Assessment of trans-aortic pressure gradient using a coronary pressure wire in patients with mechanical aortic and mitral valve prostheses.

Accurate evaluation of trans-aortic valvular pressure gradients is challenging in cases where dual mechanical aortic and mitral valve prostheses are present. Non-invasive Doppler echocardiographic imaging has its limitations due to multiple geometric assumptions. Invasive measurement of trans-valvular gradients with cardiac catheterization can provide further information in patients with two mechanical valves, where simultaneous pressure measurements in the left ventricle and ascending aorta must be obtained. Obtaining access to the left ventricle via the mitral valve after a trans-septal puncture is not feasible in the case of a concomitant mechanical mitral valve, whereas left ventricular apical puncture technique is associated with high procedural risks. Retrograde crossing of a bileaflet mechanical aortic prosthesis with standard catheters is associated with the risk of catheter entrapment and acute valvular regurgitation. In these cases, the assessment of trans-valvular gradients using a 0.014˝ diameter coronary pressure wire technique has been described in a few case reports. We present the case of a 76-year-old female with rheumatic valvular heart disease who underwent mechanical aortic and mitral valve replacement in the past. She presented with decompensated heart failure and echocardiographic findings suggestive of elevated pressure gradient across the mechanical aortic valve prosthesis. The use of a high-fidelity 0.014˝ diameter coronary pressure guidewire resulted in the detection of a normal trans-valvular pressure gradient across the mechanical aortic valve. This avoided a high-risk third redo valve surgery in our patient. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Management of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defects: A critical assessment.

BACKGROUND: Post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defects (PIVSD) are an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute MI. Although surgical closure has been the standard of care, mortality, and recurrence of VSD remain high even after emergent surgery. Transcatheter VSD closure (TCC) devices have become an alternative or adjunct to surgical closure. METHODS: Online database search was performed for studies that included adults with PIVSD who underwent medical treatment (MT) alone, surgical closure (SC) (early or late), and TCC (early, late, or for post-surgical residual VSD). RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included with a total of 737 patients who underwent either MT (N = 100), SC (early (n = 167), late (n = 100)), and TCC (early (n = 176), late (n = 115), or post-surgical residual VSD (n = 79)). The 30-day mortality among MT group was 92 ± 6.3%, among SC was 61 ± 22.5% (early 56 ± 23%, late 41 ± 30%), and for all TCC patients was 33 ± 24% (early 54 ± 32.7%, late 16 ± 26%), and TCC for post-surgical residual VSD 11 ± 34.9%. The mortality among overall SC, overall TCC and early TCC groups was significantly lower as compared with the MT (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The overall mortality among all TCC, and late TCC groups was significantly lower when compared with the late SC (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Closure of PIVSD decreases mortality as compared with MT alone and should be attempted as early as possible after diagnosis. Selection of TCC versus SC should be based on factors including complexity of the defect, availability of closure devices, expertise of the operator, and clinical condition of patient.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular apical aneurysm: Importance of multi-modality imaging.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an uncommon variant of HCM characterized by apical hypertrophy without the septal predominance seen in the majority of HCM cases. In 2% of patients, a concomitant left ventricular apical aneurysm is observed, which increases the risk of sudden death and adverse HCM-related events. Multimodality imaging is helpful for appropriate identification of this particular morphologic pattern. Herein, we present a case of apical HCM with a left ventricular apical aneurysm, exemplifying the utility of a multimodality approach from resting electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, left ventriculography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, for proper risk stratification and treatment planning.

The use of ranolazine in non-anginal cardiovascular disorders: A review of current data and ongoing randomized clinical trials.

Ranolazine has characteristic properties of a selective inhibitor of the inward sodium current. It is primarily indicated as an anti-anginal agent in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic stable angina. Recently, ranolazine has been noted to possibly impart beneficial effects in various other cardiac conditions, including new-onset, paroxysmal, and chronic atrial fibrillation, post-operative atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, post-revascularization coronary artery disease, chemotherapeutic cardiotoxicity, and diastolic and microvascular dysfunction. Herein, we present a review of the current clinical evidence describing the adjunctive or synergistic effects of ranolazine in non-angina related cardiovascular disorders, and include a discussion of the ongoing randomized trials investigating the therapeutic potential of ranolazine in a variety of cardiovascular diseases.

