Analysis of core outcome set reporting in coronary intervention trials

BACKGROUND

This paper will focus on outcome reporting within percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) trials. A core outcome set (COS) is a standardised set of outcomes that are recommended to be reported in every clinical trial. Using a COS can help to ensure that all relevant outcomes are consistently reported across clinical trials. In 2018, the European Society of Cardiology outlined the only COS published for PCI trials.

METHODS

We searched the literature for all randomised controlled trials published between 2014 and 2022. PCI trials included were late-phase trials and must investigate coronary intervention. The primary outcome was the proportion of trials that reported all of the COS-defined outcomes within their publication as either a primary, secondary or safety endpoint. The secondary outcomes included; the number of primary outcomes reported per study, the proportion of studies which use patient and public involvement (PPI) during trial design, outcome variability and outcome consistency.

RESULTS

9580 trials were screened and 115 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Our study demonstrated that 55% (34/62) of PCI trials used a COS when it was available, compared with 40% (21/53) before the availability of a PCI COS set, p=0.121. Fewer primary outcomes were reported after the implementation of the COS, 2 compared with 2.3, p=0.014. There was no difference in the use of PPI between either group. There was a higher level of variability in outcomes reported before the availability of the COS, while the consistency of outcome reporting remained similar.

CONCLUSION

The use of a COS in PCI trials is low. This study provides evidence that there still is a lack of awareness of the COS among those who design clinical trials. We also presented the inconsistency and heterogenicity in reporting clinical trial outcomes. Finally, there was a clear lack of PPI utilisation in PCI trials.

Peer evaluation and feedback for invasive medical procedures: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is significant variability in the performance and outcomes of invasive medical procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy. Peer evaluation is a common mechanism for assessment of clinician performance and care quality, and may be ideally suited for the evaluation of medical procedures. We therefore sought to perform a systematic review to identify and characterize peer evaluation tools for practicing clinicians, assess evidence supporting the validity of peer evaluation, and describe best practices of peer evaluation programs across multiple invasive medical procedures.

METHODS

A systematic search of Medline and Embase (through September 7, 2021) was conducted to identify studies of peer evaluation and feedback relating to procedures in the field of internal medicine and related subspecialties. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed. Data were extracted on peer evaluation methods, feedback structures, and the validity and reproducibility of peer evaluations, including inter-observer agreement and associations with other quality measures when available.

RESULTS

Of 2,135 retrieved references, 32 studies met inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 were from the field of gastroenterology, 5 from cardiology, 3 from pulmonology, and 3 from interventional radiology. Overall, 22 studies described the development or testing of peer scoring systems and 18 reported inter-observer agreement, which was good or excellent in all but 2 studies. Only 4 studies, all from gastroenterology, tested the association of scoring systems with other quality measures, and no studies tested the impact of peer evaluation on patient outcomes. Best practices included standardized scoring systems, prospective criteria for case selection, and collaborative and non-judgmental review.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer evaluation of invasive medical procedures is feasible and generally demonstrates good or excellent inter-observer agreement when performed with structured tools. Our review identifies common elements of successful interventions across specialties. However, there is limited evidence that peer-evaluated performance is linked to other quality measures or that feedback to clinicians improves patient care or outcomes. Additional research is needed to develop and test peer evaluation and feedback interventions.

A meta-analysis of optimal medical therapy with or without percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves clinical outcomes in patients with chronic angina and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has been a continuing area of investigation for more than two decades. The recently reported results of the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches, the largest prospective trial of optimal medical therapy (OMT) with or without myocardial revascularization, provides a unique opportunity to determine whether there is an incremental benefit of revascularization in stable CAD patients.

METHODS

Scientific databases and websites were searched to find randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Pooled risk ratios were calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Data from 10 RCTs comprising 12 125 patients showed that PCI, when added to OMT, were not associated with lower all-cause mortality (risk ratios, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.87-1.08), cardiovascular mortality (risk ratios, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.79-1.05) or myocardial infarction (MI) (risk ratios, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78-1.04) as compared with OMT alone. However, OMT+PCI was associated with improved anginal symptoms and a lower risk for revascularization (risk ratios, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37-0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

In patient with chronic stable CAD (without left main disease or reduced ejection fraction), PCI in addition to OMT did not improve mortality or MI compared to OMT alone. However, this strategy is associated with a lower rate of revascularization and improved anginal symptoms.

Predictors of angina resolution after percutaneous coronary intervention in stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed to relieve symptoms of angina. Identifying patients who will benefit symptomatically after PCI would be clinically advantageous but robust predictors of symptom resolution are ill-defined.

METHODS

Prospective indexing of baseline angina status, clinical, and procedural characteristics were collected over a 5-year period in a regional revascularization registry. At 1-year follow-up, angina resolution was assessed. We performed a stepwise selection algorithm to identify predictors of persistent angina at 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 777 patients were included in the analysis and the median follow-up was 387 days. Mean age of the cohort was 66.6 years, 23.8% were female and 23.3% had baseline Canadian Cardiovascular Society class 3 or 4 angina. Overall, 13.1% had persistent angina. The only predictor of persistent angina was the presence of a residual chronic total occlusion after PCI with odds ratio of 3.06 (95% confidence interval, 1.81-5.17). Residual stenoses 50-69%, 70-89%, and 90-99% were not associated with residual angina after PCI.

CONCLUSION

Most patients achieved symptom resolution with PCI and optimal medical therapy. A residual chronic total occlusion after PCI was associated with persistent angina. Other degrees of stenoses were not associated with persistent angina.

In-hospital outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The relative safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been well defined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess in-hospital outcomes in this population.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to April 2020 for all clinical trials and observational studies. Five observational studies with a total of 6769 patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 in CKD group and ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 in non-CKD group). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were acute kidney injury, coronary injury (perforation, dissection or tamponade), stroke and procedural success. Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among patients with CKD undergoing PCI for CTO (OR: 5.16, 95% CI: 2.60-10.26, P < 0.00001). Acute kidney injury (OR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.89-3.40, P < 0.00001) and major bleeding (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.20-5.54, P < 0.01) were also more common in the CKD group. No significant difference was observed in the occurrence of stroke (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 0.74-7.54, P < 0.15) or coronary injury (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.98-1.93, P < 0.06) between the two groups. Non-CKD patients had a higher likelihood of procedural success compared to CKD patients (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.77, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with CKD undergoing PCI for CTO have a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury and major bleeding when compared to non-CKD patients. They also have a lower procedural success rate.

Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock: A RAND Appropriateness Panel Approach

BACKGROUND

Current practice in cardiogenic shock is guided by expert opinion in guidelines and scientific statements from professional societies with limited high quality randomized trial data to inform optimal patient management. An international panel conducted a modified Delphi process with the intent of identifying aspects of cardiogenic shock care where there was uncertainty regarding optimal patient management.

