Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on In-Hospital Outcomes of Hospitalizations With Acute Limb Ischemia Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

PURPOSE

Studies on outcomes related to endovascular treatment (EVT) in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among hospitalizations with acute limb ischemia (ALI) are limited.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was quarried from October 2015 to December 2017 to identify the hospitalizations with ALI and undergoing EVT. The study population was subdivided into 3 groups based on their CKD stages: group 1 (No CKD, stage I, stage II), group 2 (CKD stage III, stage IV), and group 3 (CKD stage V and ESRD). The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 51 995 hospitalizations with ALI undergoing EVT were identified. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in group 2 (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.04 - 1.32, p=0.009) and group 3 (OR = 3.18; 95% CI 2.74-3.69, p<0.0001) compared with group 1. Odds of minor amputation, vascular complication, atherectomy, and blood transfusion were higher among groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1. Group 2 had higher odds of access site hemorrhage compared with groups 1 and 3, whereas group 3 had higher odds of major amputation, postprocedural infection, and postoperative hemorrhage compared with groups 1 and 2. Besides, groups 2 and 3 had lower odds of discharge to home compared with group 1. Finally, the length of hospital stay and cost of care was significantly higher with the advancing CKD stages.

CONCLUSION

Advanced CKD stages and ESRD are associated with higher mortality, worse in-hospital outcomes and higher resource utilization among ALI hospitalizations undergoing EVT.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Current guidelines are not clear for the optimum first line treatment of acute limb ischemia, especially in patients with advanced kidney disease as compared to normal/mild kidney disease patients. We found that advanced kidney disease is a significant risk factor for worse in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, patients with acute limb ischemia and advanced kidney disease is associated with significantly higher resource utilization as compared to patients with normal/mild kidney disease. This study suggests shared decision making between treating physician and patients when considering endovascular therapy for the treatment of acute limb ischemia in patients with advanced kidney disease.

Comparison of 6-Month Outcomes of Endovascular vs Surgical Revascularization for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia

IMPORTANCE

The Bypass Versus Angioplasty for Severe Ischemia of the Leg randomized controlled trial showed comparable outcomes between endovascular revascularization (ER) and surgical revascularization (SR) for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, several observational studies showed mixed results. Most of these studies were conducted before advanced endovascular technologies were available.

OBJECTIVE

To compare ER and SR treatment strategies for 6-month outcomes among patients with CLI.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify 66 277 patients with CLI who underwent ER or SR from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. Data analyses were conducted from January 1, 2022, to February 8, 2022. A propensity score with 1:1 matching was applied. Patients with CLI who underwent ER or SR were identified, and those with missing information on the length of stay and/or younger than 18 years were excluded.

EXPOSURES

Endovascular or surgical revascularization.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was a major amputation at 6 months. Significant secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 6-month mortality and an in-hospital safety composite of acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and vascular complication. Subgroup analysis was conducted for major amputation in high-volume centers.

RESULTS

A total of 66 277 patients were identified between 2016 and 2018 who underwent ER or SR for CLI. The Nationwide Readmissions Database does not provide racial and ethnic categories. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 69.3 (12) years, and 62.5% of patients were male. A total of 54 546 patients (82.3%) underwent ER and 11 731 (17.7%) underwent SR. After propensity score matching, 11 106 matched pairs were found. Endovascular revascularization was associated with an 18% higher risk of major amputation compared with SR (997 of 10 090 [9.9%] vs 869 of 10 318 [8.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.29; P = .001). However, no difference was observed in major amputation risk when both procedures were performed in high-volume centers. Endovascular revascularization and SR had similar mortality rates (517 of 11 106 [4.7%] vs 490 of 11 106 [4.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.93-1.20; P = .39). However, the ER group had a 17% lower risk of in-hospital safety outcomes compared with the SR group (2584 of 11 106 [23.3%] vs 2979 of 11 106 [26.8%]; odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78-0.88; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this study suggest that ER was safer, without any difference in mortality, but ER was associated with an increased risk of major amputation compared with SR. However, the risk of major amputation was similar when both procedures were performed at high-volume centers.

Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Peripheral Vascular Intervention

INTRODUCTION

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is imperative to improve cardiovascular and limb outcomes for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), especially amongst those at highest risk for poor outcomes, including those with comorbid chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our objective was to examine GDMT prescription rates and their variation across individual sites for patients with CLI undergoing peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs), by their comorbid CKD status.

METHODS

Patients with CLI who underwent PVI (October 2016-April 2019) were included from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database. CKD was defined as GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. GDMT included the composite use of antiplatelet therapy and a statin, as well as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker if hypertension was present. The use of GDMT before and after the index procedure was summarized in those with and without CKD. Adjusted median odds ratios (MORs) for site variability were calculated.

RESULTS

The study included 28,652 patients, with a mean age of 69.4 ± 11.7 years, and 40.8% were females. A total of 47.5% had CKD. Patients with CKD versus those without CKD had lower prescription rates both before (31.7% vs. 38.9%) and after (36.5% vs. 48.8%) PVI (p < 0.0001). Significant site variability was observed in the delivery of GDMT in both the non-CKD and CKD groups before and after PVI (adjusted MORs: 1.31-1.41).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

In patients with CLI undergoing PVI, patients with comorbid CKD were less likely to receive GDMT. Significant variability of GDMT was observed across sites. These findings indicate that significant improvements must be made in the medical management of patients with CLI, particularly in patients at high risk for poor clinical outcomes.

Safety and efficacy outcomes of the Pioneer Plus catheter in endovascular revascularization of lower extremity chronic total occlusions

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of the Pioneer Plus catheter (Philips, San Diego, Calif) and report the in-hospital and 30-day outcomes of lower extremity chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions assisted by the Pioneer Plus catheter. In addition, we explored the factors associated with procedural success.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 135 consecutive procedures in 116 patients from July 2011 to September 2018 performed by eight operators with various levels of experience at a high-volume center where the Pioneer Plus catheter was used for lower extremity CTO. The patient demographics, preprocedural symptoms, preprocedural testing results, procedural setting, and angiography findings were abstracted. The outcomes were divided into device-related and procedure-related outcomes. Device-related efficacy outcome included procedural success. Device-related safety outcomes included device-related complications. Procedure-related outcomes included procedure-related complications, 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events, and 30-day major adverse limb events. We conducted univariate comparisons of the provider, patient, and procedural characteristics stratified by procedural success.

RESULTS

Procedural success was observed in 118 procedures overall (87.4%), and success rates ≤95.8% were observed for operators with an experience level of >25 devices deployed. No device-related complications, such as pseudoaneurysm formation, vessel perforation, or arteriovenous fistula formation, were observed. The Pioneer Plus catheter was mostly often used for CTO in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. Overall, the procedure-related complications included access site hematoma (5.2%), major bleeding (0.7%), pseudoaneurysm formation (0.7%), distal embolization (1.5%), and acute arterial thrombosis (1.5%). The 30-day major adverse limb events included index limb unplanned amputation (0.7%), index limb reintervention (4.4%), and index limb acute limb ischemia (0.7%) and occurred in 5.9% of the procedures. The only factor associated with procedural success was operator experience (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the present study have shown that Pioneer Plus catheter use is safe and effective when used to cross lower extremity CTO. However, further investigation is needed to identify patient- and provider-level factors to optimize patient outcomes.

Contemporary Trends in Hospital Admissions and Outcomes in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia: An Analysis From the National Inpatient Sample Database

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) morbidity and mortality rates have historically been disproportionately higher than for other atherosclerotic diseases, however, recent trends have not been reported. In patients admitted with CLI, we aimed to examine trends in in-hospital mortality, major amputations, length of stay, and cost of hospitalizations overall and stratified by type of revascularization procedures.

METHODS

Using 2011 to 2017 National Inpatient Sample data, we identified CLI-related admissions based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Edition, Clinical Modification codes. Primary outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and major amputations. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay and cost of hospitalization. We stratified outcomes based on endovascular or open surgical interventions. We also performed hierarchical multivariable regression analyses of outcomes based on age, sex, race, hospital size, type, and location.

