Incidence and characteristics of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the etiologies of patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) and found to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD) and compare risk factors and in-hospital mortality to those with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with an MI are often found to have NOCAD defined as less than 50% luminal diameter reduction by visual estimation on coronary angiography. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of a total of 2,038 patients that presented to NorthShore University HealthSystem with MI and underwent coronary angiography from 2010 to 2013. RESULTS: 1,822 patients (89%) had CAD and 216 (11%) had NOCAD. Of the NOCAD patients, the most common etiologies were Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (28%), no alternative explanation (26%), demand ischemia (21%), myopericarditis (7%), coronary artery vasospasm (5%), and coronary artery dissection (3%). NOCAD patients were more likely to be younger and female. There was no significant difference between NOCAD and CAD patients in terms of in-hospital mortality (3.7% vs. 4.0% respectively, OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.5-2.3, P = 0.83 by univariate logistic regression, OR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.5-3.1, P = 0.74 by multivariable analysis). CONCLUSIONS: CAD patients were more likely to have traditional risk factors of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, previous MI, previous revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients presenting with MI and NOCAD were found to have several different etiologies on coronary angiography with the most common being Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Femoral vascular closure device use, bivalirudin anticoagulation, and bleeding after primary angioplasty for STEMI: results from the HORIZONS-AMI trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of femoral vascular closure device (VCD) use to bleeding and ischemic events in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) via different anticoagulation strategies. BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether femoral VCD reduce major bleeding after primary PCI for STEMI using bivalirudin anticoagulation. METHODS: We compared VCD-treated patients with propensity-matched controls in the HORIZONS-AMI trial with respect to net adverse clinical events (NACE), defined as the composite of major bleeding unrelated to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and major adverse cardiac events (comprised of death, reinfarction, ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization, and stroke), at 30 days and 1 year. RESULTS: Among 3,602 patients enrolled in HORIZONS-AMI, 2,948 underwent primary PCI via femoral arterial access and 896 (30%) received VCDs, of whom 642 were included in our model along with 642 propensity-matched controls. At 30 days, VCD-treated patients had significantly less NACE (6.7% vs. 10.8%, HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.89, P = 0.009), driven by a lower rate of non-CABG related major bleeding (5.0% vs. 8.1%, HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.94, P = 0.02). Bleeding reduction was maintained at one year and consistent in magnitude regardless of randomization to bivalirudin or unfractionated heparin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (P for interaction = 0.84). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing transfemoral primary PCI for STEMI, VCD use was associated with significantly lower non-CABG major bleeding irrespective of anticoagulation strategy.

Cardiogenic Shock: Background, Shock Trial/Registry, Evolving Data, Changing Survival, Best Medical Therapy.

Cardiogenic shock remains associated with unacceptably high mortality, but recent improvements with early revascularization, continued support with pharmacologic agents, and use of an intra-aortic balloon pump have led to improvements in the rate of mortality. Timely intervention with cardiac surgery in patients with mechanical complications, 3-vessel disease, and left main disease is beneficial. Continued research and ever-improving understanding of this once deadly condition have helped further in improving prognosis. Cutting-edge technologies, such as myocyte cell implantation and the use of a cooling system, will help in pushing the boundaries farther.

Vascular closure devices in acute coronary syndromes: from arbitrary to a necessity?

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) were initially developed to improve access site hemostasis and allow for earlier ambulation in patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Though initially thought to be beneficial, large meta-analysis has shown conflicting data regarding whether VCDs alter access site bleeding in a variety of clinical settings. One area of particular interest for the adoption of VCDs has been in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in which multiple antiplatelet strategies are often employed leading to a high risk of bleeding. Bleeding in ACS has been shown to be a powerful independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Recently, investigators have reported that VCDs reduce access site bleeding in the setting of ACS. In our review, we use several selected representative clinical trials to provide a historical account for the use of VCDs. We also provide for a review of data as it relates to access site bleeding in ACS along with analysis showing that VCDs may potentially provide for reductions in bleeding and vascular complications in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

Bifurcation classification schemes: impact of lesion morphology on development of a treatment strategy.

