Partial-Cost Analysis and Economic Impact of Ambulatory Coronary Angioplasty in a Private Hospital in the Caribbean: Análisis Parcial de Costos e Impacto Económico de la Angioplastia Coronaria Ambulatoria en un Hospital Privado del Caribe.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess direct costs of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without hospital admission versus PCI with hospital admission longer than 24 hours in a private hospital-institutional perspective in the Dominican Republic in 2022. METHODS: This study has a comparative approach based on a prospective cross-sectional partial-cost analysis. We evaluated the direct costs of 10 patients from PCI without hospital admission approach and 10 patients from a hospital admission longer than 24 hours as a control group. We used a "first-come-first-served" approach from December 2021 to March 2022. The analysis used the electronic invoice generated for each patient. RESULTS: PCI without hospital admission approach represents $472.56 in patient savings, equivalent to a cost reduction of 12.5%. The subcosts analysis showed the pharmacy section as the main driver of the overall cost difference. CONCLUSIONS: PCI without hospital admission was economically cost-saving compared with the control approach in direct costs in the Dominican perspective. The economic benefit is substantial and compliments the ease of use. This analysis may lead to improvements in institutional management of resources and can potentially be adapted to other health systems in the region.

Acute Myocardial Infarction and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: What does the Epidemiological Data of the Last Years Indicate?

Abstract Background: ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a pathological process that involves cardiac muscle tissue death. Intravenous thrombolysis with fibrinolytics or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), an invasive technique, can be performed for tissue revascularization. PCI has been preferred as compared to non-invasive methods, although few studies have described its use in Brazil. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze data on the use of primary PCI and investigate the relevance of hospitalizations for the treatment of STEMI in the country. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of data from the Brazilian Unified Health system (SUS) Department of Informatics (DATASUS) from 2010 to 2019 was conducted. Results: Hospitalizations for STEMI represented 0.6% of all hospital admissions in Brazil in the analyzed period, 0.9% of hospital costs, and 2.1% of deaths. The number of hospitalizations due to STEMI was 659,811, and 82,793 for PCIs. Length of hospital stay was 36.0% shorter and mortality rate was 53.3% lower in PCI. The mean cost of PCI was 3.5-fold higher than for treatment of STEMI. Conclusions: Data on hospitalizations for STEMI treatment in Brazil revealed high hospitalization and mortality rates, elevated costs, and long hospital stay. Although primary PCI is a more expensive and less used technique than other methods, it can reduce the length of hospital stay and mortality in the treatment of STEMI.

Circulating miRNA-23b and miRNA-143 Are Potential Biomarkers for In-Stent Restenosis.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is one of the main complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty, and microRNAs participate in the contractile-to-synthetic phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells, a hallmark of restenosis development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be released into circulation from injured tissues, enticing a potential role as noninvasive biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate circulating levels of miRNA-23b, miRNA-143, and miRNA-145 as diagnostic markers of ISR. 142 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing successful angioplasty and a follow-up angiography were included. Subjects were classified according to the degree of obstruction at the angioplasty site into cases (≥50%) or controls (<50%). Total RNA was isolated from plasma to quantify circulating miRNAs levels, and the ROC curves were constructed. Among circulating miRNAs assessed, miRNA-23b and miRNA-143 were significantly lower in cases (miRNA-23b: 18.4x10-5 and miRNA-143: 13.7x10-5) than controls (miRNA-23b: 5.2x10-5, p < 0.0001; miRNA-143: 4.0x10-5, p < 0.0001). Plasma levels of miRNA-145 showed no significant differences. The analysis of the ROC curves showed an area under the curve for miRNA-23b of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.62-0.80, p < 0.0001) and 0.69 for miRNA-143 (95% CI: 0.60-0.78; p < 0.0001). Our data suggest that plasma levels of miRNA-23b and miRNA-143 could be useful as noninvasive biomarkers of ISR.

