Incidence, Predictors, and Impact of Hospital Readmission After Revascularization for Left Main Coronary Disease

BACKGROUND

The frequency of and relationship between hospital readmissions and outcomes after revascularization for left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to study the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of readmissions following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for LMCAD.

METHODS

In the EXCEL (XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial, 1,905 patients with LMCAD were randomized to PCI vs CABG. The cumulative incidence of readmissions was analyzed with multivariable Anderson-Gill and joint frailty models to account for recurrent events and the competing risk of death. The impact of readmission on subsequent mortality within 5-year follow-up was determined in a time-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Within 5 years, 1,868 readmissions occurred in 851 of 1,882 (45.2%) hospital survivors (2.2 ± 1.9 per patient with readmission[s], range 1-16), approximately one-half for cardiovascular causes and one-half for noncardiovascular causes (927 [49.6%] and 941 [50.4%], respectively). One or more readmissions occurred in 463 of 942 (48.6%) PCI patients vs 388 of 940 (41.8%) CABG patients (P = 0.003). After multivariable adjustment, PCI remained an independent predictor of readmission (adjusted HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.10-1.35; P < 0.0001), along with female sex, comorbidities, and the extent of CAD. Readmission was independently associated with subsequent all-cause death, with interaction testing indicating a higher risk after PCI than CABG (adjusted HR: 5.72; 95% CI: 3.42-9.55 vs adjusted HR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.64-4.88, respectively; Pint = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In the EXCEL trial, readmissions during 5-year follow-up after revascularization for LMCAD were common and more frequent after PCI than CABG. Readmissions were associated with an increased risk of all-cause death, more so after PCI than with CABG.

Does Gender Affect the Outcomes of Myocardial Revascularization for Left-Main Coronary Artery Disease?

Currently, gender is not considered in the choice of the revascularization strategy for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. This study analyzed the effect of gender on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ULMCA disease. Females who had PCI (n = 328) were compared with females who had CABG (n = 132) and PCI in males (n = 894) was compared with CABG (n = 784). Females with CABG had higher overall hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than females with PCI. Male patients with CABG had higher MACE; however, mortality did not differ between males with CABG vs PCI. In female patients, follow-up mortality was significantly higher in CABG patients, and target lesion revascularization was higher in patients with PCI. Male patients had no difference in mortality and MACE between groups; however, MI was higher with CABG, and congestive heart failure was higher with PCI. In conclusion, women with ULMCA disease treated with PCI could have better survival with lower MACE compared with CABG. These differences were not evident in males treated with either CABG or PCI. PCI could be the preferred revascularization strategy in women with ULMCA disease.

Percutaneous Treatment of Left Main Disease: A Review of Current Status

Percutaneous treatment of the left main coronary artery is one of the most challenging scenarios in interventional cardiology, due to the large portion of myocardium at risk the technical complexity of treating a complex bifurcation with large branches. Our aim is to provide un updated overview of the current indications for percutaneous treatment of the left main, the different techniques and the rationale underlying the choice for provisional versus upfront two-stent strategies, intravascular imaging and physiology guidance in the management of left main disease, and the role of mechanical support devices in complex high-risk PCI.

Comparison of Orbital Atherectomy and Rotational Atherectomy in Calcified Left Main Disease: Short-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Coronary calcifications, particularly in left main disease (LMD), are independently associated with adverse outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Adequate lesion preparation is pivotal to achieve favorable short- and long-term outcomes. Rotational atherectomy devices have been used in contemporary practice to obtain adequate preparation of the calcified lesions. Recently, novel orbital atherectomy (OA) devices have been introduced to clinical practice to facilitate the preparation of the lesion. The objective of this study is to compare the short-term safety and efficacy of orbital and rotational atherectomy for LMD.

METHODS

we retrospectively evaluated a total of 55 consecutive patients who underwent the LM PCI supported by either OA or RA.

RESULTS

The OA group consisted of 25 patients with a median SYNTAX Score of 28 (26-36). The Rota group consisted of 30 patients with a median SYNTAX Score of 28 (26-33.1) There were no statistical differences in MACCE between the RA and OA subpopulations when recorded in-hospital (6.7% vs. 10.3% p = 0.619) as well as in a 1-month follow-up after the procedure (12% vs. 16.6% p = 0.261).

CONCLUSION

OA and RA seem to be similarly safe and effective strategies for preparating the lesion in the high-risk population with calcified LMD.

