Temporal Changes in Quality Indicators in a Regional System of Care After Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: Historically, quality-of-care monitoring was performed separately for transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement (TAVR, SAVR). Using consensus indicators, we provide a global report on the quality of care for treatment of aortic stenosis across the highest-volume treatments: transfemoral (TF) TAVR, isolated SAVR, and SAVR combined with coronary artery bypass graft. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients in a regional system of care. Primary endpoint was 30-day and 1-year mortality (2015-2019). Secondary endpoints included rate of new pacemaker, rate of readmission, and length of stay (2012-2019). Following multivariable logistic regressions, we developed mortality case-mix adjustment models to report risk estimates. Results: The proportion of patients receiving TAVR grew from 32% to 53% (2015-2019). Those receiving TF TAVR were significantly older, with higher rates of comorbidities. Observed 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality after TF TAVR decreased from 3.1% to 0.6% (P = 0.03), and 13.6% to 6.6% (P = 0.09), respectively; surgical mortality rates for isolated SAVR and SAVR combined with coronary artery bypass graft were low and did not change significantly over time, ranging from 0.3% to 1.4% and from 0.9% to 3.4%, respectively at 30 days, and from 0.9% to 3.4% and from 4.7% to 6.7 at 1 year. In the TF TAVR cohort, the observed vs expected ratio for 30-day and 1-year mortality decreased significantly from 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9, 3.5) to 0.3 (95% CI 0.1, 0.8), and from 1.3 (95% CI 0.9, 1.7) to 0.7 (95% CI 0.5, 0.99), respectively; no change occurred in risk-adjusted surgical mortality. Conclusions: Consensus quality indicators provide unique insights on the quality of care for patients receiving treatment for aortic stenosis.

Contexte: Par le passé, la surveillance de la qualité des soins était réalisée séparément pour l'implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter (IVAC) et la chirurgie de remplacement valvulaire aortique (CRVA). À l'aide d'indicateurs consensuels, nous dressons un rapport général de la qualité des soins dans les traitements les plus courants de la sténose aortique : IVAC fémorale, CRVA seule et CRVA combinée à un pontage coronarien. Méthodologie: Une étude de cohorte observationnelle et rétrospective a été menée pour évaluer les patients consécutifs ayant fréquenté un système de santé régional. Le critère d'évaluation principal était le taux de mortalité à 30 jours et à 1 an (2015 à 2019). Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient le taux de nouveaux sti-mulateurs cardiaques, le taux de réadmission et la durée du séjour (2012 à 2019). Après des régressions logistiques multivariées, nous avons élaboré des modèles d'ajustement selon les groupes de cas pour le taux de mortalité afin d'estimer les risques. Résultats: La proportion de patients qui ont subi une IVAC est passée de 32 % à 53 % (2015 à 2019). Les patients qui ont subi une IVAC transfémorale étaient significativement plus vieux que ceux des autres groupes et présentaient un plus haut taux d'affections concomitantes. Les taux de mortalité de toute cause observés à 30 jours et à 1 an après une IVAC transfémorale ont respectivement diminué de 3,1 % à 0,6 % (P = 0,03) et de 13,6 % à 6,6 % (P = 0,09). Les taux de mortalité pour une CRVA seule et une CRVA combinée à un pontage coronarien étaient faibles et n'ont pas changé de manière significative au fil du temps : les taux de mortalité à 30 jours sont passés de 0,3 % à 1,4 % et de 0,9 % à 3,4 %, respectivement, et les taux de mortalité à 1 an, de 0,9 % à 3,4 % et de 4,7 % à 6,7 %, respectivement. Dans la cohorte ayant subi une IVAC transfémorale, le rapport du taux de mortalité observé par rapport au taux de mortalité attendu à 30 jours et à 1 an a diminué de manière significative, soit de 1,9 (intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,9 à 3,5) à 0,3 (IC à 95 % : 0,1 à 0,8), et de 1,3 (IC à 95 % : 0,9 à 1,7) à 0,7 (IC à 95 % : 0,5 à 0,99), respectivement. Aucune variation n'a été notée quant au taux de mortalité ajusté selon les risques pour une intervention chirurgicale. Conclusions: Les indicateurs consensuels de la qualité fournissent des informations uniques sur la qualité des soins chez les patients traités pour une sténose aortique.

