Challenges and Advances in Interventional Cardiology for Coronary Artery Disease Management.

The development of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been one of the greatest advances in cardiology and has changed clinical practice for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite continuous improvements in operators' experience, techniques, and the development of new-generation devices, significant challenges remain in improving the efficacy of PCI, including calcification, bifurcation, multivascular disease, stent restenosis, and stent thrombosis, among others. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current status of knowledge of endovascular revascularization in CAD, including relevant trials, therapeutic strategies, and new technologies addressing particular scenarios that can impact the prognosis of this vulnerable population.

[Clinical outcomes of percutaneous intervention on the unprotected left main coronary artery]. / Desenlaces clínicos de la intervención percutánea sobre tronco coronario izquierdo no protegido.

Background: The debate on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) has been constant over time. Objective: To investigate the clinical and procedural characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes of PCI of unprotected LMCA. Material and methods: Observational study which included patients with unprotected LMCA disease undergoing PCI; patients with cardiogenic shock prior to the procedure were excluded. We describe the clinical and angiographic characteristics, as well as the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) according to the year of the procedure. Results: We included 73 patients, with a SYNTAX I score of 31.2 ± 9.1, mostly with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (35%). There was a higher frequency of triple vessel coronary disease (63%) and distal LMCA lesions (35%). The provisional stent technique was the most used for distal lesions (58%) and the 2-stent technique for bifurcation lesions (78%), supported by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in 38%. During follow-up, 19 presented MACCE (26%), out of which cardiac death occurred in 13%, non-cardiovascular death in 5%, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction in 1%, cerebrovascular event in 2%, and revascularization of the treated vessel in 4%. Conclusions: It was observed a similar frequency to the one appearing in other studies of cardiovascular events, mainly in patients with intermediate risk, which supports the increasing use of percutaneous intervention in this population.

Introducción: el debate sobre la intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) del tronco coronario izquierdo (TCI) no protegido ha sido constante a lo largo del tiempo. Objetivo: investigar las características clínicas, de procedimiento y los desenlaces cardiovasculares de la ICP del TCI no protegido. Material y métodos: estudio observacional que incluyó pacientes con enfermedad del TCI no protegido sometidos a ICP; se excluyeron pacientes con choque cardiogénico previo al procedimiento. Describimos las características clínicas y angiográficas, así como los eventos adversos cardiovasculares y cerebrales mayores (MACCE) según el año del procedimiento. Resultados: incluimos 73 pacientes, con puntuación de SYNTAX I de 31.2 ± 9.1, mayormente con síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del ST (35%). Hubo mayor frecuencia de enfermedad coronaria trivascular (63%) y lesión distal del TCI (35%). La técnica de stent provisional fue la más usada para lesiones distales (58%) y la técnica de 2 stents para las lesiones en bifurcación (78%), con apoyo del ultrasonido intravascular (IVUS) en el 38%. En el seguimiento se presentaron 19 MACCE (26%), de los cuales la muerte de causa cardiaca se presentó en el 13%, muerte no cardiovascular en 5%, infarto agudo al miocardio no fatal en 1%, evento vascular cerebral en 2% y nueva revascularización del vaso tratado en 4%. Conclusiones: se observó una frecuencia similar a la de otros estudios de eventos cardiovasculares, especialmente en pacientes con riesgo intermedio, lo cual apoya el uso creciente de la intervención percutánea en esta población.

Antithrombotic Strategies in Atrial Fibrillation After ACS and/or PCI: A 4-Way Comparison From AUGUSTUS.

