Incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of donor vessel injury during percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Donor vessel injury is a potentially life-threatening complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIMS: Our goal was to examine the incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of patients with donor vessel injury in a large multicenter CTO PCI registry. METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics, and procedural outcomes of 12,349 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 at 44 centers. RESULTS: The incidence of donor vessel injury was 0.35% (n = 43). The baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without donor vessel injury were similar. Cases complicated by donor vessel injury were more complex with higher Japanese CTO score (2.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3; p = 0.004) and lower procedural success rate (69.8% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.004). The retrograde approach was used more commonly in donor vessel injury cases (68.9% vs. 30.9%; p < 0.001). Most (53.5%) donor vessel injuries were guide catheter-induced, whereas 20.9% were due to donor vessel thrombosis. Of the 43 patients with donor vessel injury, 36 (83.7%) were treated with stenting and seven (16.3%) received a left ventricular assist device. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was significantly higher in cases with donor vessel injury (23.3% vs. 2.0%; p < 0.001). Of the 43 patients with donor vessel injury, five patients (11.6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction and four patients (9.3%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Donor vessel injury, occurred in 0.35% of CTO PCIs performed by experienced operators, was mainly due to guide catheter-induced dissection or thrombosis and was associated with lower procedural success and higher MACE.

Safety and Efficacy of Cangrelor in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cangrelor is a potent intravenous non-thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor. We conducted a network meta-analysis to study the efficacy and safety of cangrelor as compared with the oral P2Y12 inhibition, clopidogrel, or placebo in acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: This meta-analysis followed the Cochrane collaboration guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocols. Outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, major bleeding, minor bleeding, and the need for blood transfusion. RESULTS: The analysis was comprised of 6 studies including 26,444 patients treated with cangrelor, clopidogrel, or placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, or major bleeding. Cangrelor was associated with a higher risk of minor bleeding than clopidogrel or placebo, with no difference in requiring blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Cangrelor has comparable outcomes to clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes and can be used as a reliable alternative in this population.

Short duration of dual antiplatelet therapy following complex percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The optimal composition and duration of antiplatelet therapy after complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare 1-3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by monotherapy vs. 12 months of DAPT. METHOD: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried for studies comparing 1-3 months of DAPT followed by monotherapy vs. 12 months of DAPT in the outcomes of complex PCI from inception through January 2023. Outcomes of interest included major bleeding, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, and stroke. RESULTS: Compared to 12 months, 1-3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy had a weak association with less major bleeding (OR 0.67; 95 % CI, 0.44-1.00; p = 0.05; I2 = 28 %). There were no significant differences between the shorter and longer antiplatelet therapy in terms of all-cause mortality (OR 0.83; 95 % CI, 0.59-1.16; p = 0.21; I2 = 17 %), cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.87; 95 % CI, 0.53-0.42; p = 0.50; I2 = 0), MI (OR 0.97; 95 % CI, 0.69-1.35; p = 0.82; I2 = 32 %), stent thrombosis (OR 1.17, 95 % CI, 0.77-1.76; p = 0.38; I2 = 0 %), target vessel revascularization (OR 1.05, 95 % CI, 0.58-1.89; p = 0.82; I2 = 64 %), or stroke (OR 1.10, 95 % CI, 0.55-2.17; p = 0.37; I2 = 7 %);. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing complex PCI, DAPT for 1-3 months may be associated with less major bleeding but similar rates of cardiovascular events (death, MI, stroke, stent thrombosis, and revascularization) compared to DAPT for 12 months.

Impact of iodinated contrast shortage on contrast-associated acute kidney injury: a single center experience.

