Two Myocardial Infarctions and Five 8,000-m Peaks.

We report the case of a male smoker who is overweight and has no leisure time physical activity until a first acute inferolateral myocardial infarction at the age of 44 years, which was treated using coronary stenting of the left circumflex artery. He was discharged with an ejection fraction of 0.45 and the indication to quit smoking and initiate regular aerobic physical activity. After that episode, he started regular mountain hiking in the Alps, Andes, and, finally, in the Himalayas and Karakorum, where, up to the age of 65 years, he climbed 5 peaks of altitude >8,000 m, always solo and without oxygen, despite a recurrent myocardial infarction because of occlusion at the distal edge of the previously implanted stent. This case supports the indication that high-altitude per se is not contraindicated in patients with well-compensated coronary artery disease, even after an acute MI.

Management of Guidewire Entrapment and Fracture During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: When All Bailout Techniques Fail!

A 55-year-old man presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed a 95% eccentric lesion in the mid-right coronary artery. After 3 intracoronary stents were placed, the guidewire became entrapped in 1 of the stents; multiple attempts at retrieval were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the guidewire fractured, and a coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed to remove the guidewire fragments. This report reviews the procedural steps for wire retrieval that are critical for operators to avoid coronary artery bypass surgery.

Clinical expert consensus document on drug-coated balloon for coronary artery disease from the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics.

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) technology was developed to deliver the antiproliferative drugs to the vessel wall without leaving any permanent prosthesis or durable polymers. The absence of foreign material can reduce the risk of very late stent failure, improve the ability to perform bypass-graft surgery, and reduce the need for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy, potentially reducing associated bleeding complications. The DCB technology, like the bioresorbable scaffolds, is expected to be a therapeutic approach that facilitates the "leave nothing behind" strategy. Although newer generation drug-eluting stents are the most common therapeutic strategy in modern percutaneous coronary interventions, the use of DCB is steadily increasing in Japan. Currently, the DCB is only indicated for treatment of in-stent restenosis or small vessel lesions (< 3.0 mm), but potential expansion for larger vessels (≥ 3.0 mm) may hasten its use in a wider range of lesions or patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. The task force of the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT) was convened to describe the expert consensus on DCBs. This document aims to summarize its concept, current clinical evidence, possible indications, technical considerations, and future perspectives.

Entrapment and rupture of the guide wire during PTCA: case report and medico-legal considerations.

Background: In recent years, due to the increase of complaints for medical malpractice, the Sicilian Regional Health System has adopted proceedings for the direct management of claims by each healthcare facility with the aim of reducing costs of insurance premiums and their relative taxes. Thus this management has led to increased awareness and management of clinical risk through the introduction of mandatory sentinel event monitoring. Case report: A 55-year-old man with acute ischemic heart disease, due to three-vasal coronary diasease, underwent angioplasty perfomed on the second diagonal branch of the anterior descending artery. Simultaneously following the discovery of a major middle tract stenosis, he underwent further angioplasty surgery during which guidewire entrapment occurred, precisely in the proximal section of the vessel, resulting in the rupture and persistence of some fragments despite attempts to extract them. Subsequent antiplatelet therapy was prescribed and no further procedures were indicated for the removal of the guide wire, meanwhile a persistent reactive anxious-depressive state was established. Conclusion: The medico-legal analysis of the case excluded liabilty since it was a fortuitous, unpredictable and inevitable event. However, the patient had not been adequately informed about the possibility of the complication presented, which resulted in prolonged hospitalization and compensation for the psychological disorder suffered as a result of the adverse event. The attempted economic agreement was unsuccessful. A civil lawsuit was subsequently filed by the patient and the Judge's report confirmed the corporate CMC assessment and ruled out that the side effects related to the guideline fragment.