BACKGROUND: The optimal antithrombotic regimen for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who had an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not known. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine which antithrombotic regimen best balances safety and efficacy. METHODS: AUGUSTUS, a multicenter 2 × 2 factorial design randomized trial compared apixaban with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and aspirin with placebo in patients with AF with recent ACS and/or PCI treated with a P2Y12 inhibitor. We conducted a 4-way analysis comparing safety and efficacy outcomes in the 4 randomized groups. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes over 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 4,614 patients were enrolled. All patients were treated with a P2Y12 inhibitor. The primary endpoint occurred in 21.9% of patients randomized to apixaban plus placebo, 27.3% randomized to apixaban plus aspirin, 28.0% randomized to VKA plus placebo, and 33.3% randomized to VKA plus aspirin. Rates of major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding and hospitalization for cardiovascular causes were lower with apixaban and placebo compared with the other 3 antithrombotic strategies. There was no difference between the 4 randomized groups with respect to all-cause death. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF and a recent ACS and/or PCI, an antithrombotic regimen that included a P2Y12 inhibitor and apixaban without aspirin resulted in a lower incidence of the composite of death, bleeding, or cardiovascular hospitalization than regimens including VKA, aspirin, or both. (An Open-label, 2 x 2 Factorial, Randomized Controlled, Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety of Apixaban vs. Vitamin K Antagonist and Aspirin vs. Aspirin Placebo in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; NCT02415400).

Prevalence and prognostic implications of the no-reflux phenomenon in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention at a university center in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of no-reflow and the 30-day mortality in a university center in a middle-income country. METHOD: We analyzed 2463 patients who underwent primary PCI from January 2006 to December 2021. The outcome measure was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Of a total of 2463 patients, no-reflow phenomenon was found in 413 (16.8%) patients, 30-day mortality was 16.7 vs. 4.29% (p < 0.001). Patients with no-reflow were older 60 (53-69.5) vs. 59 (51-66) (p = 0.001), with a higher delay in onset of symptom to emergency department arrival 270 vs. 247 min (p = 0.001). No-reflow patients also had had fewer previous myocardial infarction, 11.6 vs. 18.4 (p = 0.001) and a Killip class > 1, 37 vs. 26% (p < 0.001). No-reflow patients were more likely to have an anterior myocardial infarction (55.4 vs. 47.8%; p = 0.005) and initial TIMI flow 0 (76 vs. 68%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No-reflow occurred in 16.8% of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and was more likely with older age, delayed presentation, anterior myocardial infarction and Killip class > 1. No-reflow was associated with a higher mortality at 30-day follow-up.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar la prevalencia de no reflujo y la mortalidad a 30 días en un centro universitario de un país de ingresos medios. MÉTODO: Analizamos 2,463 pacientes que se sometieron a ICP primaria desde enero de 2006 hasta diciembre de 2021. La medida de resultado fue la mortalidad a los 30 días. RESULTADOS: Del total de 2,463 pacientes, se encontró fenómeno de no reflujo en 413 (16.8%), la mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 16.7 vs. 4.29% (p < 0.001). Los pacientes sin reflujo tenían mayor edad 60 (53-69.5) vs. 59 (51-66) (p = 0.001), con mayor retraso del inicio de los síntomas a la llegada a urgencias, 270 vs. 247 min (p = 0.001). Los pacientes sin reflujo también tenían menos infarto de miocardio previo, 11.6 vs. 18.4 (p = 0.001), y una clase Killip > 1, 37 vs. 26% (p < 0.001). Los pacientes sin reflujo tenían más probabilidades de tener un infarto de miocardio anterior (55.4 vs. 47.8%; p = 0.005) y flujo TIMI inicial 0 (76 vs. 68%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Ocurrió ausencia de reflujo en el 16.8% de los pacientes con IAMCEST sometidos a ICP primaria y fue más probable con la edad avanzada, presentación tardía, infarto de miocardio anterior y clase Killip > 1. El no reflujo se asoció con una mayor mortalidad a los 30 días de seguimiento.

Evaluation of Success and Complications Scores for Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Insights from the Latin American Registry.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention is a complex procedure and is associated with considerable risk of complications. Several success and complication scores have been developed; however, data regarding their external validation in other populations such as Latin America are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the main predictors of success and complications in a broad cohort of procedures in the Latin American (LATAM) CTO registry. From April 2008 to December 2023, 3,706 consecutive procedures listed in the LATAM CTO registry were screened. Of these, 2,835 procedures had sufficient information to analyze the Multicenter CTO Registry in Japan (J-CTO); Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS); Ostial location, Rentrop grade, and Age (ORA); Clinical and Lesion-related Score (CL-score); and EuroCTO Score (CASTLE) success scores. The complication scores were PROGRESS (MACE, mortality, and pericardiocentesis) and Outcomes, Patient health status, and Efficiency iN Chronic Total Occlusion hybrid procedures (OPEN-CTO),OPEN-CLEAN. The J-CTO and CASTLE scores demonstrated the highest areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.718 and 0.703, respectively. The AUC value for the CL-score was 0.685, whereas the PROGRESS score had an AUC of 0.598 and the ORA AUC was 0.545. The level of agreement between scores was low; only 4% of the procedures were classified as difficult or very difficult by all scores and <1% were classified as easy by all 5 scores. Of the complication scores, PROGRESS mortality (AUC 0.651) and PROGRESS MACE (AUC 0.588) showed the best performance, identifying groups with >10% event rate. These results may improve the selection of revascularization techniques, especially for patient demographics that are historically underrepresented in CTO research.