Background: In March 2022, a COVID-19 outbreak disrupted the global supply of iodine contrast media (ICM). Healthcare systems implemented contrast-saving strategies to maintain their remaining ICM supplies. This study sought to determine the impact of contrast shortage on the incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Methods: This was a retrospective study of 265 patients undergoing 278 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) during 4-month periods prior to (9/1/2021 to 12/31/2021) and during (5/1/2022 to 8/31/2022) contrast shortage at a single center. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CA-AKI between study periods. Results: A total of 148 and 130 PCIs were performed before and during contrast shortage, respectively. The incidence of CA-AKI significantly decreased from 11.5% to 4.6% during contrast shortage (P = 0.04). During the shortage, average contrast volume per PCI was significantly lower (123 ± 62 mL vs 88 ± 46 mL, P < 0.001), while coronary imaging was significantly higher (34.3% vs 50%, P = 0.009) compared to preshortage. All-cause mortality at discharge was comparable between study periods (2.8% vs 3.3%, respectively; P = 0.90). Conclusion: The scarcity of ICM for PCI procedures in this single-center experience was associated with a significant increase in the utilization of intravascular imaging and a significant reduction in CA-AKI.

3-Year Outcomes of Balloon-Expandable Valves: 20-mm vs Larger Valves (≥23 mm).

BACKGROUND: A prior Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology TVT (Transcatheter Valve Therapy) Registry-based analysis reported similar 1-year clinical outcomes with small (20-mm) vs large (≥23-mm) balloon-expandable valves (BEV). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe mid-term 3-year clinical outcomes for small vs large BEV and the relationship between discharge echocardiographic mean gradient (MG) and different definitions of prothesis-patient mismatch (PPM) with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Using the TVT Registry with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services linkage, a propensity-matched analysis of patients receiving 20- vs ≥23-mm BEVs was performed. Spline curves and Kaplan-Meier plots with adjusted HRs determined the relationship between MG and 3-year mortality. RESULTS: In total, 316,091 patients were analyzed; after propensity matching, 8,100 pairs of each group were compared. The 20-mm BEV was associated with higher MGs compared with ≥23-mm BEVs (16.2 ± 7.2 mm Hg vs 11.8 ± 5.7 mm Hg; P < 0.0001). At 3 years, there was no difference in mortality between 20- and ≥23-mm BEVs (31.5% vs 32.5%, respectively; HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.90-1.05). Compared with an MG of 10 to 30 mm Hg, an MG <10 mm Hg (HR: 1.25; 95% CI:1.22-1.27) was associated with increased 3-year mortality. Measured severe PPM and predicted no PPM were associated with increased 3-year mortality (33.5% vs 32.9% vs 32.1%; P < 0.0001) and (33.5% vs 31.1% vs 30%; P < 0.0001), respectively. Low MG and severe measured PPM were associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with small-prosthesis BEVs (20 mm) had identical 3-year survival as those with larger (≥23-mm) BEV valves. Severe measured PPM and low MG (<10 mm Hg), but not predicted severe PPM, were associated with lower LVEF and increased mortality, suggesting that LVEF is the culprit for worse outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of the new generation Watchman FLX device compared to the Watchman 2.5: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The first-generation Watchman 2.5 (W 2.5)TM presented several limitations, such as challenges in implantation within complex left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomies, higher incidence of peri-device leak, device recapture, and device-related thrombus (DRT). The newer generation Watchman FLX (W-FLX)TM was introduced with a modified design aiming to overcome these limitations. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to conduct a comparative assessment of the safety and efficacy of the W-FLX and 2.5 devices in clinical practice. METHOD: The meta-analysis was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA). Studies were located through a search strategy utilizing PubMed, Cochrane, Google scholar and MEDLINE from inception to March 2023, with a primary objective to compare the safety and efficacy of the W-FLX and W 2.5 devices. After applying the selection criteria, five studies were included in this analysis. RESULTS: The analysis included five studies comprising 54,727 patients. The W-FLX is associated with an increase in procedural success (OR 7.49 [95% CI 1.98-28.26, P = 0.02; I2 = 0%]), and a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.52 [95% CI 0.51-0.54, P<0.01; I2 = 0%], major bleeding 0.57 [95% CI 0.51-0.64, P<0.01; I2 = 0%]), device embolism (OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.18-0.70, P = 0.02; I2 = 0%]), and pericardial effusion (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.26-0.41, P<0.01; I2 = 0%]). The rates of DRT and stroke were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to the W 2.5, the W-FLX was associated with a higher procedural success rate and significantly reduced adverse outcomes including mortality, major bleeding, device embolization, and pericardial effusion.

