Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation for transcatheter self-expandable aortic valve implant in the cusp overlap era.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) were described. Is unknown if PPMI predictors remain in the era of high implants using the cusp overlap (COP). METHODS: Single-center, prospective, consecutive case series of patients undergoing self-expanding TAVI with the COP approach. The status of PPMI and other clinical events were ascertained at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients were included (84% with Evolut, n = 219). Implant depth >4 mm was infrequent (13.8%). TAVI depth (OR 1.259; p = 0.005), first or second-degree auriculo-ventricular block (OR 3.406; p = 0.033), right-bundle (OR 15.477; p < 0.0001), and incomplete left-bundle branch block (OR 7.964; p = 0.036) were found to be independent predictors of PPMI. The risk of PPMI with deep implant and no electrical disturbances was 3%, and 0% with high implant and no prior electrical disturbances. Those who received PPMI had no statistically significant increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, bleeding events, or vascular complications at 30 days, but longer hospital stay (mean difference 1.43 days more, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Implant depth and prior conduction abnormalities remain the main predictors of PPMI using self-expanding TAVI in the COP era. Patients with high implants and no prior conduction abnormalities may be candidates for early discharge after uneventful self-expanding TAVI, while the rest may need inpatient monitoring regardless of achieving a high implant. The need for PPMI was associated with longer hospital stays.

Impact of a dedicated radial lounge on same-day discharge percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The same-day discharge (SDD) program after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a safe strategy that allows for the optimization of hospital resources. However, the lack of adequate infrastructure and a specially targeted care model may limit its implementation. Our center developed an outpatient care model based on an area designed for percutaneous procedures called radial lounge (RL). AIMS: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of the RL care model: (1) SDD rate, (2) patient experience, (3) major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality and intervention), and (4) vascular access complication. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:  Impact of RL SDD rate on total elective SDD-PCI volume. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at a cardiovascular hospital, including consecutive patients undergoing elective PCI between 2015 and 2022 who were admitted to the conventional hospitalization area (CHA) or the RL about the stated objectives. Patient experience was assessed using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. RESULTS: A total of 5466 elective PCI procedures were included: 2102 in the RL and 3364 in the CHA. The SDD rate was 85.2% in the RL group and 54% in the CHA. After the implementation of RL, a significant increase in the volume of elective SDD-PCI was observed and patient satisfaction improved significantly (p < 0.005) with CHA. Finally, a greater amount of MACEs were not observed in the RL. CONCLUSIONS: The PCI program in RL proved to be safe and effective. It showed a higher rate of SDD and a significant improvement in patient experience was observed without affecting safety.

Outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery: Insights from the LATAM CTO registry.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with and without prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. BACKGROUND: Data on the outcomes of CTO PCI in patients with versus without CABG remains limited and with scarce representation from developing regions like Latin America. METHODS: We evaluated patients undergoing CTO PCI in 42 centers participating in the LATAM CTO registry between 2008 and 2020. Statistical analyses were stratified according to CABG status. The outcomes of interest were technical and procedural success and in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: A total of 1662 patients were included (n = 1411 [84.9%] no-CABG and n = 251 [15.1%] prior-CABG). Compared with no-CABG, those with prior-CABG were older (67 ± 11 vs. 64 ± 11 years; p < 0.001), had more comorbidities and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (52.8 ± 12.8% vs. 54.4 ± 11.7%; p = 0.042). Anatomic complexity was higher in the prior-CABG group (J-CTO score 2.46 ± 1.19 vs. 2.10 ± 1.22; p < 0.001; PROGRESS CTO score 1.28 ± 0.89 vs. 0.91 ± 0.85; p < 0.001). Absence of CABG was associated with lower risk of technical and procedural failure (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.85 and OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.83, respectively). No significant differences in the incidence of in-hospital MACCE (3.8% no-CABG vs. 4.4% prior-CABG; p = 0.766) were observed between groups. CONCLUSION: In a contemporary multicenter CTO-PCI registry from Latin America, prior-CABG patients had more comorbidities, higher anatomical complexity, lower success, and similar in-hospital adverse event rates compared with no-CABG patients.

In-stent chronic total occlusion angioplasty in the LATAM-CTO registry.

OBJECTIVES: To inform about contemporary PCI practice of in-stent (IS) chronic total occlusions (CTO) from a large international registry in Latin America. BACKGROUND: IS-CTO represent a distinctive challenge for PCI, but literature is limited and restricted to high-resource regions of the world. METHODS: Patients undergoing CTO PCI enrolled in the LATAM CTO registry from 42 centers in eight countries were included. We analyzed demographics, angiographic, procedure technique, success and postprocedural outcomes between IS-CTO and non-IS-CTO PCI. RESULTS: From 1,565 patients IS-CTO was present in 181 patients (11.5%). IS-CTO patients had higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension than patients without IS-CTO. IS-CTOs had less calcification (32.5 vs. 46.7%, p < .001), lower prevalence of a proximal branch (36.3 vs. 50.1%, p < .001), more likely to be ostial (24.4 vs. 18.1%, p = .042), were longer (28.5 vs. 25.2 mm, p = .062), and had less interventional collaterals (49.1 vs. 57.3%, p = .038) compared with non-IS-CTO. CTO complexity scores were similar between both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the initial or successful strategy between IS-CTO and non-IS-CTO PCI. Technical success rates remained high in IS-CTO (86.7%) and non-IS-CTO (83.1%, p = .230). There was no independent association between IS-CTO and technical success in multivariable analysis. There were no differences between IS-CTO and non-IS-CTO groups for in-hospital clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: In a contemporary, multicenter, and international registry from Latin America, IS-CTO PCI is frequent and has comparable technical success and safety profile compared to non-IS-CTO PCI.

