Causes, Angiographic Characteristics, and Management of Premature Myocardial Infarction: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Among patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the proportion of young individuals has increased in recent years. Although coronary atherosclerosis is less extensive in young patients with AMI, with higher prevalence of single-vessel disease and rare left main involvement, the long-term prognosis is not benign. Young patients with AMI with obstructive coronary artery disease have similar risk factors as older patients except for higher prevalence of smoking, lipid disorders, and family history of premature coronary artery disease, and lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Smoking cessation is by far the most effective secondary preventive measure. Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries is a relatively common clinical entity (10%-20%) among young patients with AMI, with intravascular and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging being key for diagnosis and potentially treatment. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a frequent pathogenetic mechanism of AMI among young women, requiring a high degree of suspicion, especially in the peripartum period.

In-Stent Restenosis in Saphenous Vein Grafts (from the DIVA Trial).

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) have high rates of in-stent restenosis (ISR). We compared the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients and lesions that did develop ISR with those who did not develop ISR during a median follow-up of 2.7 years in the DIVA study (NCT01121224). We also examined the ISR types using the Mehran classification. ISR developed in 119 out of the 575 DIVA patients (21%), with similar incidence among patients with drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents (BMS) (21% vs 21%, p = 0.957). Patients in the ISR group were younger (67 ± 7 vs 69 ± 8 years, p = 0.04) and less likely to have heart failure (27% vs 38%, p = 0.03) and SVG lesions with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow before the intervention (77% vs 83%, p <0.01), but had a higher number of target SVG lesions (1.33 ± 0.64 vs 1.16 ± 0.42, p <0.01), more stents implanted in the target SVG lesions (1.52 ± 0.80 vs 1.31 ± 0.66, p <0.01), and longer total stent length (31.37 ± 22.11 vs 25.64 ± 17.42 mm, p = 0.01). The incidence of diffuse ISR was similar in patients who received drug-eluting-stents and BMS (57% vs 54%, p = 0.94), but BMS patients were more likely to develop occlusive restenosis (17% vs 33%, p = 0.05).

Radial versus femoral access in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery: Frequentist and Bayesian meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal access site for cardiac catheterization in patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) continues to be debated. METHODS: We performed a random effects frequentist and Bayesian meta-analysis of 4 randomized trials and 18 observational studies, including 60,192 patients with prior CABG (27,236 in the radial group; 32,956 in the femoral group) that underwent cardiac catheterization. Outcomes included (1) access-site complications, (2) crossover to a different vascular access, (3) procedure time, and (4) contrast volume. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI for binary outcomes. RESULTS: Among randomized trials, crossover (OR: 7.63; 95% CI: 2.04, 28.51; p = 0.003) was higher in the radial group, while access site complications (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.34, 2.87; p = 0.94) and contrast volume (MD: 15.08; 95% CI: -10.19, 40.35; p = 0.24) were similar. Among observational studies, crossover rates were higher (OR: 5.09; 95% CI: 2.43, 10.65; p < 0.001), while access site complication rates (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.89; p = 0.02) and contrast volume (MD: -7.52; 95% CI: -13.14, -1.90 ml; p = 0.009) were lower in the radial group. Bayesian analysis suggested that the odds of a difference existing between radial and femoral are small for all endpoints except crossover to another access site. CONCLUSION: In a frequentist and Bayesian meta-analysis of patients with prior CABG undergoing coronary catheterization, radial access was associated with lower incidence of vascular access complications and lower contrast volume but also higher crossover rate.

