A Case of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection with Malperfusion of the LMT with a History of Open-Heart Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 75-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with sudden onset of chest and back pain. She showed ventricular fibrillation during transportation and shock vitals on arrival at the hospital. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST segment elevation in aVR, and emergency coronary angiography (CAG) was performed. CAG revealed malperfusion of the left main coronary artery (LMT) due to type A aortic dissection. Emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed and coronary revascularization was achieved. Strict blood pressure management was performed in the intensive care unit. She underwent ascending aortic replacement two days after onset of the disease. Although she required long-term postoperative ventilator management, she did not develop low output syndrome (LOS). In this case, emergency PCI minimized myocardial ischemia, and LOS could have been avoided by waiting for circulation to recover and then performing surgery.

Left Main Coronary Artery Aneurysm with Fistula to Superior Vena Cava: A Challenging Case

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare congenital coronary artery abnormalities, with direct communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, great vessel or other structure. We report here, a rare case of a 25?year?old male with CAF from the aneurysmal left main coronary artery to the superior vena cava detected on echocardiography and computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiography

Choosing the Correct?Sized Adult Double?Lumen Tube: Quest for the Holy Grail

Appropriate size selection of double?lumen tubes (DLTs) for one?lung ventilation (OLV) in adults is still a humongous task. Several important factors are to be considered like patient height, gender, tracheal diameter, left main bronchial diameter, and cricoid cartilage transverse diameter. In addition to radiological assessment of the airway diameters, the manufacturing details of the particular DLT being used also play a significant role in size selection. Optimal positioning of the appropriately sized DLT is indispensable to avoid complications like airway trauma, cuff rupture, hypoxemia, and tube displacement. It is imperative to know whether the one?size?fits?all dictum holds for DLT size selection as claimed by certain studies. Further randomized studies are required for crystallizing standard protocols ascertaining the correct DLT size. This systematic review article highlights the various parameters employed for DLT size selection and explores the newer DLTs used for adult OLV.

Drug-coated balloon-only strategy for percutaneous coronary intervention of de novo left main coronary artery disease: the importance of proper lesion preparation / 医学前沿

This retrospective single-center registry study included all consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a de novo left main coronary artery lesion using drug coated-balloon (DCB)-only strategy between August 2011 and December 2018. To best of our knowledge, no previous studies of DCB-only strategy of treating de novo left main coronary artery disease, exist. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). The cohort was divided into two groups depending on weather the lesion preparation was done according to the international consensus group guidelines. Sixty-six patients (mean age 75±8.6, 72% male), 52% of whom had acute coronary syndrome, underwent left main PCI with the DCB-only strategy. No procedural mortality and no acute closures of the treated left main occurred. At 12 months, MACE and TLR occurred in 24% and 6% of the whole cohort, respectively. If the lesion preparation was done according to the guidelines, the MACE and TLR rates were 21.2% and 1.9%. Left main PCI with the DCB only-strategy is safe leading to acceptable MACE and low TLR rates at one year, if the lesion preparation is done according to the guidelines.

One-year outcomes in patients who underwent coronary intravascular shockwave lithotripsy for highly-calcified coronary lesions

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is associated with excellent angiographic and short-term results in patients with calcified lesions requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. We conducted a 1-year follow up of a retrospective cohort of 47 patients (61 lesions) who underwent IVL. The primary outcome was target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 1-year from index procedure. Four percent of patients required TVR within 1 year; 96% who underwent IVL remained free from repeat intervention on the same vessel. One patient suffered a myocardial infarction; the culprit vessel had not been previously treated with IVL. IVL is an effective and durable modality for treatment of highly calcified coronary lesions in high-risk patients

Factores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria y compromiso del tronco principal izquierdo / Predictors of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and involvement of the left main artery

