New-onset atrial fibrillation detected by ambulatory ECG monitoring after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the occurrence of subclinical new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of subclinical NOAF after TAVI. METHODS: This was a multicentre study, including patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and no previous atrial fibrillation undergoing TAVI, with continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring after TAVI. RESULTS: A total of 700 patients (79±8 years, 49% female, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 2.9% [1.9-4.0]) undergoing transarterial TAVI were included (85% balloon-expandable valves). AECG was started 1 (0-1) day after TAVI (monitoring time: 14121314 days). NOAF was detected in 49 patients (7%), with a median duration of 185 (43-421) minutes (atrial fibrillation burden of 0.7% [0.3-2.8]). Anticoagulation was started in 25 NOAF patients (51%). No differences were found in baseline or procedural characteristics, except for a higher AS severity in the NOAF group (peak gradient: no NOAF: 71.9±23.5 mmHg vs NOAF: 85.2±23.8 mmHg; p=0.024; mean gradient: no NOAF: 44.4±14.7 mmHg vs NOAF: 53.8±16.8 mmHg; p=0.004). In the multivariable analysis, the baseline mean transaortic gradient was associated with a higher risk of NOAF after TAVI (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.06 for each mmHg; p=0.006). There were no differences between groups in all-cause mortality (no NOAF: 4.7% vs NOAF: 0%; p=0.122), stroke (no NOAF: 1.4% vs NOAF: 2.0%; p=0.723), or bleeding (no NOAF: 1.9% vs NOAF: 4.1%; p=0.288) from the 30-day to 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: NOAF detected with AECG occurred in 7% of TAVI recipients and was associated with a higher AS severity. NOAF detection determined the start of anticoagulation therapy in about half of the patients, and it was not associated with an increased risk of clinical events at 1-year follow-up.

Bicuspid valve CT registry of balloon-expandable TAVR: BETTER TAVR registry.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic substrate of bicuspid valves may lead to suboptimal TAVR stent expansion and geometry. AIM: We evaluated determinants of stent geometry in bicuspid valves treated with Sapien transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valves. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective registry of patients (February 2019 to August 2022) who underwent post-TAVR computed tomography to determine stent area (vs. nominal valve area) and stent ellipticity (maximum diameter/minimum diameter). Predictors of relative stent expansion (minimum area/average of inflow + outflow area) and stent ellipticity were evaluated in a multivariable regression model, including valve calcium volume (indexed by annular area), presence of raphe calcium, sinus diameters indexed by area-derived annular diameter, and performance of pre-dilation and post-dilation. RESULTS: The registry enrolled 101 patients from four centers. The minimum stent area (vs. nominal area) was 88.1%, and the maximum ellipticity was 1.10, with both observed near the midframe of the valve in all cases. Relative stent expansion ≥90% was observed in 64/101 patients. The only significant predictor of relative stent expansion ≥90% was the performance of post-dilation (OR: 4.79, p = 0.018). Relative stent expansion ≥90% was seen in 86% of patients with post-dilation compared to 57% without (p < 0.001). The stent ellipticity ≥1.1 was observed in 47/101 patients. The significant predictors of stent ellipticity ≥1.1 were the indexed maximum sinus diameter (OR: 0.582, p = 0.021) and indexed intercommisural diameter at 4 mm (OR: 2.42, p = 0.001). Stent expansion has a weak negative correlation with post-TAVR mean gradient (r = -0.324, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Relative stent expansion ≥90% was associated with the performance of post-dilation, and stent ellipticity ≥1.1 was associated with indexed intercommisural diameter and indexed maximum sinus diameter. Further studies to determine optimal deployment strategies in bicuspid valves are needed.

Treatment of Calcified Lesions Using a Dedicated Super-High Pressure Balloon: Multicenter Optical Coherence Tomography Registry.