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.

Impact of previous percutaneous coronary intervention on angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if previous PCI in patients with STEMI increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, and if final epicardial blood flow differs according to the reperfusion strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, comparative sub-study of the PHASE-MX trial that included patients with STEMI and reperfusion within 12 hours of symptom onset, who were classified according to their history of PCI. The occurrence of the composite primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, re-infarction, congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock) within 30 days was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Epicardial blood flow was assessed using the TIMI grading system after reperfusion. RESULTS: A total of 935 patients were included; 85.6% were males and 6.9% had a history of PCI; 53% underwent pharmacoinvasive therapy, and 47%, primary PCI. The incidence of the composite primary endpoint at 30 days in patients with a history of PCI was 9.8% vs 13.3% in those with no previous PCI (p = 0.06). Among the patients with previous PCI, 87.1% reached a final TIMI grade 3 flow after primary PCI vs. 75% in the group with pharmacoinvasive strategy (p = 0.235). CONCLUSIONS: A history of PCI does not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events at 30 days; however, it impacted negatively on the final angiographic blood flow of patients that received pharmacoinvasive therapy (compared to primary PCI).

ANTECEDENTES: El pronóstico de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) y antecedente de intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) es incierto. Objetivos: Evaluar si la ICP previa en pacientes con IAMCEST incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores y si el flujo final epicárdico varía según la estrategia de reperfusión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Subestudio de PHASE-MX, observacional, longitudinal y comparativo, de pacientes con IAMCEST reperfundidos en menos de 12 horas de iniciados los síntomas, divididos conforme el antecedente de ICP. El acaecimiento del criterio de valoración principal (muerte cardiovascular, reinfarto, insuficiencia cardíaca y choque cardiogénico) dentro de los 30 días se comparó con estimaciones de Kaplan-Meier, prueba de rangos logarítmicos y modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. El flujo epicárdico final se evaluó con el sistema de clasificación del flujo TIMI después de la reperfusión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 935 pacientes, 85.6 % del sexo masculino, 6.9 % de los cuales tenía antecedente de ICP; 53 % recibió terapia farmacoinvasiva y 47 %, ICP primaria. La incidencia del criterio de valoración principal en pacientes con ICP previa fue de 9.8 % versus 13.3 % en aquellos sin ese antecedente (p = 0.06); 87.1 % de los pacientes con ICP previa obtuvo flujo final de grado TIMI 3 versus 75 % del grupo con estrategia farmacoinvasiva (p = 0.235). CONCLUSIONES: El antecedente de ICP no incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores a los 30 días en pacientes con IAMCEST; sin embargo, impacta negativamente en el flujo sanguíneo angiográfico final de los pacientes que recibieron terapia farmacoinvasiva (en comparación con ICP primaria).

Safety of helicopter transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider. OBJETIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS. METHODS: Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.

ANTECEDENTES: Los sistemas de atención de IAMCEST han reducido los tiempos de transferencia interhospitalaria y han facilitado las metas de reperfusión oportuna. Los helicópteros pueden ser una opción cuando el transporte terrestre no es factible; sin embargo, la seguridad del transporte aéreo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) es un factor a considerar. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la seguridad del transporte en helicóptero para pacientes con SICA. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de SICA dentro de la red IAMCEST en metrópolis extensa, trasladados en helicóptero a un centro cardiovascular. El resultado primario del estudio fue la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con los viajes aéreos definidas cómo desalojo de catéter intravenoso, hipoxia, arritmia, angina, ansiedad, sangrado e hipotermia. RESULTADOS: Total de 106 pacientes; la edad media fue de 54 años y 84,9% eran hombres. La altitud media de vuelo fue de 10,100 pies y la distancia media de vuelo fue de 50,0 km. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue IAMCEST tras fibrinolisis exitosa (51,8%), seguido de IAMCEST con fibrinolisis fallida (23,7%). Cinco pacientes (4,7%) desarrollaron una complicación: desalojo IV (1,8%) e hipoxemia (1,8%) en dos pacientes y un episodio de angina durante el vuelo (0,9%). Una altitud de vuelo mayor de 10,000 pies no se asoció a complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el transporte en helicóptero es seguro en pacientes con SICA, incluso en altitudes > 10,000 pies.

