Comparison of primary angioplasty and pre-hospital fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction (CAPTIM) trial: a 5-year follow-up.

AIMS: The CAPTIM (Comparison of primary Angioplasty and Pre-hospital fibrinolysis In acute Myocardial infarction) study found no evidence that a strategy of primary angioplasty was superior in terms of 30-day outcomes to a strategy of pre-hospital fibrinolysis with transfer to an interventional facility in patients managed early at the acute phase of an acute myocardial infarction. The present analysis was designed to compare both strategies at 5 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CAPTIM study included 840 patients managed in a pre-hospital setting within 6 h of an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized to either a primary angioplasty (n = 421) or a pre-hospital fibrinolysis (rt-PA) with immediate transfer to a centre with interventional facilities (n = 419). Long-term follow-up was obtained in blinded fashion from 795 patients (94.6%). Using an intent-to-treat analysis, all-cause mortality at 5 years was 9.7% in the pre-hospital fibrinolysis group when compared with 12.6% in the primary angioplasty group [HR 0.75 (95% CI, 0.50-1.14); P = 0.18]. For patients included within 2 h, 5 year mortality was 5.8% in the pre-hospital fibrinolysis group when compared with 11.1% in the primary angioplasty group [HR 0.50 (95% CI, 0.25-0.97); P = 0.04], whereas it was, respectively, 14.5 and 14.4% in patients included after 2 h [HR 1.02, (95% CI 0.59-1.75), P = 0.92]. CONCLUSION: The 5-year follow-up is consistent with the 30-day outcomes of the trial, showing similar mortality for primary percutaneous coronary intervention and a policy of pre-hospital lysis followed by transfer to an interventional center. In addition, for patients treated within 2 h of symptom onset, 5-year mortality was lower with pre-hospital lysis.

Patency of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty sites at 6-month angiographic follow-up: A key determinant of survival in diabetics after coronary balloon angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Several reports have demonstrated a high mortality rate in diabetic patients treated by standard coronary balloon angioplasty. No clear explanation has been provided for this finding. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive diabetic patients successfully treated by standard coronary balloon angioplasty (n=604) were enrolled in a follow-up program including repeated angiography at 6 months and long-term clinical follow-up. Clinical follow-up was available in 603 patients (99.8%). Twelve patients died, 2 underwent bypass surgery before scheduled repeated angiography, and 76 declined angiography. Determinants of long-term mortality were analyzed in the 513 patients with angiography at 6 months and long-term clinical follow-up (mean follow-up, 6.5+/-2.4 years). On the basis of the results of repeated angiography, 3 groups of patients were defined: group 1, 162 patients without restenosis (32%); group 2, 257 patients with nonocclusive restenosis (50%); and group 3, 94 patients with coronary occlusion (18%). Overall actuarial 10-year mortality rate was 36%. Actuarial 10-year mortality was 24% in group 1, 35% in group 2, and 59% in group 3 (P:<0.0001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that coronary occlusion was a strong and independent correlate of long-term total mortality (hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.26; P:=0.0003) and cardiac mortality (hazard ratio, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.48 to 3.85; P:=0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that restenosis, especially in its occlusive form, is a major determinant of long-term mortality in diabetic patients after coronary balloon angioplasty.

