Clinical Outcomes of Extracranial Carotid Artery-Related Stroke Eligible for Mechanical Reperfusion on Top of Per-Guidelines Thrombolytic Therapy: Analysis from a 6-Month Consecutive Patient Sample in 2 Centers.

BACKGROUND Systemic intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are guideline-recommended reperfusion therapies in large-vessel-occlusion ischemic stroke. However, for acute ischemic stroke of extracranial carotid artery origin (AIS-CA) there have been no specific trials, resulting in a data gap. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated referral/treatment pathways, serial imaging, and neurologic 90-day outcomes in consecutive patients, presenting in a real-life series in 2 stroke centers over a period of 6 months, with AIS-CA eligible for emergency mechanical reperfusion (EMR) on top of thrombolysis as per guideline criteria. RESULTS Of 30 EMR-eligible patients (33.3% in-window for thrombolysis and thrombolysed, 73.3% male, age 39-87 years, median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) 10, pre-stroke mRS 0-1 in all, tandem lesions 26.7%), 20 (66.7%) were EMR-referred (60% - endovascular, 6.7% - surgery referrals). Only 40% received EMR, nearly exclusively in stroke centers with carotid artery stenting (CAS) expertise (100% eligible patient acceptance rate, 100% treatment delivery involving CAS±MT with culprit lesion sequestration using micronet-covered stents). The emergency surgery rate was 0%. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics did not differ between EMR-treated and EMR-untreated patients. Ninety-day neurologic status was profoundly better in EMR-treated patients: mRS 0-2 (91.7% vs 0%; P<0.001); mRS 3-5 (8.3% vs 88.9%; P<0.001), mRS 6 (0% vs 11.1%; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a real-life AIS-CA setting, the referral rate of EMR-eligible patients for EMR was low, and the treatment rate was even lower. AIS-CA revascularization was delivered predominantly in stroke thrombectomy-capable cardioangiology centers, resulting in overwhelmingly superior patient outcome. Large vessel occlusion stroke referral and management pathways should involve centers with proximal-protected CAS expertise. AIS-CA, irrespective of any thrombolysis administration, is a hyperacute cerebral emergency and EMR-eligible patients should be immediately referred for mechanical reperfusion.

A clinical evaluation of the ProNOVA XR polymer-free sirolimus eluting coronary stent system in the treatment of patients with de novo coronary artery lesions (EURONOVA XR I study).

AIMS: Evaluation of safety and efficacy of ProNOVA XR, a new generation of polymer-free sirolimus eluting stents (SES), utilizing a pharmaceutical excipient for timed release of sirolimus from the XR platform. METHODS AND RESULTS: Safety and efficacy of ProNOVA XR coronary stent system was examined in EURONOVA prospective, single arm, multi-center registry of 50 patients with de novo native coronary lesions up to 28 mm in length in arteries between 2.25 and 4 mm. At 6-month, in-stent late lumen loss by QCA was 0.45 ± 0.41 mm and in-stent neointimal volume obstruction in the IVUS sub-study was 14 ± 11%. One-year clinical follow-up revealed a favorable safety profile, with 2% of in-hospital MACE and 6.4% of MACE from hospital discharge up to 12 months (including 1 cardiac death >30 days after stent implantation and 2 TLRs). According to the ARC definition, there was no definite or probable stent thrombosis and 1 possible stent thrombosis (2%) up to 12 months of clinical follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary evaluation, ProNOVA XR polymer-free sirolimus eluting stent system appeared safe with an early promise of adequate effectiveness in the treatment of de novo coronary lesions in up to 12 months of clinical, angiographic and IVUS follow-up.

A new approach to ticagrelor-based de-escalation of antiplatelet therapy after acute coronary syndrome. A rationale for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated, multicenter clinical study.

The risk of ischemic events gradually decreases after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), reaching a stable level after 1 month, while the risk of bleeding remains steady during the whole period of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT). Several de-escalation strategies of antiplatelet treatment aiming to enhance safety of DAPT without depriving it of its efficacy have been evaluated so far. We hypothesized that reduction of the ticagrelor maintenance dose 1 month after ACS and its continuation until 12 months after ACS may improve adherence to antiplatelet treatment due to better tolerability compared with the standard dose of ticagrelor. Moreover, improved safety of treatment and preserved anti-ischemic benefit may also be expected with additional acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) withdrawal. To evaluate these hypotheses, we designed the Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Two Ticagrelor-based De-escalation Antiplatelet Strategies in Acute Coronary Syndrome - a randomized clinical trial (ELECTRA-SIRIO 2), to assess the influence of ticagrelor dose reduction with or without continuation of ASA versus DAPT with standard dose ticagrelor in reducing clinically relevant bleeding and maintaining anti-ischemic efficacy in ACS patients. The study was designed as a phase III, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, investigator-initiated clinical study with a 12-month follow-up (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04718025; EudraCT number: 2020-005130-15).

