Determinants and long-term outcomes of largely uncovered struts in thin-struts drug-eluting stents assessed by optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Uncovered struts are a determinant of stent failure. The impact of plaque composition and procedural factors on the occurrence, evolution, and outcomes of uncovered struts in a high-risk setting has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the determinants and long-term clinical impact of largely uncovered struts (LUS) in thin-struts drug-eluting stents (DES) implanted in complex lesions by intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Ninety patients with multivessel disease undergoing staged complete revascularization were randomly assigned to bioabsorbable or durable polymer DES. OCT were serially performed during the index procedure, at 3- and 18-month follow-up, and analyzed by an independent core lab. Struts were defined uncovered by OCT if no tissue was visible above the struts. LUS were defined as ≥30% of uncovered struts at 3-month follow-up. Clinical outcomes were the occurrence of target vessel failure (TVF) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: LUS occurred in 31 patients (34.4%) regardless of stent platform. At 5 years, no differences were observed in the rate of TVF (12.7% vs. 13.4%; p = 0.91) and MACCE (23.9% vs. 24.9%; p = 0.88) between the two groups. At multivariate logistic regression, plaque rupture, mean lumen diameter, proximal reference vessel area, and maximum stent deployment pressure were independent predictors of LUS. CONCLUSIONS: LUS are a frequent finding in complex coronary lesions treated with thin-struts DES, especially in the presence of plaque rupture. However, in this study, no significant safety signal related to LUS emerged in long-term follow-up.

Antiplatelet therapy in patients with conservatively managed spontaneous coronary artery dissection from the multicentre DISCO registry.

AIMS: The role of antiplatelet therapy in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) undergoing initial conservative management is still a matter of debate, with theoretical arguments in favour and against its use. The aims of this article are to assess the use of antiplatelet drugs in medically treated SCAD patients and to investigate the relationship between single (SAPT) and dual (DAPT) antiplatelet regimens and 1-year patient outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the 1-year outcome of patients with SCAD managed with initial conservative treatment included in the DIssezioni Spontanee COronariche (DISCO) multicentre international registry. Patients were divided into two groups according to SAPT or DAPT prescription. Primary endpoint was 12-month incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Out of 314 patients included in the DISCO registry, we investigated 199 patients in whom SCAD was managed conservatively. Most patients were female (89%), presented with acute coronary syndrome (92%) and mean age was 52.3 ± 9.3 years. Sixty-seven (33.7%) were given SAPT whereas 132 (66.3%) with DAPT. Aspirin plus either clopidogrel or ticagrelor were prescribed in 62.9% and 36.4% of DAPT patients, respectively. Overall, a 14.6% MACE rate was observed at 12 months of follow-up. Patients treated with DAPT had a significantly higher MACE rate than those with SAPT [18.9% vs. 6.0% hazard ratios (HR) 2.62; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.22-5.61; P = 0.013], driven by an early excess of non-fatal MI or unplanned PCI. At multiple regression analysis, type 2a SCAD (OR: 3.69; 95% CI 1.41-9.61; P = 0.007) and DAPT regimen (OR: 4.54; 95% CI 1.31-14.28; P = 0.016) resulted independently associated with a higher risk of 12-month MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In this European registry, most patients with SCAD undergoing initial conservative management received DAPT. Yet, at 1-year follow-up, DAPT, as compared with SAPT, was independently associated with a higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events (ClinicalTrial.gov id: NCT04415762).

Autologous blood reinfusion during iatrogenic acute hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade: Safety and feasibility in a cohort of 30 patients.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade (IHPT) represents a life-threating condition requiring emergency pericardiocentesis. In this clinical context, reinfusion of pericardial blood can stabilize the patient and sustain hemodynamic conditions. AIMS AND METHODS: We reviewed all cases of IHPT occurred at our hospital over a 10 years span. In all patient autologous blood reinfusion through a femoral vein was performed. RESULTS: In our clinical experience of 30 consecutive patients with hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade, this technique was successful to limit blood transfusions, to prevent further clinical worsening and bridge patients with intractable bleeding, to cardiac surgery. No major adverse reactions were directly related to blood autotransfusion. CONCLUSION: In the complex clinical scenario of acute tamponade occurring during catheter-based cardiac procedures, autotransfusion of pericardial blood through a femoral vein is safe and effective. It can be a useful trick up the sleeve of the interventional cardiologist.

