Anticoagulation for post-operative atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients developing post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and characterize variations in oral anticoagulation (OAC) use, benefits, and complications. METHODS: A systematic search identified studies on new-onset POAF after CABG and OAC initiation. Outcomes included risks of thromboembolic events, bleeding, and mortality. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was conducted on these outcomes, stratified by the use or non-use of OAC. RESULTS: The identified studies were all non-randomized. Among 1 698 307 CABG patients, POAF incidence ranged from 7.9% to 37.6%. Of all POAF patients, 15.5% received OAC. Within 30 days, thromboembolic events occurred at rates of 1.0% (POAF: 0.3%; non-POAF: 0.8%) with 2.0% mortality (POAF: 1.0%; non-POAF: 0.5%). Bleeding rates were 1.1% for POAF patients and 2.7% for non-POAF patients. Over a median of 4.6 years, POAF patients had 1.73 thromboembolic events, 3.39 mortality, and 2.00 bleeding events per 100 person-years; non-POAF patients had 1.14, 2.19, and 1.60, respectively. No significant differences in thromboembolic risks [effect size -0.11 (-0.36 to 0.13)] and mortality [effect size -0.07 (-0.21 to 0.07)] were observed between OAC users and non-users. However, OAC use was associated with higher bleeding risk [effect size 0.32 (0.06-0.58)]. CONCLUSIONS: In multiple timeframes following CABG, the incidence of complications in patients who develop POAF is low. The use of OAC in patients with POAF after CABG is associated with increased bleeding risk.

External validation of the preHEART score and comparison with current clinical risk scores for prehospital risk assessment in patients with suspected NSTE-ACS.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) studies have shown that prehospital risk stratification and triage decisions in patients with suspected non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) can be improved using clinical risk scores with point-of-care (POC) troponin. In current EMS studies, three different clinical risk scores are used in patients suspected of NSTE-ACS: the prehospital History, ECG, Age, Risk and Troponin (preHEART) score, History, ECG, Age, Risk and Troponin (HEART) score and Troponin-only Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes (T-MACS). The preHEART score lacks external validation and there exists no prospective comparative analysis of the different risk scores within the prehospital setting. The aim of this analysis is to externally validate the preHEART score and compare the diagnostic performance of the these three clinical risk scores and POC-troponin. METHODS: Prespecified analysis from a prospective, multicentre, cohort study in patients with suspected NSTE-ACS who were transported to an ED between April 2021 and December 2022 in the Netherlands. Risk stratification is performed by EMS personnel using preHEART, HEART, T-MACS and POC-troponin. The primary end point was the hospital diagnosis of NSTE-ACS. The diagnostic performance was expressed as area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS: A total of 823 patients were included for external validation of the preHEART score, final hospital diagnosis of NSTE-ACS was made in 29% (n=235). The preHEART score classified 27% as low risk, with a sensitivity of 92.8% (95% CI 88.7 to 95.7) and NPV of 92.3% (95% CI 88.3 to 95.1). The preHEART classified 9% of the patients as high risk, with a specificity of 98.5% (95% CI 97.1 to 99.3) and PPV of 87.7% (95% CI 78.3 to 93.4). Data for comparing clinical risk scores and POC-troponin were available in 316 patients. No difference was found between the preHEART score and HEART score (AUROC 0.83 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.87) vs AUROC 0.80 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.85), p=0.19), and both were superior compared with T-MACS (AUROC 0.72 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.79), p≤0.001 and p=0.03, respectively) and POC-troponin measurement alone (AUROC 0.71 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.78), p<0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: On external validation, the preHEART demonstrates good overall diagnostic performance as a prehospital risk stratification tool. Both the preHEART and HEART scores have better overall diagnostic performance compared with T-MACS and sole POC-troponin measurement. These data support the implementation of clinical risk scores in prehospital clinical pathways. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05243485.

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis After Aortic Valve Replacement: Differences Between Biological and Mechanical Prostheses.