RESULTS

We identified 2 643 087 CLI-related admissions between 2011 and 2017. CLI admissions increased from 0.9% to 1.4% P_trend<0.0001 as well as overall peripheral artery disease admissions (4.5%-8.9%, P_trend<0.0001). In-hospital mortality for the entire CLI cohort decreased from 3.3% to 2.7%, P_trend<0.0001, and major amputations decreased from 10.9% to 7%, P_trend<0.0001. A decline was also noted for the length of stay from 5.7 (3.1-10.1) to 5.4 (3.0-9.2) days (P_trend<0.0001), whereas admission costs increased from USD $11 791 ($6676-$21 712) to $12 597 ($7248-$22 748; P_trend<0.0001). Endovascular interventions increased (P_trend<0.0001) against a decline in surgical interventions (P_trend<0.0001). Black race, female sex, and age ≥60 years were associated with higher in-hospital mortality, whereas Black race, male sex, and age<60 years were associated with higher major amputations.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively small decrease in absolute numbers for mortality and major amputations were observed against a backdrop of increasing CLI admissions over recent years. Patients with CLI received more endovascular interventions than surgical interventions over time. However, admissions for endovascular interventions were characterized by higher risk patient profiles and a higher risk of major amputations as compared with surgical interventions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of lower extremity peripheral arterial interventions in patients with and without chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease

OBJECTIVE

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greater risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although individual studies have documented an association between CKD and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing PAD interventions in an era of technological advances in peripheral revascularization, the magnitude of the effect size is unknown. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of PAD interventions for patients with CKD/ESRD with those patients with normal renal function, stratified by intervention type (endovascular vs surgical), reflecting contemporary practice.

METHODS

Five databases were analyzed from January 2000 to June 2019 for studies that had compared the outcomes of lower extremity PAD interventions for patients with CKD/ESRD vs normal renal function. We included both endovascular and open interventions, with an indication of either claudication or critical limb ischemia. We analyzed the pooled odds ratios (ORs) across studies with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. Funnel plot and exclusion sensitivity analyses were used for bias assessment.

RESULTS

Seventeen observational studies with 13,140 patients were included. All included studies, except for two, had accounted for unmeasured confounding using either multivariable regression analysis or case-control matching. The maximum follow-up period was 114 months (range, 0.5-114 months). The incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) was greater in those with CKD/ESRD than in those with normal renal function (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25-2.27; P = .001). The incidence of major amputations (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.37-2.83; P < .001) and long-term mortality (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.45-3.58; P < .001) was greater in those with CKD/ESRD. The greater TLR rates with CKD/ESRD vs normal renal function were only seen with endovascular interventions, with no differences for surgical interventions. The differences in rates of major amputations and long-term mortality between the CKD/ESRD and normal renal function groups were statistically significant, regardless of the intervention type.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CKD/ESRD who have undergone lower extremity PAD interventions had worse outcomes than those of patients with normal renal function. When stratifying our results by intervention (endovascular vs open surgery), greater rates of TLR for CKD/ESRD were only seen with endovascular and not with open surgical approaches. Major amputations and all-cause mortality were greater in the CKD/ESRD group, irrespective of the indication. Evidence-based strategies to manage this at-risk population who require PAD interventions are essential.

Impact of Kidney Disease on Peripheral Arterial Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on outcomes of patients undergoing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) interventions who have comorbid CKD/ESRD versus those who do not have such comorbid condition. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze outcomes in this patient population.

METHODS

Five databases were searched for studies comparing outcomes of lower extremity PAD interventions for claudication and critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients with CKD/ESRD versus non-CKD/non-ESRD from January 2000 to June 2019.