Balloon- vs Self-Expanding Transcatheter Valves for Failed Small Surgical Aortic Bioprostheses: 1-Year Results of the LYTEN Trial.

BACKGROUND: Data comparing valve systems in the valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV-TAVR) field have been obtained from retrospective studies. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to compare the 1-year hemodynamic performance and clinical outcomes between balloon-expandable valves (BEV) SAPIEN 3/ULTRA (Edwards Lifesciences) and self-expanding valves (SEV) Evolut R/PRO/PRO+ (Medtronic) in ViV-TAVR. METHODS: Patients with a failed small (≤23 mm) surgical valve undergoing ViV-TAVR were randomized to receive a SEV or a BEV. Patients had a clinical and valve hemodynamic (Doppler echocardiography) evaluation at 1-year follow-up. Study outcomes were defined according to VARC-2/VARC-3 criteria. Intended performance of the valve was defined as mean gradient <20 mm Hg, peak velocity <3 m/s, Doppler velocity index ≥0.25 and less than moderate AR. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients underwent ViV-TAVR (46 BEV, 52 SEV). At 1-year follow-up, patients receiving a SEV had a lower mean transaortic gradient (22 ± 8 mm Hg BEV vs 14 ± 7 mm Hg SEV; P < 0.001), and a higher rate of intended valve performance (BEV: 30%, SEV:76%; P < 0.001). There were no cases of greater than mild aortic regurgitation. There were no differences in functional status (NYHA functional class >II, BEV: 7.3%, SEV: 4.1%; P = 0.505) or quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, BEV: 77.9 ± 21.2, SEV: 81.8 ± 14.8; P = 0.334). No differences in all-cause mortality (BEV: 6.5%, SEV: 3.8; P = 0.495), heart failure hospitalization (BEV: 6.5%, SEV: 1.9%; P = 0.214), stroke (BEV: 0%, SEV: 1.9%; P = 0.369), myocardial infarction (BEV: 0%, SEV: 1.9%; P = 0.347), or pacemaker implantation (BEV: 2.2%, SEV: 1.9%; P = 0.898) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who underwent ViV-TAVR for failed small aortic bioprostheses, those receiving a SEV exhibited a better valve hemodynamic profile at 1-year follow-up. There were no differences between SEV and BEV regarding functional status, quality of life, or clinical outcomes.

Impact of target vessel on the procedural techniques and outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the impact of the target vessel on the procedural techniques and outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 11,580 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 at 44 centers. RESULTS: The most common CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery (RCA) (53.1%) followed by the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (26.0%) and the left circumflex artery (LCX) (19.8%). RCA CTOs were longer and more complex, with a higher Japanese CTO score compared with LAD or LCX CTOs. Technical success was higher among LAD (88.8%) lesions when compared with RCA (85.7%) or LCX (85.8%) lesions (P less than .001). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was overall 1.9% (n = 220) and was similar among target vessels (P=.916). There was a tendency toward more frequent utilization of the retrograde approach for more proximal occlusions in all 3 target vessels. When compared with all other RCA lesions combined, distal RCA lesions had higher technical success (87.7% vs 85.3%; P=.048). Technical success was similar between various locations of LAD CTOs (P=.704). First/second/third obtuse marginal branch had lower technical success when compared with all other LCX lesion locations (82.7% vs 86.8%; P=.014). There was no association between MACE and CTO location in all 3 target vessels. CONCLUSIONS: LAD CTO PCIs had higher technical and procedural success rates among target vessels. The incidence of MACE was similar among target vessels and among various locations within the target vessel.

