The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the Provision of Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care Across Canada: A National Survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted health care access across Canada with the reduction in in-person evaluations. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to health care services among the Canadian population with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Methods: All Canadian adult congenital heart affiliated centres were contacted and asked to collect data on outpatient clinic and procedural volumes for the 2019 and 2020 calendar years. A survey was sent detailing questions on clinic and procedural volumes and wait times before and after pandemic restrictions. Descriptive statistics were used with the Student t-test to compare groups. Results: In 2019, there were 19,326 ACHD clinic visits across Canada and only 296 (1.5%) virtual clinic visits. However, during the first year of the pandemic, there were 20,532 clinic visits and 11,412 (56%) virtual visits (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in procedural volumes (electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, and percutaneous intervention) between 2019 and 2020. The mean estimated wait times (months) before the pandemic vs the pandemic were as follows: nonurgent consult 5.4 ± 2.6 vs 6.6 ± 4.2 (P = 0.65), ACHD surgery 6.0 ± 3.5 vs 7.0 ± 4.6 (P = 0.47), electrophysiology procedures 6.3 ± 3.3 vs 5.7 ± 3.3 (P = 0.72), and percutaneous intervention 4.6 ± 3.9 vs 4.4 ± 2.3 (P = 0.74). Conclusions: During the pandemic and restrictions of social distancing, the use of virtual clinic visits helped to maintain continuity in ACHD clinical care, with 56% of ACHD visits being virtual. The procedural volumes and wait times for consultation and percutaneous and surgical interventions were not delayed.

Contexte: La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu des répercussions sur l'accès aux soins de santé partout au Canada, y compris une diminution des évaluations en personne. La présente étude visait à évaluer l'effet de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur l'accès aux soins de santé chez les adultes atteints de cardiopathie congénitale. Méthodologie: Nous avons communiqué avec tous les centres canadiens de prise en charge de la cardiopathie congénitale chez l'adulte et nous leur avons demandé de recueillir des données sur les consultations externes et le volume des interventions pour les années 2019 et 2020. Un sondage détaillé leur a été transmis sur les volumes de consultations et d'interventions et sur les temps d'attentes avant et après la mise en place de restrictions liées à la pandémie. Les groupes ont été comparés lors d'une analyse statistique descriptive utilisant le test t de Student. Résultats: En 2019, 19 326 consultations pour cause de cardiopathie congénitale chez l'vadulte ont été enregistrées au Canada, dont seulement 296 (1,5 %) ont eu lieu en mode virtuel. Au cours de la première année de la pandémie, 20 532 consultations ont été relevées; 11 412 (56 %) ont été menées virtuellement (p < 0,0001). Aucune différence n'a été observée dans le volume d'interventions (interventions en électrophysiologie, interventions chirurgicales et interventions percutanées) entre 2019 et 2020. Les temps d'attente moyens estimés en mois, avant et pendant la pandémie, étaient les suivants : consultations non urgentes, 5,4 ± 2,6 vs 6,6 ± 4,2 (p = 0,65); interventions chirurgicales, 6,0 ± 3,5 vs 7,0 ± 4,6 (p = 0,47); interventions en électrophysiologie, 6,3 ± 3,3 vs 5,7 ± 3,3 (p = 0,72); et interventions percutanées, 4,6 ± 3,9 vs 4,4 ± 2,3 (p = 0,74). Conclusion: Au cours de la pandémie et de la période où les restrictions de distanciation sociale étaient en vigueur, le recours aux consultations virtuelles dans les cliniques a contribué à la continuité des soins offerts aux adultes atteints de cardiopathie congénitale, puisque 56 % des visites se sont déroulées virtuellement. Le volume d'interventions n'a pas été touché et les temps d'attentes pour les consultations, les interventions percutanées et les interventions chirurgicales ne se sont pas allongés.