BACKGROUND: Calcified lesions often lead to difficulty achieving optimal stent expansion. OPN non-compliant (NC) is a twin layer balloon with high rated burst pressure that may modify calcium effectively. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter registry in patients undergoing optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided intervention with OPN NC. Superficial calcification with > 180o arc and > 0.5 mm thickness, and/or nodular calcification with > 90o arc were included. OCT was performed in all cases before and after OPN NC, and after intervention. Primary efficacy endpoints were frequency of expansion (EXP) ≥80 % of the mean reference lumen area and mean final EXP by OCT, and secondary endpoints were calcium fractures (CF), and EXP ≥90 %. RESULTS: 50 cases were included; 25 (50 %) superficial, and 25 (50 %) nodular. Calcium score of 4 in 42 (84 %) cases and 3 in 8 (16 %). OPN NC was used alone, or after other devices if further modification was needed, NC in 27 (54 %), cutting in 29 (58 %), scoring in 1 (2 %), IVL in 2 (4 %); or if non-crossable lesion, rotablation in 5 (10 %) cases. EXP ≥80 % was achieved in 40 (80 %) cases with mean final EXP post intervention of 85.7 % ± 8.9. CF were documented in 49 (98 %) cases; multiple in 37 (74 %). There were 1 flow limiting dissection requiring stent deployment and 3 non-cardiovascular related deaths in 6 months follow-up. No records of perforation, no-reflow or other major adverse events. CONCLUSION: Among patients with heavy calcified lesions undergoing OCT guided intervention with OPN NC, acceptable expansion was achieved in most cases without procedure related complications.

Bespoke valve sizing avoids annular rupture in patients treated with a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve.

BACKGROUND: Annular and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification increase the risk of annular rupture following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The outcomes of a strategy of routine use of a balloon-expandable valve (BEV) for all patients irrespective of annular or LVOT calcium is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the impact of bespoke sizing on annular rupture in patients treated with a BEV. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at a single centre (February 2020-February 2022) were treated only with a BEV. No other valve design was used. Annular/LVOT calcification was assessed using a standardized grading system. For each annular area, we determined the percentage valve oversizing with nominal deployment. The balloon deployment volume was then adjusted when required (over-/underfilled) to achieve over-sizing of approximately 5% in the presence of annular/LVOT calcium and 5%-10% in the absence of annular/LVOT calcium. Adjusted valve areas were assumed to change proportionately to the change in balloon deployment volume. RESULTS: Among 533 TAVR treated patients, annular/LVOT calcification was present in 166 (31.1%) and moderate or severe in 90 (16.9%). In patients with annular/LVOT calcification, the adjusted oversizing was 3.5 ± 3.6% and in patients without annular/LVOT calcification, the adjusted oversizing was 6.8 ± 4.7% (p < 0.001). There were no cases of annular rupture and no cases with more than mild paravalvular leak (PVL). Mild PVL was more frequent in patients with annular/LVOT calcium (10.8% vs 4.6%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Bespoke BEV sizing by adjustment of balloon deployment volume avoided annular rupture in patients undergoing TAVR.

Remote ECG monitoring to reduce complications following transcatheter aortic valve implantations: the Redirect TAVI study.

AIMS: The optimal strategy of monitoring for conduction disturbances in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is uncertain. We evaluated a pre- and post-TAVI remote ambulatory cardiac monitoring (rACM) strategy for identification of conduction disturbances and to reduce unplanned pre-discharge post-TAVI permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: REdireCT TAVI (NCT0381820) was a prospective cohort study of patients referred for outpatient TAVI. Patients with prior PPMI were excluded. Remote ambulatory cardiac monitoring consisted of 2 weeks of continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring (Pocket-ECGTM) both before and after TAVI. Compliance to monitoring, frequency of notifications, unplanned PPMI post-TAVI, and length of hospitalization were measured. Between June 2018 and March 2020, in 192 undergoing TAVI (mean age: 81.8 years; female sex 46%; balloon-expandable valve 95.3%), compliance to rACM was 91.7% pre-TAVI (mean duration: 12.8 days), and 87.5% post-TAVI (mean duration: 12.9 days). There were 24 (12.5%) rACM notifications (13 pre-TAVI; 11 post-TAVI) resulting in 14 (7.3%) planned PPMI: seven pre-TAVI [due to sinus pauses n = 2 or atrio-ventricular block (AVB) n = 5] and seven post-TAVI [due to sinus pauses n = 1 or AVB n = 5 or ventricular tachycardia (VT) n = 1]. In addition, nine (4.7%) patients received pre-TAVI PPMI due to high-risk baseline ECG (right bundle branch block with hemi-block or prolonged PR interval). Unplanned PPMI post-TAVI during index hospitalization occurred in six (3.1%) patients due to AVB and in one patient readmitted with AVB. The median length of stay post-TAVI was 1 day. CONCLUSION: A strategy of routine rACM was feasible and frequently led to PPMI. Our approach of 2-week rACM both pre- and post-TAVI achieves both high patient compliance and sufficient surveillance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03810820.