RESULTS

Our study included 16 observational studies with 44,138 patients. Mean follow-up was 48.9 ± 27.4 months. Major amputation was higher with CKD/ESRD compared with non-CKD/non-ESRD (odds ratio [OR 1.97] [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-2.80], p = 0.001). Higher major amputations with CKD/ESRD versus non-CKD/non-ESRD were only observed when indication for procedure was CLI (OR 2.27 [95% CI 1.53-3.36], p < 0.0001) but were similar for claudication (OR 1.15 [95% CI 0.53-2.49], p = 0.72). The risk of early mortality was high with CKD/ESRD patients undergoing PAD interventions compared with non-CKD/non-ESRD (OR 2.55 [95% CI 1.65-3.96], p < 0.0001), which when stratified based on indication, remained higher with CLI (OR 3.14 [95% CI 1.80-5.48], p < 0.0001) but was similar with claudication (OR 1.83 [95% CI 0.90-3.72], p = 0.1). Funnel plot of included studies showed moderate bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing lower extremity PAD interventions for CLI who also have comorbid CKD/ESRD have an increased risk of experiencing major amputations and early mortality. Randomized trials to understand outcomes of PAD interventions in this at-risk population are essential.

Safety and efficacy of paclitaxel drug-coated balloon in femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis

INTRODUCTION

The femoropopliteal (FP) segment is a common site of involvement in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and endovascular therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of FP disease. Self-expanding nitinol stents are now frequently used for the treatment of FP disease but in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a major issue that can lead to recurrence of symptoms requiring repeated revascularizations. Compared to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA), drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown promising results with reduction of ISR rates and target lesion revascularization (TLR).

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to describe the mechanisms and classification of ISR and to summarize the available data on outcomes of all DCBs, especially in the treatment of FP ISR.

EXPERT OPINION

Currently available data supports the use of DCBs as a first-line therapy in patients with FP ISR, with lower rates of TLR and higher patency rates at 1-year follow-up, when compared to POBA. Further randomized studies are essential to evaluate longer term safety and efficacy of DCBs.

Endocarditis risk with bioprosthetic and mechanical valves: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Bioprosthetic valves are being used with increased frequency for valve replacement, with controversy regarding risk:benefit ratio compared with mechanical valves in younger patients. However, prior studies have been too small to provide comparative estimates of less common but serious adverse events such as infective endocarditis. We aimed to compare the incidence of infective endocarditis between bioprosthetic valves and mechanical valves.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to April 2018 for studies comparing left-sided aortic and mitral bioprosthetic to mechanical valves for randomised trials or observational studies with propensity matching. We used random-effects model for our meta-analysis. Our primary outcome of interest was the rate of infective endocarditis at follow-up.

RESULTS

13 comparison groups with 43 941 patients were included. Mean age was 59±7 years with a mean follow-up of 10.4±5.0 years. Patients with bioprosthetic valves had a higher risk of infective endocarditis compared with patients receiving mechanical valves (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.88, p<0.001) with an absolute risk reduction of 9 per 1000 (95% CI 6 to 14). Heterogeneity within the included studies was low (I²=0%). Exclusion of the study with maximum weight did not change the results of the analysis (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.17, p=0.006). A meta-regression of follow-up time on incidence of infective endocarditis was not statistically significant (p=0.788) indicating difference in follow-up times did not alter the pooled risk of infective endocarditis.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioprosthetic valves may be associated with a higher risk of infective endocarditis. These data should help guide the discussion when deciding between bioprosthetic and mechanical valves in individual patients.

Access to smart devices and utilization of online health resources among older cardiac rehabilitation participants

BACKGROUND

Newer models of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery are promising but depend upon patient participation and ability to use technological media including Internet and smart devices.

AIM

To explore the availability of smart devices, current utilization and proficiency of use among older CR program attendees.

METHODS

Study participants were enrolled from four CR programs in Omaha, Nebraska United States and completed a questionnaire of 28 items.

RESULTS

Of 376 participants approached, 169 responded (45%). Mean age was 71.1 (SD ± 10) years. Demographics were 73.5% males, 89.7% Caucasians, 52% with college degree and 56.9%, with income of 40K$ or more. Smart device ownership was 84.5%; desktop computer was the most preferred device. Average Internet use was 1.9 h/d (SD ± 1.7); 54.3% of participants indicating for general usage but only 18.4% pursued health-related purposes. Utilization of other health information modalities was low, 29.8% used mobile health applications and 12.5% used wearable devices. Of all participants, 72% reported no barriers to using Internet. Education and income were associated positively with measures of utilization and with less perceived barriers.

CONCLUSION

Among an older group of subjects attending CR, most have access to smart devices and do not perceive significant barriers to Internet use. Nonetheless, there was low utilization of health-related resources suggesting a need for targeted education in this patient population.