Coronary Angioplasty with Stent in Woman with Active Vaginal Bleeding

Uterine leiomyoma and coronary artery disease are two common diseases in women. However, the association of uterine bleeding caused by leiomyoma with unstable coronary syndrome is not frequent. Here we describe a case of a patient with active vaginal bleeding and unstable angina who underwent a unique approach by performing percutaneous procedures. The report demonstrates that new interventional options can be used to control active bleeding in patients in need of coronary angioplasty

Disparities In The Use Of Drug-eluting Stents For Diabetic Patients With ST-elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Assisted In the Public versus Private Network - VICTIM Register / Disparidades no Uso de Stents Farmacológicos para Pacientes Diabéticos com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST Assistidos na Rede Pública versus Privada - Registro VICTIM

Abstract Background: Primary angioplasty (PA) with placement of either bare metal or drug-eluting stents (DES) represents the main strategy in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Diabetic patients, however, represent a special population in STEMI, with high rates of restenosis and unfavorable clinical outcomes, and with the use of DES, level of evidence A and indication class II, being indicated to reduce these damages. Objectives: To evaluate the DES rate of use in patients with STEMI and in the subgroup of diabetics assisted in the public versus private health network in Sergipe. Methods: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach using the data from the VICTIM Register. These were collected in the only four hospitals with capacity to perform PA in Sergipe, from December 2014 to March 2017. Results: A total of 707 patients diagnosed with STEMI were evaluated, of which 589 were attended at SUS and 118 at the private network. The use of DES in PA was lower in SUS compared to the private network in both the total sample (10.5% vs 82.4%, p<0.001) and in subgroup diabetic patients (8.7% vs 90.6%, p < 0.001), respectively. In all hypotheses tested, the level of significance was 5% (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study reveals a disparity in the use of DES during the performance of PA between the public and private network, both in the total sample and the subgroup for diabetics, with lower rates for SUS users, demonstrating the challenges that need to be overcome in order to achieve quality improvements of the services provided.

Resumo Fundamento: A angioplastia primária (AP) com colocação de stent, seja ele convencional ou farmacológico, representa a principal estratégia no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST). Os pacientes diabéticos, entretanto, representam população especial no IAMCSST, com altas taxas de reestenose e desfechos clínicos desfavoráveis, devendo-se indicar o uso de stents farmacológicos (SF), nível de evidência A e classe de indicação II, para redução destes danos. Objetivo: Avaliar a taxa de uso de SF em pacientes com IAMCSST e no subgrupo dos diabéticos assistidos na rede pública versus privada de saúde em Sergipe. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo populacional, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, que utilizou os dados do Registro VICTIM. Estes foram coletados nos quatro únicos hospitais com capacidade para realizar AP em Sergipe, no período de dezembro de 2014 a março de 2017. Em todas as hipóteses testadas, o nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: Foram avaliados 707 pacientes diagnosticados com IAMCSST, dos quais 589 foram atendidos pelo SUS e 118 pela rede privada. O uso de SF na AP foi menor no SUS em comparação com a rede privada, tanto no total da amostra (10,5% vs 82,4%; p < 0,001) quanto no subgrupo dos pacientes diabéticos (8,7% vs 90,6%; p < 0,001), respectivamente. Conclusões: O estudo revela disparidade no uso de SF durante a realização de AP entre a rede pública e privada, tanto na amostra total quanto no subgrupo dos diabéticos, com menores taxas para usuários do SUS, demonstrando os desafios que necessitam ser vencidos para se atingir melhorias na qualidade dos serviços prestados.

Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors for Related Complications of Chemical Ablation on Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of risk factors for predicting related complications has not been reported to date. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the risk factors of related complications of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) retrospectively. METHOD: Clinical data, and one-year follow-up results of patients with HOCM, who underwent PTSMA between January 2000 and July 2013 in the Department of Cardiology, Liaoning Province People's Hospital, Liaoning Province, China, were retrospectively analyzed to determine risk factors for operative complications with multiple logistic regression analysis. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 319 patients with HOCM, PTSMA was performed in 224 patients (120 males and 104 females, mean age was 48.20 ± 14.34 years old). The incidence of PTSMA procedure-related complications was 36.23% (66/224), which included three cardiac deaths, two cardiac shocks, one ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction, two ventricular fibrillations, 20 third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks (four patients were implanted with a permanent pacemaker (PPM)), 32 complete right bundle branch blocks, two complete left bundle branch blocks, and four puncture-related complications. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that age, gender, coronary artery diseases, diabetes, heart rate, cardiac function on admission, the number of septal ablations, and the volume of alcohol were not independent risk factors correlated to the whole complications, except for hypertension (OR: 4.856; 95% CI: 1.732-13.609). Early experience appears to be associated with the occurrence of complications. CONCLUSION: Hypertension was an independent risk factor for PTSMA procedure-related complications. It might be much safer and more efficient if PTSMA procedures are restricted to experienced centers, according to the analysis results for the learning curve.

Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors for Related Complications of Chemical Ablation on Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy / Análise Retrospectiva de Fatores de Risco para Complicações Relacionadas com Ablação Química na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica Obstrutiva

Abstract Background: The analysis of risk factors for predicting related complications has not been reported to date. Objective: This study aims to investigate the risk factors of related complications of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) retrospectively. Method: Clinical data, and one-year follow-up results of patients with HOCM, who underwent PTSMA between January 2000 and July 2013 in the Department of Cardiology, Liaoning Province People's Hospital, Liaoning Province, China, were retrospectively analyzed to determine risk factors for operative complications with multiple logistic regression analysis. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. Results: Among 319 patients with HOCM, PTSMA was performed in 224 patients (120 males and 104 females, mean age was 48.20 ± 14.34 years old). The incidence of PTSMA procedure-related complications was 36.23% (66/224), which included three cardiac deaths, two cardiac shocks, one ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction, two ventricular fibrillations, 20 third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks (four patients were implanted with a permanent pacemaker (PPM)), 32 complete right bundle branch blocks, two complete left bundle branch blocks, and four puncture-related complications. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that age, gender, coronary artery diseases, diabetes, heart rate, cardiac function on admission, the number of septal ablations, and the volume of alcohol were not independent risk factors correlated to the whole complications, except for hypertension (OR: 4.856; 95% CI: 1.732-13.609). Early experience appears to be associated with the occurrence of complications. Conclusion: Hypertension was an independent risk factor for PTSMA procedure-related complications. It might be much safer and more efficient if PTSMA procedures are restricted to experienced centers, according to the analysis results for the learning curve.

Resumo Fundamento: A análise dos fatores de risco para previsão de complicações relacionadas não foi relatada até o momento. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar retrospectivamente os fatores de risco de complicações relacionadas da ablação miocárdica septal transluminal percutânea (PTSMA) para cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva (CMHO). Método: Dados clínicos e resultados de acompanhamento de um ano de pacientes com CMHO submetidos a PTSMA entre janeiro de 2000 e julho de 2013 no Departamento de Cardiologia do Hospital Popular da Província de Liaoning, província de Liaoning, China, foram analisados retrospectivamente para determinar fatores de risco para complicações operatórias com análise de regressão logística múltipla. Todos os valores de p são bilaterais, com valores de p < 0,05 sendo considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Entre os 319 pacientes com CMHO, a PTSMA foi realizada em 224 pacientes (120 homens e 104 mulheres, com idade média de 48,20 ± 14,34 anos). A incidência de complicações relacionadas ao procedimento PTSMA foi de 36,23% (66/224), incluindo três mortes cardíacas, dois choques cardíacos, um infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de ST, duas fibrilações ventriculares e 20 bloqueios atrioventriculares (AV) de terceiro grau (quatro pacientes receberam implantes de marca-passo permanente), 32 bloqueios completos de ramo direito, dois bloqueios completos de ramo esquerdo e quatro complicações relacionadas com a punção. Após análise de regressão logística multivariada, verificou-se que idade, sexo, doenças coronarianas, diabetes, frequência cardíaca, função cardíaca à admissão, número de ablações septais e volume de álcool não foram fatores de risco independentes correlacionados com as complicações totais, exceto para hipertensão (OR: 4,856; IC 95%: 1,732-13,609). A experiência principiante parece estar associada à ocorrência de complicações. Conclusão: A hipertensão arterial foi um fator de risco independente para complicações relacionadas com o procedimento de PTSMA. Pode ser muito mais seguro e eficiente se os procedimentos de PTSMA forem restritos a centros experientes, de acordo com os resultados da análise para a curva de aprendizado.

