Giant proximal left anterior descending aneurysm causing multi-vessel myocardial ischaemia: the pressure is on-a case report.

Background: Giant coronary artery aneurysms are a rare cause of myocardial ischaemia. Due to the rarity and variety of presentation of these cases, no standardized investigation or treatment has been established for management. We report a case study of a giant proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary aneurysm causing myocardial ischaemia due to the pressure effect from the weight of the aneurysm as well as from a change in rheology from a 'steal effect' on both the LAD and left circumflex (LCx) arteries. Case summary: A 55-year-old patient presents initially with a history of angina. Initial investigation with computed tomography (CT) was suboptimal, requiring invasive diagnostic angiography, which detects a giant proximal LAD aneurysm. Subsequent investigations, with CT-fractional flow reserve (FFR) and stress echocardiography (ECHO), correlated to identify multi-vessel ischaemia resulting from the aneurysm. The patient was managed with multi-disciplinary team-led surgical resection and triple coronary artery bypass grafts with good results. Discussion: This case highlights the complexity of coronary anomalies and importance of additional functional three-dimensional imaging on top of the static computational tomography coronary angiography analysis. Together, these two complimentary investigations qualitatively enabled the assessment of anomaly with surrounding structures such that the possibility of a mass effect on the LCx artery results in a positive stress test. Furthermore, this is a novel use of CT-FFR for coronary anomalies and it demonstrated good correlation of LAD territory ischaemia between CT-FFR and the stress ECHO.

The Tryton® dedicated bifurcation stent: Five-year clinical outcomes.

AIMS: We report the first 5 year clinical follow-up data for the Tryton® bifurcation stent. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical outcomes at five years were collected from 8 centres. Non-hierarchical Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and Major Adverse Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Events (MACCE) were collected. Diabetic and non-diabetic populations were compared, along with small (≤2.5 mm) vs large (>2.5 mm) side branch size. 173 patients with a follow up rate of 98% at 5 years were analysed. Non-hierarchical MACE was low at 9.8%, consisting of cardiac death of 1.2% (n = 2) and MI of 1.7% (n = 3). Target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate was 6.9% (n = 12). Non-hierarchical MACCE was also low, with major bleeding in 2.3% (n = 4) and strokes in 1.7% (n = 3) of patients. There was only 1 case (0.6%) of stent thrombosis that was definite and occurred very late (782 days). All-cause mortality was low, with 8.7% combined cardiac and non-cardiac death (n = 15). Diabetic patients had significantly higher event rates, but there was no difference in events with lesion stratification by side branch size. CONCLUSIONS: The Tryton® Side-Branch Stent has a non-hierarchical MACE of 9.8% and MACCE of 13.9% at 5 years. The TLR was 6.9% with only 1 case of stent thrombosis recorded.

Left atrial volume index in patients with heart failure and severely impaired left ventricular systolic function: the role of established echocardiographic parameters, circulating cystatin C and galectin-3.

Backround: Left atrial (LA) enlargement plays an important role in the development of heart failure (HF) and is a robust prognostic factor. Fibrotic processes have also been advocated to evoke HF through finite signalling proteins. METHODS: We examined the association of two such proteins, cystatin C (CysC) and galectin-3 (Gal-3), and other clinical, echocardiographic and biochemical parameters with LA volume index (LAVi) in patients with HF with severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Severe renal, liver, autoimmune disease and cancer were exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with HF (31 men, age 66.6 ± 1.7) with LVEF = 25.4 ± 0.9% were divided into two groups according to the mean LAVi (51.03 ± 2.9 ml/m2) calculated by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Greater LAVi was positively associated with LV end-diastolic volume ( p = 0.017), LV end-systolic volume ( p = 0.025), mitral regurgitant volume (MRV) ( p = 0.001), right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) ( p < 0.001), restrictive diastolic filling pattern ( p = 0.003) and atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.005). Plasma CysC was positively correlated with LAVi ( R2 = 0.135, p = 0.019) and log-transformed plasma Gal-3 ( R2 = 0.109, p = 0.042) by simple linear regression analysis. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that only MRV ( t = 2.236, p = 0.032), CysC ( t = 2.467, p = 0.019) and RVSP ( t = 2.155, p = 0.038) were significant predictors of LAVi. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from known determinants of LAVi, circulating CysC and Gal-3 were associated with greater LA dilatation in patients with HF with reduced LVEF. Interestingly, the correlation between these two fibrotic proteins was positive.