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery in Patients with Multiple Previous Cardiac Operations.

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive valve surgery, performed via a right anterior thoracotomy approach, in patients with a history of multiple (more than two) prior cardiac surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all minimally invasive valve operations performed in patients with a prior history of two or more cardiac surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery, at the authors' institution between January 2008 and November 2014. RESULTS: A total of 38 consecutive patients (23 males, 15 females; mean age 65.8 ± 14.6 years) were identified. Nine patients (24%) had two prior CABG operations, 18 (47%) had more than two prior valve surgeries, and 11 (29%) had a cardiac operative history that included both CABG and valve surgery. A total of 34 (89.5%) isolated valve procedures was identified; these consisted of 24 (64%) mitral valve operations, nine (23.7%) aortic valve replacements, and one (0.3%) tricuspid valve repair. Four patients (10.5%) underwent combined mitral and tricuspid valve surgery. Postoperatively, two patients (5.3%) had cerebrovascular accidents, three (7.9%) required reoperation for bleeding, and three (7.9%) had acute kidney injury. The median hospital length of stay was 9.5 days (IQR: 7-16 days). The 30-day mortality was 7.9%. The cumulative survival at one year was 82%, and was 72% at five years. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive reoperative valve surgery after multiple prior cardiac operations is safe and feasible, with good perioperative outcomes and mid-term survival.

Antihypertensive Therapies and Cognitive Function: a Review.

Increasing life expectancy has made old age-related health problems like dementia and cognitive decline more prevalent, and these are rapidly becoming important causes of disability and poor quality of life, causing significant add-ons to health-care costs worldwide. Hypertension is the most important modifiable vascular risk factor for the development and progression of both cognitive decline and dementia. In many observational and randomized studies, antihypertensive therapies have been shown to be beneficial in slowing cognitive decline. However, due to observed discrepancies by these studies, there is a lack of consensus on the best antihypertensive strategy for the prevention or slowing of cognitive decline. It is also not clear whether the beneficial effect of antihypertensive therapy is due to the use of a specific class of agents or combination therapy. Thus, we present a comprehensive review of overall antihypertensive therapies and cognition and of the individual antihypertensive therapy classes with their specific protective mechanisms and available clinical evidence behind their effect on cognitive function.

Chronic fine particulate matter exposure induces systemic vascular dysfunction via NADPH oxidase and TLR4 pathways.

RATIONALE: Chronic exposure to ambient air-borne particulate matter of < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) increases cardiovascular risk. The mechanisms by which inhaled ambient particles are sensed and how these effects are systemically transduced remain elusive. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which PM2.5 mediates inflammatory responses in a mouse model of chronic exposure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we show that chronic exposure to ambient PM2.5 promotes Ly6C(high) inflammatory monocyte egress from bone-marrow and mediates their entry into tissue niches where they generate reactive oxygen species via NADPH oxidase. Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and Nox2 (gp91(phox)) deficiency prevented monocyte NADPH oxidase activation in response to PM2.5 and was associated with restoration of systemic vascular dysfunction. TLR4 activation appeared to be a prerequisite for NAPDH oxidase activation as evidenced by reduced p47(phox) phosphorylation in TLR4 deficient animals. PM2.5 exposure markedly increased oxidized phospholipid derivatives of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (oxPAPC) in bronchioalveolar lavage fluid. Correspondingly, exposure of bone marrow-derived macrophages to oxPAPC but not PAPC recapitulated effects of chronic PM2.5 exposure, whereas TLR4 deficiency attenuated this response. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings suggest that PM2.5 triggers an increase in oxidized phospholipids in lungs that then mediates a systemic cellular inflammatory response through TLR4/NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanisms.

