Current Use and Trends in Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Percutaneous Intervention.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the clinical evidence on the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revascularization options in left main (LM) disease in comparison with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Coronary artery disease (CAD) involving the LM is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Though CABG remains the gold standard for complex CAD involving the LM artery, recent trials have shown a trend towards non-inferiority of the LM PCI when compared with CABG in certain subset of patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Two recent major randomized trials compared the outcomes of PCI versus CABG in the LM and multi-vessel disease with LM involvement. The NOBLE trial included patients with all range of Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) scores and utilized biolimus drug-eluting stent (DES). The trial concluded that MACCE (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event) was significantly higher with PCI (28%) when compared with CABG (18%) but overall stroke and motility were not different. EXCEL trial evaluated the same treatment option in low to intermediate SYNTAX score population with third-generation everolimus DES platform as PCI option. Results showed no significant differences in the composite primary endpoints of death, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) at the end of 30 days (22% versus 19.2%, p = 0.13), although repeat revascularization was higher in PCI group (16.9% versus 10%). Recent evidence suggests that PCI is an acceptable alternative to treat symptomatic LM stenosis in select group of patients. In low to medium SYNTAX score, particularly in patients without diabetes mellitus, PCI remains a viable option. Future trials focusing on evaluating subset of patients who would benefit from one particular revascularization option in comparison with other is warranted.

The Clinical Significance of Physiological Assessment of Residual Ischemia After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) have emerged as the invasive diagnostic tools of choice for hemodynamic assessment of the severity of CAD (coronary artery disease). We sought to comprehensively review the evidence on the utility of hemodynamic assessment of the coronary stenoses after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using FFR/iFR, mechanisms of positive post-PCI iFR/FFR, and the clinical impact of significant residual ischemia. RECENT FINDINGS: The evidence on the utility of the post-PCI hemodynamic assessment has accumulated over the last few years. The post hoc analysis from the FAME 1 and FAME 2 data shows that higher post-PCI FFR is associated with better symptomatic improvement and lower event rate with larger increase in delta FFR (∆ FFR: post-PCI FFR - pre-PCI FFR). Unlike pre-PCI FFR, a consensus has not been established on the optimal value of post-PCI FFR, though multiple studies point toward better clinical outcomes with higher post-PCI FFR and larger ∆ FFR. Visual assessment of adequate stent apposition by coronary angiography is insufficient in evaluating for residual ischemia. The hemodynamic evaluation of residual ischemia by post-PCI FFR/iFR yields clinically relevant data and allows for appropriate post PCI optimization.

Predictive Factors for Patients Undergoing ASD Device Occlusion Who "Crossover" to Surgery.

The aim of this study was to define characteristics of those patients who are referred for device closure of an Atrial septal defect (ASD), but identified to "crossover" surgery. All patients who underwent surgical and device (Amplatzer or Helex occluder) closures of secundum ASDs from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed and organized into three groups: surgical closure, device closure, and "crossover" group. 369 patients underwent ASD closure (265 device, 104 surgical). 42 of the 265 patients referred for device closure "crossed over" to the surgical group at various stages of the catheterization procedure. The device group had defect size measuring 14.2 mm (mean) and an ASD index (Defect Size (mm)/BSA) of 14.0 compared to the corresponding values in the surgical group (20.1 mm, ASD index 25.9) (P < 0.001) and in the "crossover" group (20.7 mm, 22.6 ASD index) (P < 0.001). 79 patients in the device group had a deficient rim, and 86% were located in the retroaortic region. 33 patients in the "crossover" group had deficient rims with 70% deficiency in the posterior/inferior rim. The device group with deficient rims had an ASD index of 14.7 compared with the crossover group ASD index of 23.8 (P < 0.001). Comparing the device and "crossover" groups, an ASD index greater than 23.7 had a 90% specificity in "crossing over" to surgery. The crossover and surgical groups had statistically larger ASD defect size indexes compared with the device group. Deficient rim in the posterior/inferior rim is associated with a large ASD size index which is a predictive factor for crossing over to surgery. Catheterization did not negatively impact surgical results in the "crossover" group.

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Right Sinus of Valsalva in a Patient Presenting with ST-Segment Elevation in Lead aVR: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous coronary artery origins appear in roughly 1% of coronary angiograms, and up to 15% of syncope and sudden cardiac death events can be attributed to anomalous coronaries. Patients with an anomalous coronary artery arising from the opposite sinus may initially present with syncope and electrocardiographic findings of ischemia. CASE REPORT: We describe a case in which an adolescent male presented with exercise-induced angina and syncope, and his initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed diffuse ST-segment depression with ST-segment elevation in lead aVR. Cardiac catheterization revealed there was no coronary ostium in the left coronary cusp, and the left coronary artery had an anomalous origin from the right cusp. The patient received urgent left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending artery coronary bypass and a saphenous vein graft to the ramus intermedius. After he underwent 6 months of medical therapy with ß-blockade and angiotensin-receptor blockade, his left ventricular systolic function improved to low-normal level (left ventricular ejection fraction, approximately 50%). WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: ST-segment elevation in lead aVR is strongly prognostic for left main or triple-vessel coronary artery disease. However, in patients who present with syncope and few other coronary artery disease risk factors, this ECG finding should be suggestive of an ischemic event caused by an anomalous left coronary artery. Early recognition of this pattern of clinical signs and ECG findings by an emergency physician could be critical for making the correct diagnosis and risk stratifying the patient for early coronary angiography and urgent surgical revascularization.