Distal Radial Access in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the PROGRESS-CTO Registry.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of distal radial access (dRA) in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) have received limited study. METHODS: We compared the clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics of 120 CTO-PCIs performed via dRA access with 2625 CTO-PCIs performed via proximal radial access (pRA) in a large, multicenter registry. RESULTS: The dRA group had lower mean PROGRESS-CTO score than the pRA group (1.0 ± 1 vs 1.2 ± 1, respectively; P=.05), while J-CTO score (2.4 ± 1.2 vs 2.3 ± 1.3; P=.43) and PROGRESS-CTO Complications score (2.8 ± 1.8 vs 2.6 ± 1.9; P=.16) were similar in the dRA vs pRA groups, respectively. Technical success was similar in the 2 groups (90% dRA vs 86% pRA; P=.14). Concomitant use of femoral access did not alter procedural success. The incidence of major periprocedural adverse cardiac events was similar in the 2 groups (0.8% dRA vs 2.4% pRA; P=.26), whereas the incidence of tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis was lower with dRA (0% dRA vs 4.69% pRA; P<.001), as was air kerma radiation dose (median, 1.7 Gy; interquartile range [IQR], 0.97-2.63 Gy in the dRA group vs median, 2.27 Gy; IQR, 1.2-3.9 Gy in the pRA group; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of dRA in CTO-PCI is associated with similar procedural success and risk of complications as compared with pRA.

Saphenous Vein Graft Failure: From Pathophysiology to Prevention and Treatment Strategies.

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) remain the most frequently used conduits in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Despite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacotherapy, SVG failure rates remain high, often leading to repeat coronary revascularization. The no-touch SVG harvesting technique (minimal graft manipulation with preservation of vasa vasorum and nerves) reduces the risk of SVG failure, whereas the effect of the off-pump technique on SVG patency remains unclear. Use of buffered storage solutions, intraoperative graft flow measurement, careful selection of the target vessels, and physiological assessment of the native coronary circulation before CABG may also reduce the incidence of SVG failure. Perioperative aspirin and high-intensity statin administration are the cornerstones of secondary prevention after CABG. Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for off-pump CABG and in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome. Intermediate (30%-60%) SVG stenoses often progress rapidly. Stenting of intermediate SVG stenoses failed to improve outcomes; hence, treatment focuses on strict control of coronary artery disease risk factors. Redo CABG is associated with higher perioperative mortality compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); hence, the latter is preferred for most patients requiring repeat revascularization after CABG. SVG PCI is limited by high rates of no-reflow and a high incidence of restenosis during follow-up. Drug-eluting and bare metal stents provide similar long-term outcomes in SVG PCI. Embolic protection devices reduce no-reflow and should be used when feasible. PCI of the corresponding native coronary artery is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and is preferred over SVG PCI, if technically feasible.

Comparison of Outcomes of Patients with vs without Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Presenting with ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

The outcomes of patients with previous coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) presenting with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) have received limited study. We compared the clinical and procedural characteristics and outcomes of STEMI patients with and without previous CABG in a contemporary multicenter STEMI registry between 2003 and 2020. The primary outcomes of the study were mortality and major cardiac adverse events (MACE: death, MI or stroke). Survival curves were derived using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Of the 13,893 patients included in the analyses, 7.2% had previous CABG. Mean age was 62.4 ± 13.6 years, most patients (71%) were men and 22% had diabetes. Previous CABG patients were older (69.0 ± 11.7 vs 61.9 ± 13.6 years, p <0.001) and more likely to have diabetes (40% vs 21%, p <0.001) compared with patients without previous CABG. Previous CABG patients had higher mortality and MACE at 5 years (p <0.001). Outcomes were similar with saphenous vein graft vs native coronary culprits. Previous CABG remained associated with mortality from discharge to 18 months (p = 0.044) and from 18 months to 5 years (p <0.001) after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Long term outcomes after STEMI were worse among patients with previous CABG compared with patients without previous CABG, even after adjustment for baseline characteristics.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarians and nonagenarians.

OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in octogenarians and nonagenarians have received limited study. METHODS: We compared in-hospital outcomes of CTO PCI between patients ≥80 vs. <80-years-old in 6233 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2020 at 33 U.S. and international centers. RESULTS: There were 415 octogenarians and nonagenarians in our study (7% of the total population). Compared with younger patients, octo- and nonagenarians were less likely to be men (73% vs. 83.2%, p < 0.0001) and more likely to have atrial fibrillation (27% vs. 12%, p < 0.0001) and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (43% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001). They were more likely to have CTOs with moderate/severe calcification (71% vs. 46%, p < 0.0001), but had similar mean J-CTO scores (2.5 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3, p = 0.08). They had lower technical and procedural success (82.2% vs. 86.3%, p = 0.0201; 80.3% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.016, respectively) and higher incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (3.4% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.021). On multivariable analysis PCI in octo- and nonagenarians was not independently associated with technical and procedural success or with in-hospital MACE. CONCLUSION: CTO PCI is feasible in octo- and nonagenarians, although success rates are lower, and the risk of complications is higher compared with younger patients, likely related to more comorbidities and higher coronary lesion complexity.

Combined use of intravascular lithotripsy and brachytherapy: A new approach for the treatment of recurrent coronary in-stent restenosis.

Treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) is challenging and often requires combination of multiple treatment modalities. Coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has been successfully used for treating stent under-expansion, but is not currently commercially available in the United States. We present three recurrent coronary ISR cases in which multiple treatment modalities (high-pressure balloon inflation, plaque modification balloons, and laser with contrast injection) failed. These patients were treated with a combination of IVL (peripheral IVL catheter used off-label in the coronary arteries) and brachytherapy. Due to the high IVL balloon profile, delivery via femoral or radial access was challenging, requiring 7-8 French guide catheters. IVL was performed delivering 4-8 treatments of 20 pulses each with a favorable final angiographic and intravascular ultrasound result. All patients were angina free 1 month after the procedure.

Coronary Intravascular Brachytherapy for Recurrent Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes with intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT) in recurrent in-stent restenosis (ISR). BACKGROUND: Recurrent ISR can be challenging to treat and IVBT can be used for recurrent ISR but has received limited study. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of five observational studies, including 917 patients (1014 lesions) with recurrent ISR, defined as having at least two prior ISR episodes with previous treatment with a stent, who underwent treatment with IVBT. Outcomes of interest included target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 24 ± 7 months, the incidence of TVR was 29.2% (95% CI 18.0-40.4%). The incidence of MI and all-cause mortality were 4.3% (95% CI 1.7%-6.9%) and 7.3% (95% CI 3.2-11.5%), respectively. At one- and two-years after PCI the incidence of TVR was 17.5% (95% CI 13.6%-21.4%) and 26.7% (95% CI 16.6%-36.9%), respectively and the incidence of MI was 3.1% (95% CI 2-4.2%) and 3.9% (95% CI 1-6.8%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Intravascular brachytherapy can be used to treat recurrent ISR, although TVR is needed in approximately one of four patients at two years.

Outcomes of intravascular brachytherapy for recurrent drug-eluting in-stent restenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the outcomes of vascular brachytherapy (VBT) for recurrent drug-eluting stents (DES) in-stent restenosis (ISR). BACKGROUND: Recurrent DES-ISR can be challenging to treat. VBT has been used with encouraging results. METHODS: We report the long-term outcomes of patients with recurrent DES-ISR treated with VBT between January 2014 and September 2018 at a tertiary care institution. The main outcome was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the composite of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), target lesion myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion-related cardiac death. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify variables associated with recurrent TLF. RESULTS: During the study period, 116 patients (143 lesions) underwent VBT. Median follow-up was 24.7 (14.5-35.4) months. The incidence of TLR, target-lesion MI, and TLF was 18.9%, 5.6%,and 20.1% at 1 year, and 29.4%, 10.5%, and 32.9% at 2 years.Initial presentation with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was independently associated with TLF (hazard ratio = 1.975, 95% CI [1.120, 3.485], p = .019). Lesions treated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance had a lower incidence of TLR (14.3% vs. 39.6%, log-rank p = .038), and a trend toward lower incidence of TLF (19% vs. 42.6%, log-rank p = .086). CONCLUSIONS: VBT can improve the treatment of recurrent DES-ISR, but TLF occurs in approximately one in three patients at 2 years. Initial presentation with ACS was associated with higher TLF and the use of IVUS with a trend for lower incidence of TLF.

