Real world impact of added FFR-CT to coronary CT angiography on clinical decision-making and patient prognosis - IMPACT FFR study.

OBJECTIVES: The addition of CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) increases the diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA). We assessed the impact of FFR-CT in routine clinical practice on clinical decision-making and patient prognosis in patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study compared a cohort that received CCTA with FFR-CT to a historical cohort that received CCTA before FFR-CT was available. We assessed the clinical management decisions after FFR-CT and CCTA and the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during the 1-year follow-up using chi-square tests for independence. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to visualize the occurrence of safety outcomes over time. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients at low to intermediate risk of CAD were included, 224 in the CCTA only group, and 136 in the FFR-CT group. During follow-up, 13 MACE occurred in 12 patients, 9 (4.0%) in the CCTA group, and three (2.2%) in the FFR-CT group. Clinical management decisions differed significantly between both groups. After CCTA, 60 patients (26.5%) received optimal medical therapy (OMT) only, 115 (51.3%) invasive coronary angiography (ICA), and 49 (21.9%) single positron emission CT (SPECT). After FFR-CT, 106 patients (77.9%) received OMT only, 27 (19.9%) ICA, and three (2.2%) SPECT (p < 0.001 for all three options). The revascularization rate after ICA was similar between groups (p = 0.15). However, patients in the CCTA group more often underwent revascularization (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Addition of FFR-CT to CCTA led to a reduction in (invasive) diagnostic testing and less revascularizations without observed difference in outcomes after 1 year. KEY POINTS: • Previous studies have shown that computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve improves the accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography without changes in acquisition protocols. • This study shows that use of computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve as gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography in patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease leads to less invasive testing and revascularization without observed difference in outcomes after 1 year. • This could lead to a significant reduction in costs, complications and (retrospectively unnecessary) usage of diagnostic testing capacity, and a significant increase in patient satisfaction.

Identification of patients and plaques vulnerable to future coronary events with near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound imaging: a prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) intravascular ultrasound imaging can detect lipid-rich plaques (LRPs). LRPs are associated with acute coronary syndromes or myocardial infarction, which can result in revascularisation or cardiac death. In this study, we aimed to establish the relationship between LRPs detected by NIRS-intravascular ultrasound imaging at unstented sites and subsequent coronary events from new culprit lesions. METHODS: In this prospective, cohort study (LRP), patients from 44 medical centres were enrolled in Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovakia, UK, and the USA. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent cardiac catheterisation with possible ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention were eligible to be enrolled. Enrolled patients underwent scanning of non-culprit segments using NIRS-intravascular ultrasound imaging. The study had two hierarchal primary hypotheses, patient and plaque, each testing the association between maximum 4 mm Lipid Core Burden Index (maxLCBI4mm) and non-culprit major adverse cardiovascular events (NC-MACE). Enrolled patients with large LRPs (≥250 maxLCBI4mm) and a randomly selected half of patients with small LRPs (<250 maxLCBI4mm) were followed up for 24 months. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02033694. FINDINGS: Between Feb 21, 2014, and March 30, 2016, 1563 patients were enrolled. NIRS-intravascular ultrasound device-related events were seen in six (0·4%) patients. 1271 patients (mean age 64 years, SD 10, 883 [69%] men, 388 [31%]women) with analysable maxLCBI4mm were allocated to follow-up. The 2-year cumulative incidence of NC-MACE was 9% (n=103). Both hierarchical primary hypotheses were met. On a patient level, the unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for NC-MACE was 1·21 (95% CI 1·09-1·35; p=0·0004) for each 100-unit increase maxLCBI4mm) and adjusted HR 1·18 (1·05-1·32; p=0·0043). In patients with a maxLCBI4mm more than 400, the unadjusted HR for NC-MACE was 2·18 (1·48-3·22; p<0·0001) and adjusted HR was 1·89 (1·26-2·83; p=0·0021). At the plaque level, the unadjusted HR was 1·45 (1·30-1·60; p<0·0001) for each 100-unit increase in maxLCBI4mm. For segments with a maxLCBI4mm more than 400, the unadjusted HR for NC-MACE was 4·22 (2·39-7·45; p<0·0001) and adjusted HR was 3·39 (1·85-6·20; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: NIRS imaging of non-obstructive territories in patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation and possible percutaneous coronary intervention was safe and can aid in identifying patients and segments at higher risk for subsequent NC-MACE. NIRS-intravascular ultrasound imaging adds to the armamentarium as the first diagnostic tool able to detect vulnerable patients and plaques in clinical practice. FUNDING: Infraredx.

Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (resolute-STEMI): A prespecified prospective register from the DAPT-STEMI trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) with second-generation Resolute™ zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES) in patients enrolled in the DAPT-STEMI Trial (NCT01459627). BACKGROUND: R-ZES is one of the most used drug eluting stents worldwide. To date, the safety and efficacy data of this stent in setting of STEMI is limited. METHODS: The Resolute-STEMI is a prespecified prospective register that reports the safety and efficacy of R-ZES in setting of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) at 6 months for the following endpoints: a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, any myocardial infarction (MI), any (unscheduled) revascularization, stroke and TIMI major bleeding, as well as target lesion failure and stent thrombosis (ST). RESULTS: From a total of 1,100 STEMI patients enrolled in the trial, 998 received a R-ZES. At 6 months the PE occurred in 42 (4.2%) patients. All-cause death, MI, revascularization, stroke and TIMI major bleeding was respectively 8 (0.8%), 9 (0.8%), 34 (3.4%), 2 (0.2%), and 4 (0.4%). The rate of target lesion revascularizations involving the culprit lesion was 1.1%. Target lesion failure was 1.5%. The rate of definite ST was 0.5%. The rate of both definite or probable ST was 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis is the largest to date reporting short-term and mid-term clinical outcomes with the R-ZES stent in setting of STEMI. At 30 days and 6-months R-ZES has an outstanding safety and efficacy even in this high-risk category of patients.

A prospective, randomized, open-label trial of 6-month versus 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Rationale and design of the "DAPT-STEMI trial".

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention with second-generation drug eluting stents (DESs) is unclear. Because prolonged DAPT is associated with higher bleeding risk and health care costs, establishing optimal DAPT duration is of paramount importance. No other randomized controlled trials have evaluated the safety of shorter DAPT duration in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with second-generation DESs and latest P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitors. HYPOTHESIS: Six months of DAPT after Resolute Integrity stent implantation in STEMI patients is not inferior to 12 months of DAPT in clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation In ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (DAPT-STEMI) trial is a randomized, multicenter, international, open-label trial designed to examine the safety (noninferiority) of 6-month DAPT after Resolute Integrity stent implantation in STEMI patients compared with 12-month DAPT. Event-free patients on DAPT at 6month will be randomized (1:1 fashion) between single (aspirin only) versus DAPT for an additional 6 months and followed until 2 years after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point is a patient-oriented composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, any myocardial infarction, any revascularization, stroke, and major bleeding (net adverse clinical events [NACE]) at 18 months after randomization. To achieve a power of 85% for a noninferiority limit of 1.66, a total of 1100 enrolled patients are required. SUMMARY: The DAPT-STEMI trial aims to assess in STEMI patients treated with second-generation DESs whether discontinuation of DAPT after 6 months of event-free survival is noninferior to routine 12-month DAPT.