A community-based comprehensive intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in hypertension (HOPE 4): a cluster-randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease globally. Despite proven benefits, hypertension control is poor. We hypothesised that a comprehensive approach to lowering blood pressure and other risk factors, informed by detailed analysis of local barriers, would be superior to usual care in individuals with poorly controlled or newly diagnosed hypertension. We tested whether a model of care involving non-physician health workers (NPHWs), primary care physicians, family, and the provision of effective medications, could substantially reduce cardiovascular disease risk. METHODS: HOPE 4 was an open, community-based, cluster-randomised controlled trial involving 1371 individuals with new or poorly controlled hypertension from 30 communities (defined as townships) in Colombia and Malaysia. 16 communities were randomly assigned to control (usual care, n=727), and 14 (n=644) to the intervention. After community screening, the intervention included treatment of cardiovascular disease risk factors by NPHWs using tablet computer-based simplified management algorithms and counselling programmes; free antihypertensive and statin medications recommended by NPHWs but supervised by physicians; and support from a family member or friend (treatment supporter) to improve adherence to medications and healthy behaviours. The primary outcome was the change in Framingham Risk Score 10-year cardiovascular disease risk estimate at 12 months between intervention and control participants. The HOPE 4 trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01826019. FINDINGS: All communities completed 12-month follow-up (data on 97% of living participants, n=1299). The reduction in Framingham Risk Score for 10-year cardiovascular disease risk was -6·40% (95% CI 8·00 to -4·80) in the control group and -11·17% (-12·88 to -9·47) in the intervention group, with a difference of change of -4·78% (95% CI -7·11 to -2·44, p<0·0001). There was an absolute 11·45 mm Hg (95% CI -14·94 to -7·97) greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, and a 0·41 mmol/L (95% CI -0·60 to -0·23) reduction in LDL with the intervention group (both p<0·0001). Change in blood pressure control status (<140 mm Hg) was 69% in the intervention group versus 30% in the control group (p<0·0001). There were no safety concerns with the intervention. INTERPRETATION: A comprehensive model of care led by NPHWs, involving primary care physicians and family that was informed by local context, substantially improved blood pressure control and cardiovascular disease risk. This strategy is effective, pragmatic, and has the potential to substantially reduce cardiovascular disease compared with current strategies that are typically physician based. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Grand Challenges Canada; Ontario SPOR Support Unit and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; Boehringer Ingelheim; Department of Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, WHO; and Population Health Research Institute. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Bioabsorbable-polymer drug-eluting stents in acute myocardial infarction: Insights from the ULLISE registry.

Limited information is available about the performance of bioabsorbable-polymer drug-eluting stents in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. Patients treated with these stents presenting with acute myocardial infarction are at higher risk of adverse events compared with stable patients. Further clinical trials are needed to fully understand the role of bioabsorbable-polymer drug-eluting stents in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction.

TAVR prosthesis recoil: Unknowns and implications.

TAVR acute recoil has not been properly assessed with current generation balloon-expandable prosthesis. Acute recoil was greater during initial deployment than in postdilatation, in middle stent than inflow or outflow, and in antero-posterior than lateral axis. No predictors or clinical implications of acute valvular recoil were detected, calling for further research to better understand this phenomenon.

Retrograde approach for chronic total occlusion angioplasty: At your own risk.

The retrograde approach is needed to increase procedural success in chronic total occlusion angioplasty. This systematic review of the literature demonstrated that retrograde approach is associated with more complex anatomy, worse in-hospital and long-term outcomes. Retrograde approach needs expertise, used judiciously, and major focus in patient safety when performed.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America. BACKGROUND: CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region. METHODS: An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 ± 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9% CONCLUSIONS: CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.

Impella support for chronic total occlusions angioplasty: A good start.

There is limited data regarding percutaneous ventricular support in chronic total occlusion angioplasty in terms of population, procedure, and outcomes. This is the largest report to date showing promising results in terms of technical and procedural success in this highly comorbid population. This study encourages more research in the area and its use in large volume and experienced centers.

TAVR for aortic valve regurgitation: Ready for a randomized trial?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has been used successfully to treat native aortic valve regurgitation. Current observational evidence shows promising results in terms of procedural success while outcome data are difficult to interpret given the observational nature of the evidence. We are ready for a randomized trial, which will be very challenging to run.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement hemodynamic durability: Still in question?

