Aortocoronary dissection during percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: Aortocoronary dissection is a potentially serious complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We examined the incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of aortocoronary dissection among 12,117 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 in a large multicenter CTO PCI registry. RESULTS: The incidence of aortocoronary dissection was 0.2% (n = 27). Most aortocoronary dissections occurred in the right coronary artery (96.3%, n = 26). The baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without aortocoronary dissection were similar, except for dyslipidemia, which was less common in patients with aortocoronary dissection (70.4% vs. 86.0%; p = 0.019). The retrograde approach was used more commonly among cases complicated by aortocoronary dissection (59.3% vs. 31.0%; p = 0.002). Technical (74.1% vs. 86.6%; p = 0.049) and procedural (70.4% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.031) success rates were lower among aortocoronary dissection cases, with a similar incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (3.7% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.541). Of the 27 patients with aortocoronary dissection, 19 (70.4%) were treated with ostial stenting and 8 (29.6%) were treated conservatively without subsequent adverse clinical outcomes. No patients required emergency surgery. Follow-up was available for 22 patients (81.5%): during a mean follow up of 767 (±562) days, the incidence of in-stent restenosis was 11.1% (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Aortocoronary dissection occurred in 0.2% of CTO PCIs performed by experienced operators, was associated with lower technical and procedural success, and was treated most commonly with ostial stenting. None of the patients required emergency cardiac surgery.

Intravascular lithotripsy in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 82 CTO PCIs that required IVL at 14 centers between 2020 and 2022. RESULTS: During the study period, IVL was used in 82 of 3301 (2.5%) CTO PCI procedures (0.4% in 2020 and 7% in 2022; p for trend < 0.001). Mean patient age was 69 ± 11 years and 79% were men. The prevalence of hypertension (95%), diabetes mellitus (62%), and prior PCI (61%) was high. The most common target vessel was the right coronary artery (54%), followed by the left circumflex (23%). The mean J-CTO and PROGRESS-CTO scores were 2.8 ± 1.1 and 1.3 ± 1.0, respectively. Antegrade wiring was the final successful crossing strategy in 65% and the retrograde approach was used in 22%. IVL was used in 10% of all heavily calcified lesions and 11% of all balloon undilatable lesions. The 3.5 mm lithotripsy balloon was the most commonly used balloon (28%). The mean number of pulses per lithotripsy run was 33 ± 32 and the median duration of lithotripsy was 80  (interquartile range: 40-103) seconds. Technical and procedural success was achieved in 77 (94%) and 74 (90%) cases, respectively. Two (2.4%) Ellis Class 2 perforations occurred after IVL use and were managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: IVL is increasingly being used in CTO PCI with encouraging outcomes.

Unmasking right ventricular failure in cardiogenic shock: The importance of serial hemodynamics.

A 65-year-old female was transferred with myocardial infarction, three-vessel coronary artery disease, cardiogenic shock and an intraaortic balloon pump. Given persistent shock, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was upgraded using a left ventricular hemodynamic support device (Impella CP). The patient was monitored in the catheterization laboratory and serial hemodynamic measures were obtained. Initial hemodynamics showed relative improvement; however, serial assessments demonstrated worsening hemodynamics secondary to right ventricular failure, ultimately requiring a right ventricular hemodynamic support device. The case highlights the rapid changes that can occur with mechanical circulatory support devices and demonstrates the importance of obtaining serial hemodynamics in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Rates of vascular access use in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A look into the next generation.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: As smaller TAVR delivery systems emerge we sought to identify differences in vascular access use. METHODS: We analyzed all patients who had undergone TAVR in a single-center from March 2012 to May 2014. We identified all patients who had undergone nonfemoral TAVR and reviewed their femoral dimensions using CT imaging taking into vascular pathology and minimal lumen diameter (MLD). We then identified those patients in whom a smaller delivery system could have been used if such technology was available at that time. RESULTS: In total 208 consecutive TAVRs were performed, 129 cases using femoral arterial access and 75 cases using non-femoral access; 28 transapical, 27 transcaval, 12 transaortic, and 8 via an antegrade transseptal venous approach. Of the 75 nonfemoral access cases, 63 were completed using commercially available first-generation valves (Sapien Valve) and 12 using second-generation valves under research protocols (Sapien XT Valve). Of the 63 cases performed via a non-femoral route using a first generation valve, 31 cases could have been approached via a transfemoral (TF) route using second-generation delivery systems; and 48 cases could have been approached via a TF route using third generation delivery systems (S3 Valve). Of the 12 cases performed via a nonfemoral route using a second-generation valve, 4 cases could have been approached via a TF route using a third-generation delivery system. In total, only 11% of patients undergoing TAVR could not accommodate smaller second and third generation devices. CONCLUSIONS: As second and third generation devices become commercially available, we anticipate that 89% of cases will be preformed using a TF approach.

