Interventional cardiologist perceptions about PCI without surgical backup-Results of an international survey.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without surgical backup is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Additionally, a recent SCAI expert consensus document has liberalized recommendations for performing PCI without cardiac surgery on site (SOS). AIMS: The current study sought to understand practice patterns and operator preferences with regard to performing PCI without SOS. METHODS: Two internet-based surveys were distributed to interventional cardiologists worldwide. Survey items asked about operator demographics, procedural preferences when performing PCI without SOS, self-judged personality traits, and history of malpractice. RESULTS: Between March 2021 and May 2021, 517 interventional cardiologists completed the survey; 341 of whom perform elective PCI without SOS (no-SOS operators), and 176 who perform elective PCI with surgical backup (SOS operators). Most operators were male 473 (91.5%). There was a greater proportion of SOS operators in academic practice (86 vs. 75, p < 0.001) and greater proportion of no-SOS operators in hospital-owned practices (158 vs. 56, p < 0.001). Lesion characteristics (left main, chronic total occlusions, and need for atherectomy) were the most important procedural attributes for no-SOS operators, and international operators reported higher comfort levels with PCI on high-risk lesions. Cumulative personality profile scores were similar between SOS and no-SOS operators. SOS operators expressed more concern with legal ramifications of performing PCI without SOS (2.57 vs. 2.34, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of surgical backup, lesion characteristics were the most important consideration for PCI patient selection for operators worldwide. Compared to the United States, international operators were more confident in performing high-risk PCI without surgical backup.

The association between implementation of multidisciplinary rounds and clinical outcomes.

Background: Multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) consisting of social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, nurses, and physicians have been implemented at many healthcare institutions to address the complex components of inpatient care. However, little is known on the association of MDR on clinical outcomes across cardiovascular pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MDR on cardiovascular patients. Methods: Hospital admissions to inpatient cardiology were evaluated prior to (November 2017 to November 2018) and after implementation of MDR (December 2018 to August 2020) at a metropolitan academic medical center. The following outcomes were evaluated: clinical complications (incidence of stroke, gastrointestinal bleed, myocardial infarction, or systemic infection during hospitalization), Length of Stay (LOS), 30-day readmissions and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included utilization of physical therapy and dietary services. Results: Admissions were evaluated prior to (N = 1054) and after (N = 1659) MDR implementation. All-cause in-hospital mortality after MDR implementation decreased significantly from 2.8 to 1.6% (P = 0.03). Although the number of complications and LOS decreased, these differences were not statistically significant. No significant change was observed in 30-day readmissions. Significant increase in the utilization of physical therapy (34.2 to 53.5%; P < 0.01) and dietary services (7.2 to 19.3%; P < 0.01) were observed. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary rounds implementation was associated with significantly decreased mortality and positively impacted resource utilization with increased consultations for ancillary services. MDR is a high impact intervention that utilizes existing resources to improve mortality and should be implemented especially for cardiovascular patients. Further investigation into the benefit of MDR across different patient populations and care settings is warranted.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of acupuncture for angina in an underserved diverse population.