Utility of Intravascular Ultrasound in Peripheral Vascular Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives:

We sought to compare outcomes between intravascular ultrasound– (IVUS) versus angiography (AO)-guided peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). Introduction: Intravascular ultrasound facilitates plaque visualization and angioplasty during PVIs for peripheral arterial disease. It is unclear whether IVUS may improve the durability of PVIs and lead to improved clinical outcomes.

Methods:

This is a study-level meta-analysis of observational studies. The primary end points of this study were rates of primary patency and reintervention. Secondary end points included rates of vascular complications, periprocedural adverse events, amputations, technical success, all-cause mortality, and myocardial infarction.

Results:

Eight observational studies were included in this analysis with 93 551 patients. Mean follow-up was 24.2 ± 15 months. Intravascular ultrasound–guided PVIs had similar patency rates when compared with AO-guided PVIs (relative risk [RR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99-1.71, P = .062). There was no difference in rates of reintervention in IVUS-guided PVIs when compared to non-IVUS-guided PVIs (RR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.15-1.13, P = .085). There is a lower risk of periprocedural adverse events (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.94, P = .006) and vascular complications (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.96, P = .013) in the IVUS group. All-cause mortality (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56-1.04, P = .084), amputation rates (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.32-2.15, P = .705), myocardial infarctions (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.58-2.41, P = .637), and technical success (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.86-1.19, P = .886) were similar between the groups. Conclusions: Intravascular ultrasound–guided PVIs had similar primary patency and reintervention when compared with AO-guided PVIs with significantly lower rates of periprocedural adverse events and vascular complications in the IVUS-guided group.

Carotid, Vertebral, and Brachiocephalic Interventions

Carotid atherosclerosis most frequently manifests in the proximal internal carotid artery and the common carotid artery bifurcations. Subclavian artery atherosclerosis affects the proximal segments with a relatively higher incidence on the left and becomes clinically important in the presence of vertebrobasilar insufficiency or coronary steal. Atherosclerosis of the vertebral artery can lead to posterior circulation stroke. The authors review the major trials on carotid carotid, brachiocephalic and vertebral artery stenosis along with the various available diagnostic and interventional techniques.

Impact of diastolic dysfunction on long-term mortality and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting data as to whether diastolic dysfunction (DD) affects the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR underwent assessment of DD with preoperative echocardiography and NT-pro BNP. Long-term survival was ascertained every 6 months by clinic visits or phone. DD was graded according to the new American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. Health status was assessed at baseline and 30 days post-procedure using the KCCQ-12 questionnaire. Long-term survival was displayed using Kaplan-Meier curves according to NT-pro BNP levels and DD grades.

RESULTS

We included 222 patients, mean age 78 (±8) years, median STS score 4 (interquartile range = 3-7), median follow-up time 385 days (IQR = 180-640). DD was absent in 25, Grade I in 13, Grade II in 74, Grade III in 24, and indeterminate in 86 patients. Advanced (Grades II-III) DD was associated with higher pre-procedural NT-pro BNP levels (p < .001), worse quality of life (p < .001) but similar surgical risk (p = .43). Advanced and indeterminate DD were associated with increased long-term mortality (25-28% vs. 5%, p = .02) and elevated NT-pro BNP levels (26.4% vs. 9.8%, p = .05). Improvements in quality of life measures were seen in all DD groups (median change in KCCQ score no or Grade I DD:14 [3-21] vs. Grades II-III DD: 15 [16-26; p = .37]).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative NT-pro BNP levels and echocardiographic indices of indeterminate or advanced DD are associated with increased long-term mortality after TAVR but similar improvements in quality of life.

Successful treatment of complex coronary chronic total occlusions improves midterm outcomes

BACKGROUND

Data regarding outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) is still limited. Our aim was to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients after successful CTO PCI when compared to patients with failed PCI.