Unjailing of the septal perforator using a rotational atherectomy device prior to alcohol septal ablation in a patient with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

We report a novel approach in which successful unjailing of the septal perforator was performed through the side branch of a coronary stent using a rotational atherectomy device for the purpose of alcohol septal ablation in a patient with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in Patients with High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common acute cardiovascular condition. Within this review, we discuss the incidence, pathophysiology, and treatment options for patients with high-risk and massive pulmonary embolisms. In particular, we focus on the role of mechanical circulatory support devices and their possible therapeutic benefits in patients who are unresponsive to standard therapeutic options. Moreover, attention is given to device selection criteria, weaning protocols, and complication mitigation strategies. Finally, we underscore the necessity for more comprehensive studies to corroborate the benefits and safety of MCS devices in PE management.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring prolonged mechanical circulatory support after high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who require prolonged mechanical circulatory support (MCS) after Impella-supported high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI). AIMS: The aim of this study is to describe the contemporary clinical characteristics, outcomes, and predictors associated with prolonged MCS support after assisted HR-PCI. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the prospective, multicentre, clinical endpoint-adjudicated PROTECT III study who had undergone HR-PCI using Impella were evaluated. Patient and procedural characteristics and outcomes for those who received prolonged MCS beyond the duration of their index procedure were compared to those in whom MCS was successfully weaned and explanted at the conclusion of the index PCI. RESULTS: Among 1,155 patients who underwent HR-PCI with Impella between 2017 and 2020 and had sufficient data to confirm the duration of Impella support, 16.5% received prolonged MCS (mean duration 25.2±31.1 hours compared with 1.8±5.8 hours for those who only received intraprocedural MCS). Patients receiving prolonged support presented with more urgent indications (e.g., acute coronary syndromes [ACS], lower ejection fraction [EF], elevated baseline heart rate and lower systolic blood pressure). Use of the Impella CP, intraprocedural complications, periprocedural complications and in-hospital mortality were all more common amongst the prolonged MCS group. Prolonged MCS was associated with increased rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality at 90-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving prolonged MCS after Impella-supported HR-PCI presented with more ACS, reduced EF and less favourable haemodynamics. Additionally, they were more likely to experience intraprocedural and periprocedural complications as well as increased in-hospital and post-discharge mortality.

Ranolazine in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

Ranolazine is an anti-anginal medication given to patients with chronic angina and persistent symptoms despite medical therapy. We examined 11 491 chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) that were performed at 41 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023 in the PROGRESS-CTO Registry. Patients on ranolazine at baseline had more comorbidities, more complex lesions, lower procedural and technical success (based on univariable but not multivariable analysis), and higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (on both univariable and multivariable analysis).