Disparities In The Use Of Drug-eluting Stents For Diabetic Patients With ST-elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Assisted In the Public versus Private Network - VICTIM Register.

BACKGROUND: Primary angioplasty (PA) with placement of either bare metal or drug-eluting stents (DES) represents the main strategy in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Diabetic patients, however, represent a special population in STEMI, with high rates of restenosis and unfavorable clinical outcomes, and with the use of DES, level of evidence A and indication class II, being indicated to reduce these damages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the DES rate of use in patients with STEMI and in the subgroup of diabetics assisted in the public versus private health network in Sergipe. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach using the data from the VICTIM Register. These were collected in the only four hospitals with capacity to perform PA in Sergipe, from December 2014 to March 2017. RESULTS: A total of 707 patients diagnosed with STEMI were evaluated, of which 589 were attended at SUS and 118 at the private network. The use of DES in PA was lower in SUS compared to the private network in both the total sample (10.5% vs 82.4%, p<0.001) and in subgroup diabetic patients (8.7% vs 90.6%, p < 0.001), respectively. In all hypotheses tested, the level of significance was 5% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals a disparity in the use of DES during the performance of PA between the public and private network, both in the total sample and the subgroup for diabetics, with lower rates for SUS users, demonstrating the challenges that need to be overcome in order to achieve quality improvements of the services provided.

Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of FFR Compared with Angiography in Multivessel Disease Patient / Impacto Clínico e Custo-Efetividade da FFR em Comparação à Angiografia em Pacientes com Doenças Multiarteriais Submetidos à ICP

Abstract Background: In multivessel disease patients with moderate stenosis, fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows the analysis of the lesions and guides treatment, and could contribute to the cost-effectiveness (CE) of non-pharmacological stents (NPS). Objectives: To evaluate CE and clinical impact of FFR-guided versus angiography-guided angioplasty (ANGIO) in multivessel patients using NPS. Methods: Multivessel disease patients were prospectively randomized to FFR or ANGIO groups during a 5 year-period and followed for < 12 months. Outcomes measures were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), restenosis and CE. Results: We studied 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) men, aged 62.0 ± 9.0 years, 34 (49.2%) in FFR group and 53 (50.7%) in ANGIO group, with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome. In FFR, there were 26 patients with biarterial disease (76.5%) and 8 (23.5%) with triarterial disease, and in ANGIO, 24 (68.6%) with biarterial and 11 (31.4%) with triarterial disease. Twelve MACEs were observed - 3 deaths: 2 (5.8%) in FFR and 1 (2.8%) in ANGIO, 9 (13.0%) angina: 4(11.7%) in FFR and 5(14.2%) in ANGIO, 6 restenosis: 2(5.8%) in FFR and 4 (11.4%) in ANGIO. Angiography detected 87(53.0%) lesions in FFR, 39(23.7%) with PCI and 48(29.3%) with medical treatment; and 77 (47.0%) lesions in ANGIO, all treated with angioplasty. Thirty-nine (33.3%) stents were registered in FFR (0.45 ± 0.50 stents/lesion) and 78 (1.05 ± 0.22 stents/lesion) in ANGIO (p = 0.0001), 51.4% greater in ANGIO than FFR. CE analysis revealed a cost of BRL 5,045.97 BRL 5,430.60 in ANGIO and FFR, respectively. The difference of effectiveness was of 1.82%. Conclusion: FFR reduced the number of lesions treated and stents, and the need for target-lesion revascularization, with a CE comparable with that of angiography.

