Extraplaque versus intraplaque tracking in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes after extraplaque (EP) versus intraplaque (IP) tracking in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: The impact of modern dissection and reentry (DR) techniques on the long-term outcomes of CTO PCI remains controversial. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared EP versus IP tracking in CTO PCI. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are calculated using the Der-Simonian and Laird random-effects method. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included seven observational studies with 2982 patients. Patients who underwent EP tracking had significantly more complex CTOs with higher J-CTO score, longer lesion length, and more severe calcification and had significantly longer stented segments. During a median follow-up of 12 months (range 9-12 months), EP tracking was associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR 1.50, 95% CI (1.10-2.06), p = 0.01) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (OR 1.69, 95% CI (1.15-2.48), p = 0.01) compared with IP tracking. There was no difference in the incidence of all-cause death (OR 1.37, 95% CI (0.67-2.78), p = 0.39), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR 1.48, 95% CI (0.82-2.69), p = 0.20), stent thrombosis (OR 2.09, 95% CI (0.69-6.33), p = 0.19), or cardiac death (OR 1.10, 95% CI (0.39-3.15), p = 0.85) between IP and EP tracking. CONCLUSION: EP tracking is utilized in more complex CTOs and requires more stents. EP tracking is associated with a higher risk of MACE, driven by a higher risk of TVR at 1 year, but without an increased risk of death or MI compared with IP tracking. EP tracking is critically important for contemporary CTO PCI.

Consumer-grade wearable cardiac monitors: What they do well, and what needs work.

Consumer-grade smart devices, including smartwatches and smartphones, are potentially valuable tools in detecting cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, and their use is increasing. These devices, which use photoplethys mography, show remarkably high sensitivity and specificity for detection of atrial fibrillation, with implications for stroke prevention and management in at-risk patients. The ability of the devices to detect atrial fibrillation is being compared with single-lead electrocardiography. Physicians will increasingly be asked to interpret data from these nonmedical-grade devices as they become more common. Limitations include high false-positive rates in certain populations and disparities in access.

Predictors of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation in Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome.

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are life-threatening complications of takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Data regarding risk factors for PVT/VF based on the TTS variant are lacking. This study aimed to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with PVT and VF in patients with TTS. Patients meeting the InterTak criteria for TTS between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively identified. The occurrence of PVT/VF with each risk factor was analyzed using logistic regression. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the interaction between risk factors. PVT/VF occurred in 27 of 296 patients with TTS (9.1%). Patients with PVT/VF were younger (52 vs 62 years, p = 0.019) and more frequently used stimulants in the 4 weeks before admission (22.2% vs 8.2%, odds ratio [OR] 3.20, p = 0.023). All PVT/VF occurred within 24 hours of hospitalization. An initial QTc threshold of 490 ms had the highest sensitivity and specificity for the occurrence of PVT/VF (area under the curve = 0.687). Patients with PVT/VF were more likely to have a QTc >490 ms on admission (55.6% vs 18.7%, OR 5.45, p <0.01), apical variant TTS (78% vs 56%, OR 2.69, p = 0.038), and an admission ejection fraction <30% (63% vs 41.5%, OR 2.39, p = 0.032); each factor was independently associated with PVT/VF irrespective of QTc duration on sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, nearly 1 in 10 patients with TTS had PVT/VF. A QTc >490 ms, recent stimulant use, apical variant TTS, and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction on admission are associated with higher PVT/VF risk, with the first 24 hours being a high-risk period.

Right Ventricular Wall Dissection After a Late-Presenting Inferior Myocardial Infarction.

A 40-year-old male presented with an inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Multimodality imaging identified a ventricular septal defect and a right ventricular free wall dissection. He was bridged with a percutaneous microaxial left ventricular assist device to successful surgical repair. Multimodality imaging, shock team involvement, and mechanical support were critical in ensuring his survival to hospital discharge.

Routine Versus Selective Distal Perfusion Catheter Use in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Although current studies support the use of prophylactic distal perfusion catheters (DPCs) to decrease limb ischemia in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), methods for monitoring limb ischemia differ between studies. We evaluated the safety of a selective rather than prophylactic DPC strategy at a single center with a well-established protocol for limb ischemia monitoring. Distal perfusion catheters were placed selectively if there was evidence of hypoperfusion at any point until decannulation. All patients were followed daily by vascular surgery with continuous regional saturation monitoring. Of 188 patients supported with VA ECMO, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients with upfront, delayed, and no DPC. Thirty day mortality was highest in patients with an upfront DPC (56% in the upfront DPC group, 19% in the delayed DPC group, and 22% in the no-DPC group, p < 0.001). The incidence of major bleeding, fasciotomy, and amputation in the entire cohort was 3.7%, 3.7%, and 0%, respectively. With strict adherence to a protocol for limb ischemia monitoring, a selective rather than prophylactic DPC strategy is safe and may obviate the risks of an additional arterial catheter.