Anterior chordal transection impairs not only regional left ventricular function but also regional right ventricular function in mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of annuloventricular continuity through the chordae tendinae aims to maintain left ventricular (LV) function and thus improve postoperative prognosis. This study was designed to prospectively investigate the effect of anterior chordal transection on global and regional LV and right ventricular (RV) function in mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with severe MR underwent radionuclide angiography before and after either mitral valve (MV) repair (42 patients) or replacement with anterior chordal transection (23 patients). LV and RV ejection fractions (EF) were determined at rest. Both ventricles were divided into 9 regions to analyze regional EF and the effect of anteromedial translation related to surgery. After surgery there was a significant decrease in LVEF (P=0.038) and an increase in RVEF (P=0.036). However, LVEF did not change after MV repair (63.8+/-9.9% to 62.6+/-10.3%), whereas RVEF improved (40.7+/-10.1% to 44.5+/-8.1%, P=0.027). In contrast, LVEF decreased after MV replacement (61.7+/-10.1% to 57.2+/-9.9%, P=0.03), and RVEF was unchanged (40.9+/-10.9% to 41.3+/-9.1%). LVEF 4 and 5, in the area of anterior papillary muscle insertion, were impaired after MV replacement compared with MV repair (region 4, 77.6+/-16.7% versus 87.7+/-10.8%, P=0.005, and region 5, 73.9+/-19.3% versus 89.9+/-13.1%, P<0.001). Moreover, anterior chordal transection led to a significant impairment in the apicoseptal region of the RV (RVEF 4, 50.3+/-15.6% versus 59.3+/-13.8%, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior chordal transection during MV replacement for MR impairs not only regional LV function but also regional RV function.

Clinical characteristics and angiographic follow-up of patients undergoing early or late repeat dilation for a first restenosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the angiographic rate of recurrent restenosis in patients who underwent repeat coronary angioplasty for a first restenosis within 3 months or greater than 3 months after the first procedure. BACKGROUND: Several studies that have examined risk factors for restenosis after coronary angioplasty have suggested that a short interval between a first angioplasty and a repeat procedure is associated with an increased risk for a second restenosis. METHODS: Between January 1981 and December 1990, 423 patients underwent a repeat coronary angioplasty procedure because restenosis had occurred at the site of a successful first angioplasty procedure. The clinical characteristics, immediate outcome and angiographic rate of recurrent restenosis were compared in patients who underwent repeat dilation within 3 months (early redilation group, n = 77) or greater than 3 months (late redilation group, n = 346) after the first procedure. RESULTS: The incidence of unstable angina at the time of the repeat procedure was significantly higher in the patients who underwent early redilation (42% vs. 8%, p = 0.0001). The procedural success rate (95%) and complication rate were similar in both groups. Follow-up angiography was performed in 86% of patients with an initially successful procedure. The incidence of restenosis was significantly higher in the group that underwent early redilation (56% vs. 37%, p = 0.007) and was similar in patients in this group who presented with stable (55%) or unstable (57%) angina. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidly recurring coronary stenoses have an extremely high rate of restenosis when again treated by coronary angioplasty, irrespective of the clinical presentation at the time of repeat dilation. The outcome in patients with early restenosis who have stable angina might be improved by delaying the repeat procedure.

Restenosis, late vessel occlusion and left ventricular function six months after balloon angioplasty in diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: We studied angiographic outcome and its predictors after traditional coronary balloon angioplasty in diabetics. We further examined whether changes in ejection fraction were influenced by the status of the dilated site(s) at follow-up. BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that diabetics have a particularly poor outcome after balloon angioplasty. The reasons for this observation are not known. METHODS: We investigated procedural and six-month angiographic outcome, analyzed by quantitative coronary angiography, and left ventricular function in 485 consecutive diabetics (627 lesions) treated by balloon angioplasty without stent implantation. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 455 (94%) patients; angiographic follow-up was available in 377 patients (83%). At follow-up, the rates of restenosis and total occlusion were 62% and 13%, respectively. Five independent predictors of restenosis were identified: the presence of organ damage, a saphenous vein graft (SVG) angioplasty, a bifurcation lesion, a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow <3 preprocedure and the degree of residual stenosis. Four independent predictors of vessel occlusion were identified: treatment with insulin, a SVG angioplasty, a TIMI flow <3 preprocedure and the degree of residual stenosis after angioplasty. Late vessel occlusion at angioplasty site(s) was observed in 15% of patients, ranging from 11% for a one-site procedure to 37% for a three-site procedure. This complication was associated with a decrease in ejection fraction at follow-up (-6.2 +/- 9.9%, p = 0.0001), whereas no significant change was observed in patients without occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that late vessel occlusion is a frequent mode of restenosis in diabetic patients and is associated with a significant decrease in ejection fraction. This could partly explain the poor long-term clinical outcome reported in such patients after traditional balloon angioplasty.

