Instantaneous wave-free ratio for guiding treatment of nonculprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a physiological coronary evaluation with the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) of nonculprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) successfully revascularized. METHODS: A multicenter registry including patients of four high-volume PCI centers with ACS and underwent successful revascularization of the culprit vessel and had other nonculprit lesions that were physiologically evaluated with the iFR between January 2017 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, probable or definitive stent thrombosis and new revascularization (MACEs). RESULTS: A total of 356 patients with 472 nonculprit lesions were included. The mean age was 66 ± 11 years. The clinical presentation was ACS without persistent ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS) in 235 patients (66%) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 121 patients (34%). After a median follow-up period of 21 (14-30) months, the primary endpoint occurred in 32 patients (9%). There were no differences in outcomes regarding clinical presentation (NSTEMI vs. NSTE-ACS, 9.1 vs. 8.9%, padj  = 0.570) or iFR induced treatment strategy (patients with all lesions revascularized vs. patients with at least one lesion with an iFR > 0.89 deferred for revascularization, 10.5 vs. 8.4%, padj  = 0.476). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the iFR to guide percutaneous coronary intervention decision making in nonculprit lesions seems to be feasible, with an acceptable percentage of MACEs at the mid-term follow-up. Patients with deferred revascularization of lesions without physiological significance and patients undergoing complete revascularization had a similar risk of MACEs.

Prospective pilot study to explore the melatonin level in brain tumor patients undergoing radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to assess if the radiotherapy dose decreased the melatonin levels as well as the quality of life and sleep in brain tumor patients. METHODS: We performed a follow-up study on melatonin levels in saliva and its urinary metabolite sulfatoxi-melatonine (STM) samples in patients with brain tumors treated with radiotherapy close to the pineal gland's area. We analyzed the cortisol, cortisone, and excrection of STM normalized by urinary creatinine. In some cases, a polysomnography (PSG) was performed. Quality of life questionnaires, distress scale, and sleepiness inventories were also administered. RESULTS: We included twelve patients (experimental arm) and eight healthy controls (control group). No differences were observed between experimental arm and control group at baseline. No differences were detected in the experimental arm before and after delivering the radiotherapy. No clinically significant differences were found according to the radiotherapy dose delivered. CONCLUSION: Melatonin levels and PSG outcomes do not change after receiving radiotherapy. The findings of this study do not show a statistically significant association between the treatment and the quality of life and sleep.

Impact of diabetes in patients waiting for invasive cardiac procedures during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During COVID-19 pandemic, elective invasive cardiac procedures (ICP) have been frequently cancelled or postponed. Consequences may be more evident in patients with diabetes. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to identify the peculiarities of patients with DM among those in whom ICP were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify subgroups in which the influence of DM has higher impact on the clinical outcome. METHODS: We included 2,158 patients in whom an elective ICP was cancelled or postponed during COVID-19 pandemic in 37 hospitals in Spain. Among them, 700 (32.4%) were diabetics. Patients with and without diabetes were compared. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes were older and had a higher prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors, previous cardiovascular history and co-morbidities. Diabetics had a higher mortality (3.0% vs. 1.0%; p = 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (1.9% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.001). Differences were especially important in patients with valvular heart disease (mortality 6.9% vs 1.7% [p < 0.001] and cardiovascular mortality 4.9% vs 0.9% [p = 0.002] in patients with and without diabetes, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, diabetes remained as an independent risk factor both for overall and cardiovascular mortality. No significant interaction was found with other clinical variables. CONCLUSION: Among patients in whom an elective invasive cardiac procedure is cancelled or postponed during COVID-19 pandemic, mortality and cardiovascular mortality is higher in patients with diabetes, irrespectively on other clinical conditions. These procedures should not be cancelled in patients with diabetes.