Comparison of intravascular lithotripsy and rotational atherectomy for the treatment of heavily calcified coronary lesions: the STIFF ( S tenoses with calcificaTIon treated with angioplasty e FF ected with dedicated interventional tools) study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary interventions in heavily calcified coronary lesions are associated with technical difficulties and the worse prognosis. Lesion preparation is important to reduce complications and improve outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the results of rotational atherectomy (RA) and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) at achieving optimal stent implantation using intravascular ultrasound criteria. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center study comparing patients with heavily calcified coronary lesions that underwent percutaneous coronary interventions using RA or IVL. RESULTS IN TOTAL: 25 patients (13 in the RA group and 12 in the IVL group) were included. Reference vessel diameter was similar between the groups [2.59 (2.51-3.63) mm in the RA group vs. 2.79 (2.59-3.16) mm in the IVL group; P = 0.89], as were minimal lumen area [1.02 (0.80-1.23) mm vs. 1.40 (1.01-1.40) mm; P = 0.43] and diameter stenosis [60.4% (52.3-72.3) vs. 56.1% (47.8-61.3); P = 0.56). The final minimal lumen area was significantly larger in the IVL group [7.6 mm 2 (5.8-8.6) vs. 5.4 mm 2 (4.5-6.2); P = 0.01] as were lumen area gain [4.1 mm 2 (2.6-5.9) vs. 2.3 mm 2 (1.4-3.6); P = 0.01] and final stent volume [491.2 mm 3 (372.2-729.8) vs. 326.2 mm 3 (257.1-435.4); P = 0.03]. In the RA group, 69.2% of the patients achieved the preestablished intravascular ultrasound-based criteria for successful stent implantation, vs. 100% of the patients in the IVL group ( P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Patients in the IVL group achieved the Intravascular Ultrasound Versus Angiography-Guided Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation trial criteria of successful stent implantation more frequently than those treated with RA.

Reparación percutánea de insuficiencia mitral primaria con técnica borde a borde: primer reporte de caso en Uruguay / Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair of primary mitral regurgitation: first case report in Uruguay / Correção percutânea de regurgitação mitral primária com técnica "edge-to-edge": primeiro caso reportado em Uruguai

La insuficiencia mitral (IM) es una enfermedad frecuente. La degeneración mixomatosa es la principal causa de IM primaria en los países desarrollados. Si no se corrige, conduce a la disfunción ventricular y a la insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, con elevada morbimortalidad. La cirugía de reparación valvular es el tratamiento recomendado en la IM primaria severa y sintomática. En los pacientes con alto riesgo quirúrgico las opciones terapéuticas son limitadas. El surgimiento de la reparación percutánea borde a borde ha permitido ofrecer alternativas terapéuticas para estos pacientes, y se han demostrado buenos resultados. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente añoso con IM primaria severa. Por su elevado riesgo quirúrgico se optó por realizar reparación percutánea con técnica borde a borde, con excelentes resultados clínicos y ecocardiográficos. Se trata del primer reporte de caso de estas características en nuestro país.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common disease. Myxomatous degeneration is the main cause of primary MR in developed countries. If not corrected, it leads to ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure, with high morbidity and mortality. Valve repair surgery is the recommended treatment for severe and symptomatic primary MR. In patients with high surgical risk, therapeutic options are limited. The emergence of edge-to-edge percutaneous repair has made it possible to offer therapeutic alternatives for these patients, and good results have been demonstrated. We present the clinical case of an elderly patient with severe primary MR. Due to his high surgical risk, it was decided to perform percutaneous repair with edge-to-edge technique, with excellent clinical and echocardiographic results. It is the first case report of these characteristics in our country.

