Variations in the eicosapentaenoic acid-arachidonic acid ratio associated with age in acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a life-threatening disease, and its incidence has been increasing even in the young population. Although a low eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-arachidonic acid (AA) ratio is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, the effect of age on EPA/AA ratios in AMI patients remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the independent polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-related determinants of age in younger and older AMI patients. A total of 153 consecutive patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for de novo AMIs were enrolled in this study. Patients' background data, including PUFA and lipid profiles during PCI, were evaluated retrospectively. The EPA/AA ratio correlated positively with age (r = 0.21; P = 0.011) and increased markedly from age 60 years. Patients aged < 60 years (n = 35) had a lower mean EPA/AA ratio (0.25 ± 0.16) than patients aged ≥ 60 years (n = 118) (0.38 ± 0.25) (P < 0.001). The AA level was more dependent on age than on EPA level (r = - 0.34, P < 0.001 vs. r = 0.12, P = 0.16). The multivariate analysis revealed that a 0.1 EPA/AA ratio increase (odds ratio 1.50; 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.06), body mass index, triglyceride level, and aspirin administration were independently associated with the age stratification of AMI patients. The EPA/AA ratio was higher in younger AMI patients who have undergone primary PCIs than in older patients. Younger population at risk for AMI should be managed with multiple interventions including PUFA profiling.

A novel lesion crossing technique: Balloon deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel endovascular technique for crossing arterial lesions: The BAlloon Deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique. BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) for peripheral artery disease has been widely adopted, and developments in device technology and techniques have resulted in acceptable success rates. However, it may be difficult to deliver devices even after wire externalization, especially in the presence of an extremely long chronic total occlusion or severely calcified lesion. The BADFORM technique might be useful in these cases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ten consecutive EVT cases using the BADFORM technique performed at our institution between April 2015 and September 2016. In all cases, wire externalization was established with the rendezvous technique. The BADFORM technique was performed when antegrade passage of any device was impossible after wire externalization. Physicians positioned a low-profile balloon or microcatheter just proximal to the calcified lesion and attached the device to the externalized wire using a torque device at the proximal catheter exit port. The externalized wire was then pulled retrogradely. RESULTS: All patients were receiving hemodialysis and had critical limb ischemia. All lesions were severely calcified, and 90% were chronic total occlusions. The technical success and procedure success rates were 90% and 70%, respectively. Delivered devices included five balloon catheters and four microcatheters. One procedure-related vessel injury occurred at the distal puncture site (digital artery), however, this was controlled by external manual compression. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of the BADFORM technique might be acceptable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the association between sleep apnea and polyunsaturated fatty acids profiles in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

The long-term outcome is poor in patients with sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is also known as an independent predictor for adverse clinical events. However, the profile of PUFA in sleep apnea patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unclear. This study aimed to clarify the association between sleep apnea and PUFA profiles in patients with CAD. Two hundred seventy-four consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were screened for sleep apnea using nocturnal oximetry. Oxygen desaturation index down to 4% (4%ODI) ≥5 was used as an indicator of sleep apnea. Baseline characteristics, including PUFA profiles, were compared between patients with and without sleep apnea. Among 243 enrolled patients, 134 (55%) had sleep apnea. The sleep apnea group included a significantly higher rate of patients with obesity, insulin-requiring diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and a higher C-reactive protein level than the non-sleep apnea group. The sleep apnea group had a significantly lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (AA) ratio than the non-sleep apnea group (0.33 vs. 0.44, respectively, p = 0.024). Additionally, EPA value and EPA/AA ratio were significantly correlated with 4%ODI (r = -0.15, p = 0.028; r = -0.16, p = 0.019, respectively). Results of logistic regression analysis indicated that the comorbidities of obesity, PAD, heart failure and EPA/AA ratio had a significant association with sleep apnea. Our results suggested that patients with sleep apnea who underwent PCI had a lower EPA/AA ratio than those without sleep apnea, and EPA value and EPA/AA ratio were significantly correlated with 4%ODI.

Emergent option in complicated acute type B aortic dissection.

Man in his 30s was diagnosed with type B acute aortic dissection with malperfusion syndrome. Emergent endovascular therapy assisted by intravascular ultrasound was performed due to the unavailability of the neighbourhood cardiovascular surgeons and stored stent grafts. Stenting at the dissected superior mesenteric artery resolved the malperfusion syndrome. Acute aortic dissection complicated by malperfusion syndrome warrants rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Endovascular therapy could be the most promptly accessible and effective strategy in certain situations. Intravascular ultrasound is also crucial for proper wiring and stenting.

