Retrograde chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention via ipsilateral collaterals.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on retrograde chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via ipsilateral epicardial collaterals (IEC). AIMS: To compare the clinical and angiographic characteristics, and outcomes of retrograde CTO PCI via IEC versus other collaterals in a large multicenter registry. METHODS: Observational cohort study from the Prospective Global registry for the study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO). RESULTS: Of 4466 retrograde cases performed between 2012 and 2023, crossing through IEC was attempted in 191 (4.3%) cases with 50% wiring success. The most common target vessel in the IEC group was the left circumflex (50%), in comparison to other retrograde cases, where the right coronary artery was most common (70%). The Japanese CTO score was similar between the two groups (3.13 ± 1.23 vs. 3.06 ± 1.06, p = 0.456); however, the IEC group had a higher Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) score (1.95 ± 1.02 vs. 1.27 ± 0.92, p < 0.0001). The most used IEC guidewire was the SUOH 03 (39%), and the most frequently used microcatheter was the Caravel (43%). Dual injection was less common in IEC cases (66% vs. 89%, p < 0.0001). Technical (76% vs. 79%, p = 0.317) and procedural success rates (74% vs. 79%, p = 0.281) were not different between the two groups. However, IEC cases had a higher procedural complications rate (25.8% vs. 16.4%, p = 0.0008), including perforations (17.3% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.0001), pericardiocentesis (3.1% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.018), and dissection/thrombus of the donor vessel (3.7% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The use of IEC for retrograde CTO PCI was associated with similar technical and procedural success rates when compared with other retrograde cases, but higher incidence of periprocedural complications.

Validation of the BCIS CHIP Score in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The complex high-risk indicated percutaneous coronary intervention (CHIP) score is a tool developed using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database to define CHIP cases and predict in-hospital major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). AIM: To assess the validity of the CHIP score in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We evaluated the performance of the CHIP score on 8341 CTO PCIs from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) performed at 44 centers between 2012 and 2023. RESULTS: In our cohort, 7.8% (n = 647) of patients had a CHIP score of 0, 50.2% (n = 4192) had a CHIP score of 1-2, 26.2% (n = 2187) had a CHIP score of 3-4, 11.7% (n = 972) had a CHIP score of 5-6, 3.3% (n = 276) had a CHIP score of 7-8, and 0.8% (n = 67) had a CHIP score of 9+. The incidence of MACCE for a CHIP score of 0 was 0.6%, reaching as high as 8.7% for a CHIP score of 9+, confirming that a higher CHIP score is associated with a higher risk of MACCE. The estimated increase in the risk of MACCE per one score unit increase was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65%-141%). The AUC of the CHIP score model for predicting MACCE in our cohort was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.58-0.67). There was a positive correlation between the CHIP score and the PROGRESS-CTO MACE score (Spearman's correlation: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.35-0.39; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CHIP score has modest predictive capacity for MACCE in CTO PCI.

Balloon-assisted subintimal entry (BASE) in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the use of the balloon-assisted subintimal entry (BASE) technique in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and outcomes of 155 CTO PCIs that utilized the BASE technique at 31 US and non-US centers between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: The BASE technique was used in 155 (7.9%) of 1968 antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) cases performed during the study period. The mean age was 66 ± 10 years, 88.9% of the patients were men, and the prevalence of diabetes (44.6%), hypertension (90.5%), and dyslipidemia (88.7%) was high. Compared with 1813 ADR cases that did not use BASE, the target vessel of the BASE cases was more commonly the RCA and less commonly the LAD. Lesions requiring BASE had longer occlusion length (42 ± 23 vs. 37 ± 23 mm, p = 0.011), higher Japanese CTO (J-CTO) (3.4 ± 1.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and PROGRESS-CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention chronic total occlusion) (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.008) scores, and were more likely to have proximal cap ambiguity, side branch at the proximal cap, blunt/no stump, moderate to severe calcification, and proximal tortuosity. Technical (71.6% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.334) and procedural success (71.6% vs. 72.8%, p = 0.821), as well as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (1.3% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.124), were similar in ADR cases that used BASE and those that did not. CONCLUSIONS: The BASE technique is used in CTOs with longer occlusion length, higher J-CTO score, and more complex angiographic characteristics, and is associated with moderate success but also low MACE.