A regurgitação mitral (RM) é uma doença frequente. A degeneração mixomatosa é a principal causa de RM primária em países desenvolvidos. Se não for corrigido, leva à disfunção ventricular e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, com alta morbimortalidade. A cirurgia de reparo valvular é o tratamento recomendado na RM primária grave. Em pacientes com alto risco cirúrgico, as opções terapêuticas são limitadas. O surgimento do reparo percutâneo com plicatura dos segmentos é uma opção terapêutica alternativa, com bons resultados demonstrados. Apresentamos o caso clínico de um paciente doente por RM primária grave. Devido ao seu alto risco cirúrgico, optou-se pela correção percutânea com técnica "edge-to-edge", com excelentes resultados clínicos e ecocardiográficos. Este é o primeiro caso publicado com a técnica em Uruguai.

Neutrófilos en el diagnóstico de infarto del miocardio tipo 4a / Neutrophils in the Diagnosis of Type 4 Myocardial Infarction

Introducción: El infarto del miocardio tipo 4a es una complicación del intervencionismo coronario percutáneo que incrementa el estado inflamatorio de los pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar el valor diagnóstico del conteo absoluto de neutrófilos en la aparición de infarto del miocardio tipo 4a. Métodos: Se realizó una cohorte prospectiva en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras. El universo estuvo constituido por 412 pacientes a los que se les realizó intervencionismo coronario percutáneo en el período comprendido de noviembre de 2018 a enero de 2021, la muestra fue de 232 pacientes. Se definieron variables clínicas, anatómicas, e inflamatorias. Resultados: Existieron diferencias significativas entre los pacientes con infarto tipo 4a y los que no tuvieron esta complicación según las variables clínicas: edad, índice de masa corporal, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad renal crónica y disfunción sistólica ventricular. La elevación del conteo absoluto de neutrófilos posterior al proceder con un área bajo la curva de 0,947 tuvo buena capacidad de discriminación de esta complicación (p = 0,000). En el diagnóstico de infarto periproceder el conteo absoluto de neutrófilos fue 7,35 posterior al proceder, tuvo una sensibilidad de 91,3 por ciento una especificidad de 96,2 por ciento. Conclusiones: Los neutrófilos fueron sensibles y específicos para el diagnóstico de infarto del miocardio tipo 4a(AU)

Introduction: Type 4 myocardial infarction is a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention that increases the inflammatory state of patients. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the absolute neutrophil count in the occurrence of type 4 myocardial infarction. Methods: A prospective cohort was carried out at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital. The universe consisted of 412 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention from November 2018 to January 2021, two hundred thirty-two (232) patients form the sample. Clinical, anatomical and inflammatory variables were defined. Results: There were significant differences between patients with type 4 infarction and those who did not have this complication according to the clinical variables such as age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and ventricular systolic dysfunction. The subsequent elevation of the absolute neutrophil count when proceeding with an area under the 0.947 curve had good ability to discriminate this complication (p = 0.000). In the diagnosis of periprocedural infarction, the absolute neutrophil count was ≥ 7.35 after the procedure, it had 91.3percent sensitivity and 96.2percent specificity. Conclusions: Neutrophils were sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of type 4 myocardial infarction(AU)

Overview of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions for Chronic Total Occlusions Treated at Brazilian Centers Participating in the LATAM CTO Registry. / Panorama das Intervenções Coronárias Percutâneas em Oclusões Totais Crônicas em Centros Participantes do LATAM CTO Registry no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Major advances have been seen in techniques and devices for performing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs), but there are limited real-world practice data from developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To report clinical and angiographic characteristics, procedural aspects, and clinical outcomes of CTO PCI performed at dedicated centers in Brazil. METHODS: Included patients underwent CTO PCI at centers participating in the LATAM CTO Registry, a Latin American multicenter registry dedicated to prospective collection of these data. Inclusion criteria were procedures performed in Brazil, age 18 years or over, and presence of CTO with PCI attempt. CTO was defined as a 100% lesion in an epicardial coronary artery, known or estimated to have lasted at least 3 months. RESULTS: Data on 1196 CTO PCIs were included. Procedures were performed primarily for angina control (85%) and/or treatment of moderate/severe ischemia (24%). Technical success rate was 84%, being achieved with antegrade wire approaches in 81% of procedures, antegrade dissection and re-entry in 9%, and retrograde approaches in 10%. In-hospital adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 2.3% of cases, with a mortality rate of 0.75%. CONCLUSIONS: CTOs can be treated effectively in Brazil by using PCI, with low complication rates. The scientific and technological development observed in this area in the past decade is reflected in the clinical practice of dedicated Brazilian centers.