Abluminal biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stent versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (COMPARE II): a randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents with durable biocompatible or biodegradable polymers have been developed to address the risk of thrombosis associated with first-generation drug-eluting stents. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of a biodegradable polymer-coated biolimus-eluting stent with a thin-strut everolimus-eluting stent coated with a durable biocompatible polymer. METHODS: This open-label, prospective, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial was undertaken at 12 sites across Europe. We used limited exclusion criteria (age >18 years, life expectancy >5 years, reference vessel diameter 2·0-4·0 mm) to enrol patients eligible for percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were randomly allocated (2:1) by computer-generated random numbers to receive either a biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stent (Nobori, Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) or a durable fluoropolymer-based everolimus-eluting stent (Xience V or Prime, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA, or Promus, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA). The primary endpoint was a composite of safety (cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction) and efficacy (clinically indicated target vessel revascularisation) at 12 months, analysed by intention to treat. Patients received dual antiplatelet therapy for 12 months after discharge. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01233453. FINDINGS: From Jan 12, 2009, to Feb 7, 2011, we enrolled 2707 patients (4025 lesions), 1795 of whom were assigned to receive the biolimus-eluting stent (2638 lesions) and 912 to an everolimus-eluting stent (1387 lesions). 2688 (99·3%) patients completed 12 months' follow-up. Significantly more patients in the biolimus-eluting stent group received a non-assigned stent than did those in the everolimus-eluting stent group (105 [5·9%] vs 19 [2·1%]; p<0·0001). The primary endpoint occurred in 93 (5·2%) patients in the biolimus-eluting stent group and 44 (4·8%) patients in the everolimus-eluting stent group at 12 months (relative risk 1·07 [95% CI 0·75-1·52]; p(non-inferiority)<0·0001). Analysis per protocol did not change the outcome of this trial (p(non-inferiority)<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents are as safe and efficacious as the current standard of a thin-strut everolimus-eluting stent with a durable biocompatible polymer. We need to follow-up patients for longer to show whether the biolimus-eluting stent reduces the risk of stent thrombosis after 1 year when compared with the everolimus-eluting stent. FUNDING: Terumo Europe (Leuven, Belgium) and the Research Foundation of the Cardiology Department, Maasstad Hospital (Rotterdam, Netherlands).

Randomized study to assess the effect of thrombus aspiration on flow area in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an optical frequency domain imaging study--TROFI trial.

AIMS: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) with thrombectomy (TB) seems to reduce the thrombus burden, resulting in a larger flow area as measured with optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a multi-centre study, 141 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction <12 h from onset were randomized to either PPCI with TB using an Eliminate catheter (TB: n = 71) or without TB (non-TB: n = 70), having operators blinded for the OFDI results. The primary endpoint was minimum flow area (MinFA) post-procedure assessed by OFDI, defined as: [stent area + incomplete stent apposition (ISA) area] - (intraluminal defect + tissue prolapse area). Sample size was based on the expected difference of 0.72 mm(2) in MinFA. Baseline demographics, pre-procedural quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), and procedural characteristics were well matched between the two groups. On OFDI, the stent area (TB: 7.62 ± 2.23 mm(2), non-TB: 7.05 ± 2.12 mm(2), P = 0.14) and MinFA (TB: 7.08 ± 2.14 mm(2) vs. non-TB: 6.51 ± 1.99 mm(2), Δ0.57 mm(2), P = 0.12) were not different. In addition, the amount of protrusion, intraluminal defect, and ISA area were similar in the both groups. CONCLUSION: PPCI with TB was associated with a similar flow area as well as stent area to PPCI without TB.

Ten-Year Outcome of Recanalization or Medical Therapy for Concomitant Chronic Total Occlusion After Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The EXPLORE (Evaluating Xience and Left Ventricular Function in PCI on Occlusions After STEMI) trial was the first and only randomized trial investigating chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) early after primary PCI for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, compared with medical therapy for the CTO. We performed a 10-year follow-up of EXPLORE to investigate long-term safety and clinical impact of CTO PCI after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, compared with no-CTO PCI. METHODS AND RESULTS: In EXPLORE, 302 patients post-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction with concurrent CTO were randomized to CTO PCI within ≈1 week or no-CTO PCI. We performed an extended clinical follow-up for the primary end point of major adverse cardiac events, consisting of cardiovascular death, coronary artery bypass grafting, or myocardial infarction. Secondary end points included all-cause death, angina, and dyspnea. Median follow-up was 10 years (interquartile range, 8-11 years). The primary end point occurred in 25% of patients with CTO PCI and in 24% of patients with no-CTO PCI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11 [95% CI, 0.70-1.76]). Cardiovascular mortality was higher in the CTO PCI group (HR, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.10-2.50]), but all-cause death was similar (HR, 1.53 [95% CI, 0.93-2.50]). Dyspnea relief was more frequent after CTO PCI (83% versus 65%, P=0.005), with no significant difference in angina. CONCLUSIONS: This 10-year follow-up of patients post-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction randomized to CTO PCI or no-CTO PCI demonstrated no clinical benefit of CTO PCI in major adverse cardiac events or overall mortality. However, CTO PCI was associated with a higher cardiovascular mortality compared with no-CTO PCI. Our long-term data support a careful weighing of effective symptom relief against an elevated cardiovascular mortality risk in CTO PCI decisions. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.trialregister.nl; Unique identifier: NTR1108.

