Change in left ventricular function and outcomes following high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention with Impella-guided hemodynamic support.

Introduction: High-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HRPCI) are a potential treatment option for patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and coronary artery disease. The extent to which such intervention is coupled with improvement in LVEF and associated with favorable outcomes is unknown. Methods: We aimed to characterize the incidence and correlates of LVEF improvement after Impella-guided HRPCI, and compare clinical outcomes in patients with versus without LVEF improvement. Data on consecutive patients undergoing Impella-guided HRPCI from a single center registry were analyzed. LVEF-improvement was defined as an absolute increase of LVEF of ≥10% measured at ≥30-days after intervention. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction or target vessel revascularization within 1-year. Results: Out of 161 consecutive patients undergoing Impella-guided HRPCI from June 2008 to December 2017, 43% (n = 70) demonstrated LVEF-improvement (baseline LVEF of 25.09 ± 6.19 to 33.30 ± 11.98 post intervention). Patients without LVEF-improvement had higher frequency of previous MI (61.5% vs. 37.1%, p = 0.0021), Q-waves on ECG (17.6% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.024) and higher SYNTAX scores (30.8 ± 17.6 vs. 25.2 ± 12.2; p = 0.043). After correction of these confounders by multivariable analysis, no significant differences were found regarding the composite endpoint in patients with versus without LVEF-improvement (34.9% vs. 38.3%; p = 0.48). Discussion: In this single-center retrospective analysis, we report the following findings. First, LVEF improvement of at least 10% was documented in over 40% of patients undergoing Impella supported high-risk PCI. Second, a history of MI, Q-waves on admission ECG, and higher baseline SYNTAX scores were independent correlates of no LVEF improvement. Third, one year rates of adverse CV events were substantial and did not vary by the presence or absence of LVEF improvement Prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed to elucidate the impact of LVEF improvement on clinical outcomes.

Risk Factors of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation from the Randomized ENVISAGE-TAVI AF Trial.

In patients with prevalent or incident atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) enrolled in the ENVISAGE-TAVI AF trial, the incidence of ischemic stroke (IS) and any stroke was numerically less in the edoxaban group than in the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) group. The present study aimed to identify risk factors associated with IS in an on-treatment subanalysis in patients from ENVISAGE-TAVI AF who received ≥1 dose of edoxaban or VKA. Baseline patient characteristics were compared in patients with and those without IS. Numerical variables were compared using a 1-way analysis of variance; categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test. Stepwise Cox regression determined patient characteristics associated with the first IS event. Of 1,377 patients, 41 (3.0%) experienced an IS, and 1,336 (97.0%) did not; baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were well balanced between groups. Most ISs occurred within 180 days of TAVI for edoxaban (57.9%) and VKA (68.2%). The rate of IS was 2.0/100 person-years for edoxaban versus 2.7/100 person-years for VKA. Independently associated with IS were history of systemic embolic events (hazard ratio 2.96, 95% confidence interval 1.26 to 7.00, p = 0.01) and pre-TAVI use of VKAs (hazard ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 4.20, p = 0.02). In conclusion, although the overall incidence of IS was small for patients with AF on edoxaban or VKA after successful TAVI, patients with a history of systemic embolic events or pre-TAVI use of VKAs may be at greater risk of IS after TAVI.

Mortality After Procedural or Spontaneous Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether procedural myocardial infarction (pMI) and spontaneous myocardial infarction (spMI) have a similar impact on prognosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess mortality after pMI and spMI. METHODS: Patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and baseline troponin ≤1× the upper reference level (URL) or with acute spMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included. PMI was defined as post-PCI troponin increase >1× URL in patients with CCS. SpMI comprised any acute coronary syndrome with elevated troponin. The 1-year risk of all-cause death was assessed after pMI and spMI across 3 strata of troponin elevation (>1-5×, >5-35×, and >35× URL), with CCS patients having post-PCI troponin ≤1× URL as a reference group. Conventional troponin I was measured using the Architect methodology (Abbott). RESULTS: Among 10,707 patients undergoing PCI from 2012 to 2020, 8,515 patients presented with CCS and 2,192 with spMI. Among CCS patients, 913 (10.7%) had pMI. Troponin peaks >1-5×, >5-35×, and >35× URL were observed in 53%, 41%, and 6% of patients with pMI, and in 24%, 38%, and 37% of patients with spMI, respectively. Mortality at 1 year was higher after pMI (7.7%; adjusted HR: 4.40; 95% CI: 1.59-12.2), and spMI (8.5%; adjusted HR: 7.57; 95% CI: 5.44-10.5) with troponin peak >35× URL compared with no-MI (1.4%). Mortality was also increased after spMI with troponin peak >1-5× or >5-35× URL. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality at 1 year was significantly increased after pMI and spMI with troponin peak >35× URL, whereas for troponin levels ≤35× only spMI had a relevant impact on mortality.

