Outcome of STEMI Patients With Reperfusion Delay of 120 Minutes or More Treated With the Pharmacoinvasive Approach vs PPCI: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and fibrinolysis have proved to be major discoveries regarding treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The threshold at which PPCI becomes less favourable than fibrinolysis remains unclear and controversial. Trials have studied the impact of delayed reperfusion in relation to symptom onset, but to our knowledge, none have focused on the outcome of patients past the expected 120-minute window regarding first medical contact (FMC) in the concomitant era of PPCI and fibrinolysis. Methods: STEMI patients who presented to a single PPCI-capable hospital, in the period from 2016 to 2020, and were treated with PPCI within 120 -240 minutes after FMC, and those who received fibrinolysis, were included. Outcomes of patients treated with delayed PPCI were compared to those of patients treated with fibrinolysis. The primary endpoint was a net adverse clinical event composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial re-infarction, ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization, disabling stroke, and major bleeding at discharge. Results: Inclusion criteria were met for 536 STEMI patients, 429 treated with PPCI and 107 treated with fibrinolysis. The primary endpoint (net adverse clinical events) was not significantly different between the 2 groups (2.8% vs 3.7%, P = 0.61). However, intracranial hemorrhage (0% vs 2.8%, P = 0.008) and bleeding (BARC 3 or 5) (0.9% vs 3.7%, P = 0.048) significantly favoured the PPCI group. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that delayed PPCI may be a safer approach than fibrinolysis in patients with an FMC-to-balloon time of > 120 minutes, owing to reduction in the risk of intracranial and severe bleeding. These retrospective observations should be validated in larger randomized trials.

Contexte: L'intervention coronarienne percutanée primaire (ICPP) et la fibrinolyse se sont avérées des découvertes majeures dans le traitement de l'infarctus du myocarde avec élévation du segment ST (STEMI). Le seuil où l'ICPP devient moins favorable que la fibrinolyse demeure ambigu et controversé. Des essais ont porté sur les répercussions d'une reperfusion tardive après l'apparition des symptômes, mais, à notre connaissance, aucun ne s'est penché sur l'issue des patients au-delà de la fenêtre attendue des 120 minutes après le premier contact avec les services médicaux (PCSM) dans le domaine concomitant de l'ICPP et de la fibrinolyse. Méthodologie: Des patients ayant subi un STEMI qui s'étaient présentés à un seul hôpital en mesure de réaliser une ICPP durant la période allant de 2016 à 2020 et qui avaient été traités par une ICPP dans les 120 à 240 minutes suivant leur PCSM, ainsi que ceux qui avaient reçu une fibrinolyse, ont été inclus dans l'analyse. L'issue des patients traités au moyen d'une ICPP tardive a été comparée à celle des patients traités par fibrinolyse. Le principal critère d'évaluation était un paramètre composite d'événements indésirables nets comprenant la mortalité toutes causes confondues, la survenue d'un nouvel infarctus du myocarde, une revascularisation du vaisseau cible en raison d'une ischémie, un accident vasculaire cérébral invalidant et une hémorragie majeure au moment du congé de l'hôpital. Résultats: Au total, 536 patients ayant subi un STEMI répondaient aux critères d'inclusion, soit 429 traités par une ICPP et 107, par une fibrinolyse. Le taux de survenue du principal critère d'évaluation (événements indésirables cliniques nets) n'était pas significativement différent entre les deux groupes de traitement (2,8 % vs 3,7 %; p = 0,61). Cependant, les taux d'hémorragies intracrâniennes (0 % vs 2,8 %; p = 0,008) et de saignements (de type 3 ou 5 selon la classification BARC [Bleeding Academic Research Consortium]) (0,9 % vs 3,7 %; p = 0,048) étaient significativement en faveur du groupe des patients traités par ICPP. Conclusions: Cette étude rétrospective permet de présumer qu'une ICPP tardive pourrait être une option thérapeutique plus sûre que la fibrinolyse chez les patients dont le délai entre le PCSM et l'insertion du ballonnet est supérieur à 120 minutes, en raison de la réduction du risque d'hémorragie intracrânienne ou grave. Ces observations rétrospectives doivent toutefois être validées dans le cadre de plus vastes essais à répartition aléatoire.