AIMS: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is the most severe form of infective endocarditis associated with a high mortality rate. Whether PVE affects biological and mechanical aortic valves to the same extent remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the incidence of re-intervention because of PVE between bioprosthetic and mechanical valves. METHODS: Patients undergoing isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) or combined AVR in a single cardiac surgery centre between January 1998 and December 2019 were analysed. All patients who underwent re-intervention because of PVE were identified. The primary endpoint was the rate of explants. Freedom from re-intervention and variables associated with re-intervention were analysed using Cox regression analysis including correction for competing risk. RESULTS: During the study period, 5,983 aortic valve prostheses were implanted, including 3,620 biological (60.5%) and 2,363 mechanical (39.5%) prostheses. The overall mean follow-up period was 7.3±5.3 years (median, 6.5; IQR 2.9-11.2 years). The rate of re-intervention for PVE in the biological group was 1.5% (n=54) compared with 1.7% (n=40) in the mechanical group (p=0.541). Cox regression analysis revealed that younger age (HR 0.960, 95% CI 0.942-0.979; p<0.001), male sex (HR 2.362, 95% CI 1.384-4.033; p=0.002), higher creatinine (HR 1.002, 95% CI 0.999-1.004; p=0.057), and biological valve prosthesis (HR 2.073, 95% CI 1.258-3.414; p=0.004) were associated with re-intervention for PVE. After correction for competing risk of death, biological valve prosthesis was significantly associated with a higher rate of re-intervention for PVE (HR 2.011, 95% CI 1.177-3.437; p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: According to this single-centre, observational, retrospective cohort study, AVR using biological prosthesis is associated with re-intervention for PVE compared to mechanical prosthesis. Further investigations are needed to verify these findings.

Impact of symptom duration and mechanical circulatory support on prognosis in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Mortality rates in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMICS) remain high despite advancements in AMI care. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of prehospital symptom duration on the prognosis of AMICS patients and those receiving mechanical circulatory support (MCS). METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with data registered in the Netherlands Heart Registration. A total of 1,363 patients with AMICS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between 2017 and 2021 were included. Patients presenting after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were excluded. Most patients were male (68%), with a median age of 69 years (IQR 61-77), predominantly presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (86%). The overall 30-day mortality was 32%. Longer prehospital symptom duration was associated with a higher 30-day mortality with the following rates: < 3 h, 26%; 3-6 h, 29%; 6-24 h, 36%; ≥ 24 h, 46%; p < 0.001. In a subpopulation of AMICS patients with MCS (n = 332, 24%), symptom duration of > 24 h was associated with significantly higher mortality compared to symptom duration of < 24 h (59% vs 45%, p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis identified > 24 h symptom duration, age and in-hospital cardiac arrest as predictors of 30-day mortality in MCS patients. CONCLUSION: Prolonged prehospital symptom duration was associated with significantly increased 30-day mortality in patients presenting with AMICS. In AMICS patients treated with MCS, a symptom duration of > 24 h was an independent predictor of poor survival. These results emphasise the critical role of early recognition and intervention in the prognosis of AMICS patients.

Potential effects of the hydrostatic pressure gradient on hyperemic and nonhyperemic pressure ratios.