Resumen: Introducción: el compromiso del tronco principal izquierdo no protegido (TPInp) en pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) conlleva alto riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares. La cirugía de revascularización coronaria (CABG) ha sido el estándar de tratamiento; sin embargo, estudios recientes proponen la intervención coronaria percutánea (PCI) como alternativa. Objetivo: evaluar los desenlaces intrahospitalarios y durante el seguimiento del tratamiento de pacientes con compromiso del TPInp. Método: estudio observacional multicéntrico de cohorte retrospectivo, se evaluaron pacientes con EAC y afección del TPI. Muerte de cualquier causa, infarto de miocardio no fatal, accidente cerebrovascular, reintervención y/o readmisión hospitalaria fueron valorados como un desenlace compuesto e individualmente durante la hospitalizacioì n y el tiempo de seguimiento. Resultados: se incluyeron 82 pacientes, con edad promedio 71 ± 9.9 años; 35 recibieron PCI, 31 CABG y 16 manejo meìdico (MM). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 16%. En el seguimiento medio de 12.3 meses la tasa de mortalidad fue del 20%, la de reinfarto del 6% y la de readmisioìn hospitalaria del 4%. La tasa de incidencia de muerte para MM fue 5.19 por 10.000 personas/diìa, para PCI de 2.3 por 10.000 personas/diìa y para CABG de 1.06 por 10.000 personas/diìa; en el seguimiento la mortalidad fue mayor en el grupo de PCI (HR: 3.6; IC 95% 1.13-11.9; p = 0.02). La frecuencia cardiaca elevada al ingreso se asocioì con mayor mortalidad (0.05). Conclusión: el compromiso del TPI se asocia con alto riesgo de muerte y se presenta con anatomiìa coronaria compleja.

Abstract: Introduction: involvement of the unprotected left main coronary artery (TPInp) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) leads to a high risk of cardiovascular events. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been the standard of management; however, recent studies propose percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an alternative treatment. Objective: to evaluate the in-hospital and follow-up outcomes of patients with compromised TPInp. Method: retrospective multicenter observational cohort study, we evaluated patients with CAD and TPI involvement. Death from any cause, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, reoperation, and/or hospital readmission were assessed as a composite endpoint and individually during hospitaliza- tion and follow-up time. Results: 82 patients were included, mean age 71 ± 9.9 years; 35 received PCI, 31 CABG, and 16 medical management (MM). In-hospital mortality was 16%. In the mean follow-up of 12.3 months, mortality was 20%, rein- farction 6% and hospital readmission 4%. The incidence rate of death was 5.19 per 10,000 people/day for MM, 2.3 per 10,000 people/day for PCI, and 1.06 per 10,000 people/day for CABG; at follow-up, mortality was higher in the PCI group (HR 3.6; 95%CI 1.13-11.9; p = 0.02). Elevated heart rate on admission was associated with higher mortality (p < 0.05). Conclusion: TPInp involvement is associated with a high risk of death and presents with complex coronary anatomy.

Resultados a largo plazo de la cirugía de revascularización coronaria según la presencia o no de enfermedad del tronco de la arteria coronaria izquierda / Long-term Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery According to the Presence or Absence of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