Rationale and Design of the Project to Look for Early Discharge in Patients Undergoing TAVR With ACURATE (POLESTAR Trial).

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is now an established treatment strategy for elderly patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) across the entire operative risk spectrum. Streamlined TAVR protocols along with reduced procedure time and expedited ambulation promote early hospital discharge. Selection of patients suitable for safe early discharge after TAVR might improve healthcare efficiency. STUDY DESIGN: The POLESTAR trial is an international, multi-center, prospective, observational study which aims to evaluate the safety of early discharge in selected patients who undergo TAVR with the supra-annular functioning self-expanding ACURATE Neo transcatheter heart valve (THV). A total of 250 patients will be included based on a set of baseline criteria indicating potential early discharge (within 48 h post-TAVR). Primary study endpoints include Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 defined safety at 30 days and VARC-3 defined efficacy at 30 days and 1 year. Endpoints will be compared between early discharge and non-early discharge cohorts with a distinct landmark analysis at 48 h post-TAVR. Secondary endpoints include quality of life assessed using EQ5D-5L and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) questionnaires and resource costs compared between discharge groups. SUMMARY: The POLESTAR trial prospectively evaluates safety and feasibility of an early discharge protocol for TAVR using the ACURATE Neo THV.

Complete revascularization in stable multivessel coronary artery disease: A real world analysis from the British Columbia Cardiac Registry.

BACKGROUND: More than half of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have multivessel disease (MVD). The prognostic significance of PCI in stable patients has recently been debated, but little data exists about the potential benefit of complete revascularization (CR) in stable MVD. We investigated the prognostic benefit of CR in patients undergoing PCI for stable disease. METHODS: We compared CR versus incomplete revascularization (IR) in 8,436 patients with MVD. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 1,399 patients (17%) underwent CR during the index PCI procedure for stable disease. CR was associated with lower mortality (6.2 vs. 10.7%, p < .001) and lower repeat revascularization at 5 years (12.7 vs. 18.4%, p < .001). Multivariable-adjusted analyses indicated that CR was associated with lower mortality (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58-0.91, p = .005) and repeat revascularization at 5 years (HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66-0.93, p = .005). These findings were also confirmed in propensity-matched cohorts. Subgroup analyses indicated that CR conferred survival in older patients, male patients, absence of renal disease, greater angina (CCS Class III-IV) and heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV) symptoms, and greater burden of coronary disease. In sensitivity analyses where patients with subsequent repeat revascularization events were excluded, CR remained a strong predictor for lower mortality (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.89, p = .004). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of stable patients with MVD, CR was an independent predictor of long-term survival. This benefit was specifically seen in higher risk patient groups and indicates that CR may benefit selected stable patients with MVD.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Coronary Angiography for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Use of Mechanical Support, and Mechanical Complications in Canada: A Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology National Survey.

BACKGROUND: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic first wave, reductions in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) invasive care, ranging from 23% to 76%, have been reported from various countries. Whether this change had any impact on coronary angiography (CA) volume or on mechanical support device use for STEMI and post-STEMI mechanical complications in Canada is unknown. METHODS: We administered a Canada-wide survey to all cardiac catheterization laboratory directors, seeking the volume of CA use for STEMI performed during the period from March 1 2020 to May 31, 2020 (pandemic period), and during 2 control periods (March 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 and March 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018). The number of left ventricular support devices used, as well as the number of ventricular septal defects and papillary muscle rupture cases diagnosed, was also recorded. We also assessed whether the number of COVID-19 cases recorded in each province was associated with STEMI-related CA volume. RESULTS: A total of 41 of 42 Canadian catheterization laboratories (98%) provided data. There was a modest but statistically significant 16% reduction (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.80-0.87) in CA for STEMI during the first wave of the pandemic, compared to control periods. IRR was not associated with provincial COVID-19 caseload. We observed a 26% reduction (IRR 0.74; 95% confidence interval 0.61-0.89) in the use of intra-aortic balloon pump use for STEMI. Use of an Impella pump and mechanical complications from STEMI were exceedingly rare. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a modest 16% decrease in use of CA for STEMI during the pandemic first wave in Canada, lower than the level reported in other countries. Provincial COVID-19 caseload did not influence this reduction.