Surgical device therapy for heart failure in the adult with congenital heart disease.

Individuals with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) are at a great risk for heart failure, and the underlying anatomic features are important predictors of heart failure. As the ACHD population grows older, multiple events, including years of an altered physiology, the neurohormonal cascade, and many still unknown, culminate in ventricular failure. Surgical device therapy is an effective method in supporting patients with heart failure. Ventricular assist devices have been used with success in bridging ACHD patients to heart transplantation or destination therapy.

Successful Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Thrombus Removal and Angioplasty for Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens in a Young Male With a History of Multiple Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare and severe form of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), characterized by an extensive thrombus burden and compromised venous outflow. We present the case of a 28-year-old male with a history of bilateral lower extremity DVTs and multiple venous stents who presented with acute-onset pain and swelling in the left lower extremity. Diagnostic imaging confirmed an acute DVT extending throughout the left lower extremity, including the external iliac vein. Given the diagnosis of phlegmasia cerulea dolens, a multidisciplinary approach involving interventional cardiology, orthopedic surgery, and vascular surgery was adopted. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided thrombus removal and angioplasty were performed to restore venous outflow and improve limb perfusion. The procedure successfully removed a significant amount of thrombus and improved flow throughout the venous system. The patient exhibited an excellent clinical response, with pain resolution and improved perfusion. This case highlights the challenges and effectiveness of a combined intervention in managing complex phlegmasia cerulea dolens cases with previous venous stents.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Literature Review of Current Recommendations on Diagnosis and Management.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by granulomatous infiltration of the myocardium, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Its clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic conduction abnormalities to severe heart failure (HF) and sudden cardiac death. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the diagnosis, clinical features, and current medical management strategies for CS. Additionally, the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and the potential use of positron emission tomography in guiding management decisions are explored. A comprehensive understanding of the medical management of CS is essential for improving patient outcomes and guiding future research endeavors.

Right Ventricle Thrombus in the Setting of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.

Submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) with right heart strain and right ventricle thrombus is a complex and potentially life-threatening condition. Prompt recognition and management are crucial to optimizing patient outcomes. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and non-compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy who presented with progressively worsening shortness of breath (SOB). Imaging studies revealed bilateral submassive PE with right heart strain and a thrombus in the right ventricle. Treatment included anticoagulation therapy and mechanical thrombectomy using the INARI FlowTriever device. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and risk factor assessment, such as using testosterone boosters, considering right ventricle thrombus as a complication of PE, and the role of mechanical thrombectomy in selected cases.

Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography in the Evaluation and Management of Iatrogenic Aortopulmonary Communication After Percutaneous Intervention in Postoperative Patients With Congenital Heart Disease.

Iatrogenic aortopulmonary communications (IAPCs) are an uncommon but important complication after percutaneous intervention in postoperative patients. Iatrogenic aortopulmonary communications typically occur after balloon angioplasty or other interventions of the pulmonary outflow tract in certain anatomic configurations in which there is a denuded tissue plane between the pulmonary artery and aorta. They can present with signs and symptoms ranging from subtle clues which are difficult to recognize to near immediate hemodynamic instability. Once recognized, these lesions can become management dilemmas, and intraprocedural interventions can be complicated by complex anatomy and inadequate visualization by standard imaging techniques. We report cases where intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was integral in the evaluation and management of IAPC as complications of prior transcatheter interventions. We found using ICE safely and effectively identified IAPCs and reduced the technical difficulty of intervention after IAPC discovery.

Advances in the management of atrial fibrillation with a special focus on non-pharmacological approaches to prevent thromboembolism: a review of current recommendations.

Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is the most common heart rhythm abnormality and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While the treatment of AFIB involves strategies of rate with or without rhythm control, it is also essential to strategize appropriate therapies to prevent thromboembolic complications arising from AFIB. Previously, anticoagulation was the main treatment option which exposed patients to higher than usual risk of bleeding. However, with the advent of new technology, novel therapeutic options aimed at surgical or percutaneous exclusion or occlusion of the left atrial appendage in preventing thromboembolic complications from AFIB have evolved. This review evaluates recent advances and therapeutic options in treating AFIB with a special focus on both surgical and percutaneous interventions which can reduce and/or eliminate thromboembolic complications of AFIB.