PURPOSE: Stable angina is ischemic chest pain on exertion or with emotional stress. Despite guideline-directed therapy, up to 30% of patients have suboptimal pain relief. The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of acupuncture; and (2) evaluate preliminary efficacy of acupuncture with respect to reduction of pain and increased functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: Participants with stable angina for ⩾1 month received either a standardized acupuncture protocol, twice per week for 5 weeks, or an attention control protocol. Measures included the McGill Pain Questionnaire (average pain intensity (API), pain now) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7 (functional status, symptoms, and HRQoL). Feasibility was defined as ⩾80% recruitment, ⩾75% retention following enrollment, and ⩾80% completion. Descriptive statistics and mixed-effects linear regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: The sample (n = 24) had a mean age of 59 ± 12 years, was predominantly female (63%), and represented minority groups (8% White, 52% Black, 33% Hispanic, and 8% Other). Feasibility was supported by 79% retention and 89% completion rates. The recruitment rate (68%) was slightly lower than expected. Acceptability scores were 87.9% for the acupuncture group and 51.7% for the control group. Outcomes were significantly better for the acupuncture versus control groups (API, b = -2.1 (1.1), p = 0.047; functional status, b = 27.6 (7.2), p < 0.001; and HRQoL, b = 38.8 (11.9), p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Acupuncture was feasible and acceptable in our diverse sample. We were slightly under the recruitment target of 80%, but participants who started the study had a high likelihood of completing it. Acupuncture shows promise for stable angina, but its effectiveness needs to be confirmed by a larger, adequately powered RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02914834 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Outcomes of Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in STEMI: Systematic Review and Updated Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transradial (TR) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a preferable PCI route. The complication difference between TR and TF approaches is controversial. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases were queried for PCI outcomes of TR TF in STEMI for major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), major bleeding, and mortality. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated using the random-effect model. RESULTS: We included 56 studies comprising of 68,733 patients (TR, n = 26,179; TF, n = 42,537). TR-PCI was associated with statistically significant lower odds of MACCE (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49-0.88, p-value = 0.005), major bleeding (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.32-0.68, p-value<0.001), mortality (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.80, p-value<0.001) at in hospital follow-up. TR-PCI was associated with statistically significant lower MACCE (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.80, p-value<0.001), major bleeding (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.49-0.68, p-value<0.001), and mortality (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.86, p-value = 0.005) at 30-day follow-up. The same difference was seen at 1-year. CONCLUSION: TR-PCI was associated with lower odds of MACCE, major bleeding, and mortality during short- and long-term follow-up.

Stent selection among patients with chronic kidney disease: Results from the NCDR CathPCI Registry.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to define contemporary rates of drug eluting stent (DES) usage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). BACKGROUND: Among patients with CKD undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), outcomes are superior for those who receive DES compared to those who receive bare metal stents (BMSs). However, perceived barriers may limit the use of DES in this population. METHODS: All adult PCI cases from the NCDR CathPCI Registry involving coronary stent placement between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 were analyzed. The rate of DES usage was then compared among four groups, stratified by CKD stage (I/II, III, IV, and V). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on PCI status and indication. Cases were linked to Medicare claims data to assess 1-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 3,650,333 PCI cases met criteria for analysis. DES usage significantly declined as renal function worsened (83.0%, 79.9%, 75.6%, and 75.6%, respectively, in the four CKD stages; p < .001). DES usage was universally lower across the four groups in the setting of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) (70.6%, 66.5%, 58.7%, 58.0%; p < .001) and higher in the setting of elective PCI (87.6%, 84.9%, 82.3%, 77.9%; p < .0001). DES was associated with improved 1-year survival, and usage increased over time across each group. CONCLUSIONS: DESs are underutilized in patients with advanced renal dysfunction. Although DES usage has increased over time, variation still exists between patients with normal renal function and those with CKD.

SCAI expert consensus statement update on best practices for transradial angiography and intervention.

Transradial angiography and intervention continues to become increasingly common as an access site for coronary procedures. Since the first "Best Practices" paper in 2013, ongoing trials have shed further light onto the safest and most efficient methods to perform these procedures. Specifically, this document comments on the use of ultrasound to facilitate radial access, the role of ulnar artery access, the utility of non-invasive testing of collateral flow, strategies to prevent radial artery occlusion, radial access for primary PCI and topics that require further study.

Acupuncture to Improve Symptoms for Stable Angina: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has demonstrated physiologic analgesic effects in Chinese patients with stable angina. One proposed mechanism of action for these analgesic effects is the downregulation of M1 macrophages, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to test a 10-session, 5-week acupuncture treatment protocol as a complementary therapy for symptoms of stable angina for American patients, who vary from Chinese patients in health care systems and other salient variables. METHODS: We are conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 69 adults (35 assigned to initial acupuncture and 34 to an attention control condition) with a medically confirmed diagnosis of stable angina, whose pain and associated symptoms have not been controlled to their satisfaction with guideline-directed medical management. Participants in the experimental group will receive a standardized traditional Chinese medicine point prescription. The attention control group will view non-pain-related health education videos over 5 weeks equal to the 10 hours of treatment for the acupuncture group. Participants will complete the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7, as well as have inflammatory cytokines measured at baseline and study completion. The primary outcomes are anginal pain and quality of life. RESULTS: This study has been funded over 2 years by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute for Nursing Research. We are currently recruiting and expect to have initial results by December 2020. CONCLUSIONS: We will generate data on feasibility, acceptability, effect sizes, and protocol revisions for a future fully powered RCT of the protocol. Findings will help determine if patients with persistent ischemic symptoms experience a proinflammatory state and hyperalgesia caused by multiple neural and immune processes not always relieved with medication. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/14705.