INTRODUCTION: Après la première vague de la pandémie de COVID-19, de nombreux pays ont déclaré une réduction de 23 % à 76 % des soins invasifs de l'infarctus du myocarde avec élévation du segment ST (STEMI). On ignore si ce changement a entraîné des répercussions sur le volume d'angiographies coronariennes (AC) ou sur l'utilisation des dispositifs d'assistance mécanique lors de STEMI et des complications mécaniques post-STEMI au Canada. MÉTHODES: Nous avons réalisé un sondage pancanadien auprès de tous les directeurs de laboratoire de cathétérisme cardiaque pour obtenir le volume d'utilisation des AC lors des STEMI réalisées durant la période du 1er mars 2020 au 31 mai 2020 (période de pandémie) et durant 2 périodes témoins (1er mars 2019 au 31 mai 2019 et 1er mars 2018 au 31 mai 2018). Le nombre de dispositifs d'assistance ventriculaire gauche utilisés et le nombre de cas de communications interventriculaires et de ruptures du muscle papillaire diagnostiqués ont également été enregistrés. Nous avons aussi évalué si le nombre de cas de COVID-19 enregistrés dans chaque province était associé au volume d'AC liées aux STEMI. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 41 des 42 laboratoires canadiens de cathétérisme (98 %) ont fourni des données. Lors de la comparaison de la première vague de la pandémie aux périodes témoins, nous avons noté une réduction modeste, mais significative, sur le plan statistique de 16 % (ratio du taux d'incidence [RTI] 0,84; intervalle de confiance à 95 % 0,80-0,87) des AC lors de STEMI. Le RTI n'était pas associé au nombre provincial de cas de COVID-19. Nous avons observé une réduction de 26 % (RTI 0,74; intervalle de confiance à 95 % 0,61-0,89) de l'utilisation de pompes à ballonnet intra-aortique lors de STEMI. L'utilisation d'une pompe Impella et les complications mécaniques après les STEMI étaient extrêmement rares. CONCLUSIONS: Nous avons observé une diminution modeste de 16 % de l'utilisation des AC lors de STEMI durant la première vague de la pandémie au Canada, soit une diminution plus faible que ce que les autres pays ont signalé. Le nombre provincial de cas de COVID-19 n'a pas influencé cette réduction.

The prognostic impact of revascularization strategy in acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock: Insights from the British Columbia Cardiac Registry.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit vessel is associated with improved outcomes. A large majority of these patients have multivessel disease (MVD). Whether or not PCI of non-culprit disease in the acute setting improves outcomes continues to be debated. We evaluated the prognostic impact of revascularization strategy for patients presenting with AMI and CS. METHODS: We compared culprit vessel intervention (CVI) versus multivessel intervention in 649 patients with AMI, CS, and MVD enrolled in the British Columbia Cardiac Registry. We evaluated mortality at 30 days and 1 year. RESULTS: CVI was associated with lower mortality at 30 days (23.7% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.004) and 1 year (32.6% vs. 44.3%, P = 0.003). CVI was an independent predictor for survival at 30 days (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88, P = 0.009) and 1 year (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.96, P = 0.027). These findings were confirmed in propensity-matched cohorts. Subgroup analyses indicated that CVI was associated with lower mortality in patients aged <80 years; non-diabetics; and those presenting with ST-elevation MI. When analyzing non-culprit anatomy, PCI of non-culprit LAD disease was associated with higher 1-year mortality (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.13-2.01, P = 0.006), primarily with non-culprit proximal LAD disease (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.20-2.76, P = 0.005). However, PCI of non-culprit non-proximal LAD, LCx, and RCA disease was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AMI and CS, a strategy of CVI appears to be associated with lower mortality. These findings are consistent with recently published randomized-controlled trial data.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Intervention: The Canadian Landscape.