Mid-term results of stent-less coronary intervention using rotational atherectomy and drug-coated balloon for de-novo lesions in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Although drug-coated balloon (DCB)-based stent-less percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for de-novo lesions has attracted more attention, outcomes of the DCB procedure for hemodialysis (HD) patients are reported to be inferior to those for non-HD patients, similarly to drug-eluting stent (DES). Recent several reports have shown that rotational atherectomy (RA) followed by DCB treatment (RA/DCB) could be an option of revascularization strategy particularly for calcified de-novo lesions even in the new-generation DES era; however, efficacy of the RA/DCB procedure for HD patients remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 47 consecutive cases (53 lesions) undergoing RA/DCB for de-novo lesions were enrolled. According to the presence/absence of HD at baseline, the 47 cases were divided into the HD cases (N.=16) and the non-HD cases (N.=31), and the 53 lesions were divided into the HD lesions (N.=20) and the non-HD lesions (N.=33). RESULTS: The HD cases had a significantly lower prevalence of dyslipidemia and smoking than the non-HD cases. Final RA burr size, DCB diameter used, and angiographic success rate of PCI did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Preprocedural, post-procedural, and follow-up QCA parameters were also similar between the 2 groups. Twelve-month clinical outcomes were comparable between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term outcomes of stent-less PCI using RA/DCB for de-novo lesions in HD patients might be comparable to those in non-HD patients, suggesting efficacy of pretreatment of RA prior to DCB treatment in HD patients.

Giant pulmonary pseudoaneurysm following balloon dilatation of the pulmonary artery to relieve pulmonary band.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon. They may occur secondary to trauma, infectious diseases, vasculitis syndromes, neoplasms, congenital diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. Due to increasing number of cardiac interventions, iatrogenic complications are among the major causes of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms.In this report, we present a 6-month-old patient with pulmonary pseudoaneurysm that occurred following pulmonary balloon angioplasty for the relief of a pulmonary band.

Efficacy and Prediction Model Construction of Drug-Coated Balloon Combined with Cutting Balloon Angioplasty in the Treatment of Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) combined with cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) in the treatment of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (DES-ISR) and to construct a predictive model for the occurrence of DES-ISR. Methods: According to the criteria of diagnosis, inclusion, and exclusion, DES-ISR patients who were treated in the outpatient and inpatient departments of cardiovascular medicine of Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province from July 2021 to December 2021 were included. A total of 72 cases were planned to be enrolled, including 36 cases in the control group and 36 cases in the experimental group. The control group was treated with DCB, and the experimental group was combined with CBA. The treatment success rate, coronary angiography results before and after surgery, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events during the follow-up period were compared between the two groups. Seventy-two DES-ISR patients were divided into ISR group and 59 non-ISR patients were divided into non-ISR group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared to analyze the risk factors affecting the occurrence of DES-ISR, and the prediction model was established. Results: The surgical success rate of the experimental group was 94.44% (34/36), which was higher than the 77.78% (28/36) of the control group (P < 0.05). The minimum lumen diameter (MLD) of the experimental group 6 months after operation was greater than that of the control group, the late lumen loss (LL) and lumen stenosis rate were higher than those in the control group, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In the ISR group, the proportion of patients with abnormal BMI, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and family history of coronary heart disease and multivessel coronary artery disease was higher than that in the non-ISR group, the degree of stenosis target lesion was higher than that in the non-ISR group, the diameter of target lesion and stent diameter were smaller than those in the non-ISR group, and the length of target lesion and stent length were longer than those in the non-ISR group; the number of stents was more than that in the non-ISR group (P < 0.05). Combined hypertension, multiple coronary artery lesions, stenosis target lesion degree ≥85.05%, and target lesion length ≥36.88 mm were risk factors for DES-ISR, and target lesion diameter ≥3.15 mm and stent diameter ≥3.15 mm were protective factors (P < 0.05). The prediction model of DES-ISR was obtained by multiple logistic regression analysis, P = 1[1 + e (2.281 + 3.321Xhypertension + 3.427Xumber of arterial lesions + 3.359Xstenosis target lesion degree - 3.143Xtarget lesion diameter + 0.650Xtarget lesion length - 10.159Xstent diameter)]. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that Hosmer-Lemeshow χ 2 = 0.925, P =0.413; the ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the prediction model for the occurrence of DES-ISR was 0.924, the SE value was 0.022, and the 95% CI was 0.880-0.967. Conclusion: DCB combined with CBA has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of DES-ISR, which can reduce the rate of lumen stenosis and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. The prediction model established according to risk factors has high predictive value for the occurrence of DES-ISR.

