SYNERGY-Everolimus-Eluting Stent With a Bioabsorbable Polymer in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: CLEAR SYNERGY OASIS-9 Registry

Our objective was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the SYNERGY stent (Boston Scientific Corporation, Marlborough, Massachusetts) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The only drug-eluting stent approved for treatment of STEMI by the Food and Drug Administration is the Taxus stent (Boston Scientific) which is no longer commercially available, so further data are needed. The CLEAR (Colchicine and spironolactone in patients with myocardial infarction) SYNERGY stent registry was embedded into a larger randomized trial of patients with STEMI (n = 7,000), comparing colchicine versus placebo and spironolactone versus placebo. The primary outcome for the SYNERGY stent registry is major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as defined by cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, or unplanned ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization within 12 months. We estimated a MACE rate of 6.3% at 12 months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI based on the Thrombectomy vs percutaneous coronary intervention alone in STEMI (TOTAL) trial. Success was defined as upper bound of confidence interval (CI) to be less than the performance goal of 9.45%. Overall, 733 patients were enrolled from 8 countries with a mean age 60 years, 19.4% diabetes mellitus, 41.3% anterior MI, and median door-to-balloon time of 72 minutes. The MACE rate was 4.8% (95% CI 3.2 to 6.3%) at 12 months which met the success criteria against performance goal of 9.45%. The rates of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, or target vessel revascularization were 2.7%, 1.9%, 1.0%, respectively. The rates of acute definite stent thrombosis were 0.3%, subacute 0.4%, late 0.4%, and cumulative stent thrombosis of 1.1% at 12 months. In conclusion, the SYNERGY stent in STEMI performed well and was successful compared with the performance goal based on previous trials.

Effects of complete revascularization according to age in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease (COMPLETE-AGE)

BACKGROUND

In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), complete revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces major cardiovascular events compared with culprit-lesion-only PCI. Whether age influences these results remains unknown.

METHODS

COMPLETE was a multinational, randomized trial evaluating a strategy of staged complete revascularization, consisting of angiography-guided PCI of all suitable nonculprit lesions, versus a strategy of culprit-lesion-only PCI. In this prespecified subgroup analysis, treatment effect according to age (≥65 years vs <65 years) was determined for the first coprimary outcome of cardiovascular (CV) death or new myocardial infarction (MI) and the second coprimary outcome of CV death, new MI, or ischemia-driven revascularization (IDR). Median follow-up was 35.8 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 27.6-44.3 months).

RESULTS

Of 4,041 patients randomized in COMPLETE, 1,613 were aged ≥ 65 years (39.9%). Higher event rates were observed for both coprimary outcomes in patients aged ≥ 65 years comparted with those aged < 65 years (11.2% vs 7.9%, HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.22-1.83; 14.4% vs 11.8%, HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.52, respectively). Complete revascularization reduced the first coprimary outcome in patients ≥ 65 years (9.7% vs 12.5%, HR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.58-1.04) and < 65 years (6.7% vs 9.1%, HR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.96)(interaction P = .74). The second coprimary outcome was reduced in those ≥ 65 years (HR 0.56, 95% CI, 0.43-0.74) and < 65 years (HR 0.48, 95% CI, 0.37-0.61 (interaction P = .37). A sensitivity analysis was performed with consistent results demonstrated using a 75-year threshold (albeit attenuated).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD, complete revascularization compared with culprit-lesion-only PCI reduced major cardiovascular events regardless of patient age and could be considered as a revascularization strategy in older adults.

Antithrombotic therapies in Canadian atrial fibrillation patients with concomitant coronary artery disease: Insights from the CONNECT AF + PCI-II program

BACKGROUND

Selecting the appropriate antithrombotic regimen for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or have had medically managed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains complex. This multi-centre observational study evaluated patterns of antithrombotic therapies utilized among Canadian patients with AF post-PCI or ACS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By retrospective chart audit, 611 non-valvular AF patients [median (interquartile range) age 76 (69-83) years, CHADS2 score 2 (1-3)] who underwent PCI or had medically managed ACS between August 2018 and December 2020 were identified by 68 cardiologists across eight provinces in Canada. Overall, triple antithrombotic therapy [TAT: combined oral anticoagulation (OAC) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)] was the most common initial antithrombotic strategy, with use in 53.8 % of patients, followed by dual pathway therapy (32.7 % received OAC and a P2Y12 inhibitor, and 4.1 % received OAC and aspirin) and DAPT (9.3 %). Median duration of TAT was 30 (7, 30) days. Compared to the previous CONNECT AF + PCI-I program, there was an increased use of dual pathway therapy relative to TAT over time (P-value <.0001). DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants) represented 90.3 % of all OACs used overall, with apixaban being the most utilized (50.5 %). Proton pump inhibitors were used in 57.0 % of all patients, and 70.1 % of patients on ASA. Planned antithrombotic therapies at 1 year were: 76.2 % OAC monotherapy, 8.3 % OAC + ASA, 7.9 % OAC + P2Y12 inhibitor, 4.3 % DAPT, 1.3 % ASA alone, and <1 % triple therapy.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with recent Canadian Cardiovascular Society guideline recommendations, we observed an increased use of dual pathway therapy relative to TAT over time in both AF patients post-PCI (elective and emergent) and in those with medically managed ACS. Additionally, DOACs have become the prevailing form of anticoagulation across all antithrombotic regimens. Our findings suggest that Canadian physicians are integrating evidence-based approaches to optimally manage the bleeding and thrombotic risks of AF patients post-PCI and/or ACS.