Impact of Culprit Plaque and Atherothrombotic Components on Incomplete Stent Apposition in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Everolimus-Eluting Stents　- An OCTAVIA Substudy.

BACKGROUND: The role of culprit plaque and related atherothrombotic components on incomplete stent apposition (ISA) occurrence after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing p-PCI with an everolimus-eluting stent were prospectively investigated with optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the infarct-related artery before, after stenting and at 9 months. OCT data, aspirated thrombus and serum inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed. 114 patients with 114 lesions were evaluated. Acute ISA occurred in 82 lesions (71.9%), preferentially in larger vessels with a median area of 0.2 mm(2). The presence of thrombus before stent implantation (odds ratio (OR) 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.1-26.9], P=0.04) and the lipid content in the target segment (OR 1.3, 95% CI [1.0-1.5], P=0.04) independently predicted acute ISA. At 9-month follow-up, ISA persisted in 46 lesions (56.1%). The volume of acute ISA significantly predicted persistent ISA (OR 1.3, 95% CI [1.1-1.5], P=0.01). Late-acquired ISA occurred in 39 lesions (34.2%) with a median area of 0.3 mm(2). Red/mixed thrombus before stent implantation (OR 3.7, 95% CI [1.0-13.3], P=0.05) and length of the underlying ruptured plaque (OR 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-2.8] P=0.02) were independently associated with late-acquired ISA. CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients, culprit plaque and atherothrombotic components of the infarct-related artery significantly contribute to the onset of acute and late ISA. ISA persistence at follow-up depends on the initial volume of acute ISA.

A comparison of the femoral and radial crossover techniques for vascular access management in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the Milan experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radial and femoral crossover techniques (CT) for vascular access management in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). BACKGROUND: Femoral crossover for controlled angiography and balloon inflation of the therapeutic access site to facilitate safe vascular closure is beneficial but technically challenging in patients with complex femoral anatomy. An alternative approach should be available. METHODS: Between June 2011 and March 2012, 41 transfemoral TAVI patients receiving the femoral CT were compared to 46 transfemoral TAVI patients receiving the radial CT. Outcomes were 30-day valve academic research consortium (VARC) endpoints. RESULTS: Patients undergoing the radial CT received higher median contrast volumes (150 interquartile range [IQR]: 105-180 vs. 111 IQR: 90-139 ml; P = 0.025) but procedural radiation dose and fluoroscopy times were comparable. Thirty day all cause and cardiovascular death were similar between radial and femoral CT groups (respectively 2.4% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.258 and 0% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.063). There were no differences in major vascular complications (4.3% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.553), life threatening or major bleeding events (respectively 9.1% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.168 and 13.6% vs. 22%, P = 0.315). CONCLUSION: In TAVI cases with unfavorable contralateral femoral anatomy, radial CT for vascular access management is a reasonable alternative to the femoral CT.

[Percutaneous revascularization in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: complete or incomplete?] / Rivascolarizzazione percutanea nelle sindromi coronariche acute senza sopraslivellamento del tratto ST: completa o incompleta?

Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary disease is increasing in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and it is associated with a high rate of mortality. Complete revascularization may reduce major adverse cardiac events in patients with ACS. However, the preferred revascularization strategies (complete vs incomplete) of non-culprit lesions in this setting, as well as the correct timing of revascularization are still matters of debate. This is mostly related to the heterogeneity of patients with this clinical presentation, who are often older and affected by multiple comorbidities. The present review aims to evaluate this topic highlighting the pros and cons of complete revascularization according to anatomical or functional and imaging evaluation and based on timing and patient's clinical phenotype.