A Computed Tomography Protocol to Evaluate Coronary Artery Disease Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) computed tomographic angiography (CTA) images can be used to evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive TAVR patients from November 2019 to February 2021 to evaluate TAVR CTA assessment of CAD on the rate of pre-TAVR invasive angiography. Patients had CTA first or invasive angiography first at the discretion of their treating physicians. TAVR CTA scans were categorised as normal/mild CAD, single-vessel disease, high risk (multivessel or left main disease), or nondiagnostic in patients without previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and as low risk or high risk in patients with previous CABG. Invasive angiography was recommended before TAVR for high-risk or nondiagnostic CTA findings. RESULTS: TAVR was performed on 354 patients; CTA first was performed in 273 and invasive angiography first in 81. Among 231 patients without previous CABG who had CTA first, 22.1% (51/231) had pre-TAVR invasive angiography and 1.3% (3/231) had pre-TAVR revascularisation. Normal/mild CAD or single-vessel disease was found on CTA in 174 patients, of whom 0.5% (1/174) had high-risk disease on invasive angiography. Among 42 patients with previous CABG who had CTA first, 14.3% (6/42) had pre-TAVR invasive angiography and 2.4% (1/42) had pre-TAVR revascularisation. CONCLUSION: TAVR CTA CAD evaluation can avoid pre-TAVR invasive angiography in more than 70% of patients while rarely missing high risk findings. A CTA-first strategy to assess CAD should be considered, especially among patients where conservative management of CAD is preferred.

Using Optical Coherence Tomography to Identify Lipid and Its Impact on Interventions and Clinical Events　- A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging has enabled identification of lipid, with increasing interest in how it may affect coronary interventions and clinical outcomes. This review summarizes the available evidence around OCT identification of lipid and its effect on interventions, clinical events, and the natural history of coronary disease.Methods and Results:We conducted a scoping review using the Medline, HealthStar, and Embase databases for articles published between 1996 and 2021. We screened 1,194 articles and identified 51 for inclusion in this study, summarizing the key findings. The literature supports a common OCT definition of lipid as low-signal regions with diffuse borders, validated against histology and other imaging modalities with acceptable intra- and inter-rater reliability. There is evidence that OCT-identified lipid at the site of stent implantation increases the risk of edge dissection, incomplete stent apposition, in-stent tissue protrusion, decreased coronary flow after stenting, side branch occlusion, and post-procedural cardiac biomarker increases. In mostly retrospective studies, lipid indices measured at non-stented sites are associated with plaque progression and the development of recurrent ischemic events. CONCLUSIONS: There is extensive literature supporting the ability of OCT to identify lipid and demonstrating a substantial impact of lipid on percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes. Future work to prospectively evaluate the effect of the characteristics of lipid-rich plaques on long-term clinical outcomes is needed.