When measuring hyperemic and nonhyperemic pressure ratios with traditional sensor-tipped wires, the inevitable hydrostatic pressure gradient (HPG) may influence treatment decisions. This study aimed to simulate and analyze the effect of a hydrostatic pressure gradient on different indices of functional lesion severity. A hypothetical Pd-Pa height difference and subsequent hydrostatic pressure gradient based on previous literature was applied to the pressure measurements from the CONTRAST study. The effect on three indices of functional lesion severity (FFR, Pd/Pa, and dPR) was assessed and possible reclassifications in functional significance by the different indices were analyzed. In 602 pressure tracings, simulated hydrostatic pressure gradients led to an absolute change in Pd of 3.18 ± 1.30 mmHg, resulting in an overall increase in FFR, Pd/Pa, and dPR of 0.02 ± 0.04 for all indices (P = 0.69). Reclassification due to the hydrostatic pressure gradient when using dichotomous cutoff values occurred in 13.4, 22.3, and 20.6% for FFR, Pd/Pa, and dPR, respectively. The effect of hydrostatic pressure gradient correction differed among the coronary arteries and was most pronounced in the left anterior descending. When considering the gray zone for the different functional indices, the hydrostatic pressure gradient resulted in reclassification in only one patient out of the complete patient population (1/602; 0.17%). The hydrostatic pressure gradient can influence functional lesion assessment when using dichotomous cutoff values. When taking the gray zone into account, its effect is limited.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study systematically simulated the effect of hydrostatic pressure gradients (HPG) on real-world hyperemic and nonhyperemic pressure ratios, showing correction for HPG leads to reclassification in functional significance from 13.4 to 22.3% for different functional indices. This was most pronounced in nonhyperemic pressure ratios. A new pressure guidewire (Wirecath) is unaffected by HPG. The ongoing PW-COMPARE study (NCT04802681) prospectively analyzes the magnitude and importance of HPG by simultaneous FFR measurements.

National indication document and aortic valve replacement landscape in the Netherlands.

INTRODUCTION: Based on European guidelines, transcatheter aortic valve implementation (TAVI) could be the therapy of choice in patients with severe aortic stenosis aged ≥ 75 years. In the Netherlands, there has been a debate between healthcare providers and the National Health Care Institute regarding reimbursement for TAVI, which resulted in an indication document that defines TAVI patients who are eligible for reimbursement. This document has been effective since 1 January 2021. METHODS: We extracted data from the Netherlands Heart Registry for patients who underwent biological surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or TAVI in the Netherlands from 2018 through 2021. We compared baseline characteristics and variables from the indication document for the subsequent years and age groups. We also analysed the annual SAVR/TAVI ratio. RESULTS: The total number of patients treated with SAVR or TAVI was constant in 2018-2021. Baseline characteristics of patients treated with TAVI did not differ throughout the years. The SAVR/TAVI ratio shifted towards a higher percentage of TAVI from 2018 to 2019. From 2019 to 2020, the TAVI percentage was constant. Since the implementation of the indication document (in 2021), a change in the SAVR/TAVI ratio was not found either. CONCLUSION: Since the implementation of the national indication document for AVR in 2021, no major effect was seen for the SAVR versus TAVI landscape in the Netherlands.

Automation of intracoronary continuous thermodilution for absolute coronary flow and microvascular resistance measurements.

AIM: Microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) as derived from continuous intracoronary thermodilution specifically quantifies microvasculature function. As originally described, the technique necessitates reinstrumentation of the artery and manual reprogramming of the infusion pump when performing resting and hyperemic measurements. To simplify and to render this procedure operator-independent, we developed a fully automated method. The aim of the present study is to validate the automated procedure against the originally described one. METHODS AND RESULTS: For the automated procedure, an infusion pump was preprogrammed to allow paired resting-hyperemic thermodilution assessment without interruption. To validate the accuracy of this new approach, 20 automated measurements were compared to those obtained in the same vessels with conventional paired resting-hyperemic thermodilution measurements (i.e., with a sensor pullback at each infusion rate and manual reprogramming of the infusion pump).  A close correlation between the conventional and the automated measuring technique was found for resting flow (Qrest : r = 0.89, mean bias = 2.52; SD = 15.47), hyperemic flow (Qhyper : r = 0.88, mean bias = -2.65; SD = 27.96), resting microvascular resistance (Rµ-rest : r = 0.90, mean bias = 52.14; SD = 228.29), hyperemic microvascular resistance Rµ-hyper : r = 0.92, mean bias = 12.95; SD = 57.80), and MRR (MRR: r = 0.89, mean bias = 0.04, SD = 0.59).  Procedural time was significantly shorter with the automated method (5'25″ ± 1'23″ vs. 4'36″ ± 0'33″, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Continuous intracoronary thermodilution-derived measurements of absolute flow, absolute resistance, and MRR can be fully automated. This further shortens and simplifies the procedure when performing paired resting-hyperemic measurements.

Intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation in extensive myocardial infarction with persistent ischemia: The SEMPER FI pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to prospectively investigate intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) support in large myocardial infarction complicated by persistent ischemia after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Use of IABP is suggested to be effective by increasing diastolic aortic pressure, thereby improving coronary blood flow. This can only be expected with exhausted coronary autoregulation, typical in acute myocardial infarction complicated by persistent ischemia. In this situation, augmented diastolic pressure is expected to increase myocardial oxygenation. METHODS: One hundred patients with large STEMI complicated by persistent ischemia after primary PCI were randomized to treatment with or without IABP therapy on top of standard care. IABP support was initiated following primary PCI, immediately after inclusion. Primary end point was all-cause mortality, need for (additional) mechanical hemodynamic support, or readmission for heart failure within 6 months. RESULTS: Mean age was 63 ± 10 years, 76% were male. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 120 ± 25 mmHg and 73 ± 17 mmHg. Mean heart rate was 75 ± 18 mmHg. Before PCI, mean summed ST-deviation was 21 ± 8 mm with only minimal ST-resolution after PCI. One patient in the IABP group reached the primary end point versus four patients in the control group (2% vs. 8%; p = 0.16). After primary PCI, resolution of ST-deviation was significantly more pronounced in the IABP group (73 ± 17%) compared to the control group (56 ± 26%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, in patients with large STEMI and persistent ischemia after primary PCI, use of IABP showed a nonsignificant decrease in mortality, necessity for (additional) mechanical hemodynamic support or readmission for heart failure at 6 months, and resulted in more rapid ST-resolution.

Thermodilution-Based Invasive Assessment of Absolute Coronary Blood Flow and Microvascular Resistance: Quantification of Microvascular (Dys)Function?

During the last two decades, there has been a sharp increase in both interest and knowledge about the coronary microcirculation. Since these small vessels are not visible by the human eye, physiologic measurements should be used to characterize their function. The invasive methods presently used (coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR)) are operator-dependent and mandate the use of adenosine to induce hyperemia. In recent years, a new thermodilution-based method for measurement of absolute coronary blood flow and microvascular resistance has been proposed and initial procedural problems have been overcome. Presently, the technique is easy to perform using the Rayflow infusion catheter and the Coroventis software. The method is accurate, reproducible, and completely operator-independent. This method has been validated noninvasively against the current golden standard for flow assessment: Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT). In addition, absolute flow and resistance measurements have proved to be safe, both periprocedurally and at long-term follow-up. With an increasing number of studies being performed, this method has great potential for better understanding and quantification of microvascular disease.

In vitro test-retest repeatability of invasive physiological indices to assess coronary flow.

AIMS: Several invasive techniques are available in clinical practice to assess coronary flow. Nevertheless, the test-retest repeatability of these techniques in a controlled setting has not been reported. Therefore, we sought to evaluate fractional flow reserve (FFR), coronary flow reserve (CFR), index of microvascular resistance (IMR), and absolute coronary blood flow (ABF) with absolute microvascular resistance (AMR) test-retest repeatability using a coronary flow simulator. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a coronary flow simulator (FFR WetLab version 2.0; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA), we created stenoses ranging from 0% to 70%, with 10% increments. Three different flows were established with their hyperemic phases, and two consecutive measurements were obtained, evaluating the following indices: FFR, CFR, IMR, ABF, and AMR, using a pressure/temperature wire and an infusion catheter. One hundred and thirty-eight pairs of measurements were performed. Test-retest reliability was compared in 48 FFR, 18 CFR, 24 IMR, 24 ABF, and 24 AMR. Test-retest repeatability showed excellent reproducibility for FFR, ABF, and AMR; respectively 0.98 (0.97-0.99), 0.92 (0.81-0.97) and 0.91 (0.79-0.96) (P < 0.0001 for all). However, test-retest repeatability was weaker for IMR and poor for CFR; respectively 0.53 (0.16-0.77) (P = 0.006) and 0.27 (-0.26-0.67) (P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Using a coronary flow simulator, FFR and ABF with AMR had excellent test-retest reliability. IMR and CFR demonstrated weaker test-retest reliability.