Geographic diversity in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: There is variability in clinical and lesion characteristics as well as techniques in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed patient and lesion characteristics, techniques, and outcomes in 11 503 CTO-PCI procedures performed in North America (NA) and in the combined regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa from 2017 to 2023 as documented in the PROGRESS-CTO registry. RESULTS: Eight thousand four hundred seventy-nine (74%) procedures were performed in NA. Compared with non-NA patients, NA patients were older, with higher body mass index and higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease, prior history of PCI, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Their CTOs were more complex, with higher J-CTO (2.56 ± 1.22 vs 1.81 ± 1.24; P less than .001) and PROGRESS-CTO (1.29 ± 1.01 vs 1.07 ± 0.95; P less than .001) scores, longer length, and higher prevalence of proximal cap ambiguity, blunt/no stump, moderate to severe calcification, and proximal tortuosity. Retrograde (31.0% vs 22.1%; P less than .001) and antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) (21.2% vs 9.2%; P less than .001) were more commonly used in NA centers, along with intravascular ultrasound (69.0% vs 10.1%; P less than .001). Procedure and fluoroscopy times were longer in NA, while contrast volume and radiation dose were lower. Technical (86.7% vs 86.8%; P > .90) and procedural (85.4% vs 85.8%; P = .70) success and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (1.9% vs 1.7%; P = .40) were similar in NA and non-NA centers. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with non-NA patients, NA patients undergoing CTO PCI have more comorbidities, higher CTO lesion complexity, are more likely to undergo treatment with retrograde and ADR, and have similar technical success and MACE.

Comparative Analysis of Polymer Versus Non-Polymer Jacketed Wires in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

There is significant variation in wire utilization patterns for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of polymer-jacketed wires (PJWs) versus non-PJWs in anterograde procedures. We analyzed clinical and angiographic characteristics, and procedural outcomes of 7,575 anterograde CTO percutaneous coronary interventions that were performed at 47 centers between 2012 and 2023. Cases in which PJWs were exclusively used were classified in the PJW group, whereas cases where at least one non-PJW was employed were classified in the non-PJW group. Study end points were as follows: technical success, coronary perforation, major adverse cardiac event. PJWs were exclusively used in 3,481 cases (46.0%). These cases had lower prevalence of proximal cap ambiguity, blunt stump, and moderate/severe calcification. They also had lower Japanese CTO (J-CTO), Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion (PROGRESS-CTO), and PROGRESS-CTO complications scores, higher technical success (94.3% vs 85.7%, p <0.001), and lower perforation rates (2.2% vs 3.2%, p = 0.013). Major adverse cardiac event rates did not differ between groups (1.3% vs 1.5%, p = 0.53). Exclusive use of PJWs was independently associated with higher technical success in both the multivariable (odds ratio [OR] 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13 to 3.36, p <0.001) and inverse probability of treatment weight analysis (OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.04 to 2.89, p <0.001). Exclusive use of PJWs was associated with lower risk of perforation in the multivariable analysis (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.95, p = 0.02), and showed a similar trend in the inverse probability of treatment weight analysis (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04, p = 0.09). Exclusive use of PJWs is associated with higher technical success and lower perforation risk in this non-randomized series of patients.

Equipment entrapment/loss during chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on equipment loss or entrapment during chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and outcomes of equipment loss/entrapment at 43 US and non-US centers between 2017 and 2023. RESULTS: Equipment loss/entrapment was reported in 40 (0.4%) of 10 719 cases during the study period. These included guidewire entrapment/fracture (n = 21), microcatheter entrapment/fracture (n = 11), stent loss (n = 8) and balloon entrapment/fracture/rupture (n = 5). The equipment loss/entrapment cases were more likely to have moderate to severe calcification, longer lesion length, higher J-CTO and PROGRESS-CTO complications scores, and use of the retrograde approach compared with the remaining cases. Retrieval was attempted in 71.4% of the guidewire, 90.9% of the microcatheter, 100% of the stent loss, and 100% of the balloon cases, and was successful in 26.7%, 30.0%, 50%, and 40% of the cases, respectively. Procedures complicated by equipment loss/entrapment had higher procedure and fluoroscopy time, contrast volume and patient air kerma radiation dose, lower procedural (60.0% vs 85.6%, P less than .001) and technical (75.0% vs 86.8%, P = .05) success, and higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (17.5% vs 1.8%, P less than .001), acute MI (7.5% vs 0.4%, P less than .001), emergency coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (2.5% vs 0.1%, P = .03), perforation (20.0% vs 4.9%, P less than .001), and death (7.5% vs 0.4%, P less than .001). CONCLUSIONS: Equipment loss is a rare complication of CTO PCI; it is more common in complex CTOs and is associated with lower technical success and higher MACE.