RESUMEN Introducción: La cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (CRM) ha modificado la evolución natural de los pacientes con enfermedad de tronco de la arteria coronaria izquierda (TCI). En nuestro medio es escasa la información relacionada con el seguimiento a mediano y largo plazo de los pacientes intervenidos. Objetivo: Evaluar la implicancia de la enfermedad del TCI en la evolución alejada de los pacientes intervenidos con CRM, y conocer la mortalidad e incidencia de infarto de miocardio (IAM) y/o accidente cerebrovascular (ACV). Resultados: El seguimiento se completó en 438 pacientes (95,6%) con una mediana de 58 meses [Rango intercuartilo (RIC) 35-88 meses]. La sobrevida actuarial fue a 10 años del 91,8% para toda la población, sin diferencias significativas entre el grupo TCI (91,57%) vs. el grupo no TCI (91,86%), HR 1,008, IC95% 0,38-2,65, p=0,98. En el análisis multivariado se encontraron como predictores de mortalidad alejada la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda preoperatoria (HR 0,95, IC 95% 0,93-0,97, p<0,001), la edad (HR 1,1, IC 95% 1,04-1,13, p< 0,001) y la prioridad no electiva de la cirugía (HR = 3,71; IC 95%: 1,3-10,35; p = 0,01). La sobrevida libre de IAM fue del 96,8% (TCI 94% vs. no TCI 97,4%, p= 0,8) y la libertad de ACV fue del 98% (TCI 97,8% vs. no TCI 98,1%, p= 0,8). Conclusión: En los pacientes sometidos a CRM, la presencia de enfermedad del TCI no incrementó la tasa de eventos duros (muerte, IAM y ACV) en el seguimiento alejado. Los resultados obtenidos en esta serie de pacientes son similares a los publicados en la bibliografía internacional utilizada para desarrollar las guías de revascularización miocárdica.

ABSTRACT Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has modified the natural evolution of patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. There is little information in our setting regarding the mid- and long-term follow-up of operated patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implication of LMCA disease in the long-term evolution of patients operated on with CABG, and to assess the mortality and incidence of myocardial infarction (AMI) and/or stroke. Results: Follow-up was completed in 438 patients (95.6%) with a median of 58 months [interquartile range (IQR) 35-88 months]. Actuarial survival at 10 years was 91.8% for the entire population, with no significant differences between the LMCA group (91.57%) vs. the non-LMCA group (91.86%), HR 1,008 95% CI 0.38-2.65, p=0.98. In multivariate analysis, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (HR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.93-0.97; p < 0.001), age (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.13, p<0.001) and non-elective priority of surgery (HR=3.71; 95% CI 1.3-10.35; p=0.01) were independent predictors of long-term mortality. AMI-free survival was 96.8% (LMCA 94% vs. non-LMCA 97.4%, p=0.8) and freedom from stroke was 98% (LMCA 97.8% vs. non-LMCA 98.1 %, p=0.8). Conclusion: In patients undergoing CABG, the presence of LMCA disease did not increase the rate of hard events (death, AMI, and stroke) at the long-term follow-up. The results obtained in this series of patients are similar to those published in the international literature used to develop myocardial revascularization guidelines.

Procedural and Clinical Outcomes in Management of Left Main Coronary Artery Bifurcational Lesions

Background: Around 20% of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are used to treat coronary bifurcation syndromes. Technical success was defined as successfully bridging the occluded portion with a wire and balloon and reopening the artery with a 40% residual stenosis in all views. Technical success is defined by the absence of a serious adverse cardiac event throughout the hospital stay (MACE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the procedural and clinical results associated with LM bifurcational intervention. Methods: A controlled study was carried out on 100 patients eligible to Left Main bifurcational intervention were included. the patients were divided into two groups according to the stenting technique used, the provisional group (n=70) who managed with one stent strategy, and the non-provisional group (n=30) who managed with a double kissing crush, culotte, T stenting, or TAP technique. This study recorded the incidence of MACE: death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularizations were recorded at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Results: It is insignificantly different mortality incidence between the 2 groups but non-fatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, re-PTCA, and target lesion revascularizations were significantly increased in the non-provisional group. As regards clinical success in 2 groups, this study found 68 patients in the provisional group and 24 patients in the non-provisional group fulfilled the characteristics of clinical success. Conclusions: In LM-bifurcational intervention, there is a significant increase in the incidence of MACE in the non-provisional group and so the clinical outcome is better in the provisional stenting than the non-provisional stenting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis: Mid-term outcomes of a single-center observational study