METHODS

An 18-person multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts was convened. A modified RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness methodology was used. A survey comprising 70 statements was completed. Participants anonymously rated the appropriateness of each statement on a scale of 1 to 9: 1 to 3 inappropriate, 4 to 6 uncertain, and 7 to 9 appropriate. A summary of the results was discussed as a group, and the survey was iterated and completed again before final analysis.

RESULTS

There was broad alignment with current international guidelines and consensus statements. Overall, 44 statements were rated as appropriate, 19 as uncertain, and 7 as inappropriate. There was no disagreement with a disagreement index <1 for all statements. Routine fluid administration was deemed to be inappropriate. Areas of uncertainty focused panel on pre-PCI interventions, the use of right heart catheterization to guide management, routine use of left ventricular unloading strategies, and markers of futility when considering escalation to mechanical circulatory support.

CONCLUSIONS

While there was broad alignment with current guidance, an expert panel found several aspects of care where there was clinical equipoise, further highlighting the need for randomized controlled trials to better guide patient management and decision making in cardiogenic shock.

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy or dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary revascularisation: individual patient level meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risks and benefits of P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and whether these associations are modified by patients' characteristics.

DESIGN

Individual patient level meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

Searches were conducted in Ovid Medline, Embase, and three websites (www.tctmd.com, www.escardio.org, www.acc.org/cardiosourceplus) from inception to 16 July 2020. The primary authors provided individual participant data.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing effects of oral P2Y₁₂ monotherapy and DAPT on centrally adjudicated endpoints after coronary revascularisation in patients without an indication for oral anticoagulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a composite of all cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, tested for non-inferiority against a margin of 1.15 for the hazard ratio. The key safety endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or type 5 bleeding.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included data from six trials, including 24 096 patients. The primary outcome occurred in 283 (2.95%) patients with P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy and 315 (3.27%) with DAPT in the per protocol population (hazard ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 1.09; P=0.005 for non-inferiority; P=0.38 for superiority; τ²=0.00) and in 303 (2.94%) with P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy and 338 (3.36%) with DAPT in the intention to treat population (0.90, 0.77 to 1.05; P=0.18 for superiority; τ²=0.00). The treatment effect was consistent across all subgroups, except for sex (P for interaction=0.02), suggesting that P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy lowers the risk of the primary ischaemic endpoint in women (hazard ratio 0.64, 0.46 to 0.89) but not in men (1.00, 0.83 to 1.19). The risk of bleeding was lower with P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy than with DAPT (97 (0.89%) v 197 (1.83%); hazard ratio 0.49, 0.39 to 0.63; P<0.001; τ²=0.03), which was consistent across subgroups, except for type of P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (P for interaction=0.02), suggesting greater benefit when a newer P2Y₁₂ inhibitor rather than clopidogrel was part of the DAPT regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy was associated with a similar risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, with evidence that this association may be modified by sex, and a lower bleeding risk compared with DAPT.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020176853.

Predictive value of LncRNA on coronary restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary heart disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence shows that long-stranded non-coding RNA (LncRNA) can predict coronary artery restenosis in patients suffering from coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention, suggesting that LncRNA may become a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its accuracy has not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform meta-analysis to certify the diagnostic value of LncRNA on coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies to explore the potential diagnostic values of LncRNA on coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention from inception to December 2020. Data were extracted by two experienced researchers independently. The risk of bias about the meta-analysis was confirmed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Data was synthesized and heterogeneity was investigated as well. All of the above statistical analysis was carried out with Stata 14.0.

RESULTS

This study proved the pooled diagnostic performance of LncRNA on coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

CONCLUSION

This study clarified confusions about the specificity and sensitivity of LncRNA on coronary artery restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention, thus further guiding their promotion and application.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required for this study. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences, and shared on social media platforms. This review would be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentations.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/4QT2P.

Association of Pretreatment With P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists Preceding Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes With Outcomes

IMPORTANCE

Pretreatment of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) with P2Y12 receptor antagonists is a common practice despite the lack of definite evidence for its benefit.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of P2Y12 receptor antagonist pretreatment vs no pretreatment with mortality, stent thrombosis, and in-hospital bleeding in patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used prospective data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry of 64 857 patients who underwent procedures between 2010 and 2018. All patients who underwent PCI owing to NSTE-ACS in Sweden were stratified by whether they were pretreated with P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Associations of pretreatment with P2Y12 receptor antagonists with the risks of adverse outcomes were investigated using instrumental variable analysis and propensity score matching. Data were analyzed from March to June 2019.

EXPOSURES

Pretreatment with P2Y12 receptor antagonists.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was all-cause mortality within 30 days. Secondary end points were 1-year mortality, stent thrombosis within 30 days, and in-hospital bleeding.

RESULTS

In total, 64 857 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.7 [10.9] years; 46 809 [72.2%] men) were included. A total of 59 894 patients (92.4%) were pretreated with a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, including 27 867 (43.7%) pretreated with clopidogrel, 34 785 (54.5%) pretreated with ticagrelor, and 1148 (1.8%) pretreated with prasugrel. At 30 days, there were 971 deaths (1.5%) and 101 definite stent thromboses (0.2%) in the full cohort. Pretreatment was not associated with better survival at 30 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 0.66-2.11; P = .58), survival at 1 year (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.77-2.34; P = .30), or decreased stent thrombosis (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.42-1.55; P = .52). However, pretreatment was associated with increased risk of in-hospital bleeding (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.06-2.12; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found that pretreatment of patients with NSTE-ACS with P2Y12 receptor antagonists was not associated with improved clinical outcomes but was associated with increased risk of bleeding. These findings support the argument that pretreatment with P2Y12 receptor antagonists should not be routinely used in patients with NSTE-ACS.

The effect of early dual antiplatelet timing on the microvascular resistance and ventricular function in primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Although dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has been shown to improve index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), the importance of the early DAPT administration on IMR and left ventricular function has not been clearly defined. In this study, we aimed to assess whether early DAPT administration affect IMR, epicardial flow, and left ventricular function in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).This was a prospective non-randomized study on STEMI receiving primary PCI in a tertiary hospital. All subjects received loading dose DAPT (Aspirin + Clopidogrel) before primary PCI. Patients were then divided into 2 groups, the first group consists of patients receiving DAPT time ≤2 hours and the second group consists of those with DAPT time >2 hours. The primary endpoint of this study was IMR, a microvasculature function index measured quantitatively by pressure-/temperature-tipped guidewire after balloon dilatation. The secondary endpoint was the mean difference of global longitudinal strain (GLS) change at 6 months follow-up, TIMI flow before, and after PCI between the 2 groups.There were 40 subjects qualified for the study, 20 subjects in each group. There was no significant difference in IMR (50.90 [34.66] vs 58.06 [45.56], P = .579) between the 2 groups. Early administration of DAPT improved ventricular function at 6 months, reflected by statistically significant greater improvement in terms of ΔGLS (-3.48 [2.61] vs -1.23 [2.87], P = .013) and Δejection fraction (10.65% [8.74] vs -0.75% [12.83], P = .002) in the DAPT time ≤2 hours group compared with DAPT time >2 hours group. TIMI flow before PCI (P = .653) and TIMI flow after PCI (P = .205) were similar in the 2 groups.Early DAPT administration ≤2 hours may improve left ventricular function, but not IMR and TIMI flow.