End-stage heart failure in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), factors associated with progression to end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) remain largely unclear. METHODS: This multicentre, retrospective cohort study included adults with ccTGA seen at a congenital heart disease centre. Clinical data from initial and most recent visits were obtained. The composite primary outcome was mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation, or death. RESULTS: From 558 patients (48% female, age at first visit 36 ± 14.2 years, median follow-up 8.7 years), the event rate of the primary outcome was 15.4 per 1000 person-years (11 mechanical circulatory support implantations, 12 transplantations, and 52 deaths). Patients experiencing the primary outcome were older and more likely to have a history of atrial arrhythmia. The primary outcome was highest in those with both moderate/severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation (n = 110, 31 events) and uncommon in those with mild/less RV dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation (n = 181, 13 events, P < .001). Outcomes were not different based on anatomic complexity and history of tricuspid valve surgery or of subpulmonic obstruction. New CHF admission or ventricular arrhythmia was associated with the primary outcome. Individuals who underwent childhood surgery had more adverse outcomes than age- and sex-matched controls. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified older age, prior CHF admission, and severe RV dysfunction as independent predictors for the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ccTGA have variable deterioration to end-stage heart failure or death over time, commonly between their fifth and sixth decades. Predictors include arrhythmic and CHF events and severe RV dysfunction but not anatomy or need for tricuspid valve surgery.

Contemporary use of guideline-based higher potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor therapy in patients with moderate-to-high risk non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Results from the Canadian ACS reflective II cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: After myocardial infarction, guidelines recommend higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, namely ticagrelor and prasugrel, over clopidogrel. HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to determine the contemporary use of higher-potency antiplatelet therapy in Canadian patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS: A total of 684 moderate-to-high risk NSTEMI patients were enrolled in the prospective Canadian ACS Reflective II registry at 12 Canadian hospitals and three clinics in five provinces between July 2016 and May 2018. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess factors independently associated with higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor use at discharge. RESULTS: At hospital discharge, 78.3% of patients were treated with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Among patients discharged on a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, use of higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor was 61.4%. After adjustment, treatment in-hospital with PCI (OR 4.48, 95%CI 3.34-6.03, p < .0001) was most strongly associated with higher use of higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, while oral anticoagulant use at discharge (OR 0.03, 95%CI 0.01-0.12, p < .0001), and atrial fibrillation (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.17-0.98, p = .046) were most strongly associated with lower use of higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Use of higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor varied across provinces (range, 21.6%-78.9%). DISCUSSION: In contemporary Canadian practice, approximately 60% of moderate-to-high risk NSTEMI patients discharged on a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor are treated with a higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. In addition to factors that increase risk of bleeding, interprovincial differences in practice patterns were associated with use of higher-potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitor at discharge. Opportunities remain for further optimization of evidence-based, guideline-recommended antiplatelet therapy use.

Initial Findings From the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction Registry.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many aspects of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care, including timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). OBJECTIVES: The goal of the NACMI (North American COVID-19 and STEMI) registry is to describe demographic characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with STEMI. METHODS: A prospective, ongoing observational registry was created under the guidance of 3 cardiology societies. STEMI patients with confirmed COVID+ (group 1) or suspected (person under investigation [PUI]) (group 2) COVID-19 infection were included. A group of age- and sex-matched STEMI patients (matched to COVID+ patients in a 2:1 ratio) treated in the pre-COVID era (2015 to 2019) serves as the control group for comparison of treatment strategies and outcomes (group 3). The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital death, stroke, recurrent myocardial infarction, or repeat unplanned revascularization. RESULTS: As of December 6, 2020, 1,185 patients were included in the NACMI registry (230 COVID+ patients, 495 PUIs, and 460 control patients). COVID+ patients were more likely to have minority ethnicity (Hispanic 23%, Black 24%) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (46%) (all p < 0.001 relative to PUIs). COVID+ patients were more likely to present with cardiogenic shock (18%) but were less likely to receive invasive angiography (78%) (all p < 0.001 relative to control patients). Among COVID+ patients who received angiography, 71% received PPCI and 20% received medical therapy (both p < 0.001 relative to control patients). The primary outcome occurred in 36% of COVID+ patients, 13% of PUIs, and 5% of control patients (p < 0.001 relative to control patients). CONCLUSIONS: COVID+ patients with STEMI represent a high-risk group of patients with unique demographic and clinical characteristics. PPCI is feasible and remains the predominant reperfusion strategy, supporting current recommendations.