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an appropriate alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for revascularization of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease in patients with low-toeintermediate anatomic complexity or when the patient refuses CABG even after adequate counselling by heart team. We assessed the safety, in-hospital and mid-term outcomes of ULMCA stenting with drug-eluting stents (DES) in Indian patients. Methods: Our study was a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone ULMCA PCI at a tertiary center, between March 2011 and February 2020. Clinical characteristics, procedural data, and follow-up data were analyzed. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during the hospital stay and at follow-up. The median follow-up was 2.8 years (interquartile range: 1.5e4.1 years). Results: 661 patients (mean age, 63.5 ± 10.9 years) had undergone ULMCA PCI. The mean SYNTAX score was 27.9 ± 10.4 and the mean LVEF was 58.0 ± 11.1%. 3-vessel disease and distal lesions were noted in 54% and 70.6% patients, respectively. The incidence of in-hospital MACCE was 1.8% and the MACCE during follow-up was 11.5% (including 48 [8.4%] cardiac deaths). The overall survival rates after one, three, five, and nine years were 94%, 88%, 84%, and 82%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that age >65 years and high SYNTAX scores were independent predictors of mid to long-term mortality. Conclusion: ULMCA PCI with DES is safe and has acceptable in-hospital and mid-term outcomes among patients with low-toeintermediate SYNTAX score

ANGIOGRAPHIC CORRELATION OF ST ELEVATION IN LEAD AVR DURNG TMT IN PATIENTS WITH LMCA DISEASE

BACKGROUND:Treadmill testing is the most widely used method for evaluating patients with coronary artery disease. Predicting the left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) before invasive procedure is important in risk assessment because of its grave clinical outcome. Lead aVR can be very useful in identifying LMCAobstruction. It is also valuable lead not only in diagnosis but also predicting the prognosis. AIM: To examine whether STelevation in aVR during TMTcorrelates with LMCAdisease in coronary Angiogram METHOD: In this study 100 patients with positive TMT were included. The study group consisted of 60 patients with ST elevation of > 1mm in aVR. 40 patients also have TMT positive but with < 1mm of ST elevation in aVR is the control group. All patients underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Coronary Angiography in the study group revealed significant LMCA disease in 36 (63%) patients whereas no LMCA disease in control group 12 (20%) patients had ostioproximal LAD leisions in study group 4 (10%) patients in the control group. Triple vessel disease in 10 (17%) patients in study group 6 (15%) patients in control group. Since the p value was significant, ST Elevation in aVR during TMT strongly predicts the presence of LMCADisease. CONCLUSION: STsegment elevation in aVR > 1mm during Treadmill testing is a strong predictor of LMCAdisease

Angioplastia de tronco de la coronaria izquierda no protegido: evolución clínica al año y a los 3 años. Predictores de eventos / Unprotected Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: One and 3-Year Evolution. Event Prediction