Influences of different dose of tirofiban for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

Tirofiban is widely used in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This drug can efficiently improve myocardial perfusion and cardiac function, but its dose still remains controversial. We here investigated the effects of different dose of tirofiban on myocardial reperfusion and heart function in patients with STEMI. A total of 312 STEMI patients who underwent PCI in our hospital from March 2017 to March 2018 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (75 cases, 0 μg/kg), low-dose group (79 cases, 5 μg/kg), medium-dose group (81 cases, 10 μg/kg) and high-dose group (77 cases, 20 μg/kg). The infarction-targeted artery flow grade evaluated by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI), corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) and sum-ST-segment resolution were recorded. At Day 7 and Day 30 after PCI, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular end systolic diameter, major adverse cardiovascular events and the hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia were also evaluated. After PCI, the rate of TIMI grade 3, CTFC and incidence of sum-ST-segment resolution > 50% of high-dose group were significantly higher than those of control group, low-dose group and medium-dose group (P < .05), and the CTFC of medium -dose group were significantly higher than that of control group, low-dose group (P < .05). Moreover, the LVEF, left ventricular end diastolic diameter and left ventricular end systolic diameter of high-dose group were significantly improved than those of other groups, and the LVEF of medium-dose group was significantly superior to that of low-dose group (P < .05). However, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events in high-dose group was significantly decreased, while the hemorrhage and incidence of thrombocytopenia of high-dose group were significantly higher than those of other 3 groups (P < .05). The tirofiban can effectively alleviate the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and promote the recovery of cardiac function in STEMI patients underwent PCI. Although the high-dose can enhance the clinical effects, it also increased the hemorrhagic risk. Therefore, the rational dosage application of tirofiban become much indispensable in view of patient's conditions and hemorrhagic risk, and a medium dose of 10 μg/kg may be appropriate for patients without high hemorrhagic risk.

Step-down units are cost-effective alternatives to coronary care units with non-inferior outcomes in the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) within a door-to-balloon timing of 90 min have greatly decreased mortality and morbidity of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Post-PCI, they are routinely transferred into the coronary care unit (CCU) regardless of the severity of their condition, resulting in frequent CCU overcrowding. This study assesses the feasibility of step-down units (SDUs) as an alternative to CCUs in the management of STEMI patients after successful PCI, to alleviate CCU overcrowding. Criteria of assessment include in-hospital complications, length of stay, cost-effectiveness, and patient outcomes up to a year after discharge from hospital. A retrospective case-control study was done using data of 294 adult STEMI patients admitted to the emergency departments of two training and research hospitals and successfully underwent primary PCI from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015. Patients were followed up for a year post-discharge. Student t test and χ² test were done as univariate analysis to check for statistical significance of p < 0.05. Further regression analysis was done with respect to primary outcomes to adjust for major confounders. Patients managed in the SDU incurred significantly lower inpatient costs (p = 0.0003). No significant differences were found between the CCU and SDU patients in terms of patient characteristics, PCI characteristics, in-hospital complications, length of stay, and patient outcomes up to a year after discharge. The SDU is a viable cost-effective option for managing STEMI patients after successful primary PCI to avoid CCU overcrowding, with non-inferior patient outcomes as compared to the CCU.

A MULTICENTRE SURVEY OF LOCAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS AND ACHIEVABLE DOSE FOR CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY AND PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY INTERVENTION PROCEDURES IN KOREA

Interventional cardiology procedures can involve relatively high radiation doses compared to general radiography. During coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI), the same area is exposed to radiation for a long period. In this study, radiation exposure data of 1071 examinations in Korean hospitals were collected, and the achievable dose (AD) and diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in actual medical practice for two types of interventional cardiology procedures in Korea were established. In CAG, 75th percentile DRLs and AD of the total kerma-area product were 47.0 and 33.1 Gy·cm 2, respectively. In PCI, those values were 171.3 and 102.6 Gy·cm2, respectively. This is the first study to introduce the DRLs for cardiovascular interventional procedures in Korea. These results will help optimise the interventional cardiology procedures for Korean cardiac centres.

Quality of management of acute coronary syndrome at the Nouakchott National Heart Center (Mauritania)

INTRODUCTION

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency whose management is standardized by multiple learned societies.

AIM

To describe the quality of the management of the SCA at the National Heart Center (CNC) in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of patients admitted to SCA at the Nouakchott CNC between July 31 and December 16, 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients, were enrolled in this study (hospital prevalence: 10.6%). Males were predominant (sex ratio: 2.3) and mean age was 62.5±10.6. Only one fourth of patients had health insurance coverage. Medical transportation by ambulance were provided only for 29% of patients. Typical chest pain was the most frequent reason for consultation (83.8% of cases) and the average admission time was 34.83±11.87 hours. Almost two thirds of patients (68%) had an ST segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Of those patients, only 23 were managed within-12 hours of chest pain onset; reperfusion treatment was attempted by primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in only one case and thrombolysis in 22 (28%) others and was success in 81% of cases. All ACS-patients received antithrombotic drugs as recommended by the local protocol and 55 (69%) patients underwent a coronary angiography that revealed 58.2% mono-truncular, 18.2% bi-truncular and 14.5% tri-truncular lesions, supporting the indication for PCI in 31 patients, Coronary artery bypass graft in 6 patients and medical therapy in the remaining patients. During the hospital course, complications were observed in 22.5% patients with a total mortality of 3.8%.

CONCLUSION

Management of ACS at the Mauritanian CNC could be optimized by the implementation of a pre-hospital care chain based on easy access to first-line facilities, efficient transportation system and early coronary revascularization.

Revascularization Strategies in Patients With STEMI: Culprit-Only vs Multivessel Revascularization Using Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Approximately 50% of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have multivessel coronary disease (MVD). Evidence on the best PCI approach for these patients is conflicting. The aim of this study is to examine Australian data from the CONCORDANCE registry to describe the practice and outcomes of patients receiving multivessel vs culprit-only PCI.