Lead extraction for cardiac implantable electronic device infection: comparable complication rates with or without abandoned leads.

AIMS: Abandoned leads are often linked to complications during lead extraction, prompting pre-emptive extraction if leads become non-functional. We examined their influence on complications when extracted for device-related infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients undergoing lead extraction for device-related infection from 2006 to 2017 in our hospital were included. The primary endpoint was major complications. Out of 500 patients, 141 had abandoned leads, of whom 75% had only one abandoned lead. Median cumulative implant times were 24.2 (interquartile range 15.6-38.2) and 11.6 (5.6-17.4), respectively years with or without abandoned leads. All leads were extracted only with a femoral approach in 50.4% of patients. Mechanical rotational tools were introduced in 2014 and used in 22.2% of cases and replacing laser sheaths that were used in 5% of patients. Major complications occurred in 0.7% of patients with abandoned leads compared with 1.7% of patients with only active leads (P = 0.679). Failure to completely remove all leads was 14.9% and 6.4%, respectively with or without abandoned leads (P = 0.003), and clinical failure was 6.4% and 2.2% (P = 0.028), respectively. Procedural failure dropped to 9.2% and 5.7% (P = 0.37), respectively after the introduction of mechanical rotational tools. The only independent predictor of procedural and clinical failure in multivariate analysis was the cumulative implant duration. CONCLUSION: Despite longer implant times, patients with abandoned leads did not have more major complications during lead extraction. Therefore, preventive extraction of non-functional leads to avoid complications at a later stage is not warranted.

Fractional flow reserve versus angiography for guidance of PCI in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (FAME): 5-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation (FAME) study, fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improved outcome compared with angiography-guided PCI for up to 2 years of follow-up. The aim in this study was to investigate whether the favourable clinical outcome with the FFR-guided PCI in the FAME study persisted over a 5-year follow-up. METHODS: The FAME study was a multicentre trial done in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, and the USA. Patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with multivessel coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to undergo angiography-guided PCI or FFR-guided PCI. Before randomisation, stenoses requiring PCI were identified on the angiogram. Patients allocated to angiography-guided PCI had revascularisation of all identified stenoses. Patients allocated to FFR-guided PCI had FFR measurements of all stenotic arteries and PCI was done only if FFR was 0·80 or less. No one was masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events at 1 year, and the data for the 5-year follow-up are reported here. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00267774. FINDINGS: After 5 years, major adverse cardiac events occurred in 31% of patients (154 of 496) in the angiography-guided group versus 28% (143 of 509 patients) in the FFR-guided group (relative risk 0·91, 95% CI 0·75-1·10; p=0·31). The number of stents placed per patient was significantly higher in the angiography-guided group than in the FFR-guided group (mean 2·7 [SD 1·2] vs 1·9 [1·3], p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: The results confirm the long-term safety of FFR-guided PCI in patients with multivessel disease. A strategy of FFR-guided PCI resulted in a significant decrease of major adverse cardiac events for up to 2 years after the index procedure. From 2 years to 5 years, the risks for both groups developed similarly. This clinical outcome in the FFR-guided group was achieved with a lower number of stented arteries and less resource use. These results indicate that FFR guidance of multivessel PCI should be the standard of care in most patients. FUNDING: St Jude Medical, Friends of the Heart Foundation, and Medtronic.

Safety and feasibility of local myocardial hypothermia.