RESUMEN Introducción: La angioplastia de Tronco de la Coronaria Izquierda es una opción terapéutica en pacientes con anatomía favorable. Objetivos: Reportar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de estos pacientes, así como su evolución clínica y evaluar los predictores de eventos clínicos durante el seguimiento. Material y Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos entre 2011 y 2017 por obstrucción significativa del Tronco de la Coronaria Izquierda (Clínica Bazterrica y Clínica Santa Isabel). Se registró la incidencia de eventos clínicos al año y alejados (3 años como mínimo). Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado (modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox) para identificar aquellas variables asociadas a la ocurrencia de eventos (muerte e infarto). Resultados: Se incluyeron consecutivamente 95 pacientes, de los cuales en 39 el procedimiento fue no electivo (41,1%). La mortalidad global fue 9,3 % a los 12 meses y 13,6% alejada. La tasa de infarto de miocardio no fatal fue 7,2% al año y 14,5% alejada. La tasa de accidente cerebrovascular fue 2,1% y la de revascularización fue 10,4% a los 12 meses. El único predictor multivariado de eventos a 12 meses fue la indicación no electiva del procedimiento (p = 0,003). Cuando consideramos los eventos ocurridos luego del primer año, el único predictor multivariado fue la edad >70 años (p <0,0001). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados de la angioplastia del Tronco de la Coronaria Izquierda corresponden a los reportados por otros autores. La ocurrencia de eventos al año y eventos alejados se relacionó con condiciones identificables como la indicación del procedimiento y la edad de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Background: Left main percutaneous coronary intervention is a therapeutic option for patients with favorable anatomy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to report our experience in the treatment of these patients, their clinical evolution and the variables associated with clinical events during follow-up. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients that underwent percutaneous coronary artery intervention for left main obstructive disease between 2011 and 2017 at Clínica Bazterrica and Clínica Santa Isabel. The incidence of clinical events was evaluated at one year and at long-term follow-up (at least 3 years after the intervention). An univariate and multivariate analysis (Cox proportional risk model) was performed to identify event-associated variables (death and infarction). Results: Among a total of 95 patients included in the study, 39 (41.1%) underwent a non-elective procedure. The rate of overall mortality was 9.3% at 12 months and 13.6% at long-term follow-up, and that of non-fatal myocardial infarction 7.2% and 14.5%, respectively. On the other hand, the rate of stroke and revascularization was 2.1% and 10.4% at 12 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors of adverse clinical events were non-elective intervention at 12 months (p = 0.003) and age >70 years after the first year (p <0.0001). Conclusions: Our results of left main percutaneous coronary intervention correspond with those reported by other authors. The incidence of one-year and long-term clinical events was associated with identifiable conditions, as procedure indication and age of the patients at the time of intervention

Effect of conventional coronary CT angiography conventional bolus injection of contrast agent on the left main coronary artery and the bifurcation / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of conventional coronary CT angiography (CCTA) bolus injection of contrast agent on the diameter and angle of the left main coronary artery (LMA) bifurcation area, and to provide a basis for the application of CCTA to accurately measure the coronary artery.Methods:In Cangzhou Central Hospital of Hebei Province from January to December 2020, the clinical data of 54 patients with suspected coronary heart disease who underwent coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and CCTA with conventional bolus injection of contrast agent were retrospectively analyzed. Two physicians measured middle lumen diameter of LMA (d1), proximal lumen diameter of left anterior descending (LAD) (d2), proximal lumen diameter of left circumflex (LCX) (d3) and bifurcation angle between LAD and LCX (∠1). The consistency of 2 physicians was compared, and the results of CACS and CCTA were compared.Results:The consistency analysis result showed that only d3 measured by CCTA had a moderate consistency (intra-group correlation coefficient = 0.717), and the remaining indexes were in good agreement (intra-group correlation coefficient >0.75). There were no statistical differences in indexes measured results between CACS and CCTA ( P>0.05). According to the degree of left coronary artery stenosis, 54 patients were divided into 2 groups: LMA and branches normal or stenosis degree < 50% group (25 cases) and LMA and branches 1 or more branches stenosis degree≥50% group (29 cases). There were no statistical differences in indexes measured results between CACS and CCTA in patients with different disease severity ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the CCTA examination, the conventional bolus injection of contrast agent does not affect the diameter and angle of the lumen of the LMA bifurcation area of the coronary artery.