Resumo Fundamentos: Em pacientes multiarteriais e lesões moderadas, a reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) avalia cada lesão e direciona o tratamento, podendo ser útil no custo-efetividade (CE) de implante de stents não farmacológicos (SNF). Objetivos: Avaliar CE e impacto clínico da angioplastia + FFR versus angioplastia + angiografia (ANGIO), em multiarteriais, utilizando SNF. Métodos: pacientes com doença multiarteriais foram randomizados prospectivamente durante ±5 anos para FFR ou ANGIO, e acompanhados por até 12 meses. Foram avaliados eventos cardíacos maiores (ECAM), reestenose e CE. Resultados: foram incluídos 69 pacientes, 47(68,1%) homens, 34(49,2%) no FFR e 35(50,7%) no ANGIO, idade 62,0 ± 9,0 anos, com angina estável e Síndrome Coronariana Aguda estabilizada. No FFR, havia 26 com doença (76,5%) biarterial e 8 (23,5%) triarterial, e no grupo ANGIO, 24(68,6%) biarteriais e 11(31,4%) triarteriais. Ocorreram 12(17,3%) ECAM - 3(4,3%) óbitos: 2(5,8%) no FFR e 1(2,8%) no ANGIO, 9(13,0%) anginas, 4(11,7%) no FFR e 5(14,2%) no ANGIO, 6 reestenoses: 2(5,8%) no FFR e 4 (11,4%) no ANGIO. Angiografia detectou 87(53,0%) lesões no FFR, 39(23,7%) com ICP e 48(29,3%) com tratamento clínico; e 77(47,0%) lesões no ANGIO, todas submetidas à angioplastia. Quanto aos stents, registrou-se 39(33,3%) (0,45 ± 0,50 stents/lesão) no FFR e 78(66,6%) (1,05 ± 0,22 stents/lesão) no ANGIO (p = 0,0001); ANGIO utilizou 51,4% a mais que o FFR. Análise de CE revelou um custo de R$5045,97 e R$5.430,60 nos grupos ANGIO e FFR, respectivamente. A diferença de efetividade foi 1,82%. Conclusões: FFR diminuiu o número de lesões tratadas e de stents e necessidade de revascularização do vaso-alvo, com CE comparável ao da angiografia.

Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of FFR Compared with Angiography in Multivessel Disease Patient.

BACKGROUND: In multivessel disease patients with moderate stenosis, fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows the analysis of the lesions and guides treatment, and could contribute to the cost-effectiveness (CE) of non-pharmacological stents (NPS). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate CE and clinical impact of FFR-guided versus angiography-guided angioplasty (ANGIO) in multivessel patients using NPS. METHODS: Multivessel disease patients were prospectively randomized to FFR or ANGIO groups during a 5 year-period and followed for < 12 months. Outcomes measures were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), restenosis and CE. RESULTS: We studied 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) men, aged 62.0 ± 9.0 years, 34 (49.2%) in FFR group and 53 (50.7%) in ANGIO group, with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome. In FFR, there were 26 patients with biarterial disease (76.5%) and 8 (23.5%) with triarterial disease, and in ANGIO, 24 (68.6%) with biarterial and 11 (31.4%) with triarterial disease. Twelve MACEs were observed - 3 deaths: 2 (5.8%) in FFR and 1 (2.8%) in ANGIO, 9 (13.0%) angina: 4(11.7%) in FFR and 5(14.2%) in ANGIO, 6 restenosis: 2(5.8%) in FFR and 4 (11.4%) in ANGIO. Angiography detected 87(53.0%) lesions in FFR, 39(23.7%) with PCI and 48(29.3%) with medical treatment; and 77 (47.0%) lesions in ANGIO, all treated with angioplasty. Thirty-nine (33.3%) stents were registered in FFR (0.45 ± 0.50 stents/lesion) and 78 (1.05 ± 0.22 stents/lesion) in ANGIO (p = 0.0001), 51.4% greater in ANGIO than FFR. CE analysis revealed a cost of BRL 5,045.97 BRL 5,430.60 in ANGIO and FFR, respectively. The difference of effectiveness was of 1.82%. CONCLUSION: FFR reduced the number of lesions treated and stents, and the need for target-lesion revascularization, with a CE comparable with that of angiography.