Intracoronary ultrasound-guided angioplasty for coronary chronic total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Recanalisation for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is associated with high rates of restenosis and reocclusion. The use of intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) may improve immediate and long-term outcomes following recanalisation. To our knowledge, no study has examined the use of ICUS-guided balloon angioplasty in CTO. AIM: To compare the results of ICUS-guided balloon angioplasty and ICUS-guided angioplasty with stent implantation in patients with CTO. METHODS: The study involved 51 CTO patients in whom optimal balloon angioplasty results were achieved according to quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). These patients then underwent ICUS-guided balloon angioplasty with the goal of achieving a minimal luminal cross-sectional area (MLCSA) of > 6.0 mm2 and a residual plaque burden (RPB) of < 65%. Of the 51 patients, the ICUS criteria defining optimal balloon angioplasty were achieved in 23 patients and 7 patients did not undergo stent implantation due to calcification and/or small vessel diameters (group A--30 patients). In 21 patients, the failure to achieve optimal ICUS parameters resulted in stent implantation with the goal of achieving in stent MLCSA > 9 mm2 and > 55% of average total cross-sectional area of the vessel according to distal and proximal reference segments (group B). The two groups were similar in terms of clinical and angiographic characteristics. RESULTS: Balloon angioplasty which was regarded as optimal by QCA, was shown to be non-optimal by ICUS in 41 patients (80.4%). The MLCSA was smaller in group A than group B (6.5 +/- 1.5 vs. 8.9 +/- 2.0 mm2; p < 0.001). Restenosis was found in 8 (26.6%) group A patients and 4 group B patients (19%) (p > 0.05). The restenosis rate in 23 group A patients with optimal ICUS parameters was 8.6% (2 patients). Consecutive ICUS measurements showed a gradual increase in the total vessel area during the PCI procedure and at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Achieving an optimal balloon angioplasty result in CTO patients requires confirmation using ICUS. (2) In some patients immediate and long-term outcomes following ICUS-guided optimised balloon angioplasty are comparable to those of ICUS-guided stent implantation. (3) Direct measurement of a chronically occluded coronary artery at pre-intervention, during the intervention and at long-term follow-up may argue in favour of using ICUS in recanalisation of CTO. (4) ICUS-guided balloon angioplasty for CTO could be a method of choice in patients in whom long-term dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with a high probability of bleeding complications.

Myocardial perfusion in hypertensive patients with normal coronary angiograms.

BACKGROUND: Pressure-induced left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the mechanisms responsible for an impaired coronary vasodilating capacity leading to myocardial ischemia and angina. The aim of the study was to investigate myocardial perfusion using cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with arterial hypertension and a history of chest pain and normal coronary angiography, and to estimate the influence of left ventricular hypertrophy on the parameters of myocardial perfusion. METHODS: The study included 102 patients (mean age 55.4 +/- 7.7 years) with well controlled hypertension and 12 healthy volunteers. In 96 patients, myocardial first-pass perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance both at rest and during an infusion of adenosine 140 microg/kg/min was performed. Semiquantitative perfusion analysis was performed by using the upslope of myocardial signal enhancement to derive the myocardial perfusion index and the myocardial perfusion reserve index. The study group was divided according to the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in the cardiovascular magnetic resonance examination: group with left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 40) and without left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 56). RESULTS: Independent of the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, there were significant differences in baseline myocardial perfusion index between hypertensive patients and controls (0.13 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.04 +/- 0.01; P < 0.001), and in stress myocardial perfusion index (hypertensive patients 0.21 +/- 0.10 vs. controls 0.09 +/- 0.03; P < 0.001). In hypertensive patients, the myocardial perfusion reserve index was reduced in the mid and apical portions of the left ventricle (1.71 +/- 1.1 vs. 2.52 +/- 0.83; P < 0.02). There was no significant correlation of myocardial perfusion reserve index with left ventricular mass or hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: In patients with mild or moderate hypertension and a history of chest pain with normal coronary angiography, there is regional myocardial perfusion reserve impairment that is independent of the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and may be a reason for angina.