Congenital coronary artery fistula: Presentation in the neonatal period and transcatheter closure.

BACKGROUND: Congenital coronary artery fistula is a rare coronary anomaly. Most commonly, such fistulae drain into the right side of the heart or the pulmonary artery. Children with coronary artery fistulae are generally asymptomatic, although they may have left ventricular enlargement in the setting of a moderate sized left to right shunt. Symptoms of congestive heart failure or ischemia are very rare in neonatal period, and suggest the presence of a very large shunt and/or coronary steal. METHODS: Single center retrospective review of transcatheter intervention on coronary artery fistulae presenting with symptoms in the neonatal period from January 2000 to March 2018. Patients with associated congenital heart diseases (except atrial septal defect) were excluded. Patient records, catheterization data, angiograms and noninvasive imaging were reviewed. RESULTS: Two patients underwent transcatheter intervention for symptomatic coronary artery fistula in the first few weeks of life. The first patient had multiple right and left coronary artery to right ventricle fistulae and presented with severe biventricular systolic dysfunction. Transcatheter closure of the fistulae was performed using multiple Gianturco coils. The second patient had a large left main coronary artery to left ventricle fistula (with left anterior descending and circumflex coronary artery atresia) presenting with symptoms of ischemia. This large fistula was closed using one Amplatzer Vascular Plug type-II and two Micro-Vascular Plugs. Both patients had improvement in symptoms post intervention and are doing well at the last follow up at 12 years and 7 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We hereby describe the rare presentation of symptomatic coronary artery fistulae in the neonatal period and their successful transcatheter management. This is also the first description of left anterior descending and circumflex coronary artery atresia in the setting of a large left main coronary artery to left ventricle fistula.

Outcomes after Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty for Critical Pulmonary Stenosis and Incidence of Coronary Artery Fistulas.

Outcome data for neonates with critical pulmonary stenosis (PS) is limited. We aimed to review the outcomes after balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) for neonates with critical PS at our institution. All neonates with critical PS who underwent BPV from 1990 to 2017 were included. A total of 44 neonates underwent BPV for critical PS. Nonright ventricular dependent coronary artery fistulas was seen in 6/44 (13.6%) patients. Tricuspid valve z-scores were -1.9 (interquartile range [IQR] -3.04, -0.48) in those with coronary artery fistulas as compared with -0.27 (IQR -0.5, 0.8) in those without (p = 0.03). Fifteen of forty-four subjects (34.1%) patients underwent reintervention with 10 patients (22.7%) requiring an alternate source of pulmonary blood flow (3 patients subsequently underwent right ventricular overhaul, 2 underwent Glenn operations, and 1 underwent repeat BPV). Five patients underwent reintervention for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Pulmonary valve annulus z-score was significantly smaller in those who needed reintervention -2.4 (IQR -2.9 to -0.95) versus -0.59 (IQR -1.3, -0.15); p = 0.02. At a median follow-up of 8.2 (IQR 3.4 to 13.1) years, moderate or severe pulmonary regurgitation was seen in 22/42 (53.7 %) patients with biventricular circulation, 3 requiring pulmonary valve repair/replacement. In conclusion, coronary artery fistulas occur in a significant number of patients with critical pulmonary stenosis, occurring more frequently in patients with small tricuspid valves. Reintervention is required for 1/3 of patients. Patients with small pulmonary valve annuli are more likely to undergo reintervention for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Significant pulmonary regurgitation is common and may require eventual pulmonary valve replacement.

Left ventricular hemodynamic changes and clinical outcomes after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure in adults.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to assess current management algorithms for left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic and diastolic changes following atrial septal device occlusion in adult patients. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous closure is now routine for atrial septal defects (ASDs). Previous studies show ventricular size normalization following percutaneous closure. Case reports have discussed the incidence of early LV dysfunction following ASD device placement with some recommending delay of closure or placement of a fenestrated device in patients with elevated LV pressures. METHOD: All adult patients with an isolated secundum ASD who underwent percutaneous repair were included in this study. In addition to placement of the Amplatzer septal occluder, all patients had a pre and postprocedure transthoracic echocardiography performed measuring myocardial performance index (MPI). Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was measured before and after balloon occlusion. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (17 female and two male) were included in this study. Average age was 47.2 years (± 12.7 years). All defects were of clinical significance with average Qp : Qs = 2.0 (± 0.6). Balloon occlusion led to a significant (P < .01) increase in LVEDP (pre-LVEDP mean = 7.1 mm Hg, post-LVEDP mean = 15.3 mm Hg). There was no significant change in MPI. ASD device size displayed a modest correlation relative to the change in LVEDP (R = 0.42, P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ASD closure induces an increase in LVEDP. Despite this, all patients tolerated device closure without complication. It appears safe to close ASDs in these patients.