Antithrombotic Management and Outcomes of Anterior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction With New-Onset Wall Motion Abnormalities in Men and Women.

Background: In patients with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and new-onset antero-apical wall motion abnormalities (WMAs), whether the rate of prophylaxis against left ventricular thrombus and outcomes differ between men and women is unknown. Methods: A multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients with STEMI and new-onset antero-apical WMAs treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention was conducted. Patients with an established indication of oral anticoagulation (OAC) were excluded. The rates of triple therapy (double antiplatelet therapy + OAC) at discharge were compared for women vs men. The rates of net adverse clinical events, a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke or transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism or Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 bleeding at 6 months were compared across sex using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1664 patients were included in the primary analysis, of whom 402 (24.2%) were women and 1262 (75.8%) were men. A total of 138 women (34.3%) and 489 men (38.7%) received a triple therapy prescription at discharge (P = 0.11). At 6 months, 33 women (8.2%) and 96 men (7.6%) experienced a net adverse clinical event (adjusted odds ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval 0.49-1.37). No difference occurred in the risk of bleeding events and ischemic events between men and women, when these were analyzed separately. Conclusions: The rates of OAC prescription for left ventricular thrombus prophylaxis and clinical outcomes at 6 months were similar in women and men following anterior STEMI with new-onset antero-apical WMAs.

Contexte: On ignore si le taux de prophylaxie contre le thrombus ventriculaire gauche et les résultats thérapeutiques diffèrent entre les hommes et les femmes qui ont subi un infarctus du myocarde avec élévation du segment ST (STEMI) antérieur et ont des anomalies du mouvement pariétal (AMP) antéroapical d'apparition récente. Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective multicentrique auprès de patients qui ont subi un STEMI et ont des AMP d'apparition récente traitées par une intervention coronarienne percutanée primaire. Nous avons exclu les patients chez lesquels il existait une indication établie à l'anticoagulation orale (ACO). Nous avons comparé les taux de trithérapie (bithérapie antiplaquettaire + ACO) à la sortie de l'hôpital entre les femmes et les hommes. Nous avons comparé les taux d'événements indésirables cliniques nets, le critère composite de mortalité, d'infarctus du myocarde, d'accident vasculaire cérébral ou d'accident ischémique transitoire, la thromboembolie systémique ou l'hémorragie de type 3 ou 5 selon le Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) après 6 mois entre les sexes au moyen du modèle de régression logistique multivariée. Résultats: Au sein des 1 664 patients de l'analyse principale, 402 (24,2 %) étaient des femmes et 1262 (75,8 %) étaient des hommes. Un total de 138 femmes (34,3 %) et de 489 hommes (38,7 %) ont reçu une ordonnance de trithérapie à la sortie de l'hôpital (P = 0,11). Après 6 mois, 33 femmes (8,2 %) et 96 hommes (7,6 %) ont subi un événement indésirable net (rapport de cotes ajusté 0,82 ; intervalle de confiance à 95 % 0,49-1,37). Aucune différence n'a été notée dans le risque d'événements hémorragiques et d'événements ischémiques entre les hommes et les femmes lorsque ces événements étaient analysés séparément. Conclusions: Les taux d'ordonnances d'ACO en prophylaxie du thrombus ventriculaire gauche et les résultats cliniques après 6 mois étaient similaires entre les femmes et les hommes à la suite du STEMI antérieur et des AMP antéroapicale d'apparition récente.

Restrictive or Liberal Transfusion Strategy in Myocardial Infarction and Anemia.

BACKGROUND: A strategy of administering a transfusion only when the hemoglobin level falls below 7 or 8 g per deciliter has been widely adopted. However, patients with acute myocardial infarction may benefit from a higher hemoglobin level. METHODS: In this phase 3, interventional trial, we randomly assigned patients with myocardial infarction and a hemoglobin level of less than 10 g per deciliter to a restrictive transfusion strategy (hemoglobin cutoff for transfusion, 7 or 8 g per deciliter) or a liberal transfusion strategy (hemoglobin cutoff, <10 g per deciliter). The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction or death at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 3504 patients were included in the primary analysis. The mean (±SD) number of red-cell units that were transfused was 0.7±1.6 in the restrictive-strategy group and 2.5±2.3 in the liberal-strategy group. The mean hemoglobin level was 1.3 to 1.6 g per deciliter lower in the restrictive-strategy group than in the liberal-strategy group on days 1 to 3 after randomization. A primary-outcome event occurred in 295 of 1749 patients (16.9%) in the restrictive-strategy group and in 255 of 1755 patients (14.5%) in the liberal-strategy group (risk ratio modeled with multiple imputation for incomplete follow-up, 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99 to 1.34; P = 0.07). Death occurred in 9.9% of the patients with the restrictive strategy and in 8.3% of the patients with the liberal strategy (risk ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.47); myocardial infarction occurred in 8.5% and 7.2% of the patients, respectively (risk ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.49). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia, a liberal transfusion strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction or death at 30 days. However, potential harms of a restrictive transfusion strategy cannot be excluded. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; MINT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02981407.).