Drug-Coated Balloons: Hope or Hot Air: Update on the Role of Coronary DCB.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present manuscript reviews the mechanism of action of drug-coated balloons (DCBs), offering a brief summary of the main clinical evidence on these devices. RECENT FINDINGS: DCBs are regular semi-compliant balloons coated with antiproliferative agents that are rapidly released on contact with the vessel intima, exerting an anti-restenotic effect. This technology may offer some benefits of drug-eluting stents, in particular for the treatment of restenotic lesions, small vessels, and in patients at high-bleeding risk, when the prolonged dual antiplatelet regimen should be avoided. Most recent data have pointed to a possible benefit of these devices in treating bare metal stents (BMS) or drug-eluting stents in-stent restenosis (DES ISR), effectively reducing the recurrence of restenosis and avoiding additional layers of metal in the same coronary segment. In other clinical scenarios such as bifurcations, small vessels, and de novo lesions, data is more scarce and the benefits are still unclear. There are potential benefits related to the use of DCB in selected populations. However, larger clinical trials with longer follow-up are still needed to confirm the enthusiastic initial results.

Lesión cutánea por radiación en angioplastía coronaria compleja / Cutaneous radiation injury after failed percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Resumen: Las lesiones cutáneas por radiación (LCR) son una complicación infrecuente, con un estimado de 3.600 casos de lesiones mayores reportados en la actualidad. Presentamos un caso de lesión eritematosa mayor por radiación posterior a angioplastía coronaria fallida y en segundo tiempo angioplastía coronaria con rotablación.

Abstract: Cutaneous radiation injuries are an infrequent complication, with an estimated 3.600 cases of major injuries reported up to now. We present a case of a major erythematous lesion induced by radiation after failed coronary angioplasty and consecutive coronary rotablation.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Total Occlusion.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in chronic total occlusion is a rapidly evolving area, being considered the last frontier of interventional cardiology. In recent years, the development of new techniques and equipment, as well as the training of specialized personnel, increased their success rates, making it the most predictable procedure available. Although the number of randomized and controlled studies is still limited, results from large multicentered registries allow us to safely offer this intervention to patients, as another treatment option along with the optimized drug treatment and myocardial revascularization surgery. This review summarizes the last and most relevant publications in the subject in order to provide an overall view of the field's current status.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Total Occlusion / Intervenção Coronária Percutânea em Oclusão Total Crônica

Abstract Percutaneous coronary intervention in chronic total occlusion is a rapidly evolving area, being considered the last frontier of interventional cardiology. In recent years, the development of new techniques and equipment, as well as the training of specialized personnel, increased their success rates, making it the most predictable procedure available. Although the number of randomized and controlled studies is still limited, results from large multicentered registries allow us to safely offer this intervention to patients, as another treatment option along with the optimized drug treatment and myocardial revascularization surgery. This review summarizes the last and most relevant publications in the subject in order to provide an overall view of the field's current status.