Early vs. delayed mechanical circulatory support in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: Despite increased temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) utilization for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS), data regarding efficacy and optimal timing for tMCS support are limited. This study aimed to describe outcomes based on tMCS timing in AMI-CS and to identify predictors of 30-day mortality and readmission. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with AMI-CS identified in the National Readmissions Database were grouped according to the use of tMCS and early (<24 h) vs. delayed (≥24 h) tMCS. The correlation between tMCS timing and inpatient outcomes was evaluated using linear regression. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with 30-day mortality and readmission. Of 294 839 patients with AMI-CS, 109 148 patients were supported with tMCS (8067 veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 33 577 Impella, and 79 161 intra-aortic balloon pump). Of patients requiring tMCS, patients who received early tMCS (n = 79 906) had shorter lengths of stay (7 vs. 15 days, P < 0.001) and lower rates of ischaemic and bleeding complications than those with delayed tMCS (n = 32 241). Patients requiring tMCS had higher in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] [1.7 (1.7-1.8), P < 0.001]. Among patients requiring tMCS, early support was associated with fewer complications, lower mortality [0.90 (0.85-0.94), P < 0.001], and fewer 30-day readmissions [0.91 (0.85-0.97), P = 0.005] compared with patients with delayed tMCS. CONCLUSION: Among patients receiving tMCS for AMI-CS, early tMCS was associated with fewer complications, shorter lengths of stay, lower hospital costs, and fewer deaths and readmissions at 30 days.

Managing stage 1 hypertension: Consider the risks, stop the progression.

The 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines on the treatment of hypertension recommended lifestyle modification and monitoring every 3 to 6 months for patients with stage 1 hypertension. However, the guidelines did not include recommendations for patients whose blood pressure is unresponsive to lifestyle therapy. The authors review the updated AHA position statement, which is meant to help clinicians manage patients with stage 1 hypertension and a low 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

A Novel Thrombolytic Regimen for Mechanical Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis in a Patient With Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Management of mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) includes medical and surgical options. Standard medical treatment involves thrombolytic therapy with repeated slow infusions of low-dose IV tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). The evidence for managing mechanical PVT that does not respond to the standard t-PA dosing is limited in the setting of an exacerbating hypercoagulable condition. We present a case of a patient with a history of antiphospholipid syndrome who presented with a probable thromboembolic myocardial infarction secondary to a mechanical mitral valve thrombosis that did not improve with systemic anticoagulation and repeated standard t-PA dosing but rapidly resolved with ultraslow, high-dose t-PA.

Trends and Outcomes of Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Data on myocardial infarction (MI) treatment in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is limited. We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify hospitalizations of patients with MI from 2016 to 2019. Among hospitalized patients presenting with MI, 10.3% had previous CABG. Patients with MI who had previous CABG were less likely to be revascularized than those without previous CABG for both ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) (46.4% vs 68.4%) and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) (30.8% vs 36.7%). CABG was associated with a lower risk of death in NSTEMI patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 to 0.86), but a higher risk in STEMI patients (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13). Revascularization was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital death in patients with previous CABG presenting with STEMI (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.35) and NSTEMI (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.23).

Comparative Analysis of Patient Characteristics in Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization Studies: Trials vs Real-World Registries.

BACKGROUND: The few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are subject to selection bias. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences between real-world CTO patients and those enrolled in RCTs. METHODS: This study performed a meta-analysis of national and dedicated CTO PCI registries and compared patient characteristics and outcomes with those of RCTs that randomized patients to CTO PCI versus medical therapy. Given the large sample size differences between RCTs and registries, the study focused on the absolute numbers and their clinical significance. The study considered a 5% relative difference between groups to be potentially clinically relevant. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2022, 6 RCTs compared CTO PCI versus medical therapy (n = 1,047) and were compared with 15 registries (5 national and 10 dedicated CTO PCI registries). Compared with registry patients, RCT patients had fewer comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. RCT patients had shorter CTO length (29.6 ± 19.7 mm vs 32.6 ± 23.0 mm, a relative difference of 9.2%) and lower Japan-Chronic Total Occlusion Score scores (2.0 ± 1.1 vs 2.3 ± 1.2, a relative difference of 13%) compared with those enrolled in dedicated CTO registries. Procedural success was similar between RCTs (84.5%) and dedicated CTO registries (81.4%) but was lower in national registries (63.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of randomized data on CTO PCI outcomes (6 RCTs, n = 1,047). These patients have lower risk profiles and less complex CTOs than those in real-world registries. Current evidence from RCTs may not be representative of real-world patients and should be interpreted within its limitation.

