1st and 6th month of the follow-up (RHI6-RHI1 = 0.08 in CLI and -0.15 in non-CLI; P = 0.01). The larger baseline intima-media (IMT) in the CLI group allowed to predict a greater number of reintervention (P = 0.01) and major adverse event rates (P = 0.03). CLI patients presented larger decrease in the Rutherford scale compared to non-CLI (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline IMT was predictive for re-interventions and major adverse event rates. Although neither of groups exhibited significant changes in endothelial function, we proved differences between them regarding to changes in RHI.

Procedural and 1-year outcomes following large vessel coronary artery perforation treated by covered stents implantation: Multicentre CRACK registry

Background

Data regarding the clinical outcomes of covered stents (CSs) used to seal coronary artery perforations (CAPs) in the all-comer population are scarce. The aim of the CRACK Registry was to evaluate the procedural, 30-days and 1-year outcomes after CAP treated by CS implantation.

Methods

This multicenter all-comer registry included data of consecutive patients with CAP treated by CS implantation. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and myocardial infarction (MI).

Results

The registry included 119 patients (mean age: 68.9 ± 9.7 years, 55.5% men). Acute coronary syndrome, including: unstable angina 21 (17.6%), NSTEMI 26 (21.8%), and STEMI 26 (21.8%), was the presenting diagnosis in 61.3%, and chronic coronary syndromes in 38.7% of patients. The most common lesion type, according to ACC/AHA classification, was type C lesion in 47 (39.5%) of cases. A total of 52 patients (43.7%) had type 3 Ellis classification, 28 patients (23.5%) had type 2 followed by 39 patients (32.8%) with type 1 perforation. Complex PCI was performed in 73 (61.3%) of patients. Periprocedural death occurred in eight patients (6.7%), of which two patients had emergency cardiac surgery. Those patients were excluded from the one-year analysis. Successful sealing of the perforation was achieved in 99 (83.2%) patients. During the follow-up, 26 (26.2%) patients experienced MACE [7 (7.1%) cardiac deaths, 13 (13.1%) TLR, 11 (11.0%) MIs]. Stent thrombosis (ST) occurred in 6 (6.1%) patients [4(4.0%) acute ST, 1(1.0%) subacute ST and 1(1.0%) late ST].

Conclusions

The use of covered stents is an effective treatment of CAP. The procedural and 1-year outcomes of CAP treated by CS implantation showed that such patients should remain under follow-up due to relatively high risk of MACE.

Prognostic markers of post-traumatic dental external root resorption in children-a pilot study

BACKGROUND

External inflammatory root resorption (EIRR) is a frequent complication of traumatic dental injuries (TDI). The aim of this cohort study was to identify novel non-invasive markers of post-traumatic EIRR by assessing the changes in the pulp's blood flow and the composition of gingival sulcus fluid (GCF) in children after dental trauma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two children were enrolled and assessed within 48 h of a TDI to their permanent incisors and during an additional three visits over a 6-months follow up period. During each visit, a radiograph and laser Doppler flow (LDF) measurements of the pulp blood flow were performed on the injured tooth, and the GCF was sampled. The permanent first molar tooth of the same subject served as a control for the LDF measurements and the GCF sampling. Concentrations of IL-1α in the GCF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Radiographs were used to confirm EIRR.

RESULTS

EIRR occurred in fourteen (43.8%) teeth in 32 patients. The teeth with EIRR showed diminished LDF readings when compared with controls at all visits. The LDF readings of the injured teeth continued to decrease at follow up visits. In the EIRR group, levels of IL-1α in the GCF of teeth with EIRR were increased and significantly higher than those of the control teeth at the visit when EIRR was diagnosed. The IL-1α levels were significantly higher in the EIRR group when compared to the injured teeth of patients without EIRR at the last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of EIRR after mechanical trauma of permanent teeth with complete root development is accompanied by a significant reduction in the blood flow of the tooth's pulp. It is accompanied by an increase in concentrations of IL-1α in the GCF of EIRR affected teeth. The results of this pilot study identified the use of IL-1α in GCF and LDF as non-invasive markers of EIRR.