Randomized comparison of the magnetic navigation system vs. standard wires in the treatment of bifurcations.

Aims Randomly compare the magnetic navigation system (MNS) to standard guidewire techniques in managing bifurcating lesions. Methods and results Thirty-one consecutive patients with bifurcating lesions were randomized to cross the bifurcating vessels prior to treatment and thereafter the struts of deployed stents with either magnetic or standard guidewires. Crossing success, crossing/fluoroscopy times, and contrast media usage were directly compared. Similar times were noted in both the magnetic wire crossings (median, IQR; 68 s, 45-138 s vs. 59 s, 32-133 s) and fluoroscopic times (median, IQR; 62 s, 44-135 s vs. 55 s, 27-133 s) when compared with standard conventional wires passage through the deployed struts. The MNS successful crossings were 30/31 (96.8%) compared with 28/31 (90.0%) observed with the standard wires. Two previously failed standard wire cases were successfully crossed with magnetic guidewires. Conclusion In contemporary stented bifurcations, the MNS achieved equivalent crossing/fluoroscopy times through deployed stents struts and may be useful in salvaging failed standard wire cases.

Predicting future left anterior descending artery events from non-culprit lesions: insights from the Lipid-Rich Plaque study.

AIMS: The left anterior descending (LAD) artery is the most frequently affected site by coronary artery disease. The prospective Lipid Rich Plaque (LRP) study, which enrolled patients undergoing imaging of non-culprits followed over 2 years, reported the successful identification of coronary segments at risk of future events based on near-infrared spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) lipid signals. We aimed to characterize the plaque events involving the LAD vs. non-LAD segments. METHODS AND RESULTS: LRP enrolled 1563 patients from 2014 to 2016. All adjudicated plaque events defined by the composite of cardiac death, cardiac arrest, non-fatal myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, revascularization by coronary bypass or percutaneous coronary intervention, and rehospitalization for angina with >20% stenosis progression and reported as non-culprit lesion-related major adverse cardiac events (NC-MACE) were classified by NIRS-IVUS maxLCBI4 mm (maximum 4-mm Lipid Core Burden Index) ≤400 or >400 and association with high-risk-plaque characteristics, plaque burden ≥70%, and minimum lumen area (MLA) ≤4 mm2. Fifty-seven events were recorded with more lipid-rich plaques in the LAD vs. left circumflex and right coronary artery; 12.5% vs. 10.4% vs. 11.3%, P = 0.097. Unequivocally, a maxLCBI4 mm >400 in the LAD was more predictive of NC-MACE [hazard ratio (HR) 4.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.93-9.69); P = 0.0004] vs. [HR 2.56, 95% CI (1.06-6.17); P = 0.0354] in non-LAD segments. MLA ≤4 mm2 within the maxLCBI4 mm was significantly higher in the LAD (34.1% vs. 25.9% vs. 13.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Non-culprit lipid-rich segments in the LAD were more frequently associated with plaque-level events. LAD NIRS-IVUS screening may help identify patients requiring intensive surveillance and medical treatment.