Inflammatory risk and clinical outcomes according to polyvascular atherosclerotic disease status in patients undergoing PCI.

BACKGROUND: Individuals suffering from polyvascular atherosclerotic disease (PolyVD) face a higher likelihood of adverse cardiovascular events. Additionally, inflammation, assessed by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), affects residual risk following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to explore the interplay between PolyVD and hsCRP in terms of clinical outcomes after PCI. METHODS: Patients undergoing PCI for chronic coronary disease at a tertiary center between January 2012 and February 2020 were included for the current analysis. PolyVD was defined by additional history of cerebrovascular and/or peripheral artery disease. HsCRP levels were defined as elevated when the measured baseline concentration was > 3 mg/L. The primary outcome of interest was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all-cause mortality, spontaneous MI, or target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: Overall, 10,359 participants were included in the current study, with 17.4% affected by PolyVD and 82.6% included in the non-PolyVD subgroup. Patients with PolyVD had higher hsCRP levels than those without. Among the PolyVD group, a larger proportion (33.6%) exhibited elevated hsCRP compared to the non-PolyVD group (24.7%). Patients with both PolyVD and elevated hsCRP levels had significantly higher adverse event rates than all other subgroups at 1-year follow-up. Furthermore, an independent association between elevated hsCRP and MACE was observed within the PolyVD population, while this was not the case for individuals without PolyVD. CONCLUSION: A residual risk of adverse outcomes after PCI linked to inflammation appears to be present among individuals with PolyVD. This could help define further target populations for anti-inflammatory treatment options.

Aortic Stenosis Management in Patients With Acute Hip Fracture.

The treatment of severe aortic stenosis (SAS) has evolved rapidly with the advent of minimally invasive structural heart interventions. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has allowed patients to undergo definitive SAS treatment achieving faster recovery rates compared to valve surgery. Not infrequently, patients are admitted/diagnosed with SAS after a fall associated with a hip fracture (HFx). While urgent orthopedic surgery is key to reduce disability and mortality, untreated SAS increases the perioperative risk and precludes physical recovery. There is no consensus on what the best strategy is either hip correction under hemodynamic monitoring followed by valve replacement or preoperative balloon aortic valvuloplasty to allow HFx surgery followed by valve replacement. However, preoperative minimalist transcatheter aortic valve replacement may represent an attractive strategy for selected patients. We provide a management pathway that emphasizes an early multidisciplinary approach to optimize time for hip surgery to improve orthopedic and cardiovascular outcomes in patients presenting with HFx-SAS.

Reperfusion Injury in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: JACC Scientific Statement.

Despite impressive improvements in the care of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, mortality remains high. Reperfusion is necessary for myocardial salvage, but the abrupt return of flow sets off a cascade of injurious processes that can lead to further necrosis. This has been termed myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and is the subject of this review. The pathologic and molecular bases for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury are increasingly understood and include injury from reactive oxygen species, inflammation, calcium overload, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired microvascular flow. A variety of pharmacologic strategies have been developed that have worked well in preclinical models and some have shown promise in the clinical setting. In addition, there are newer mechanical approaches including mechanical unloading of the heart prior to reperfusion that are in current clinical trials.

Severe functional mitral regurgitation and cardiogenic shock after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

An 83-year-old woman with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis was referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Diagnostic left heart catheterization documented diffuse 3-vessel coronary artery disease.