Impact of urgent and elective percutaneous coronary intervention on outcomes of patients with left main coronary artery bifurcational stenosis / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#Left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a large vessel which supplies the majority of left ventricle and critical lesion at the bifurcation of LMCA can lead to life threatening condition. Therefore, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on LMCA bifurcational stenosis is considered as a complex high risk indicated patient and procedure (CHIP).@*Goal@#In this study, we investigated the impact of urgent and elective PCI on outcomes of patients with LMCA bifurcational stenosis. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients who underwent for urgent PCI due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or elective PCI due to stable coronary artery disease (CAD) for their LMCA bifurcational stenosis. Any lesion with >50% stenosis on coronary angiography was considered as a critical stenosis. LMCA bifurcational stenosis was evaluated by Medina classification. Difference between urgent and elective PCI group were compared by independent sample t-test and chi-square test. Association between treatment strategy (urgent or elective PCI) and prognosis were evaluated by Cox proportional hazard regression, and survival rate was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier methods. Ethical approval was taken from the ethical committee of the Health Science University of Medical Sciences (№30/1А) in June 12, 2012. @*Results@#A total of 82 patients with LMCA bifurcational stenosis were included (mean age 62±11, male 76.8%) and 14 of them underwent urgent PCI due to AMI and 68 of had elective PCI due to stable CAD. Patients who underwent urgent PCI had significantly higher 30-day mortality (1.5% vs. 21.4%, p<0.05) and all-cause mortality (7.4% vs. 35.7%, p<0.003) compared to the elective PCI group. Urgent PCI for LMCA bifurcational stenosis due to AMI was associated with increased risk of death (HR=3.63, 95% CI 1.02-12.9, p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier estimation showed that patients in the urgent PCI group had significantly lower survival compared to the elective PCI group.@*Conclusion@#Unanticipated urgent PCI for patients with LMCA bifurcational stenosis due to AMI is associated with higher risk of short and long-term mortality. Patients who underwent urgent PCI for LMCA bifurcational stenosis had significantly lower survival compared to elective PCI group.

Left main coronary artery compression by the right pulmonary artery in a patient with congenital pulmonic stenosis / Compresión del tronco coronario izquierdo por la arteria pulmonar derecha en un paciente con estenosis pulmonar congénita

Abstract Congenital pulmonary stenosis (PS) can be associated with pulmonary artery (PA) dilatation. In some cases, this can cause compression of nearby structures including the left main coronary artery (LMCA). This compression causes angina and is considered an indication for surgical treatment. We present the case of a patient with PS and angina secondary to LMCA compression by the right PA and review the main indications and options for surgical treatment.

Resumen La estenosis pulmonar congénita se asocia a dilatación de la arteria pulmonar. En algunos casos esto puede causar compresión de las estructuras adyacentes incluyendo el tronco de la coronaria izquierda. Esta compresión causa angina y es considerada una indicación para tratamiento quirúrgico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con estenosis pulmonar y angina secundaria a compresión del tronco de la coronaria izquierda por la arteria pulmonar derecha y revisamos las indicaciones y opciones de tratamiento quirúrgico.

A high risk unstable case of left main bifurcation lesion treated with simultaneous kissing stents as salvage procedure

Bifurcation treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention is still one challenging task especially the left main bifurcation. And it becomes still more challenging when it is done in emergency situation in a very unstable patients. There are many one-stent and two-stent approaches available to treat the bifurcation lesions but no approach has proven superior to other. Here, we present a case of a 78-year-old male diagnosed with distal left main bifurcation lesion treated with simultaneous kissing stents technique presented with acute coronary syndrome, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with pulmonary oedema in cardiogenic shock.

Imaging diagnosis of congenital left main coronary artery atresia / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To explore the feasibility of imaging diagnosis of congenital left main coronary artery atresia (LMCAA). Methods: Data of 6 patients with LMCAA, including 3 males and 3 females, 5 infants and 1 adult were retrospectively analyzed. All 6 patients underwent echocardiography, multidetector CT (MDCT) and cardiovascular angiography. Results: Echocardiography showed small diameter of left coronary artery without clear ostium, could not exclude the abnormal origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery in 1 case, small caliber of proximal segment of the left main coronary artery, intramural left coronary artery or ostial stenosis of the left main coronary artery in another case, mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation without coronary arterial abnormality in the rest 4 cases. MDCT correctly diagnosed LMCAA in 5 cases, considered ostium atresia or severe stenosis of the left coronary artery in 1 case. All the 6 patients were definitely diagnosed as LMCAA using cardiovascular angiography in all 6 patients. Conclusion: LMCAA is extremely rare. Echocardiography could reveal this disease, while MDCT may be an useful method. Angiocardiography remains the gold standard for preoperative diagnosis of LMCAA.