No-reflow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an angiographic core laboratory analysis of the TOTAL Trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal strategy to prevent no-reflow in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown.

AIMS

We aimed to examine the effect of thrombectomy on the outcome of no-reflow in key subgroups and the adverse clinical outcomes associated with no-reflow.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of the TOTAL Trial, a randomised trial of 10,732 patients comparing thrombectomy versus PCI alone. This analysis utilised the angiographic data of 1,800 randomly selected patients.

RESULTS

No-reflow was diagnosed in 196 of 1,800 eligible patients (10.9%). No-reflow occurred in 95/891 (10.7%) patients randomised to thrombectomy compared with 101/909 (11.1%) in the PCI-alone arm (odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-1.28; p-value=0.76). In the subgroup of patients who underwent direct stenting, those randomised to thrombectomy compared with PCI alone experienced less no-reflow (19/371 [5.1%] vs 21/216 [9.7%], OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.96). In patients who did not undergo direct stenting, there was no difference between the groups (64/504 [12.7%] vs 75/686 [10.9%)], OR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.82-1.69; interaction p-value=0.02). No-reflow patients had a significantly increased risk of experiencing the primary composite outcome (cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or NYHA Class IV heart failure) at 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13-2.56; p-value=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with STEMI treated by PCI, thrombectomy did not reduce no-reflow in all patients but may be synergistic with direct stenting. No-reflow is associated with increased adverse clinical outcomes.

Complete Revascularization vs Culprit Lesion-Only Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Angina-Related Quality of Life in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Results From the COMPLETE Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), complete revascularization reduces major cardiovascular events compared with culprit lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether complete revascularization also improves angina-related health status is unknown.

Objective

To determine whether complete revascularization improves angina status in patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This secondary analysis of a randomized, multinational, open label trial of patient-reported outcomes took place in 140 primary PCI centers in 31 countries. Patients presenting with STEMI and multivessel CAD were randomized between February 1, 2013, and March 6, 2017. Analysis took place between July 2021 and December 2021.

Interventions

Following PCI of the culprit lesion, patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD were randomized to receive either complete revascularization with additional PCI of angiographically significant nonculprit lesions or to no further revascularization.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Seattle Angina Questionnaire Angina Frequency (SAQ-AF) score (range, 0 [daily angina] to 100 [no angina]) and the proportion of angina-free individuals by study end.

Results

Of 4041 patients, 2016 were randomized to complete revascularization and 2025 to culprit lesion-only PCI. The mean (SD) age of patients was 62 (10.7) years, and 3225 (80%) were male. The mean (SD) SAQ-AF score increased from 87.1 (17.8) points at baseline to 97.1 (9.7) points at a median follow-up of 3 years in the complete revascularization group (score change, 9.9 [95% CI, 9.0-10.8]; P < .001) compared with an increase of 87.2 (18.4) to 96.3 (10.9) points (score change, 8.9 [95% CI, 8.0-9.8]; P < .001) in the culprit lesion-only group (between-group difference, 0.97 points [95% CI, 0.27-1.67]; P = .006). Overall, 1457 patients (87.5%) were free of angina (SAQ-AF score, 100) in the complete revascularization group compared with 1376 patients (84.3%) in the culprit lesion-only group (absolute difference, 3.2% [95% CI, 0.7%-5.7%]; P = .01). This benefit was observed mainly in patients with nonculprit lesion stenosis severity of 80% or more (absolute difference, 4.7%; interaction P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD, complete revascularization resulted in a slightly greater proportion of patients being angina-free compared with a culprit lesion-only strategy. This modest incremental improvement in health status is in addition to the established benefit of complete revascularization in reducing cardiovascular events.

Morphine and clinical outcomes in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolytic and antiplatelet therapy: Insights from the TREAT trial

BACKGROUND

Morphine is commonly used to relieve pain, anxiety and dyspnea in STEMI but it lowers blood pressure and delays the activity of oral antiplatelet agents. The impact of morphine on clinical outcomes remains unknown. This analysis was performed to determine if morphine use was associated with increased risk of adverse clinical events among STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy and clopidogrel or ticagrelor.

METHODS

In the Ticagrelor in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated with Pharmacological Thrombolysis (TREAT) study, 3799 STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis were randomized to receive clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Morphine use was left to the discretion of the treating physicians. In this pre-specified analysis, we evaluated clinical outcomes based on the use and timing of morphine administration. Outcomes were stratified by randomized treatment group. Multivariable analysis was performed using Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting (IPTW) weighting.

RESULTS

Morphine was used in 53% of patients. After adjustment using IPTW weighting, morphine use was associated with higher hazard of reinfarction at 7 days (HR 4.9, P = .0006) and 30 days (HR 1.7, P = .04), and lower hazard of major bleeding (HR 0.37, P = .006). There was no significant difference in mortality at any time point.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy, morphine use was associated with a higher risk of early reinfarction and a lower risk of major bleeding but no difference in mortality.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02298088.

Prognostic Role of Residual Thrombus Burden Following Thrombectomy: Insights From the TOTAL Trial

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether more effective forms of thrombus removal than current aspiration catheters would lead to improved outcomes. We sought to evaluate the prognostic role of residual thrombus burden (rTB), after manual thrombectomy, in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with routine manual thrombectomy in the TOTAL trial (Thrombectomy Versus PCI Alone).

METHODS

This is a single-arm analysis of patients from the TOTAL trial who underwent routine manual aspiration thrombectomy. The rTB was quantified by an angiographic core laboratory using the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction criteria and validated using existing optical coherent tomography data. Large rTB was defined as grade ≥3. The primary outcome was death from cardiovascular causes, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or new or worsening heart failure within 180 days.

