Pre-Operative Continued Oral Anticoagulation Impact on Early Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Considering that there is a lack of evidence and guideline-based recommendations on the best preoperative oral anticoagulation management (OAC) for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), this cohort study aimed to evaluate bleeding, access site complications, and early safety in patients undergoing TAVI on continued OAC therapy vs no-OAC therapy. Three-hundred forty-four patients submitted to a TAVI procedure (66.3% no-OAC vs 33.7% OAC) were consecutively enrolled. Primary endpoint was defined as in-hospital VARC-2 life-threatening or disabling bleeding. Secondary endpoints were in-hospital VARC-2 major vascular complications and VARC-2 early safety at 30 days. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce potential distribution bias, resulting in 2 well-balanced groups (92 patients in each arm). In the overall cohort, mean age, median EuroScore II, and STS-score were 78.7±7.6 years, 2.9% (1.7-5.9), and 2.3% (1.6-3.6), respectively. Despite being older (78 ± 8 vs 80 ± 6, p = 0.004) and having higher STS score (2.1 vs 2.6, p = 0.001), patients on OAC had similar incidence of in-hospital VARC-2 life-threatening or disabling bleeding (1.3% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.711), major vascular complications (4.8% vs 5.2%, p = 0.888), and VARC-2 early safety at 30 days (10.1% vs 12.1%, p = 0.575). No significant differences in the main outcomes were observed when propensity score matching was applied. In conclusion, the management of patients on OAC submitted to a TAVI procedure is challenging and requires balancing the risk of bleeding with the risk of thromboembolic events. The present study suggests that continued OAC was not associated with increased in-hospital VARC-2 life-threatening or disabling bleeding, major vascular complications, and VARC-2 early safety at 30 days.

Feasibility and Safety of Cerebral Embolic Protection Device Insertion in Bovine Aortic Arch Anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) have emerged as a mechanical barrier to prevent debris from reaching the cerebral vasculature, potentially reducing stroke incidence. Bovine aortic arch (BAA) is the most common arch variant and represents challenge anatomy for CEPD insertion during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: Cohort study reporting the SentinelTM Cerebral Protection System insertion's feasibility and safety in 165 adult patients submitted to a transfemoral TAVR procedure from April 2019 to April 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) BAA; (2) non-BAA. RESULTS: Median age, EuroScore II, and STS score were 79 years (74-84), 2.9% (1.7-6.2), and 2.2% (1.6-3.2), respectively. BAA was present in 12% of cases. Successful two-filter insertion was 86.6% (89% non-BAA vs. 65% BAA; p = 0.002), and debris was captured in 95% (94% non-BAA vs. 95% BAA; p = 0.594). No procedural or vascular complications associated with Sentinel insertion and no intraprocedural strokes were reported. There were two postprocedural non-disabling strokes, both in non-BAA. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated Sentinel insertion feasibility and safety in BAA. No procedural and access complications related to Sentinel deployment were reported. Being aware of the bovine arch prevalence and having the techniques to navigate through it allows operators to successfully use CEPDs in this anatomy.

Mechanical complications in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess characteristics and outcomes of patients suffering a mechanical complication (MC) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a contemporary cohort of patients in the percutaneous coronary intervention era. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective single-center cohort study encompasses 2508 patients admitted with STEMI between March 9, 2009 and June 30, 2014. A total of 26 patients (1.1%) suffered a mechanical complication: ventricular septal rupture (VSR) in 17, ventricular free wall rupture (VFWR) in 2, a combination of VSD and VFWR in 2, and papillary muscle rupture (PMR) in 5 patients. Older age (74.5 ± 10.4 years versus 63.9 ± 13.1 years, p < 0.001), female sex (42.3% versus 23.3%, p = 0.034), and a longer latency period between symptom onset and angiography (> 24h: 42.3% versus 16.2%, p = 0.002) were more frequent among patients with MC as compared to patients without MC. The majority of MC patients had multivessel disease (77%) and presented in cardiogenic shock (Killip class IV: 73.1%). Nine patients (7 VSR, 2 VFWR & VSR) were treated conservatively and died. Out of the remaining 10 VSR patients, four underwent surgery, three underwent implantation of an occluder device, and another three patients had surgical repair following occluder device implantation. All patients with isolated VFWR and PMR underwent emergency surgery. At 30 days, mortality for VSR, VFWR, VFWR & VSR and PMR amounted to 71%, 50%, 100% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in the management of STEMI patients, mortality of mechanical complications stays considerable in this contemporary cohort. Older age, female sex, and a prolonged latency period between symptom onset and angiography are associated with the occurrence of these complications.