METHODS

Two cohorts were constructed from MVD-STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI at 41 hospitals between 2009 and 2015: culprit-only PCI (n = 587; 87%) and multivessel PCI (n = 82; 12%). Clinical characteristics were described, and the outcomes were all-cause mortality, heart failure, and myocardial reinfarction, in-hospital and at 6-month follow-up. The relative prevalence of each procedure over time was also described.

RESULTS

The patient cohorts were comparable in age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with higher Killip scores were more likely to receive multivessel PCI (P=.02). The multivessel group was significantly more likely to have in-hospital cardiogenic shock (P<.01), myocardial reinfarction (P=.02), cardiac arrest (P=.02), and stroke (P=.01). There was no difference in the incidence of ischemic events at 6 months, but the multivessel group had a lower rate of planned repeat revascularizations (12% vs 2%; P=.03). There was no difference in the relative frequency of multivessel vs culprit-only PCI during the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

The relative frequency of multivessel vs culprit-only PCI has not changed from 2009-2015. Index complete revascularization for STEMI-MVD patients is more likely to be performed in those with worse presentations and is associated with worse in-hospital complications.

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices in high-risk patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices (pMCSDs) are increasingly used on the assumption (but without solid proof) that their use will improve prognosis. A meta-analysis was undertaken according to the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the benefits of pMCSDs in patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (hr-PCI).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trial.gov, and other databases to identify eligible studies. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for 30-day and 6-month all-cause mortality rates, reinfarction, and other adverse events using a random effect model.

RESULTS

Sixteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this study. In the pooled analysis, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was not associated with a decrease in 30-day and 6-month all-cause mortality (RR 1.01 95% CI 0.61-1.66; RR 0.88 95% CI 0.66-1.17), reinfarction (RR 0.89 95% CI 0.69-1.14), stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) (RR 1.75 95% CI 0.47-6.42), heart failure (HF) (RR 0.54 95% CI 0.11-2.66), repeat revascularization (RR 0.73 95% CI 0.25-2.10), embolization (RR 3.00 95% CI 0.13-71.61), or arrhythmia (RR 2.81 95% CI 0.30-26.11). Compared with IABP, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) were not associated with a decrease in 30-day and 6-month all-cause mortality (RR 0.96 95% CI 0.71-1.29; RR 1.23 95% CI 0.88-1.72), reinfarction (RR 0.98 95% CI 0.68-1.42), stroke/TIA (RR 0.45 95% CI 0.1-1.95), acute kidney injury (AKI) (RR 0.83 95% CI 0.38-1.80), or arrhythmia (RR 1.52 95% CI 0.71-3.27), but LVADs were associated with a decrease in repeat revascularization (RR 0.26 95% CI 0.08-0.83). However, LVADs significantly increased the risk of bleeding compared with IABP (RR 2.85 95% CI 1.72-4.73).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither LVADs nor IABP improves short or long-term survival in hr-PCI patients. LVADs are more likely to reduce repeat revascularization after PCI, but to increase the risk of bleeding events than IABP.

An Update on Radial Artery Access and Best Practices for Transradial Coronary Angiography and Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Transradial artery access for percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with lower bleeding and vascular complications than transfemoral artery access, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes. A growing body of evidence supports adoption of transradial artery access to improve acute coronary syndrome-related outcomes, to improve healthcare quality, and to reduce cost. The purpose of this scientific statement is to propose and support a "radial-first" strategy in the United States for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This document also provides an update to previously published statements on transradial artery access technique and best practices, particularly as they relate to the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Characteristics of the Quality Improvement Content of Cardiac Catheterization Peer Reviews in the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program

IMPORTANCE

Peer review is recommended for quality assessment in all cardiac catheterization programs, but, to our knowledge, the content of peer reviews and the potential for quality improvement has not been described.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the quality improvement content of cardiac catheterization peer reviews.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This quality improvement study used retrospective case review of diagnostic angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures to characterize the major adverse event review process of the US Department of Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) program from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016. Data review and analysis took place from November 2017 to August 2018.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Percentage of peer reviews reporting substandard care and opportunities for quality improvement.

RESULTS

A total of 196 643 diagnostic coronary angiograms and 62 576 percutaneous coronary interventions were performed in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of these, 168 (0.1%) were triggered for review because of a self-reported major adverse event during the procedure. Of 152 cases with complete peer review data, care was adjudicated as not meeting the standard of care in 25 cases (16.4%). Concerns about operator judgment were identified in 46 cases (30.3%), about case selection in 26 (17.1%), about trainee supervision in 21 (13.8%), and about technical performance in 46 (30.3%). Reviewers made recommendations to improve operator performance in 63 cases (41.4%) and catheterization laboratory or hospital processes in 58 (38.2%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

While substandard care is infrequently identified in peer review of catheterization laboratory complications in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the process often generates recommendations for quality improvement. Peer review programs should focus on identifying quality improvement opportunities and providing meaningful feedback to operators.

Prehospital ECG transmission results in shorter door-to-wire time for STEMI patients in a remote mountainous region

BACKGROUND

Pre-hospital triage with ECG-transmission may reduce time to reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Less, however, is known on potential benefit of ECG-transmission triage in mountain areas, with complex orography.

METHODS

Patients admitted for STEMI and primary coronary angioplasty (pPCI) in a mountain area served by a single cathlab and triaged with ECG-transmission were enrolled in the study and compared with controls: patients' demographics and time to coronary wire were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-seven consecutive patients were enrolled in the study: 23 patients following ECG transmission and 24 STEMI patients who presented directly to the Emergency Department. At multivariable regression analysis, pre-hospital ECG-transmission electrocardiogram was an independent predictor of shorter time-to-wire (beta -0.34, p < 0.05). In case of transport times >30 min, ECG-transmission triage achieved time-to-wire times 20% shorter. Excluding unreducible transport time, avoidable delay was reduced by 38% in the whole population, by 48% in case of peripheral areas (transport time > 30 min from cathlab) and elderly (>80 years) patients (p < 0.05 in all cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-hospital triage with ECG-transmission is associated with shorter ischemic time even in mountain areas with a complex orography profile. The benefit is greater in elderly patients and remote areas.

