Total versus staged versus functional revascularization in NSTEACS patients with multivessel disease.

BACKGROUND: The optimal strategy for revascularization in patients with NSTEACS who had multivessel coronary artery disease. A lack of evidence exists about the role of complete coronary revascularization by PCI in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). Till now, ACC/AHA and ESC guidelines are not clear regarding the optimal strategy for revascularization in NSTEACS patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. In this setting, identification of the culprit lesion by angiography only could be challenging. The objective is to compare the hospital and short-term (6 months) outcomes of 3 different coronary revascularization strategies in NSTEACS patients with and multivessel coronary artery disease. RESULTS: Our study was a prospective study that included 90 patients who presented with acute chest pain and were diagnosed with NSTEACS. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the plan of management: total revascularization group (total group), staged revascularization group (staged group), and functional revascularization group using FFR (FFR group). We studied the effect of demographic data, risk factors, and angiographic and procedural criteria on hospital and short-term outcomes. No significant statistical difference was seen among the three groups regarding the hospital outcome (in-stent thrombosis, unstable angina, and renal impairment). Also, the short-term (after 6 months) outcome regarding myocardial infarction, hospitalization, stroke, and cardiac death did not differ significantly between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Considering NSTEACS patients with multivessel disease, different coronary revascularization strategies (total, staged, or FFR) are comparable regarding immediate and short-term (6 months) clinical follow-up. FFR can change the preplanned management, and less number of stents per patient is needed when FFR is utilized.

Scar quantification by cardiovascular magnetic resonance as an independent predictor of long-term survival in patients with ischemic heart failure treated by coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Scar burden by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is associated with functional recovery after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). There is limited data on long-term mortality after CABG based on left ventricular (LV) scar burden. METHODS: Patients who underwent LGE CMR between January 2003 and February 2010 within 1 month prior to CABG were included. A standard 16 segment model was used for scar quantification. A score of 1 for no scar, 2 for ≤ 50 % and 3 for > 50 % transmurality was assigned for each segment. LV scar score (LVSS) defined as the sum of segment scores divided by 16. All-cause mortality was ascertained by social security death index. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six patients met the inclusion criteria. 185 CMR studies were available. History of prior MI was present in 64 % and prior CABG in 5.4 % of patients. Scar was present in 72 % of patients and median LVEF was 38 %. Over a median follow up of 8.3 years, there were 64 deaths (34.6 %). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between Scar and No-scar groups (37 % versus 29 %). In the group with scar, a lower scar burden (defined either < 4 segments with scar or based on LVSS) was independently associated with increased survival. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing surgical revascularization, scar burden is negatively associated with survival in patients with scar. However, there is no difference in survival based on presence or absence of scar alone. CMR prior to CABG adds additional prognostic information.

Real-time MR imaging-guided laser atrial septal puncture in swine.

PURPOSE: The authors performed this study to report their initial preclinical experience with real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided atrial septal puncture by using a MR imaging-conspicuous blunt laser catheter that perforates only when energized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors customized a 0.9-mm clinical excimer laser catheter with a receiver coil to impart MR imaging visibility at 1.5 T. Seven swine underwent laser transseptal puncture under real-time MR imaging. MR imaging signal-to-noise ratio profiles of the device were obtained in vitro. Tissue traversal force was tested with a calibrated meter. Position was corroborated with pressure measurements, oximetry, angiography, and necropsy. Intentional non-target perforation simulated serious complication. RESULTS: Embedded MR imaging antennae accurately reflected the position of the laser catheter tip and profile in vitro and in vivo. Despite having an increased profile from the microcoil, the 0.9-mm laser catheter traversed in vitro targets with similar force (0.22 N +/- 0.03) compared with the unmodified laser. Laser puncture of the atrial septum was successful and accurate in all animals. The laser was activated an average of 3.8 seconds +/- 0.4 before traversal. There were no sequelae after 6 hours of observation. Necropsy revealed 0.9-mm holes in the fossa ovalis in all animals. Intentional perforation of the aorta and atrial free wall was evident immediately. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging-guided laser puncture of the interatrial septum is feasible in swine and offers controlled delivery of perforation energy by using an otherwise blunt catheter. Instantaneous soft tissue imaging provides immediate feedback on safety.

Blunt atrial transseptal puncture using excimer laser in swine.

OBJECTIVES: We describe a new approach that may enhance safety of atrial transseptal puncture using a commercially available laser catheter that is capable of perforation only when energized. We test this approach in swine. BACKGROUND: Despite wide application, conventional needle transseptal puncture continues to risk inadvertent nontarget perforation and its consequences. METHODS: We used a commercial excimer laser catheter (0.9-mm Clirpath, Spectranetics). Perforation force was compared in vitro with a conventional Brockenbrough needle. Eight swine underwent laser transseptal puncture under X-ray fluoroscopy steered using a variety of delivery catheters. RESULTS: The 0.9-mm laser catheter traversed in vitro targets with reduced force compared with a Brockenbrough needle. In vitro, the laser catheter created holes that were 25-30% larger than the Brockenbrough needle. Laser puncture of the atrial septum was successful and accurate in all animals, evidenced by oximetry, pressure, angiography, and necropsy. The laser catheter was steered effectively using a modified Mullins introducer sheath and using two different deflectable guiding catheters. The mean procedure time was 15 +/- 6 min, with an average 3.0 +/- 0.8 sec of laser activation. There were no adverse sequelae after prolonged observation. Necropsy revealed discrete 0.9-mm holes in all septae. CONCLUSION: Laser puncture of the interatrial septum is feasible and safe in swine, using a blunt laser catheter that perforates tissues in a controlled fashion.