Outcomes With Drug-Coated Balloons vs. Drug-Eluting Stents in Small-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: The use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in small-vessel coronary artery disease (SVD) remains controversial. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the outcomes of DCB vs. DES in de-novo SVD. We included a total of 5 RCTs (1459 patients), with (DCB n = 734 and DES n = 725). RESULTS: Over a median follow-up duration of 6 months, DCB was associated with smaller late lumen loss (LLL) compared with DES (mean difference -0.12 mm) (95% confidence intervals (CI) [-0.21, -0.03 mm], p = 0.01). Over a median follow-up of 12 months, both modalities had similar risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (8.7% vs. 10.2%; odds ratio (OR): 0.94, 95% CI [0.49-1.79], p = 084), all-cause mortality (1.17% vs. 2.38%; OR: 0.53, 95% CI [0.16-1.75], p = 0.30), target lesion revascularization (TLR) (7.9% vs. 3.9%; OR: 1.26, 95% CI [0.51-3.14], p = 0.62), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (8.2% vs. 7.8%; OR: 1.06, 95% CI [0.40-2.82], p = 0.91). DCBs were associated with lower risk of myocardial infarction (MI) compared with DES (1.55% vs. 3.31%; OR: 0.48, 95% CI [0.23-1.00], p = 0.05, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: PCI of SVD with DCBs is associated with smaller LLL, lower risk of MI, and similar risk of MACE, death, TLR, and TVR compared with DES over one year. DCB appears as an attractive alternative to DES in patients with de-novo SVD, but long-term clinical data are still needed.

Comparative Analysis of Patient Characteristics in Cardiogenic Shock Studies: Differences Between Trials and Registries.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the differences in cardiogenic shock patient characteristics in trial patients and real-life patients. BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a leading cause of mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the enrollment of patients into clinical trials is challenging and may not be representative of real-world patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of studies in patients presenting with AMI-related CS and compared patient characteristics of those enrolled into randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with those in registries. RESULTS: We included 14 RCTs (n = 2,154) and 12 registries (n = 133,617). RCTs included more men (73% vs 67.7%, P < 0.001) compared with registries. Patients enrolled in RCTs had fewer comorbidities, including less hypertension (61.6% vs 65.9%, P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (36.4% vs 53.6%, P < 0.001), a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (7.1% vs 10.7%, P < 0.001), and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (5.4% vs 7.5%, P < 0.001). Patients enrolled in RCTs also had lower lactate levels (4.7 ± 2.3 mmol/L vs 5.9 ± 1.9 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and higher mean arterial pressure (73.0 ± 8.8 mm Hg vs 62.5 ± 12.2 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention (97.5% vs 58.4%, P < 0.001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (11.6% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001) were used more often in RCTs. The in-hospital mortality (23.9% vs 38.4%, P < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (39.9% vs 45.9%, P < 0.001) were lower in RCT patients. CONCLUSIONS: RCTs in AMI-related CS tend to enroll fewer women and lower-risk patients compared with registries. Patients enrolled in RCTs are more likely to receive aggressive treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and have lower in-hospital and 30-day mortality.

A Pericardial Pin: Embolization of an Inferior Vena Cava Filter Strut Presenting as Acute Pericarditis.

A 39-year-old man presented with chest pain initially attributed to viral pericarditis. He was found to have an embolized inferior vena cava filter strut that perforated the right ventricle. Inferior vena cava filter fracture and embolization should be considered in patients with chest pain and pericardial effusion. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Update on chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) can be challenging to perform. The main indication for CTO PCI is to improve symptoms. Several contemporary studies have reported high CTO PCI success rates at experienced centers but success rates in all-comer registries remain low. Several scores can estimate the difficulty and the likelihood of success of CTO PCI. Dual arterial access and use of CTO crossing algorithms can improve the success and safety of CTO PCI. Intracoronary imaging can optimize stent expansion and minimize adverse cardiovascular events. While complications are more common in CTO PCI, careful planning and prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent them or minimize their adverse consequences. In this article, we review contemporary data on the indications, safety and efficacy of CTO PCI.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term outcomes with drug-coated balloons vs. stenting in acute myocardial infarction.