Predictors of restenosis after coronary stent implantation.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine predictors of restenosis after coronary stenting (CS) in a consecutive series of patients. BACKGROUND: Although stenting in highly selected patient groups reduces restenosis, the results of stenting in a heterogeneous patient group and the effects of clinical and procedural factors on stent restenosis are currently unclear. METHODS: We analyzed the 6-month angiographic outcome of 500 lesions in 463 consecutive patients undergoing successful CS. Clinical, qualitative and quantitative angiographic variables were correlated with restenosis assessed as both a binary and a continuous variable. RESULTS: Restenosis, defined as the presence of >50% diameter stenosis in the dilated segment, was present in 105 (26%) of the 405 lesions with angiographic follow-up. The mean late lumen loss during the follow-up period was 0.79+/-0.64 mm. Implantation of multiple stents (p < 0.0001) and a high acute gain (p < 0.0002) were independently associated with a higher late lumen loss. In contrast, the use of high inflation pressure (p < 0.02) and Palmaz-Schatz stents (p < 0.005) was independently associated with a lower late lumen loss. When restenosis was defined as a qualitative variable, implantation of multiple stents (p < 0.001), stenosis length (p < 0.01), small reference diameter (p < 0.02) and stent type other than Palmaz-Schatz (p < 0.01) were independent predictors of restenosis. None of the clinical variables tested was associated with restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary stenting in an unselected patient group is associated with an acceptable restenosis rate. Although some risk factors were identified, the risk of restenosis was not related to most of the variables tested. This suggests that the superiority of CS over balloon angioplasty, in terms of restenosis, might also apply to subgroups of patients that were not included in the recent randomized studies.

The angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphism is associated with coronary artery vasoconstriction.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the potential association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor gene polymorphisms on coronary vasomotion in humans. BACKGROUND: Abnormal coronary vasomotion plays a role in the clinical expression of coronary atherosclerosis. The components of the renin-angiotensin system are important determinants of vasomotor tone. Furthermore, epidemiologic evidence suggests that these components are involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. Indeed, two genetic polymorphisms of the ACE and AT1 receptor genes were synergistically associated with the occurrence of myocardial infarction. The influence of these genetic polymorphisms on the risk of myocardial infarction may be related, at least in part, to a deleterious effect on coronary vasomotion. METHODS: We studied the response of angiographically normal human coronary arteries after intravenous injection of methylergonovine maleate, a potent vasoconstrictor whose effects have been previously explored in various aspects of coronary artery disease. We characterized the ACE and AT1 receptor genotypes in a consecutive series of 140 patients with normal coronary arteries. Coronary vasomotion was assessed with quantitative coronary angiography. RESULTS: No effect of the ACE gene polymorphism was detected. Conversely, the patients carrying the AT1 receptor CC genotype (n = 13) had significantly greater vasoconstriction in distal coronary vessels (p < 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The AT1 receptor gene polymorphism is associated with coronary vasomotion in humans.

Effect of pravastatin on angiographic restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty. The PREDICT Trial Investigators. Prevention of Restenosis by Elisor after Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether pravastatin affects clinical or angiographic restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty. BACKGROUND: Experimental data and preliminary clinical studies suggest that lipid-lowering drugs might have a beneficial effect on restenosis after coronary angioplasty. METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, 695 patients were randomized to receive pravastatin (40 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months after successful balloon angioplasty. All patients received aspirin (100 mg/day). The primary angiographic end point was minimal lumen diameter (MLD) at follow-up, assessed by quantitative coronary angiography. A sample size of 313 patients per group was required to demonstrate a difference of 0.13 mm in MLD between groups (allowing for a two-tailed alpha error of 0.05 and a beta error of 0.20). To allow for incomplete angiographic follow-up (estimated lost to follow-up rate of 10%), 690 randomized patients were required. Secondary end points were angiographic restenosis rate (restenosis assessed as a categoric variable, > 50% stenosis) and clinical events (death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization). RESULTS: At baseline, clinical, demographic, angiographic and lipid variables did not differ significantly between groups. In patients treated with pravastatin, there was a significant reduction in total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels and a significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. At follow-up the MLD (mean +/- SD) was 1.47 +/- 0.62 mm in the placebo group and 1.54 +/- 0.66 mm in the pravastatin group (p = 0.21). Similarly, late loss and net gain did not differ significantly between groups. The restenosis rate (recurrence > 50% stenosis) was 43.8% in the placebo group and 39.2% in the pravastatin group (p = 0.26). Clinical restenosis did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although pravastatin has documented efficacy in reducing clinical events and angiographic disease progression in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, this study shows that it has no effect on angiographic outcome at the target site 6 months after coronary angioplasty.