Contemporary transradial access practices: Results of the second international survey.

OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into current practice of transradial angiography and intervention in the United States and around the world. BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) has grown worldwide. In a prior survey, there was significant practice variation and there was minimal US participation which limited the generalizability to US operators. METHODS: We used an internet-based survey software program to solicit input from practicing interventional cardiologists from the United States and around the world. US operators were compared with outside the United States (OUS) operators and respondent-level comparisons were made with the prior survey to assess for temporal changes in practice. RESULTS: Between August 2016 and January 1, 2017, 125 interventional cardiologists completed the survey representing 91 countries with the United States having 449 (39.9%) respondents. Preprocedure, noninvasive testing for collateral circulation is used more commonly in the United States (54.1%) than around the world (26.6%) but its use has decreased since 2010. In the US, 48.8% of operators never use ultrasound and 92.6% of OUS operators never use it; only 4.4% overall use ultrasound in >50% of cases. Use of bivalirudin has decreased in the US and OUS. Nearly, 30% of operators do not assess for radial artery patency following hemostasis. US respondents used TRA less commonly for primary PCI for STEMI than their global counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: There is wide variation in how TRA procedures are performed including relatively low rates of adherence to practices that are known to improve outcomes. Further education aimed at increasing use of best practices will impact patient outcomes.

Image noise reduction technology reduces radiation in a radial-first cardiac catheterization laboratory.

BACKGROUND: Transradial coronary angiography (TRA) has been associated with increased radiation doses. We hypothesized that contemporary image noise reduction technology would reduce radiation doses in the cardiac catheterization laboratory in a typical clinical setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of 400 consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations in a predominantly TRA laboratory with traditional fluoroscopy (N=200) and a new image noise reduction fluoroscopy system (N=200). The primary endpoint was radiation dose (mGy cm2). Secondary endpoints were contrast dose, fluoroscopy times, number of cineangiograms, and radiation dose by operator between the two study periods. Radiation was reduced by 44.7% between the old and new cardiac catheterization laboratory (75.8mGycm2±74.0 vs. 41.9mGycm2±40.7, p<0.0001). Radiation was reduced for both diagnostic procedures (45.9%, p<0.0001) and interventional procedures (37.7%, p<0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in radiation dose between individual operators (p=0.84). In multivariate analysis, radiation dose remained significantly decreased with the use of the new system (p<0.0001) and was associated with weight (p<0.0001), previous coronary artery bypass grafting (p<0.0007) and greater than 3 stents used (p<0.0004). TRA was used in 90% of all cases in both periods. Compared with a transfemoral approach (TFA), TRA was not associated with higher radiation doses (p=0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Image noise reduction technology significantly reduces radiation dose in a contemporary radial-first cardiac catheterization clinical practice.

Compared to femoral venous access, upper extremity right heart catheterization reduces time to ambulation: A single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To determine ambulation times after right heart catheterization (RHC) via upper extremity access compared to femoral venous access. BACKGROUND: Transradial coronary angiography has been associated with shorter times to ambulation. We hypothesized that RHC from the upper extremity would be similarly associated with shorter ambulation times when compared to traditional femoral access. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 379 consecutive patients who underwent a variety of diagnostic and interventional left- and right-heart procedures through upper extremity and femoral access sites. RESULTS: The time to ambulation for RHC through the arm veins versus the femoral vein was lower (42.6 min ± 14.2 vs. 175.0 min ± 65.0, P < 0.001). Fluoroscopy times (8.5 min ± 6.8 vs. 12.8 min ± 8.4, P < 0.001) and radiation doses (64.1 Gy cm-2 ± 60.0 vs. 108.5 Gy cm-2 ± 71.6, P < 0.001) were reduced in the radial compared to femoral group, respectively. In multivariate analyses, upper arm access (P < 0.0001), lower heparin dose (P = 0.032), inpatient status (P = 0.01), and concurrent PCI (P = 0.03) were associated with shorter times to ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Right heart catheterization from the upper extremity is strongly associated with shorter times to ambulation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Radiation safety and vascular access: attitudes among cardiologists worldwide.