Unselected Use of Ultrathin Strut Biodegradable Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stent for Coronary Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SESs) have been reported to be noninferior compared with durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (DP-EES) in a randomized clinical trial. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of an ultrathin strut BP-SES with a DP-EES in an all-comers population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 7640 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between March 2011 and June 2015, 4638 patients were exclusively treated with BP-SES (N=1896; 3137 lesions) or DP-EES (N=2742; 4468 lesions). After propensity score matching within strata of clinical indications, the final study population consisted of 2902 matched patients (BP-SES 2406 lesions and DP-EES 2368 lesions). The primary device-oriented composite end point (DOCE) included cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 1 year. BP-SES (6.9%) was noninferior to DP-EES (8.0%) with respect to device-oriented composite end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.65-1.11; P for noninferiority <0.001; P for superiority=0.24). No differences in cardiac death (BP-SES, 2.3% versus DP-EES, 3.0%; HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.49-1.20; P=0.25), myocardial infarction (BP-SES, 4.6% versus DP-EES, 4.6%; HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.71-1.40; P=0.99), or target lesion revascularization (BP-SES, 2.8% versus DP-EES, 2.5%; HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.71-1.74; P=0.65) were observed. The rate of periprocedural myocardial infarction was comparable between the 2 groups (2.1% versus 2.2%; HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.59-1.58; P=0.89). The rate of definite stent thrombosis was similarly low throughout 1 year (BP-SES, 0.8% versus DP-EES, 0.8%; HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.45-2.22; P=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: In a consecutively enrolled percutaneous coronary intervention population reflecting routine clinical practice, BP-SES was noninferior to DP-EES for device-oriented composite end point at 1 year. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02241291.

Frequency, Reasons, and Impact of Premature Ticagrelor Discontinuation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Revascularization in Routine Clinical Practice: Results From the Bern Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry.

BACKGROUND: Although ticagrelor has improved clinical outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome compared with clopidogrel, adherence to this new antiplatelet agent in real-world practice has not been fully investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between November 2011 and June 2014, 1278 of 4831 consecutive patients (26.5%) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention at a tertiary care center were treated with ticagrelor. Premature ticagrelor cessation was categorized into (1) change, when ticagrelor was replaced by prasugrel; (2) de-escalation, when ticagrelor was replaced by clopidogrel; and (3) premature discontinuation, when ticagrelor was discontinued without P2Y12 inhibitor replacement. Of 1278 patients treated with ticagrelor, premature treatment cessation occurred in 212 patients (17%). De-escalation to clopidogrel was the most frequent scenario (57%; n=120), followed by premature discontinuation (28%; n=60) and change to prasugrel (15%; n=32). Reasons for ticagrelor cessation included adverse effects (49%), initiation of oral anticoagulation (19%), and unspecified general practitioner preference (10%). Most frequent adverse effects leading to premature ticagrelor cessation were bleeding (41%), dyspnea (29%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (18%). Premature ticagrelor cessation was not associated with an increased risk of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.40-1.32; P=0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Premature ticagrelor cessation in routine clinical practice occurred in 1 of 6 patients and was primarily related to adverse effects among which bleeding and dyspnea were the most frequent. Although premature ticagrelor cessation was not associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, this finding requires careful interpretation in view of the modest sample size. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02241291.

Basic concepts of heart-lung interactions during mechanical ventilation.

Critically ill patients with the need for mechanical ventilation show complex interactions between respiratory and cardiovascular physiology. These interactions are important as they may guide the clinician's therapeutic decisions and, possibly, affect patient outcome. The aim of the present review is to provide the practicing physician with an overview of the concepts of heart-lung interactions during mechanical ventilation. We outline the basic cardiac and respiratory physiology during spontaneous breathing and under mechanical ventilation. The main focus is on the interaction between positive pressure ventilation and its effects on right and left ventricular pre- and afterload and ventricular interdependence. Further we discuss different modalities to assess volume responsiveness, such as pulse pressure variation. We aim to familiarise the reader with cardiovascular side effects of mechanical ventilation when experiencing weaning problems or right heart failure.