The Efficacy of the Transdermal Isosorbide Dinitrate Patch in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Recently, the number of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), including those with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), has increased because of the increasing number of diabetic or dialysis patients worldwide. Revascularization is an important therapy for patients with CLTI. However, we sometimes experience refractory cases with insufficient peripheral circulation or microcirculation after revascularization. In this situation, additional therapy can be administered, such as low-density lipoprotein apheresis, high-pressure oxygen therapy, and spinal cord stimulation. However, they are not effective in some cases. Some reports have also indicated that transdermal isosorbide dinitrate patch (ISDN-P) is a useful therapy for PAD. As the efficacy of ISDN-P for patients with CLTI is not well-known, we examined it in this study. We assessed the skin perfusion pressure (SPP) after affixing an ISDN-P on the foot, because SPP measurement has proved useful in the assessment of PAD and is a good indicator of wound healing potential. The SPP (dorsal and plantar aspects) after ISDN-P application on the foot of healthy volunteers increased (n = 8; mean ± SD, 12.6 ± 7.9 [P = .12], and 21.2 ± 7.7 mm Hg [P < .05], respectively), as did SPP of patients with CLTI (n = 10; mean ± SD, 19.8 ± 2.5 [P < .01], and 14.1 ± 5.9 mm Hg [P < .05], respectively). All the patients who received an ISDN-P on the foot had no major complication, and no significant change in blood pressure. In conclusion, the ISDN-P is one of the effective and safe therapies for patients with CLTI.

Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Provoked by Sleeping Posture.

A 96-year-old female with severe dementia complained of subacute onset of right arm swelling after sleep using her right arm as a pillow. Computed tomography and ultrasonography could not detect any significant findings. Nevertheless, her unilateral edema was similar to that of a venous disorder; therefore, we performed angiography of the brachial vein with the right arm in a normal position and in an abduction position; significant stenosis was seen in the latter position. We diagnosed her with venous thoracic outlet syndrome. This case was unique from the typical cases of venous thoracic outlet syndrome because of the subacute onset of symptoms, high age at onset, and discrepancies between ultrasonography and angiography findings. Dementia is the key factor explaining these features. The diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome is generally difficult. Although provocative physical examination maneuvers and ultrasonography are essential, dynamic testing with provocative maneuvers allows physicians to detect venous compression, even if it is difficult to capture with static imaging tests. Once the diagnosis and its etiology were confirmed, corresponding intervention, including physical therapy, is warranted.

Long-term efficient management of diabetic foot ulcer using simultaneous foot ulcer closure and surgical off-loading.

Foot deformity is one of the causes of foot ulcers. Foot ulcers often recur due to foot deformity. Foot ulcer healing alone does not reduce the risk factor of foot ulcer recurrence. The majority of foot ulcer patients, most of whom are elderly, have foot deformities. This limits the chances of undergoing surgical off-loading following surgery. We present a case of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in which surgical off-loading was performed simultaneously with foot ulcer closure that did not recur for a period of 2 years following surgery. A 70-year-old diabetic male with a DFU presented to our hospital. He underwent surgical debridement followed by reconstruction surgery (stump plasty) simultaneous with surgical off-loading (metatarsal head resection). The immediate postoperative period during which he used the off-loading device was uneventful. Following this, he used orthosis. After 2 years, the foot ulcer had not recurred, and he was able to independently perform his daily activities. Simultaneous surgery (reconstructive surgery and surgical off-loading) is less likely to limit daily activities and can reduce the ulcer recurrence rate.

Giant Hepatic Cyst: A Possible Cause of Inferior Vena Cava Syndrome.

An 80-year-old man was transferred to our institution with lower limb edema and worsening dyspnea following the administration of diuretic medication. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed a giant hepatic cyst (176×190 mm) compressing his right atrium and inferior vena cava (IVC). Laparoscopic cyst deroofing combined with omental packing and subsequent tube drainage immediately alleviated all his symptoms. The procedure was uneventful, and he was discharged without any complications on postoperative day 9; he had no recurrent symptoms or hepatic cysts at the postoperative 2-month follow-up. Therefore, a giant hepatic cyst can cause IVC syndrome, and laparoscopic deroofing is a beneficial approach for the treatment of accessible cysts.