Long-term outcome comparison of ostial/shaft lesions in unprotected left main coronary artery treated by PCI or CABG / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes of consecutive patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) with drug-eluting stents(DES) for ostial/shaft lesions in unprotected left main coronary artery(ULMCA). Method: A total of 259 patients with isolated ostial/midshaft lesions in unprotected left main coronary artery were enrolled consecutively who received DES implantation or underwent CABG between January 2003 and July 2009 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. The endpoints of the study were death, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Time to the primary endpoint was evaluated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was applied to compare the incidence of the endpoint. Adjusted risks for adverse outcomes were compared by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Results: A total of 259 patients were included, including 149 in PCI group and 110 in CABG group. And 193(74.5%) cases were males.The age was (61.4±9.8) years old. The median follow-up was 10.1 years (interquartile range 8.3 to 11.2 years) in the overall patients. There were no significant difference for the incidence of death [37.0% vs. 43.1% ，P=0.143] , MI [34.0% vs. 19.4% ，P=0.866], stroke [6.4% vs. 11.7% ， P=0.732], repeart revascularization [33.6% vs. 39.9% ，P=0.522] between PCI group and CABG group before multivariate adjusting，according to the incidence calculated with Kaplan-Meier. After adjusting covariates such as age, left ventricular ejection fraction（LVEF） and serum creatine with multivariate Cox hazard regression model, there was still no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: PCI with DES is as effective and safe as CABG in patients with left main ostium/shaft lesion during a median follow-up of 10.1 years.

Clinical Profile and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients who Underwent Coronary Revascularization for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease and Left Main Equivalent Coronary Artery Disease in a Tertiary Hospital

@#BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main (LMCA) coronary artery disease (CAD) was found to be non-inferior and had similar major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In the local setting, the clinical profile and MACE of patients who underwent either revascularization are, however, unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical profile and in-hospital MACE of patients who underwent revascularization (PCI or CABG) for LMCA and left main equivalent CAD. METHODS: This is a prospective descriptive study. Clinical profile and in-hospital, 30-days and 90-days post revascularization MACE were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (37) adults were included. Most were males, diabetics, dyslipidemics, smokers, with previous cardiovascular events and premature CAD. Hypertension was significantly prevalent in the CABG group (PCI=62.50% vs CABG=90.48%, p=0.04). Patients who underwent CABG mostly presented with stable angina (p=0.0453). The majority of the PCI (68.75%) was done as an emergent/urgent procedure, with clear indications for PCI (i.e. STEMI). In-hospital all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the PCI group (PCI=50% vs CABG=0%, p<<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with LMCA and left main equivalent CAD were mostly males and had traditional CAD risk factors. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among the PCI group; however, those who underwent PCI were unstable and unlikely to be good surgical candidates for CABG.

Angiographic determinants for side branch treatment in distal unprotected left main coronary artery bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention with single stent crossover technique

 Background: The aim of this study was to analyze angiographic parameters such as bifurcation angle, diameter at the polygon of confluence (POC) and SYNTAX score in predicting the need for side branch treatment with single-stent crossover technique from distal unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) to the major side branch.Methods: This was a retrospective and observational study. A total of 83 patients with distal ULMCA lesions were enrolled. Patients who underwent provisional single-stent crossover technique were compared with patients that required side branch treatment though plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) 5 (6.0%) or stenting 7 (8.4%). Angiographic parameters, bifurcation angle, diameter at the POC and the SYNTAX score were analyzed for their ability to predict the need for side branch treatment.Results: Mean age of patients was 58.2±5.3 years. Males constituted 61 (73.5%) patients. Post main branch stenting 5 (6.0%) and 7 (8.4%) patients required side branch treatment with POBA and stent implantation, respectively. Binary regression revealed bifurcation angle (Z: 1.15, OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.01, p=0.25), diameter at the POC (Z: 1.1, OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.32-2.13, p=0.272) and SYNTAX score (Z: 1.51, OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.95-1.45, p=0.132) did not correctly predict the requirement of side branch treatment.Conclusion: Left main coronary artery to main branch stenting can be performed safely with single-stent crossover technique, irrespective of presence of side branch disease across a wide range of bifurcation angles, diameters at the POC and SYNTAX scores.