Canadian spontaneous coronary artery dissection cohort study: in-hospital and 30-day outcomes

AIMS

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) was underdiagnosed and poorly understood for decades. It is increasingly recognized as an important cause of myocardial infarction (MI) in women. We aimed to assess the natural history of SCAD, which has not been adequately explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a multicentre, prospective, observational study of patients with non-atherosclerotic SCAD presenting acutely from 22 centres in North America. Institutional ethics approval and patient consents were obtained. We recorded baseline demographics, in-hospital characteristics, precipitating/predisposing conditions, angiographic features (assessed by core laboratory), in-hospital major adverse events (MAE), and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We prospectively enrolled 750 SCAD patients from June 2014 to June 2018. Mean age was 51.8 ± 10.2 years, 88.5% were women (55.0% postmenopausal), 87.7% were Caucasian, and 33.9% had no cardiac risk factors. Emotional stress was reported in 50.3%, and physical stress in 28.9% (9.8% lifting >50 pounds). Predisposing conditions included fibromuscular dysplasia 31.1% (45.2% had no/incomplete screening), systemic inflammatory diseases 4.7%, peripartum 4.5%, and connective tissue disorders 3.6%. Most were treated conservatively (84.3%), but 14.1% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and 0.7% coronary artery bypass surgery. In-hospital composite MAE was 8.8%; peripartum SCAD patients had higher in-hospital MAE (20.6% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.023). Overall 30-day MACE was 8.8%. Peripartum SCAD and connective tissue disease were independent predictors of 30-day MACE.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection predominantly affects women and presents with MI. Despite majority of patients being treated conservatively, survival was good. However, significant cardiovascular complications occurred within 30 days. Long-term follow-up and further investigations on management are warranted.

Does cardiology hold pharmacogenetics to an inconsistent standard? A comparison of evidence among recommendations

Current guideline recommendations for pharmacogenetic testing for clopidogrel by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) contradict the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the US FDA. The AHA/ACC recommends against routine pharmacogenetic testing for clopidogrel because no randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that testing improves patients' outcomes. However the AHA/ACC and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend other pharmacogenetic tests in the absence of randomized controlled trials evidence. Using clopidogrel as a case example, we compared the evidence for other pharmacogenetic tests recommended by the AHA/ACC and NCCN. In patients that received percutaneous coronary intervention, the evidence supporting pharmacogenetic testing for clopidogrel is stronger than other pharmacogenetic tests recommended by the AHA/ACC and NCCN.

Safety of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without P2Y12 Inhibitor Pretreatment From a Cohort of Unselected Patients

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies have challenged systematic pretreatment with a P2Y12 inhibitor before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elective and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes after performing PCI immediately after coronary angiography with an exclusive "on-the-table" P2Y12 inhibitor loading dose, by evaluating ischemic and bleeding complications in unselected patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients admitted for elective PCI or NSTEMI were included in this two-center, prospective, observational study, and received a P2Y12 inhibitor after coronary angiography when PCI was decided. The primary composite endpoint was first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, urgent revascularization, or use of bail-out glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors at 30 days after PCI. Stent thrombosis and bleeding criteria (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC]) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 299 included patients, a total of 188 were admitted for elective PCI and 111 for NSTEMI. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 8.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7-12.4). No definite stent thrombosis occurred. Three independent predictive factors were associated with the primary endpoint: NSTEMI setting (odds ratio [OR], 5.61; 95% CI, 1.75-17.98), thrombotic coronary lesion (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.45-12.54), and longer procedure duration (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09). Clinically relevant bleedings (BARC 2, 3, or 5) occurred in 5.4% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In an unselected population admitted for elective PCI or NSTEMI in real-world clinical practice, administration of a P2Y12 inhibitor only after coronary angiography is associated with a low rate of ischemic and bleeding events at 30 days.

Contemporary Arterial Access in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Obtaining femoral and radial arterial access in the cardiac catheterization laboratory using state-of-the-art techniques is essential to optimize outcomes, patient satisfaction, and procedural efficiency. Although transradial access is increasingly used for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, femoral access remains necessary for numerous procedures, many requiring large-bore access, including complex high-risk coronary interventions, structural procedures, and procedures involving mechanical circulatory support. For femoral access, contemporary access techniques should combine the use of fluoroscopy, ultrasound, micropuncture needle, femoral angiography, and vascular closure devices, when feasible. For radial access, ultrasound may reveal important anatomic features and expedite access. Despite randomized controlled trials supporting use of routine ultrasound guidance for femoral and/or radial arterial access, ultrasound remains underused in cardiac catheterization laboratories. This article reviews contemporary techniques to achieve optimal arterial access in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Current State of the Science: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, particularly among young women and individuals with few conventional atherosclerotic risk factors. Patient-initiated research has spurred increased awareness of SCAD, and improved diagnostic capabilities and findings from large case series have led to changes in approaches to initial and long-term management and increasing evidence that SCAD not only is more common than previously believed but also must be evaluated and treated differently from atherosclerotic myocardial infarction. High rates of recurrent SCAD; its association with female sex, pregnancy, and physical and emotional stress triggers; and concurrent systemic arteriopathies, particularly fibromuscular dysplasia, highlight the differences in clinical characteristics of SCAD compared with atherosclerotic disease. Recent insights into the causes of, clinical course of, treatment options for, outcomes of, and associated conditions of SCAD and the many persistent knowledge gaps are presented.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass grafting: A meta-analysis of patients with left main coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

The relative efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES), in comparison to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) remains controversial.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of randomised studies comparing patients with LMCAD treated with PCI with DES versus those treated with CABG, with respect to clinical outcomes at 1, 3 and 5years. A secondary meta-analysis was performed according to low (<32), or high (≥33) SYNTAX score.

RESULTS

Five studies comprising 4595 patients were included. There was no significant difference in all-cause death at all time points or when stratified with respect to SYNTAX score. The need for repeat revascularization was significantly higher with PCI at all time-points, and regardless of SYNTAX score. There was significant association between need for repeat revascularization with PCI and diabetics (p=0.04). At 5years, non-fatal MI was higher with PCI owing to increased non-procedural events (OR 3.00; CI 1.45-6.21; p=0.003). CABG showed higher rate of stroke at 1year (OR 0.21; CI 0.07-0.63; p=0.005). There was no difference in non-fatal MI or stroke at other time points, nor according to SYNTAX score.

CONCLUSIONS

PCI with DES or CABG are equivalent strategies for LMCAD up to 5years with respect to death, regardless of SYNTAX score. PCI increases the rate of non-procedural MI at 5years. CABG avoids the need for repeat revascularization, especially in diabetics, but this benefit is offset by higher rate of stroke in the first year of follow up.