Impaired microcirculation predicts poor outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: we investigated the relationship between sublingual perfused capillary density (PCD) as a measure of tissue perfusion and outcome (i.e. occurrence of organ failure and mortality) in patients with cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: we performed a prospective study in 68 patients. Using Sidestream Dark Field imaging, PCD was measured after hospital admission (T0, baseline) and 24 h later (T1). We compared patients with baseline PCD ≤ median to patients with baseline PCD > median. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated at both time points. The Kaplan-Meier 30-day survival analyses were performed and predictors of 30-day mortality were identified. The baseline PCD was a predictor of the change in the SOFA score between T0 and T1 (ΔSOFA; ρ = -0.25, P = 0.04). Organ failure recovered more frequently in patients with PCD > median (>10.3 mm mm(-2); n = 33) than in patients with PCD ≤ median (n = 35; 52 vs. 29%, P < 0.05). Twenty-two patients (32%) died: 17 patients (49%) with PCD ≤ median vs. 5 patients (15%) with PCD > median (P = 0.004). After adjustment, the cardiac power index [odds ratio (OR): 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24-0.94) and PCD (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45-0.92) remained significant predictors of 30-day outcome. Patients with baseline sublingual PCD ≤ median that improved at T1 had a considerable better prognosis relative to patients who had a persistently low PCD. CONCLUSION: diminished sublingual PCD, at baseline or following treatment, is associated with development of multi-organ failure and is a predictor of poor outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices vs. intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation for treatment of cardiogenic shock: a meta-analysis of controlled trials.

AIMS: Studies have compared safety and efficacy of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation in patients with cardiogenic shock. We performed a meta-analysis of controlled trials to evaluate potential benefits of percutaneous LVAD on haemodynamics and 30-day survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two independent investigators searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all controlled trials using percutaneous LVAD in patients with cardiogenic shock, where after data were extracted using standardized forms. Weighted mean differences (MDs) were calculated for cardiac index (CI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). Relative risks (RRs) were calculated for 30-day mortality, leg ischaemia, bleeding, and sepsis. In main analysis, trials were combined using inverse-variance random effects approach. Two trials evaluated the TandemHeart and a recent trial used the Impella device. After device implantation, percutaneous LVAD patients had higher CI (MD 0.35 L/min/m(2), 95% CI 0.09-0.61), higher MAP (MD 12.8 mmHg, 95% CI 3.6-22.0), and lower PCWP (MD -5.3 mm Hg, 95% CI -9.4 to -1.2) compared with IABP patients. Similar 30-day mortality (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.68-1.66) was observed using percutaneous LVAD compared with IABP. No significant difference was observed in incidence of leg ischaemia (RR 2.59, 95% CI 0.75-8.97) in percutaneous LVAD patients compared with IABP patients. Bleeding (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.40-3.93) was significantly more observed in TandemHeart patients compared with patients treated with IABP. CONCLUSION: Although percutaneous LVAD provides superior haemodynamic support in patients with cardiogenic shock compared with IABP, the use of these more powerful devices did not improve early survival. These results do not yet support percutaneous LVAD as first-choice approach in the mechanical management of cardiogenic shock.

Low-dose nitroglycerin improves microcirculation in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure.

AIMS: Impaired tissue perfusion is often observed in patients with acute heart failure. We tested whether low-dose nitroglycerin (NTG) improves microcirculatory perfusion in patients admitted for acute heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 20 acute heart failure patients, NTG was given as intravenous infusion at a fixed dose of 33 microg/min. Using Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging, sublingual microvascular perfusion was evaluated before (T0, average of two baseline measurements) and 15 min after initiation of NTG (T1). In a subgroup of seven patients, SDF measurements were repeated after NTG had been stopped for 20 min. Capillaries were defined as microvessels with a diameter of <20 microm. Perfused capillary density (PCD) was determined as the parameter of tissue perfusion. Values are expressed as median and interquartile range (P25; P75). The median age of the subjects was 60 (52; 73) years, and 65% were male. Patients were stable before starting NTG. Nitroglycerin decreased central venous pressure [17 (13; 19) mmHg at T0 vs. 16 (13; 17) mmHg at T1, P = 0.03] and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [23 (18; 31) mmHg at T0 vs. 19 (16; 25) mmHg at T1, P = 0.03]. It increased PCD [10.7 (9.9; 12.5) mm mm(-2) at T0 vs. 12.4 (11.4; 13.6) mm mm(-2) at T1, P = 0.01]. After cessation of NTG, PCD returned to baseline values (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Low-dose NTG significantly reduces cardiac filling pressures and improves microvascular perfusion in patients admitted for acute heart failure.