Once considered a childhood disease, the number of adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD) has now exceeded the number of pediatric patients. The landscape of percutaneous intervention for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) has evolved over the past decade and has yet to be characterized in Canada. The aim of this study was to begin to understand the current infrastructure underlying ACHD interventions in Canada and to characterize the type and number of interventions being carried out across the country. A cross-sectional national survey was distributed by e-mail to all cardiac catheterization laboratory directors in 2015. All Canadian laboratories involved in ACHD interventions responded, encompassing 19 institutions spanning 69 cardiac catheterization laboratories. A total of 1451 percutaneous interventions were recorded. Nationwide, the most common simple ACHD interventions were for atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closures. The most common ACHD interventions of increased complexity were for coarctation stenting and transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation. There was a marked clustering of procedures in Ontario, Québec, British Columbia, and Alberta in keeping with Canada's population-density distribution. A total of 23 ACHD operators were identified, half of whom had ACHD-specific fellowship training. These data can be used as a starting point to inform the present state of affairs in the area and lay the groundwork for further work to assess resource allocation and human resource planning for the care of patients with ACHD in Canada.

Culprit Vessel Versus Multivessel Versus In-Hospital Staged Intervention for Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: Stratified Analyses in High-Risk Patient Groups and Anatomic Subsets of Nonculprit Disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated revascularization strategies for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease. BACKGROUND: In patients with STEMI and multivessel disease, it is unclear whether multivessel intervention (MVI), culprit vessel intervention (CVI) only (CVI-O) or CVI with staged revascularization (CVI-S) is associated with improved outcomes. Whether MVI at primary percutaneous coronary intervention may benefit specific patient groups is unclear. METHODS: We compared revascularization strategies (MVI, CVI-O, and CVI-S) in 6,503 patients with STEMI and multivessel disease enrolled in the British Columbia Cardiac Registry (2008 to 2014). We evaluated all-cause mortality and repeat revascularization at 2 years. RESULTS: Compared with MVI, CVI-O (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64 to 0.97; p = 0.023) and CVI-S (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.82; p = 0.004) were associated with lower mortality. Comparing CVI-O with CVI-S, CVI-S was associated with lower mortality (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.91; p = 0.013). Compared with MVI, CVI-O was associated with increased repeat revascularization (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.54; p = 0.036). Comparing CVI-O versus CVI-S, CVI-S was associated with lower repeat revascularization (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.90; p = 0.012). CVI was associated with lower mortality in the presence of nonculprit left circumflex artery disease (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.89; p = 0.011) and right coronary artery disease (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.99; p = 0.050), but not nonculprit left anterior descending artery disease (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.28; p = 0.399). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a strategy of CVI-S seems to be associated with lower mortality and repeat revascularization rates. However, MVI may be considered in selected patients and in the setting of nonculprit left anterior descending artery disease. These findings warrant prospective evaluation in large adequately powered randomized controlled trials.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis Using Lotus Valve System.