OBJECTIVES: To determine opinions and perceptions of interventional cardiologists on the topic of radiation and vascular access choice. BACKGROUND: Transradial approach for cardiac catheterization has been increasing in popularity worldwide. There is evidence that transradial access (TRA) may be associated with increasing radiation doses compared to transfemoral access (TFA). METHODS: We distributed a questionnaire to collect opinions of interventional cardiologists around the world. RESULTS: Interventional cardiologists (n=5332) were contacted by email to complete an on-line survey from September to October 2013. The response rate was 20% (n=1084). TRA was used in 54% of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Most TRAs (80%) were performed with right radial access (RRA). Interventionalists perceived that TRA was associated with higher radiation exposure compared to TFA and that RRA was associated with higher radiation exposure that left radial access (LRA). Older interventionalists were more likely to use radiation protection equipment and those who underwent radiation safety training gave more importance to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). Nearly half the respondents stated they would perform more TRA if the radiation exposure was similar to TFA. While interventionalists in the United States placed less importance to certain radiation protective equipment, European operators were more concerned with physician and patient radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Interventionalists worldwide reported higher perceived radiation doses with TRA compared to TFA and RRA compared to LRA. Efforts should be directed toward encouraging consistent radiation safety training. Major investment and application of novel radiation protection tools and radiation dose reduction strategies should be pursued.

Complications of Transradial Cardiac Catheterization and Management.

The transradial approach for coronary angiography has become an increasingly used alternative to the conventional transfemoral approach. Decreased access site complications and bleeding, reduced hospital stays and health care costs, and increased patient satisfaction contribute to the attractiveness of this approach. However, operators must be familiar with the distinct complications associated with the transradial approach. In this article, we discuss the common and less common complications of transradial catheterization, prevention strategies, and management options.

Perceptions of advantages and barriers to radial-access percutaneous coronary intervention in VA cardiac catheterization laboratories.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Compared with trans-femoral percutaneous coronary intervention (TFI), trans-radial PCI (TRI) has a lower risk of bleeding, access site complications and hospital costs, and is preferred by patients. However, TRI accounts for a minority of PCIs in the US, and there is currently little research that explores why. METHODS/MATERIAL: We conducted a national survey in February 2013 to assess perceptions of TRI vs. TFI, and barriers to TRI adoption and implementation among interventional cardiologists employed by the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and linked these data to site-level TRI annual rates for 2013. RESULTS: We received 78 completed surveys (32% response rate). Respondents at sites that perform few or no TRIs identified increased radiation exposure as the greatest barrier while at sites that perform a high percentage of TRIs respondents identified the steep learning curve as the greatest barrier. Majorities of survey respondents at all sites rated TRI as superior on 5 of 7 criteria, including patient comfort and bleeding complications, but rated TFI as superior on procedure time and procedure success. CONCLUSIONS: Even interventional cardiologists at sites that perform few or any TRIs recognized the superiority of TRI for patient comfort and safety, but rated it inferior to TFI on procedure time and technical results. Interventional cardiologists at high-TRI labs rated TRI as equivalent on procedure time and technical results. Efforts to increase TRI adoption and implementation may be more successful if they emphasize that procedure times and technical results depend on achieving proficiency.

Patient access and 1-year outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention facilities with and without on-site cardiothoracic surgery: insights from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) program.

BACKGROUND: The safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at medical facilities without on-site cardiothoracic (CT) surgery has been established in clinical trials. However, the comparative effectiveness of this strategy in real-world practice, including impact on patient access and outcomes, is uncertain. The Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system has used this strategy, with strict quality oversight, since 2005, and can provide insight into this question. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 24,387 patients receiving PCI at VA facilities between October 2007 and September 2010, 6616 (27.1%) patients underwent PCI at facilities (n=18) without on-site CT surgery. Patient drive time (as a proxy for access), procedural complications, 1-year mortality, myocardial infarction, and rates of subsequent revascularization procedures were compared by facility. Results were stratified by procedural indication (ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction versus non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction/unstable angina versus elective) and PCI volume. With the inclusion of PCI facilities without on-site CT surgery, median drive time for patients treated at those facilities decreased by 90.8 minutes (P<0.001). Procedural need for emergent coronary artery bypass graft and mortality rates were low and similar between facilities. Adjusted 1-year mortality and myocardial infarction rates were similar between facilities (hazard ratio in PCI facilities without relative to those with on-site CT surgery, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.2), and not modified by either PCI indication or PCI volume. Subsequent revascularization rates were higher at sites without on-site CT surgery facilities (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.42). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that providing PCI facilities without on-site CT surgery in an integrated health care system with quality oversight improves patient access without compromising procedural or 1-year outcomes.