Use of Trapping Techniques and a GooseNeck Snare to Retrieve a Fractured Balloon Catheter.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon fracture, retention, and embolization are rare complications of percutaneous coronary intervention. The incidence has historically been estimated at <0.8%, which is likely an underestimate given the increasing quantity and complexity of percutaneous procedures. We demonstrate how to avoid emergency surgery by using basic balloon trapping techniques and a snare in the more distal arterial bed.

Stent Dislodgment and Retrieval During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

During PCI, stent entrapment and dislodgment in the coronary arteries is a rare but potentially fatal complication that can lead to emergent cardiac surgery. Percutaneous stent retrieval is an alternative way to solve this challenging complication while avoiding cardiac surgery.

Drug-coated balloons for small coronary artery disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pre-specified analysis of the BASKET-SMALL 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Data on the safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) compared to drug-eluting stent (DES) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarce, particularly at long term. This pre-specified analysis aimed to investigate the 3-year efficacy and safety of DCB versus DES for small coronary artery disease (< 3 mm) according to renal function at baseline. METHODS: BASKET-SMALL-2 was a large multi-center, randomized, controlled trial that tested the efficacy and safety of DCBs (n = 382) against DESs (n = 376) in small vessel disease. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization (MACE) during 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 174/758 (23%) patients had CKD, out of which 91 were randomized to DCB and 83 to DES implantation. The primary efficacy outcome during 3 years was similar in both, DCB and DES patients (HR 0.98; 95%-CI 0.67-1.44; p = 0.937) and patients with and without CKD (HR 1.18; 95%-CI 0.76-1.83; p = 0.462), respectively. Rates of cardiac death and all-cause death were significantly higher among patients with CKD but not affected by treatment with DCB or DES. Major bleeding events were lower in the DCB when compared to the DES group (12 vs. 3, HR 0.26; 95%-CI 0.07-0.92; p = 0.037) and not influenced by presence of CKD. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term efficacy and safety of DCB was similar in patients with and without CKD. The use of DCB was associated with significantly fewer major bleeding events (NCT01574534). Central Illustration. Drug-coated balloon versus drug-eluting stents in small coronary artery disease with and without chronic kidney disease, a prespecified subgroup analysis of the BASKET-SMALL 2 trial.

Acute coronary syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock in a young adult: a case report from Dakar, Senegal.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. It is becoming a major concern in developing countries, partly due to the adoption of Western lifestyles. It affects young adults as well as older patients over 45 years of age. In this report, we present a case of cardiogenic shock related to myocardial infarction in a young adult. He completed cardiac rehabilitation after the surgery. The outcome was favourable at the six-month follow up.

Soluble CD40 ligand and outcome in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES: CD40 ligand (CD40L), a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family and expressed by a variety of cells, is involved in the basic mechanisms of inflammation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Some studies suggest that the soluble form of CD40L (sCD40L) is a predictor of major cardiovascular events and mortality in a variety of clinical settings, but data from literature are conflicting. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients with acute (ACS) or chronic (CCS) coronary syndrome who underwent percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI). Blood samples for sCD40L dosage were taken at baseline immediately before PCI. We tested the relation between sCD40L and pre-specified outcome measures consisting of new ACS, clinical restenosis and all-cause mortality. We recruited 3,841 patients (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 79% men) with ACS (n=2,383) or CCS (n=1,458). RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of two years (±0.6 years), 642 patients developed ACS, 409 developed restenosis (≥70% of at least one of the previously treated coronary segments) and 175 died. For each 1-standard deviation increase in sCD40L (0.80 ng/mL), the hazard ratios (HRs) for ACS, restenosis, and mortality were 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 to 1.18, p<0.0001), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.19, p=0.010), and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.86 to 1.16, p=0.983), respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models with adjustment for several potential confounders including age, acute or chronic coronary syndrome, multi-vessel disease, stent placement, diabetes, previous coronary events and dyslipidemia, sCD40L remained an independent predictor of ACS and coronary restenosis. There were no interactions between sCD40L and acute or chronic coronary syndrome or stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with ACS or CCS who undergo PCI, higher levels of sCD40L predict an increased risk of acute coronary events and coronary restenosis, but not of mortality.

Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in pregnancy-a critical review of current evidence and guidelines.

Treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in women during pregnancy is challenging. Current standard treatment for ACS includes coronary angioplasty with guideline-directed medical therapy including aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which may portend adverse effects to the fetus. ACS increases ischemic and obstetric complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Management of these patients necessitates balancing the potential risks and benefits to both maternal and fetal health. We present a case of a 37-year-old female with a background of hypertension and hyperlipidemia who presented with Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The urine pregnancy test that was performed turned positive with an estimated gestational age of four weeks. After counselling on the potential risks and benefits, a diagnostic angiogram was performed which revealed triple vessel disease with critical stenosis in all three vessels. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed successfully with precautions taken to minimize radiation exposure to the fetus. In such cases, there is a fundamental trade-off between maternal and fetal health in the treatment of NSTEMI. Medications used for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome will need to be balanced against the potential risks to the fetus. Invasive coronary angiogram results in exposure to potentially teratogenic ionizing radiation and hence all efforts must be made to minimize exposure. Thus, risks and benefits of treatment ought to be discussed with patients and measures need to be taken to minimize potential harm to both the mother and fetus.

Rationale and design of a randomized study comparing the agent drug coated balloon to plain old balloon angioplasty in patients with In-stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: Drug-coated balloon (DCB) technology was developed as an alternative treatment for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and in-stent restenosis (ISR). Management of coronary ISR is clinically challenging and frequently encountered in practice. The Agent DCB uses an inactive excipient to effectively deliver a targeted, therapeutic dose of paclitaxel to the vessel wall. STUDY DESIGN: AGENT IDE is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to evaluate superiority of the Agent DCB to balloon angioplasty in treating patients with ISR. A total of 480 patients with ISR of a previously treated lesion length <26 mm and reference vessel diameter >2.0 mm to ≤4.0 mm will be initially randomized. Subjects presenting with recent myocardial infarction (MI), complex lesions, or thrombus in the target vessel will be excluded. An adaptive group sequential design with one formal interim analysis for sample size re-estimation will be conducted, and the sample size may be increased to a maximum of 600 subjects. The primary endpoint is the rate of 12-month target lesion failure (TLF; composite of any ischemia-driven revascularization of the target lesion (TLR), target vessel related MI, or cardiac death) and will be tested for superiority in the test arm against the control. Functional status and general health-related quality of life will be measured by changes in the EQ-5D scores. Subjects will be followed for 5 years following the index procedure. CONCLUSION: This study will prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of Agent DCB in patients treated for coronary ISR.

Study on the safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a new technology that has emerged in recent years and has been proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of in-stent restenosis. The purpose of this article is to observe the safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHOD: We selected 80 patients admitted to the hospital for STEMI from January 2018 to December 2019. The subjects were randomly divided into a Yinyi (Liaoning) Biotech Bingo Drug Coated Balloon treatment group (balloon group, n = 38) and a drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment group (stent group, n = 42). Patients were followed up to understand the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Coronary angiography was rechecked 1 year after surgery to understand the late lumen loss (LLL) in the two groups. RESULT: During the one-year follow-up, the LLL of the target lesion in the balloon group was -0.12±0.46 mm, while the target lesion in the stent group was 0.14±0.37 mm ( P <0.05). Within 1 year, the incidence of MACE in the balloon group was 11%, while the incidence of MACE in the stent group was 12%. There was no significant difference between the two groups. IN CONCLUSION: When PCI is used for STEMI, only DCB therapy is safe and effective, and has shown good clinical effects during a one-year follow-up period.

Successful Retrieval of Entrapped Guide Extension Catheter in the Right Coronary Artery with Heavy Calcifications.

Usage of an optimal guide extension catheter often helps successful outcomes in complex percutaneous coronary intervention. Here, we report a case of successfully retrieving a guide extension catheter entrapped by a coronary stent in the middle RCA. The guide extension catheter was retrieved by anchoring with the stent delivery balloon. Also, our in vitro experiment demonstrated that a "deep seating method" and an "anchoring guide extension catheter method" could be effective in bailing out guide extension catheter entrapment.