Smoking abstinence 1 year after acute coronary syndrome: follow-up from a randomized controlled trial of varenicline in patients admitted to hospital.

BACKGROUND: Patients who continue to smoke after acute coronary syndrome are at increased risk of reinfarction and death. We previously found use of varenicline to increase abstinence 24 weeks after acute coronary syndrome; here we report results through 52 weeks. METHODS: The EVITA trial was a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of varenicline for smoking cessation in patients admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive varenicline or placebo for 12 weeks, in conjunction with low-intensity counselling. Smoking abstinence was assessed via 7-day recall, with biochemical validation using exhaled carbon monoxide. Participants lost to follow-up or withdrawn were assumed to have returned to smoking. RESULTS: Among the 302 participants, abstinence declined over the course of the trial, with 34.4% abstinent 52 weeks after acute coronary syndrome. Compared with placebo, point estimates suggest use of varenicline increased point-prevalence abstinence (39.9% v. 29.1%, difference 10.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01% to 21.44%; number needed to treat 10), continuous abstinence (31.1% v. 21.2%, difference 9.9%, 95% CI -0.01% to 19.8%) and reduction in daily cigarette smoking by 50% or greater (57.8% v. 49.7%, difference 8.1%, 95% CI -3.1% to 19.4%). Varenicline and placebo groups had similar occurrence of serious adverse events (24.5% v. 21.9%, risk difference 2.7%, 95% CI -7.3% to 12.6%) and major adverse cardiovascular events (8.6% v. 9.3%, risk difference -0.7%, 95% CI -7.8% to 6.5%). INTERPRETATION: Varenicline was efficacious for smoking cessation in this high-risk patient population. However, 60% of patients who received treatment with varenicline still returned to smoking. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT00794573.

Long-term pharmacodynamic effects of Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in fibrinolytic-treated STEMI patients undergoing early PCI.

The long-term pharmacodynamic effects of Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in patients undergoing early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after fibrinolytic therapy is unknown. From May 2014 to August 2016, 212 patients undergoing PCI within 24 h of Tenecteplase (TNK), Aspirin, and Clopidogrel for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) were randomized at four Canadian sites to receive additional Clopidogrel or Ticagrelor initiated prior to PCI. The platelet reactivity units (PRU) were measured with the VerifyNow Assay before study drug administration (baseline), at 4 and 24 h post PCI, and follow-up appointment. A mixed-model analysis with time as the repeated measure and drug as the between-subjects factor was calculated using 2 separate 1 × 4 ANOVAs, with students t-tests used to compare drugs within each time point. Complete clinical follow-up data (median 115.0 days; IQR 80.3-168.8) was available in 50 patients (23.6%) randomized to either Clopidogrel (n = 23) or Ticagrelor (n = 27). Analyses revealed significant decreases in PRU from baseline to 4 h (261.4 vs. 71.7; Mdiff = - 189.7; p < 0.001) to 24 h (71.7 vs. 27.7; Mdiff = - 44.0; p < 0.001) to end of follow-up (27.7 vs.17.9; Mdiff = - 9.9. p = 0.016) for those randomized to Ticagrelor and significant decreases in PRU only from baseline to 4 h (271.3 vs. 200.8; Mdiff = - 70.5, p = < 0.001) in patients receiving Clopidogrel, and a significantly greater proportion of patients with adequate platelet inhibition (PRU < 208) on long-term follow-up (Clopidogrel, 82.6% vs. Ticagrelor, 100.0%; p = 0.038). Our results demonstrate that in patients undergoing PCI within 24 h of fibrinolysis for STEMI, Ticagrelor provides prolonged platelet inhibition compared with Clopidogrel.

Effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel on platelet function in fibrinolytic-treated STEMI patients undergoing early PCI.

OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing PCI early after fibrinolytic therapy are at high risk for both thrombotic and bleeding complications. We sought to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in the fibrinolytic-treated STEMI patients undergoing early PCI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients undergoing PCI within 24 hours of tenecteplase (TNK), aspirin, and clopidogrel for STEMI were randomized to receive additional clopidogrel 300 mg followed by 75 mg daily or ticagrelor 180 mg followed by 90 mg twice daily. The platelet reactivity units (PRU) were measured with the VerifyNow Assay before study drug administration (baseline) at 4 and 24 hours post-PCI. The primary end point was PRU ≤208 at 4 hours. A total of 140 patients (74 in ticagrelor and 66 in clopidogrel group) were enrolled. The mean PRU values at baseline were similar for the 2 groups (257.8±52.9 vs 259.5±56.7, P=.85, respectively). Post-PCI, patients on ticagrelor, compared to those on clopidogrel, had significantly lower PRU at 4 hours (78.7±88 vs 193.6±86.5, respectively, P<.001) and at 24 hours (34.5±35.0 and 153.5±75.5, respectively, P<.001). The primary end point was observed in 87.8% (n=65) in the ticagrelor-treated patients compared to 57.6% (n=38) of clopidogrel-treated patients, P<.001. CONCLUSION: Fibrinolysis-treated STEMI patients who received clopidogrel and aspirin at the time of fibrinolysis and were undergoing early PCI frequently had PRU >208. In this high-risk population, ticagrelor provides more prompt and potent platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel (Funded by Astra Zeneca; NCT01930591, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01930591).

Smokers and Postcessation Weight Gain After Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation and weight management are recommended after acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, little is known about the effects of smoking cessation on weight change after ACS. We aimed to assess the effect of smoking cessation after ACS on weight over a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were prospectively collected from the EVITA (Evaluation of Varenicline in Smoking Cessation for Patients Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial. Weight change was compared among 3 groups of patients: those who were completely abstinent (n=70), those who smoked intermittently (n=68), and those who smoked persistently (n=34). Patients' mean baseline weight was 83.9 kg (SD 17.7) with a mean body mass index of 28.5 (SD 5.4). Patients smoked a mean of 37.7 years (SD 17.7) and a mean of 21.0 cigarettes (SD 9.0) per day prior to their ACS. Weight change varied across groups, with abstainers gaining a mean of 4.8 kg (SD 8.6), intermittent smokers gaining a mean of 2.0 kg (SD 8.9) and persistent smokers losing a mean of 0.7 kg (SD 7.4). At 52 weeks, abstainers were more likely to gain weight than persistent smokers (difference in means 5.5 kg; 95% CI 2.3-8.8). This weight gain was not associated with an increase in the use of antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications. CONCLUSIONS: Following an ACS, significant weight is gained by patients who quit smoking. Weight-management interventions among smokers who quit after ACS should be a focus of investigation in future research so that the cardiovascular benefits achieved by smoking cessation are not offset by weight gain in this high-risk population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00794573.

Longitudinal treatment patterns with ADP receptor inhibitors after myocardial infarction: Insights from the Canadian Observational AntiPlatelet sTudy.

BACKGROUND: After myocardial infarction (MI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and an ADP receptor inhibitor (ADPri) for at least 1year. However, whether real-world Canadian practice patterns reflect this recommendation is unknown. METHODS: We studied 2175 MI patients treated with PCI and discharged from 26 Canadian hospitals between 12/2011 and 05/2013 in the Canadian Observational Antiplatelet sTudy (COAPT). Hierarchical Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to determine baseline demographic and clinical factors associated with duration of ADPri therapy post-discharge. RESULTS: At index-hospitalization discharge, 1597 (73%) patients were treated with clopidogrel, 220 (10%) with prasugrel, and 358 (17%) with ticagrelor. ADPri was discontinued prior to 1year in 474 (21.8%) patients; discontinuation rates were lowest for patients discharged on prasugrel (17.7%), compared with clopidogrel (22.5%) or ticagrelor (21.0%), (log rank test, p=0.03). In addition to regional variability, factors associated with shorter ADPri duration included older age, low body weight, Killip III/IV heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ticagrelor on discharge, and bare metal stent use, while longer ADPri duration was associated with history of prior MI. CONCLUSIONS: One in five PCI-treated MI patients did not complete Canadian guideline-recommended 1-year course of ADPri treatment. Premature ADPri discontinuation was most strongly associated with factors that increase the risk of bleeding. Further study is required to assess the clinical implications of premature ADPri discontinuation on patient outcomes.