Consequences of canceling elective invasive cardiac procedures during Covid-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: During COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, elective procedures were canceled or postponed, mainly due to health care systems overwhelming. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of interrupting invasive procedures in patients with chronic cardiac diseases due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain. METHODS: The study population is comprised of 2,158 patients that were pending on elective cardiac invasive procedures in 37 hospitals in Spain on the 14th of March 2020, when a state of alarm and subsequent lockdown was declared in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These patients were followed-up until April 31th. RESULTS: Out of the 2,158 patients, 36 (1.7%) died. Mortality was significantly higher in patients pending on structural procedures (4.5% vs. 0.8%, respectively; p < .001), in those >80 year-old (5.1% vs. 0.7%, p < .001), and in presence of diabetes (2.7% vs. 0.9%, p = .001), hypertension (2.0% vs. 0.6%, p = .014), hypercholesterolemia (2.0% vs. 0.9%, p = .026) [Correction added on December 23, 2020, after first online publication: as per Dr. Moreno's request changes in p-values were made after original publication in Abstract.], chronic renal failure (6.0% vs. 1.2%, p < .001), NYHA > II (3.8% vs. 1.2%, p = .001), and CCS > II (4.2% vs. 1.4%, p = .013), whereas was it was significantly lower in smokers (0.5% vs. 1.9%, p = .013). Multivariable analysis identified age > 80, diabetes, renal failure and CCS > II as independent predictors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Mortality at 45 days during COVID-19 outbreak in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases included in a waiting list due to cancellation of invasive elective procedures was 1.7%. Some clinical characteristics may be of help in patient selection for being promptly treated when similar situations happen in the future.

Characteristics of mucocutaneous vascular malformations drawn from a decade of a multidisciplinary committee experience.

Vascular malformations (VM) are congenital, benign, and relatively frequent lesions. Scant data have been published about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of VM from a dermatologist's perspective. The substantial differences between subtypes, broad range of specialists consulted and confusing nomenclature used over previous years may hamper a correct diagnosis. The main objective of this study is to describe VM epidemiology. As a secondary endpoint we evaluate clinical characteristics, clinical-radiological correlation and treatment approaches. We carried out an observational, descriptive, retrospective study. Cases presented to the multidisciplinary committee of our hospital from 2009 to 2019 were retrieved. Electronic medical records, monthly committee reports and the iconographic archive were reviewed and statistically analyzed. Overall, venous malformations (VeM) are the most frequent VM, followed by capillary malformations (CM), arterioVeM and lymphatic malformations (LM). Considering only patients under 16, CMs are the most frequent ones. Capillary and LMs are larger than venous or arteriovenous. While CMs are usually asymptomatic, symptomatic cases are threefold more frequent in the other subtypes. Decisions on active or conservative management depend on VM size but not location or patient age. CMs are mainly treated with laser therapy; venous with sclerotherapy or surgery; arteriovenous with surgery and lymphatic with surgery or sirolimus. Dermatologists play an important role in VM diagnosis and management. Our 10-year multidisciplinary experience should contribute to the literature and represent a practical resource for clinicians and researchers.

Optimizing Glutaraldehyde-Fixed Tissue Heart Valves with Chondroitin Sulfate Hydrogel for Endothelialization and Shielding against Deterioration.

Porcine glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardium is widely used to replace human heart valves. Despite the stabilizing effects of glutaraldehyde fixation, the lack of endothelialization and the occurrence of immune reactions contribute to calcification and structural valve deterioration, which is particularly significant in young patients, in whom valve longevity is crucial. This report shows an optimization system with which to enhance endothelialization of fixed pericardium to mimic the biological function of a native heart valve. The glutaraldehyde detoxification, together with the application of a biodegradable methacrylated chondroitin sulfate hydrogel, reduces aldehydes cytotoxicity, increases the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells and the recruitment of endothelial cell progenitors, and confers thromboresistance in fixed pericardium. The combination of glutaraldehyde detoxification and a coating with chondroitin sulfate hydrogel promotes in situ mechanisms of endothelialization in fixed pericardium. We offer a new solution for improving the long life of bioprosthetic valves and exploring the means of making valves suitable to endothelialization.