Consensus Statement of Standards for Interventional Cardiovascular Nursing Practice

Interventional cardiovascular nursing is a critical care nursing specialty providing complex nursing interventions to patients prone to clinical deterioration, through the combined risks of the pathophysiology of their illness and undergoing technically complex interventional cardiovascular procedures. No guidelines were identified worldwide to assist health care providers and educational institutions in workforce development and education guidelines to minimise patients' risk of adverse events. The Interventional Nurses Council (INC) developed a definition and scope of practice for interventional cardiac nursing (ICN's) in 2013. The INC executive committee established a working party of seven representatives from Australia and New Zealand. Selection was based on expertise in interventional cardiovascular nursing and experience providing education and mentoring in the clinical and postgraduate environment. A literature search of the electronic databases Science Direct, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline and Health Source was performed, using the search terms: clinical deterioration, ST elevation myocardial infarction, vital signs, primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, AMI, STEMI, acute coronary syndrome, peri-procedural care, unstable angina, PCI complications, structural heart disease, TAVI, TAVR, cardiac rhythm management, pacing, electrophysiology studies, vascular access, procedural sedation. Articles were limited to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and relevance to nursing based outcomes. Reference lists were examined to identify relevant articles missed in the initial search. The literature was compared with national competency standards, quality and safety documents and the INC definition and scope of practice. Consensus of common themes, a taxonomy of education and seven competency domains were achieved via frequent teleconferences and two face-to-face meetings. The working party finalised the standards on 14 July 2017, following endorsement from the CSANZ, INC, Heart Rhythm Council, CSANZ Quality Standards Committee and the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN). The resulting document provides clinical practice and education standards for interventional cardiac nursing practice.

Sex-based differences in quality of care and outcomes in a health system using a standardized STEMI protocol

BACKGROUND

Recent data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry indicate that women with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) continue to have higher mortality and reported delays in treatment compared with men. We aimed to determine whether the sex difference in mortality exists when treatment disparities are reduced.

METHODS

Using a prospective regional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-based STEMI system database with a standardized STEMI protocol, we evaluated baseline characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcomes of STEMI patients stratified by sex.

RESULTS

From March 2003 to January 2016, 4,918 consecutive STEMI patients presented to the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital regional STEMI system including 1,416 (28.8%) women. Compared with men, women were older (68.4 vs 60.9 years) with higher rates of hypertension (66.7% vs 55.7%), diabetes (21.7% vs 17.4%), and cardiogenic shock (11.5% vs 8.0%) (all P < .001). Pre-revascularization medications and PCI were performed with same frequencies, but women were less likely to receive statin or antiplatelet therapy at discharge. After age adjustment, women had similar in-hospital mortality to men (5.1% vs 4.8%, P = .60) despite slightly longer door-to-balloon time (95 vs 92 minutes, P = .004). Five-year follow-up confirmed absence of a sex disparity in age-adjusted survival post-STEMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Previously reported treatment disparities between men and women are diminished in a regional PCI-based STEMI system using a standardized STEMI protocol. No sex differences in short-term or long-term age-adjusted mortality are present in this registry despite some treatment disparities. These results suggest that STEMI health care disparities and mortality in women can be improved using STEMI protocols and systems.

Meta-Analysis of the Optimal Percutaneous Revascularization Strategy in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Cardiogenic Shock, and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

The optimal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel (MV) coronary artery disease (CAD) who present with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) has not been systematically addressed. Accordingly, we performed a study-level meta-analysis comparing 2 PCI strategies in these patients-infarct-related artery (IRA) only versus MV revascularization. Studies including patients with AMI and MV CAD complicated with CS who received primary PCI were searched from 2000 to 2016. The primary end points were in-hospital/30-day and mid- to long-term (≥6 month) mortality. Fixed and random effects models were used for analysis. Ten studies (9 prospective and 1 retrospective) involving 6,068 patients met our inclusion criteria. IRA-only PCI was the most frequently used revascularization strategy (4,872 patients, 80%), while MV PCI was performed in 1,196 patients (20%). The MV PCI strategy was associated with higher short-term mortality compared with the IRA-only PCI strategy (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 1.71, p = 0.008). There was no difference in mid- to long-term mortality between MV PCI and IRA-only strategies (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 1.58, p = 0.94). In conclusion, in patients with AMI and MV CAD complicated by CS, the IRA-only PCI strategy seems to be associated with lower short-term, but not mid- to long-term mortality compared with MV PCI. This finding is different from the revascularization strategy recommended by current professional guidelines and suggests the need for dedicated randomized clinical trials.

ACC/AATS/AHA/ASE/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/STS 2016 Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes : A Report of the American College of Cardiology Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and American Association for Thoracic Surgery, along with key specialty and subspecialty societies, have completed a 2-part revision of the appropriate use criteria (AUC) for coronary revascularization. In prior coronary revascularization AUC documents, indications for revascularization in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stable ischemic heart disease were combined into 1 document. To address the expanding clinical indications for coronary revascularization, and in an effort to align the subject matter with the most current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, the new AUC for coronary artery revascularization were separated into 2 documents addressing ACS and stable ischemic heart disease individually. This document presents the AUC for ACS. Clinical scenarios were developed to mimic patient presentations encountered in everyday practice and included information on symptom status, presence of clinical instability or ongoing ischemic symptoms, prior reperfusion therapy, risk level as assessed by noninvasive testing, fractional flow reserve testing, and coronary anatomy. This update provides a reassessment of clinical scenarios that the writing group felt to be affected by significant changes in the medical literature or gaps from prior criteria. The methodology used in this update is similar to the initial document but employs the recent modifications in the methods for developing AUC, most notably, alterations in the nomenclature for appropriate use categorization. A separate, independent rating panel scored the clinical scenarios on a scale of 1 to 9. Scores of 7 to 9 indicate that revascularization is considered appropriate for the clinical scenario presented. Scores of 1 to 3 indicate that revascularization is considered rarely appropriate for the clinical scenario, whereas scores in the mid-range (4 to 6) indicate that coronary revascularization may be appropriate for the clinical scenario. Seventeen clinical scenarios were developed by a writing committee and scored by the rating panel: 10 were identified as appropriate, 6 as may be appropriate, and 1 as rarely appropriate. As seen with the prior coronary revascularization AUC, revascularization in clinical scenarios with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were considered appropriate. Likewise, clinical scenarios with unstable angina and intermediate- or high-risk features were deemed appropriate. Additionally, the management of nonculprit artery disease and the timing of revascularization are now also rated. The primary objective of the AUC is to provide a framework for the assessment of practice patterns that will hopefully improve physician decision making.

Inflation time in stent deployment: How long is enough?

Coronary stents are commonly deployed using high pressure. However, the duration time of balloon inflation during deployment is still to be determined. Vallurupalli and coworkers, in this issue of CCI, show that the stent system takes an average of 33 sec to "accommodate" its pressure during in vitro deployment. In patients, the mean stent inflation time to achieve pressure stability was 104 seconds, ranging from 30 to 380 sec. These results challenge a rapid inflation/deflation approach for stent deployment. It is suggested that the duration of the inflation might be individualized, in a case-by-case approach. However, the findings must be interpreted with caution, as they cannot be directly extrapolated to more diverse clinical, angiographic, and interventional scenarios.