Implementation of NICE clinical guideline 95 on chest pain of recent onset: experience in a district general hospital.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) CG95 clinical guideline on chest pain of recent onset was published in 2010. There is debate over whether the proposed strategy improves patient care and its implications on service costs. Following a six-month pilot, 472 consecutive patient records were audited for pre-test probability of significant coronary artery disease, investigations performed and outcomes. Low- and moderate-risk patients had an unexpectedly low rate of coronary disease and revascularisation. Computerised tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and stress echocardiography performed similarly, though the latter was more resource intensive. High-/very high-risk patients frequently required revascularisation and greater than 10% of each group had prognostically significant disease, going against the recommendation that very high risk patients do not undergo angiography. There were frequent protocol deviations and training clinic staff in the new approach was challenging. In conclusion, implementing NICE CG95 is feasible but presents challenges. Staff require training to follow the protocol consistently. Functional testing had no benefits over anatomical testing with CTCA, which may allow cost savings in some departments.

The need for dedicated bifurcation quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) software algorithms to evaluate bifurcation lesions.

Single-vessel quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) software is inaccurate when used in bifurcation lesions due to the specific anatomical characteristics of bifurcations, including the natural step-down in diameters after every bifurcation. Dedicated bifurcation QCA software has been developed to overcome the limitations of single-vessel QCA in bifurcations. A phantom validation study has shown the superior accuracy of these bifurcation QCA algorithms compared to the single-vessel QCA software. These QCA software algorithms are currently highly recommended to assess bifurcation lesions.

Iatrogenic mitral stenosis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

A 57 year old female underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. Mild iatrogenic mitral stenosis was noted intraoperatively. Attempts to reposition the device were hampered by aortic angulation. One year later, severe mitral stenosis was confirmed on transoesophageal echocardiography. It is important to recognise that iatorgenic mitral stenosis due to TAVR may progress over time. Care should be taken to minimise the risk of this rare complication.

"SHOUT" to improve the quality of care delivered to patients with acute kidney injury at Great Western Hospital.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects up to 20% of all patients admitted to hospital, and is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, increased healthcare costs, as well as long term risks of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal failure. The aim of this project was to improve the quality of care for patients with AKI admitted to the acute medical unit (AMU) at the Great Western Hospital (GWH). We assessed awareness and self reported confidence among physicians in our Trust, in addition to basic aspects of care relevant to AKI on our AMU. A multifaceted quality improvement strategy was developed, which included measures to improve awareness such as a Trust wide AKI awareness day, and reconfiguring the admission proforma on our AMU in order to enhance risk assessment, staging, and early response to AKI. Ancillary measures such as the dissemination of flashcards for lanyards containing core information were also used. Follow up assessments showed that foundation year one (FY1) doctors' self reported confidence in managing AKI increased from 2.8 to 4.2, as measured on a five point Likert scale (P=0.0003). AKI risk assessment increased from 13% to 57% (P=0.07) following a change in the admission proforma. Documentation of the diagnosis of AKI increased from 66% to 95% (P=0.038) among flagged patients. Documentation of urine dip results increased from 33% to 73% (P=0.01), in addition to a rise in appropriate referral for specialist input, although this was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that using the twin approaches of improving awareness, and small changes to systemic factors such as modification of the admission proforma, can lead to significant enhancements in the quality of care of patients with AKI.

Simple interventions can greatly improve clinical documentation: a quality improvement project of record keeping on the surgical wards at a district general hospital.

Clinical documentation is an integral part of the healthcare professional's job. Good record keeping is essential for patient care, accurate recording of consultations and for effective communication within the multidisciplinary team. Within the surgical department at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, the case notes were deemed to be bulky and cumbersome, inhibiting effective record keeping, potentially putting patients' at risk. The aim of this quality improvement project was therefore to improve the standard of documentation, the labelling of notes and the overall filing. A baseline audit was firstly undertaken assessing the notes within the busiest surgical ward. A number of variables were assessed, but notably, only 12% (4/33) of the case notes were found to be without loose pages. Furthermore, less than half of the pages with entries written within the last 72 hours contained adequate patient identifiers on them. When assessing these entries further, the designation of the writer was only recorded in one third (11/33) of the cases, whilst the printed name of the writer was only recorded in 65% (21/33) of the entries. This project ran over a 10 month period, using a plan, do study, act methodology. Initial focus was on simple education. Afterwards, single admission folders were introduced, to contain only information required for that admission, in an attempt to streamline the notes and ease the filing. This saw a global improvement across all data subsets, with a sustained improvement of over 80% compliance seen. An educational poster was also created and displayed in clinical areas, to remind users to label their notes with patient identifying stickers. This saw a 4-fold increase (16%-68%) in the labelling of notes. In conclusion, simple, cost effective measures in streamlining medical notes, improves the quality of documentation, facilitates the filing and ultimately improves patient care.

Does specific interventional risk scoring better predict mortality than comorbidity in nonagenerians undergoing coronary angioplasty?