Cost-effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention with cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stents versus bare metal stents: Results from a patient level meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Second-generation drug eluting stents (DES) may reduce costs and improve clinical outcomes compared to first-generation DES with improved cost-effectiveness when compared to bare metal stents (BMS). We aimed to conduct an economic evaluation of a cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stent (Co-Cr EES) compared with BMS in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). OBJECTIVE: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of a cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stent (Co-Cr EES) versus BMS in PCI. METHODS: A Markov state transition model with a 2-year time horizon was applied from a US Medicare setting with patients undergoing PCI with Co-Cr EES or BMS. Baseline characteristics, treatment effects, and safety measures were taken from a patient level meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n = 4,896). The base-case analysis evaluated stent-related outcomes; a secondary analysis considered the broader set of outcomes reported in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The base-case and secondary analyses reported an additional 0.018 and 0.013 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost savings of $236 and $288, respectively with Co-Cr EES versus BMS. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses and were most sensitive to the price of clopidogrel. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, Co-Cr EES was associated with a greater than 99% chance of being cost saving or cost effective (at a cost per QALY threshold of $50,000) versus BMS. CONCLUSIONS: Using data from a recent patient level meta-analysis and contemporary cost data, this analysis found that PCI with Co-Cr EES is more effective and less costly than PCI with BMS. © 2016 The Authors. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy: Analysis of Two Direct Metabolites of Ethanol in Meconium.

Alcohol consumption in young women is a widespread habit that may continue during pregnancy and induce alterations in the fetus. We aimed to characterize prevalence of alcohol consumption in parturient women and to assess fetal ethanol exposure in their newborns by analyzing two direct metabolites of ethanol in meconium. This is a cross-sectional study performed in September 2011 and March 2012 in a series of women admitted to an obstetric unit following childbirth. During admission, socio-demographic and substance use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, and opiates) during pregnancy were assessed using a structured questionnaire and clinical charts. We also recorded the characteristics of pregnancy, childbirth, and neonates. The meconium analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to detect the presence of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS). Fifty-one parturient and 52 neonates were included and 48 meconium samples were suitable for EtG and EtS detection. The median age of women was 30 years (interquartile range (IQR): 26-34 years); EtG was present in all meconium samples and median concentration of EtG was 67.9 ng/g (IQR: 36.0-110.6 ng/g). With respect to EtS, it was undetectable (<0.01 ng/g) in the majority of samples (79.1%). Only three (6%) women reported alcohol consumption during pregnancy in face-to-face interviews. However, prevalence of fetal exposure to alcohol through the detection of EtG and EtS was 4.2% and 16.7%, respectively. Prevention of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the detection of substance use with markers of fetal exposure are essential components of maternal and child health.

A modified Delphi survey on the signs and symptoms of low back pain: indicators for an interventional management approach.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) symptoms and signs are nonspecific. If required, diagnostic blocks may find the source of pain, but indicators of suspect diagnosis must be defined to identify anatomical targets. OBJECTIVE: To reach a consensus from an expert panel on the indicators for the most common causes of LBP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3-round (2 telematic and 1 face-to-face) modified Delphi survey with a questionnaire on 78 evidence-based indicators of 7 LBP etiologies was completed by 23 experts. RESULTS: 98.7% of the questionnaire was consensuated. The most accepted indicators were for zygapophysial joint pain, painful ipsilateral paravertebral palpation, worsening with trunk extension, paravertebral musculature spasm on the affected articulation, and referred pain above the knee, without radicular pattern. For sacroiliac joint pain, unilateral pain when seating, with at least 3 described provoking tests: Approximation; gapping; Patrick's; Gaenslen's; thigh thrust; Fortin finger; and Gillet's tests. For discogenic pain, midline pain that may be provoked by pressure on the spinal processes at the affected level; for quadratus lumborum muscle, painful palpation on both the L1 level paravertebral region, referred to iliac crest, and the iliac crest, referred to greater trochanter. For iliopsoas muscle, pain elicited by thigh flexion, referred to buttock, inguinal region, and anterior thigh. For pyramidal muscle, pain while sitting on the affected side and positive Freiberg's test. For radicular pain, paresthesias and positive Lassègue's test at 60°. CONCLUSION: Seventy-seven diagnostic suspect indicators of LBP conditions were consensuated. These may facilitate conservative or interventional pain management decision-making.

Clinical comparison of a handheld cardiac ultrasound device for the assessment of left ventricular function.

