Proximal optimization technique and percutaneous coronary intervention for left main disease: POTENTIAL-LM.

BACKGROUND: Optimal stent deployment in left main (LM) bifurcation is paramount, and incomplete stent apposition may cause major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Bench studies show that the proximal optimization technique (POT) provides the best stent apposition. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the impact of POT on clinical outcomes in patients treated for unprotected LM (ULM) disease at our institution. METHODS: We identified 162 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ULM coronary disease in the Cardio-FR database. Out of these, 99 (61%) had undergone POT, while 63 patients were treated without POT. The primary outcome was the bifurcation-oriented composite endpoint (BOCE) of cardiac death, target-bifurcation myocardial infarction and target-bifurcation revascularization at maximal follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age was 76 years, and 69% presented with acute coronary syndrome. Mean follow-up was 2.25 years (822 days). The BOCE occurred in 43 (27%) of which 20 (20%) in the POT group and 23 (37%) in the no-POT group (p = 0.009). Cardiac death occurred in 15 (15%) patients in the POT- and 17 (27%) in no-POT group (p = 0.26). Target bifurcation revascularization occurred in 4 (4%) patients in the POT- and 6 (10%) patients in the no-POT group (p = 0.19). POT In the multivariate analysis, POT was the strongest parameter and was associated with BOCE, cardiac death, occurrence of any revascularization and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: The POT improves clinical outcomes. These findings strongly support the systematic use of POT in patients undergoing ULM-PCI.

Valve-in-Valve-in-Valve.

In the case of the degeneration of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard. However, these valves are also susceptible to deterioration. In such instances, a new TAVI implantation may be considered. We present the case of a patient with a SAVR who underwent two TAVI procedures, spaced 8 years apart. We discuss important practical aspects, including the risk of coronary obstruction and the final valve diameter.

Predictive Value of HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES Bleeding Risk Scores After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Various scoring systems have been developed to assess the risk of bleeding in medical settings. HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES risk scores are commonly used to estimate bleeding risk in patients receiving anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, but data on their predictive value in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are limited. METHODS: This study evaluated and compared the predictive abilities of the HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES bleeding risk scores in all-comer patients undergoing PCI. The PARIS score, specifically designed for patients undergoing PCI, was used as a comparator. The scores were calculated at baseline and compared with the occurrence of events during a 2-year clinical follow-up period. Between 2015 and 2017, all consecutive patients undergoing PCI we re prospectively enrolled and divided into risk tertiles based on bleeding risk scores. The primary end points were hierarchical major bleeding events, defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 through 5, and patient-oriented composite end points according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification, which were assessed during the 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 1,080 patients completed the follow-up period. Two years after index, 189 patients (17.5%) had experienced any bleeding, with 48 events (4.4%) classified as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 to 5. All bleeding risk scores showed statistically significant predictive ability for bleeding events. The HEMORR2HAGES score (C statistic, 0.73) was more effective than the HAS-BLED score (C statistic, 0.66; P = .07) and the PARIS score (C statistic, 0.66; P = .06) in predicting risk of major bleeding. Patients in high-risk bleeding groups also experienced a higher incidence of patient-oriented composite end points. CONCLUSIONS: The HEMORR2HAGES, HAS-BLED, and PARIS risk scores exhibited good predictive abilities for bleeding events following PCI. Patients at high risk of bleeding also demonstrated increased ischemic risk and higher mortality during the 2-year follow-up period.

Case Report: Double chimney in valve-in-valve procedures for high-risk coronary obstruction.

The chimney technique has been utilized to minimize the risk of coronary artery obstruction during valve-in-valve procedures. Here, we present a case involving an 89-year-old female patient with low coronary ostia, severe aortic regurgitation, and intractable heart decompensation caused by degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. The patient underwent a successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure using the chimney technique in both coronary ostia.

Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes According to the Academic Research Consortium High Bleeding Risk Criteria in All Comers Treated by Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

Background: The Academic Research Consortium have identified a set of major and minor risk factors in order to standardize the definition of a High Bleeding Risk (ACR-HBR). Aims: The aim of this study is to stratify the bleeding risk in patients included in the Cardio-Fribourg registry, according to the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ACR-HBR) definition, and to report ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 2-year of clinical follow-up. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively included in the Cardio-Fribourg registry. Patients were considered high (HBR) or low (LBR) bleeding risk depending on the ARC-HBR definition. Primary endpoints were hierarchical major bleeding events as defined by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) grade 3-5, and ARC patient-oriented major adverse cardiac events (POCE) at 2-year follow-up. Results: Follow-up was complete in 1,080 patients. There were 354 patients in the HBR group (32.7%) and 726 patients in the low-bleeding risk (LBR) group (67.2%). At 2-year follow-up, cumulative BARC 3-5 bleedings were higher in HBR (10.5%) compared to LBR patients (1.5%, p < 0.01) and the impact of HBR risk factors was incremental. At 2-year follow-up, POCE were more frequent in HBR (27.4%) compared to LBR group (18.2%, <0.01). Overall mortality was higher in HBR (14.0%) vs. LBR (2.9%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: ARC-HBR criteria appropriately identified a population at a higher risk of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention. An increased risk of bleeding is also associated with an increased risk of ischemic events at 2-year follow-up.