Impact of preprocedural anemia on in-hospital and follow-up outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The impact of preprocedural anemia on the outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. METHODS: We examined the clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 8633 CTO PCIs performed at 39 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level of <13 g/dL in men and <12 g/dL in women. RESULTS: Anemia was present in 1652 (19%) patients undergoing CTO PCI. Anemic patients had a higher incidence of comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. CTOs in anemic patients were more likely to have complex angiographic characteristics, including smaller diameter, longer length, moderate to severe calcification, and moderate to severe proximal tortuosity. Anemic patients required longer procedure (119 vs. 107 min; p < 0.001) and fluoroscopy (45 vs. 40 min; p < 0.001) times but received similar contrast volumes. Technical success was similar between the two groups. In-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates were higher in patients with anemia; however, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for confounding factors. Baseline anemia was independently associated with follow-up MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-2.49; p = 0.023) and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.41-6.49; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Preprocedural anemia is associated with more comorbidities, higher lesion complexity, longer procedure times, and higher follow-up MACE and mortality after CTO PCI.

Aortocoronary dissection during percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: Aortocoronary dissection is a potentially serious complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We examined the incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of aortocoronary dissection among 12,117 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 in a large multicenter CTO PCI registry. RESULTS: The incidence of aortocoronary dissection was 0.2% (n = 27). Most aortocoronary dissections occurred in the right coronary artery (96.3%, n = 26). The baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without aortocoronary dissection were similar, except for dyslipidemia, which was less common in patients with aortocoronary dissection (70.4% vs. 86.0%; p = 0.019). The retrograde approach was used more commonly among cases complicated by aortocoronary dissection (59.3% vs. 31.0%; p = 0.002). Technical (74.1% vs. 86.6%; p = 0.049) and procedural (70.4% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.031) success rates were lower among aortocoronary dissection cases, with a similar incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (3.7% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.541). Of the 27 patients with aortocoronary dissection, 19 (70.4%) were treated with ostial stenting and 8 (29.6%) were treated conservatively without subsequent adverse clinical outcomes. No patients required emergency surgery. Follow-up was available for 22 patients (81.5%): during a mean follow up of 767 (±562) days, the incidence of in-stent restenosis was 11.1% (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Aortocoronary dissection occurred in 0.2% of CTO PCIs performed by experienced operators, was associated with lower technical and procedural success, and was treated most commonly with ostial stenting. None of the patients required emergency cardiac surgery.

Incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of donor vessel injury during percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Donor vessel injury is a potentially life-threatening complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIMS: Our goal was to examine the incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of patients with donor vessel injury in a large multicenter CTO PCI registry. METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics, and procedural outcomes of 12,349 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 at 44 centers. RESULTS: The incidence of donor vessel injury was 0.35% (n = 43). The baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without donor vessel injury were similar. Cases complicated by donor vessel injury were more complex with higher Japanese CTO score (2.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3; p = 0.004) and lower procedural success rate (69.8% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.004). The retrograde approach was used more commonly in donor vessel injury cases (68.9% vs. 30.9%; p < 0.001). Most (53.5%) donor vessel injuries were guide catheter-induced, whereas 20.9% were due to donor vessel thrombosis. Of the 43 patients with donor vessel injury, 36 (83.7%) were treated with stenting and seven (16.3%) received a left ventricular assist device. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was significantly higher in cases with donor vessel injury (23.3% vs. 2.0%; p < 0.001). Of the 43 patients with donor vessel injury, five patients (11.6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction and four patients (9.3%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Donor vessel injury, occurred in 0.35% of CTO PCIs performed by experienced operators, was mainly due to guide catheter-induced dissection or thrombosis and was associated with lower procedural success and higher MACE.

Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions in Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The goal of this paper is to review the current evidence surrounding CTO PCI in patients with low EF, the most high-risk population to treat. We also present pertinent case examples and offer practical tips to increase success and lower complications when performing CTO PCI in patients with low EF. RECENT FINDINGS: In a prospective randomized control study, greater improvement in angina frequency and quality of life, assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, was achieved by CTO PCI compared to optimal medical therapy. Furthermore, after successful CTO PCI, improvements in health status were similar in patients with both low and normal EF. CTO PCI can not only ameliorate symptoms of angina in patients with low EF but may also potentially improve EF in carefully selected populations. However, information regarding treatment of this high-risk population is lacking and large-scale studies targeting patients with severely reduced EF remain necessary.

Outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the success and safety of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. METHODS: We examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of CTO PCI in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) after stratifying patients by LVEF (≤35%, 36%-49%, and ≥50%). RESULTS: A total of 7827 CTO PCI procedures with LVEF data were included. Mean age was 64 ± 10 years, 81% were men, 43% had diabetes mellitus, 61% had prior PCI, 45% had prior myocardial infarction, and 29% had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Technical success was similar in the three LVEF strata: 85%, 86%, and 87%, p = 0.391 for LVEF ≤35%, 36%-49%, and ≥50%, respectively. In-hospital mortality was higher in lower LVEF patients (1.1%, 0.4%, and 0.3%, respectively, p = 0.001). In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were numerically higher in lower EF patients (2.7%, 2.1%, and 1.9%, p = 0.271). At a median follow-up of 2 months (interquartile range: 19-350 days), patients with lower LVEF continued to have higher mortality (4.9%, 3.2%, and 1.4%, p < 0.001) while the MACE rates were similar (9.3%, 9.6%, and 7.4%, p = 0.172). CONCLUSION: CTO PCI can be performed with high technical success in patients with reduced LVEF but is associated with higher in-hospital and post-discharge mortality.

Gender differences in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data describing gender differences in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). METHODS: We compared baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes between men and women among 9457 CTO PCIs performed at 38 centers between 2012 and 2022. RESULTS: A total of 7687 (81%) men and 1770 (19%) women were treated. Women were older, more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and peripheral arterial disease, and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction. The most common CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery for both men (53%) and women (52%), although the left anterior descending artery was more frequently the target vessel among women (31% vs. 25%; p < 0.001). The J-CTO score (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 2.2 ± 1.2; p < 0.001) as well as the PROGRESS-CTO score (1.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 1.0; p < 0.001) were higher among men. In female patients, antegrade wiring was more frequently the initial crossing strategy (87.6% vs. 82.4%; p < 0.001) and was more successful in crossing the target lesion (62.7% vs. 54.0%; p < 0.001) compared with men. Interventions in men required longer procedure time and fluoroscopy time, as well as higher air kerma radiation dose and contrast volume when compared to women. Technical (89% vs. 86%; p < 0.001) and procedural (87% vs. 84%; p = 0.003) success rates were higher among women. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were also higher in women (2.9% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing CTO PCI had higher technical and procedural success rates, but also higher in-hospital MACE compared with men.

Predictors of success in primary retrograde strategy in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the PROGRESS-chronic total occlusion registry.

BACKGROUND: An upfront (primary) retrograde strategy is often used in complex chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We examined the clinical, angiographic characteristics, and procedural outcomes of CTO PCIs that were approached with a primary retrograde strategy in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO, NCT02061436). RESULTS: Of 10,286 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022, a primary retrograde strategy was used in 1329 (13%) with an initial technical success of 66%, and a final success of 83%. Patients who underwent successful versus unsuccessful primary retrograde cases had similar characteristics: age (65 ± 10 vs. 65 ± 9, years, p = 0.203), men (83% vs. 87%, p = 0.066), prior PCI (71% vs. 71%, p = 0.809), and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (52% vs. 53%, p = 0.682). The PROGRESS-CTO score (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.6 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), air kerma radiation (3.9 ± 2.8 vs. 3.4 ± 2.6, gray, p = 0.013), and contrast use (294 ± 148 ml vs. 248 ± 128, ml, p < 0.001) were higher in the unsuccessful group, whereas the presence of interventional collaterals (95% vs. 72%, p < 0.001) and Werner collateral connection grade 2 (43% vs. 31%, p < 0.001) were higher in the successful group. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the only variable associated with a successful primary retrograde strategy was the presence of interventional collaterals: odds ratio: 6.52 (95% confidence intervals; 3.5-12.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Presence of interventional collaterals is independently associated with higher success rates with a primary retrograde strategy in CTO PCI.