The role of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of all published studies comparing the outcomes of DCBs vs. stenting in AMI patients. Four studies with 497 patients (534 lesions) were included (three randomized controlled trials and one observational study). During a mean follow-up of 9 months (range 6-12 months), DCBs were associated with similar risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (5% vs. 4.4%; OR 1.24, 95% CI: [0.34, 4.51], p = 0.74, I2 = 35%), all-cause mortality (0.02% vs. 0.04%; OR 077, 95% CI: [0.15, 3.91], p = 0.75, I2 = 25%), cardiac death (0.01% vs. 0.02%; OR 0.64, 95% CI: [0.16, 2.64], p = 0.54), myocardial infarction (0% vs. 1.4%; OR 0.18, 95% CI: [0.01, 3.56], p = 0.26), and target lesion revascularization (3.7% vs. 2%; OR 1.74, 95% CI: [0.42, 7.13], p = 0.44, I2 = 17%) compared with stenting. During a mean follow-up of 7 months (range 6-9 months), DCBs had similar late lumen loss compared with stenting (mean difference 0.04 mm, 95% CI [- 0.21-0.28], p = 0.77, I2 = 92%). In patients with AMI, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of clinical and angiographic outcomes between AMI patients treated with DCB and DES. Larger studies with longer-term follow-up are needed to assess the clinical utility of DCBs in this setting.

Protamine-Induced Bradycardic Arrest in a Diabetic Patient.

Protamine sulfate is a common reversal agent of systemic heparinization used during procedures. While the exact epidemiology of adverse events is unknown, prior allergic response to protamine-containing compounds or concomitant use of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is associated with an increased risk of tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman with no prior history of protamine sulfate intolerance that suffered bradycardic arrest following protamine infusion. Healthcare providers should recognize the potential for life-threatening tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias following protamine reversal, especially in diabetic patients at risk for autonomic dysfunction; medication and allergy review are encouraged prior to heparin reversal, especially in diabetic patients.

Atropine-Induced Ventricular Asystole During a Dobutamine Stress Test.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography is a safe diagnostic test with low incidence of serious complications. Atropine has been shown to reduce test duration without increasing the rate of complications. We present a case of a 52-year-old man with end stage renal disease who experienced syncope due to ventricular asystole after atropine administration during a dobutamine stress test. The underlying pathophysiology is discussed.

Outcomes and Utilization of Therapeutic Hypothermia in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients in Teaching Versus Non-Teaching Hospitals: Retrospective Study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database (2016).

Background Using therapeutic hypothermia (TH) reduces the core body temperature of survivors of cardiac arrest to minimize the neurological damage caused by severe hypoxia. The TH protocol is initiated following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in non-responsive patients. Clinical trials examining this technique have shown significant improvement in neurological function among survivors of cardiac arrests. Though there is strong evidence to support TH use to improve the neurologic outcomes in shockable and nonshockable rhythms, predictors of TH utilization are not well-characterized. Our study tried to evaluate TH utilization, as well as the effect of the teaching status of hospitals, on outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and total hospitalization charges. Method We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project - Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database. Patients with an admitting diagnosis of cardiac arrest, as identified by the corresponding International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code for the year 2016 were analyzed. In addition, we identified TH using the ICD-10 procedure code. A weighted descriptive analysis was performed to generate national estimates. Groups of patients admitted to teaching hospitals were compared to those admitted in non-teaching hospitals. Patients were stratified by age, sex, race, and demographic and clinical data, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), for these two groups, and statistical analysis was done for the primary outcome, in-hospital mortality, as well as the secondary outcomes, including length of stay (LOS) and total hospitalization charges. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions and student's t-test for continuous variables. Statistical analysis was completed by linear regression analysis. Results A total of 13,780 patients met the inclusion criteria for cardiac arrest admission. The number of patients with cardiac arrest admitted to a teaching hospital was 9285. A total of 670 patients received TH, with 495 admissions to teaching hospitals. The population of females in the hypothermia group was 270. The mean age of patients received TH was 59.4 years. In patients who received TH, 65% were Caucasians followed by Hispanics (16%), with no significant statistical racial differences in groups (p=0.30). The majority of patients with TH in both groups (teaching vs. non-teaching admissions) had Medicare (58.8% vs 49.5%; p=0.75). Hospitals in the southern region had the most admissions in both groups (45.7% and 31.3%), with the northeast region having the least non-teaching hospital admissions (8.5%) and approximately similar teaching hospital admissions in other regions (~22%) (p=0.27). The total number of deaths in this group was 510, out of which 370 were in a teaching hospital. After adjusting for age, sex, race, income, the CCI, hospital location, and bed size, mortality was not significantly different between these two groups (p=0.797). We found increased LOS in patients admitted to teaching hospitals (p=0.021). With a p-value of 0.097, there were no differences in total hospitalization charges in both groups. Conclusion There were no significant differences in mortality or total hospitalization charge between patients admitted with cardiac arrest to a teaching hospital and received TH as compared to a non-teaching hospital although patients admitted to teaching hospitals stayed longer.