Duration of Triple Antithrombotic Therapy and Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in relation to the duration of triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) among patients with indications for oral anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: TAT is recommended for patients undergoing PCI with a firm indication for oral anticoagulation. Duration of TAT may influence outcomes, but the optimal period of TAT remains uncertain. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, 8,772 consecutive patients undergoing PCI for stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome were prospectively included in the Bern PCI Registry (NCT02241291). Of 568 patients with indications for oral anticoagulation, 245 (43%) were discharged on a regimen of 1-month TAT and 323 (57%) on a regimen >1-month TAT (mean 5.1 ± 3.3 months, median 3 months). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, definite stent thrombosis, or TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) major bleeding within 1 year. RESULTS: Patients on 1-month compared with >1-month TAT were more commonly women, with stable coronary artery disease, had higher HAS-BLED scores, and less frequently received drug-eluting stents. In multivariate analyses, the primary endpoint did not differ between groups (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 0.56 to 2.06; p = 0.84). Results were consistent in stratified analyses in relation to clinical presentation with acute coronary syndrome (38%) and PCI with drug-eluting stents (79%) (p for interaction = 0.18 and 0.95, respectively). There were no differences in the secondary bleeding endpoint, Bleeding Academic Research Consortium ≥3 bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.21 to 1.80; p = 0.37) and the secondary composite ischemic endpoint (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or definite stent thrombosis) (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.55 to 2.29; p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: One-month TAT, used preferentially in patients with higher estimated bleeding risk in this observational study, was associated with similar net clinical outcomes compared with longer TAT durations throughout 1 year following PCI.

Risk and timing of recurrent ischemic events among patients with stable ischemic heart disease, non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare differences in risk and timing of recurrent ischemic events among patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD), non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We performed an individual data pooled analysis of 5 randomized controlled all-comer trials including a total of 8,859 patients and investigated the risk and timing of recurrent ischemic events among patients with SIHD (n = 3,543), NSTE-ACS (n = 3,364), and STEMI (n = 1,952) throughout 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: At 2 years, all-cause mortality was higher among patients with STEMI (6.4%) and NSTE-ACS (6.1%) compared with those with SIHD (4.2%) (STEMI vs SIHD: hazard ratio [HR] 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.78, P = .007; NSTE-ACS vs SIHD: 1.40, 95% CI 1.13-1.73, P = .002). In a landmark analysis, the risk of mortality among patients with STEMI compared with those with SIHD was confined to the first 30 days after PCI (HR 6.19, 95% CI 3.15-12.16, P < .001) but was similar between 30 days and 2 years (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.76-1.33, P = .974) (Pinteraction < .001). Conversely, patients with NSTE-ACS had a higher risk of mortality compared with those with SIHD both within the first 30 days (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.08-4.47, P = .031) and beyond (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.67, P = .012) (Pinteraction < .001). A similar pattern in the differential timing of events was observed for cardiac death. Beyond 30 days, the risk of myocardial infarction was comparable in patients with STEMI and SIHD, whereas the risk in patients with NSTE-ACS was increased (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.23-2.21, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Whereas patients with NSTE-ACS are at increased risk for death at any time after PCI, the mortality of STEMI patients is higher during the first 30 days after PCI but not thereafter compared with patients with SIHD.

External validity of the "all-comers" design: insights from the BIOSCIENCE trial.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to systematically evaluate the external validity of a contemporary randomized controlled stent trial (BIOSCIENCE). METHODS: Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients enrolled into the BIOSCIENCE trial at Bern University Hospital (n = 1216) were compared to those of patients included in the CARDIOBASE Bern PCI Registry at the same institution (n = 1045). The primary study endpoint was the rate of target lesion failure (TLF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel-myocardial infarction (MI) or target lesion revascularization (TLR), at 1 year. RESULTS: Women were underrepresented in the RCT compared to the registry (25 vs. 29.4 %, p = 0.020). Non-participants were older compared to study participants (69.2 ± 12.4 vs. 67.0 ± 11.6, p < 0.001), and had a higher prevalence of previous cerebrovascular events (10.8 vs. 5.2 %, p < 0.001), and chronic renal failure (35.5 vs. 15.6 %, p < 0.001). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and Killip class IV at presentation were more common among non-participants than participants (30.7 vs. 21.1 %, p < 0.001 and 7.8 vs. 0.4 %, p < 0.001, respectively). At 1 year, non-participants experienced a significantly higher rate of TLF, (15.0 vs. 6.5 %, p < 0.001), and patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE), including death, MI or any repeat revascularization (21.6 vs. 11.2 %, p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between POCE and presence or absence of an acute coronary syndrome in participants versus non-participants, respectively (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Non-participants of this all-comers trial had a higher risk profile and adverse prognosis compared to study participants. Further efforts are needed to improve the external validity of contemporary RCTs.

Biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents for primary percutaneous coronary revascularisation of acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of a novel, ultrathin strut, biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) with a thin strut, durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP-EES) in a pre-specified subgroup of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) enrolled in the BIOSCIENCE trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The BIOSCIENCE trial is an investigator-initiated, single-blind, multicentre, randomised non-inferiority trial (NCT01443104). Randomisation was stratified according to the presence or absence of STEMI. The primary endpoint, target lesion failure (TLF), is a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically indicated target lesion revascularisation within 12 months. Between February 2012 and May 2013, 407 STEMI patients were randomly assigned to treatment with BP-SES or DP-EES. At one year, TLF occurred in seven (3.4%) patients treated with BP-SES and 17 (8.8%) patients treated with DP-EES (RR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16-0.91, p=0.024). Rates of cardiac death were 1.5% in the BP-SES group and 4.7% in the DP-EES group (RR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.08-1.14, p=0.062); rates of target vessel myocardial infarction were 0.5% and 2.6% (RR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.02-1.57, p=0.082), respectively, and rates of clinically indicated target lesion revascularisation were 1.5% in the BP-SES group versus 2.1% in the DP-EES group (RR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.16-3.10, p=0.631). There was no difference in the risk of definite stent thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this pre-specified subgroup analysis, BP-SES was associated with a lower rate of target lesion failure at one year compared to DP-EES in STEMI patients. These findings require confirmation in a dedicated STEMI trial.

Trombectomía por aspiración para el tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST: un metanálisis de 26 ensayos aleatorizados con 11.943 pacientes / Aspiration thrombectomy for treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of 26 randomized trials in 11 943 patients

Introducción y objetivos: Hay un debate permanente respecto al uso sistemático de la trombectomía por aspiración en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados de la intervención y los resultados clínicos en pacientes tratados con intervención coronaria percutánea primaria asistida mediante trombectomía por aspiración con los de una intervención coronaria percutánea primaria convencional en el contexto de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. Métodos: Se realizó un metanálisis de 26 ensayos controlados y aleatorizados con un total de 11.943 pacientes. Los resultados clínicos se extrajeron durante el periodo máximo de seguimiento y se utilizaron modelos de efectos aleatorios para evaluar las diferencias de los resultados. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias en el riesgo de muerte por cualquier causa (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,88; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,74-1,04; p = 0,124), reinfarto (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,85; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,67-1,08; p = 0,176), revascularización de vaso diana (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,86; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,73-1,00; p = 0,052) o trombosis de stent definitiva (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,76; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,49-1,16; p = 0,202) entre los dos grupos tras una media ponderada de tiempo de seguimiento de 10,4 meses. Se produjeron reducciones significativas de no lograr flujo Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,70; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,60-0,81; p < 0,001), el grado 3 de opacificación (blush) miocárdica (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,76; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,65-0,89; p = 0,001), resoluciones del segmento ST incompletas (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,72; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,62-0,84; p < 0,001) y los signos de embolización distal (razón de riesgos combinada = 0,61; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,46-0,81; p = 0,001) con la trombectomía por aspiración, pero las estimaciones fueron heterogéneas entre los ensayos. Conclusiones: En pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST no seleccionados, la intervención coronaria percutánea primaria asistida mediante trombectomía por aspiración no mejora los resultados clínicos pese a la mejora de los parámetros de reperfusión epicárdicos y miocárdicos (AU)

Introduction and objectives: There is continued debate about the routine use of aspiration thrombectomy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Our aim was to evaluate clinical and procedural outcomes of aspiration thrombectomy-assisted primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared with conventional primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 11 943 patients. Clinical outcomes were extracted up to maximum follow-up and random effect models were used to assess differences in outcomes. Results: We observed no difference in the risk of all-cause death (pooled risk ratio = 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.04; P = .124), reinfarction (pooled risk ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.08; P = .176), target vessel revascularization (pooled risk ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-1.00; P = .052), or definite stent thrombosis (pooled risk ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-1.16; P = .202) between the 2 groups at a mean weighted follow-up time of 10.4 months. There were significant reductions in failure to reach Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow (pooled risk ratio = 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.81; P < .001) or myocardial blush grade 3 (pooled risk ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.89; P = .001), incomplete ST-segment resolution (pooled risk ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.84; P < .001), and evidence of distal embolization (pooled risk ratio = 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.81; P = .001) with aspiration thrombectomy but estimates were heterogeneous between trials. Conclusions: Among unselected patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, aspiration thrombectomy-assisted primary percutaneous coronary intervention does not improve clinical outcomes, despite improved epicardial and myocardial parameters of reperfusion (AU)