Neointimal thickening after balloon denudation is enhanced by aldosterone and inhibited by spironolactone, and aldosterone antagonist.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the effects of aldosterone and of an aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone, on neointimal thickening in a rabbit model of balloon injury. METHODS: Eighteen rabbits underwent aortic and iliac balloon injury and were randomised to subcutaneous infusion of aldosterone (70 micrograms.kg-1.d-1) or vehicle solution for 28 d. Eighteen other rabbits were randomised to receive daily subcutaneous injections of spironolactone (50 mg.kg-1.d-1) or of vehicle for 7 d before injury and for 28 d after the procedure. All animals were then killed just after measurement of plasma renin activity and of arterial pressure. Vessels were fixed and five cross sections were analysed per rabbit (three aortic; two from iliac artery). Mean values of neointimal area and of the neointimal area/medial area ratio were calculated. RESULTS: Aldosterone treatment was associated with a decrease in renin activity and a non-significant increase in mean arterial pressure. Aldosterone significantly augmented the neointimal thickening in the iliac artery [0.42(SEM 0.07) v 0.24(0.03) mm2, P < 0.05] but not in the aorta [0.63(0.08) v 0.59(0.12) mm2, NS]. Spironolactone significantly inhibited intimal thickening, both in the iliac artery [0.09(0.02) v 0.29(0.01) mm2, P < 0.001] and in the aorta [0.31(0.03) v 0.59(0.06) mm2, P < 0.001]. Spironolactone administration was associated with an increase in renin activity and a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Aldosterone administration enhances neointimal thickening after injury and spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, is a potent inhibitor of neointimal thickening in the same model. This suggests a role for aldosterone in the pathophysiology of neointimal proliferation after balloon injury and for aldosterone antagonists in its prevention.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition prevents proto-oncogene expression in the vascular wall after injury.

OBJECTIVES: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce neointimal hyperplasia after balloon denudation, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. It has been demonstrated that nuclear oncogenes are induced in the vascular wall in the hours immediately after injury, and that the same genes are induced by angiotensin II in vascular smooth muscle cells. It has therefore been suggested that the effects of ACE inhibitors on the response of the vessel wall could be mediated by an inhibition of proto-oncogene expression. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned for histologic analysis to receive placebo (n = 9) or 1 mg/kg per day perindopril (n = 7). After treatment for 7 days balloon aortic injury was performed. The treatment was continued and the rabbits were killed 28 days after injury. In the perindopril group the neointimal cross-sectional area was significantly smaller than in the control group. Six untreated rabbits were used to assess the time course of proto-oncogene expression in the aortic wall after injury in the present model. After extraction, total aortic RNA was hybridized with myc, fos and jun probes. Based on the results, the effects of ACE inhibition on proto-oncogene expression were tested 1 h after balloon denudation. Accordingly, 24 rabbits were randomly assigned to pretreatment for 7 days with placebo or with 1 or 10 mg/kg per day perindopril (n = 8, for each group) and were killed 1 h after injury. Expression of c-myc was not altered by pretreatment. However, 1 mg/kg per day perindopril induced significant reductions of 50% in c-jun and 45% in c-fos expression compared with control. No additional effect was obtained with the higher dose. CONCLUSION: The effect of ACE inhibition on intimal hyperplasia is associated with a reduction in early cellular events such as c-fos and c-jun expression. These results suggest that potent ACE inhibition at the time of vascular injury may be required to limit the hyperplastic response of the vessel wall.