PURPOSE: Recently developed handheld ultrasound devices (HHUD) represent a promising method to evaluate the cardiovascular abnormalities at the point of care. However, this technology has not been rigorously evaluated. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation and the agreement between the LVEF (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) visually assessed by a moderately experienced sonographer using an HHUD compared to the routine LVEF assessment performed at the Echocardiography Laboratory. METHODS: This was a prospective single center study which enrolled 120 adult inpatients and outpatients referred for a comprehensive Echocardiography (EC). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 69.9 ± 12.5 years. There were 47 females (39.2%). The R-squared was r 0.94 (p < 0.0001) and the ICC was 0.93 (IC 95% 0.91-0.95, p ≤ 0.0001). The Bland-Altman plot showed limits of agreement (LOA): Upper LOA 10.61 and Lower LOA - 8.95. The overall agreement on the LVEF assessment when it was stratified as "normal" or "reduced" was 89.1%, with a kappa of 0.77 (p < 0.0001). When the LVEF was classified as "normal", "mildly reduced", "moderately reduced", or "severely reduced," the kappa was 0.77 (p < 0.0001). The kappa between the HHUD EC and the comprehensive EC for the detection of RWMAs in the territories supplied by the LAD, LCX and RCA was 0.85, 0.73 and 0.85, respectively. CONCLUSION: With current HHUD, an averagely experienced operator can accurately bedside visual estimate the LVEF. This may facilitate the incorporation of this technology in daily clinical practice improving the management of patients.

PRECISE-DAPT, ARC-HBR, or Simplified Clinical Evaluation for the Prediction of Major Bleeding After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in older Patients.

Older patients have been remarkably underrepresented in bleeding risk cohorts. Thus, the PRECISE-DAPT (Derivation and validation of the predicting bleeding complications in patients undergoing stent implantation and subsequent dual antiplatelet therapy) and Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) scores are not validated in older adults. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the PRECISE-DAPT and ARC-HBR scores in an exclusively older population and assess the prognostic value of a truly simplified clinical evaluation (SCE), consisting of only 3 binary clinical variables (hemoglobin <11 g/100 ml, previous bleeding, and anticipated use of anticoagulants). This is a retrospective analysis of the prospective single-center older-HCD registry. Consecutive patients aged ≥75 years who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention from 2012 to 2019 were included. The primary end point was postdischarge bleeding at 12 months of follow-up, defined according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5 criteria. A total of 693 patients with a mean age of 81 (±4.4) years were included in the study and 60 patients (6.8%) met the primary end point. The PRECISE-DAPT and ARC-HBR scores did not significantly predict postdischarge bleeding in the Cox regression models (hazard ratio 1.65 [0.78 to 3.42] and 1.46 [0.72 to 4.24], respectively), whereas the SCE outperformed both scores (hazard ratio 2.47, 1.34 to 4.49). All 3 scores exhibited a moderate discriminatory potential, as determined by a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis (areas under the curve 0.601, 0.621, and 0.616, respectively), with no significant differences between them. The SCE showed an Integrated Discrimination Improvement of 0.25, p = 0.02 (SCE vs ARC-HBR) and 0.24, p = 0.01 (SCE vs PRECISE-DAPT), with an Net Reclassification Improvement of 6.54%, p = 0.37 and 7.12%, p = 0.43, respectively. In conclusion, the PRECISE-DAPT score and ARC-HBR criteria showed insufficient predictive value in older adults. A truly SCE consisting of 3 easily accessible variables not only provides equal discriminatory potential but also demonstrates superior predictive value, as determined by Cox regression models. This makes it a highly appealing tool for risk stratification, pending its evaluation in larger prospective studies.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) now represents the mainstay of treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Owing to its exceptional procedural efficacy and safety, TAVI has been extended to include patients at lower surgical risk, thus now encompassing a diverse patient population receiving this treatment. Yet, long-term outcomes also depend on optimal medical therapy for secondary vascular prevention, with antithrombotic therapy serving as the cornerstone. Leveraging data from multiple randomized controlled trials, the current guidelines generally recommend single antithrombotic therapy, with either single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) or oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone in those patients without or with atrial fibrillation, respectively. Yet, individualization of this pattern, as well as specific case uses, may be needed based on individual patient characteristics and concurrent procedures. This review aims to discuss the evidence supporting antithrombotic treatments in patients treated with TAVI, indications for a standardized treatment, as well as specific considerations for an individualized approach to treatment.