Nontraditional atherosclerotic risk factors and extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance.

Partially inconsistent data exist on mutual relations between nontraditional atherosclerotic risk factors, including the magnitude of insulin resistance (IR), as well as on their relevance for atherogenesis in the metabolic syndrome. Subjects exhibiting combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT) are exposed to an exceptionally high risk for atherogenesis and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because of islet Beta-cell dysfunction, the usefulness of commonly used indices of IR is limited in IFG/IGT. Our aim was to assess the relationship between extent of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) and nontraditional atherosclerotic risk factors (including IR by a clamp-based golden standard method) in IFG/IGT. Fifty-three subjects (32 men, 21 women; mean age, 55 +/- 11 years) with stable angina, preserved left ventricular systolic function, and IFG/IGT were divided into 3 groups: group A (no coronary stenoses >50%, n = 22), group B (1-vessel CAD, n = 15), and group C (2/3-vessel CAD, n = 16). Insulin sensitivity was quantified by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique and expressed as M. M value, plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, and asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA)/L-arginine ratio were independent determinants of CAD extent as shown by forward stepwise discriminant function analysis. Compared with group A (M = 32.7 +/- 9.3 micromol/kg fat-free mass [FFM] per minute; Hcy, 8.1 +/- 1.4 micromol/L), lower M and higher Hcy levels were found in group B (M = 16.9 +/- 8.2 micromol/kg FFM per minute, P < .001; Hcy, 11.2 +/- 2.9 micromol/L, P = .003) and C (M = 16.4 +/- 7.8 micromol/kg FFM per minute, P < .001; Hcy, 12.8 +/- 3.9 micromol/L, P < .001). The ADMA/L-arginine ratio was increased in group C (0.0078 +/- 0.0011) compared with group A (0.0063 +/- 0.0013, P = .03) and B (0.0058 +/- 0.0012, P = .01). Multivariate correlates (P < .05) of plasma Hcy concentrations were M (beta = -.34 +/- .12, P = .008), creatinine clearance (beta = -.23 +/- .10, P = .03) and fasting insulin (beta = .25 +/- .12, P = .04). This indicates an additive contribution of IR, plasma Hcy, and elevated ADMA/L-arginine ratio to the extent of angiographic CAD in combined IFG/IGT.

Association of coronary atherosclerosis with insulin resistance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of insulin resistance (IR) in the development of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group consisted of 42 patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Based upon coronary angiography the patients were divided into group A--with prior myocardial infarction and critical coronary stenosis (n=20) and group B--without prior myocardial infarction and without critical coronary stenosis (n=22). In each patient glucose disposal rate (GDR) during metabolic clamp, insulinaemia in the fasting state and during the clamp, glycaemia during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), BMI and body mass composition were measured. The groups did not differ in age, BMI, percent fat content and distribution, and blood pressure. Fasting insulinaemia (56.7 microU/ml) was higher in group A than in group B (22.3 microU/ml). GDR in group A (2.96 mg/kg b.m./min) was lower than in group B (5.36 mg/kg b.m./min). There was a negative correlation between the number of critically narrowed coronary vessels and GDR in group A. GDR below 3.97 mg/kg b.m./min was found, based on regression analysis, to be a powerful risk factor for myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between IR and severity of coronary atherosclerosis implies its unfavourable role in the development of atherosclerosis. The present findings indicate a negative role of IR in the development of myocardial infarction and suggest that it is an independent risk factor, which identifies high-risk patients requiring treatment that would increase tissue insulin sensitivity.

Fractional diastolic and systolic pressure in the ascending aorta are related to the extent of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Ascending aortic fractional pulse pressure and fractional systolic pressure (FSP) were demonstrated to differentiate patients with and without coronary artery disease. However, no study so far has analyzed the relationship between FSP and fractional diastolic pressure (FDP) and the extent of coronary artery disease. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between ascending aortic FSP and FDP and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in unselected patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. METHODS: The study group consisted of 445 patients (350 men and 95 women, mean age 58.5 +/- 9.7 years) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease and ejection fraction > 55%. Invasive ascending aortic blood pressure during catheterization and conventional sphygmomanometer measurements were taken. RESULTS: Pulse pressure (PP), FSP, and FDP derived from intraaortic measurements differentiated patients with one-, two-, and three-vessel coronary artery disease (PP, 62.8 +/- 15.8 v 64.8 +/- 17.9 v 71.7 +/- 19.1 [P < .0001]; FSP, 1.45 +/- 0.09 v 1.46 +/- 0.10 v 1.51 +/- 0.12 [P < .0001]; FDP 0.77 +/- 0.05 v 0.77 +/- 0.05 v 0.75 +/-0.06 [P < .0001]). After multivariate stepwise adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of having three-vessel disease was as follows: PP per 10 mm Hg, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.30; FSP per 0.1, OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.60; and FDP per 0.1, OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.95. None of the brachial pressure indices was independently related to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pulse pressure (PP), FSP, and FDP of the ascending aorta are related to the risk of three-vessel disease in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular function.

[Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock treated with angioplasty of left main stenosis - two case reports]. / Zawal serca powiklany wstrzasem. Angioplastyka pnia lewej tetnicy wiencowej.

Two patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock are described. Coronary angiography revealed subtotal left main stenosis. Both patients underwent successful primary coronary angioplasty. The role of coronary angioplasty in patients with acute MI complicated by cardiogenic shock is discussed.

[Heart rate variability and blood pressure variability in patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac rehabilitation]. / Zmiennosc rytmu serca i cisnienia tetniczego u chorych z niewydolnosci serca poddawanych rehabilitacji kardiologicznej.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF). Increasing sympathetic nervous activity and decreasing parasymphatetic activity has been observed in the course of CHF. Physical training modulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system and restores the sympathovagal balance, hence it may improve the prognosis in CHF. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of a 6-month physical training in patients with chronic ischaemic heart failure on the indices of autonomic nervous system activity--blood pressure and heart rate variability. METHODS: The study group consisted of 42 patients with CHF, NYHA class II and III. Patients were divided into three groups: Group I--patients who were not trained at all, Group II--patients with interval training, Group III--patients who were trained according to model with progressive increase of workload. At baseline groups did not differ according to age, clinical parameters and biochemical parameters. In all subjects 24-hr ECG monitoring was performed (with time domain heart rate variability assessment), as well as 24-hr blood pressure monitoring to analyse blood pressure variability. RESULTS: After 6 months we observed significant improvement in HRV parameters in Group III--those trained with progressive increase of workload (delta SDNN + 88.2 ms, p < 0.05). In Group II (interval training) HRV parameters remained unchanged after 6 months of training (delta SDNN + 2.5 ms, NS). Group I (without training) revealed deterioration in HRV parameters (delta SDNN--12.9 ms, p < 0.05). There were no differences in the mean blood pressure and blood pressure variability in all examined groups after 6 months of follow-up compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: In the examined group of patients with chronic heart failure, 6 months physical training with progressive increase of workload significantly improves autonomic function assessed by means of heart rate variability.

[Percutaneous coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients]. / Przezskórna angioplastyka wiencowa w swiezym zawale serca u chorych w podeszlym wieku.

BACKGROUND: Over 1/3 of all patients treated for acute myocardial infarction are elderly (over 70 years of age). Blood flow restoration in the infarct-related artery is a fundamental therapeutic strategy, however reperfusion therapy is rarely used in the elderly as compared with younger groups. Mortality and complication rates are much higher in the elderly than in younger patients irrespective of the type of reperfusion therapy. Elderly patients are modestly represented in studies undertaken to analyze the efficacy of various types of reperfusion therapy. For this reason the choice of an optimal therapy in acute myocardial infarction in the elderly remains an open question. METHODS: In the I Department of Cardiology PCI has been the strategy of choice in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. This is a retrospective analysis of early and late outcomes of primary coronary angioplasty in elderly patients with myocardial infarction. Between June 2001 and December 2003 four hundred and five (405) consecutive patients were admitted to our centre due to acute myocardial infarction. A group of 352 patients treated by primary coronary angioplasty was analyzed. Patients were divided into two subgroups one subgroup--over 70 years of age (84 patients) and the second one--below 70 years of age (268 patients) serving as controls. Early (in-hospital) and late (at 30 days, 6 and 12 months) outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: The most important observation was that elderly patients with myocardial infarction may be safely and effectively treated with primary coronary angioplasty. In-hospital mortality (5.9% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.05) and the number of bleeding complications (9.5% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.05) were higher in the elderly than in younger patients, but still lower than in the studies where fibrinolysis was used as a reperfusion strategy. Another important fact was the relatively frequent use of a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (abciximab) in the elderly group (46.4% patients). CONCLUSIONS: Our results prove that these agents may also be safely administered in elderly patients with myocardial infarction. It is probable that the relatively frequent use of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in our elderly patients was one of the reasons for lower early mortality as compared with the findings of other investigators.