RESULTS

Of 5033 patients randomized to routine thrombectomy, 2869 patients had quantifiable rTB (1014 [35%] had large rTB). Patients with large rTB were more likely to have hypertension, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, myocardial infarction, or Killip class III on presentation but less likely to have Killip class I. The primary outcome occurred more frequently in patients with large rTB, even after adjustment for known risk predictors (8.6% versus 4.6%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.34-2.48]). These patients also had a higher risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.13-2.95]), cardiogenic shock (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.08-3.76]), and heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.02-2.96]) but not myocardial infarction or stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Large rTB is a common finding in primary percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including cardiovascular death. Future technologies offering better thrombus removal than current devices may decrease or even eliminate the risk associated with rTB. This, potentially, can turn into a strategic option to be studied in clinical trials.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT01149044.

Postprocedural Radial Artery Compression Time In Chronic AnticoaguLated patients using StatSeal: The PRACTICAL-SEAL study

BACKGROUND

Patients on uniterrupted chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy are at high-risk of bleeding during cardiac catheterization. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the StatSeal® disc for adjunct hemostasis in patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography under uninterrupted OAC therapy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent transradial cardiac catheterization without interrupted OAC therapy were included in this study.

RESULTS

Among 180 patients, 85 (47.2%) patients were on warfarin and 95 (52.8%) patients on novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Patients on NOACs were older (72.9 ± 9.6 versus 69.7 ± 10.8 years, P < 0.001) and had more atrial fibrillation/flutter (94.7% versus 62.4%, P < 0.001), whereas patients on Warfarin were more often women (43.5% versus 26.3%, P = 0.02) and had mechanical heart valves (27.1% versus 0%, P < 0.001). Intravenous unfractioned heparin (UFH) was administered in 96.5% of patients on warfarin (3799 ± 1342 units) and 93.7% patients on NOACs (4028 ± 1362 units), P = 0.27. There were no differences in terms of type and sheath size and the need for ad hoc coronary intervention. Time-to-first release of the hemostatic wristband was 56.2 ± 12.6 min and complete hemostasis was achieved in 71.1 ± 13.0 min, with shorter times among patients on NOACs (54.1 ± 11.7 and 58.5 ± 13.2 min, 68.9 ± 11.7 versus 73.6 ± 14.0 min, P = 0.02, for both). There were no significant differences in terms of bleeding. There was no radial artery occlusion among 112 participants who underwent color Doppler ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that in patients undergoing transradial coronary angiogram under contemporary uninterrupted OAC therapy and periprocedural administration of UFH, the use of StatSeal® disc for adjunctive hemostasis was associated with short times to complete hemostasis.

Provision of a DAPT Score to Cardiologists and Extension of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Beyond 1 Year After ACS: Randomized Substudy of the Prospective Canadian ACS Reflective II Study

Background

Extension of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) beyond 1 year after acute coronary syndrome is associated with a reduction in ischemic events but also increased bleeding. The DAPT score identifies individuals likely to derive overall benefit or harm from DAPT extension. We sought to evaluate the impact of providing the DAPT score to treating physicians on the decision to extend DAPT beyond 1 year after non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods

Moderate to high-risk non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients were enrolled from July 2016 to May 2018 in 13 Canadian hospitals by 52 cardiologists. Participating cardiologists were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive their individual patients’ DAPT scores before the 1-year follow-up visit vs not receiving their patients’ DAPT scores. Rates of DAPT extension were compared among the randomized groups.

Results

At 1 year, 370 of the 585 (63.2%) patients discharged on DAPT were receiving DAPT. Among patients on DAPT at 1 year, the median (25th, 75th percentile) DAPT score was 2 (1,3). DAPT was extended beyond 1 year in 36.2% randomly assigned to provision of DAPT score vs 35.7% in the control group (P = 0.93). In the subgroup of patients with DAPT score ≥ 2, DAPT extension was 49.5% in the DAPT score provision arm vs 40.4% in the control arm (P = 0.22); among patients with DAPT score < 2, DAPT termination was 78.6% in the DAPT score provision arm vs 70.6% in the control arm (P = 0.26) (P value for interaction = 0.1).

Conclusions

In this exploratory randomized trial, provision of the DAPT score to treating physicians had no impact on the duration of DAPT treatment beyond 1 year.

TOTAL risk score for predicting safe very early discharge in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

Background/Introduction

Previously validated risk scores for identifying low-risk patients after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have led to acceptance of the safety and feasibility of discharge after 48–72 hours of hospitalization, reducing hospital length of stay and costs. With ongoing improvements in outcomes, it may be possible to select patients who are safe to discharge very early (24–48 hours) but this has never been evaluated.

Purpose

We sought to develop and validate a novel risk score for identifying low-risk patients suitable for very early discharge (≤48 hours of hospitalization) post-STEMI.

Methods

We derived a novel risk score using data from patients enrolled in the Trial of Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy with PCI versus PCI alone in Patients with STEMI (TOTAL). The TOTAL database was randomly divided into a derivation cohort with 2/3 of the composite events and non-events and remaining 1/3 as the internal validation cohort. Using the derivation cohort, we identified risk factors for cardiovascular death (CV) or non-fatal cardiac arrest by performing a univariate and multivariable stepwise regression analysis of baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. Each co-variate was assigned an integer score based on regression coefficients and the novel TOTAL risk score was developed by adding points from each risk factor profile. We externally validated the TOTAL score using data from the Radial versus Femoral Access for Coronary Intervention (RIVAL) trial.