Predictors of target lesion failure after treatment of left main, bifurcation, or chronic total occlusion lesions with ultrathin-strut drug-eluting coronary stents in the ULTRA registry

BACKGROUND

Data about the long-term performance of new-generation ultrathin-strut drug-eluting stents (DES) in challenging coronary lesions, such as left main (LM), bifurcation, and chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions are scant.

METHODS

The international multicenter retrospective observational ULTRA study included consecutive patients treated from September 2016 to August 2021 with ultrathin-strut (<70 µm) DES in challenging de novo lesions. Primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF): composite of cardiac death, target-lesion revascularization (TLR), target-vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), or definite stent thrombosis (ST). Secondary endpoints included all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), target vessel revascularization, and TLF components. TLF predictors were assessed with Cox multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1801 patients (age: 66.6 ± 11.2 years; male: 1410 [78.3%]), 170 (9.4%) experienced TLF during follow-up of 3.1 ± 1.4 years. In patients with LM, CTO, and bifurcation lesions, TLF rates were 13.5%, 9.9%, and 8.9%, respectively. Overall, 160 (8.9%) patients died (74 [4.1%] from cardiac causes). AMI and TVMI rates were 6.0% and 3.2%, respectively. ST occurred in 11 (1.1%) patients while 77 (4.3%) underwent TLR. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of TLF: age, STEMI with cardiogenic shock, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, and renal dysfunction. Among the procedural variables, total stent length increased TLF risk (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1-1.02 per mm increase), while intracoronary imaging reduced the risk substantially (HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12-0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrathin-strut DES showed high efficacy and satisfactory safety, even in patients with challenging coronary lesions. Yet, despite using contemporary gold-standard DES, the association persisted between established patient- and procedure-related features of risk and impaired 3-year clinical outcome.

Impact of Periprocedural Adverse Events After PCI and CABG on 5-Year Mortality: The EXCEL Trial

BACKGROUND

The relative risks for different periprocedural major adverse events (MAE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on subsequent mortality have not been described.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the association between periprocedural MAE occurring within 30 days postprocedure and early and late mortality after left main coronary artery revascularization by PCI and CABG.

METHODS

In the EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial, patients with left main disease were randomized to PCI vs CABG. The associations between 12 prespecified nonfatal MAE and subsequent 5-year all-cause and cardiovascular death in 1,858 patients were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

One or more nonfatal MAE occurred in 111 of 935 patients (11.9%) after PCI and 419 of 923 patients (45.4%) after CABG (P < 0.0001). Patients with MAE were older and had more baseline comorbidities. Within 5 years, all-cause death occurred in 117 and 87 patients after PCI and CABG, respectively. Experiencing an MAE was a strong independent predictor of 5-year mortality after both PCI (adjusted OR: 4.61; 95% CI: 2.71-7.82) and CABG (adjusted OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.95-5.41). These associations were present within the first 30 days and between 30 days and 5 years postprocedure. Major or minor bleeding with blood transfusion ≥2 U was an independent predictor of 5-year mortality after both procedures. Stroke, unplanned revascularization for ischemia, and renal failure were significantly associated with mortality only after CABG.

CONCLUSIONS

In the EXCEL trial, nonfatal periprocedural MAE were strongly associated with early and late mortality after both PCI and CABG for left main disease.

Intravascular imaging for left main stem assessment: An update on the most recent clinical data

Left main (LM) stem has different structural and anatomical characteristics compared to all of the other segments of the coronary tree, thus its management through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a challenge and is associated with worse clinical outcome and higher need for revascularization as compared to other lesion settings. Intravascular imaging, by means of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT), is an important tool for LM PCI guidance, aiming at improving the immediate performance and the long term outcome of this procedure. Following current guidelines and recent scientific findings, IVUS becomes important to firstly assess, and finally evaluate the result of LM stenting, according to the experience and preferences of the operator. The role of OCT still remains to be defined, but recent data is shedding light also on this imaging technique. The aim of this review is to highlight the latest scientific advancements regarding intravascular imaging in LM coronary artery disease.

Revascularisation strategies in patients with significant left main coronary disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

There are limited data on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on left main (LM) coronary revascularisation activity, choice of revascularisation strategy, and post‐procedural outcomes.

Methods

All patients with LM disease (≥50% stenosis) undergoing coronary revascularisation in England between January 1, 2017 and August 19, 2020 were included (n = 22,235), stratified by time‐period (pre‐COVID: 01/01/2017–29/2/2020; COVID: 1/3/2020–19/8/2020) and revascularisation strategy (percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs. coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Logistic regression models were performed to examine odds ratio (OR) of 1) receipt of CABG (vs. PCI) and 2) in‐hospital and 30‐day postprocedural mortality, in the COVID‐19 period (vs. pre‐COVID).