Aspiration Thrombectomy for Treatment of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: a Meta-analysis of 26 Randomized Trials in 11,943 Patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is continued debate about the routine use of aspiration thrombectomy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Our aim was to evaluate clinical and procedural outcomes of aspiration thrombectomy-assisted primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared with conventional primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 11 943 patients. Clinical outcomes were extracted up to maximum follow-up and random effect models were used to assess differences in outcomes. RESULTS: We observed no difference in the risk of all-cause death (pooled risk ratio = 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.04; P = .124), reinfarction (pooled risk ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.08; P = .176), target vessel revascularization (pooled risk ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-1.00; P = .052), or definite stent thrombosis (pooled risk ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-1.16; P = .202) between the 2 groups at a mean weighted follow-up time of 10.4 months. There were significant reductions in failure to reach Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow (pooled risk ratio = 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.81; P < .001) or myocardial blush grade 3 (pooled risk ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.89; P = .001), incomplete ST-segment resolution (pooled risk ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.84; P < .001), and evidence of distal embolization (pooled risk ratio = 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.81; P = .001) with aspiration thrombectomy but estimates were heterogeneous between trials. CONCLUSIONS: Among unselected patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, aspiration thrombectomy-assisted primary percutaneous coronary intervention does not improve clinical outcomes, despite improved epicardial and myocardial parameters of reperfusion.

Clinical impact of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors and clinical sequelae of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in the current era of drug-eluting stents, prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, and potent P2Y12 inhibitors are not well established. We determined the frequency, predictors, and clinical impact of GIB after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in a contemporary cohort of consecutive patients treated with unrestricted use of drug-eluting stents. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2012, all consecutive patients undergoing PCI were prospectively included in the Bern PCI Registry. Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) GIB and cardiovascular outcomes were recorded within 1 year of follow-up. Among 6212 patients, 84.1% received new-generation drug-eluting stents and 19.5% received prasugrel. At 1 year, GIB had occurred in 65 patients (1.04%); 70.8% of all events and 84.4% of BARC ≥ 3B events were recorded > 30 days after PCI. The majority of events (64.4%) were related to upper GIB with a more delayed time course compared with lower GIB. Increasing age, previous GIB, history of malignancy, smoking, and triple antithrombotic therapy (ie, oral anticoagulation plus dual antiplatelet therapy) were independent predictors of GIB in multivariable analysis. GIB was associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.67-6.92; P = 0.001) and the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-7.07; P < 0.001) and was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality during 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Among unselected patients undergoing PCI, GIB has a profound effect on prognosis. Triple antithrombotic therapy emerged as the single drug-related predictor of GIB in addition to patient-related risk factors within 1 year of PCI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02241291.