FUNDAMENTO: Tem sido observado um grande avanço nas técnicas e nos dispositivos para a realização de intervenções coronárias percutâneas (ICP) em oclusões totais coronarianas crônicas (OTC), mas existem poucos dados da prática do mundo real em países em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVOS: Relatar as características clínicas e angiográficas, os aspectos dos procedimentos e os resultados clínicos da ICP de OTC em centros dedicados a esse procedimento no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes incluídos foram submetidos à ICP de OTC em centros participantes do LATAM CTO Registry, um registro multicêntrico latino-americano dedicado à coleta prospectiva desses dados. Os critérios de inclusão foram procedimentos realizados no Brasil, idade acima de 18 anos e presença de OTC com tentativa de ICP. A definição de OTC foi lesão de 100% em uma artéria coronária epicárdica, conhecida ou estimada como tendo pelo menos 3 meses de evolução. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos dados de 1.196 ICPs de OTC. Os procedimentos foram realizados principalmente para controle da angina (85%) e/ou tratamento de uma grande área isquêmica (24%). A taxa de sucesso técnico foi de 84% e foi alcançada com técnicas de fios anterógrados em 81%, dissecção/reentrada anterógrada em 9% e retrógrada em 10% dos procedimentos. Os eventos cardiovasculares adversos intra-hospitalares ocorreram em 2,3% dos casos, sendo a mortalidade de 0,75%. CONCLUSÕES: As OTC podem ser tratadas no Brasil por intervenção coronária percutânea de forma efetiva e com baixas taxas de complicações. O desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico observado nessa área na última década reflete-se na prática clínica de centros brasileiros dedicados a essa técnica.

Randomized Noninferiority Trial of Radiation Exposure During Coronary Angiography: the Transradial and Transfemoral Approach by EXPERienced Operators in Daily rouTine (EXPERT) Trial.

BACKGROUND: The transradial approach (TRA) to coronary angiography reduces vascular complications but is associated with greater radiation exposure than the transfemoral approach (TFA). It is unknown whether exposure remains higher when TRA is performed by experienced operators. METHODS: Patients were randomly, prospectively assigned to TRA or TFA. The primary end point was patient radiation dose; secondary end points were the physician radiation dose and 30-day major adverse cardiac event rate. Coronary angiography was performed by experienced operators using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between the TRA (n = 150) and TFA (n = 149) groups, and they had comparable mean (SD) radiation doses for patients (616.51 [252] vs 585.57 [225] mGy; P = .13) and physicians (0.49 [0.3] vs 0.46 [0.29] mSv; P = .32). The mean (SD) fluoroscopy time (3.52 [2.02] vs 3.13 [2.46] min; P = .14) and the mean (SD) dose area product (35,496.5 [15,670] vs 38,313.4 [17,764.9] mGy·cm2; P = .2) did not differ. None of the following factors predicted higher radiation doses: female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69 [95% CI, 0.38-1.3]; P = .34), body mass index >25 (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.43-1.6]; P = .76), age >65 years (HR, 1.67 [95% CI, 0.89-3.1]; P = .11), severe valve disease (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.52-3.5]; P = .68), or previous coronary artery bypass graft (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2-1.8; P = .38). CONCLUSION: TRA for elective coronary angiography is noninferior to TFA when performed by experienced operators.

Feasibility of distal transradial access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: an observational and prospective study in a Latin-American Centre.