Impact of Polyvascular Disease in Patients Undergoing Unprotected Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has demonstrated its safety and efficacy in treating left main (LM) coronary artery disease (CAD) in select patients. Polyvascular disease (PolyVD) is associated with adverse events in all-comers with CAD. However, there is little data examining the interplay between PolyVD and LM-PCI, which we sought to investigate in a retrospective single-center study. We included patients who underwent unprotected LM-PCI at a tertiary center from 2012 to 2019. The study population was stratified based on the presence or absence of PolyVD (i.e., medical history of cerebrovascular and/or peripheral artery disease in addition to LM-CAD). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) combining all-cause mortality and spontaneous myocardial infarction within 1 year after index PCI. Overall, 869 patients were included, and 23.8% of the population had PolyVD. Subjects with PolyVD were older and had a greater burden of co-morbidities. After 1-year follow-up, PolyVD patients exhibited significantly higher rates of both MACE (22.8% vs 9.4%, p <0.001) and bleeding events compared with those without PolyVD. MACE was primarily driven by an increase in all-cause mortality (18.3% vs 7.1%, p <0.001). Results persisted after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, in patients who underwent LM-PCI, the presence of PolyVD is linked to an increased risk of MACE and bleeding after 1 year of follow-up, which highlights the vulnerability of this population.

Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Multivessel Disease Who Were Recommended for But Declined Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients may prefer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) over coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, despite heart team recommendations. The outcomes in such patients have not been examined. We sought to examine the results of PCI in patients who were recommended for but declined CABG. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with stable ischemic heart disease and unprotected left main or 3-vessel disease or Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score >22 who underwent PCI after heart team review between 2013 and 2020 were included. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to heart team recommendations on the basis of appropriate use criteria: (1) PCI-recommended; (2) CABG-eligible but refused CABG (CABG-refusal); and (3) CABG-ineligible. The primary end point was the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke at 1 year. The study included 3687 patients undergoing PCI (PCI-recommended, n=1718 [46.6%]), CABG-refusal (n=1595 [43.3%]), and CABG-ineligible (n=374 [10.1%]). Clinical and procedural risk increased across the 3 groups, with the highest comorbidity burden in CABG-ineligible patients. Composite events within 1 year after PCI occurred in 55 (4.1%), 91 (7.0%), and 41 (14.8%) of patients in the PCI-recommended, CABG-refusal, and CABG-ineligible groups, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, the risk of the primary composite outcome was significantly higher in the CABG-refusal (hazard ratio [HR], 1.67 [95% CI, 1.08-3.56]; P=0.02) and CABG-ineligible patients (HR, 3.26 [95% CI, 1.28-3.65]; P=0.004) groups compared with the reference PCI-recommended group, driven by increased death and stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular event rates after PCI were significantly higher in patients with multivessel disease who declined or were ineligible for CABG. Our findings provide real-world data to inform shared decision-making discussions.

Percutaneous closure of a sinus venosus defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return.

A 73-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity presented for cardiovascular evaluation. He was experiencing mild fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed right ventricular dilation, which was otherwise unremarkable.

The Tricuspid Valve: A Review of Pathology, Imaging, and Current Treatment Options: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Tricuspid valve disease is an often underrecognized clinical problem that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, patients will often present late in their disease course with severe right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and life-limiting symptoms that have few durable treatment options. Traditionally, the only treatment for tricuspid valve disease has been medical therapy or surgery; however, there have been increasing interest and success with the use of transcatheter tricuspid valve therapies over the past several years to treat patients with previously limited therapeutic options. The tricuspid valve is complex anatomically, lying adjacent to important anatomic structures such as the right coronary artery and the atrioventricular node, and is the passageway for permanent pacemaker leads into the right ventricle. In addition, the mechanism of tricuspid pathology varies widely between patients, which can be due to primary, secondary, or a combination of causes, meaning that it is not possible for 1 type of device to be suitable for treatment of all cases of tricuspid valve disease. To best visualize the pathology, several modalities of advanced cardiac imaging are often required, including transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, to best visualize the pathology. This detailed imaging provides important information for choosing the ideal transcatheter treatment options for patients with tricuspid valve disease, taking into account the need for the lifetime management of the patient. This review highlights the important background, anatomic considerations, therapeutic options, and future directions with regard to treatment of tricuspid valve disease.