Results

There was a decline of 1,354 LM revascularisation procedures between March 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 compared with previous years' (2017–2019) averages (−48.8%). An increased utilization of PCI over CABG was observed in the COVID period (receipt of CABG vs. PCI: OR 0.46 [0.39, 0.53] compared with 2017), consistent across all age groups. No difference in adjusted in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality was observed between pre‐COVID and COVID periods for both PCI (odds ratio (OR): 0.72 [0.51. 1.02] and 0.83 [0.62, 1.11], respectively) and CABG (OR 0.98 [0.45, 2.14] and 1.51 [0.77, 2.98], respectively) groups.

Conclusion

LM revascularisation activity has significantly declined during the COVID period, with a shift towards PCI as the preferred strategy. Postprocedural mortality within each revascularisation group was similar in the pre‐COVID and COVID periods, reflecting maintenance in quality of outcomes during the pandemic. Future measures are required to safely restore LM revascularisation activity to pre‐COVID levels.

Drug-Eluting or Bare-Metal Stents for Left Anterior Descending or Left Main Coronary Artery Revascularization

Background New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce target-vessel revascularization compared with bare-metal stents (BMS), and recent data suggest that DES have the potential to decrease the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality. We evaluated the treatment effect of DES versus BMS according to the target artery (left anterior descending [LAD] and/or left main [LM] versus other territories [no-LAD/LM]). Methods and Results The Coronary Stent Trialist (CST) Collaboration gathered individual patient data of randomized trials of DES versus BMS for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were derived from a 1-stage individual patient data meta-analysis. We included 26 024 patients across 19 trials: 13 650 (52.4%) in the LAD/LM and 12 373 (47.6%) in the no-LAD/LM group. At 6-year follow-up, there was strong evidence that the treatment effect of DES versus BMS depended on the target vessel (P-interaction=0.024). Compared with BMS, DES reduced the risk of cardiac death or myocardial infarction to a greater extent in the LAD/LM (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68-0.85) than in the no-LAD/LM territories (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.83-1.05). This benefit was driven by a lower risk of cardiac death (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98) and myocardial infarction (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65-0.85) in patients with LAD/LM disease randomized to DES. An interaction (P=0.004) was also found for all-cause mortality with patients with LAD/LM disease deriving benefit from DES (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97). Conclusions As compared with BMS, new-generation DES were associated with sustained reduction in the composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction if used for the treatment of LAD or left main coronary stenoses. Registration URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO; Unique identifier: CRD42017060520.

Successful rotational atherectomies for calcified left main stenosis with distal aneurysms in the elderly

In complex calcified LM lesions, RA is an effective and safe alternative for resolving stenosis. As a plaque modifier, RA can allow an optimal stent deployment. Nevertheless, in limited availability of intravascular imaging, well-preparedness against incidental angiography findings is mandatory. Distal aneurysm is not a contraindication provided that the team has the necessary experience.

The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence: A case report on the challenges in diagnosing ostial left main stenosis

Because left main (LM) coronary artery stenosis is known to have higher mortality and morbidity compared to lesions in other territories, an early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent worse outcomes. Due to limitations of coronary angiography (CA), the diagnosis of ostial LM stenosis solely based on CA may result in underdiagnosis of such lesions. Therefore, additional testing is often needed either by pressure wire or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to make appropriate diagnosis. We, hereby, present a case of left main ostial stenosis in a 56-year-old male that was missed on multiple coronary angiograms, and highlights many of the considerations in the diagnosis of LM disease.

Correlation between 3D-QCA based FFR and quantitative lumen assessment by IVUS for left main coronary artery stenoses

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using three dimensional‐quantitative coronary angiography (3D‐QCA) based fractional flow reserve (FFR) (vessel fractional flow reserve [vFFR], CAAS8.1, Pie Medical Imaging) and to correlate vFFR values with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the evaluation of intermediate left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis.

Background

3D‐QCA derived FFR indices have been recently developed for less invasive functional lesion assessment. However, LMCA lesions were vastly under‐represented in first validation studies.

Methods

This observational single‐center cohort study enrolled consecutive patients with stable angina, unstable angina, or non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction and nonostial, intermediate grade LMCA stenoses who underwent IVUS evaluation. vFFR was computed based on two angiograms with optimal LMCA stenosis projection and correlated with IVUS‐derived minimal lumen area (MLA).