A modified sesamol derivative inhibits progression of atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Sesamol, a phenolic component of lignans, has been previously shown to reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress and upregulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathways. In the present study, we synthesized a modified form of sesamol (INV-403) to enhance its properties and assessed its effects on atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits were fed with high-cholesterol chow for 6 weeks and then randomized to receive high-cholesterol diet either alone or combined with INV-403 (20 mg/kg per day) for 12 weeks. Serial MRI analysis demonstrated that INV-403 rapidly reduced atherosclerotic plaques (within 6 weeks), with confirmatory morphological analysis at 12 weeks posttreatment revealing reduced atherosclerosis paralleled by reduction in lipid and inflammatory cell content. Consistent with its effect on atherosclerosis, INV-403 improved vascular function (decreased constriction to angiotensin II and increased relaxation to acetylcholine), reduced systemic and plaque oxidative stress, and inhibited nuclear factor-κB activation via effects on nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation with coordinate reduction in key endothelial adhesion molecules. In vitro experiments in cultured endothelial cells revealed effects of INV-403 in reducing IκBα phosphorylation via inhibition of IκB kinase 2 (IKK2). CONCLUSIONS: INV-403 is a novel modified lignan derivative that potently inhibits atherosclerosis progression via its effects on IKK2 and nuclear factor-κB signaling.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Complex Calcific Coronary Lesions Utilizing Orbital Atherectomy Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD), often with severe calcification, is present in up to 75% of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Management of CAD in such patients is challenging. Orbital atherectomy (OA) is an effective treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions prior to stent implantation. However, there is limited data on the use of OA for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat calcific CAD patients prior to TAVR (OA PCI + TAVR). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with moderate/severe calcific CAD and moderate/severe AS who underwent staged OA PCI + TAVR at one high-volume institution. Data were analyzed to assess the 1-year major adverse cardiac events after index OA PCI [MACE: death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and myocardial infarction (MI)]. RESULTS: There were 18 patients (mean age of 82) treated with staged OA PCI + TAVR, and of those, 10 (56%) were male, 7 (39%) Caucasian, and 11 (61%) Hispanic/Latino. The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 49% and congestive heart failure was present in 12 patients (67%). There were no angiographic complications (0%), stent thrombosis (0%), or stroke events (0%). The 30-day and 1-year MACE rates were 5.6% (0% death, 0% TLR, 5.6% MI) and 17% (0% death, 11% TLR, and 17% MI [all non-Q-wave MI]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center observational cohort series, patients with heavily calcified coronary lesions treated with OA prior to TAVR had low rates of MACE at 30 days and 1 year. The results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of OA for the treatment of complex calcific coronary lesions prior to TAVR. An up-to-date literature review of atherectomy before, during, or after TAVR in patients with concomitant severe AS and calcific CAD is also provided. TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY: There is limited data on the use of orbital atherectomy (OA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat calcific coronary artery disease (CAD) patients prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and 1-year outcome of OA PCI pre-TAVR in patients with complex CAD and severe aortic stenosis (AS). We also aimed to provide a brief up-to-date literature review of atherectomy before, during, or after TAVR in patients with concomitant severe AS and calcific CAD. This retrospective cohort study found that OA is feasible and safe for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions before TAVR, resulting in acceptable 30-day and 1-year outcomes.

Lipoicmethylenedioxyphenol Reduces Experimental Atherosclerosis through Activation of Nrf2 Signaling.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and Nrf2 is the transcriptional factor central in cellular antioxidant responses. In the present study, we investigate the effect of a dihydrolipoic acid derivative lipoicmethylenedioxyphenol (LMDP) on the progression of atherosclerosis and test whether its effect on atherosclerosis is mediated by Nrf2. METHODS AND RESULTS: Both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and en face analysis reveal that 14 weeks of treatment with LMDP markedly reduced atherosclerotic burden in a rabbit balloon vascular injury model. Myograph analyses show decreased aortic contractile response to phenylephrine and increased aortic response to acetylcholine and insulin in LMDP-treated animals, suggesting that LMDP inhibits atherosclerosis through improving vascular function. A role of Nrf2 signaling in mediating the amelioration of vascular function by LMDP was supported by increased Nrf2 translocation into nuclear and increased expression of Nrf2 target genes. Furthermore, chemotaxis analysis with Boydem chamber shows that leukocytes isolated from LMDP-treated rabbits had reduced chemotaxis, and knock-down of Nrf2 significantly reduced the effect of LMDP on the chemotaxis of mouse macrophages. CONCLUSION: Our results support that LMDP has an anti-atherosclerotic effect likely through activation of Nrf2 signaling and subsequent inhibition of macrophage chemotaxis.

Late onset iatrogenic limb ischaemia after deployment of an Angio-Seal vascular closure device.