The effects of intra-aortic balloon pump support on macrocirculation and tissue microcirculation in patients with cardiogenic shock.

OBJECTIVES: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the effects of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation on sublingual microcirculation as a model for tissue perfusion. METHODS: In 13 patients with cardiogenic shock treated with IABP, the IABP assist ratio was reduced from 1:1 to 1:8 for 15 min. Using sidestream dark field imaging, 117 movie files of the sublingual microcirculation were obtained and quantified at different IABP assist ratios at 3 time points: 1:1 (T0), 1:8 (T1) and 1:1 (T2), respectively. Data are presented as the median and interquartile range. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 59 years (range 56-73), and 62% were males. Discontinuation of IABP decreased the mean arterial pressure [75 mm Hg (71-84) at T0 vs. 69 mm Hg (64-79) at T1; p < 0.001], cardiac index [2.9 l/min/m2 (1.6-3.3) at T0 vs. 2.4 l/min/m2 (1.5-2.8) at T1; p = 0.005] and cardiac power index [0.46 W/m2 (0.29-0.59) at T0 vs. 0.36 W/m2 (0.24-0.50) at T1; p = 0.006]. However, these modest changes in macrohemodynamics did not significantly influence sublingual perfused capillary density and capillary red blood cell velocity (p = 0.28 and 0.73, respectively). CONCLUSION: A temporary, modest decrease in microcirculatory driving force, induced by lowering the IABP assist ratio, does not impair sublingual microcirculatory perfusion as measured by a novel 2-dimensional imaging technique.

Abluminal biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent in patients with diabetes mellitus: 5 years follow-up from the COMPARE II trial.

BACKGROUND: Drug eluting stents with biodegradable polymers have been developed to address the risk of very late adverse events. Long-term comparison data between the biodegradable polymer-coated biolimus-eluting stent (BES; Nobori®) and the second-generation durable polymer-coated everolimus-eluting stent (EES; XIENCE V® or XIENCE PRIME® or PROMUS™) in diabetic patients are scarce. METHODS: The COMPARE II trial was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized, all-comers trial which assigned patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a 2:1 fashion to either BES or EES. We analyzed the safety and efficacy outcomes in diabetic patients at 5 year follow-up. The primary pre-specified composite endpoint major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as cardiac death, non-fatal target-vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), or clinically indicated target vessel revascularization (CD-TVR). RESULTS: Out of 2707 study patients, 588 were diabetics (21.7%) of whom 391 were treated with BES and 197 with EES. At 5 years follow-up, MACE occurred in 87 patients (22.2%) in the BES group and in 34 patients (17.2%) in the EES group (p = .34). Other safety and efficacy endpoints did not differ between stent groups. CONCLUSIONS: At 5 years follow-up, no differences in terms of MACE as well as all analyzed safety and efficacy measures, including stent thrombosis, between the biodegradable polymer-coated BES and the durable polymer-coated EES in diabetic patients were observed.

A randomized comparison of the magnetic navigation system versus conventional percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: A randomized comparison of the magnetic navigation system (MNS) to conventional guidewire techniques in percutaneous coronary interventions. BACKGROUND: The MNS precisely directs a magnetized guidewire in vivo through two permanent external magnets. METHODS: A total of 111 consecutive patients were enrolled. Crossing success, crossing-/fluoroscopy times, and contrast usage were directly compared. Lesions were classified according to the AHA/ACC criteria. Three tertiles of vessel/lesion complexity [low (<5), medium (6-10) and high (>10)] were defined using 3D reconstructions and angiographic information. RESULTS: The crossing success for magnetic and the conventional wires were 93.3 and 95.6%, respectively. Crossing and fluoroscopy times were longer with the magnetic wires (72.9 +/- 50.3 sec vs. 58.1 +/- 47.2 sec, P < 0.001 and 66.2 +/- 44.1 sec vs. 55.2 +/- 44.4 sec, P = 0.03, respectively). In vessels with low and medium complexity the magnetic wires had significantly longer times (P < 0.001) but for those with high scores (>10) a trend towards shorter times was observed. The MNS resulted in a small but significant reduction in contrast usage (2.3 +/- 3.5 ml vs. 4.5 +/- 4.4 ml, P < 0.001). Moreover by superimposing a virtual roadmap of the vessel on the live fluoroscopy image 48% of the lesions were crossed without requiring contrast agents with the MNS. CONCLUSION: The MNS has comparable crossing success to conventional PCI. It is relatively slower but there is a trend to support a potential advantage in more complex vessels. By simultaneously employing a virtual roadmap there is a small but significant reduction in contrast usage.