METHODS

The cohort study enrolled 145 eligible patients with attempted PCI of CTO. Detailed baseline clinical and procedural data, and in-hospital complications were analyzed. The primary end point was occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 11.49±2.01 months. Successful revascularization was associated with a significantly lower 1-year MACE compared to failed revascularization [hazard ratio (HR): 0.026; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004-0.176; P=0.0002]. A J-CTO score of ≥3 was associated with a significantly higher 1-year MACE compared with a J-CTO score of <3 in patients undergoing PCI (HR: 4.819; 95% CI: 1.463-15.870; P=0.0097). Moreover, in patients with a J-CTO score ≥3, success of CTO PCI was associated with significantly lower risk of 1-year MACE than failure of CTO revascularization (HR: 0.114; 95% CI: 0.023-0.569; P=0.0081). Multivariate analysis identified the J-CTO score (HR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.09-4.04; P=0.026) as a positive predictor, and the success of CTO PCI (HR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.59; P=0.005) as a negative significant independent predictor of MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with CTOs, high J-CTO score was independently associated with worse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, successful PCI was associated with a lower risk of midterm MACE compared with failed revascularization of CTOs.

An Observational Study of Elderly Veterans With Initially Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of aortic valve replacement (AVR) among patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains uncertain and controversial.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of consecutive patients with severe AS (mean gradient, 40 mm Hg; aortic valve area <1 cm², or peak velocity ≥4 m/s) who were asymptomatic at the time of echocardiography (2005-2015). Outcomes included mortality, AVR, or AS symptoms. Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test were used to compare the outcomes of patients treated with AVR compared with conservative management. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of long-term mortality.

RESULTS

Of 1181 echocardiograms and medical records reviewed, a total of 324 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study cohort was 78 ± 10 years and 97% were male. The median follow-up time was 8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 7-10 years), during which 147 patients (51%) underwent AVR and 94 patients (29%) died. The median survival for patients treated with AVR was 10 years (IQR, 9-10 years) and for patients managed conservatively was 4.8 years (IQR, 3.7-5.7 years; P<.001). A total of 47 patients (14% of the cohort and 48% of deaths) expired before AS symptoms were documented in their medical records. Independent predictors of mortality were age (hazard ratio [HR] per increase in decile, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.24; P<.01) and performance of AVR during follow-up (HR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.9-0.28; P<.01).

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of elderly patients with initially asymptomatic severe AS died before symptoms were identified. Our study highlights the difficulty of relying on symptoms alone for timely referral to AVR surgery.

Drug-coated balloon versus plain old balloon angioplasty in femoropopliteal disease: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty has emerged as a mainstay of therapy for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involving the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. We performed a meta-analysis including all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to date which compare DCB to plain balloon angioplasty (POBA) in femoropopliteal disease (FPD).

METHODS

Five databases were analyzed including EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web-of-Science from January 2000 to September 2018 for RCTs comparing DCB to POBA in patients with FPD. Heterogeneity was determined using Cochrane's Q-statistics. Random effects model was used.

RESULTS

Twenty-two RCTs, including five trials of in-stent restenosis (ISR) intervention, with 3,217 patients were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up was approximately 21.6 ± 14.4 months. Overall, DCB use was associated with a 51% reduction in target vessel revascularization (TLR) when compared to POBA at follow-up (relative risk [RR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.61, P < 0.0001). Rates of TLR were 45% lower in the DCB group when compared to POBA in patients with ISR (RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.37-0.81, P = 0.002). DCB was associated with lower rates of binary stenosis, late lumen loss and higher primary safety endpoints. Major amputation and mortality were not different between DCB and POBA.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of DCBs is associated with improved vessel patency and a lower risk of TLR when compared to POBA in patients with FPD, especially in the setting of ISR. There was no difference in mortality between DCB and POBA in our meta-analysis. Extended follow-up of the available RCT data will be essential to analyze long-term device-related mortality.

Contemporary Approach to Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) poses one of the greatest technical challenges to interventional cardiologists. Despite recent advancements in techniques and clinical trials showing significant benefits of CTO percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), the proportion of patients with untreated CTOs remains high. We therefore aim to perform a comprehensive review of the various techniques available, recent advancements, benefits, and complications associated with CTO PCI.