Bicuspid aortic stenosis (BAS) has been excluded in clinical trials on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) due to the presumed uneven expansion of the aortic prosthesis, leading to significant paravalvular regurgitation (PVR). There is no transcatheter heart valve (THV) commercially approved for treating BAS. The Lotus Valve System mitigates PVR by possessing an adaptive seal and being fully re-positionable. The latter is also important in preventing embolization, as the location of prosthesis fixation in BAS could be variable due to the presence of less expandable raphe. We report our early experience with the Lotus Valve System in three consecutive TAVR for BAS. They all provide good clinical and hemodynamic results without significant PVR. We conclude that the use of Lotus Valve System for treating BAS is feasible and safe, and may have advantages over the previous generation TAVR systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-term outcomes following drug-eluting stents versus bare metal stents for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A real-world analysis of 11,181 patients from the british columbia cardiac registry.

BACKGROUND: Drug eluting stents (DES) are associated with reduced risk of restenosis when compared with bare metal stents (BMS). Their use in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is debated, owing to concerns about stent thrombosis. There are limited real-world data comparing DES versus BMS in STEMI. We conducted an observational analysis in this setting and rigorously adjusted for treatment selection bias. METHODS: We analyzed 11,181 consecutive patients with acute STEMI who received either DES or BMS during 2008-2014 in the British Columbia Cardiac Registry. We analyzed target vessel revascularization (TVR) and mortality at 2 years. RESULTS: Multivariable-adjusted, propensity-matched and inverse probability-treatment weighted analyses found DES to be associated with early and late survival up to 2 years but not TVR. However, when adjusting for measured and unmeasured confounders, instrumental variable (IV) analyses demonstrated that DES use was associated with reduced TVR up to 2 years (Δ = -6.7%, 95% CI: -10.0%, -3.4%, P < 0.001). DES use was not associated with mortality at 1 year (Δ = -2.3%, 95% CI: -5.0%, 0.4%, P = 0.100) but associated with reduced mortality at 2 years (Δ = -5.4%, 95% CI: -8.3%, -2.5%, P < 0.001). Stratified IV analyses indicated that this long-term survival benefit was largely attributable to the second generation DES. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with STEMI, when adjusting for measured and unmeasured factors, DES use was associated with reduced TVR and long-term survival beyond 1 year. This long-term survival was largely attributable to the second generation DES. These real-world data are reassuring and support the use of DES for STEMI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Counterpulsation during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock: Insights from the British Columbia Cardiac Registry.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) era, randomized trials have not shown a survival benefit with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy. This differs to observational data which show a detrimental effect, potentially reflecting bias and confounding. Without robust and valid risk adjustment, findings from non-randomized studies may remain biased. METHODS: We compared long-term mortality following IABP therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing PPCI during 2008-2013 from the British Columbia Cardiac Registry. We addressed measured and unmeasured confounding using propensity score and instrumental variable methods. RESULTS: A total of 12,105 patients with STEMI were treated with PPCI during the study period. Of these, 700 patients (5.8%) had cardiogenic shock. Of the patients with cardiogenic shock, 255 patients (36%) received IABP therapy. Multivariable analyses identified IABP therapy to be associated with increased mortality up to 3 years (HR = 1.67, 95% CI:1.20-2.67, p<0.001). This association was lost in propensity-matched analyses (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.84-1.80, p = 0.288). When addressing measured and unmeasured confounders, instrumental variable analyses demonstrated that IABP therapy was not associated with mortality at 3 years (Δ = 16.7%, 95% CI: -12.7%, 46.1%, p = 0.281). Subgroup analyses demonstrated IABP was associated with increased mortality in non-diabetics; patients not undergoing multivessel intervention; patients without renal disease and patients not having received prior thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational analysis of patients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock, when adjusting for confounding, IABP therapy had a neutral effect with no association with long-term mortality. These findings differ to previously reported observational studies, but are in keeping with randomized trial data.

Prognostic Significance of Polymer Coatings in Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents.