Results

A total of 256 patients with intermediate grade LMCA stenosis evaluated with IVUS were screened for eligibility; 147 patients met the clinical inclusion criteria and had a complete IVUS LMCA footage available, of them, 63 patients (63 lesions) underwent 3D‐QCA and vFFR analyses. The main reason for screening failure was insufficient quality of the angiogram (51 patients,60.7%). Mean age was 65 ± 11 years, 75% were male. Overall, mean MLA within LMCA was 8.77 ± 3.17 mm², while mean vFFR was 0.87 ± 0.09. A correlation was observed between vFFR and LMCA MLA (r = .792, p = .001). The diagnostic accuracy of vFFR ≤0.8 in identifying lesions with MLA < 6.0 mm² (sensitivity 98%, specificity 71.4%, area under the curve (AUC) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.00, p = .001) was good.

Conclusions

In patients with good quality angiographic visualization of LMCA and available complete LMCA IVUS footage, 3D‐QCA based vFFR assessment of LMCA disease correlates well to LMCA MLA as assessed by IVUS.

Long-Term (10-Year) Outcomes of Stenting or Bypass Surgery for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus

Background Data are still limited regarding whether there are differential long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery disease with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods and Results Using the 10-year data from the MAIN-COMPARE (Revascularization for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis: Comparison of Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Versus Surgical Revascularization) registry, we sought to examine the effect of DM on comparative outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention or CABG in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease. The outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality; a composite of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or stroke; and target-vessel revascularization. The primary adjusted analyses were performed with the use of propensity scores and inverse-probability weighting. Of 2240 patients with left main coronary artery revascularization, 722 (32%) had DM. In the overall population, the adjusted 10-year risks of death and composite outcome were similar between percutaneous coronary intervention and CABG, irrespective of DM status (P_interaction: 0.41, mortality; 0.40, composite outcome). However, in the cohort of bare-metal stents and concurrent CABG, we observed differential outcomes after stenting and CABG by DM status (P_interaction: 0.09, mortality; 0.04, composite outcome), favoring CABG in patients with DM. In the cohort of drug-eluting stents and concurrent CABG, the better effect of CABG over stenting was narrowed in patients with DM without a significant interaction (P_interaction: 0.63, mortality; 0.47, composite outcome). Conclusions In this cohort of patients with longest follow-up who underwent left main coronary artery revascularization, the clinical impact of DM favoring CABG over percutaneous coronary intervention has diminished over time from the bare-metal stent to the drug-eluting stent era. Registration URL: http://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02791412.

Long-Term Outcomes of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Comparison of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVE

We compared the long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease in a real-world population.

BACKGROUND

CABG is the standard of care for ULMCA disease. Contemporary randomized trials have reported conflicting results with the two revascularization strategies for the treatment of ULMCA disease at intermediate-term follow-up.

METHODS

We evaluated 422 consecutive patients with ULMCA disease who underwent CABG (n = 273) or PCI (n = 149) from 1998-2008. The primary outcome measure was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate, defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or target-vessel revascularization (TVR) at 10 years. Propensity-score matched (PSM) analysis was used to assess long-term MACCE.

RESULTS

The cumulative 10-year incidence of risk for MACCE was not significantly different between the PCI and CABG groups (24.8% vs 20.5%, respectively; log rank P=.22; log rank PSM P=.45). The risk for all-cause death was not significantly different between the two groups (log rank P=.09; PSM log rank P=.51). The risk for stroke was significantly lower with PCI (log rank P=.02), but was not significant after matching (PSM log rank P=.27). The risk for TVR was significantly higher with PCI vs CABG prior to and after matching (log rank P<.001; log rank PSM P=.01). There were no significant differences in MACCE between the two groups when stratified by SYNTAX scores ≤22% (log rank P=.61) and >23% (log rank P=.06).

CONCLUSION

In patients with ULMCA disease, PCI was comparable with CABG for long-term MACCE and death rates. The TVR rate was higher in the PCI group.

Short-term clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected left main coronary disease in cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of left main (LM) disease in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) represents a clinical challenge. Evidence on clinical outcomes according to revascularization strategies in this scenario remains scarce. The objective was to investigate the short-term outcomes according to treatment strategies for this population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 78 consecutive patients who underwent PCI of LM in established CS at two experienced centers. Characteristics of PCI and short-term clinical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

LM stenosis was considered the culprit lesion in 49 patients (62.8%). In the remaining cases, LM stenosis was treated after successful PCI of the culprit vessel because of persistent CS. The majority of patients presented complex coronary anatomy (43.6% had Syntax score > 32). Complete revascularization was performed in 34.6%; a 2-stents technique in the LM bifurcation was used in 12.8% and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in 73.1%. In-hospital mortality was 48.7%. At 90 days follow-up it was 50% without differences between 1 or 2 stent LM bifurcation-techniques (p = .319). Mortality was higher in patients with partial revascularization and residual Syntax score ≥ 15 (p < .05 by univariate analysis), and in those with TIMI flow<3 in the left coronary artery at the end of PCI (p < .05 by multivariate analysis). There were no significant differences in the use of IABP in relation to 90-day mortality (p = .92).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and LM disease, neither 2-stents strategy in the LM nor use of IABP displayed a reduced short-term mortality. However, patients with final TIMI flow <3 presented higher short-term mortality in our series.

Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Prior Cerebrovascular Disease: Results From the EXCEL Trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether high-risk patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and prior cerebrovascular disease (CEVD) preferentially benefit from revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

BACKGROUND

Patients with known CEVD requiring revascularization are often referred to PCI rather than CABG. There is a paucity of data regarding the impact of CEVD in patients with LMCAD undergoing revascularization.

METHODS

In the EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial, patients with LMCAD and low or intermediate SYNTAX (Synergy Between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) scores were randomized to PCI with everolimus-eluting stents versus CABG. The effects of prior CEVD, defined as prior stroke, transient ischemic attack, or carotid artery disease, on 30-day and 3-year event rates were assessed.

RESULTS

Prior CEVD was present in 233 of 1,898 patients (12.3%). These patients were older and had higher rates of comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, anemia, chronic kidney disease, and prior PCI, compared with those without prior CEVD. Patients with prior CEVD had higher rates of stroke at 30 days (2.2% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.05) and 3 years (6.4% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.0003) and higher 3-year rates of the primary endpoint of all-cause death, stroke, or myocardial infarction (25.0% vs. 13.6%; p < 0.0001). The relative effects of PCI versus CABG on the 30-day and 3-year rates of stroke (p_interaction = 0.65 and 0.16, respectively) and the 3-year rates of the primary composite endpoint (p_interaction = 0.14) were consistent in patients with and those without prior CEVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LMCAD and prior CEVD compared with those without CEVD have higher rates of stroke and reduced event-free survival after revascularization. Data from the EXCEL trial do not a priori support a preferential role of PCI over CABG in patients with known CEVD.

Prediction of complications and death in octogenarians with left main coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass implantation - off-pump, on-pump and minimally invasive techniques comparison

Introduction

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is considered potentially more effective than on-pump surgery in elderly patients.

Aim

To compare the early and long-term results of these techniques in patients ≥ 80 years of age with left main coronary artery disease.

Material and methods

All patients ≥ 80 years of age (N = 3648) who were reported to the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures between 2006 and 2016 and underwent primary, isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A – without significant left main stenosis (LMS) (n = 2094) and B group – with LMS ≥ 50% (n = 1524). The groups were compared according to the type of surgery: on-pump (A = 1107 vs. B = 891), off-pump (A = 908 vs. B = 616) and MIDCAB (A = 79 vs. B = 17).

Results

There were significant differences in preoperative status between the groups in the whole cohort, which were not observable after propensity score matching. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the LMS group operated on-pump (10.5% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.01) and non-significant in the off-pump group (5.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.78), as well as in the MIDCAB subgroup (5.9% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.64). 10-year survival in all subgroups was comparable and remained at a level of 50–60%. The mean entire cohort follow-up was 3.4 ±2.7 vs. 3.7 ±2.8 years (p = 0.2).

Conclusions

Off-pump coronary bypass grafting may optimize the outcomes in elderly patients with significant left main stenosis. Octogenarians surgically treated for coronary artery disease, despite increased post-operative risks, present encouraging long-term survival.

Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Bypass Surgery for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Concerns remain for a greater risk of incomplete revascularization and reduced survival with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery compared with on-pump surgery particularly in patients with left main disease and extensive underlying myocardial ischemia.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare outcomes following off-pump versus on-pump surgery for left main disease by performing a post hoc analysis from the multicenter, randomized EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial.

METHODS

The EXCEL trial was designed to compare percutaneous coronary intervention with everolimus-eluting stents versus CABG in patients with left main disease. CABG was performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump vs. off-pump surgery) according to the discretion of the operator. The 3-year outcomes in the off-pump and on-pump groups were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) for treatment effect estimation.