Working in interventional cardiology laboratories: The perceived impact of radiation exposure as a health and gender hazard. A NEXT generation ANMCO initiative.

BACKGROUND: Gender-related discrepancies in personal and professional life have been reported among radio-exposed workers. We assessed this topic among cardiac catheterization workers in Italy, with a focus on gender and working position. METHODS: Radio-exposed workers affiliated with the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists were invited to answer an online survey, which included 41 questions formatted as multiple choice. RESULTS: Overall, 237 workers responded. The proportion of males was significantly higher than that of females in the population aged >50 years. A greater portion of females than males perceived female-gender discrimination regarding career advancement (77.2% vs 30.9%, p < 0.001) and work compensation (49.1% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in perceived gender- discrimination in terms of career advancement opportunities between physician and non-physicians. A larger portion of females than males experienced workplace discrimination (51.8% of females vs. 8.1% of males, p < 0.0001). Non-physician responders made up 38.8% of all respondents and reported a lower yearly radiation exposure than physicians. Non-physicians were more aware of the laws regulating lab access during pregnancy than physicians (93.5% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.0001). A greater percentage of female nurses than physicians communicate without hesitation the pregnancy status to their employers (45.6% vs 20%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gender-based career disparities were perceived among physicians and non-physician staff of cardiology interventional laboratories. Strategies should be implemented to ensure gender equality in career opportunities and to increase knowledge of radioprotection and the laws regulating access to laboratories during pregnancy.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) with cardiac arrest at presentation: A subanalysis from the DISCO registry.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which primarily affects young women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, often presenting as sudden cardiac death. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, predictors, and outcomes of cardiac arrest in SCAD patients. METHODS: The DISCO IT/SPA registry, an international retrospective multicenter study, enrolled 375 SCAD patients from 26 centers in Italy and Spain. Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of cardiac arrest at admission. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, angiographic findings, and outcomes were collected. Angiograms were independently reviewed, and outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and in-hospital bleeding. RESULTS: Among 375 SCAD patients, 20 (5.3%) presented with cardiac arrest. Both groups were similar in age, gender distribution, and conventional risk factors, except for a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia in the cardiac arrest group. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation and angiographic type 2b were independent predictors of cardiac arrest. Revascularization was more frequent in the cardiac arrest group. In-hospital outcomes, except for longer hospitalization, did not differ. On follow-up (average 21 months), MACE rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac arrest is a notable complication in SCAD, mostly presenting with ventricular fibrillation. The prognosis of SCAD patients presenting with cardiac arrest did not differ from those without, reporting a similar rate of events both in-hospital and during long-term follow-up. STEMI presentation and angiographic type 2b were identified as independent predictors of cardiac arrest in SCAD.

Single-stent crossover technique from distal unprotected left main coronary artery to the left circumflex artery.

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical outcomes of single-stenting from distal unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) to the left circumflex artery (LCx). BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention of distal LMCA is usually performed by stenting into the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In some cases, stenting from LMCA to LCx alone is performed. METHODS: Between April 2002 and April 2011, single-stenting with drug-eluting stents for distal unprotected LMCA disease was performed in 584 patients. Thirty-one patients underwent LMCA-LCx stenting, who were compared with the remaining 553 LMCA-LAD stented patients. RESULTS: At 3-year follow-up, there were no significant differences between LMCA-LCx and LMCA-LAD stenting groups in major adverse cardiac events (24.1% vs. 19.6%; P = 0.540), cardiac death, and myocardial infarction. A trend toward higher target lesion revascularization (TLR) in the LMCA-LCx stenting group was noted. This was significant when the stented branch was only considered (18.2% vs. 3.0%; P < 0.001). In both TLR subgroups, LCx ostium was frequently involved (83.3% in LMCA-LCx vs. 66.2% in LMCA-LAD TLR subgroups; P = 0.39). The LAD ostium was more frequently involved in LMCA-LCx TLR subgroup (83.3% vs. 21.0%; P < 0.001). On the multivariable Cox regression analysis, LMCA-LCx stenting was an independent predictor of TLR for restenosis at the ostium of the stented branch (HR 6.49; 95% CI 2.27-18.53; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TLR rate at the LCx ostium is high irrespective of LMCA-LCx or LMCA-LAD stenting. The former also seems to be associated with high TLR at the LAD ostium. It may therefore be important to evaluate alternative strategies for treating distal LMCA disease that extends into the LCx but not LAD.