RECENT FINDINGS

Three randomized clinical trials examining the benefits of CTO PCI have recently been presented. Scoring systems have been developed to facilitate pre-procedural estimation of success and complications of CTO PCI. Technological enhancements in coronary wires and other interventional equipment along with dedicated training for CTO operators have improved the likelihood of successful recanalization of CTOs. CTO PCI has been shown to improve patient symptoms and quality of life. It is therefore important to have an in-depth knowledge of the various CTO techniques, appropriate equipment, and complications when performing these complex procedures. Clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits and choose the appropriate patient population who may benefit from revascularization.

Surgical left atrial appendage occlusion during cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical left atrial appendage occlusion (s-LAAO) during concomitant cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search through May 31st 2018 for all eligible studies comparing s-LAAO vs no occlusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Clinical outcomes during follow-up included: embolic events, stroke, all-cause mortality, atrial fibrillation (AF), reoperation for bleeding and postoperative complications. We further stratified the analysis based on propensity matched studies and AF predominance.

RESULTS

Twelve studies (n = 40107) met the inclusion criteria. s-LAAO was associated with lower risk of embolic events (OR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76; P < 0.001) and stroke (OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.57-0.82; P < 0.0001). Stratified analysis demonstrated this association was more prominent in the AF predominant strata. There was no significant difference in the incidence risk of all-cause mortality, AF, and reoperation for bleeding and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant s-LAAO during cardiac surgery was associated with lower risk of follow-up thromboembolic events and stroke, especially in those with AF without significant increase in adverse events. Further randomized trials to evaluate long-term benefits of s-LAAO are warranted.

Patent foramen ovale closure reduces recurrent stroke risk in cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

To investigate if patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device reduces the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

METHODS

We searched five databases - PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL and Web-of-Science and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 to September 2017 for randomized trials comparing PFO closure to medical therapy in cryptogenic stroke. Heterogeneity was determined using Cochrane’s Q statistics. Random effects model was used.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials with 3440 patients were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up was 50 ± 20 mo. PFO closure was associated with a 41% reduction in incidence of recurrent strokes when compared to medical therapy alone in patients with cryptogenic stroke [risk ratio (RR): 0.59, 95%CI: 0.40-0.87, P = 0.008]. Atrial fibrillation was higher with device closure when compared to medical therapy alone (RR: 4.97, 95%CI: 2.22-11.11, P < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups with respect to all-cause mortality, major bleeding or adverse events.

CONCLUSION

PFO device closure in appropriately selected patients with moderate to severe right-to-left shunt and/or atrial septal aneurysm shows benefit with respect to recurrent strokes, particularly in younger patients. Further studies are essential to evaluate the impact of higher incidence of atrial fibrillation seen with the PFO closure device on long-term mortality and stroke rates.

Bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials stratified by adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa strategy

Background

Bivalirudin has been shown to be associated with less major bleeding than heparin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); but the confounding effect of concomitant glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) limits meaningful comparison. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare bivalirudin to heparin, with and without adjunctive GPI in PCI.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL and WOS from January 2000 to December 2017 for clinical trials comparing bivalirudin to heparin, with and without adjunctive GPI during PCI. Cochrane's Q statistics were used to determine heterogeneity. Random effects model was used.

Results

Twenty-six comparison groups (22 original studies and 4 subgroup analyses) with 53,364 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 192±303 days. There was no difference between the two groups in all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.05, P=0.260), target vessel revascularization (TVR) (RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.93-1.46, P=0.174) or stroke (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.71-1.18, P=0.490). Major bleeding was lower in the bivalirudin group with concomitant GPI in one or both arms (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53-0.77, P<0.001) and without (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51-0.99, P=0.041) provisional or routine GPIs. Bivalirudin appeared to have a higher risk of stent thrombosis (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04-1.68, P=0.022) and a trend towards more myocardial infarction (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.98-1.28, P=0.098) though without statistical significance. However, exclusion of studies with GPI showed no difference in stent thrombosis or myocardial infarction with bivalirudin.

Conclusions

Bivalirudin is associated with less major bleeding compared to heparin, regardless of GPI use. The lower anticoagulant effect of bivalirudin is linked with higher stent thrombosis and a trend towards more MI, however a confounding effect of GPI use in the heparin arm cannot be excluded.