RESULTS

Among 923 CABG patients, 652 and 271 patients underwent on-pump and off-pump surgery, respectively. Despite a similar extent of disease, off-pump surgery was associated with a lower rate of revascularization of the left circumflex coronary artery (84.1% vs. 90.0%; p = 0.01) and right coronary artery (31.1% vs. 40.6%; p = 0.007). After IPTW adjustment for baseline differences, off-pump surgery was associated with a significantly increased risk of 3-year all-cause death (8.8% vs. 4.5%; hazard ratio: 1.94; 95% confidence interval: 1.10 to 3.41; p = 0.02) and a nonsignificant difference in the risk for the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (11.8% vs. 9.2%; hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 0.82 to 2.00; p = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with left main disease treated with CABG in the EXCEL trial, off-pump surgery was associated with a lower rate of revascularization of the coronary arteries supplying the inferolateral wall and an increased risk of 3-year all-cause death compared with on-pump surgery.

New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After PCI or CABG for Left Main Disease: The EXCEL Trial

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on the incidence and prognostic impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the incidence of NOAF following PCI and CABG for LMCAD and its effect on 3-year cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

In the EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial, 1,905 patients with LMCAD and low or intermediate SYNTAX scores were randomized to PCI with everolimus-eluting stents versus CABG. Outcomes were analyzed according to the development of NOAF during the initial hospitalization following revascularization.

RESULTS

Among 1,812 patients without atrial fibrillation on presentation, NOAF developed at a mean of 2.7 ± 2.5 days after revascularization in 162 patients (8.9%), including 161 of 893 (18.0%) CABG-treated patients and 1 of 919 (0.1%) PCI-treated patients (p < 0.0001). Older age, greater body mass index, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of NOAF in patients undergoing CABG. Patients with versus without NOAF had a significantly longer duration of hospitalization, were more likely to be discharged on anticoagulant therapy, and had an increased 30-day rate of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction major or minor bleeding (14.2% vs. 5.5%; p < 0.0001). By multivariable analysis, NOAF after CABG was an independent predictor of 3-year stroke (6.6% vs. 2.4%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 4.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74 to 10.11; p = 0.001), death (11.4% vs. 4.3%; adjusted HR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.60 to 5.70; p = 0.0006), and the primary composite endpoint of death, MI, or stroke (22.6% vs. 12.8%; adjusted HR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.39 to 3.25; p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with LMCAD undergoing revascularization in the EXCEL trial, NOAF was common after CABG but extremely rare after PCI. The development of NOAF was strongly associated with subsequent death and stroke in CABG-treated patients. Further studies are warranted to determine whether prophylactic strategies to prevent or treat atrial fibrillation may improve prognosis in patients with LMCAD who are undergoing CABG. (Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization [EXCEL]; NCT01205776).

Prognostically Significant Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Troponin elevation occurs commonly in the setting of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). There is a lack of information on the extent of troponin elevation post TAVR that is prognostically significant. We assessed the optimal cutoff for post‐TAVR troponin T elevation that correlates with long‐term mortality. We also examined the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and prognostically significant myocardial injury in TAVR.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective, observational single‐center study involving patients who underwent TAVR at Cleveland Clinic between 2010 and 2015. Five hundred ten patients were included (mean follow‐up of 2.6±1.3 years). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that troponin T elevation ≥3× upper limit of normal was the best predictor of long‐term mortality post TAVR with area under the curve of 0.57, with transapical TAVR patients excluded. Multivariate analyses confirmed that troponin T elevation ≥3× upper limit of normal was significantly associated with increased long‐term mortality post TAVR (hazard ratio 1.57, CI 1.04–2.38, P=0.03). The most common causes for the presence of unrevascularized CAD included the presence of chronic total occlusion in the native/graft vessels (49.7%) and diffuse/complex CAD unsuitable for PCI (24.6%). The presence of unrevascularized CAD and significant left main disease correlated with increased mortality, but not with the presence of prognostically significant myocardial injury.

Conclusions

Troponin T elevation of ≥3× upper limit of normal is associated with increased long‐term mortality after TAVR, except for the transapical approach. This prognostically significant myocardial injury does not appear to be secondary to severe CAD/unrevascularized CAD or left main disease, but rather is associated with other factors such as post‐TAVR complications.

Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Two-Stent Technique for Unprotected True Left Main Bifurcation Lesion Via Left Snuffbox Approach

There are few data regarding complex PCIs, such as interventions for unprotected left main coronary artery and two-stent technique for the bifurcation lesion via snuffbox approach. This case illustrates the potential feasibility of complex PCI and benefits of hemostasis via snuffbox approach.