Rationale and Design of the Randomized Bayesian Multicenter COME-TAVI Trial in Patients With a New Onset Left Bundle Branch Block.

Patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are at risk of developing delayed high-degree atrioventricular block. Management of new-onset LBBB post-TAVI remains controversial. In the Comparison of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy Versus Electrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB After TAVI (COME-TAVI) trial, consenting patients with new-onset LBBB that persists on day 2 after TAVI, meeting exclusion/inclusion criteria, are randomized to an electrophysiological study (EPS)-guided approach or 30-day electrocardiographic monitoring. In the EPS-guided approach, patients with a His to ventricle (HV) interval ≥ 65 ms undergo permanent pacemaker implantation. Patients randomized to noninvasive monitoring receive a wearable continuous electrocardiographic recording and transmitting device for 30 days. Follow-up will be performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint is a composite outcome designed to capture net clinical benefit. The endpoint incorporates major consequences of both strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVI, as follows: (i) sudden cardiac death; (ii) syncope; (iii) atrioventricular conduction disorder requiring a pacemaker (for a class I or IIa indication); and (iv) complications related to the pacemaker or EPS. The trial incorporates a Bayesian design with a noninformative prior, outcome-adaptive randomization (initially 1:1), and 2 prespecified interim analyses once 25% and 50% of the anticipated number of primary endpoints are reached. The trial is event-driven, with an anticipated upper limit of 452 patients required to reach 77 primary outcome events over 12 months of follow-up. In summary, the aim of this Bayesian multicentre randomized trial is to compare 2 management strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVI-an EPS-guided approach vs noninvasive 30-day monitoring. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

Les patients chez qui un bloc de branche gauche (BBG) est récemment apparu à la suite de l'implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter (IVAC) présentent un risque de bloc auriculoventriculaire de haut degré tardif. La prise en charge d'un BBG récemment apparu après une IVAC demeure controversée. Dans le cadre de l'essai COME-TAVI (Comparison of a ClinicalMonitoring Strategy VersusElectrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB AfterTAVI, ou comparaison d'une stratégie de surveillance clinique, par rapport à une approche guidée par étude électrophysiologique et fondée sur un algorithme, chez des patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente à la suite d'une IVAC), des patients qui présentent un BBG d'apparition récente persistant le 2e jour après une IVAC, qui répondent aux critères d'admissibilité et qui ont donné leur consentement sont répartis aléatoirement pour être suivis à l'aide d'une approche guidée par une étude électrophysiologique (EEP) ou faire l'objet d'une surveillance électrocardiographique d'une durée de 30 jours. Un stimulateur cardiaque est implanté chez les patients du groupe de l'EEP dont l'intervalle HV (temps de conduction dans le tronc du faisceau de His jusqu'aux ventricules) est ≥ 65 ms. Les patients du groupe de surveillance non invasive reçoivent un dispositif portable d'enregistrement et de transmission continue de données électrocardiographiques pour une période de 30 jours. Le suivi sera réalisé aux 3e, 6e et 12e mois. Le critère d'évaluation principal est un paramètre composite conçu afin de saisir le bienfait clinique net. Il comprend les conséquences majeures des deux stratégies chez les patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente après une IVAC, comme suit : (i) mort subite d'origine cardiaque; (ii) syncope; (iii) trouble de la conduction auriculoventriculaire nécessitant la pose d'un stimulateur cardiaque (pour une indication de classe I ou IIa); et (iv) complications relatives au stimulateur cardiaque ou à l'EEP. L'essai intègre une conception bayésienne avec une répartition aléatoire (dans un rapport initial de 1:1) antérieure non informative adaptée aux résultats et deux analyses intermédiaires définies au préalable lorsque 25 % et 50 % du nombre anticipé des critères d'évaluation principaux seront atteints. L'essai est axé sur les événements, et la limite supérieure anticipée pour atteindre 77 événements relatifs aux critères d'évaluation principaux sur 12 mois de suivi est de 452 patients. En résumé, l'objectif de cet essai bayésien multicentrique à répartition aléatoire est de comparer deux stratégies de prise en charge de patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente après une IVAC, soit une approche guidée par une EEP, par rapport à une surveillance non invasive de 30 jours. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