It is common practice to deploy a vascular closure device for access site closure after percutaneous angiography or cardiovascular interventions for immediate haemostasis and to facilitate early discharge. We encountered two octogenarian women who underwent and had subsequent vascular access site closure with Angio-Seal (St Jude) and who later presented with limb ischaemia needing surgical revascularisation. Our patients had undergone uneventful deployment of the Angio-Seal vascular closure device (VCD) at the right common femoral artery (CFA) access site with successful haemostasis. About 3 weeks later they presented with features of limb ischaemia needing further diagnostic work-up including repeat angiography, which revealed subtotal occlusion of right common femoral artery at the level of prior access and Angio-Seal deployment site. Both the patients underwent successful surgical repair with restoration of distal flow and resolution of symptoms. These cases illustrate the late presentation of VCD-related complications with limb ischaemia, needing surgical revascularisation.

Comparison of provisional 1-stent and 2-stent strategies in diabetic patients with true bifurcation lesions: the EES bifurcation study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of true bifurcation lesions (Medina classification 1, 1, 1; 1, 0, 1; or 0, 1, 1) is challenging and may involve either a 1-stent strategy with provisional side branch stenting, or a 2-stent strategy. Diabetes mellitus is associated with greater atherosclerotic burden and higher incidence of bifurcation lesions, and unfavorable outcomes after PCI. It is unknown whether use of newer everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation impacts relative outcomes of 1-stent and 2-stent strategies in patients with diabetes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus and complex true bifurcation lesions (side branch diameter >2.0 mm) who underwent PCI with EES between February 2010 and December 2011. We grouped subjects based on initial treatment to a 1-stent (n = 81) or 2-stent (n = 54) strategy, and compared baseline characteristics, quantitative coronary angiography, and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates, defined as death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization (TLR), or target vessel revascularization (TVR). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well matched. A 2-stent strategy was associated with larger side-branch reference vessel diameter at baseline and post PCI. In-hospital events included 1 periprocedural myocardial infarction in each group and no deaths. At 1 year, there was no significant difference between 1-stent and 2-stent strategies in TVR rates (6.2% vs 3.7%; P=.53), TLR (both 3.7%; P>.99), or MACE (7.4% vs 3.7%; P=.37). CONCLUSION: In this series of diabetic patients undergoing complex bifurcation PCI using EES implantation, there was no difference between 1-stent and 2-stent strategies with respect to ischemic events at 1 year.

Dedicated two-stent technique in complex bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention with use of everolimus-eluting stents: the EES-bifurcation study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of initial one-stent (1S) versus dedicated two-stent (2S) strategies in complex bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using everolimus-eluting stents (EES). BACKGROUND: PCI of true bifurcation lesions is technically challenging and historically associated with reduced procedural success and increased restenosis. Prior studies comparing initial one-stent (1S) versus dedicated two-stent (2S) strategies using first-generation drug-eluting stents have shown no reduction in ischemic events and more complications with a 2S strategy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 319 consecutive patients undergoing PCI at a single referral center with EES for true bifurcation lesions, defined by involvement of both the main vessel (MV) and side branch (SB). Baseline, procedural characteristics, quantitative coronary angiography and clinical outcomes in-hospital and at one year were compared for patients undergoing 1S (n=175) and 2S (n=144) strategies. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well-matched. 2S strategy was associated with greater SB acute gain (0.65±0.41 mm vs. 1.11±0.47 mm, p<0.0001). In-hospital serious adverse events were similar (9% with 2S vs. 8% with 1S, p=0.58). At one year, patients treated by 2S strategy had non-significantly lower rates of target vessel revascularization (5.8% vs. 7.4%, p=0.31), myocardial infarction (7.8% vs. 12.2%, p=0.31) and major adverse cardiovascular events (16.6% vs. 21.8%, p=0.21). CONCLUSION: In this study of patients undergoing PCI for true coronary bifurcation lesions using EES, 2S strategy was associated with superior SB angiographic outcomes without excess complications or ischemic events at one year.

The Optimal Duration of Dual Combination Antiplatelet Therapy After Stent Implantation and Perioperative Management Issues.

Impending risk of stent Thrombosis (ST) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has mandated post-PCI use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor. As the optimal duration of DAPT remains controversial, premature discontinuation of it potentiates the risk of ST, myocardial infarction or death; while use of DAPT itself increases the risk of bleed. Similarly, perioperative DAPT management is still ill defined, where there is higher operative risk of bleed on antiplatelet therapy and higher ST risk during this thrombogenic period if off antiplatelet therapy. Additional clinical investigation is warranted in these fields.