Resumo A intervenção coronária percutânea em oclusão total crônica é uma área em rápida evolução, sendo considerada a última fronteira da cardiologia intervencionista. Nos últimos anos, o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas e equipamentos, assim como o treinamento de operadores especializados, elevaram sua taxa de sucesso, tornando o procedimento mais previsível. Apesar do número de estudos randomizados e controlados ainda ser limitado, resultados de grandes registros multicêntricos nos permitem oferecer essa intervenção aos pacientes com segurança, como mais uma opção de tratamento junto ao tratamento medicamentoso otimizado e ao lado cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. Na presente revisão, resumimos as últimas e mais relevantes publicações sobre o assunto a fim de fornecer uma visão geral do atual estado da área.

Transient left septal fascicular block in the setting of acute coronary syndrome associated with giant slurring variant J-wave.

We report a case of acute coronary syndrome with transient prominent anterior QRS forces (PAF) caused by proximal subocclusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery before the first septal perforator branch. The ECG change indicates left septal fascicular block (LSFB) with associated slurring-type giant J-wave. Currently, this J-wave variant is considered as a lambda-like wave or QRS-ST-T "triangulation". Its presence is indicative of poor prognosis because of the risk for cardiac arrest as a consequence of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF).

Striving to meet targets for ideal treatment of acute myocardial infarction in Brazil: Data from the Midwest region.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the systematic chain of care for patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred for primary angioplasty in a capital city in Midwestern Brazil. BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction is recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality and as a public health problem worldwide. Early specialized care is crucial for a good prognosis. METHODS: All STEMI patients receiving care through the public health system at two tertiary care centers from March 2012 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Symptom onset-to-balloon time and door-to-balloon time were analyzed and compared with current guideline recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 835 patients were included. Median symptom onset-to-balloon time was 32 h. A total of 783 (94%) patients had had symptoms for more than 12 h and 507 (61%) for more than 24 h. Only 51 (6%) patients arrived within 12 h of symptom onset and were treated with primary angioplasty. Among these patients, median door-to-balloon time was 37 min, in accordance with guideline recommendations. CONCLUSION: Treatment of STEMI through the public health system in a capital city in Midwestern Brazil falls short of the recommended guidelines due to failure in the initial links of the chain of care. This potentially reversible failure has an important impact on patient outcomes and on health care burden.

Intervenção percutânea e revascularização miocárdica no paciente com dm - elementos que devem ser considerados / Percutaneous intervention and myocardial revascularization in patients with dm - elements that should be considered

A doença arterial coronariana (DAC) é a principal causa de mortalidade e morbidade entre os portadores de diabetes mellitus (DM). O DM aumenta o risco de DAC e é um preditor independente dos piores resultados após qualquer método de revascularização coronária: intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) ou cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM). O tratamento da DAC em diabéticos possui características importantes e sua respectiva presença deve ser utilizada na escolha do método de intervenção, especialmente nos pacientes multiarteriais e/ou com lesão de tronco de coronária esquerda. Além da terapia medicamentosa rigorosa ser um dos pilares fundamentais, a decisão sobre a estratégia de revascularização deve ser tomada por uma equipe multiprofissional e multidisciplinar ("Heart Team"), baseando-se em elementos do quadro clínico, da anatomia coronária, carga isquêmica, função ventricular esquerda, risco cirúrgico hospitalar e do próprio paciente.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). DM increases the risk of CAD and is an independent predictor of poorer outcomes after any method of coronary revascularization: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The treatment of CAD in diabetics has important characteristics, and its presence should not be used in the choice of intervention method, especially in multiarterial patients and/or patients with unprotected left main stem disease. In addition to rigorous drug therapy being one of the fundamental pillars, the decision on the type of revascularization strategy should be made by a multiprofessional and multidisciplinary team ("Heart Team"), based on the clinical presentation, coronary anatomy, ischemic burden, left ventricular function, in-hospital surgical risk and individual patient risk.