Procedural Time and Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) can be lengthy procedures. We sought to investigate the effect of procedural time on CTO PCI outcomes. We examined the procedural time required for the various steps of CTO PCI in 6,442 CTO PCIs at 40 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2022. The mean and median procedure times were 129 ± 76 and 112 minutes, respectively, with no significant change over time. The median times from access to wire insertion, guidewire manipulation time, and post crossing were 20, 32, and 53 minutes, respectively. Lesions crossed in <30 minutes were less complex, as reflected by lower Japanese CTO score (1.89 ± 1.19, p <0.001) than lesions that were not successfully crossed (2.88 ± 1.22) and lesions that were crossed in ≥30 minutes (2.85 ± 1.13). The likelihood of successful crossing if crossing was not achieved after 30, 90, and 180 minutes were a 76.7%, 60.7%, and 42.7%, respectively. The parameters independently associated with ≥30 minutes guidewire manipulation time in patients with a primary antegrade approach included left anterior descending target vessel, proximal cap ambiguity, blunt/no stump, occlusion length, previous failed attempt, medium/severe calcification, and medium/severe tortuosity. The mean duration of CTO PCI is approximately 2 hours (∼20% of time for access to wire insertion, ∼30% wire manipulation time, and ∼50% postwiring time). Guidewire crossing time was shorter in less complex lesions and in cases without complications.

Balloon- vs Self-Expanding Valve Systems for Failed Small Surgical Aortic Valve Bioprostheses.

BACKGROUND: Data comparing valve systems in the valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV-TAVR) field have been obtained from retrospective studies. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic results between the balloon-expandable valve (BEV) SAPIEN (3/ULTRA, Edwards Lifesciences) and self-expanding valve (SEV) Evolut (R/PRO/PRO+, Medtronic) in ViV-TAVR. METHODS: Patients with a failed small (≤23 mm) surgical valve were randomized to receive a BEV or an SEV. The primary endpoint was valve hemodynamics (maximal/mean residual gradients, severe prosthesis patient mismatch [PPM], or moderate-severe aortic regurgitation) at 30 days as evaluated by Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were randomized, and of these, 98 patients finally underwent a ViV-TAVR procedure (BEV: n = 46, SEV: n = 52). The procedure was successful in all cases, with no differences in clinical outcomes at 30 days between groups (no death or stroke events). Patients in the SEV group exhibited lower mean and maximal transvalvular gradient values (15 ± 8 mm Hg vs 23 ± 8 mm Hg; P ˂ 0.001; 28 ± 16 mm Hg vs 40 ± 13 mm Hg, P ˂ 0.001), and a tendency toward a lower rate of severe PPM (44% vs 64%; P = 0.07). There were no cases of moderate-severe aortic regurgitation. In total, 55 consecutive patients (SEV: n = 27; BEV: n = 28) underwent invasive valve hemodynamic evaluation during the procedure, with no differences in mean and peak transvalvular gradients between both groups (P = 0.41 and P = 0.70, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with small failed aortic bioprostheses, ViV-TAVR with an SEV was associated with improved valve hemodynamics as evaluated by echocardiography. There were no differences between groups in intraprocedural invasive valve hemodynamics and 30-day clinical outcomes (Comparison of the Balloon-Expandable Edwards Valve and Self-Expandable CoreValve Evolut R or Evolut PRO System for the Treatment of Small, Severely Dysfunctional Surgical Aortic Bioprostheses. The 'LYTEN' Trial; NCT03520101).

Distal Versus Proximal Radial Artery Access for Cardiac Catheterization and Intervention: Design and Rationale of the DIPRA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery (RA) catheterization is the access of choice over femoral artery access for most interventional vascular procedures given its safety and faster patient recovery. There has been growing interest in distal radial artery (dRA) access as an alternative to the conventional proximal radial artery (pRA) access. Preserving the RA is important which serves as a potential conduit for future coronary artery bypass surgery, dialysis conduit or preserve the artery for future cardiovascular procedures. The dRA runs in close proximity to the radial nerve, which raises the concern of potential detrimental effects on hand function. STUDY DESIGN: The Distal versus Proximal Radial Artery Access for cardiac catheterization and intervention (DIPRA) trial is a prospective, randomized, parallel-controlled, open-label, single center study evaluating the outcomes of hand function and effectiveness of dRA compared to pRA access in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The eligible subjects will be randomized to dRA and pRA access in a (1:1) fashion. The primary end point is an evaluation of hand function at one and twelve months follow-up. Secondary end points include rates of access site hematoma, access site bleeding, other vascular access complications, arterial access success rate, and RA occlusion at one and twelve months follow up. CONCLUSION: Effects of dRA on hand function remains unknown and it's use questionable in the presence of a widely accepted pRA. DIPRA trial is designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of dRA for diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures compared to the standard of care pRA.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in the Gulf: G-SCAD Registry.