Angiographic and Midterm Outcomes of Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold for Coronary Bifurcation Lesions.

Data on the angiographic and clinical performance of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) for bifurcation lesions treatment are still limited. Data were examined of 107 patients with at least 1 coronary bifurcation lesion involving a side branch ≥2mm. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were collected. Optical coherence tomography analysis was performed in a subgroup of patients. Between July 2009 and December 2015, 423 patients underwent PCI with Absorb BVS. A total of 110 lesions were identified as bifurcations, of which 24.5% were classified as true bifurcation lesions. Lesion complexity B2/C was 68.1%. Ninety-five out of 110 lesions were treated by provisional stenting technique while 2 stenting strategy was the final approach in 15 lesions. Procedural success of main branch was 100% whereas side-branch impairment at the end of the procedure was 4.5%. The mean follow-up was 21 months with one-third of the patients followed up for at least 2 years. The overall target lesion failure and scaffold/stent thrombosis rate at 1 year was 7.8% and 3.9%, respectively. In conclusion the results of the present analysis suggest the BVS implanted in bifurcations lesions are associated with procedural safety and angiographic success as well as acceptable target lesion failure rate at 1 year.

Long-term invasive follow-up of bioresorbable vascular scaffold: Optical Coherence Tomography assessment of jailed side branches.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the long term development of the tissue bridges covering the struts of bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) at the side branches (SB) ostium. This study aims at assessing the resorption process of jailed SB after BVS implantation. METHODS: We performed both Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) analysis of 7 patients enrolled in the ABSORB Cohort B trial at our center. Orifice SB area and mean thickness of tissue bridge covering SB were calculated from 2D assessment. The number of SB orifice compartments separated by BRS struts was analysed by using 3D OCT reconstruction. RESULTS: At 5years follow-up, no struts could be identified. Between 3 and 5years, both lesion-level and cross section-level OCT findings showed a significant increase in Mean lumen area (MLA) (4.67±1.66mm2 vs. 5.57±1.57mm2; p=0.04) as well as Minimum Lumen Area (MinLA) (5.98±1.98mm2 vs. 6.73±1.87mm2; p=0.04). Moreover, eccentricity index showed a significant reduction between 3 and 5years (0.28±0.35mm2 vs. 0.16±0.06mm2; p=0.04). We identified a total of 3 SBs ostia in the segments treated with BVS. Between 3 and 5years follow-up in all SB analysed, we detected a decrease of mean tissue bridge thickness and an increase of calculated SBs area. CONCLUSIONS: In our serial OCT, a significant decrease of tissue bridge formation together with SB orifice area enlargement from 3 to 5year follow-up has been proved.

Six months versus 12 months dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (DAPT-STEMI): randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: To show that limiting dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to six months in patients with event-free ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) results in a non-inferior clinical outcome versus DAPT for 12 months. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority trial. SETTING: Patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and second generation zotarolimus-eluting stent. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with STEMI aged 18 to 85 that underwent a primary PCI with the implantation of second generation drug-eluting stents were enrolled in the trial. Patients that were event-free at six months after primary PCI were randomised at this time point. INTERVENTIONS: Patients that were taking DAPT and were event-free at six months were randomised 1:1 to single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) (ie, aspirin only) or to DAPT for an additional six months. All patients that were randomised were then followed for another 18 months (ie, 24 months after the primary PCI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was a composite of all cause mortality, any myocardial infarction, any revascularisation, stroke, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeding at 18 months after randomisation. RESULTS: A total of 1100 patients were enrolled in the trial between 19 December 2011 and 30 June 2015. 870 were randomised: 432 to SAPT versus 438 to DAPT. The primary endpoint occurred in 4.8% of patients receiving SAPT versus 6.6% of patients receiving DAPT (hazard ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.41 to 1.27, P=0.26). Non-inferiority was met (P=0.004 for non-inferiority), as the upper 95% confidence interval of 1.27 was smaller than the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 1.66. CONCLUSIONS: DAPT to six months was non-inferior to DAPT for 12 months in patients with event-free STEMI at six months after primary PCI with second generation drug-eluting stents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01459627.