Abordaje y manejo del infarto agudo miocardio con elevación del ST en Costa Rica durante la pandemia por COVID-19 Documento de consenso de la Asociación Costarricense de Cardiología / Approach and management of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction in Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic Consensus document of the Costa Rican Association of Cardiology

Resumen El virus SARS-CoV-2 se ha extendido a nivel mundial, rápidamente ha sobrecargado los sistemas de salud. Esta emergencia ha implicado cambios en la atención usual del infarto agudo miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMCEST) puesto que la actividad habitual de las salas de hemodinamia y las vías de traslado de los pacientes se ha visto afectada. La afectación del personal de salud también es una preocupación relevante por lo que presentamos un documento de Consenso de la Asociación Costarricense de Cardiología que pretende generar una guía de trabajo al personal que atiende esta patología y garantizar la atención adecuada del IAMCEST durante la pandemia en Costa Rica.

Abstract The current COVID-19 has spread worldwide, the outbreak is altering the usual activity of the catheterization laboratorios and the usual treatment pathways of patients with chronic diseases or emergencies, such as Acute Coronary Syndrome could be disrupted. The involvement of health personnel is a relevant concern, so we created a consensus document of the Costa Rican Association of Cardiology that aims to generate a decision-making workflow to treat this pathology and guarantee adequate and continuous care for ST elevation myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Reestructuración del abordaje de la patología estructural cardiaca en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19 / Restructuring of the approach to structural pathology Cardiac in times of pandemic by COVID-19

Resumen La red sanitaria en el entorno de la pandemia por COVID-19 ha sufrido un gran impacto. La reorganización de la misma ha sido fundamental para poder atender la emergencia sanitaria, y en algunos países, ha sido incluso de forma abrupta. La atención oportuna de las enfermedades cardiovasculares continúa siendo una prioridad por la elevada mortalidad que ella implica especialmente en estadios muy avanzados de la enfermedad, y la modificación en la atención médica en el contexto actual no puede afectar la asistencia de patologías cardíacas. Los programas de cardiología estructural y cirugía cardíaca en nuestro país se han consolidado y crecido en los últimos años, ofreciendo múltiples procedimientos percutáneos o mínimamente invasivos para cardiopatías de alta morbimortalidad. La continuación de los mismos, a pesar de las dificultades por la pandemia, es necesaria en ciertos casos. Este documento reúne las principales recomendaciones basados en textos internacionales al respecto, para mantener el cuidado cardiovascular en Costa Rica pese al COVID-19 en el ámbito de la cardiopatía estructural.

Abstract The health system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic has suffered a great impact. Thus, organization has been essential in maintaining the ability to respond to the health emergency, and in some countries, it has even been abrupt. The treatment of cardiovascular diseases continues to be a priority, and the modification of medical care in the current context cannot affect the timely procedures of cardiac pathologies. The structural cardiology and cardiac surgery programs in our country have been consolidated and grown in recent years, offering multiple percutaneous or minimally invasive procedures for heart disease with high morbidity and mortality. Their continuation, despite the difficulties caused by the outbreak, is necessary in certain cases. This document brings together the main recommendations based on international guidelines and experts opinions in this regard, to maintain cardiovascular care in Costa Rica despite COVID-19.

Recanalization of Chronic Total Occlusions in Patients With vs Without Chronic Kidney Disease: The Impact of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with high contrast volumes, which can be particularly deleterious in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to study the outcomes of CTO PCI in subjects with vs without CKD, and the impact of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). METHODS: This multicentre registry included patients who underwent CTO PCI at 5 centres. CI-AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥50% from baseline within 72 hours. Study endpoints were CI-AKI, and all-cause death and target-lesion failure (TLF: cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or target-lesion revascularization) on follow-up. RESULTS: Study population included 1092 patients (CKD n = 214, no CKD n = 878). Patients with CKD had more comorbidities and adverse angiographic features, compared with subjects without CKD. Patients with CKD experienced lower technical (79% vs 87%, P = 0.001) and procedural (79% vs 86%, P = 0.008) success rates. CI-AKI developed in 9.1% (CKD 15.0% vs no CKD 7.8%, P = 0.001). Rates of in-hospital need for dialysis were 0.5% vs 0%, respectively (P = 0.03). Patients with CKD had higher 24-month rates of all-cause death (11.2% vs 2.7%, P < 0.001) and new need for dialysis (1.1% vs 0.1%, P = 0.03), but similar TLF rates (12.4% vs 10.5%, P = 0.47). CI-AKI was not an independent predictor of all-cause death or TLF. CONCLUSIONS: CTO PCI in patients with CKD is associated with lower success rates and higher incidence of CI-AKI. The need for dialysis both in-hospital and on follow-up is infrequent. Although patients with CKD suffer higher rates of all-cause death, TLF rates are similar regardless of CKD status.