Atypical presentation of critical left main disease in an HIV-infected patient

Coronary artery disease is currently one of the leading causes of mortality in patients with HIV. Severe left main disease (LMD) occurs in ~6% of the HIV-infected patients. We describe a case report of an atypical presentation of silent critical LMD in an HIV-infected patient who underwent a low-risk exercise stress test. The cardiovascular disease team should be vigilant for this latent phenomenon, specifically within this subpopulation despite the high Duke treadmill score.

New-generation stents compared with coronary bypass surgery for unprotected left main disease: A word of caution

BACKGROUND

With the advent of bare metal stents and drug-eluting stents, percutaneous coronary intervention has emerged as an alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting surgery for unprotected left main disease. However, whether the evolution of stents technology has translated into better results after percutaneous coronary intervention remains unclear. We aimed to compare coronary artery bypass grafting with stents of different generations for left main disease by performing a Bayesian network meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

All randomized controlled trials with at least 1 arm randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention with stents or coronary artery bypass grafting for left main disease were included. Bare metal stents and drug-eluting stents of first- and second-generation were compared with coronary artery bypass grafting. Poisson methods and Bayesian framework were used to compute the head-to-head incidence rate ratio and 95% credible intervals. Primary end points were the composite of death/myocardial infarction/stroke and repeat revascularization.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials were included in the final analysis. Six trials compared percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 4654), and 3 trials compared different types of stents (n = 1360). Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years. Second-generation drug-eluting stents (incidence rate ratio, 1.3; 95% credible interval, 1.1-1.6), but not bare metal stents (incidence rate ratio, 0.63; 95% credible interval, 0.27-1.4), and first-generation drug-eluting stents (incidence rate ratio, 0.85; 95% credible interval, 0.65-1.1) were associated with a significantly increased risk of death/myocardial infarction/stroke when compared with coronary artery bypass grafting. When compared with coronary artery bypass grafting, the highest risk of repeat revascularization was observed for bare metal stents (hazard ratio, 5.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-14), whereas first-generation drug-eluting stents (incidence rate ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.4) and second-generation drug-eluting stents (incidence rate ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.4) were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of new-generation drug-eluting stents did not translate into better outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention when compared with coronary artery bypass grafting.

Real-world supported unprotected left main percutaneous coronary intervention with impella device; data from the USpella registry

BACKGROUND

Patients with left main (LM) coronary artery disease are increasingly being treated with percutaneous revascularization (PCI). The safety, feasibility, and efficacy of unprotected LM intervention (ULMI) with hemodynamic support by Impella device have not been evaluated previously.

OBJECTIVE

Using a large retrospective single center database from the USpella registry, we evaluated the safety, feasibility, and potential benefits of periprocedural left ventricular assist with axial flow Impella 2.5 and Impella CP (Abiomed Inc. Danvers, Mass) during ULMI.

METHODS

We analyzed a total of 127 consecutive patients who received hemodynamic support with Impella (2.5 or CP) for ULMI from August 2008 to July 2015. Safety, feasibility and efficacy end points included procedural success rates, in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates.

RESULTS

Among 127 patients who received hemodynamic support for ULMI (mean age 69.98 ± 10.7 years, 71% men, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction 28.74 ± 15.55%, Society of Thoracic Surgeons' mortality/morbidity 4/23%) the in-hospital and 30 days mortality rates were 1.43% (2/140) and 2.1% (3/141), respectively. The average baseline and post PCI (residual) syntax scores were 31.4 and 7.86, respectively, (P < 0.001). Only one patient (0.8%) had vascular complication that required surgery; 2.36% (3/127) had hematoma and 3.9% (5/127) had bleeding that required transfusion.

CONCLUSION

This large singe center retrospective evaluation of USpella registry substantiates and strongly supports the feasibility, safety, and hemodynamic usefulness of Impella device for ULMI with acceptable in-hospital and 30-day MACE rates. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Total revascularization for an epsilon right coronary artery and severe left main disease combined with profound cardiogenic shock: A case report

RATIONALE

Severe left main disease combined with right coronary artery occlusion was rarely encountered in our daily practice. Percutaneous coronary intervention in these patients was most challenging due to high probability of hemodynamic changes.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we report a 67-year-old man with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and profound cardiogenic shock and we attempted coronary intervention with total revisualization for severe left main (LM) disease and angulated epsilon right coronary artery total occlusion. He was treated successfully under intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

DIAGNOSES

NSTEMI and profound cardiogenic shock.

INTERVENTIONS

Coronary intervention with total revisualization was performed for severe LM disease and angulated epsilon right coronary artery total occlusion under IABP and ECMO support.