Biodegradable Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stents Versus Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Final 5-Year Report From the COMPARE II Trial (Abluminal Biodegradable Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stent).

OBJECTIVES: This analysis investigates the 5-year outcomes of the biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stent (BP-BES) and durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP-EES) in an all-comers population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. BACKGROUND: Recent 1- and 3-year results from randomized trials have indicated similar safety and efficacy outcomes of BP-BES and DP-EES. Whether benefits of the biodegradable polymer device arise over longer follow-up is unknown. Moreover, in-depth, prospective, long-term follow-up data on metallic drug-eluting stents with durable or biodegradable polymers are scarce. METHODS: The COMPARE II trial (Abluminal Biodegradable Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stent) was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, all-comers trial in which 2,707 patients were randomly allocated (2:1) to BP-BES or DP-EES. The pre-specified endpoint at 5 years was major adverse cardiac events, a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: Five-year follow-up was available in 2,657 patients (98%). At 5 years, major adverse cardiac events occurred in 310 patients (17.3%) in the BP-BES group and 142 patients (15.6%) in the DP-EES group (p = 0.26). The rate of the combined safety endpoint all-cause death or myocardial infarction was 15.0% in the BP-BES group versus 14.8% in the DP-EES group (p = 0.90), whereas the efficacy measure target vessel revascularization was 10.6% versus 9.0% (p = 0.18), respectively. Interestingly, definite stent thrombosis rates did not differ between groups (1.5% for BP-BES vs. 0.9% for DP-EES; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year analysis comparing biodegradable polymer-coated BES and the durable polymer-coated EES confirms the initial early- and mid-term results regarding similar safety and efficacy outcomes in this all-comers percutaneous coronary intervention population.

The unrestricted use of paclitaxel- versus sirolimus-eluting stents for coronary artery disease in an unselected population: one-year results of the Taxus-Stent Evaluated at Rotterdam Cardiology Hospital (T-SEARCH) registry.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy of paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) compared to sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) when used without restriction in unselected patients. BACKGROUND: Both SES and PES have been separately shown to be efficacious when compared to bare stents. In unselected patients, no direct comparison between the two devices has been performed. METHODS: Paclitaxel-eluting stents have been used as the stent of choice for all percutaneous coronary interventions in the prospective Taxus-Stent Evaluated At Rotterdam Cardiology Hospital (T-SEARCH) registry. A total of 576 consecutive patients with de novo coronary artery disease exclusively treated with PES were compared with 508 patients treated with SES from the Rapamycin-Eluting Stent Evaluated At Rotterdam Cardiology Hospital (RESEARCH) registry. RESULTS: The PES patients were more frequently male, more frequently treated for acute myocardial infarction, had longer total stent lengths, and more frequently received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. At one year, the raw cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 13.9% in the PES group and 10.5% in the SES group (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95 to 1.88, p = 0.1). Correction for differences in the two groups resulted in an adjusted HR of 1.16 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.64, p = 0.4, using significant univariate variables) and an adjusted HR of 1.20 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.70, p = 0.3, using independent predictors). The one-year cumulative incidence of clinically driven target vessel revascularization was 5.4% versus 3.7%, respectively (HR 1.38, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.43, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The universal use of PES in an unrestricted setting is safe and is associated with a similar adjusted outcome compared to SES. The inferior trend in crude outcome seen in PES was due to its higher-risk population. A larger, randomized study enrolling an unselected population may assist in determining the relative superiority of either device.