Results

The TOTAL derivation cohort included 6331 participants with 287 events (CV death/cardiac arrest). Twelve independent risk-factors associated with risk of CV death and non-fatal cardiac arrest at 1 year were selected and weighted for the TOTAL risk score (Table 1). In the TOTAL validation cohort (n=3166), patients with a TOTAL score of 0–4 points (n=779 (24.6%)) were categorized as very low risk with only a 0.1% risk of CV death/cardiac arrest observed within 24 hours of hospitalization, and no further events observed between 24 hours and 30 days post-STEMI. In the RIVAL validation dataset (n=1451), patients with a TOTAL score of 0–4 points (n=737 (50.7%)) had a 0.3% risk of CV death/cardiac arrest within 24 hours, with no further events observed between 24 hours and 72 hours of hospitalization.

Conclusion

The TOTAL risk score identified a very low risk subset of patients for whom early discharge, 24–48 hours post-STEMI, is likely safe. These findings have the potential to change practice and support early discharge after STEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Complete Revascularization in Patients Undergoing a Pharmacoinvasive Strategy for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the COMPLETE Trial

[Figure: see text].

Invasive Assessment of Microvascular Resistance in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Echocardiographic Correlates

INTRODUCTION

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often associated with ischaemia despite lack of focal epicardial coronary stenosis. Our aim was to assess invasive coronary microvascular circulation and correlate findings with echocardiography.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients with HCM and controls who were referred for diagnostic coronary angiography. A pressure-temperature sensor coronary guidewire was used with intracoronary injections of room-temperature saline to measure mean coronary transit time during rest and hyperaemia induced with intravenous adenosine. The index of microvascular resistance (IMR) was calculated. Left ventricular mass was calculated during echocardiographic studies.

RESULTS

Patients with HCM (n=12) and controls (n=7), had similar demographics. Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in HCM (76.7%±11.0% vs 55.0%±15.9%, p=0.003). IMR was non-significantly higher in HCM (21.7±10.2 vs 15.3±4.8, p=0.16). Only patients with HCM had abnormal IMR (>25). Coronary flow reserve was non-significantly higher in HCM (2.7±1.6 vs 2.1±1.2, p=0.34). IMR correlated with left ventricular mass in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy subjects (Pearson r=0.68, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Microvascular dysfunction as assessed by IMR may be abnormal in HCM and is correlated with left ventricular mass.

Contemporary use of guideline-based higher potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor therapy in patients with moderate-to-high risk non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Results from the Canadian ACS reflective II cross-sectional study

Background

After myocardial infarction, guidelines recommend higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, namely ticagrelor and prasugrel, over clopidogrel.

Hypothesis

We aimed to determine the contemporary use of higher‐potency antiplatelet therapy in Canadian patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

A total of 684 moderate‐to‐high risk NSTEMI patients were enrolled in the prospective Canadian ACS Reflective II registry at 12 Canadian hospitals and three clinics in five provinces between July 2016 and May 2018. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess factors independently associated with higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor use at discharge.

Results

At hospital discharge, 78.3% of patients were treated with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Among patients discharged on a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor was 61.4%. After adjustment, treatment in‐hospital with PCI (OR 4.48, 95%CI 3.34–6.03, p < .0001) was most strongly associated with higher use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, while oral anticoagulant use at discharge (OR 0.03, 95%CI 0.01–0.12, p < .0001), and atrial fibrillation (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.17–0.98, p = .046) were most strongly associated with lower use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor varied across provinces (range, 21.6%–78.9%).

Discussion

In contemporary Canadian practice, approximately 60% of moderate‐to‐high risk NSTEMI patients discharged on a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor are treated with a higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. In addition to factors that increase risk of bleeding, interprovincial differences in practice patterns were associated with use of higher‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor at discharge. Opportunities remain for further optimization of evidence‐based, guideline‐recommended antiplatelet therapy use.

Association of Thrombus Aspiration With Time and Mortality Among Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Randomized TOTAL Trial

IMPORTANCE

Patients with shorter ischemic times have a greater viable myocardium and may derive greater benefit from thrombus aspiration.

OBJECTIVE

To study the association of thrombus aspiration with outcomes among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on time.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The TOTAL (Thrombectomy With PCI vs PCI Alone in Patients with STEMI) trial was an international randomized clinical trial of 10 732 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12 hours of symptom onset. Patients were recruited between August 5, 2010, and July 25, 2014, and were followed up for 1 year. Data analysis was performed from February 22, 2019, to January 5, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Thrombus aspiration vs PCI alone.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Post hoc subgroup analyses were performed for total ischemic time and first medical contact (FMC)-to-device time for the primary outcomes (cardiovascular [CV] mortality, myocardial Infarction [MI], cardiogenic shock, and New York Heart Association class IV heart failure) and angiographically determined distal embolization. In addition, a multivariable analysis was performed to assess the association of total ischemic time and FMC-to-device time with CV mortality at 1 year.