Prognostic value of changes in R-wave amplitude during exercise testing after a first acute myocardial infarction.

To investigate the prognostic value of exercise-induced changes in R-wave amplitude and their relation to other exercise and angiographic variables, 303 consecutive patients who underwent maximal exercise testing and coronary angiography within 2 months of a first acute myocardial infarction were studied. R-wave amplitude at peak exercise increased or was unchanged in 159 patients (57.4%) and decreased in 118 (42.6%). Increased R-wave amplitude was significantly related to underlying 3-vessel disease (p = 0.0001), the extent of ST-segment depression on exercise (p = 0.0001), and the time to 1 mm ST depression (p less than 0.05). Follow-up information was available in 285 patients (86.4%) at a mean of 4 +/- 1.8 years. Death from cardiac causes occurred in 25 patients (9%); 18 (6.5%) developed recurrent myocardial infarction, and 32 (11.6%) developed angina. Variables with a predictive value for cardiac death were maximal exercise heart rate (p = 0.0005), occurrence of exercise-related supraventricular arrythmia (p = 0.02), and number of diseased vessels (p = 0.02). R-wave changes had no predictive value. No variable had a predictive value for recurrent infarction. Maximal exercise heart rate (p = 0.02) and increased R-wave amplitude (p = 0.0001) were significantly related to the occurrence of angina at follow up. Exercise-related R-wave increases were associated with the presence of angina at follow-up, but had no predictive value for cardiac death or recurrent infarction; their association with subsequent angina appears to reflect an association with more severe underlying coronary disease.

Effects of stenting of recent or chronic coronary occlusions on late vessel patency and left ventricular function.

Due to high rates of late vessel reocclusion, balloon angioplasty of recent or chronic coronary occlusions is not associated with a sustained improvement in left ventricular function. Recent studies have suggested that stent implantation at coronary occlusions significantly reduces late vessel occlusion. We thus designed a study to analyze the effect of stent implantation at coronary occlusions on late vessel potency and left ventricular function. Twenty-four consecutive patients with recent or chronic coronary occlusions had successful stent implantation and were enrolled in a 6-month angiographic follow-up program. Contrast left ventricular cineangiography, at baseline and 6-month follow-up, as well as preprocedural, postprocedural, and follow-up angiograms analyzed with quantitative angiography were available in 22 of the patients (92%). At follow-up, no vessel reocclusion was observed and 32% of the patients, as analyzed by the >50% diameter stenosis criterion, had restenosis. There was a significant improvement in global left ventricular function with a decrease in both left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI, p <0.01) and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI, p <0.0001) and an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, p <0.0001). Similarly, regional wall motion in the territory of the recanalized artery was also significantly improved (p <0.05). These effects were associated with a reduction in left ventricular filling pressure (p <0.0001). Stent implantation following balloon angioplasty of recent or chronic coronary occlusion is associated with a low rate of late vessel reocclusion, a reduction in cardiac volume, and an increase in ejection fraction. Such effects on left ventricular volumes could have a significant impact on patient survival.

Dual determination of angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin-II type 1 receptor genotypes as predictors of restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

This study sought to assess the potential influence of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor gene polymorphisms on restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty. The authors conclude that screening for genetic suspectibility to restenosis based on genotyping of ACE and AT1 receptor polymorphisms before conventional balloon angioplasty is not clinically useful.

Effects of coronary angioplasty on monocyte tissue factor response in patients with stable or unstable angina.