Pseudo-aneurysm caused by stent fracture in the "sub-acute" phase after endovascular therapy for in-stent restenosis lesions.

Despite the reported favorable patency of stents in the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions, concern regarding stent fracture is increasing. Development of pseudo-aneurysm by stent fracture is rare and has been reported to occur in the chronic phase owing to mechanical fatigue. Here, we present the first report of a pseudo-aneurysm caused by stent fracture in the "sub-acute" phase after endovascular therapy for in-stent restenosis lesion. A 79-year-old man underwent endovascular therapy for an in-stent restenosis lesion of the right superficial femoral artery. Echography 48 days after the treatment showed a saccular pseudo-aneurysm at the proximal stent site, suggestive of stent fracture. Angiography confirmed the pseudo-aneurysm caused by stent fracture. A self-expandable endoluminal stent graft was deployed, which showed complete resolution of the pseudo-aneurysm. A pseudo-aneurysm caused by stent fracture can occur in the "sub-acute" phase after endovascular therapy for in-stent restenosis lesions. .

Simple percutaneous coronary interventions using the modification of complex coronary lesion with excimer laser.

Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA), a unique percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) device, comprises a monorail-type system and is compatible with any standard 0.014-inch guidewire. ELCA is the only device that vaporizes the atherosclerotic plaques or modifies underlying plaque located underneath to a hard tissue, such as severe calcification or a stent. Therefore, ELCA differs from other coronary atherectomy devices and is useful for patients with acute coronary syndrome, chronic total occlusion or under-expanded stents. This case series reports on patients treated using ELCA to simplify complex PCI procedures. Furthermore, we review and discuss ELCA in several situations.

Combined Use of Excimer Laser and High-Speed Rotational Atherectomy to Overcome a Severely Calcified Lesion in Endovascular Therapy.

Although endovascular therapy (EVT) is commonly used in treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), severely calcified lesions pose a challenge, in spite of the technical advancement. In this report, we discuss the case of a 74-year-old male with coronary artery disease and end-stage renal disease who presented at our institution with bilateral intermittent claudication. Angiography showed chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right superficial femoral arteries (SFA). Because the bilateral external iliac arteries demonstrated moderate stenosis, we performed endovascular therapy on the right SFA-CTO using a contralateral approach. With the antegrade wire progressing into the subintimal space, direct distal-SFA puncture was performed and wire externalization was established. However, no devices (minimal balloon, microcatheter, or Crosser system) were able to pass the lesion in antegrade or retrograde manner, even though the child catheter support or needle cracking technique from outside/inside was applied. Therefore, we used a combination of an excimer laser and high-speed rotational atherectomy to overcome the severely calcified lesion. First, the excimer laser catheter (Turbo Elite 0.9 mm) ablated the entry to the CTO; however, it did not pass through completely. Thereafter, the thin microcatheter (Caravel) succeeded in crossing the CTO in an antegrade manner using the BAlloon Deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique. After wire-exchange to the Rota-wire, rotational atherectomy (RotaLink Plus 1.5 mm) passed through the CTO. Subsequently, we could dilate the CTO lesion with a conventional balloon followed by bare metal stent deployment. The right ankle-brachial index of the patient improved from being unmeasurable to 0.79, and the intermittent claudication disappeared. This combination therapy, described as the "RASER" technique in coronary section, is accepted for reimbursement. However, these devices in EVT section are considered off-label use in Japan. Therefore, we have to refrain from frequent use of this strategy; however, this method provides an option for severely calcified lesions.

The Wire Rendezvous and Chasing Wire Technique in the Bidirectional Approach for the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion with a Single Guiding Catheter.

A bidirectional approach for percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion (CTO-PCI) using ipsilateral collaterals with a single guiding catheter limits procedural choices. The CTO of the left circumflex artery with ipsilateral collateral artery was treated by the bidirectional approach using a single guiding catheter. While the retrograde wire directly crossed the CTO lesion, the microcatheter could not pass the CTO lesion despite the conventional strategies. Therefore, we performed the wire rendezvous and chasing wire techniques. The wire rendezvous technique enables deeper retrograde guidewire progression, and the antegrade microcatheter can reach the CTO entry. The chasing wire technique enables the antegrade guidewire to pass the route made by the retrograde guidewire. These techniques might offer a possible solution for bidirectional CTO-PCI using a single guiding catheter. However, this technique should be considered as a last resort because of the risk of rapid reocclusion.