RESULTS

The study randomized 10 732 patients, and 9986 underwent primary PCI and had time data available (7737 men [77.5%]; mean [SD] age, 61.0 [12.0] years). For the randomized comparison of thrombus aspiration, there was a reduction in angiographic distal embolization with thrombus aspiration that was more pronounced in patients with short ischemic times (<2 hours: odds ratio [OR], 0.23 [95% CI, 0.09-0.62]; 2-6 hours: OR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.39-0.73]; >6 hours: OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.33-1.50]; P = .12 for interaction). However, for the primary composite outcome, there was no benefit based on (1) total ischemic time (<2 hours: hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.46-1.28]; 2-6 hours: HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.85-1.25]; >6 hours: HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.60-1.27]; P = .46 for interaction) or (2) FMC-to-device time (<60 minutes: HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.66-1.95]; 60-90 minutes: HR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.67-1.32]; >90-120 minutes: HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.85-1.67]; >120 minutes: HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.70-1.14]; P = .54 for interaction). In a multivariable analysis, both total ischemic time (>2 hours: HR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.00-1.58) and FMC-to-device time (>120 minutes: HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.18-1.79]) were independently associated with CV mortality.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This analysis suggests that thrombus aspiration does not appear to be associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes regardless of ischemic time. In the current STEMI era, both total ischemic time and FMC-to-device times continue to be important factors associated with mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01149044.

Adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitor monotherapy with ticagrelor or clopidogrel following percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and purpose

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of coronary stents, the risk of stent thrombosis is mitigated with antiplatelet therapy. While current clinical practice is to treat patients with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) combining aspirin with an adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitor (ADPri), prolonged therapy is associated with heightened bleeding risk. Limiting DAPT to a shorter period after PCI, followed by ADPri monotherapy, may be an attractive strategy for optimizing the balance between thrombotic and bleeding risks. While several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published examining this strategy, the optimal duration of abbreviated DAPT run-in and the ideal choice of ADPri remain uncertain.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs assessing abbreviated DAPT followed by ADPri monotherapy post coronary stenting. Our primary outcomes were defined as clinically important bleeding, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and all-cause mortality. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE from their inceptions to November 2019 with study selection and data extraction performed in duplicate. We pooled data at one year using random effects models; relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were generated using the inverse variance method. Pre-specified sub-group analyses were undertaken according to duration of DAPT and the primary ADPri employed.

Results

Four trials (n=29084) were eligible for inclusion. Mean age was 65 years and 51.5% of patients were recruited in the context of acute coronary syndrome. Following meta-analysis, the occurrence of clinically significant bleeding events was significantly lower in patients receiving ADPri monotherapy (4 studies; n=29084; RR=0.60; 95% CI, 0.43–0.83; I2=73%; Figure-A), with no significant difference in the rates of all-cause mortality (4 studies; n=29084; RR=0.87; 95% CI, 0.71–1.06; I2=0%; Figure-B) or MACE (4 studies; n=29084; RR=0.90; 95% CI, 0.79–1.03; I2=1%; Figure-C). In subgroup analysis, trends toward lower rates of both all-cause mortality (2 studies; n=23082 participants; RR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.65–1.01; I2=0%; Figure-B) and MACE (2 studies; n=23082 participants; RR=0.90; 95% CI, 0.79–1.03; I2=25%; Figure-C) were seen in the studies employing ticagrelor as opposed to clopidogrel; however, neither analysis reached statistical significance (p-values=0.06 and 0.19, respectively). There was no differential treatment effect based on the duration of abbreviated DAPT prior to ADPri monotherapy in sub-group analysis.

Conclusions

Following PCI in patients with coronary disease, an abbreviated course of DAPT followed by ADPri monotherapy significantly reduces rates of bleeding with no difference in rates of MACE or all-cause mortality. Future studies are required to conclusively determine whether the use of ticagrelor in this setting may also reduce rates of all-cause mortality.

Meta-analysis of included studies

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Upstream anticoagulation for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the TOTAL trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between preprocedural anticoagulation use and clinical and angiographic outcomes.

BACKGROUND

For patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the optimal timing of anticoagulant administration remains uncertain.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the TOTAL trial were stratified based on whether or not they had received any parenteral anticoagulant prior to randomization and PCI. Baseline and procedural characteristics were compared. For one-year clinical outcomes, Cox proportional modeling adjusted on a propensity score was used to analyze differences between groups. Angiographic endpoints were analyzed by logistic regression models adjusted for propensity scores.

RESULTS

In the trial, 10,064 patients were enrolled and underwent PCI. Preprocedural anticoagulation was used in 6,381 patients (63%).The most common anticoagulant was intravenous unfractionated heparin (5,188, 81%). Patients who received preprocedural anticoagulation had higher rates of TIMI-2-3 or TIMI-3 flow and lower grades of thrombus prior to PCI. Pretreatment with anticoagulation was associated with lower use of bailout thrombectomy, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and intra-aortic balloon pump. After adjustment, preprocedural anticoagulation was associated with lower rates of CABG and minor bleeding at 1 year but there were no significant differences in death, stroke, recurrent MI, cardiogenic shock, or congestive heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Preprocedural anticoagulation is associated with improved flow and reduced thrombus in the IRA prior to PCI, less bailout thrombectomy during PCI but no difference in death, recurrent infarction, or heart failure at 1 year.

Nonculprit Lesion Plaque Morphology in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background:

Complete revascularization with routine percutaneous coronary intervention of nonculprit lesions after primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves outcomes in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. Whether this benefit is associated with nonculprit lesion vulnerability is unknown.

Methods:

In a prospective substudy of the COMPLETEs trial (Complete vs Culprit-Only Revascularization to Treat Multi-Vessel Disease After Early PCI for STEMI), we performed optical coherence tomography of at least 2 coronary arteries before nonculprit lesion percutaneous coronary intervention in 93 patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease; and the ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction culprit vessel if there was unstented segment amenable to imaging. Nonculprit lesions were categorized as obstructive (≥70% stenosis by visual angiographic assessment) or nonobstructive, and as thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) or non-TCFA by optical coherence tomography criteria. TCFA was defined as a lesion with mean fibrous cap thickness <65 μm overlying a lipid arc >90°.