Temporal trends in the use of intraaortic balloon pump associated with percutaneous coronary intervention in the United States, 1998-2008.

BACKGROUND: With conflicting evidence regarding the usefulness of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), reports of IABP use in the United States have been inconsistent. Our objective was to examine trends in IABP usage in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the United States and to evaluate the association of IABP use with mortality. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study using patient data obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 1998 to 2008. Patients undergoing any PCI (1,552,602 procedures) for a primary diagnosis of symptomatic coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome, including non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and ST-elevation myocardial infarction, were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall use of IABP significantly decreased during the study period from 0.99% in 1998 to 0.36% in 2008 (univariate and multivariate P for trend < .0001). Patients who received IABP had substantially higher rates of shock compared with those who did not receive IABP (38.09% vs 0.70%; P < .0001), which was associated with markedly higher inhospital mortality rates (20.31% vs 0.72%; P < .0001). However, IABP use significantly decreased in patients with shock (36.5%-13.4%) and acute myocardial infarction (2.23%-0.84%) (univariate and multivariate P for trend for both < .0001). A temporal reduction in all-cause PCI-associated mortality from 1.1% in 1998 to 0.86% in 2008 (univariate and multivariate P for trend < .0001) was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of IABP associated with PCI significantly decreased between 1998 and 2008 in the United States, even among patients with acute myocardial infarction and shock.

Temporal trends in percutaneous coronary intervention--associated acute cerebrovascular accident (from the 1998 to 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database).

Acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2008 was used to identify 1,552,602 PCIs performed for acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease. We assessed temporal trends in the incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of CVA in a broad range of patients undergoing PCI. The overall incidence of CVA was 0.56% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55 to 0.57). The incidence of CVA remained unchanged over the study period (adjusted p for trend=0.2271). The overall mortality rate in the CVA group was 10.76% (95% CI 10.1 to 11.4). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of CVA for in-hospital mortality was 7.74 (95% CI 7.00 to 8.57, p<0.0001); this remained high but decreased over the study period (adjusted p for trend<0.0001). Independent predictors of CVA included older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03, p<0.0001), disorder of lipid metabolism (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.38, p<0.001), history of tobacco use (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.34, p=0.0002), coronary atherosclerosis (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.43 to 1.71, p<0.0001), and intra-aortic balloon pump use (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.77, p=0.0073). A nomogram for predicting the probability of CVA achieved a concordance index of 0.73 and was well calibrated. In conclusion, the incidence of CVA associated with PCI has remained unchanged from 1998 to 2008 in face of improved equipment, techniques, and adjunctive pharmacology. The risk of CVA-associated in-hospital mortality is high; however, this risk has decreased over the study period.

Techniques and best practices for optical coherence tomography: a practical manual for interventional cardiologists.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intracoronary imaging modality that utilizes near-infrared light to provide information regarding lesion length and severity, vessel lumen diameter, plaque morphology, as well as the opportunity for stent procedure guidance and follow-up. While analogous to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), the specific imaging properties, including significantly higher resolution, and technical specifications of OCT offer the ability for intracoronary diagnostic and interventional procedure guidance roles that require a thorough understanding of the technology. We provide coronary interventionalist's a user's guide to OCT, focusing on techniques and approaches to optimize imaging, with a focus on efficiency, safety and strategies for effective imaging.

Myocardial infarction due to intracoronary embolization of percutaneous coronary intervention packaging.

Intracoronary device loss is occasionally encountered and removal is commonly performed at the time of the procedure. We report a case of removal of a retained coronary balloon protective plastic tubing inadvertently left in the coronary artery for a month and associated with myocardial infarction. Optical coherence tomography was used to visualize the foreign body prior to removal with a snare. To our knowledge this is the first report of a removal of disposable packaging equipment after prolonged intracoronary dwell time.