[The gender gap in cardiology (does it still exist?)]. / (Esiste ancora) il "gender gap" in cardiologia (?).

Gender gap is the gap between males and females related to gender. Several studies demonstrate that it has not been overcome yet, and it appears evident in differences in career chances due to gender. Such a gap is evident in the health system, particularly in cardiology. In the present review, gender gap in cardiology is addressed, considering different subspecialties, consequences in terms of career, and economic issues, causes of these inequalities, and cultural changes that might contribute to reduce gender gap.

[Degenerative aortic valve stenosis: looking for a pharmacological prevention]. / Stenosi valvolare aortica degenerativa: alla ricerca di una prevenzione farmacologica.

Degenerative calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is a chronic disease whose prevalence has increased over the last decade because of the aging of the general population. CAVS pathogenesis is characterized by complex molecular and cellular mechanisms that promote valve fibro-calcific remodeling. During the first phase, referred to as initiation, the valve undergoes collagen deposition and lipid and immune cell infiltration due to mechanical stress. Subsequently, during the progression phase, the aortic valve undergoes chronic remodeling through osteogenic and myofibroblastic differentiation of interstitial cells and matrix calcification. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying CAVS development supports the resort to potential therapeutic strategies that interfere with fibro-calcific progression. Currently, no medical therapy has demonstrated the ability to significantly prevent CAVS development or slow its progression. The only treatment available in symptomatic severe stenosis is surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement. The aim of this review is to highlight the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in CAVS pathogenesis and progression and to discuss potential pharmacological treatments able to inhibit the main pathophysiological mechanisms of CAVS, including lipid-lowering treatment with lipoprotein(a) as emergent therapeutic target.

[ANMCO Position paper: Ionizing radiation exposure and radioprotection in the cath-lab]. / Position paper ANMCO: Radioesposizione e radioprotezione nei laboratori di cardiologia interventistica.

In the last decades, because of the improvements in the percutaneous treatment of coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, and the increasing number of cardiac resynchronization therapy and cardioverter-defibrillator implantations, the interventional cardiologists' radio-exposure has importantly risen, causing concerns for ionizing radiation-associated diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, the radiation exposure issue importantly affects operators' safety. However, our knowledge of this field is poor and most operators are unaware to be at risk, especially because of the absence of effective preventive measures. The aim of this ANMCO position paper is to improve the awareness of operators and identify new ways of reducing operator ionizing radiation dose and minimizing the risk.

Transcatheter aortic valve intervention in hospitals without cardiac surgery departments: a future scenario?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Intervention (TAVI) was introduced in early 2000 to offer treatment to inoperable patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. In a couple of decades, the procedure resulted effective and safe also in patients with intermediate to low risk for surgery; therefore, due to the progressive ageing of the population, the clinical need for TAVI is continuously increasing and is hardly met by the availability of the procedure, the so-called "TAVI capacity". As a result, many patients encounter difficulties in being referred to TAVI centers or face long waiting list times, thus risking severe adverse events (including death) before the procedure is performed. Although contemporary guidelines and consensus documents recommend that TAVI should be only performed in hospitals with active cardiac surgery departments, starting TAVI programs also in interventional cardiac laboratories without on-site cardiac surgery could represent a way to increase TAVI capacity, thus leading to a greater number of patients being treated in less time. On the other side of the coin, such a strategy may jeopardize patient safety in case of periprocedural complications needing bailout surgery and may lead to a suboptimal multidisciplinary Heart Team evaluation. This review aims to assess and discuss available clinical data and implementation of TAVI programs in hospitals without on-site active cardiac surgery departments considering the growing unmet clinical need and technical advancement of TAVI platforms, yet not overlooking the recommendation of international scientific societies.