Results:

On a patient level, at least one obstructive TCFA was observed in 44/93 (47%) of patients. On a lesion level, there were 58 TCFAs among 150 obstructive nonculprit lesions compared with 74 TCFAs among 275 nonculprit lesions (adjusted TCFA prevalence: 35.4% versus 23.2%, P =0.022). Compared with obstructive non-TCFAs, obstructive TCFAs had similar lesion length (23.1 versus 20.8 mm, P =0.16) but higher lipid quadrants (55.2 versus 19.2, P <0.001), greater mean lipid arc (203.8° versus 84.5°, P <0.001), and more macrophages (97.1% versus 54.4%, P <0.001) and cholesterol crystals (85.8% versus 44.3%, P <0.001). For nonobstructive lesions, TCFA lesions had similar lesion length (16.7 versus 14.6 mm, P =0.11), but more lipid quadrants (36.4 versus 13.5, P <0.001), and greater mean lipid arc (191.8° versus 84.2°, P <0.001) compared with non-TCFA.

Conclusions:

Among patients who underwent optical coherence tomography imaging in the COMPLETE trial, nearly 50% had at least one obstructive nonculprit lesion containing complex vulnerable plaque. Obstructive lesions more commonly harbored vulnerable plaque morphology than nonobstructive lesions. This may help explain the benefit of routine percutaneous coronary intervention of obstructive nonculprit lesions in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease.

Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01740479s.

Endothelial Dysfunction Is Not Associated With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of acute coronary syndrome, yet its pathophysiology is only partially understood. We sought to assess the association between endothelial dysfunction (ED) and SCAD.

METHODS

We prospectively assessed patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome who were diagnosed with SCAD. The control arm had established coronary artery atherosclerotic disease (AD) according to previous coronary angiography. ED was assessed using the EndoPAT 2000 while patients returned to their steady state condition. A total of 16 patients with SCAD and 66 patients with AD were included.

RESULTS

Microvascular reactivity as assessed with the EndoPAT was significantly worse in the AD group compared to the SCAD group. The median RHI in the AD group was 1.76 (IQR 1.52, 2.2) vs. a median RHI of 2.08 (IQR 1.73, 2.79) in the SCAD group (p < 0.05). While the RHI values in half of the AD group (33 patients; 50%) were below the cut-off of 1.67 only one patient had an RHI below this cut-off in the SCAD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SCAD were not found to have ED and it is therefore unlikely that ED takes part in SCAD formation.

Short Durations of Radial Hemostatic Device After Diagnostic Transradial Cardiac Catheterization: The PRACTICAL-2 Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication following transradial approach (TRA) for cardiac catheterisation. Our aim was to assess if decreasing radial hemostatic device (RHD) time reduces the risk of RAO among individuals receiving small sheath sizes with no adjunctive heparin.

METHODS

We randomised 450 individuals undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization via TRA to 3 durations of RHD time: 10, 20, or 30 minutes. After these time periods, the RHD was gradually released over 20 minutes. The primary efficacy end point was forearm hematoma grade ≥ 2 (5-10 cm) and the primary safety end point was RAO (as determined by Doppler ultrasound) 1 hour after RHD removal (before discharge).

RESULTS

The mean age was 66 years and 64% were male. Five-French sheaths were used in all patients. Hematoma grade ≥ 2 occurred in only 1 patient, who was in the 20-minute group (P = 0.39). RAO occurred in 6.7% of patients in the 10-minute group, 10.7% in the 20-minute group and 6% in the 30-minute group (P = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients receiving small-caliber sheaths without adjunctive heparin, the incidence of forearm hematoma and RAO are low. Shorter durations of RHD time did not further reduce the risk of these complications.

Hybrid Coronary Revascularization Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Comparative Effectiveness Analysis With Long-Term Follow-up

Background Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) involves the integration of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention to treat multivessel coronary artery disease. Our objective was to perform a comparative analysis with long-term follow-up between HCR and conventional off-pump CABG. Methods and Results We compared all double off-pump CABG (n=216) and HCR (n=147; robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct CABG of the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery and percutaneous coronary intervention to one of the non-left anterior descending vessels) performed at a single institution between March 2004 and November 2015. To adjust for the selection bias of receiving either off-pump CABG or HCR, we performed a propensity score analysis using inverse-probability weighting. Both groups had similar results in terms of re-exploration for bleeding, perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, blood transfusion, in-hospital mortality, and intensive care unit length of stay. HCR was associated with a higher in-hospital reintervention rate (CABG 0% versus HCR 3.4%; P=0.03), lower prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) rate (4% versus 0.7%; P=0.02), and shorter hospital length of stay (8.1±5.8  versus 4.5±2.1 days; P<0.001). After a median follow-up of 81 (48-113) months for the off-pump CABG and 96 (53-115) months for HCR, the HCR group of patients had a trend toward improved survival (85% versus 96%; P=0.054). Freedom from any form of revascularization was similar between the 2 groups (92% versus 91%; P=0.80). Freedom from angina was better in the HCR group (73% versus 90%; P<0.001). Conclusions HCR seems to provide, in selected patients, a shorter postoperative recovery, with similar excellent short- and long-term outcomes when compared with standard off-pump CABG.