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.

Contemporary incidence and predictors of left ventricular thrombus in patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) after anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been well established in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and potent dual antiplatelet therapy. The objective of this study is to establish the contemporary incidence of LVT in this population, to identify their risk factors, and to examine their association with clinical outcomes. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study including AMI patients with new-onset antero-apical wall motion abnormalities treated with pPCI between 2009 and 2017 was conducted. The primary outcome was LVT during the index hospitalization. Predictors of LVT were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Net adverse clinical events (NACE), a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke or transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism or BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding at 6 months were compared between the LVT and no LVT groups. RESULTS: Among the 2136 patients included, 83 (3.9%) patients developed a LVT during index hospitalization. A lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.97; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.94-0.99] and the degree of worse anterior WMA (aOR 4.34; 95% CI 2.24-8.40) were independent predictors of LVT. A NACE occurred in 5 (5.72 per 100 patient-year) patients in the LVT group and in 127 (6.71 per 100 patient-year) patients in the no LVT group at 6 months [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.87; 95% CI 0.35-2.14]. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of LVT after anterior AMI with new-onset wall motion abnormalities is low, but this complication remains present in the contemporary era of timely pPCI and potent dual antiplatelet therapy .

Oral Anticoagulation for the Prevention of Thromboembolic Events in Patients With Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) vs triple therapy (TT) with DAPT + oral anticoagulant (OAC) in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and with new-onset anterior/apical wall-motion abnormalities (WMAs) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Patients with STEMI and new-onset anterior/apical WMA may benefit from the addition of OAC to prevent left ventricular thrombus and cardioembolic events. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with a concomitant indication for OAC were excluded. Patients discharged on TT were compared with patients discharged on DAPT using adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting. The primary endpoint was the net adverse clinical event (NACE) rate at 6 months (composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal MI, stroke, or transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism or type 3 or 5 Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] bleeding). RESULTS: A total of 1666 patients were included, among which 627 were treated with TT and 1039 were treated with DAPT. A NACE occurred in 55 patients (6.03 per 100 patient-years) in the TT group and in 74 patients (7.18 per 100 patient-years) in the DAPT group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-1.32). Adjusted risk of the individual components of the primary endpoint, ischemic events, and bleeding events were similar between both groups (P>.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of OAC to DAPT in anterior STEMI patients with new-onset WMA treated with PCI was not associated with a significant reduction in NACE.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of biorest liposomal alendronate in diabetic patients undergoing PCI: The BLADE-PCI trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important predictor of neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) and adverse clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). LABR-312, a novel intravenous formulation of liposomal alendronate, has been shown in animal models to decrease NIH at vascular injury sites and around stent struts. The aim of the Biorest Liposomal Alendronate Administration for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Drug-Eluting Stent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention trial was to assess the safety, effectiveness, and dose response of LABR-312 administered intravenously at the time of PCI withDES in reducing NIH as measured by optical coherence tomography postprocedure in patients with DM. METHODS: Patients with DM were randomized to a bolus infusion of LABR-312 vs placebo at the time of PCI. Dose escalation of LABR-312 in the study arm was given: 0.01 mg, 0.03 mg, and 0.08 mg. The primary endpoint was the in-stent %NIH volume at 9 months as measured by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: From September 2016 to December 2017, 271 patients with DM undergoing PCI were enrolled; 136 patients were randomized to LABR-312 infusion and 135 patients were randomized to placebo. At 9-month follow-up, no difference was seen in the primary endpoint of %NIH between LABR-312 and placebo (13.3% ± 9.2 vs 14.6% ± 8.5, P = .35). No differences were present with the varying LABR-312 doses. Clinical outcomes at 9 months were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with DM undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stents, a bolus of LABR-312 injected systematically at the time of intervention did not result in a lower rate in-stent %NIH volume at 9-month follow-up.