Polymer coatings on drug-eluting stents (DES) serve as a vehicle for delivery of antirestenotic drugs. Whether they influence outcomes for contemporary DES is unknown. The evolution of polymer coatings for zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES) provides a natural experiment that facilitates such analysis. The Resolute ZES (R-ZES) uses the same antirestenotic drug as the Endeavor ZES (E-ZES) but has a more biocompatible polymer with enhanced drug release kinetics. However, there are limited data on the real-world comparative efficacy of R-ZES and the preceding E-ZES. Thus, we analyzed 17,643 patients who received either E-ZES or R-ZES from 2008 to 2014 from the British Columbia Cardiac Registry. A total of 9,869 patients (56%) received E-ZES and 7,774 patients (44%) received R-ZES. Compared with E-ZES, R-ZES was associated with lower 2-year mortality (4.1% vs 6.4%, p <0.001) and 2-year target vessel revascularization (TVR; 6.8% vs 10.7%, p <0.001). R-ZES use was an independent predictor of lower mortality rate and TVR. This was confirmed in propensity-matched analyses for 2-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.71, p <0.001) and 2-year TVR (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.98, p = 0.032). Instrumental variable analyses demonstrated R-ZES to be associated with lower 2-year mortality (Δ = -2.2%, 95% CI -4.3% to -0.2%, p = 0.032) and 2-year TVR (Δ = -3.3% to 95% CI -6.1% to -0.7%, p = 0.015). Acknowledging the limitations of observational analyses, this study has shown that R-ZES was associated with lower long-term TVR and mortality. These data are reassuring for the newer R-ZES and demonstrate how polymer coatings may influence the clinical performance of DES with wider implications for future DES development and design.

Embolic protection device use and its association with procedural safety and long-term outcomes following saphenous vein graft intervention: An analysis from the British Columbia Cardiac registry.

BACKGROUND: Embolic protection devices (EPDs) have been designed and introduced to reduce distal embolization and peri-procedural myocardial infarction during saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention. Current guidelines give a class I recommendation to EPD use during SVG intervention when technically feasible. However, the routine use of these devices has recently been debated. METHODS: We analyzed 1,359 patients undergoing isolated SVG intervention between 2008 and 2013 in the British Columbia Cardiac Registry. We analyzed (a) post-procedural TIMI flow; and (b) target vessel revascularization (TVR) and mortality at 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: EPD use was an independent predictor of post-procedural TIMI 2/3 flow (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.51-3.74, P < 0.001). At 1 year, EPD use was an independent predictor for lower TVR (HR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.85, P = 0.021) and a trend towards lower mortality (HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.18-1.10, P = 0.082). These associations were lost at 2 years where EPD use was not predictive of mortality (HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.33-1.17, P = 0.144) or TVR (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.41-1.17, P = 0.176). These findings were confirmed in propensity-matched and inverse probability treatment weighted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of patients undergoing SVG intervention, EPD use was a strong predictor for improved post-procedural TIMI flow. Whilst EPD use was associated with lower TVR and a trend for lower mortality at 1 year, these associations were lost at 2 years. These findings would appear to support the use of EPD for SVG intervention. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Improved survival associated with pre-hospital triage strategy in a large regional ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction program.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the 1-year survival of patients diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and transferred via pre-hospital triage strategy for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with those transferred via inter-hospital transfer within a large suburban region in Canada. BACKGROUND: Primary angioplasty is the preferred therapy for STEMI if it is done within 90 min of door-to-balloon time by an experienced team in a high-volume center. METHODS: Patients identified to have STEMI on the ambulances equipped with electrocardiography bypassed the local hospitals and were sent directly to the PCI center, whereas other patients that were picked up by ambulances without electrocardiographic equipment were transported to the local hospitals where the diagnosis of STEMI was made and were re-routed to the PCI center. Patient demographic data, clinical presentation, procedural data, in-hospital course, and vital statistics were prospectively recorded in a provincial cardiac registry. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were brought into the PCI center via pre-hospital triage strategy, and 427 patients were brought in via inter-hospital transfer during a 2-year study period. Baseline demographic data, infarct location, cardiovascular history, and hemodynamic status were similar between the 2 groups. When compared with the inter-hospital transfer group, a significantly higher proportion of pre-hospital triaged patients achieved the 90-min door-to-balloon time benchmark (80.4% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001) and post-procedural Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3 after the emergency procedure (97.6% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.02). In addition, the pre-hospital triage strategy was associated with a significantly lower 30-day (5.4% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.006) and 1-year (6.6% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.019) mortality. Pre-hospital triage was an independent predictor for survival at 1 year (hazard ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.75, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital triage strategy was associated with improved survival rate in patients undergoing primary PCI in a regional STEMI program.