Dedicated Bifurcation Stents for Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of coronary bifurcation lesions (CBL) remains a challenge in contemporary practice due to the procedural and technical difficulties involved. We sought to review the current evidence on the safety and clinical outcomes of dedicated bifurcation stent (DBS) implantation in comparison with established treatment strategies for CBL-PCI.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting 1-year clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients undergoing CBL-PCI with DBS vs conventional CBL-PCI strategies. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the effect of DBS compared with conventional CBL-PCI using aggregate data.

RESULTS

A total of 5 RCTs comprising 1249 participants met the inclusion criteria. The use of DBS was comparable to conventional stenting techniques in terms of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rate (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90- 1.82; I²=0%), all-cause mortality (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.31-2.07; I²=0%), cardiac mortality (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02-1.39; I²=0%), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.84-1.89; I²=0%), definite stent thrombosis (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 0.36-8.52; I²=0%), cumulative target-lesion revascularization (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.85-2.27; I²=0%), clinically driven target-lesion revascularization (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.68-2.22; I²=0%), or target-vessel revascularization (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.92-2.22; I²=0%).

CONCLUSION

The present analysis suggests that CBL-PCI with DBS may be associated with similar 1-year clinical and angiographic outcomes compared with conventional CBL-PCI strategies. However, the low quality of evidence and limited follow-up warrant further studies to ascertain any significant differences in patient-important outcomes before the adoption of DBS into routine CBL-PCI practice.

Complete Revascularization with Multivessel PCI for Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit lesion reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Whether PCI of nonculprit lesions further reduces the risk of such events is unclear.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease who had undergone successful culprit-lesion PCI to a strategy of either complete revascularization with PCI of angiographically significant nonculprit lesions or no further revascularization. Randomization was stratified according to the intended timing of nonculprit-lesion PCI (either during or after the index hospitalization). The first coprimary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction; the second coprimary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven revascularization.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 3 years, the first coprimary outcome had occurred in 158 of the 2016 patients (7.8%) in the complete-revascularization group as compared with 213 of the 2025 patients (10.5%) in the culprit-lesion-only PCI group (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.91; P = 0.004). The second coprimary outcome had occurred in 179 patients (8.9%) in the complete-revascularization group as compared with 339 patients (16.7%) in the culprit-lesion-only PCI group (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.61; P<0.001). For both coprimary outcomes, the benefit of complete revascularization was consistently observed regardless of the intended timing of nonculprit-lesion PCI (P = 0.62 and P = 0.27 for interaction for the first and second coprimary outcomes, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease, complete revascularization was superior to culprit-lesion-only PCI in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction, as well as the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven revascularization. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and others; COMPLETE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01740479.).

Antithrombotic treatment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of different oral antithrombotic drugs that prevent saphenous vein graft failure in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 25 January 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: for selecting studies Randomised controlled trials of participants (aged ≥18) who received oral antithrombotic drugs (antiplatelets or anticoagulants) to prevent saphenous vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary efficacy endpoint was saphenous vein graft failure and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction and death.

RESULTS

This review identified 3266 citations, and 21 articles that related to 20 randomised controlled trials were included in the network meta-analysis. These 20 trials comprised 4803 participants and investigated nine different interventions (eight active and one placebo). Moderate certainty evidence supports the use of dual antiplatelet therapy with either aspirin plus ticagrelor (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.79, number needed to treat 10) or aspirin plus clopidogrel (0.60, 0.42 to 0.86, 19) to reduce saphenous vein graft failure when compared with aspirin monotherapy. The study found no strong evidence of differences in major bleeding, myocardial infarction, and death among different antithrombotic therapies. The possibility of intransitivity could not be ruled out; however, between-trial heterogeneity and incoherence were low in all included analyses. Sensitivity analysis using per graft data did not change the effect estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this network meta-analysis suggest an important absolute benefit of adding ticagrelor or clopidogrel to aspirin to prevent saphenous vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Dual antiplatelet therapy after surgery should be tailored to the patient by balancing the safety and efficacy profile of the drug intervention against important patient outcomes.

STUDY REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42017065678.

Small-Size vs Large-Size Burr for Rotational Atherectomy

BACKGROUND

Rotational atherectomy (RA) has been traditionally performed via the transfemoral approach, mostly utilizing large guide catheters (≥7 Fr), which can accommodate the passage of large burrs (≥1.75 mm). However, contemporary data show that using smaller sheath and catheter sizes reduces the risk of procedural access-site related complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing RA using smaller burrs and subsequently smaller-sized sheath catheters.

METHODS

A total of 220 patients underwent RA procedures between January 2011 and July 2017. We compared 162 patients who underwent RA using a maximal burr size of 1.5 mm (small-burr group) with 58 patients who underwent RA using burrs >1.5 mm in diameter (large-burr group). Clinical, procedural, safety, and feasibility data were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the two groups were quite similar other than a higher prevalence of smoking (21.0% vs 5.2%; P<.01) and a lower body weight (80.9 ± 17.5 kg vs 86.8 ± 17.2 kg; P=.03) in the small-burr group vs the large-burr group. The indications for the procedure for the small-burr group vs large-burr group were stable angina in 53% vs 62%, unstable angina in 16% vs 17%, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) in 26% vs 17%, and ST-elevation MI in 3.7% vs 3.4%, respectively (P=NS for all). The target-vessel (TV) diameter was significantly larger in the large-burr group vs the small-burr group (3.5 ± 0.3 mm vs 3.2 ± 0.5 mm, respectively; P<.01). Importantly, a sheath size >6 Fr was used in 56.0% of the small-burr group vs 89.5% of the large-burr group (P<.01). Moreover, in 53% of the small-burr group, a guide catheter >6 Fr was used. Radial access was used in 33% of the small-burr group and 17% of the large-burr group (P=.03). Procedural success was achieved in 93% of the small-burr group and 100% of the large-burr group (P=.07).