Use of antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention in patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Insights from the COordinated National Network to Engage Cardiologists in the antithrombotic Treatment of patients with CardioVascular Disease (CONNECT-CVD) study.

BACKGROUND: Although acetylsalicylic acid is the most commonly used antithrombotic agent for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, residual atherothrombotic risk has prompted a guideline recommendation for the addition of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or dual pathway inhibition (DPI) in high vascular risk patients. Accordingly, the CONNECT CVD quality enhancement initiative provides a contemporary "snapshot" of the clinical features and antithrombotic management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients in Canada. METHODS: Canadian cardiologists (49 cardiologists from six provinces) undertook a retrospective chart audit of 10 ASCVD patients in their outpatient practice who met the Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategy-like criteria from May 2018 to April 2019. RESULTS: Of the 492 (two cardiologists provided 11 patients) enroled, average age was 70 years, 25% were female, 39% had diabetes and 20% had atrial fibrillation. Prior revascularisation was common (percutaneous coronary artery intervention 61%, coronary artery bypass graft 39%), with 31% having multivessel disease. A total of 47% of patients had a Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health bleeding score of ≥11 (~2.8% risk of serious bleeding at 2 years). Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) alone was most commonly used (62%), while 22% were on DAPT alone. In total, 22% were on oral anticoagulation (OAC), with 16% being on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant alone, 5% on DPI and 1% received triple therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary Canadian clinical practice of stable ASCVD patients, a large number of patients receive antithrombotic therapy other than SAPT. Further efforts are required to guide the appropriate selection of patients in whom more potent antithrombotic therapies may safely reduce residual risk.

Antithrombotic Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Findings From the CONNECT AF+PCI Study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), selecting an antithrombotic regimen requires balancing risks of ischemic cardiac events, stroke, and bleeding. METHODS: We studied 467 patients with AF undergoing PCI in the time period from December 2015 to July 2018 identified via a chart audit by 47 Canadian cardiologists in the CONNECT AF+PCI (the Coordinated National Network to Engage Interventional Cardiologists in the Antithrombotic Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) study, to determine patterns of initial antithrombotic therapy selection. RESULTS: The median (25th, 75th percentile) CHADS2 score was 2 (1, 3), and PCI was performed in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in 62.1%. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) was the initial treatment in 62.7%, dual-pathway therapy in 25.7%, and dual antiplatelet therapy in 11.6%, with a temporal increase in use of dual-pathway therapy during the course of the study; median intended TAT duration was 1 (1, 3) month. Compared with patients selected for TAT, patients selected for dual-pathway therapy were less likely to have prior myocardial infarction (35.8% vs 25.8%, P = 0.045) and prior PCI (33.8% vs 23.3%, P = 0.03), and they received shorter total length of stents (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0.03). Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy had a higher prevalence of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (13.0% vs 23.3%, P = 0.01). There was no difference in prevalence of anemia (21.5% vs 25.8%, P = 0.30). Use of dual-pathway therapy was similar among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with stable disease (24.1% vs 28.2%, P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-quarter of AF patients undergoing PCI are treated with dual-pathway therapy in Canadian practice, with its use increasing during the studied period. Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy have less-complex coronary disease history and intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Les patients atteints de fibrillation auriculaire (FA) qui subissent une intervention coronarienne percutanée (ICP) et choisissent un schéma posologique antithrombotique ont besoin de peser les risques d'événements cardiaques d'origine ischémique, d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux et d'hémorragies. MÉTHODES: Les 467 patients atteints de FA ayant subi une ICP de décembre 2015 à juillet 2018 qui ont fait l'objet de notre étude ont été trouvés lors de la vérification des dossiers par 47 cardiologues canadiens de l'étude CONNECT AF+PCI ( Co ordinated N ational N etwork to E ngage Interventional C ardiologists in the Antithrombotic T reatment of Patients With A trial F ibrillation Undergoing P ercutaneous C oronary I ntervention) pour déterminer les schémas de sélection du traitement antithrombotique initial. RÉSULTATS: Le score CHADS2 médian (25e, 75e percentile) était de 2 (1, 3), et l'ICP avait été réalisée dans le cadre du syndrome coronarien aigu chez 62,1 % des patients. La trithérapie antithrombotique (TTA) était le traitement initial chez 62,7 % des patients, la bithérapie, chez 25,7 % des patients, et la bithérapie antiplaquettaire, chez 11,6 % des patients, mais il y avait une augmentation temporelle dans l'utilisation de la bithérapie durant l'étude; la durée médiane prévue de la TTA était de 1 (1, 3) mois. Comparativement aux patients sélectionnés pour la TTA, les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie étaient moins susceptibles d'avoir eu un infarctus du myocarde précédent (35,8 % vs 25,8 %, P = 0,045) et une ICP précédente (33,8 % vs 23,3 %, P = 0,03), et recevaient des endoprothèses de longueur totale plus courte (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0,03). Les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie montraient une prévalence plus élevée d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux/accidents ischémiques transitoires (13,0 % vs 23,3 %, P = 0,01). Il n'existait aucune différence dans la prévalence de l'anémie (21,5 % vs 25,8 %, P = 0,30). L'utilisation de la bithérapie était similaire chez les patients atteints d'un syndrome coronarien aigu et chez les patients dont la maladie était stable (24,1 % vs 28,2 %, P = 0,32). CONCLUSIONS: Dans la pratique canadienne, environ le quart des patients atteints de FA qui subissent une ICP sont traités par bithérapie, mais durant la période étudiée, son utilisation avait augmenté. Les patients sélectionnés pour la bithérapie ont des antécédents et des interventions liées aux maladies coronariennes moins complexes.