Impact of Incomplete Revascularization on Long-Term Outcomes Following Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of incomplete revascularization (ICR) on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients undergoing CTO PCI at 4 centers were included. Baseline SYNTAX score (bSS: low [≤ 22], intermediate [>22 and <33], high [≥33]), residual SYNTAX score (rSS: 0, >0 and ≤8, >8), and SYNTAX revascularization index (SRI: 100 × (bSS-rSS)/bSS: 100%, 50% to 99%, <50%) were calculated. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; cardiac death, any myocardial infarction, any revascularization) on follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of MACEs. Overall, 686 patients were included (low bSS: n = 437; intermediate bSS: n = 187; high bSS: n = 62). Occlusion complexity, crossing strategies, and procedural success rates were similar across groups. The degree of ICR increased with higher bSS categories (rSS was 2.5 ± 4.7 in low vs 6.2 ± 9.3 in intermediate vs 9.1 ± 12.2 in high bSS, p <0.001). The SRI followed a similar pattern. Median follow-up was 781 (369 to 1,217) days. Three-year MACE rates increased with higher bSS and rSS, and decreasing SRI categories (bSS: low 19.4% vs intermediate 25.9% vs high 33.3%, p = 0.02), which was driven by a higher incidence of repeat revascularization. Compared with an rSS = 0, both an rSS >0 and ≤8 (hazard ratio 2.06, p = 0.004) and an rSS >8 (hazard ratio 3.19, p <0.001) were independent predictors of MACEs. Similar findings were observed when the SRI was entered in a separate model. In conclusion, even a mild degree of ICR is associated with a higher incidence of MACEs on long-term follow-up after CTO PCI.

One Versus 2-stent Strategy for the Treatment of Bifurcation Lesions in the Context of a Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion. A Multicenter Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is little evidence on the optimal strategy for bifurcation lesions in the context of a coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). This study compared the procedural and mid-term outcomes of patients with bifurcation lesions in CTO treated with provisional stenting vs 2-stent techniques in a multicenter registry. METHODS: Between January 2012 and June 2016, 922 CTO were recanalized at the 4 participating centers. Of these, 238 (25.8%) with a bifurcation lesion (side branch ≥ 2mm located proximally, distally, or within the occluded segment) were treated by a simple approach (n=201) or complex strategy (n=37). Propensity score matching was performed to account for selection bias between the 2 groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) consisted of a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization. RESULTS: Angiographic and procedural success were similar in the simple and complex groups (94.5% vs 97.3%; P=.48 and 85.6% vs 81.1%; P=.49). However, contrast volume, radiation dose, and fluoroscopy time were lower with the simple approach. At follow-up (25 months), the MACE rate was 8% in the simple and 10.8% in the complex group (P=.58). There was a trend toward a lower MACE-free survival in the complex group (80.1% vs 69.8%; P=.08). After propensity analysis, there were no differences between the groups regarding immediate and follow-up results. CONCLUSIONS: Bifurcation lesions in CTO can be approached similarly to regular bifurcation lesions, for which provisional stenting is considered the technique of choice. After propensity score matching, there were no differences in procedural or mid-term clinical outcomes between the simple and complex strategies.