Prevalence and prognostic impact of complex percutaneous coronary intervention among octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: The number of octogenarians referred to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is rising steadily. The prevalence and prognostic impact of complex PCI (CPCI) in this vulnerable population has not been fully evaluated. METHODS: Patients ≥80 years old who underwent PCI between 2012 and 2019 at Mount Sinai Hospital were included. Patients were categorized based on PCI complexity, defined as the presence of at least one of the following criteria: use of atherectomy, total stent length ≥60 mm, ≥3 stents implanted, bifurcation treated with at least 2 stents, PCI involving ≥3 vessels, ≥3 lesions, left main, saphenous vein graft or chronic total occlusion. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target-vessel revascularization (TVR), within 1 year after PCI. Secondary outcomes included major bleeding. RESULTS: Among 2657 octogenarians, 1387 (52%) underwent CPCI and were more likely to be men and to have cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities. CPCI as compared with no-CPCI was associated with a higher 1-year risk of MACE (16.6% vs. 11.1%, adjusted HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.06-1.77, p value 0.017), due to an excess of MI and TVR, and major bleeding (10% vs. 5.8%, adjusted HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20-2.55, p value 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Among octogenarians, CPCI was associated with a significantly higher 1-year risk of MACE, due to higher rates of MI and TVR but not of all-cause death, and of major bleeding. Strategies to reduce complications should be implemented in octogenarians undergoing CPCI.

Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel Monotherapy vs Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Patient-Level Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), it remains unclear whether the treatment efficacy of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after a short course of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) depends on the type of P2Y12 inhibitor. Objective: To assess the risks and benefits of ticagrelor monotherapy or clopidogrel monotherapy compared with standard DAPT after PCI. Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, TCTMD, and the European Society of Cardiology website were searched from inception to September 10, 2023, without language restriction. Study Selection: Included studies were randomized clinical trials comparing P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with DAPT on adjudicated end points in patients without indication to oral anticoagulation undergoing PCI. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Patient-level data provided by each trial were synthesized into a pooled dataset and analyzed using a 1-step mixed-effects model. The study is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Individual Participant Data. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary objective was to determine noninferiority of ticagrelor or clopidogrel monotherapy vs DAPT on the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke in the per-protocol analysis with a 1.15 margin for the hazard ratio (HR). Key secondary end points were major bleeding and net adverse clinical events (NACE), including the primary end point and major bleeding. Results: Analyses included 6 randomized trials including 25 960 patients undergoing PCI, of whom 24 394 patients (12 403 patients receiving DAPT; 8292 patients receiving ticagrelor monotherapy; 3654 patients receiving clopidogrel monotherapy; 45 patients receiving prasugrel monotherapy) were retained in the per-protocol analysis. Trials of ticagrelor monotherapy were conducted in Asia, Europe, and North America; trials of clopidogrel monotherapy were all conducted in Asia. Ticagrelor was noninferior to DAPT for the primary end point (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.74-1.06; P for noninferiority = .004), but clopidogrel was not noninferior (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01-1.87; P for noninferiority > .99), with this finding driven by noncardiovascular death. The risk of major bleeding was lower with both ticagrelor (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.36-0.62; P < .001) and clopidogrel monotherapy (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.81; P = .006; P for interaction = 0.88). NACE were lower with ticagrelor (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.86, P < .001) but not with clopidogrel monotherapy (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.78-1.28; P = .99; P for interaction = .04). Conclusions and Relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that ticagrelor monotherapy was noninferior to DAPT for all-cause death, MI, or stroke and superior for major bleeding and NACE. Clopidogrel monotherapy was similarly associated with reduced bleeding but was not noninferior to DAPT for all-cause death, MI, or stroke, largely because of risk observed in 1 trial that exclusively included East Asian patients and a hazard that was driven by an excess of noncardiovascular death.