Inequity in Access to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Pan-Canadian Evaluation of Wait-Times.

BACKGROUND: There has been an exponential increase in the demand for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our goal was to examine trends in TAVR capacity and wait-times across Canada. METHODS: All TAVR cases were identified from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2017. Wait-time was defined as the duration in days from the initial referral to the TAVR procedure. TAVR capacity was defined as the number of TAVR procedures per million population/province/fiscal year. We performed multivariable multilevel Cox proportional hazards modelling of the time to TAVR as the dependant variable and the effect of provinces as random effects. We quantified the variation in wait-times among provinces using the median hazard ratio. RESULTS: We identified a total of 4906 TAVR procedures across 9 provinces. Despite a year over year increase in overall capacity, there was a greater than 3-fold difference in capacity between provinces. Crude median wait-times increased over time in all provinces, with marked variation from 71.5 days in Newfoundland to 190.5 and 203 days in Manitoba and Alberta, respectively. This suggests increasing demand outpaced the growth in capacity. We found a median hazard ratio of 1.62, indicating that in half of the possible pairwise comparisons, the time to TAVR for identical patients was at least 62% longer between different provinces. CONCLUSION: We found substantial geographic inequity in TAVR access. This calls for policy makers, clinicians, and administrators across Canada to address this inequity through revaluation of provincial funding mechanisms, as well as implementation of efficient care pathways.

Drug-coated balloon after subintimal plaque modification in failed coronary chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: A novel concept.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a technically challenging procedure. In failed cases, plaque modification strategy (also known as "investment procedure"), defined as the intentional dilation of the subintimal space through the CTO segment, can be applied. The typical dilation device used in this strategy is a regular angioplasty balloon (either semi- or noncompliant). Performing this technique with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) may facilitate a staged procedure by promoting a better vessel healing. Herein, we present three cases of failed CTO PCI, managed with DCB plaque modification, and their follow-up staged procedure.

Comparison of Systematic Ticagrelor-Based Dual Antiplatelet Therapy to Selective Triple Antithrombotic Therapy for Left Ventricle Dysfunction Following Anterior STEMI.