Safety and efficacy of drug eluting stents in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection

AIMS

Given the different pathogenesis, use of drug eluting stent (DES) in patients with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection SCAD may delay the healing of the dissected vessel. Aim of our study was to compare the safety and the efficacy of DES vs. bare metal stent (BMS) in a cohort of patients who underwent stenting for SCAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients with SCAD between January 1995 and August 2014 were retrospectively identified in 12 centers and included. Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) was the primary end point. A total of 238 SCAD patients were identified: of them 108 patients underwent PCI with DES or BMS. Overall 24 patients (22.2%) suffered an intra-procedural complication without any differences between the 2 groups. At median follow-up of 1201days (Inter Quartile Range 541-2760), incidence of the primary endpoint showed a trend towards less events in the DES-treated patients (38.7% vs. 25.9% p=0.14) mainly driven by the benefit of DES in terms of TVR (17.6% vs. 4%, p=0.08), mortality (16.8% vs. 9.3%, p=0.4), and MI rate (16% vs. 8.4%, p=0.33). STEMI at presentation (HR 6.4, CI 95% 1.29-31.9, p=0.02) but not kind of stent (HR 0.97, CI 95% 0.2-4.7, p=0.9) emerged as independently related to prognosis at multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In SCAD patients use of DES seems to be as safe as BMS with trend of better efficacy in the long term.

Contemporary management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which constitutes nearly 25-40 % of current acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cases, is a medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Since the 2013 STEMI practice guidelines, a wealth of additional data that may further advance optimal STEMI practices has emerged. These data highlight the importance of improving patient treatment and transport algorithms for STEMI from non-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centers. In addition, a focus on the reduction of total pain-to-balloon (P2B) times rather than simply door-to-balloon (D2B) times may further improve outcomes after primary PCI for STEMI. The early administration of newer oral P2Y12 inhibitors, including crushed forms of these agents for faster absorption, represents another treatment advancement. Recent data also suggest avoiding concurrent morphine use due to interactions with P2Y12 inhibitors. Furthermore, new technological advancements and investigational therapies, including Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds and the use of pre-intervention intravenous microbubbles with transthoracic ultrasound, hold promise to play a useful role in future STEMI care. Despite these advancements, the prompt recognition of STEMI, at both the patient and health care system level, remains the cornerstone of optimal treatment.

Assessing Hospital Performance After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Big Data

BACKGROUND

Although risk adjustment remains a cornerstone for comparing outcomes across hospitals, optimal strategies continue to evolve in the presence of many confounders. We compared conventional regression-based model to approaches particularly suited to leveraging big data.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We assessed hospital all-cause 30-day excess mortality risk among 8952 adults undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention between October 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012, in 24 Massachusetts hospitals using clinical registry data linked with billing data. We compared conventional logistic regression models with augmented inverse probability weighted estimators and targeted maximum likelihood estimators to generate more efficient and unbiased estimates of hospital effects. We also compared a clinically informed and a machine-learning approach to confounder selection, using elastic net penalized regression in the latter case. Hospital excess risk estimates range from -1.4% to 2.0% across methods and confounder sets. Some hospitals were consistently classified as low or as high excess mortality outliers; others changed classification depending on the method and confounder set used. Switching from the clinically selected list of 11 confounders to a full set of 225 confounders increased the estimation uncertainty by an average of 62% across methods as measured by confidence interval length. Agreement among methods ranged from fair, with a κ statistic of 0.39 (SE: 0.16), to perfect, with a κ of 1 (SE: 0.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Modern causal inference techniques should be more frequently adopted to leverage big data while minimizing bias in hospital performance assessments.

Incidence and characteristics of inappropriate and false-positive cardiac catheterization laboratory activations in a regional primary percutaneous coronary intervention program

BACKGROUND

The implementation of regional primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) programs has been critical in achieving timely intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, 1 consequence has been inappropriate and false-positive cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) activations where either angiography is cancelled or no culprit lesion is found, respectively.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1,391 patients referred for primary PCI to a single academic center from November 2007 to August 2013. Our purpose was to determine the incidence and characteristics of inappropriate and false-positive CCL activations by emergency departments (EDs) or emergency medical services (EMS), and the effect of a quality improvement (QI) initiative to reduce such events implemented during this period.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 37 (2.7%) inappropriate and 206 (14.8%) false-positive CCL activations. There was no difference between the ED and EMS rates of inappropriate activation (2.1% vs 3.8%, P = .06). Among patients who proceeded to angiography, the false-positive rate for ED CCL activation was 16.9% compared to 11.5% for EMS (P = .01). Although there was no difference comparing inappropriate activation or false-positive rates before and after the QI initiative (P = .22), we observed an encouraging year-to-year trend.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency department activation of the CCL is associated with a higher false-positive rate than activation by EMS. Further QI efforts are required to improve communication between interventional cardiologists, emergency physicians, and paramedics to improve the specificity of CCL activation while taking care not to sacrifice sensitivity and rapidity of diagnosis.

Clinical Application of Fractional Flow Reserve-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Revascularization in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) is indicated in patients on optimal medical therapy with angina and/or demonstrable ischemia and a significant stenosis in one or more epicardial coronary arteries. Angiography alone, however, cannot accurately determine the hemodynamic significance of coronary lesions, particularly those of intermediate stenosis severity. A lesion may appear significant on coronary angiogram but may not have functional significance. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of functionally insignificant coronary artery lesions may have serious consequences; therefore, judicious decision-making in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is indicated. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly important to show that a stenosis is capable to induce myocardial ischemia prior to intervention. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has emerged as a useful tool for this purpose. In this review, we will briefly discuss the principle of FFR, current evidence and rationale supporting its use, and comparison with other modalities.

Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization and Trends in Utilization, Patient Selection, and Appropriateness of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

IMPORTANCE

Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization were developed to critically evaluate and improve patient selection for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). National trends in the appropriateness of PCI have not been examined.

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in PCI utilization, patient selection, and procedural appropriateness following the introduction of Appropriate Use Criteria.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter, longitudinal, cross-sectional analysis of patients undergoing PCI between July 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, at hospitals continuously participating in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI registry over the study period.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Proportion of nonacute PCIs classified as inappropriate at the patient and hospital level using the 2012 Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 2.7 million PCI procedures from 766 hospitals were included. Annual PCI volume of acute indications was consistent over the study period (377,540 in 2010; 374,543 in 2014), but the volume of nonacute PCIs decreased from 89,704 in 2010 to 59,375 in 2014. Among patients undergoing nonacute PCI, there were significant increases in angina severity (Canadian Cardiovascular Society grade III/IV angina, 15.8% in 2010 and 38.4% in 2014), use of antianginal medications prior to PCI (at least 2 antianginal medications, 22.3% in 2010 and 35.1% in 2014), and high-risk findings on noninvasive testing (22.2% in 2010 and 33.2% in 2014) (P < .001 for all), but only modest increases in multivessel coronary artery disease (43.7% in 2010 and 47.5% in 2014, P < .001). The proportion of nonacute PCIs classified as inappropriate decreased from 26.2% (95% CI, 25.8%-26.6%) to 13.3% (95% CI, 13.1%-13.6%), and the absolute number of inappropriate PCIs decreased from 21,781 to 7921. Hospital-level variation in the proportion of PCIs classified as inappropriate persisted over the study period (median, 12.6% [interquartile range, 5.9%-22.9%] in 2014).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Since the publication of the Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization in 2009, there have been significant reductions in the volume of nonacute PCI. The proportion of nonacute PCIs classified as inappropriate has declined, although hospital-level variation in inappropriate PCI persists.