BACKGROUND: In ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), reduction in time to reperfusion of the occluded coronary artery reduces infarct size. In animal models, an additional reduction of infarct size was observed when hypothermia was induced before reperfusion, despite a longer ischemic time. However, several human studies did not corroborate this positive effect, which is believed to be in part due to the inability of systemic induced hypothermia to induce sufficient decrease of local myocardial temperature before reperfusion. Providing rapid local myocardial hypothermia by intracoronary infusion of saline before reperfusion in patients with STEMI may overcome this problem. In this study, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of providing rapid intracoronary myocardial hypothermia in patients undergoing intracoronary blood flow measurements based on thermodilution with continuous infusion of saline at room temperature. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 53 patients with stable angina (SA) and 20 patients with STEMI, a total of 215 measurements were performed. The measurements consisted of continuous selective intracoronary infusion of saline at room temperature with rates between 10 ml/min and 30 ml/min. Temperature changes compared to initial blood temperature (Tb ) were measured at the tip of the infusion catheter (Ti ) and distally in the coronary artery (Td ). In patients with SA, Ti was -5.65 ± 1.41°C (range -9.27 to -2.28) and Td was -0.78 ± 0.51°C (range -3.27 to -0.23°C). In patients with STEMI, Ti was -7.45 ± 0.51°C (range -8.21 to -6.56) and Td was -1.37 ± 0.82°C (range -4.62 to -0.74°C). In all patients, steady-state intracoronary hypothermia was achieved within 15 sec and could be maintained without noticeable complications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of inducing intracoronary hypothermia by selective infusion of saline at room temperature in patients with SA and STEMI. Steady-state hypothermia could be achieved and maintained quickly, easily, and safely using common PCI techniques. Therefore, our findings warrant further studies to the use of intracoronary hypothermia to enhance myocardial salvage in acute myocardial infarction.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support in the Isolated Beating Porcine Heart in Nonischemic and Ischemic Pump Failure.

The blood pressure changes induced by the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) are expected to create clinical improvement in terms of coronary perfusion and myocardial oxygen consumption. However, the measured effects reported in literature are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ischemia on IABP efficacy in healthy hearts and in shock. Twelve slaughterhouse porcine hearts (hearts 1-12) were connected to an external circulatory system, while physiologic cardiac performance was restored. Different clinical scenarios, ranging from healthy to cardiogenic shock, were simulated by step-wise administration of negative inotropic drugs. In hearts 7-12, severe global myocardial ischemia superimposed upon the decreased contractile states was created. IABP support was applied in all hearts under all conditions. Without ischemia, the IABP induced a mild increase in coronary blood flow and cardiac output. These effects were strongly augmented in the presence of persisting ischemia, where coronary blood flow increased by 49 ± 24% (P < 0.01) and cardiac output by 17 ± 6% (P < 0.01) in case of severe pump failure. As expected, myocardial oxygen consumption increased in case of ischemia (21 ± 17%; P < 0.01), while it slightly decreased without (-3 ± 6%; P < 0.01). In case of progressive pump failure due to persistent myocardial ischemia, the IABP increased hyperemic coronary blood flow and cardiac output significantly, and reversed the progressive hemodynamic deterioration within minutes. This suggests that IABP therapy in acute myocardial infarction is most effective in patients with viable myocardium, suffering from persistent myocardial ischemia, despite adequate epicardial reperfusion.

Mixing properties of coronary infusion catheters assessed by in vitro experiments and computational fluid dynamics.

Aims: Continuous infusion thermodilution is an established technique for the assessment of absolute coronary blood flow and microvascular resistance due to its proven accuracy and reproducibility. However, for this technique to yield reliable measurements, direct and homogenous mixing of injected saline and blood is mandatory. This study aimed to assess and compare the mixing properties of two different microcatheters, namely the Rayflow® (with sideholes for infusion) and the Finecross® catheter (single end-hole for infusion), which are commonly used in the catheterization laboratory. Methods and results: The study employed three different methods to evaluate the mixing properties of the catheters. Firstly, a qualitative assessment of mixing was performed using ink injections in an in vitro bench model of a coronary artery. Secondly, in analogy to the human catheterization laboratory, mixing properties over the length of the coronary artery were assessed semi-quantitatively by temperature measurements in the bench model. Lastly, a quantitative assessment was performed by 3D computational fluid dynamics, where the standard deviation and entropy ratio of the temperature over the cross-section in the coronary artery model were calculated for both catheters. Conclusion: All three evaluation methods demonstrated that the Rayflow catheter's specific design leads to a more optimal, homogeneous mixture of blood and saline over both the cross-section and length of a coronary vessel, as compared with the standard end-hole catheter.