Safety and efficacy of resolute zotarolimus-eluting stents compared with everolimus-eluting stents: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although new-generation drug-eluting stents represent the standard of care among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, there remains debate about differences in efficacy and the risk of stent thrombosis between the Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES) and the everolimus-eluting stent (EES). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the R-ZES compared with EES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic literature search of electronic resources was performed using specific search terms until September 2014. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing clinical outcomes between patients treated with R-ZES and EES up to maximum available follow-up. The primary efficacy end point was target-vessel revascularization. The primary safety end point was definite or probable stent thrombosis. Secondary safety end points were cardiac death and target-vessel myocardial infarction. Five trials were identified, including a total of 9899 patients. Compared with EES, R-ZES had similar risks of target-vessel revascularization (risk ratio [RR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.24; P=0.50), definite or probable stent thrombosis (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.86-1.85; P=0.24), cardiac death (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.79-1.30; P=0.91), and target-vessel myocardial infarction (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.89-1.36; P=0.39). Moreover, R-ZES and EES had similar risks of late definite or probable very late stent thrombosis (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.53-2.11; P=0.87). No evidence of significant heterogeneity was observed across trials. CONCLUSIONS: R-ZES and EES provide similar safety and efficacy among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Impact of mitral regurgitation on clinical outcomes of patients with low-ejection fraction, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Up to 1 in 6 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) present with low-ejection fraction, low-gradient (LEF-LG) severe aortic stenosis and concomitant relevant mitral regurgitation (MR) is present in 30% to 55% of these patients. The effect of MR on clinical outcomes of LEF-LG patients undergoing TAVI is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 606 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI, 113 (18.7%) patients with LEF-LG severe aortic stenosis (mean gradient ≤40 mm Hg, aortic valve area <1.0 cm(2), left ventricular ejection fraction <50%) were analyzed. LEF-LG patients were dichotomized into ≤mild MR (n=52) and ≥moderate MR (n=61). Primary end point was all-cause mortality at 1 year. No differences in mortality were observed at 30 days (P=0.76). At 1 year, LEF-LG patients with ≥moderate MR had an adjusted 3-fold higher rate of all-cause mortality (11.5% versus 38.1%; adjusted hazard ratio, 3.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.31-8.15]; P=0.011), as compared with LEF-LG patients with ≤mild MR. Mortality was mainly driven by cardiac death (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.62; P=0.005). As compared with LEF-LG patients with ≥moderate MR assigned to medical therapy, LEF-LG patients with ≥moderate MR undergoing TAVI had significantly lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.019-0.75) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate or severe MR is a strong independent predictor of late mortality in LEF-LG patients undergoing TAVI. However, LEF-LG patients assigned to medical therapy have a dismal prognosis independent of MR severity suggesting that TAVI should not be withheld from symptomatic patients with LEF-LG severe aortic stenosis even in the presence of moderate or severe MR.

Predictors of adverse events among patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from a pooled analysis of the COMFORTABLE AMI and EXAMINATION trials.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify predictors of adverse events among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing contemporary primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Individual data of 2,655 patients from two primary PCI trials (EXAMINATION, N=1,504; COMFORTABLE AMI, N=1,161) with identical endpoint definitions and event adjudication were pooled. Predictors of all-cause death or any reinfarction and definite stent thrombosis (ST) and target lesion revascularisation (TLR) outcomes at one year were identified by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Killip class III or IV was the strongest predictor of all-cause death or any reinfarction (OR 5.11, 95% CI: 2.48-10.52), definite ST (OR 7.74, 95% CI: 2.87-20.93), and TLR (OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.17-7.06). Impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 4.77, 95% CI: 2.10-10.82), final TIMI flow 0-2 (OR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.05-3.54), arterial hypertension (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.11-2.59), age (OR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.41-2.01), and peak CK (OR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02-1.54) were independent predictors of all-cause death or any reinfarction. Allocation to treatment with DES was an independent predictor of a lower risk of definite ST (OR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.74) and any TLR (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21-0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Killip class remains the strongest predictor of all-cause death or any reinfarction among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. DES use independently predicts a lower risk of TLR and definite ST compared with BMS. The COMFORTABLE AMI trial is registered at: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00962416. The EXAMINATION trial is registered at: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00828087.

Single baseline serum creatinine measurements predict mortality in critically ill patients hospitalized for acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a leading cause of death in critically ill patients and is often accompanied by significant renal dysfunction. Few data exist on the predictive value of measures of renal dysfunction in large cohorts of patients hospitalized for AHF. METHODS: Six hundred and eighteen patients hospitalized for AHF (300 male, aged 73.3 ± 10.3 years, 73% New York Heart Association Class 4, mean hospital length of stay 12.9 ± 7.7 days, 97% non-ischaemic AHF) were included in a retrospective single-centre data analysis. Echocardiographic data, serum creatinine/urea levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and clinical/laboratory markers were recorded. Mean follow-up time was 2.9 ± 2.1 years. All-cause mortality was recorded, and univariate/multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Normal renal function defined as eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was noted in only 3% of AHF patients at baseline. A significant correlation of left ventricular ejection fraction with serum creatinine levels and eGFR (all P < 0.002) was noted. All-cause mortality rates were 12% (90 days) and 40% (at 2 years), respectively. In a multivariate model, increased age, higher New York Heart Association class at admission, higher total cholesterol levels, and lower eGFR independently predicted death. Patients with baseline eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 had an exceptionally high risk of death (odds ratio 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.52-5.15, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of patients with mostly non-ischaemic AHF, enhanced serum creatinine levels and reduced eGFR independently predict death. It appears that patients with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 have poorest survival rates. Our data add to mounting data indicating that impaired renal function is an important risk factor for non-survival in patients hospitalized for AHF.