BACKGROUND: Distal transradial access (dTRA) as a refinement of the conventional transradial access (TRA) has advantages in terms of risk of radial artery occlusion (RAO). In order to evaluate the real-world feasibility and safety of dTRA as the default access site for routine coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a Latin-American centre, this prospective observational registry was conducted. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a prior assessment for CAG and/or PCI were enrolled in this single-centre prospective registry from October 2018 to March 2019. The primary endpoints were the success rate of CAG and PCI. Secondary endpoints included the success rate of puncture of the distal radial artery, complications at the puncture site and puncture time. RESULTS: The success rates of CAG and PCI were 100% (155/155) and 97% (69/71), respectively. Puncture time and fluoroscopic time were 52 ± 19 seconds and 16.3 ± 35.4 minutes, respectively. Haemostasis time was 142 ± 45 min. A total of 19 (12.5%) puncture site complications occurred, including 18 (11.6%) minor haematomas and one (0.6%) arterial perforation, in which the artery was patent at the one-month follow-up. Five patients complained of left thumb numbness at a one-month follow-up. No distal radial artery occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The success and complication rates of ldTRA support the feasibility and safety of this procedure using the appropriate materials in previously selected patients.

Relationship between the Fibrinogen/Albumin Ratio and Microvascular Perfusion in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Study. / Relação entre a Relação Fibrinogênio/Albumina e a Perfusão Microvascular em Pacientes Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária para Infarto do Miocárdio com Elevação do Segmento ST: Um Estudo Prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: Correct TIMI frame count (CTFC), myocardial blush grade (MBG), and ST-segment resolution (STR) are parameters used to evaluate reperfusion at the microvascular level in patients that have undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has been associated with thrombotic events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and chronic venous insufficiency. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship of FAR with CTFC, MBG, and STR. Methods: The study included 167 consecutive patients who underwent successful pPCI for STEMI and achieved TIMI-3 flow. The cases were divided into two groups, high (>0.0765) and low FAR (≤0.0765), according to the cut-off value of this parameter in the receiver operator characteristic analysis (ROC). STR, CTFC, and MBG were used to evaluate myocardial reperfusion. P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: CTFC value, SYNTAX score, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, low-density lipoprotein, glucose, and peak cTnT were significantly higher, whereas STR, MBG, and LVEF were lower in the high FAR group. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the FAR and STR (r=-0.666, p<0.001), MBG (-0.523, p<0.001), and CTFC (r=0.731, p≤0.001). According to the logistic regression analysis, FAR, glucose, peak cTnT, and pain to balloon time were the most important independent predictors of MBG 0/1, CTFC>28, and STR<50%).ROC analysis revealed that the cut-off value of FAR≥0.0765 was a predictor of incomplete STR with a sensitivity of 71.9 % and a specificity of 69.8 %, MBG0/1 with a sensitivity of 72.6 % and a specificity of 68.6 %, and CTFC >28 with a sensitivity of 76 % and a specificity of 65.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: FAR is an important independent predictor of microvascular perfusion in patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI.

FUNDAMENTO: A contagem corrigida de quadros TIMI (CTFC), o grau de blush miocárdico (MBG) e a resolução do segmento ST (STR) são parâmetros utilizados para avaliar a reperfusão em nível microvascular em pacientes submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICPp). A relação fibrinogênio/albumina (FAR) tem sido associada a eventos trombóticos em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (IAMCSST) e insuficiência venosa crônica. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a relação do FAR com CTFC, MBG e STR.Métodos: O estudo incluiu 167 pacientes consecutivos que foram submetidos a ICPp com sucesso para IAMCSST e alcançaram fluxo TIMI-3. Os casos foram divididos em dois grupos, FAR alto (> 0,0765) e FAR baixo (≤ 0,0765), de acordo com o valor de corte desse parâmetro na análise característica do operador do receptor (ROC).  STR, CTFC e MBG foram utilizados para avaliar a reperfusão miocárdica. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: O valor CTFC, escore SYNTAX, relação neutrófilos/linfócitos, lipoproteína de baixa densidade, glicose e pico de cTnT foram significativamente maiores, enquanto STR, MBG e FEVE foram menores no grupo FAR alto. A análise de correlação de Spearman revelou relação significativa entre FAR e STR (r=-0,666, p<0,001), MBG (-0,523, p<0,001) e CTFC (r=0,731, p≤0,001). De acordo com a análise de regressão logística, FAR, glicose, pico de cTnT e dor até o tempo de Balão foram os preditores independentes mais importantes de MBG 0/1, CTFC>28 e STR<50%). A análise ROC revelou que o ponto de corte o valor de FAR≥0,0765 foi preditor de STR incompleto com sensibilidade de 71,9% e especificidade de 69,8%, MBG0/1 com sensibilidade de 72,6% e especificidade de 68,6%, e CTFC>28 com sensibilidade de 76% e uma especificidade de 65,8%. CONCLUSÕES: A FAR é um importante preditor independente de perfusão microvascular em pacientes submetidos a ICPp por IAMCSST.