Data on spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is based on European and North American registries. We assessed the prevalence, epidemiology, and outcomes of patients presenting with SCAD in Arab Gulf countries. Patients (n = 83) were diagnosed with SCAD based on angiographic and intravascular imaging whenever available. Thirty centers in 4 Arab Gulf countries (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain) were involved from January 2011 to December 2017. In-hospital (myocardial infarction [MI], percutaneous coronary intervention, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, death, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, dissection extension) and follow-up (MI, de novo SCAD, death, spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissection) cardiac events were recorded. Median age was 44 (37-55) years, 42 (51%) were females and 28.5% were pregnancy-associated (21.4% were multiparous). Of the patients, 47% presented with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, 49% with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, 12% had left main involvement, 43% left anterior descending, 21.7% right coronary, 9.6% left circumflex, and 9.6% multivessel; 52% of the SCAD were type 1, 42% type 2, 3.6% type 3, and 2.4% multitype; 40% managed medically, 53% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 7% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Females were more likely than males to experience overall (in-hospital and follow-up) adverse cardiovascular events (P = .029).

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and acute manic attack.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy predominantly occurs in women, with a high incidence in patients with psychiatric diseases. We present a 64-year-old white woman with an acute manic episode complicated by rhabdomyolysis and takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Distal Versus Conventional Transradial Artery Access for Coronary Angiography and Intervention: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Distal transradial artery access (dTRA) through the anatomical snuffbox is a novel approach for performing coronary angiography and interventions. However, the safety and efficacy of dTRA as compared to conventional TRA (cTRA) remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the outcomes of dTRA versus cTRA for coronary angiography and intervention. METHODS: Electronic search of the National Library of Medicine PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed until April 2019 for studies comparing the clinical outcomes of dTRA approach versus conventional TRA (cTRA) approach in coronary angiography and interventions. Random-effects DerSimonian-Laird risk ratios (RR) were calculated. The main outcome was failure of access site utilization. Other outcomes included access site hematoma, radial artery spasm, dissection, and occlusion. RESULTS: Five studies (4 observational and 1 randomized controlled) with a total of 6746 patients (dTRA n = 3209 and cTRA n = 3537) were available for analysis. The failure rate was similar in dTRA and cTRA groups (5.26% versus 3.75%; RR = 1.36; 95%CI 0.41-4.48; p = 0.62). Similarly, no difference was observed between dTRA and cTRA in regards to access site hematoma (1.20% versus 1.24%, RR = 1.01; 95%CI 0.49-2.07; p = 0.99), radial artery spasm (1.42 versus 3.84%, RR = 0.91; 95%CI 0.32-2.62; p = 0.86), or radial artery dissection (0.11 versus 0.20%, RR = 0.63; 95%CI 0.18-2.16; p = 0.46). The rate of radial artery occlusion was lower with dTRA (2.30 versus 4.86%, RR = 0.51; 95%CI 0.32-0.81; p = 0.004) as compared to cTRA. CONCLUSION: Distal TRA appears to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional TRA. The outcomes of this novel technique warrant further randomized studies.

The Left Distal Transradial Artery Access for Coronary Angiography and Intervention: A US Experience.