Baseline characteristics, adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitor treatment patterns, and in-hospital outcomes of myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the prospective Canadian Observational AntiPlatelet sTudy (COAPT).

BACKGROUND: Contemporary use of dual antiplatelet therapy and consistency with guideline recommendations in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been well characterized. METHODS: The COAPT was a prospective, observational, multicenter, longitudinal study of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing PCI. Baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, processes of care, factors associated with switching to and from novel adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitors (ADPris), and in-hospital outcomes are described. RESULTS: Among 2,179 MI patients undergoing PCI during their index hospitalization, 1,328 (60.9%) had ST elevation. Initial ADPri use included clopidogrel in 1,812 (83.2%), prasugrel in 125 (5.7%), and ticagrelor in 242 (11.1%). At discharge, 1,597 patients (73.4%) were prescribed clopidogrel, 220 (10.1%) prasugrel, and 358 (16.5%) ticagrelor. Switching between ADPri therapies during the index hospitalization occurred in 15.3%, 22.4%, and 25.2% of patients initially started on clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, respectively. Most switches over the 15-month study period occurred during the index admission (16.8% of patients vs 4.4% switches postdischarge). Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 7.5% of patients during the index hospitalization. In-hospital bleeding events occurred in 6.0% of patients and most were mild. CONCLUSIONS: Despite randomized trial evidence and guideline recommendations, only a minority of Canadian MI patients undergoing PCI initially received or were discharged on one of the newer ADPri agents. These findings suggest an opportunity to improve upon the appropriate selection of the ADPris at index hospitalization and discharge in Canadian MI patients undergoing PCI.

Late breaking trials of 2015 in coronary artery disease: Commentary covering ACC, EuroPCR, SCAI, TCT, ESC, and AHA.

The SCAI Publications Committee and Emerging Leadership Mentorship (ELM) Fellows concisely summarize and provide context on the most important coronary trials presented at large international meetings in 2015, including the MATRIX, ABSORB, and TOTAL trials. The intent is to allow quick assimilation of trial results into interventional practice, and enable busy interventional cardiologists to stay up to date. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Less than one-third of smokers hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain abstinent following discharge. We assessed whether varenicline, begun in-hospital, is efficacious for smoking cessation following ACS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in which smokers hospitalized with an ACS were randomized to varenicline or placebo for 12 weeks. All patients received low-intensity counseling. The primary end point was point-prevalence smoking abstinence assessed at 24 weeks by 7-day recall and biochemical validation using expired carbon monoxide. A total of 302 patients were randomized (mean age 55±9 years; 75% male; 56% ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; 38% non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; 6% unstable angina). Patients smoked a mean of 21±11 cigarettes/d at the time of hospitalization and had been smoking for a mean of 36±12 years. At 24 weeks, patients randomized to varenicline had significantly higher rates of smoking abstinence and reduction than patients randomized to placebo. Point-prevalence abstinence rates were 47.3% in the varenicline group and 32.5% in the placebo group (P=0.012; number needed to treat=6.8). Continuous abstinence rates were 35.8% and 25.8%, respectively (P=0.081; number needed to treat=10.0), and rates of reduction ≥50% in daily cigarette consumption were 67.4% and 55.6%, respectively (P=0.05; number needed to treat=8.5). Adverse event rates within 30 days of study drug discontinuation were similar between groups (serious adverse events: varenicline 11.9%, placebo 11.3%; major adverse cardiovascular events: varenicline 4.0%, placebo 4.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Varenicline, initiated in-hospital following ACS, is efficacious for smoking cessation. Future studies are needed to establish safety in these patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00794573.