Impact of calcium on the procedural techniques and outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Coronary calcification is common and increases the difficulty of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We examined the impact of calcium on procedural outcomes of 13,079 CTO PCIs performed in 12,799 patients at 46 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023. RESULTS: Moderate or severe calcification was present in 46.6% of CTO lesions. Patients whose lesions were calcified were older and more likely to have had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Calcified lesions were more complex with higher J-CTO score (3.0 ± 1.1 vs. 1.9 ± 1.2; p < 0.001) and lower technical (83.0% vs. 89.9%; p < 0.001) and procedural (81.0% vs. 89.1%; p < 0.001) success rates compared with mildly calcified or non-calcified CTO lesions. The retrograde approach was more commonly used among cases with moderate/severe calcification (40.3% vs. 23.5%; p < 0.001). Balloon angioplasty (76.6%) was the most common lesion preparation technique for calcified lesions, followed by rotational atherectomy (7.3%), laser atherectomy (3.4%) and, intravascular lithotripsy (3.4%). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was higher in cases with moderate or severe calcification (3.0% vs. 1.2%; p < 0.001), as was the incidence of perforation (6.5% vs. 3.4%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the presence of moderate/severe calcification was independently associated with lower technical success (odds ratio, OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63-0.84) and higher MACE (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.66-3.27). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate/severe calcification was present in nearly half of CTO lesions, and was associated with higher utilization of the retrograde approach, lower technical and procedural success rates, and higher incidence of in-hospital MACE.

Impact of target vessel on the procedural techniques and outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the impact of the target vessel on the procedural techniques and outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 11,580 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 at 44 centers. RESULTS: The most common CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery (RCA) (53.1%) followed by the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (26.0%) and the left circumflex artery (LCX) (19.8%). RCA CTOs were longer and more complex, with a higher Japanese CTO score compared with LAD or LCX CTOs. Technical success was higher among LAD (88.8%) lesions when compared with RCA (85.7%) or LCX (85.8%) lesions (P less than .001). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was overall 1.9% (n = 220) and was similar among target vessels (P=.916). There was a tendency toward more frequent utilization of the retrograde approach for more proximal occlusions in all 3 target vessels. When compared with all other RCA lesions combined, distal RCA lesions had higher technical success (87.7% vs 85.3%; P=.048). Technical success was similar between various locations of LAD CTOs (P=.704). First/second/third obtuse marginal branch had lower technical success when compared with all other LCX lesion locations (82.7% vs 86.8%; P=.014). There was no association between MACE and CTO location in all 3 target vessels. CONCLUSIONS: LAD CTO PCIs had higher technical and procedural success rates among target vessels. The incidence of MACE was similar among target vessels and among various locations within the target vessel.

A Visual Depiction of Left Ventricular Unloading in Veno-Arterial ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With Impella.

Left ventricular (LV) unloading has been associated with improved survival in patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This case describes a patient with a COVID-19 infection who subsequently developed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with an LV ejection fraction of 10% to 15% (baseline echocardiography). He did poorly in the outpatient setting and was admitted to an outside hospital with heart failure symptoms and was subsequently transferred to our hospital for escalation of care and consideration of advanced heart failure therapies. This clinical image and related video series help to visually demonstrate the effect of LV unloading in a 30-year-old male with a history of COVID-19 myocarditis.

Temporal Trends in Retrograde Crossing of Epicardial Collaterals in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The use of retrograde crossings in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) provides higher technical success rates in CTO-PCI. However, the use of epicardial collaterals carries a higher complication risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we aimed to investigate the temporal trends in retrograde crossing of epicardial collaterals, introduction of new guidewires, in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and technical success rates in a large, multinational registry. We demonstrate that technical success rates increased substantially from about 5%-10% to 76% in the past decade without a concomitant increase in MACE rate (~3% to 4%), likely associated with increased operator experience and introduction of new guidewires. In addition, we show that while high-volume centers have higher technical success, they also have higher perforation rates.

Antegrade versus retrograde techniques for Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO): a review and comparison of techniques and outcomes.