A number of bifurcation lesion classification schemes exist in which capital letters or Roman numerals categorize various types of bifurcation lesions. Unfortunately, these classification schemes are confusing and difficult to remember because of the lack of association between the numbers or letters and various anatomic abnormalities of bifurcation lesions. Recently, the Medina classification was proposed as a simpler, easier-to-remember scheme that labels bifurcation lesions by plaque involvement in 3 anatomic segments (proximal main segment, distal segment of main branch, and side branch). However, this classification also has limitations because it doesn't include important descriptive features of bifurcation lesions that could be important in determining optimum stent treatment strategy. The Movahed classification overcomes these limitations by including bifurcation angle and proximal vessel size in its scheme. The impact of these various classification schemes on stent treatment strategies and more recent clinical trial results is discussed.

Recommendations for successful training on methods of delivery of biologics for cardiac regeneration: a report of the International Society for Cardiovascular Translational Research.

The field of myocardial regeneration (angiogenesis and myogenesis) might prove to play an important role in the future management of cardiovascular disease. Stem cells are currently undergoing testing in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. Methods of delivery will affect the outcome of such therapies, perhaps significantly. This document provides suggested guidance in 4 methods of delivery: endocardial, intracoronary, coronary sinus, and epicardial.

Impact of femoral vascular closure devices and antithrombotic therapy on access site bleeding in acute coronary syndromes: The Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy (ACUITY) trial.

BACKGROUND: The Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy (ACUITY) trial demonstrated that bivalirudin monotherapy significantly reduces major bleeding compared with heparin (unfractionated or enoxaparin) or bivalirudin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor in acute coronary syndromes. Whether vascular closure devices (VCD) impact these results is unknown. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether VCD impact major access site bleeding (ASB) in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing early invasive management by the femoral approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: Major ASB in ACUITY was defined as ASB requiring interventional or surgical correction, hematoma > or =5 cm at the access site, retroperitoneal bleeding, or hemoglobin drop > or =3 g/dL with ecchymosis or hematoma <5 cm, oozing blood, or prolonged bleeding (>30 minutes) at the access site. Stepwise logistical regression was performed to identify the independent determinants of ASB. Of 11 621 patients undergoing angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention by the femoral approach, 4307 (37.1%) received a VCD and 7314 (62.9%) did not. Rates of major ASB were lower with VCD compared with no VCD (2.5% versus 3.3%, relative risk, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.94; P=0.01) and were lowest in patients treated with bivalirudin monotherapy and a VCD (0.7%). Stepwise logistic regression revealed that a VCD (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.99; P=0.04) and bivalirudin monotherapy (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.49; P<0.0001) were both independent determinates of freedom from major ASB. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing an early invasive management strategy by the femoral approach, the use of a VCD, bivalirudin monotherapy, or both minimizes rates of major ASB. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT00093158.

Echocardiographic and angiographic correlations in patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction.

In patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction, echocardiographic and angiographic findings are used to aid diagnosis, determine prognosis, and guide management. The purpose of this analysis from the Should we emergently revascularize Occluded Coronary arteries for Cardiogenic ShocK (SHOCK) trial is to identify relations between the angiographic and echocardiographic features of patients with CS. Such an analysis of the correlations between echocardiographic and angiographic findings in patients with CS may provide insights into the etiology and treatment of CS. In 302 randomized patients, an echocardiogram and an angiogram before revascularization were available in 127 patients. Although the median ejection fraction derived by echocardiography and left ventricular angiography was identical (30%), the positive correlation was weak (R2 = 0.209, p = 0.019). Patients with a larger number of diseased vessels had worse mitral regurgitation (MR) by echocardiography (p = 0.005). There was a significant but weak association between left ventricular angiographic MR grade and echocardiographic MR severity (R2 = 0.162, p = 0.015), but there was no association between culprit vessel and degree of MR. In conclusion, worse coronary artery disease is associated with more severe MR. Echocardiography and angiography are valuable and result in similar estimated ejection fractions in a large cohort, but there is wide variation between the techniques in patients.

The use of percutaneous suture-mediated closure for the management of 14 French femoral venous access.