The use of a cutting balloon in contemporary reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking (reverse CART) technique.

The key concept of reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking (CART) technique is retrograde puncture with a tapered wire to an antegrade balloon (contemporary reverse CART) or new connections between the antegrade and retrograde subintimal space (classical reverse CART). In our case, a 75-year-old man with severe chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery, reverse CART with conventional balloons could not be accomplished. Externalization wiring was completed by contemporary reverse CART using a cutting balloon as an antegrade balloon to improve the fenestration force of the retrograde guidewire. Thus, the use of a cutting balloon for contemporary reverse CART might be promising.

External and internal compressions to retrieve a kinked catheter in the right brachial artery.

Kinking of the catheter due to excessive rotation is not a rare complication. However, percutaneous retrieval of a kinked catheter can be difficult. The key to bailout is fixation of the catheter tip. Herein, we present a 78-year-old woman who had this complication during transradial angiography. Retrieval using several previously reported techniques was unsuccessful. We finally retrieved the kinked catheter by fixing the tip of the catheter, using external and internal compressions. The former comprises manual compression on the axillary artery, while the latter comprises deployment of a balloon catheter via another puncture site.

Utility of a 0.035″ compatible rapid-exchange balloon (Metacross RX™) as a perfusion balloon in endovascular therapy compared with conventional percutaneous coronary intervention: A mini-review.

Since endovascular treatment for peripheral artery disease has been rapidly and widely adopted as the preferred strategy, interventionists sometimes experience complications such as vessel perforation and severe dissections. We have a long-time inflation strategy for perfusion balloon catheters, which could be a solution for vessel complications in coronary sections, but not in peripheral sections. We invented a simple device for application as a perfusion balloon in peripheral sections, using a 0.035″ wire compatible rapid-exchange balloon Metacross RX™ (TERUMO, Tokyo, Japan) and reviewed this strategy using three cases as examples and compared them with the coronary perfusion balloon. TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY: Metacross RX (TERUMO, Tokyo, Japan) is being used as a rapid exchange balloon and can be potentially used as a perfusion balloon. We report a series of cases in which patients were treated using the Metacross RX at a single-center for endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease. We review and discuss the use of this device in comparison with the conventional coronary perfusion balloon catheter.

Successful Catheter Ablation as a Substitute for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patient with an Accessory Pathway-induced Cardiomyopathy.

A 50-year-old man presented with exertional dyspnea and orthopnea. An electrocardiogram showed a delta wave and a wide QRS complex, similar to left bundle branch block. Cardiac echocardiography revealed diffuse severe hypokinesis and dyssynchrony. The patient was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. We considered that the patient's condition was caused by an accessory pathway-induced cardiomyopathy after heart failure compensation with guideline-oriented medical therapy. We therefore performed catheter ablation for right-sided pre-excitation syndrome as cardiac resynchronization therapy. The left ventricular dyssynchrony was resolved immediately after the procedure, and the patient's ventricular contraction improved, with a reduced cardiac volume at 6 months after the procedure-thus suggesting that the accessory pathway had affected the patient's cardiac function.

Efficacy of extracorporeal ultrafiltration in patients with diuretic-resistant heart failure.

Renal congestion contributes to the cardiorenal syndrome. There are some heart failure cases that are refractory to diuretic therapy. If the dose of diuretics is titrated, it leads to irreversible renal dysfunction. Early administration of tolvaptan is effective in treating fluid retention and congestion. However, in case of tolvaptan resistance, starting extracorporeal ultrafiltration (ECUM) at an early stage should be considered. Tolvaptan has been proven efficient, and we believe it should be incorporated with the classical method, ECUM. Herein, we present a case of successful application of ECUM to a heart failure patient refractory to any diuretics and tolvaptan.

The Differentiation of Giant Right Atrial Myxoma from Metastatic Cancer with the Use of Multiple Imaging Modalities.

Whether a cardiac tumor is primary or metastatic strongly influences the therapeutic strategy. We herein present a case of a cardiac tumor that occupied most of the right atrium which required immediate treatment in a patient with breast cancer. Multiple imaging modalities, especially computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, provided a precise preoperative diagnosis. We performed cardiac surgery prior to breast cancer surgery because the cardiac tumor was thought to be a myxoma rather than a metastatic cancer.