Outcomes With Combined Laser Atherectomy and Intravascular Brachytherapy in Recurrent Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent drug-eluting stents (DES) in-stent restenosis (ISR) can be challenging to treat. The combined use of excimer laser atherectomy (ELCA) and vascular brachytherapy (VBT) for this indication has received limited study. METHODS: We report the long-term outcomes of patients with recurrent DES ISR treated with combined VBT and ELCA from January 2014 to September 2018 at a single institution. Outcomes included target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the composite of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), target lesion myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion-related cardiac death. RESULTS: During the study period, 116 patients (143 lesions) underwent VBT, of which 19 patients (19 lesions) underwent combined laser atherectomy and VBT. All procedures were successful without no-reflow or dissection. Two propensity-score matched cohorts (ELCA + VBT (n = 18) vs. VBT only (n = 18)) were compared. During a median follow-up of 25.5 (14.5-40) months, there was no difference in the incidence of TLF (38.9% vs. 38.9%, log-rank p = 0.688), target-lesion MI (5.6% vs. 5.6%, log-rank p = 0.915), or TLR (38.9% vs. 33.3%, log-rank p = 0.933) between both groups. There was no cardiac death related to the target lesion. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with VBT alone for the treatment of resistant DES ISR, combined use of ELCA and brachytherapy is associated with comparable long-term outcomes. ELCA should be considered in ISR lesions due to stent underexpansion.

Impact of Successful Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions on Subsequent Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The impact of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on angina and subsequent incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rate remains controversial. METHODS: We compared patient- reported angina change and the incidence of MACE (defined as death, myocardial infarction [MI], target-vessel revascularization) between successful vs failed CTO-PCI in 1612 patients participating in a large, multicenter registry. RESULTS: CTO-PCI was successful in 1387 patients (86%). Compared with failed CTO-PCI, successful CTO-PCI patients were less likely to have history of heart failure (33% vs 41%; P=.02), prior MI (49% vs 62%; P<.01), or prior coronary revascularization (63% vs 71% [P=.03] for PCI and 30% vs 40% [P<.01] for coronary artery bypass graft surgery). Patients in the successful CTO-PCI group had lower J-CTO scores (2.4 ± 1.3 vs 3.1 ± 1.1; P<.01) and lower PROGRESS-CTO Complications scores (1.1 ± 1.0 vs 1.6 ± 1.0; P<.01). After a mean follow-up of 181 ± 153 days, patients with successful PCI were more likely to have angina improvement (83% vs 38%; P<.01) and had lower incidence of 1-year MACE (8% vs 15%; P<.01), death (3% vs 7%; P<.01), and MI (2% vs 4%; P=.02). On multivariable analysis, however, CTO-PCI success was not independently associated with MACE. CONCLUSION: Compared with failed CTO-PCI, successful CTO-PCI is associated with better angina improvement and lower incidence of MACE (on univariable analysis) during follow-up.