CONCLUSION

In the majority of cases, RA can be successfully performed using smaller-sized burrs while achieving a high procedural success rate. Notably, our study also highlights the overuse of large sheaths and catheters to deliver small burrs. These results further support the contemporary strategy of using 6 Fr guide catheters, thereby increasing the possibility of using the radial approach for more complex interventional procedures.

Outcomes Among Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, and Ticagrelor in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention From the TOTAL Trial

BACKGROUND

Robust comparisons between oral P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention are lacking. We sought to evaluate outcomes on the basis of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy in patients from the Thrombectomy With PCI Versus PCI Alone in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI (TOTAL) trial.

METHODS

We grouped 9932 patients according to P2Y12 inhibitor at hospital discharge: clopidogrel (n = 6500; 65.5%), prasugrel (n = 1244; 12.5%), or ticagrelor (n = 2188; 22.0%). The primary composite end point of cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or New York Heart Association class IV heart failure was examined at 1 year. Secondary efficacy and safety end points were also assessed. Cox proportional hazard ratios were determined and adjusted for confounders via propensity scoring.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics differing between the 3 groups were mainly age 75 years or older, diabetes, and previous stroke. After adjustment, ticagrelor use was associated with a lower rate of the primary composite outcome compared with clopidogrel (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.91; P < 0.02) and prasugrel (aHR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.89; P = 0.02). Prasugrel use was not associated with a lower rate of the primary outcome compared with clopidogrel (aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.86-1.39; P > 0.99). Neither prasugrel nor ticagrelor were associated with increased risk of stroke compared with clopidogrel. Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor was associated with significantly lower rates of major bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational analysis of STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, ticagrelor was associated with improved outcomes compared with clopidogrel and prasugrel. An appropriately powered randomized trial is needed to confirm these findings.

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.

Radial versus femoral approach for saphenous vein grafts angiography and interventions

BACKGROUND

Coronary angiography and intervention to saphenous venous grafts (SVGs) remain challenging. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of the radial approach compared to femoral access in a large cohort of patients undergoing SVG angiography and intervention.

METHODS

Data from 1,481 patients from Canada, United States, and Spain who underwent procedures between 2010 and 2016 were collected. Patients must have undergone SVG coronary angiography and/or intervention. Demographics, procedural data, and in-hospital complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Procedures were undertaken by either the radial (n = 863, 211 intervention) or femoral (n = 618, 260 intervention) approach. The mean number of SVGs per patient was similar between groups (radial 2.3 ± 0.7 vs femoral 2.6 ± 1.1, P = .61), but the radial group required a fewer number of catheters (2.6 ± 1.7 vs 4.1 ± 1.1, P < .001). Fluoroscopy time was comparable between groups, and there was a trend toward lower contrast volume in the radial group (P = .045). Overall, the total dose of heparin was significantly higher in the radial group (P < .001); however, radial patients experienced significantly less access-site bleeding complications (P < .001). Outpatients undergoing radial SVG interventions had a higher likelihood of a same-day discharge home (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Radial access for SVG angiography and intervention is safe and feasible, without increasing fluoroscopy time. In experienced centers, radial access was associated with fewer catheters used, lower contrast volume, and lower rate of vascular access-site bleeding complications. Moreover, outpatients undergoing SVG percutaneous coronary intervention though the radial approach had a higher likelihood of a same-day discharge home.

Erratum to pre-operative use of aspirin in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.05.187.].

Long-term pharmacodynamic effects of Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in fibrinolytic-treated STEMI patients undergoing early PCI

The long-term pharmacodynamic effects of Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in patients undergoing early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after fibrinolytic therapy is unknown. From May 2014 to August 2016, 212 patients undergoing PCI within 24 h of Tenecteplase (TNK), Aspirin, and Clopidogrel for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) were randomized at four Canadian sites to receive additional Clopidogrel or Ticagrelor initiated prior to PCI. The platelet reactivity units (PRU) were measured with the VerifyNow Assay before study drug administration (baseline), at 4 and 24 h post PCI, and follow-up appointment. A mixed-model analysis with time as the repeated measure and drug as the between-subjects factor was calculated using 2 separate 1 × 4 ANOVAs, with students t-tests used to compare drugs within each time point. Complete clinical follow-up data (median 115.0 days; IQR 80.3-168.8) was available in 50 patients (23.6%) randomized to either Clopidogrel (n = 23) or Ticagrelor (n = 27). Analyses revealed significant decreases in PRU from baseline to 4 h (261.4 vs. 71.7; Mdiff = - 189.7; p < 0.001) to 24 h (71.7 vs. 27.7; Mdiff = - 44.0; p < 0.001) to end of follow-up (27.7 vs.17.9; Mdiff = - 9.9. p = 0.016) for those randomized to Ticagrelor and significant decreases in PRU only from baseline to 4 h (271.3 vs. 200.8; Mdiff = - 70.5, p = < 0.001) in patients receiving Clopidogrel, and a significantly greater proportion of patients with adequate platelet inhibition (PRU < 208) on long-term follow-up (Clopidogrel, 82.6% vs. Ticagrelor, 100.0%; p = 0.038). Our results demonstrate that in patients undergoing PCI within 24 h of fibrinolysis for STEMI, Ticagrelor provides prolonged platelet inhibition compared with Clopidogrel.