This study shows excellent transcatheter aortic valve replacement hemodynamic mid-term durability, aligned with prior research up to 5-years. Long-term (10+ years) data are needed before treating young low-risk people with aortic stenosis. Data so far are excellent, indicating a prosperous future for this procedure in young patients.

Transradial access: A case for knowledge translation.

Current transradial access (TRA) practices are unknown in the United States and the rest of the world. There is a decline in preprocedure collateral assessment, low use of ultrasound, and infrequent radial patency check after hemostasis. Significant knowledge-practice gaps exist in TRA calling for more dissemination and education.

Rationale and design of a cluster randomized trial of a multifaceted intervention in people with hypertension: The Heart Outcomes Prevention and Evaluation 4 (HOPE-4) Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death throughout the world, with the majority of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Despite clear evidence for the benefits of blood pressure reduction and availability of safe and low-cost medications, most individuals are either unaware of their condition or not adequately treated. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether a community-based, multifaceted intervention package primarily provided by nonphysician health workers can improve long-term cardiovascular risk in people with hypertension by addressing identified barriers at the patient, health care provider, and health system levels. METHODS/DESIGN: HOPE-4 is a community-based, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial involving 30 communities (1,376 participants) in Colombia and Malaysia. Participants ≥50 years old and with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled hypertension were included. Communities were randomized to usual care or to a multifaceted intervention package that entails (1) detection, treatment, and control of cardiovascular risk factors by nonphysician health workers in the community, who use tablet-based simplified management algorithms, decision support, and counseling programs; (2) free dispensation of combination antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering medications, supervised by local physicians; and (3) support from a participant-nominated treatment supporter (either a friend or family member). The primary outcome is the change in Framingham Risk Score after 12 months between the intervention and control communities. Secondary outcomes including change in blood pressure, lipid levels, and Interheart Risk Score will be evaluated. SIGNIFICANCE: If successful, the study could serve as a model to develop low-cost, effective, and scalable strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with hypertension.

Sheath size, radial occlusion, and ethnicity: Real or confounded?

Japanese participants experienced higher incidence of radial artery occlusion when compared to non-Japanese participants. The use of 6Fr Slender sheath was inferior for radial artery occlusion than 5Fr sheath in Japanese, but no different in non-Japanese participants. Is not clear if this apparent ethnical interaction is real versus confounded, warranting more research in the area.

Are all P2Y12 equally effective in vein graft angioplasty? A report from the UK database.

Information of P2Y12 inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes with vein graft angioplasty is limited. This new analysis from the UK database was not able to find significant differences between Clopidogrel, Prasugrel and Ticagrelor. Large trials would be needed to reliably confirm the best antiplatelet regimen in this setting.

Physical Activity and Anger or Emotional Upset as Triggers of Acute Myocardial Infarction: The INTERHEART Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical exertion, anger, and emotional upset are reported to trigger acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the INTERHEART study, we explored the triggering association of acute physical activity and anger or emotional upset with AMI to quantify the importance of these potential triggers in a large, international population. METHODS: INTERHEART was a case-control study of first AMI in 52 countries. In this analysis, we included only cases of AMI and used a case-crossover approach to estimate odds ratios for AMI occurring within 1 hour of triggers. RESULTS: Of 12 461 cases of AMI 13.6% (n=1650) engaged in physical activity and 14.4% (n=1752) were angry or emotionally upset in the case period (1 hour before symptom onset). Physical activity in the case period was associated with increased odds of AMI (odds ratio, 2.31; 99% confidence interval [CI], 1.96-2.72) with a population-attributable risk of 7.7% (99% CI, 6.3-8.8). Anger or emotional upset in the case period was associated with an increased odds of AMI (odds ratio, 2.44; 99% CI, 2.06-2.89) with a population-attributable risk of 8.5% (99% CI, 7.0-9.6). There was no effect modification by geographical region, prior cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk factor burden, cardiovascular prevention medications, or time of day or day of onset of AMI. Both physical activity and anger or emotional upset in the case period were associated with a further increase in the odds of AMI (odds ratio, 3.05; 99% CI, 2.29-4.07; P for interaction <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Physical exertion and anger or emotional upset are triggers associated with first AMI in all regions of the world, in men and women, and in all age groups, with no significant effect modifiers.

Effective approaches to address the global cardiovascular disease burden.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Describe the global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), highlight barriers to evidence-based care and propose effective interventions based on identified barriers. RECENT FINDINGS: The global burden of CVD is increasing worldwide. This trend is steeper in lower income countries, where CVD incidence and fatality remains high. Risk factor control, around the world, remains poor, especially in lower and middle-income countries. Barriers at the patient, healthcare provider and health system have been identified. The use of multifaceted interventions that target identified contextual barriers to care, including increasing awareness of CVD and related risk, improving health policy (i.e. taxation of tobacco), improving the availability and affordability of fixed-dose combined medications and task-shifting of healthcare responsibilities are potential solutions to improve the global burden of CVD. SUMMARY: There is a need to address identified barriers using evidence-based and multifaceted interventions. Global initiatives, led by the World Heart Federation and the WHO, to facilitate the implementation of such interventions are underway.