Gender Issues in Italian Catheterization Laboratories: The Gender-CATH Study.

Background Women represent an increasing percentage of interventional cardiologists in Italy compared with other countries. However, gaps exist in understanding and adapting to the impact of these changing demographics. Methods and Results We performed a national survey to analyze demographics, gender-based professional difference, needs in terms of catheterization laboratory (Cath-Lab) abstention, and radiation safety issues in Italian Cath-Lab settings. A survey supported by the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (Società Italiana di Cardiologia Interventistica-Gruppo Italiano di Studi Emodinamici SICI-GISE) was mailed to all SICI-GISE members. Categorical data were compared using the χ2 test. P<0.05 was considered significant. There were 326 respondents: 20.2% were <35 years old, and 64.4% had >10 years of Cath-Lab experience. Notably, 26.4% were women. Workload was not gender-influenced (women performed "on-call" duty 69.8% versus men 68.3%; P=0.97). Women were more frequently unmarried (22.1% women versus 8.7% men; P=0.002) and childless (43.9% versus 56.1%; P<0.001). Interestingly, 69.8% of women versus 44.6% of men (P<0.001) argued that pregnancy/breastfeeding negatively impacts professional skill development and career advancement. For Cath-Lab abstention, 38.9% and 69.6% of respondents considered it useful to perform percutaneous coronary intervention robotic simulations and "refresh-skill" sessions while they were absent or on return to work, respectively, without gender differences. Overall, 80% of respondents described current radioprotection counseling efforts as inadequate and not gender specific. Finally, 26.7% faced some type of job discrimination, a significantly higher proportion of whom were women. Conclusions Several gender-based differences exist or are perceived to exist among interventional cardiologists in Italian Cath-Labs. Joint strategies addressing Cath-Lab abstention and radiation exposure education should be developed to promote gender equity in interventional cardiologists.

Outcomes of Optimised Implantation Technique with Bioresorbable scaffolds: A Pooled Analysis of ABSORB-IV and COMPARE-ABSORB Trials.

Randomised trials have demonstrated higher midterm rates of adverse events and device thrombosis with Absorb-BVS compared to contemporary drug-eluting-stents (DES). BVS failure was ascribed to the implantation technique and consequently two large randomised trials evaluated the clinical impact of an optimised scaffold-implant-procedure. However, pooling together data from ABSORB-IV and those of the COMPARE-ABSORB, the scaffold was still associated with a statistically significant increased risk of target-vessel myocardial-infarction (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.04-2.17; P = 0.03) and thrombotic events (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.33-6.11; P = 0.007) at 1-year. Such kind of results could be in part attributed to a lower radial force and the higher acute recoil of the BVS as observed in previous studies. Besides a painstaking implantation technique, future generations of bioresorbable stents should incorporate an excellent mechanical propriety in order to compete with the current-generation DES.

Cardiovascular Events Recurrence and Coronary Artery Disease in HIV Patients: The Price We Have to Pay for the Chronicization of the Disease.

The introduction of combination of antiretroviral therapy and advancement in care of HIV have dramatically changed the natural history of patients living with HIV. Today, HIV+ patients have a life expectancy not significantly different from HIV uninfected people. However, concerns remain about all the comorbidities associated with aging and the effects of chronic therapies in such high-risk patients. HIV+ subjects exhibited accelerated atherosclerosis and have a 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of having coronary artery disease (CAD), usually presenting early and aggressively with acute coronary events. Furthermore, HIV+ patients with CAD often complain recurrent acute coronary events, and they are plagued by major adverse cardiac outcomes. This review will focus on the current understanding of the CAD phenotype in HIV+ patients highlighting the topic of acute coronary event recurrence and underscoring the role of percutaneous management strategies in the light of information derived from invasive coronary imaging.