Antithrombotic management of STEMI patients with apical dysfunction, but without demonstrable thrombus, is controversial. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TATT, defined as the addition of oral anticoagulation to dual antiplatelet therapy, or DAPT) may be associated with increased bleeding, while DAPT alone may not adequately protect against cardio-embolic events. We undertook a dual-center study of anterior STEMI patients treated with primary PCI (pPCI) from 2013 to 2015 and presenting presumed new apical dysfunction. The Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) uses a strategy of selective TATT, whereas the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) has favored ticagrelor-based DAPT for all patients since 2013. The primary composite outcome consisted of death, MI, stroke, revascularization, and BARC 3 to 5 bleeding up to 4-months follow-up. We identified 177 cases (69 CHUM; 108 CHUS). Baseline characteristics were similar and procedural success was high (97%). There was no difference in post-procedure LVEF (39 ± 9% vs 37 ± 9%) or the extent of apical dysfunction. The primary composite outcome occurred in 27% with the selective TATT strategy compared to 19% with ticagrelor-DAPT (p = 0.342). Thus, this retrospective dual-center analysis does not support a strategy of conventional TATT over ticagrelor-based DAPT for patients with apical dysfunction following anterior STEMI treated with pPCI. A pragmatic randomized trial is needed to provide a definitive answer to this clinical conundrum.

Prevention of Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation and Systemic Embolism After Anterior Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Anterior myocardial infarction (MI) with apical dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation and systemic embolism (SE). However, the role for prophylactic anticoagulation in current practice is a matter of debate. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed original articles in either English or French on the benefit of combining anticoagulation with standard therapy for the prevention of LVT/SE after MI by searching PubMed, Ovid/MedLine/Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Of 7382 identified records, 14 were retained for analysis. Nine articles addressed anticoagulation for patients not treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Another 5 included at least some patients treated with PCI. Only 1 study specifically addressed exclusively a primary PCI population. Some studies showed a benefit for combining anticoagulation with standard therapy in patients not treated with PCI, but results were inconsistent. No evidence of benefit was reported when PCI patients were included and 1 study reported a signal for net harm. There was important interstudy heterogeneity and methodological limitations. Studies were likely individually underpowered. CONCLUSIONS: The available studies of LVT/SE prevention after MI lacked statistical power and are heterogeneous in terms of treatments, revascularization methods, background medical therapy, and study design. We conclude that there is presently no compelling evidence for or against combining anticoagulation with standard therapy for post-MI patients with apical dysfunction after primary PCI, and inconsistent evidence supporting prophylaxis after thrombolysis. An appropriately powered randomized trial is required to answer this clinically relevant question.

Very late transcatheter heart valve thrombosis.

We describe a case of very late transcatheter heart valve (THV) thrombosis of a first-generation SAPIEN prosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) implanted in a 64-year-old woman with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. More than 54 mo after implantation, she presented with severe symptomatic prosthesis dysfunction (stenosis) which was successfully treated with oral anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the tardiest case of THV thrombosis ever reported. This case should increase clinical awareness for THV thrombosis even beyond the first two-year period following implantation.

Optical coherence tomography to identify the cause of an arrhythmic storm: A case report.

A 56-year-old man experienced an aborted sudden death followed by an arrhythmic storm. Angiography revealed a non-severe lesion on the left circumflex artery that was treated medically but an arrhythmic storm recurred. A repeat angiogram was comparable but optical coherence tomography imaging revealed a ruptured plaque with intraluminal thrombosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed and no arrhythmia recurred.

Culprit Vessel Revascularization Prior to Diagnostic Angiography as a Strategy to Reduce Delays in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delays are important markers of quality of care in primary percutaneous coronary intervention. There is scarce data on the impact of obtaining a complete diagnostic angiography before primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention at our institution between January 2012 and December 2014 were studied. After excluding patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery, 925 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the as-treated revascularization strategy: culprit-vessel revascularization first, contralateral angiography first, or complete angiography first. Propensity score matching was used to minimize difference in clinical characteristics between groups. Predictors of culprit-vessel first revascularization were anterior/lateral infarct location and absence of diabetes mellitus. After propensity score matching, the median vascular access-to-balloon time was 4 to 6 minutes shorter with a culprit-vessel revascularization first strategy. This reduction in time to reperfusion increased the proportion of patients treated within recommended delays. However, there was no significant difference in 30-day clinical outcomes associated with these delays reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Performing culprit-vessel primary percutaneous coronary intervention before contralateral or complete diagnostic angiography is associated with a statistically significant reduction in vascular access-to-balloon time, although the 4- to 6-minute difference is unlikely to be clinically relevant. This small but significant reduction could translate in an augmentation in the proportion of patients treated within recommended delays.