A Prospective, Multicenter, Real-World Registry of Coronary Lithotripsy in Calcified Coronary Arteries: The REPLICA-EPIC18 Study.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of calcified lesions in selected patients with stable coronary disease. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to assess the performance of coronary IVL in calcified coronary lesions in a real-life, all comers, setting. METHODS: The REPLICA-EPIC18 study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients treated with IVL in 26 centers in Spain. An independent core laboratory performed the angiographic analysis and event adjudication. The primary effectiveness endpoint assessed procedural success (successful IVL delivery, final diameter stenosis <20%, and absence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]). The primary safety endpoint measured freedom from MACE at 30 days. A predefined substudy compared outcomes between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients (456 lesions) were included, 63% of the patients presenting with ACS. IVL delivery was successful in 99% of cases. Before IVL, 49% of lesions were considered undilatable. The primary effectiveness endpoint was achieved in 66% of patients, with similar rates among CCS patients (68%) and ACS patients (65%). Likewise, there were no significant differences in angiographic success after IVL between CCS and ACS patients. The rate of MACE at 30 days (primary safety endpoint) was 3% (1% in CCS and 5% in ACS patients [P = 0.073]). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary IVL proved to be a feasible and safe procedure in a "real-life" setting, effectively facilitating stent implantation in severely calcified lesions. Patients with ACS on admission showed similar angiographic success rates but showed a trend toward higher 30-day MACE compared with patients with CCS. (REPLICA-EPIC18 study [Registry of Coronary Lithotripsy in Spain]; NCT04298307).

Clinical impact of complex percutaneous coronary intervention in the pre-TAVR workup.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the workup pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the clinical impact of coronary revascularization complexity remains unknown. This study sought to examine the impact of PCI complexity on clinical outcomes after TAVR in patients undergoing PCI in the preprocedural workup. METHODS: This was a multicenter study including consecutive patients scheduled for TAVR with concomitant significant coronary artery disease. Complex PCI was defined as having at least 1 of the following features: 3 vessels treated, ≥ 3 stents implanted, ≥ 3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length >60mm, or chronic total occlusion. The rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1550 patients were included, of which 454 (29.3%) underwent complex PCI in the pre-TAVR workup. After a median follow-up period of 2 [1-3] years after TAVR, the incidence of MACE was 9.6 events per 100 patients-years. Complex PCI significantly increased the risk of cardiac death (HR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.01-2.07), nonperiprocedural myocardial infarction (HR, 1.52; 95%CI, 1.04-2.21), and coronary revascularization (HR, 2.46; 95%CI, 1.44-4.20). In addition, PCI complexity was identified as an independent predictor of MACE after TAVR (HR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.01-1.71; P=.042). CONCLUSIONS: In TAVR candidates with significant coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous treatment, complex revascularization was associated with a higher risk of MACE. The degree of procedural complexity should be considered a strong determinant of prognosis in the PCI-TAVR population.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for degenerative bioprosthetic surgical valves: results from the global valve-in-valve registry.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation is an emerging therapeutic alternative for patients with a failed surgical bioprosthesis and may obviate the need for reoperation. We evaluated the clinical results of this technique using a large, worldwide registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Global Valve-in-Valve Registry included 202 patients with degenerated bioprosthetic valves (aged 77.7±10.4 years; 52.5% men) from 38 cardiac centers. Bioprosthesis mode of failure was stenosis (n=85; 42%), regurgitation (n=68; 34%), or combined stenosis and regurgitation (n=49; 24%). Implanted devices included CoreValve (n=124) and Edwards SAPIEN (n=78). Procedural success was achieved in 93.1% of cases. Adverse procedural outcomes included initial device malposition in 15.3% of cases and ostial coronary obstruction in 3.5%. After the procedure, valve maximum/mean gradients were 28.4±14.1/15.9±8.6 mm Hg, and 95% of patients had ≤+1 degree of aortic regurgitation. At 30-day follow-up, all-cause mortality was 8.4%, and 84.1% of patients were at New York Heart Association functional class I/II. One-year follow-up was obtained in 87 patients, with 85.8% survival of treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The valve-in-valve procedure is clinically effective in the vast majority of patients with degenerated bioprosthetic valves. Safety and efficacy concerns include device malposition, ostial coronary obstruction, and high gradients after the procedure.