Procedural and Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: The study sought to investigate the long-term outcomes and predictors of adverse events of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for in-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO). BACKGROUND: IS-CTO PCI has traditionally been associated with suboptimal success rates. METHODS: We performed a multicenter registry of consecutive patients undergoing CTO PCI at 3 specialized centers. Patients were divided in IS-CTO and de novo CTO. The primary endpoint (major adverse cardiac events [MACE]) was a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization (TVR) on follow-up. Independent predictors of MACE were sought with Cox regression. RESULTS: We included 899 patients (n = 111 IS-CTO, n = 788 de novo CTO). Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were balanced between the 2 groups. Overall mean J-CTO (Japanese-Chronic Total Occlusion) score was 1.88 ± 1.24 and mean PROGRESS-CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention-CTO) score was 1.04 ± 0.88. Antegrade wire escalation was used in 59.0% of IS-CTO and 48.1% of de novo CTO patients (p = 0.08). Procedural success was achieved in 86.5% in both groups (p = 0.99). After a median follow-up of 471 (interquartile range: 354 to 872) days, MACE were observed in 20.8% versus 13.9% in IS-CTO versus de novo CTO (p = 0.07), driven by TVR (16.7% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.03). IS-CTO was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.18 to 3.95; p = 0.01), together with prior surgical revascularization and renal function, CTO PCI indicated for acute coronary syndrome, number of diseased vessels, and PROGRESS-CTO score. CONCLUSIONS: Procedural success was high and similar in patients with IS-CTO, as compared with de novo CTO. However, IS-CTO was independently associated with MACE (driven by TVR) on follow-up.

Impact of crossing strategy on midterm outcomes following percutaneous revascularisation of coronary chronic total occlusions.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to compare the midterm clinical outcomes of patients undergoing successful chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to the crossing technique used, in a large multicentre registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compiled a multicentre registry of consecutive patients undergoing successful CTO PCI. Patients were divided into three groups: true-to-true (TTT) approach, modern dissection/re-entry (DR) techniques (CrossBoss/Stingray, reverse CART), and old DR techniques (LAST, STAR, CART). Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularisation). We included 924 patients (TTT, n=571; modern DR, n=258; old DR, n=95). Patients in both DR groups had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, angiographic and procedural complexity. The 12-month MACE rate was higher in old DR (22.1%) than in modern DR (8.9%) and TTT (9.1%, p<0.001). Old (hazard ratio [HR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12 to 3.61, p=0.02) but not modern (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.79, p=0.96) DR techniques were associated with a higher adjusted risk of MACE compared to TTT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of old but not modern DR techniques was associated with a higher risk of MACE. Therefore, CrossBoss/Stingray and reverse CART might be considered as first-line strategies for antegrade and retrograde DR-based CTO PCI, respectively.

Restenosis After Everolimus-eluting Vascular Scaffolding. Angiographic and Optical Coherence Tomography Characterization.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary restenosis after bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation is infrequent and little information is available on the main characteristics of these lesions. The aim of this study was to assess restenotic lesions by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: We studied 330 patients with coronary artery disease who received 398 BVS to treat 380 lesions. These patients were clinically and angiographically evaluated at follow-up and OCT was carried out on detection of restenosis. RESULTS: After a follow-up of 19 ± 10 months, 18 restenotic lesions were detected in 17 patients (5.4%). Depending on the time of presentation, most cases of restenosis were late or very late (9 ± 4 months). The most frequent angiographic pattern was focal restenosis in 12 (67%) patients, which was mainly located at the proximal border in 9 (75%) whether involving the scaffold or not. The homogeneous pattern was infrequent, occurring in 3 (25%) lesions and was only visualized in 3 out of 6 cases of restenosis located at the margin. When the focal restenosis was located in the platform, OCT showed a heterogeneous or layered pattern. Finally, diffuse restenosis was observed in 6 patients (33%). In diffuse restenosis, OCT revealed a lipid-laden or layered tissue structure and the presence of microvessels or microcalcification, potentially suggesting a neoatherosclerotic process. CONCLUSIONS: After a mean follow-up of 19 months, the restenosis rate was 5.4%. Most restenotic lesions were focal, located at the proximal border. Diffuse restenosis mostly occurred late or very late and most showed signs suggestive of neoatherosclerosis.