Balloon coronary angioplasty is a revascularization procedure which increases the luminal diameter at a site of arterial stenosis, leading to mechanical disruption of the atherosclerotic plaque and to stretching of the vascular wall (1). This procedure can be complicated by thrombosis or restenosis, which occur in 5% and 30% of the cases respectively (2). These complications probably result from exposure of blood to components of atherosclerotic plaque, subendothelium and components of vascular wall, leading to activation of coagulation (thrombin generation) and platelets (3,4). Recent data point to simultaneous increase of leukocyte adhesive receptors, indicating an additional process of leukocyte activation, which could play a key role in the vascular healing process after angioplasty (5). These elements could also play a role in the thrombotic and stenotic complications.

Relative prognostic value of clinical, exercise, and angiographic data after a first myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Studies examining the relative value of clinical, exercise test, and angiographic data in the prediction of further clinical events after a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have produced conflicting results. METHODS: We examined the relative value of clinical, exercise test, and angiographic data as predictors of death, recurrent infarction, and the subsequent development of angina or dyspnea in 303 consecutive patients who underwent exercise testing and coronary angiography within 2 months of an uncomplicated first acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and who were followed for 48 (+/- 22) months. RESULTS: A combination of two clinical and two exercise variables correctly identified 79% of subsequent deaths. No variables had a predictive value for re-infarction. A combination of two exercise variables correctly identified 75% of patients who developed angina during follow up. A combination of two clinical variables and one exercise variable correctly identified 76% of patients who developed dyspnea during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise testing provided useful prognostic information independent of clinical data. Combining clinical and exercise data identified a group of patients at low risk of future events. In this low-risk group of patients, the addition of angiographic data did not provide additional prognostic information.

Two-pronged antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticlopidine without systemic anticoagulation: an alternative therapeutic strategy after bailout stent implantation.

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary stent implantation for failed angioplasty is associated with a relatively high incidence of coronary and peripheral complications. On the basis of previous clinical and experimental data, we investigated a protocol of intensive antiplatelet therapy, with aspirin (200 mg) and ticlopidine (500 mg), without oral anticoagulation, and with only periprocedural heparin, after stent implantation. METHODS: Between November 1993 and May 1994, 650 patients underwent balloon angioplasty in our institution. Stent implantation was attempted in 45 patients because of acute (58%) or threatened acute (22%) closure, or because the result of the primary angioplasty was inadequate (9%). RESULTS: Stents were successfully implanted in 42 (93%) patients. Two patients were not enrolled in the protocol (referring physician preference in one, metallic heart valve prosthesis in the other). In the remaining 40 patients, two sustained Q-wave infarctions and three sustained non Q-wave infarctions, which were already established at the time of stent implantation. No further clinical events occurred during hospitalization. During follow-up (mean 3.2 months) none of the patients died and none developed unstable angina or myocardial infarction. Ticlopidine-related rash occurred in two patients who were consequently put on warfarin therapy instead. CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet therapy with ticlopidine and aspirin, without systemic anticoagulation, appears to be a promising alternative to the classical approach with heparin and warfarin therapy, which requires intensive biological monitoring. This approach considerably simplifies patient management, and it could reduce the need for prolonged hospitalization.

Visualization of elusive structures using intracardiac echocardiography: insights from electrophysiology.

Electrophysiological mapping and ablation techniques are increasingly used to diagnose and treat many types of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias. These procedures require an intimate knowledge of intracardiac anatomy and their use has led to a renewed interest in visualization of specific structures. This has required collaborative efforts from imaging as well as electrophysiology experts. Classical imaging techniques may be unable to visualize structures involved in arrhythmia mechanisms and therapy. Novel methods, such as intracardiac echocardiography and three-dimensional echocardiography, have been refined and these technological improvements have opened new perspectives for more effective and accurate imaging during electrophysiology procedures. Concurrently, visualization of these structures noticeably improved our ability to identify intracardiac structures. The aim of this review is to provide electrophysiologists with an overview of recent insights into the structure of the heart obtained with intracardiac echocardiography and to indicate to the echo-specialist which structures are potentially important for the electrophysiologist.

[Should moderate coronary stenosis be dilated in patients with multi-vessel disease?]. / Doit-on dilater les sténoses coronaires modérées chez le multitronculaire?