Cardiac Health Assessment Using a Wearable Device Before and After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Prospective Study.

Background: Due to aging of the population, the prevalence of aortic valve stenosis will increase drastically in upcoming years. Consequently, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures will also expand worldwide. Optimal selection of patients who benefit with improved symptoms and prognoses is key, since TAVI is not without its risks. Currently, we are not able to adequately predict functional outcomes after TAVI. Quality of life measurement tools and traditional functional assessment tests do not always agree and can depend on factors unrelated to heart disease. Activity tracking using wearable devices might provide a more comprehensive assessment. Objective: This study aimed to identify objective parameters (eg, change in heart rate) associated with improvement after TAVI for severe aortic stenosis from a wearable device. Methods: In total, 100 patients undergoing routine TAVI wore a Philips Health Watch device for 1 week before and after the procedure. Watch data were analyzed offline-before TAVI for 97 patients and after TAVI for 75 patients. Results: Parameters such as the total number of steps and activity time did not change, in contrast to improvements in the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and physical limitation domain of the transformed WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Conclusions: These findings, in an older TAVI population, show that watch-based parameters, such as the number of steps, do not change after TAVI, unlike traditional 6MWT and QoL assessments. Basic wearable device parameters might be less appropriate for measuring treatment effects from TAVI.

Evaluation of models of sequestration flow in coronary arteries-Physiology versus anatomy?

BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischaemia results from insufficient coronary blood flow. Computed virtual fractional flow reserve (vFFR) allows quantification of proportional flow loss without the need for invasive pressure-wire testing. In the current study, we describe a novel, conductivity model of side branch flow, referred to as 'leak'. This leak model is a function of taper and local pressure, the latter of which may change radically when focal disease is present. This builds upon previous techniques, which either ignore side branch flow, or rely purely on anatomical factors. This study aimed to describe a new, conductivity model of side branch flow and compare this with established anatomical models. METHODS AND RESULTS: The novel technique was used to quantify vFFR, distal absolute flow (Qd) and microvascular resistance (CMVR) in 325 idealised 1D models of coronary arteries, modelled from invasive clinical data. Outputs were compared to an established anatomical model of flow. The conductivity model correlated and agreed with the reference model for vFFR (r = 0.895, p < 0.0001; ＋0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to ＋ 0.22), Qd (r = 0.959, p < 0.0001; -5.2 mL/min, 95% CI -52.2 to ＋13.0) and CMVR (r = 0.624, p < 0.0001; ＋50 Woods Units, 95% CI -325 to ＋2549). CONCLUSION: Agreement between the two techniques was closest for vFFR, with greater proportional differences seen for Qd and CMVR. The conductivity function assumes vessel taper was optimised for the healthy state and that CMVR was not affected by local disease. The latter may be addressed with further refinement of the technique or inferred from complementary image data. The conductivity technique may represent a refinement of current techniques for modelling coronary side-branch flow. Further work is needed to validate the technique against invasive clinical data.