BACKGROUND: The radial artery is the access of choice in many catheterization labs around the world due to its proven benefits over the femoral artery access. There has been growing interest in the left radial artery. We sought to evaluate the feasibility, safety and complication rates of the left distal radial artery (ldTRA) access for cardiac catheterization. METHODS: This is a single arm retrospective study evaluating the feasibility and safety of performing cardiac catheterization through ldTRA. The procedure was completed using standard diagnostic and guiding catheters. Hemostasis was achieved with a radial band. Feasibility was the ability to cannulate the distal left radial artery as well as completing the procedure without requiring an additional arterial access. The safety point included hematoma, bleeding or neuropathy. RESULTS: ldTRA was attempted in 61 patients. 59 patients had successful completion of the procedure through ldTRA. Conversion occurred in 1 patient (1.7%), requiring an additional arterial access to complete the procedure. 34 patients (55.7%) required percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There was no access site bleeds post procedure, no hematomas, with 100% successful hemostasis with a radial hemostatic band. There were 2 cases requiring reaccess of the distal left radial artery access for repeat revascularization, with procedure success and good left radial artery patency. CONCLUSION: ldTRA is a safe and feasible arterial access in a radial experienced catheterization lab. ldTRA provides improved operator ergonomics and patient's comfort, in addition to the advantage of being able to cannulate the bypass grafts and with a very low risk of vascular complications.

Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Ascending Aorta.

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign primary cardiac tumors. They are typically found on valvular surfaces, most commonly, the aortic valve. In this article, we report a case of papillary fibroelastoma arising from the sinotubular junction of the ascending aorta, a rare and unusual site causing an embolic stroke.

Evaluation of YouTube as a reliable source for patient education on aortic valve stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a prevalent disease in the elderly population and has been a public health concern for decades. YouTube is currently being used for obtaining healthcare related information. We evaluated the quality of information about AS on YouTube for patient education. METHODS: YouTube was queried for the search phrases "aortic valve stenosis", "aortic valve replacement", "transcatheter aortic valve replacement" and "TAVR". Videos were assessed for their reliability and content with two five-point scales. They were categorized into groups according to usefulness and uploader source. All videos were assessed for audience interaction. Videos were viewed and analyzed by 2 independent investigators. Conflicts were resolved by a third investigator. RESULTS: Search phrases yielded 69,300 videos, among which, 120 videos were evaluated and 85 videos were included in the final analysis. Of the 85 videos, only 45 videos (53%) were found to be useful while 40 videos (47%) were found to be non-useful. The majority (98%) of the useful videos were uploaded by professional sources. Overall, videos uploaded by non-professional sources had higher number of views (23,553 vs. 11,110, P≤0.001) despite of being less useful (14% vs. 67%, P<0.001) when compared to videos uploaded by professional sources. CONCLUSIONS: There is a potential to increase public awareness about aortic valve stenosis and the available treatment options by utilizing YouTube. Professional societies are encouraged to provide more useful material that can deliver comprehensive and reliable information in an entertaining and intuitive manner to the public.

The distal left radial artery access for coronary angiography and intervention: A new era.

BACKGROUND: Patients' intra and post procedural comfort, quick recovery, as well as procedure success, are key elements for choosing the right arterial access site. Radial artery access has been of increasing interest since it was first described. Advanced treatments of coronary lesions, from primary percutaneous interventions during ST elevation myocardial infarction cases to chronic total occlusion cases, have been increasingly done through the radial access. Distal left trans radial artery (dlTRA) is a new technique first described by Kiemineij. We report the first documented US experience of the left distal radial artery access for coronary angiography and interventions. METHODS: dlTRA was attempted on 22 consecutive patients, consented for a cardiac catheterization. 7 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The left hand is prepped in the usual fashion, exposing the anatomical snuff box. Under ultrasound guidance, the artery is punctured and the sheath is inserted carefully. The cardiac catheterization is completed using standard diagnostic and guiding catheters, that are typically chosen for femoral artery access. Hemostasis was achieved with a radial band. Patients had the ability to use the right hand as well as bend their left wrist post procedure. RESULTS: dlTRA was successful in all 22 patients. 7 patients underwent PCI through this approach. Two patients required a multivessel complex PCI with multiple stents and additional equipment. There were no conversions to the right radial or femoral approach. All patients had excellent hemostasis with a radial band, with no complications. Pre discharge radial pulses were intact in the wrist as well as in the anatomical snuff box. CONCLUSION: Distal left trans radial access is feasible and safe in patients that are carefully selected and are deemed good candidates. There is a learning curve for developing such program, as is the case with conventional radial access.