This study evaluated the frequency of coronary angioplasty of non-significant (< 50%) stenoses during procedures of multiple revascularisation, and also determined the angiographic outcome of these dilatations at 6 months. All coronary lesions were assessed by quantitative angiography before and after angioplasty and at the 6 month control examination. In a population of 696 patients undergoing angioplasty of at least two coronary segments, 29 had a stenosis of < 50%. Angiographic control at 6 months was obtained in 26 of these patients (90%), corresponding to 61 coronary stenoses 29 of which were not significant (< 50%) (Group 1), and 32 of which were significant (Group 2) before angioplasty. By definition, before angioplasty, the lesions in Group 1 were less severe than in Group 2 (41.8 +/- 6.6% versus 65.9 +/- 9.6% respectively, p < 0.0001). After angioplasty, the degree of stenosis was comparable in the two groups (30.7 +/- 9.4% and 33 +/- 10.4%). At the 6 month control angiography, the percentage stenosis of the lesions in Group 2 (39.7 +/- 16%) remained significantly lower than before angioplasty (p < 0.0001). Six of these lesions (19%) developed restenosis. In Group 1, the percentage stenosis at control (39.5 +/- 18%) was comparable to that before angioplasty. Moreover, 5 lesions in Group 1 (17%) which were initially non-significant had > 50% stenosis at the 6 month control. These results show that dilatation of non-significant coronary stenosis during multiple revascularisation procedures is not common and should be avoided. Not only is there no benefit at 6 month control angiography but also the procedure may accelerate the evolution of the atherosclerosis.

[Predictive factors of primary success after coronary angioplasty. Qualitative and quantitative angiography of 3679 coronary stenosis before and after dilatation]. / Facteurs prédictifs du succès primaire après angioplastie coronaire. Analyse angiographique qualitative et quantitative de 3,679 sténoses coronaires avant et après dilatation.

This study summarises the authors' experience of the prediction of primary success of coronary balloon angioplasty. A qualitative and quantitative angiographic study of 3679 coronary stenoses was undertaken before and after dilatation. Total occlusions before angioplasty and dilatations of saphenous vein bypass grafts were excluded. Two parameters were noteworthy: the occurrence of acute occlusion of the lesion during or immediately after angioplasty and the degree of residual stenosis as assessed by quantitative angiography. After multivariate analysis, 3 factors seemed strongly predictive of the risk of acute occlusion: the percentage stenosis before angioplasty, a left coronary artery stenosis and stenosis situated at the point of angulation of an artery. Quantitative angiographic studies identified 4 factors predictive of significant residual stenosis: the percentage stenosis before angioplasty, the irregularity of the contours of the lesion stenosis situated at the point of angulation of an artery and the presence of calcification. This study therefore shows at least two important discordances with the ACC/AHA morphological classification of coronary stenosis: firstly, excentricity would not seem to be a risk factor for primary failure of angioplasty and, secondly, excluding total occlusions, the percentage coronary stenosis before angioplasty as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography would seem to be the main predictive factor of both the risk of occlusion and the degree of residual stenosis.

[Recanalization of complete coronary occlusions followed by STENT implantation. An angiographic study after 6 months]. / Recanalisation des occlusions coronaires complètes suivie de l'implantation d'une endoprothèse. Etude angiographique à 6 mois.

The restenosis and reocclusion rate after coronary recanalization by conventional angioplasty are high. The role of stent implantation in this context is unknown. The authors assessed a group of 49 patients who underwent implantation of one or more stent after a recanalization procedure by angiography at 6 months. The restenosis rate assessed by quantitative angiography was 24%; no cases of reocclusion were observed. These angiographic results were accompanied with a significant improvement of the anginal symptoms (p < 0.01). These results suggest that stent implantation following recanalization of a coronary occlusion may be beneficial on the restenosis and reocclusion rates and anginal symptoms. However, they should be confirmed by randomised study. It would also be important to analyse the impact of this procedure on the outcome of left ventricular function.