Prehospital risk assessment and direct transfer to a percutaneous coronary intervention centre in suspected acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Prehospital risk stratification and triage are currently not performed in patients suspected of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). This may lead to prolonged time to revascularisation, increased duration of hospital admission and higher healthcare costs. The preHEART score (prehospital history, ECG, age, risk factors and point-of-care troponin score) can be used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel for prehospital risk stratification and triage decisions in patients with NSTE-ACS. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of prehospital risk stratification and direct transfer to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centre, based on the preHEART score, on time to final invasive diagnostics or culprit revascularisation. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, two-cohort study in patients with suspected NSTE-ACS. The first cohort is observational (standard care), while the second (interventional) cohort includes patients who are stratified for direct transfer to either a PCI or a non-PCI centre based on their preHEART score. Risk stratification and triage are performed by EMS personnel. The primary endpoint of the study is time from first medical contact until final invasive diagnostics or revascularisation. Secondary endpoints are time from first medical contact until intracoronary angiography (ICA), duration of hospital admission, number of invasive diagnostics, number of inter-hospital transfers and major adverse cardiac events at 7 and 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 1069 patients were included. In the interventional cohort (n=577), time between final invasive diagnostics or revascularisation (42 (17-101) hours vs 20 (5-44) hours, p<0.001) and length of hospital admission (3 (2-5) days vs 2 (1-4) days, p=0.007) were shorter than in the observational cohort (n=492). In patients with NSTE-ACS in need for ICA or revascularisation, healthcare costs were reduced in the interventional cohort (€5599 (2978-9625) vs €4899 (2278-5947), p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Prehospital risk stratification and direct transfer to a PCI centre, based on the preHEART score, reduces time from first medical contact to final invasive diagnostics and revascularisation, reduces duration of hospital admission and decreases healthcare costs in patients with NSTE-ACS in need for ICA or revascularisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05243485.

Prognostic Value of Microvascular Resistance Reserve After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) has recently been introduced as a novel index to assess the vasodilatory capacity of the microcirculation, independent of epicardial disease. The prognostic value of MRR in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis was to investigate the prognostic value of MRR in patients with STEMI and to compare MRR with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging parameters. METHODS: From a pooled analysis of individual patient data from 6 cohorts that measured the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) directly after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI (n = 1,265), a subgroup analysis was performed in patients in whom both MRR and IMR were available. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS: Both MRR and IMR could be calculated in 446 patients. The optimal cutoff of MRR to predict the primary endpoint in this STEMI population was 1.25. During a median follow-up of 3.1 years (Q1-Q3: 1.5-6.1 years), the composite of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure occurred in 27.3% and 5.9% of patients (HR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.31-7.50; P < 0.001) in the low MRR (≤1.25) and high MRR (>1.25) groups, respectively. Both IMR and MRR were independent predictors of the composite of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: MRR measured directly after primary percutaneous coronary intervention was an independent predictor of the composite of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure during long-term follow-up.

A randomised trial of selective intracoronary hypothermia during primary PCI.

BACKGROUND: While experimental data suggest that selective intracoronary hypothermia decreases infarct size, studies in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are lacking. AIMS: We investigated the efficacy of selective intracoronary hypothermia during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to decrease infarct size in patients with STEMI. METHODS: In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, 200 patients with large anterior wall STEMI were randomised 1:1 to selective intracoronary hypothermia during primary PCI or primary PCI alone. Using an over-the-wire balloon catheter for infusion of cold saline and a pressure-temperature wire to monitor the intracoronary temperature, the anterior myocardium distal to the occlusion was selectively cooled to 30-33°C for 7-10 minutes before reperfusion (occlusion phase), immediately followed by 10 minutes of cooling after reperfusion (reperfusion phase). The primary endpoint was infarct size as a percentage of left ventricular mass on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging after 3 months. RESULTS: Selective intracoronary hypothermia was performed in 94/100 patients randomised to cooling. Distal coronary temperature decreased by 6°C within 43 seconds (interquartile range [IQR] 18-113). The median duration of the occlusion phase and reperfusion phase were 8.2 minutes (IQR 7.2-9.0) and 9.1 minutes (IQR 8.2-10.0), respectively. The infarct size at 3 months was 23.1±12.5% in the selective intracoronary hypothermia group and 21.6±12.2% in the primary PCI alone group (p=0.43). The left ventricular ejection fraction at 3 months in each group were 49.1±10.2% and 50.1±10.4%, respectively (p=0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Selective intracoronary hypothermia during primary PCI in patients with anterior wall STEMI was feasible and safe but did not decrease infarct size compared with standard primary PCI. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03447834).