OUTCOMES

IABP and ECMO were removed until cardiac contractile function improved to left ventricular ejection fraction over 40 percentage 1 week later. The patient was discharged after 2 months and had survival for 5 years.

LESSONS

Coronary intervention could be performed safely in this cardiogenic shock patient with severe LM and triple vessel disease who was supported by IABP and ECMO. Stent deployment for extremely angulated coronary artery was required multiple combination techniques to facilitate the final success.

Long-term outcomes and risk analyses of coronary bypass for left main disease

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcomes and risk predictors of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting routinely employed for patients with left main disease.

METHODS

From January 2000 through December 2009, conventional coronary artery bypass grafting was routinely employed in 193 consecutive patients with left main disease. Long-term analyses were performed, looking at the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events which included all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. We also analyzed the effects of variables on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 9 years after the operation.

RESULTS

The overall 9-year rates of combined outcomes (death, stroke, myocardial infarction), repeat revascularization, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were 20.2%, 8.9%, 27.7%, respectively. The SYNTAX score was demonstrated to be the only significant predictor of combined outcomes at 9 years (hazard ratio 1.04, p = 0.033), repeat revascularization at 9 years (hazard ratio 1.11, p = 0.0030), and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 9 years (hazard ratio 1.07, p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

With our routine strategy of conventional coronary artery bypass for left main disease, patients revealed excellent long-term outcomes in terms of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. These results provide a suitable benchmark against which long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for left main disease can be compared. The SYNTAX score, which was introduced to determine treatment for complex coronary disease, is indicative of long-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass for left main disease.

74-year-old man with left main and carotid artery disease - how life can change plans

An unexpected incident or rapid deterioration of a patient's condition may require optimal adaptation of the treatment to the current state of the patient. We present a case of a 74-year-old man with significant left main coronary artery stenosis and tight stenoses of both carotid arteries. The case was initially qualified for bypass grafting with accompanying carotid artery endarterectomy, but an unexpected accident changed our way of treatment. Three days after angiography the patient suffered an ischemic stroke. We held a multidisciplinary meeting of the "Neuro-Vascular-Heart Team" and decided to treat the patient percutaneously.

Clampless off-pump surgery reduces stroke in patients with left main disease

BACKGROUND

Surgical revascularization is the most appropriate therapy for patients with significant left main coronary-artery disease (LMD). An incidence of perioperative stroke remains an issue when compared to the early outcomes to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study evaluates the safety and impact of standardized "clampless" OPCAB techniques, composed of either complete in situ grafting or "clampless" device enabled techniques for stroke reduction in patients undergoing surgical revascularization for LMD.

METHODS

Between 1999 and 2009, 1031 patients with LMD underwent myocardial-revascularization at our institution. Of these, 507 patients underwent "clampless" OPCAB and 524 patients underwent conventional on-pump CABG (ONCABG). Data-collection was performed prospectively and a propensity-adjusted regression-analysis was applied to balance patient characteristics. LMD was defined as a stenosis >50% and endpoints were mortality, stroke, a cardiac-composite (including death, stroke and myocardial-infarction); a non-cardiac composite and complete-revascularization.

RESULTS

In OPCAB patients, the cardiac composite (3.0% vs. 7.8%; propensity-adjusted (PA)OR=0.27; CI95% 0.12-0.65; p=0.003) as well as the occurrence of stroke (0.4% vs. 2.9%; PAOR=0.04; CI95% 0.003-0.48; p=0.012) were significantly lower while the mortality-rate was well comparable between groups (1.8% vs. 2.5%; PAOR=0.44; CI95% 0.11-1.71; p=0.24). The non-cardiac composite was also significantly decreased after OPCAB (8.9% vs. 19.7%; PAOR=0.55; CI95% 0.34-0.89; p=0.014) and complete revascularization was achieved for similar proportions in both groups (95.1% vs. 93.7%; p=0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the superiority of OPCAB for patients with LMD with regards to risk-adjusted outcomes other than mortality. A "clampless OPCAB strategy", effectively reduces stroke yielding similar early outcomes as PCI.

Left main coronary artery stenosis undetected by 64-slice computed tomography: a word of caution

A 56-year-old man with a history of stent insertion in the circumflex artery two years before presented to the hospital with recurrent symptoms of angina. A 64-slice computed tomography scan was performed revealing mild in-stent and post-stent restenosis but no clear explanation for the symptoms. Coronary angiography demonstrated a severe localised stenosis of the left main coronary artery, not detected on multi-slice computed tomography, and subsequent angioplasty and placement of two stents obtained a good result. (Neth Heart J 2007;15:255-6.).