Risk factors for intraoperative hypoxemia during monopulmonary ventilation: an observational study / Fatores de risco para hipoxemia intraoperatória durante ventilação monopulmonar: estudo observacional

Abstract Background Left double-lumen endotracheal tubes have been widely used in thoracic, esophageal, vascular, and mediastinal procedures to provide lung separation. Lacking clear objective guidelines, anesthesiologists usually select appropriately sized double-lumen endotracheal tubes based on their experience with 35 and 37 Fr double-lumen endotracheal tubes, which are the most commonly used. We hypothesized the patients with a left main bronchus of shorter length (<40 mm) had a greater chance of experiencing desaturation during one lung ventilation, due to obstruction in the orifice of the left upper lobe with the bronchial tube. Methods We included 360 patients with a left double-lumen intubated between September 2014 and August 2015. The patient's age, sex, height, weight, and underlying disease were recorded along with type of surgical procedure and the desaturation episodes. In addition, the width of the trachea and the width and length of the left bronchus were measured using computed tomography. Result Patients with a left main bronchus length of less than 40 mm who underwent intubation with a left double-lumen endotracheal tubes had significantly higher incidence of desaturation (Odds Ratio (OR: 8.087)) during one-lung ventilation. Other related factors of patients identified to be at risk of developing hypoxia were diabetes mellitus (OR: 5.368), right side collapse surgery (OR: 4.933), and BMI (OR: 1.105). Conclusions We identified that patients with a left main bronchus length of less than 40 mm have a great chance of desaturation, especially if other desaturation risk factors are present.

Resumo Justificativa Os tubos endotraqueais de duplo lúmen (Double-lumen tubes - DLTs) para intubação seletiva esquerda têm sido amplamente utilizados em procedimentos torácicos, esofágicos, vasculares e mediastinais para proporcionar a separação dos pulmões. Com a falta de diretrizes claras, os anestesiologistas geralmente selecionam os tubos com base em sua experiência com os tubos endotraqueais de duplo lúmen de 35 e 37 Fr, os mais comumente usados. Nossa hipótese foi que os pacientes com um brônquio principal esquerdo de menor comprimento (< 40 mm) apresentavam uma chance maior de sofrer dessaturação durante a ventilação monopulmonar, devido à obstrução do orifício do lobo superior esquerdo com o tubo brônquico. Métodos No total, 360 pacientes submetidos à intubação seletiva esquerda mediante o uso de tubo de duplo lúmen foram incluídos no estudo entre setembro de 2014 e agosto de 2015. Idade, sexo, altura, peso e doença de base foram registrados, junto do tipo de procedimento cirúrgico e os episódios de dessaturação. Além disso, a largura da traqueia e a largura e comprimento do brônquio esquerdo foram medidos por meio de tomografia computadorizada. Resultados Os pacientes com comprimento do brônquio principal esquerdo inferior a 40 mm, submetidos à intubação seletiva esquerda com tubos endotraqueais de duplo lúmen, tiveram incidência significativamente maior de dessaturação (Odds Ratio - OR: 8,087) durante a ventilação monopulmonar. Outros fatores relacionados aos pacientes e identificados como risco de desenvolver hipoxemia foram diabetes mellitus (OR: 5,368), cirurgia de colapso direito (OR: 4,933) e IMC (OR: 1,105). Conclusões Identificamos que os pacientes com comprimento do brônquio principal esquerdo inferior a 40 mm apresentam grande chance de dessaturação, principalmente se outros fatores de risco para dessaturação estiverem presentes.