Validation of Quantitative Flow Ratio-Derived Virtual Angioplasty with Post-Angioplasty Fractional Flow Reserve-The QIMERA-I Study.

Background: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) virtual angioplasty with pre-PCI residual QFR showed better results compared with an angiographic approach to assess post-PCI functional results. However, correlation with pre-PCI residual QFR and post-PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR) is lacking. Methods: A multicenter prospective study including consecutive patients with angiographically 50-90% coronary lesions and positive QFR results. All patients were evaluated with QFR, hyperemic and non-hyperemic pressure ratios (NHPR) before and after the index PCI. Pre-PCI residual QFR (virtual angioplasty) was calculated and compared with post-PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR), QFR and NHPR. Results: A total of 84 patients with 92 treated coronary lesions were included, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 10.9 years and 59% of single vessel lesions being the left anterior descending artery in 69%. The mean vessel diameter was 2.82 ± 0.41 mm. Procedural success was achieved in all cases, with a mean number of implanted stents of 1.17 ± 0.46. The baseline QFR value was 0.69 ± 0.12 and baseline FFR and NHPR were 0.73 ± 0.08 and 0.82 ± 0.11, respectively. Mean post-PCI FFR increased to 0.87 ± 0.05 whereas residual QFR had been estimated as 0.95 ± 0.05, showing poor correlation with post-PCI FFR (0.163; 95% CI:0.078-0.386) and low diagnostic accuracy (30.9%, 95% CI:20-43%). Conclusions: In this analysis, the results of QFR-based virtual angioplasty did not seem to accurately correlate with post-PCI FFR.

Changes in the Treatment Strategy Following Intracoronary Pressure Wire in a Contemporaneous Real-Life Cohort of Patients With Intermediate Coronary Stenosis. Results From a Nationwide Registry.

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary pressure wire is useful to guide revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease. AIMS: To evaluate changes in diagnosis (coronary artery disease extent), treatment strategy and clinical results after intracoronary pressure wire study in real-life patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. METHODS: Observational, prospective and multicenter registry of patients in whom pressure wire was performed. The extent of coronary artery disease and the treatment strategy based on clinical and angiographic criteria were recorded before and after intracoronary pressure wire guidance. 12-month incidence of MACE (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or new revascularization of the target lesion) was assessed. RESULTS: 1414 patients with 1781 lesions were included. Complications related to the procedure were reported in 42 patients (3.0 %). The extent of coronary artery disease changed in 771 patients (54.5 %). There was a change in treatment strategy in 779 patients (55.1 %) (18.0 % if medical treatment; 68.8 % if PCI; 58.9 % if surgery (p < 0.001 for PCI vs medical treatment; p = 0.041 for PCI vs CABG; p < 0.001 for medical treatment vs CABG)). In patients with PCI as the initial strategy, the change in strategy was associated with a lower rate of MACE (4.6 % vs 8.2 %, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The use of intracoronary pressure wire was safe and led to the reclassification of the extent of coronary disease and change in the treatment strategy in more than half of the cases, especially in patients with PCI as initial treatment.

Surgical vs. transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients over 75 years with aortic stenosis: sociodemographic profile, clinical characteristics, quality of life and functionality.

Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) affects 25% of the population over 65 years. At present, there is no curative medical treatment for AVS and therefore the surgical approach, consisting of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), is the treatment of choice. Methodology: The aim of this study was to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, quality of life and functionality of a sample of patients with AVS over 75 years of age, who underwent TAVR or SAVR, applying standard clinical practice. A prospective multicenter observational study was conducted in two hospitals of the Spanish National Health System. Data were collected at baseline, 1, 6 months and 1 year. Results: In total, 227 participants were included, with a mean age of 80.6 [SD 4.1]. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of quality of life, which was higher at 1 year in patients who underwent SAVR. In terms of functionality, SAVR patients obtained a better score (p < 0.01). However, patients who underwent TAVR began with a worse baseline situation and managed to increase their quality of life and functionality after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion: The individualized choice of TAVR or SAVR in patients with AVS improves patients' quality of life and function. Moreover, the TAVR procedure in patients with a worse baseline situation and a high surgical risk achieved a similar increase in quality of life and functionality compared to patients undergoing SAVR with a better baseline situation.