The Impact of Novel X-Ray Systems and X-Ray System Optimization on Patient Radiation Dose Administered During Cardiac Catheterization.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of x-ray system optimization on patient radiation dose has received limited study. METHODS: We analyzed patient radiation dose in 1786 cardiac catheterization procedures (diagnostic coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) performed at a single tertiary-care center before and after x-ray system optimization. RESULTS: After optimization, cineangiography dose-area product (DAP) dose was lower in the overall group of patients who underwent diagnostic angiography and/or PCI (1347 µGy•m² [IQR, 645-2345 µGy•m²] vs 1658 µGy•m² [IQR, 640- 2757 µGy•m²]; P=.03), as well as in the diagnostic angiography group (1795 µGy•m² [IQR, 1140-2994 µGy•m²] vs 2356 µGy•m² [IQR, 311-3576 µGy•m²]; P<.01) and PCI group (2152 µGy•m² [IQR, 1338-3477 µGy•m²] vs 2562 µGy•m² [IQR, 1681-3859 µGy•m²]; P=.02). Cineangiography DAP per exposure was also lower in the overall group (143 µGy•m² [IQR, 91-212 µGy•m²] vs 164 µGy•m² [IQR, 106-233 µGy•m²] per exposure; P<.01) and in the diagnostic angiography group (158 µGy•m² [IQR, 102-225 µGy•m²] vs 184 µGy•m² [IQR, 125-271 µGy•m²] per exposure; P<.01). After optimization, cineangiography air kerma (AK) dose (319 mGy [IQR, 197-531 mGy] vs 421 mGy [IQR, 241-600 mGy]; P=.01) and cineangiography AK per exposure (20.7 mGy [IQR, 12.9-29.0 mGy] vs 23.6 mGy [IQR, 14.1-32.9 mGy] per exposure; P=.03) were also lower in the PCI group. There was no significant change in fluoroscopy AK dose after optimization (20.7 mGy [IQR, 12.7-30.1 mGy] vs 20.4 mGy [IQR, 12.8-31.3 mGy] per minute; P=.71) and fluoroscopy DAP dose (156 µGy•m² [IQR, 101-242 µGy•m²] vs 156 µGy•m² [IQR, 102-236 µGy•m²] per minute; P=.91). CONCLUSION: X-ray system optimization was associated with lower cineangiography DAP, but similar fluoroscopy radiation dose.

Follow-up Outcomes After Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With and Without Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Insights From the PROGRESS-CTO Registry.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have received limited study. METHODS: We compared the clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural and follow-up outcomes of patients with and without prior CABG in a multicenter international registry. RESULTS: Of the 1572 patients included in this analysis, a total of 498 (32%) had prior CABG. Prior CABG patients had higher J-CTO scores (2.9 ± 1.1 vs 2.2 ± 1.3; P<.001) and were less likely to undergo PCI of the left anterior descending artery (16.7% vs 29.6%; P<.001). The retrograde technique was used more often (47.4% vs 28.2%; P<.001) and was successful more often (27.4% vs 17.1%; P<.001) in the prior CABG group vs the non-prior CABG group. Technical success was lower in prior CABG patients (82.6% vs 87.9%; P<.01) with similar incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (3.4% vs 3%; P=.65), although in-hospital mortality was higher in the prior CABG group (2.4% vs 1.0%; P=.04). At 1-year follow-up, the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization was higher in prior CABG patients (21.79% vs 12.73%; hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.45; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with non-prior CABG patients, prior CABG patients undergoing CTO-PCI had lower technical success and higher incidence of acute and follow-up adverse cardiovascular events.

Retrograde Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via Saphenous Vein Graft.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the use of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) for retrograde crossing during chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: The use of SVGs for retrograde crossing during CTO PCI has received limited study. METHODS: A total of 1,615 retrograde CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2019 at 25 centers were examined. Clinical, angiographic, and technical characteristics and procedural outcomes were compared among retrograde cases via SVGs (SVG group) versus other collateral vessels (non-SVG group). RESULTS: Retrograde CTO PCI via SVGs was performed in 189 cases (12%). Patients in the SVG group were older (mean age 70 ± 9 years vs. 64 ± 10 years; p < 0.01) and had higher rates of prior myocardial infarction (62% vs. 51%; p < 0.01) and prior PCI (81% vs. 70%; p < 0.01). They were more likely to have moderate or severe calcification (81% vs. 65%; p < 0.01) and moderate or severe tortuosity (53% vs. 44%; p = 0.02) and had similar J-CTO (Multicenter CTO Registry in Japan) scores (3.2 ± 1.0 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1; p = 0.13) but higher PROGRESS-CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention) scores (4.7 ± 1.7 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1; p < 0.01). Technical (85% vs. 78%; p = 0.04) and procedural (81% vs. 74%; p = 0.04) success rates were higher in the SVG group, with no difference in in-hospital major adverse events (6.4% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.22). Contrast volume was lower in the SVG group (225 ml [173 to 325 ml] vs. 292 ml [202 to 400 ml]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Use of SVGs for retrograde crossing is associated with higher rates of technical and procedural success and similar rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events compared with retrograde CTO PCI via other collateral vessels.