Late myocardial reperfusion in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most severe clinical form of acute myocardial infarction, for which the current treatment consists of effective and timely myocardial reperfusion (within 12 hours of symptom onset). However, between 10% and 15% of patients with STEMI arrive at hospital facilities 12 hours after the onset of symptoms (late presentation). Therefore, the objective of the present study will be to determine if late revascularisation (12-72 hours after the onset of symptoms) affects the indicators of cardiovascular mortality, reinfarction, recurrent infarction, hospitalisation for heart failure and post infarction angina compared with no late revascularisation in patients with STEMI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic literature search of PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus and Global Health will be conducted. Publications in English, Portuguese or Spanish that report the clinical results of primary percutaneous revascularisation (primary PCI) in adult patients with STEMI 12-72 hours after the onset of symptoms will be included. Studies with participants with a diagnosis other than STEMI or patients with STEMI of >12 hours complicated by heart failure, cardiogenic shock or ventricular arrhythmias, and studies of combined interventions (pharmacoinvasive strategy) were excluded. Two independent authors will identify the relevant publications, and discrepancies will be adjudicated by a third author. Data extraction will be performed by two independent authors and verified by a third author. Risk of bias of studies will be assessed using the Cochrane 'risk of bias' tool (RoB 2) or Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be performed in order to examine the effect of late revascularisation in clinical outcomes of interest. ETHICS AND DISCUSSION: This study will use published data only, thus, ethical approval will not be required. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021283429.

Relationship between contrast-induced nephropathy and long-term mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with chronic coronary total occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: Intervention in chronic total occlusion lesions involves long procedure time, a serious contrast load, and complex procedures. In this study, we aimed to investigate mortality rate of patients who had procedural coronary angiography done for chronic total occlusion lesions in coronary angiography series and who developed contrast-induced nephropathy. METHODS: A total of 218 patients with chronic total occlusion lesion in at least one coronary artery, from three different medical centers, who underwent procedural coronary angiography were recruited for the study. Patient population was divided into two groups: those who developed contrast-induced nephropathy and those who did not. Mortality due to all causes was investigated between both groups throughout a 100-month follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of patients with incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy was 66.7±11.8, and 23.8% of them were comprised by female. We found a significantly higher mortality in long-term follow-up in the patient group with contrast-induced nephropathy (42.9 vs. 57.1%, p=<0.001). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis performed additionally, survival during follow-up was significantly shorter in this group and, in logistic regression analysis, it was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 11.78; 95%CI 3.38-40.9). CONCLUSION: We identified that the development of contrast-induced nephropathy is associated with long-term mortality. It might be possible to reduce adverse events with prophylactic approaches before the procedure and close follow-up of such patients after the procedure.

Impacts of Omaha System-Based Continuing Care on the Medication Compliance, Quality of Life, and Prognosis of Coronary Heart Disease Patients After PCI.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to explore the impacts of Omaha System-based continuing care on medication compliance, quality of life (QOL), and prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 100 CHD patients who were hospitalized and received PCI were selected and divided into the control group and the observation group, 50 patients per group, according to a random number table method. The control group was given routine care, while the observation group was applied Omaha System-based continuing care on the basis of the control group. RESULTS: Follow-up demonstrated that the Morisky-Green score of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.001), indicating that the medication compliance of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group (P<0.001). The short form-36 (SF-36) scores were notably higher after nursing compared with on admission; SF-36 scores of the observation group were significantly increased than those of the control group (P<0.001). The incidence of major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in the observation group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.001). The nursing satisfaction of the observation group was considerably higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Omaha System-based continuing care could improve the medication compliance and QOL, reduce the incidence of MACE, and benefit the prognosis of CHD patients after PCI.