Procedural Predictors of Angiographic Restenosis After Bifurcation Coronary Stenting (from the Choice of Optimal Strategy for Bifurcation Lesions With Normal Side Branch and Optimal Stenting Strategy for True Bifurcation Lesions Studies)

Most subordinate techniques accompanying bifurcation stenting have not been supported by relevant clinical trials. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of technical specifications involved in bifurcation stenting on angiographic outcomes. We analyzed patients enrolled in a cohort consisting of the patients in 2 randomized studies: one comparing routine final kissing inflation (FKI) versus leave-alone strategy after the 1-stent technique for bifurcations without side branch (SB) stenosis (<50%) and the other comparing crush versus the 1-stent technique for lesions with SB stenosis (≥50%). The effects of subordinate techniques and devices on 8-month angiographic restenosis were studied using multivariate models. Of 514 patients whose 8-month angiograms were available, 58 (11.3%) were found to have restenosis involving, in total, 35 main branches (MBs) and 27 SBs. Using multivariate models, we identified FKI as the only independent predictor of MB restenosis in the technically modifiable variables. The effect of FKI was significantly different across subgroups defined by bifurcation lesion type and stenting technique (test for homogeneity, p = 0.003): FKI was unrelated to MB restenosis in the 1-stent for diseased SB (odds ratio [OR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10 to 1.72; p = 0.22) and the 2-stent groups (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.36; p = 0.09) but predictive of MB restenosis in the 1-stent for normal SB group (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.58 to 15.16; p = 0.006).

Time-to-reperfusion in STEMI undergoing interhospital transfer using smartphone and WhatsApp messenger

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of WhatsApp application as a communication method among the emergency physician (EP) in a rural hospital without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capability and the interventional cardiologist at a tertiary PCI center.

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend that patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receive primary PCI within 90 minutes. This door-to-balloon (D2B) time has been difficult to achieve in rural STEMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated 108 patients with STEMI in a rural hospital with emergency department but without PCI capability to determine the impact of WhatsApp triage and activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory on D2B time. The images were obtained from cases of suspected STEMI using the smartphones by the EP and were sent to the interventional cardiologist via the WhatsApp application (group 1, n=53). The control group included concurrently treated patients with STEMI during the same period but not receiving triage (group 2, n=55). The D2B time was significantly shorter in the intervention group (109±31 vs 130±46 minutes, P<.001) with significant reduction in false STEMI rate as well.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that use of WhatsApp triage with activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory was associated with shorter D2B time and results in a greater proportion of patients achieving guideline recommendations. The method is cheap, quick, and easy to operate.

Validation of the SYNTAX revascularization index to quantify reasonable level of incomplete revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention

Incomplete revascularization is common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether a "reasonable" degree of incomplete revascularization is associated with a similar favorable long-term prognosis compared with complete revascularization remains unknown. We sought to quantify the proportion of coronary artery disease burden treated by PCI and evaluate its impact on outcomes using a new prognostic instrument-the Synergy Between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) Revascularization Index (SRI). The baseline SYNTAX score (bSS), the residual SYNTAX score, and the delta SYNTAX score (ΔSS) were determined from 888 angiograms of patients enrolled in the prospective SYNTAX trial. The SRI was then calculated for each patient using the following formula: SRI = (ΔSS/bSS]) × 100. Outcomes were examined according to the proportion of revascularized myocardium (SRI = 100% [complete revascularization], 50% to <100%, and <50%). The Youden index for the SRI was computed to identify the best cutoff for 5-year all-cause mortality. The mean bSS was 28.4 ± 11.5, and after PCI, the mean ΔSS was 23.8 ± 10.9 and the mean residual SYNTAX score was 4.5 ± 6.9. The mean SRI was 85.3 ± 21.2% and was 100% in 385 patients (43.5%), <100% to 50% in 454 patients (51.1%), and <50% in 48 patients (5.4%). Five-year adverse outcomes, including death, were inversely proportional to the SRI. An SRI cutoff of <70% (present in 142 patients [16.0%] after PCI) had the best prognostic accuracy for prediction of death and, by multivariable analysis, was an independent predictor of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 4.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.79 to 6.11, p <0.0001). In conclusion, the SRI is a newly described method for quantifying the proportion of coronary artery disease burden treated by PCI. The SRI is a useful tool in assessing the degree of revascularization after PCI, with SRI ≥70% representing a "reasonable" goal for patients with complex coronary artery disease.

Inspection of cardiology departments in Norway: are they making it great in radiation protection?

Staff involved in interventional cardiology receive the highest occupational doses in Norway, and skin burns of patients have been reported. To identify the level of radiation protection (RP) for patients and staff, and compliance with the RP regulation, the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority carried out inspections. The inspections were conducted (2013-14) as quality system reviews, based on document reviews, interviews, on-site inspections and observations of interventional procedures. The inspections revealed that most of the hospitals had non-compliances according to the RP regulation. Most deviations were associated with education in RP and follow-up of patients who had received high radiation doses. Lack of systematic optimisation of procedures and estimation of eye lens doses to evaluate the risk for cataracts were also common. Inspections turned out to increase the awareness of RP in cardiology and are identified as an effective tool for improving RP.

Strategies for the coronary surgeon to remain "competitive and co-operative" in the PCI era

BACKGROUND

The advent of percutaneous intervention has made surgical treatment of coronary artery disease less favored by patients though the evidence that supports CABG in certain patient subsets is strong.

METHODS

Literature review was done using Pubmed, Scopus, Google and Google Scholar with MeSH terms-coronary artery bypass grafting, internal mammary artery, drug eluting stent, stroke, myocardial revascularization.

RESULTS

The adoption of evolving techniques like anaortic off pump grafting, bilateral internal mammary artery use, hybrid and minimally invasive coronary revascularization techniques, intra-operative graft assessment, and heart team approach can lead to better outcomes following surgery as is evidenced by recent literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Though the adoptability of the newer strategies may vary between centers a close coalition between coronary surgeons and cardiologists would ensure that the management of coronary artery disease is based on evidence for the benefit of the patient.