Reversal of cardiogenic shock after bilateral renal artery stenting.

Renal artery stenosis, which can occur with atherosclerotic disease or fibromuscular dysplasia, is estimated to be present in 25%-34% of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Evidence is still developing to better understand the clinical significance of renal artery stenosis and its pathophysiologic interplay with cardiovascular disease. We present a case of cardiogenic shock with dramatic improvement after bilateral renal artery stenting.

Covered stents in the management of coarctation of the aorta in the adult: initial results and 1-year angiographic and hemodynamic follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of the Cheatham Platinum covered stent in adults with coarctation of the aorta. METHODS: Adults with native coarctations (n=14); previous coarctation surgery (n=4), stenting (n=1) or both surgery and endovascular therapy (n=3) underwent percutaneous intervention with a covered stent. Indications for stenting in those with previous intervention were recurrent coarctation (n=4), aneurysm formation at the site of previous intervention (n=2) or both recurrent coarctation and aneurysm formation (n=2). RESULTS: Twenty-three covered stents were placed in 22 patients (mean age 39+/-14 years, n=11 males). Successful device deployment was achieved in all patients, although one patient required a second covered stent for aortic wall rupture. Peak systolic gradient across the coarctation site decreased from 29+/-17 to 3+/-5 mm Hg (p<0.001) immediately following implant and this was maintained (6+/-9 mm Hg, p=0.001) at invasive assessment, 12 months after the initial procedure. Right arm systolic blood pressure significantly declined (p=0.02), as did the number of antihypertensive medications per patient (p=0.03). At angiographic follow-up, post-stenotic dilatation of the aorta decreased from 32+/-8 mm to 30+/-8 mm (p=0.001), however, no stent recoil was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Covered stents are safe, durable and efficacious in the management of coarctation of the aorta. Angiography and hemodynamic assessment is an effective method of screening for recurrent coarctation, and arch and vascular complications after stenting in adults.

Mechanism and predictors of failed transradial approach for percutaneous coronary interventions.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the mechanism and predictors of procedural failure in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the transradial approach (TR). BACKGROUND: Transradial approach PCI reduces vascular complications compared with a transfemoral approach (TF). However, the mechanism and predictors of TR-PCI failure have not been well-characterized. METHODS: The study population consisted of patients undergoing TR-PCI by low-to-intermediate volume operators with traditional TF guide catheters. Baseline characteristics, procedure details, and clinical outcomes were prospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of TR-PCI failure. RESULTS: A total of 2,100 patients underwent TR-PCI and represented 38% of PCI volume. Mean age was 64 +/- 12 years, and 17% were female. Vascular complications occurred in 22 (1%), and TR-PCI failure was observed in 98 (4.7%) patients. The mechanism of TR-PCI failure included inability to advance guide catheter to ascending aorta in 50 (51%), inadequate guide catheter support in 35 (36%), and unsuccessful radial artery puncture in 13 (13%) patients. The PCI was successful in 94 (96%) patients with TR-PCI failure by switching to TF. On multivariate analysis, age >75 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.33 to 6.40, p = 0.0006), prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OR: 7.47; 95% CI: 3.45 to 16.19, p = 0.0002), and height (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of TR-PCI failure. CONCLUSIONS: Transradial approach PCI can be performed by low-to-intermediate volume operators with standard equipment with a low failure rate. Age >75 years, prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and short stature are independent predictors of TR-PCI failure. Appropriate patient selection and careful risk assessment are needed to maximize benefits offered by TR-PCI.

Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism in a patient with a fontan circulation: percutaneous management.

Chronic pulmonary embolism is a common complication in patients with Fontan circulations. When anticoagulation is ineffective and surgery is contraindicated, percutaneous techniques may be considered. The authors report the first case of successful catheter intervention in a 30-year-old woman with a Fontan circulation who presented with NYHA class IV symptoms and chronic and complete obstruction of her left pulmonary artery.