BACKGROUND: Little has been reported regarding the utility or outcomes of femoral venous vascular closure using arterial suture closure devices. We describe results using a pre-closure approach with a 6 French (Fr) Perclose Closer S device in patients who underwent antegrade aortic valvuloplasty using 14 Fr percutaneous femoral venous access catheters. METHODS: Forty-five patients underwent antegrade aortic valvuloplasty and suture-mediated closure with a 6 Fr Perclose device. A 6 Fr Closer S suture device was preloaded into the femoral vein after 6 Fr sheath access, prior to insertion of a 14 Fr venous sheath. Upon completion of the procedure, the 14 Fr femoral venous sheath was removed through the existing sutures. RESULTS: Of 45 patients (mean age 82.4 years; 17 males), immediate hemostasis was achieved with percutaneous suture closure in 43 (95.6%). Only 2 failures occurred which were subsequently successfully treated with manual compression. No late access site bleeding occurred from sutured sites. In all other patients, hemostasis using a 6 Fr Perclose suture-mediated device was successful and immediate. There was no need for transfusion, no clinical venous thrombosis, and no infections occurred at the access site. Two hospital deaths were documented from causes unrelated to suture-mediated closure. CONCLUSIONS: In conjunction with 14-Fr size percutaneous sheaths during antegrade aortic valvuloplasty, percutaneous suturemediated closure is a highly effective method for achieving hemostasis. This has simplified postprocedural management in terms of early mobilization and diminished late access site bleeding.

Influence of sex on in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival after contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Early studies suggested that morbidity and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were greater for women than men. However, in recent reports, sex-related differences in short-term outcome have decreased as outcomes among women have improved. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sex on long-term mortality among a large cohort of patients undergoing PCI in the contemporary era. METHODS: Three hospitals in New York City contributed prospectively defined data elements on 4284 consecutive patients undergoing PCI in 1998 to 1999. All-cause mortality at a mean follow-up of 3 years was the primary end point. RESULTS: Of the 4284 patients, 1331 (31%) were women. Women were significantly older than men (mean age 67 vs 62 years, P < .001) and less often white (72% vs 80%, P < .001). Hypertension (78% vs 66%, P < .001) and diabetes (36% vs 22%, P < .001) were more prevalent in women. Prior cardiac surgery (14% vs 19%, P = .001) and previous myocardial infarction (MI) (33% vs 36%, P = .08) were less common among women. Presentation with unstable angina was more frequent in women (45% vs 41%, P = .034), whereas presentation with acute MI did not differ by sex. Congestive heart failure developed more commonly among women (7.1% vs 4.1%, P < .001). The extent of coronary disease (1-, 2-, or 3-vessel disease) did not differ between women and men. Mean ejection fraction was 52% in women and 50% in men (P < .001). Stents were placed in 77% of both groups. Procedural success was 97% for both women and men. Inhospital adverse outcomes including death, post-PCI MI, emergency bypass surgery, abrupt closure, and stent thrombosis were uncommon and not different between groups. Mortality at 3 years was 10% for women and 8.9% for men (P = .197). However, using Cox proportional hazards analysis to adjust for comorbidities and possible confounders, female sex was associated with a significant independent reduction in the hazard of long-term mortality (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.620-0.969, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Despite more high-risk characteristics, female sex conferred a long-term survival advantage after PCI.

Can vascular closure devices reduce complications?

Vascular closure devices have demonstrated their ability to reduce hemostasis and ambulation times, as well as improve patient comfort, without increasing vascular complications in their initial industry-sponsored, randomized clinical trials. However, in the early years of first-generation closure devices, there was an initial concern about the risk of higher complication rates. As devices have improved, it appears that there may now be a trend towards reduced vascular complications compared with manual compression, especially in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair using the edge-to-edge technique: six-month results of the EVEREST Phase I Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the clinical results of a percutaneous approach to mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation (MR). BACKGROUND: A surgical technique approximating the middle scallops of the mitral leaflets to create a double orifice with improved leaflet coaptation was introduced in the early 1990s. Recently, a percutaneous method to create the same type of repair was developed. A trans-septal approach was used to deliver a clip device that grasps the mitral leaflet edges to create the double orifice. METHODS: General anesthesia, fluoroscopy, and echocardiographic guidance are used. A 24-F guide is positioned in the left atrium. The clip is centered over the mitral orifice, passed into the left ventricle, and pulled back to grasp the mitral leaflets. After verification that MR is reduced, the clip is released. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients had six-month follow-up. Clips were implanted in 24 patients. There were no procedural complications and four 30-day major adverse events: partial clip detachment in three patients, who underwent elective valve surgery, and one patient with post-procedure stroke that resolved at one month. Three additional patients had surgery for unresolved MR, leaving 18 patients free from surgery. In 13 of 14 patients with reduction of MR to < or =2+ after one month, the reduction was maintained at six months. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair can be performed safely and a reduction in MR can be achieved in a significant proportion of patients to six months. Patients who required subsequent surgery had elective mitral valve repair or intended replacement.