Intravascular lithotripsy in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 82 CTO PCIs that required IVL at 14 centers between 2020 and 2022. RESULTS: During the study period, IVL was used in 82 of 3301 (2.5%) CTO PCI procedures (0.4% in 2020 and 7% in 2022; p for trend < 0.001). Mean patient age was 69 ± 11 years and 79% were men. The prevalence of hypertension (95%), diabetes mellitus (62%), and prior PCI (61%) was high. The most common target vessel was the right coronary artery (54%), followed by the left circumflex (23%). The mean J-CTO and PROGRESS-CTO scores were 2.8 ± 1.1 and 1.3 ± 1.0, respectively. Antegrade wiring was the final successful crossing strategy in 65% and the retrograde approach was used in 22%. IVL was used in 10% of all heavily calcified lesions and 11% of all balloon undilatable lesions. The 3.5 mm lithotripsy balloon was the most commonly used balloon (28%). The mean number of pulses per lithotripsy run was 33 ± 32 and the median duration of lithotripsy was 80  (interquartile range: 40-103) seconds. Technical and procedural success was achieved in 77 (94%) and 74 (90%) cases, respectively. Two (2.4%) Ellis Class 2 perforations occurred after IVL use and were managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: IVL is increasingly being used in CTO PCI with encouraging outcomes.

Characterization of false positive, contaminant-driven mutagenicity in impurities associated with the sotorasib drug substance.

Sotorasib (Lumakras™) is a first-in-class, non-genotoxic, small molecule inhibitor of KRAS G12C developed as an anticancer therapeutic for treatment of patients that have a high unmet medical need. Anticancer therapeutics are considered out of scope of ICH M7 guidance for control of mutagenic impurities; however, based on ICH S9 Q&A, mutagenicity assessments are needed for impurities that exceed the qualification threshold, consistent with ICH Q3A/B, and non-mutagenic drugs. Here, we carried out hybrid-based mutagenicity assessment of sotorasib drug substance (DS) impurities using in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling and Ames tests (for in silico positive mutagens). We encountered contradictive mutagenicity results for 2 impurities (Beta-Chloride and PAC). PAC was negative initially by QSAR but positive in a GLP full plate Ames test and Beta-Chloride was positive by QSAR, negative in a non-GLP micro-Ames but positive in a GLP full plate Ames assay. Root cause analyses identified and characterized mutagenic contaminants, 3-chloropropionic acid in batches of Beta-Chloride and 3-chloropropionic acid and Chloro-PAC in batches of PAC, used in initial GLP full-plate Ames tests. Significant reduction of these contaminants in re-purified batches resulted in no induction of mutagenicity in follow-up GLP micro-Ames tests. In summary, root-cause analyses led to accurate mutagenicity assessment for sotorasib DS-associated impurities.

Mercapturate pathway metabolites of sotorasib, a covalent inhibitor of KRASG12C, are associated with renal toxicity in the Sprague Dawley rat.

Sotorasib is a first-in class KRASG12C covalent inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of tumors with the KRAS p.G12C mutation. In the nonclinical toxicology studies of sotorasib, the kidney was identified as a target organ of toxicity in the rat but not the dog. Renal toxicity was characterized by degeneration and necrosis of the proximal tubular epithelium localized to the outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM), which suggested that renal metabolism was involved. Here, we describe an in vivo mechanistic rat study designed to investigate the time course of the renal toxicity and sotorasib metabolites. Renal toxicity was dose- and time-dependent, restricted to the OSOM, and the morphologic features progressed from vacuolation and necrosis to regeneration of tubular epithelium. The renal toxicity correlated with increases in renal biomarkers of tubular injury. Using mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, a strong temporal and spatial association between renal toxicity and mercapturate pathway metabolites was observed. The rat is reported to be particularly susceptible to the formation of nephrotoxic metabolites via this pathway. Taken together, the data presented here and the literature support the hypothesis that sotorasib-related renal toxicity is mediated by a toxic metabolite derived from the mercapturate and ß-lyase pathway. Our understanding of the etiology of the rat specific renal toxicity informs the translational risk assessment for patients.

Nonclinical Safety Profile of Sotorasib, a KRASG12C-Specific Covalent Inhibitor for the Treatment of KRAS p.G12C-Mutated Cancer.