BACKGROUND: Preliminary study to assess the risk profile and outcomes of patients aged over 90years at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: A database search was performed to identify patients 90years or over at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention. Risk profile scores (Charlson Comorbidity Index, SYNTAX, Logistic clinical SYNTAX, New York PTCA score and frailty indices) were evaluated on 24 consecutive patients in order to determine the best predictor for survival. Between both groups (survivors and non-survivors) unpaired Student's t-test was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: The New York PTCA score was significantly higher in those patients that died in hospital (n=5) when compared to those who survived to discharge (n=19) (NY PTCA score of 20.9±5.4 vs. 4.5±0.8, p<0.001) and this was also seen with mortality at 12months. The level of co-morbidity (Charlson index) was similar in patients who died in hospital (n=5) compared with those who survived to discharge (n=19, Charlson comorbidity index of 3.4±0.7 vs.3.9±0.6, p=0.70). This trend was also observed at 1year. The average level of frailty (by the CSHA Clinical Frailty Scale), SYNTAX score and logistic clinical SYNTAX were not significantly different between the two groups both at discharge and at 12months. Choosing an arbitrary New York PTCA score of 9%, nearly two thirds of patients above this level died, whereas no patient below this level of risk died in hospital. CONCLUSION: This small observational study found that nonagenarians who underwent PCI had relatively low comorbidity and SYNTAX scores. The specific coronary intervention (New York PTCA) risk score appears to have more predictive power in this small group of patients than the other three scores. Crucially, the factors that determine risk by New York PTCA score - haemodynamic instability, shock, pulmonary oedema, renal failure, etc. - are commonly encompassed by an "end-of-bed" assessment of the patient and these patients that pass this test ought not to be denied PCI on the basis of their advanced years.

Evaluating stent optimisation technique (StentBoost®) in a dedicated bifurcation stent (the Tryton™).

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of StentBoost® in the Tryton™ dedicated SideBranch Stent. METHODS & RESULTS: The Tryton™ SideBranch Stent has been effectively used to manage complex bifurcations. However, the paucity of scaffolding in the proximal part of the stent makes it often difficult to visualise under standard radiographic imaging. We set out to evaluate whether by using an augmented radiographic imaging technique it was possible to aid visualisation of the stent. In particular the so call 'wedding ring' band which is crucial to the procedural success. We further evaluated whether it was possible to determine the apposition of the stent at the carina, its coverage and the ability to aid recrossing of the struts closest to the carina as well as the added radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: StentBoost® was found to be invaluable to the procedural success of the Tryton™ deployment without adding any extra cost to the procedure and with only a 3.7% increase in radiation to the patient. It allowed enhanced visualisation in all cases to aid apposition, recrossing and coverage.

Virtual histology assessment of coronary atheroma influences treatment strategy in the young acute coronary syndrome patient.

A 43-year-old woman having significant risk factors for ischaemic heart disease was admitted with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Coronary angiography revealed a non-flow limiting lesion in her right coronary artery with the rest of her arteries unremarkable. Risk stratification of the culprit lesion in the right coronary artery through intravascular ultrasound virtual histology demonstrated that the rupture plaque had less than 5% necrotic core with low vulnerability indices. This important finding suggested that the re-rupture risk was low so aggressive pharmacological treatment that can influence the plaque characteristics was instigated in preference to mechanical plaque sealing with a coronary stent. At a year of follow-up the patient was well and had no further events.

Improving accessibility of trust guidelines and protocols at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon.

Trust guidelines and policies outline recommendations for the management of common clinical and non-clinical situations, serving to standardise best practice. Prior to this project, there was no consolidated location for these documents. Lack of organisational structure and inadequate search functionality within the trust intranet led to time wasted locating information, acting outside of recognised best practice, and ultimately potentially compromising patient safety. We surveyed 55 junior doctors, 95% of respondents were dependent on guidelines on a daily basis. 20% spending greater than 5 minutes to locate protocols and 38% unable to locate some relevant documents at all. We analysed the time taken for junior doctors to locate six randomly selected protocols. Pre-intervention mean time was 133 seconds (on six occasions doctors were unable to locate the guideline). All trust guidelines and protocols currently available on the intranet were collated, consolidated, and renamed according to content. These were then re-alphabetised and new search terms linked to each document. Existing links were then uploaded and a single web page made available via the trust intranet homepage. The new page was publicised by email, posters and interdepartmental presentations. In our post intervention survey, 97% of respondents were aware of the project and had made use of the page. All protocols were located during re-testing with 90% of those resurveyed stating it was easier to locate protocols. Overall, a reduction in the time and number of clicks required to locate protocols was demonstrated: mean time 16 seconds vs 133 seconds pre-intervention (n=60). 53% of guidelines located in <30s and 86% <2 minutes.