Detection of macrophages via paramagnetic vesicles incorporating oxidatively tailored cholesterol ester: an approach for atherosclerosis imaging.

AIM: Macrophages play a key role in the initiation, progression and complications of atherosclerosis. In this article we describe the synthesis of biocompatible, paramagnetic, fluorescent phosphatidylserine vesicles containing cholesterol ester with a free carboxylic acid function and its use for targeted imaging of macrophages. METHODS & RESULTS: We synthesized anionic vesicles containing a combination of phosphatidylserine and a novel synthetic oxidized cholesterol ester derivative (cholesterol-9-carboxynonanoate [9-CCN]). In vitro studies to characterize particle size, MRI relaxation times and stability were performed. Vesicles containing 9-CCN demonstrated enhanced ability to bind human low-density lipoprotein and to be internalized by macrophages. Experiments in cultured macrophages with 9-CCN vesicles, alone and in the presence of low-density lipoprotein, indicated uptake of vesicles through scavenger receptor and integrin-dependent pathways. In vivo MRI using 9-CCN vesicles containing gadolinium in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis revealed protracted enhancement of 9-CCN vesicles and colocalization with arterial macrophages not seen with control vesicles. Pharmacokinetic experiments demonstrated prolonged plasma residence time of 9-CCN vesicles, perhaps due to its capacity to bind to low-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSION: Vesicles containing 9-CCN demonstrate prolonged plasma and plaque retention in experimental atherosclerosis. Such a strategy may represent a simple yet clinically relevant approach for macrophage imaging.

Lipoic acid effects on established atherosclerosis.

AIMS: Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is a commonly used dietary supplement that exerts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. We investigated the mechanisms by which LA may confer protection in models of established atherosclerosis. MAIN METHODS: Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits were fed with high cholesterol chow for 6 weeks and then randomized to receive either high cholesterol diet alone or combined with LA (20mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Vascular function was analyzed by myography. The effects of LA on T cell migration to chemokine gradients was assessed by Boyden chamber. NF-kappaB activation was determined by measuring translocation and electrophoresis migration shift assay (EMSA). KEY FINDINGS: LA decreased body weight by 15+/-5% without alterations in lipid parameters. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis demonstrated that LA reduced atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta, with morphological analysis revealing reduced lipid and inflammatory cell content. Consistent with its effect on atherosclerosis, LA improved vascular reactivity (decreased constriction to angiotensin II and increased relaxation to acetylcholine and insulin), inhibited NF-kappaB activation, and decreased oxidative stress and expression of key adhesion molecules in the vasculature. LA reduced T cell content in atherosclerotic plaque in conjunction with decreasing ICAM and CD62L (l-selectin) expression. These effects were confirmed by demonstration of a direct effect of LA in reducing T cell migration in response to CCL5 and SDF-1 and decreasing T cell adhesion to the endothelium by intra-vital microscopy. SIGNIFICANCE: The present findings offer a mechanistic insight into the therapeutic effects of LA on atherosclerosis.

Diesel exhaust exposure induces angiogenesis.

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that exposure to whole diesel exhaust (WDE) would enhance angiogenesis/vasculogenesis. Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, with either scaffold implantation subcutaneously or hindlimb ischemia, were exposed to either WDE (containing diesel exhaust particle [DEP] at a concentration of about 1mg/m(3)) or filtered air 6 h/day, 5 days/week in a whole body exposure chamber for 2, 5, or 8 weeks, respectively. WDE exposure significantly increased total cell counts in the scaffolds, aortic, and perivascular fat tissues. Macrophage infiltration was enhanced and CD31 expression increased in the scaffolds, which was coupled by increased alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression. WDE exposure led to increased CD31 expression, while decreasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the aortic wall. The vessel volume measured by micro-CT was increased in ischemic and non-ischemic hindlimbs in response to WDE exposure. DEP exposure induced capillary-like tube formation in endothelial cells in vitro, and caused capillary sprouting from aortic rings ex vivo. In addition, WDE exposure significantly increased mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, while decreasing prolylhydroxylase (PHD) 2 expression. WDE exposure increases inflammatory cell infiltration, enhances the vessel volume/flow, and increases capillary tube formation and sprouting, thereby inducing angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The angiogenic effects may occur through increasing HIF-1alpha and VEGF while decreasing PHD2 expression.