Sotorasib is a first-in-class KRASG12C covalent inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of tumors with the KRAS p.G12C mutation. A comprehensive nonclinical safety assessment package, including secondary/safety pharmacology and toxicology studies, was conducted to support the marketing application for sotorasib. Sotorasib was negative in a battery of genotoxicity assays and negative in an in vitro phototoxicity assay. Based on in vitro assays, sotorasib had no off-target effects against various receptors, enzymes (including numerous kinases), ion channels, or transporters. Consistent with the tumor-specific target distribution (ie, KRASG12C), there were no primary pharmacology-related on-target effects identified. The kidney was identified as a target organ in the rat but not the dog. Renal toxicity in the rat was characterized by tubular degeneration and necrosis restricted to a specific region suggesting that the toxicity was attributed to the local formation of a putative toxic reactive metabolite. In the 3-month dog study, adaptive changes of hepatocellular hypertrophy due to drug metabolizing enzyme induction were observed in the liver that was associated with secondary effects in the pituitary and thyroid gland. Sotorasib was not teratogenic and had no direct effect on embryo-fetal development in the rat or rabbit. Human, dog, and rat circulating metabolites, M24, M10, and M18, raised no clinically relevant safety concerns based on the general toxicology studies, primary/secondary pharmacology screening, an in vitro human ether-à-go-go-related gene assay, or mutagenicity assessment. Overall, the results of the nonclinical safety program support a high benefit/risk ratio of sotorasib for the treatment of patients with KRAS p.G12C-mutated tumors.

Nonclinical safety evaluation of erenumab, a CGRP receptor inhibitor for the prevention of migraine.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor have been implicated as a key mediator in the pathophysiology of migraine. Thus, erenumab, a monoclonal antibody antagonist of the CGRP receptor, administered as a once monthly dose of 70 or 140 mg has been approved for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Due to the species specificity of erenumab, the cynomolgus monkey was used in the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology studies to support the clinical program. There were no effects of erenumab on platelets in vitro (by binding, activation or phagocytosis assays). Specific staining of human tissues with erenumab did not indicated any off-target binding. There were no erenumab-related findings in a cardiovascular safety pharmacology study in cynomolgus monkeys or in vitro in human isolated coronary arteries. Repeat-dose toxicology studies conducted in cynomolgus monkeys at dose levels up to 225 mg/kg (1 month) or up to 150 mg/kg (up to 6 months) with twice weekly subcutaneous (SC) doses showed no evidence of erenumab-mediated adverse toxicity. There were no effects on pregnancy, embryo-fetal or postnatal growth and development in an enhanced pre-postnatal development study in the cynomolgus monkey. There was evidence of placental transfer of erenumab based on measurable serum concentrations in the infants up to 3 months post birth. The maternal and developmental no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was the highest dose tested (50 mg/kg SC Q2W). These nonclinical data in total indicate no safety signal of concern to date and provide adequate margins of exposure between the observed safe doses in animals and clinical dose levels.

Gender Disparities in CAD: Women and Ischemic Heart Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this article is to review the disparities that exist for women who present for treatment of ischemic heart disease. RECENT FINDINGS: It is well known that women are more likely to present with ischemic heart disease at an advanced age with more comorbidities when compared to male counterparts. Despite correction of risk factors, women experience worse outcomes, even in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. A review of the literature highlights the importance of a thoughtful approach to medical therapy and revascularization. While most recommendations applied to women are derived mostly from male data, further study of sex-specific differences may lead to approaches which can ultimately reduce disparities for the treatment of ischemic heart disease in women.

Thin-walled access sheath to hold a larger guide: New technology specifically for transradial access.

Vascular access sheaths are now available with thin walls specifically designed for transradial use. A thin-walled sheath with an outside diameter on the same order of size as a 6-F traditional sheath can carry a 7-F guiding catheter. While the larger-sized guides may increase the interventional options for the radial operator, a hazard from vascular damage due to the larger-sized lumens may exist and points to a need for further improvement in radial specific equipment.

It's still important, just doesn't hurt.

Radial artery catheterization results in local vascular injury to the artery and at times subsequent arterial occlusion, yet even in patients with abnormal collateral testing ischemic hand injury remains essentially unseen. Careful serial examinations of neuro-muscular function of the hand in patients undergoing transradial catheterization demonstrate that even in the case of radial occlusion and an abnormal collateral test, hand function is not altered after the procedure. While radial artery occlusion may not result in functional ischemic findings, the occlusion itself results in lost future opportunity for vascular access or conduit use and further understanding on how to prevent this sequalae continues to be a priority.

To neither bleed nor clot: That is the question.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) when stented with thin-strut colbalt chrome stents may have a similar outcome to patients without AF. Management of patients with AF potentially place patients at enhanced bleeding risk with triple antithrombotic therapy, or potential thrombotic risk if either oral anticoagulation is held or anti-platelet therapy is truncated. Guideline-based oral anticoagulation for AF is expanding this patient group presenting to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, yet management decisions are still based on limited studies and rely on expert concensus.