[Cardiopulmonary exercise test and heart rate variability in patients with congestive heart failure who underwent physical rehabilitation]. / Wplyw treningu fizycznego na parametry wysilkowego testu spiroergometrycznego oraz dobowa zmiennosc rytmu serca u chorych z przewlekla niewydolnoscia serca.

Physical rehabilitation of patients with heart diseases is a well-known therapeutical method used in patients with heart failure. However there is no consensus regarding rehabilitation program for these patients. The aim of this study was to assess tolerance of physical exercise and parameters of heart rate variability in patients with chronic heart failure who were exercised using different models of training. 42 patients (mean age 55.9 +/- 8.2) with chronic heart failure (NYHA class II and III) were included into this study. They were divided randomly into three groups, each number 14 patients: group A--patients who were trained according to model with progressive increase of workload, group B--patients with interval training, and group C--patients who were not trained at all. The study groups did not differ in average age, BMI, NYHA class, or pharmacological treatment. All patients from groups A and B were rehabilitated during six months, 3 times per week for 1.0 hour each time. All patients were submitted to the following examinations before and after six months of training: echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise test and 24-hour ECG recording with evaluation of time-domain HRV parameters. In groups A and B we observed an improvement in exercise capacity, which was more pronounced in group A. This improvement was observed as increase in total exercise time when compared with group B and C (839.1 +/- 98.3 sec vs 472.4 +/- 39.7 sec vs 347.92 +/- 61.0 sec respectively at p < 0.0001), and increase in workload (6.28 +/- 0.8 MET vs 3.9 +/- 0.2 MET vs 2.6 +/- 0.63 MET respectively in the study groups). We also found improved cardiopulmonary exercise test. After six months we observed significant differences in all parameters between group A and C, and in VO2max between group B and C (16.5 +/- 1.9 vs 14.1 +/- 1.9 ml/kg/min, p < 0.01) and in VE/VCO2 (37.8 +/- 4.2 vs 40.4 +/- 6.7 l/min, p < 0.01). After 6 months we also found significant differences between group A and B in HRV parameters which reflect total activity of the autonomous system (SDNN--174.0 vs 96.0 at p < 0.0001; SDANNI--138.1 vs 83.2 at p < 0.0001) and between group A and group C (174.0 vs 78.4, p < 0.0001). In parameters that reflect parasympathetical activity of the autonomous system there were significant changes between group A and group B (rMSSD--42.5 vs 24.7 at p < 0.001, pNN50 18.5 vs 4.2, p < 0.001) and between group A and group C (rMSSD--42.5 vs 16.7 at p < 0.001, pNN50 18.5 vs 4.2 at p < 0.001). Regular exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure, using especially the progressive increase of workload, improves exercise capacity without any negative influence on systolic and diastolic function parameters of the left ventricle. In these patients we may also observe beneficial changes in HRV parameters.

[Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on left ventricular function and exertion capacity in patients with chronic congestive heart failure]. / Wplyw rehabilitacji kardiologicznej na funkcje lewej komory serca i wydolnosc wysilkowa u chorych z przewlekla niewydolnoscia serca.

UNLABELLED: Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to be an effective method of treatment in congestive heart failure (CHF) and it has a positive influence on exercise capacity. There are controversies concerning the influence of physical rehabilitation on morphological and functional parameters of the left ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a very precise noninvasive method of cardiac examination. The aim of this study was to assess changes in exercise capacity and in morphological parameters of the left ventricle in patients with CHF (NYHA class II and III, ejection fraction less than 35%) undergoing 6-months of physical rehabilitation. 16 patients were divided into two groups: A (7 pts) trained with progressive workload and group B (9 pts) did not trained. Groups were not different in terms of age, gender and NYHA class. In all patients, CMR and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: At baseline, both groups were similar with respect to the LV dimensions, thickness of LV walls and exercise capacity. At follow up, we observed an increase in exercise capacity in only the trained group (A). Exercise time increased from 357.1 +/- 30 sec. to 830.1 +/- 59 sec. (p < 0.05); max. workload from 2.7 +/- 0.36 MET to 6.21 +/- 0.8 MET (p < 0.05) and VO2 peak from 14.3 +/- 1.8 ml/kg/min to 18.8 +/- 2.1 ml/kg/min (p < 0.05). In group B (not trained) there were no changes after 6 months in these parameters. Morphological LV parameters were similar in both groups at baseline and after 6-months of rehabilitation.