Introduction: As the field of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention has evolved, technical approaches have evolved and been refined.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the major techniques utilized in modern CTO PCI including antegrade wiring, antegrade dissection reentry, retrograde wiring, and retrograde dissection reentry. Retrograde techniques have been extensively studied in comparison to antegrade techniques. Retrograde techniques have contributed to increases in CTO PCI success rates and are generally used in higher complexity lesions. Observational data ssuggestincreased sshort-termcomplications in procedures requiring the use of retrograde techniques; however, llong-termCTO PCI durability and patient outcomes have been shown to be similar among procedures using antegrade only versus retrograde techniques.Expert opinion: Retrograde techniques play a vital role in the technical success of CTO PCI, particularly among more complex lesions and in patients with high burdens of comorbidities. Increases in procedural safety with equipment iteration and in the use of adjunctive imaging will play an important role in the selection of appropriate retrograde conduits and the overall success rates of CTO PCI.

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Cardiogenic Shock Is Associated With Lower In-Hospital Mortality.

Background There is increasing utilization of cardiogenic shock treatment algorithms. The cornerstone of these algorithms is the use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring (IHM). We sought to compare the in-hospital outcomes in patients who received IHM versus no IHM in a real-world contemporary database. Methods and Results Patients with cardiogenic shock admitted during October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018, were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. Among this group, we compared the outcomes among patients who received IHM versus no IHM. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. Secondary end points included vascular complications, major bleeding, need for renal replacement therapy, length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and rate of utilization of left ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. Propensity score matching was used for covariate adjustment. A total of 394 635 (IHM=62 565; no IHM=332 070) patients were included. After propensity score matching, 2 well-matched groups were compared (IHM=62 220; no IHM=62 220). The IHM group had lower in-hospital mortality (24.1% versus 30.6%, P<0.01), higher percentages of left ventricular assist devices (4.4% versus 1.3%, P<0.01) and heart transplantation (1.3% versus 0.7%, P<0.01) utilization, longer length of hospitalization and higher costs. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of vascular complications, major bleeding, and the need for renal replacement therapy. Conclusions Among patients with cardiogenic shock, the use of IHM is associated with a reduction in in-hospital mortality and increased utilization of advanced heart failure therapies. Due to the observational nature of the current study, the results should be considered hypothesis-generating, and future prospective studies confirming these findings are needed.

Summary of Practice Considerations for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Left Main Bifurcation Disease.

Left main bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention is a challenging subset that requires expertise in techniques that are in constant modification. Imaging is important in lesion preparation and optimising outcomes. The interventionalist needs to be highly skilled in the different techniques, as missteps may lead to stent thrombosis and critical in-stent restenosis. Lesion classification between simple and complex identifies those who would best benefit from a two-stent technique. Current technical approaches and practice considerations are summarised in this manuscript.

Outcomes Among Patients Transferred for Revascularization With Impella for Acute Myocardial Infarction With Cardiogenic Shock from the cVAD Registry.

The outcomes for patients transferred with cardiogenic shock and later treated with revascularization and Impella support have not previously been studied. To evaluate these outcomes, patients in cardiogenic shock were recruited from the catheter-based ventricular assist device registry, a prospective registry enrolling patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with hemodynamic support using Impella 2.5 or CP. Analysis was performed on subgroups of patients who were characterized as those directly admitted to a tertiary care hospital (direct), or those transferred from an outside hospital (transfer). Patients who were transferred with acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMICS) more often presented in shock were in shock longer than 24 hours, and were more likely to be on intra-aortic balloon pump but were less likely to sustain cardiac arrest. The number of pressors, EF, diseased, and treated vessels were similar between the 2 groups. Despite baseline differences, the mortality was similar in the transfer versus direct patients (47.0% vs 53.5% p = 0.19). In a multivariate model, the factors independently associated with 30-day mortality in AMICS treated with revascularization and Impella support were cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (p <0.01), age (p <0.01), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (p = 0.02). Whether the patient was transferred or directly admittedly with AMICS was not an independent predictor of death. In conclusion, these findings suggest that considerations should be given to transfer patients with AMICS to allow them to be treated in a contemporary manner.