[The influence of percutaneous coronary recanalization of total coronary occlusions on the heart rate variability ]. / Wplyw udroznienia przewlekle zamknietych tetnic wiencowych na zmiennosc rytmu serca.

In patients following a myocardial infarction, heart rate variability is an important prognostic factor. Decreased heart rate variability is associated with a higher mortality rate. This study evaluated the influence of recanalisation by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in totally occluded coronary arteries on the heart rate variability in patients with myocardial akinesis in the recanalised artery area. The study group included 22 men (average age 52.8 +/- 7.7) after successful PCI recanalization of the totally occluded artery. All patients had akinesis in the recanalised artery area. All patients underwent 24-hour continuous electrocardiographic Holter monitoring with HRV analysis and echocardiographic dobutamine tests both before the PCI and 6 months afterwards. The population was divided into two groups: group A (10 patients) had contractility adjustments in echocardiographic tests that were performed 6 months after the PCI. Group B (12 patients) did not have contractility adjustments. Before the PCI, there were no differences in the wall motion score index (WMI) or the time-domain HRV parameters between the two groups. After 6 months, there was a significant increase in the WMI value in group A, whereas this index remained unchanged in group B. In group A the time-domain HRV parameters had improved 6 months after the PCI, whereas they remained unchanged in group B. Successful percutaneous revascularization of the totally occluded coronary artery in patients with myocardial akinesis in the occluded artery area leads to an increase in HRV parameters. This improvement occurred only in patients that had a contractility adjustment after the PCI in previous akinetic segments of myocardium.

[Primary percutaneous coronary interventions in acute myocardial infraction with ST-segment elevation. Experience in a heart catheterization unit without surgical backup]. / Pierwotna angioplastyka wiencowa w swiezym zawale serca. Doswiadczenia pracowni odleglej od osrodka kardiochirurgicznego.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients (pts) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is regarded as treatment superior to thrombolysis. Coronary stents and GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors improved safety and clinical outcome of interventional procedures. Safety of primary PCI procedure in catheterisation laboratories which do not have on-site surgical backup is still under evaluation. METHODS: In a cohort of 249 consecutive patients we analysed short and long-term clinical outcome of primary PCI performed in catheterisation laboratory which is located several kilometres from a cardiac surgery department, with an effective transfer time < 30 minutes. RESULTS: Coronary stents were implanted in 43% pts. GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were used in 54.2% pts. Cardiogenic shock on admission was diagnosed in 7.2% pts. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation usage was necessary in 6.4% pts. In-hospital mortality was 6% (3.5% in non-shock pts). In two pts (0.8%) during hospitalization repeat PCI was performed--in one case due to reinfarction. No urgent cardiosurgery intervention was necessary. Mortality and myocardial infarction rate after hospital discharge during 6 month follow up was 2.4% and 2.8% respectively. In 4% pts repeated PCI was performed due to restensosis. Cumulative event free survival was 84%. CONCLUSION: Primary PCI procedure for acute myocardial infarction seems to be feasible and safe in catheterisation laboratories without on-site surgical backup provided usage of stents, GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation and cooperation with a nearby cardiosurgery department with short transfer time.

Long-term follow-up of mesh-covered stent implantation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The MGuard stent (a bare-metal stent wrapped externally in a polymer mesh sleeve) was introduced to reduce the risk of distal embolisation and no-reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in thrombus containing lesions, including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, data on the long-term performance of the MGuard stent is limited. AIM: To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of MGuard stent implantation during primary PCI for STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this multicentre study, a total of 60 patients with STEMI ≤12 h treated with the MGuard stent were enrolled. Angiographic success of PCI was achieved in 96.7%, with the final TIMI grade 3 flow in 90.0% of patients. At six months, the overall rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of cardiac death, nonfatal target vessel reinfarction, target lesion revascularisation, and stroke) was 1.7%. A long-term follow-up of the study was successfully performed in 57 patients (mean follow-up of 38.7 ± 3.1 months). The long-term cardiac mortality was 7.0%, with a MACCE rate of 8.8%. There was no decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction and no enlargement of the left ventriclebetween index and long-term follow-up echocardiogram. CONCLUSIONS: The early safety and efficacy of the MGuard stent was maintained during the long-term follow-up. However, comparative data from ongoing randomised clinical trials are still required to confirm the long-term efficacy of MGuard stent implantation in patients with STEMI.