In-hospital outcomes of a regional ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction acute transfer and repatriation program.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presents challenges in a large geographic area for achieving treatment time targets and creates demands on the PCI centre resources. OBJECTIVE: We compare the in-hospital mortality rate of patients presenting with STEMI and referred for PCI from 11 transfer hospitals with those presenting to the cardiac centre in a regional STEMI program with a selective repatriation strategy. METHODS: Between June 1, 2003, and June 30, 2007, clinical and procedural data of all STEMI patients who were referred to the catheterization laboratory were prospectively collected. Patients who sustained prolonged cardiac arrest were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1154 patients from regional hospitals and 325 patients initially presenting to the PCI centre were referred for acute intervention. There was no significant in-hospital mortality difference between the 2 groups (3.7% vs 4.0%, respectively; P = 0.87). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, female gender, multivessel coronary disease, history of hypertension, low ejection fraction, increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and thrombolytic pretreatment, but not transfer status, were independent predictors for mortality. Among the 1154 transfer patients, 937 patients (81.2%) returned immediately post procedure and had a lower mortality rate than the remaining 217 patients (18.2%) who required admission to the PCI centre following cardiac catheterization (1.9% vs 11.5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A regional system of STEMI care based on rapid patient transfer to a PCI centre and repatriation was feasible and safe.

Current perspectives on carotid revascularization among patients who need cardiac surgery.

Carotid stenosis is often present in patients who need cardiac surgery and is predictive of post-operative stroke. A strategy of combined carotid endarterectomy and cardiac surgery had been adopted in the past. Staged carotid artery stenting prior to cardiac surgery is a less invasive alternative and seems to be associated with a lower incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction as compared to the combined surgical approach. This article provides a systemic review of the management of patients with concomitant carotid and cardiac disease requiring cardiac surgical procedure, and will discuss some management issues related to carotid stenting in this group of patients. Based on the available data, it is perhaps time to revise our practice guidelines by replacing the combined surgical strategy with the staged carotid stenting and cardiac surgery approach.

Phenotypic and functional abnormalities of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoreactive T and B cells, which are believed to be secondary to deficient dendritic cells (DCs). However, whether DC abnormalities occur during their development in the bone marrow (BM) or in the periphery is not known. METHODS: Thirteen patients with SLE and 16 normal controls were recruited. We studied the morphology, phenotype, and functional abilities of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) generated by using two culture methods: FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3)-ligand (FL) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plus interleukin-4 (IL-4), respectively. RESULTS: BMDCs induced by FL exhibited both myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) features, whereas GM-CSF/IL-4 induced mDC generation. Substantial phenotypic and functional defects of BMDCs were found from patients with SLE at different stages of cell maturation. When compared with healthy controls, SLE immature BM FLDCs expressed higher levels of CCR7. Both immature and mature SLE BM FLDCs expressed higher levels of CD40 and CD86 and induced stronger T-cell proliferation. SLE BM mDCs expressed higher levels of CD40 and CD86 but lower levels of HLA-DR and a lower ability to stimulate T-cell proliferation when compared with control BM mDCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data are in accordance with previous reports that suggest that DCs have a potential pathogenic role in SLE. Defects of these cells are evident during their development in BM. BM mDCs are deficient, whereas BM pDCs, which are part of BM FLDCs, are the likely culprit in inducing autoimmunity in SLE.

Immediate catheterization laboratory management of acute femoral artery occlusion due to a vascular closure device.

Acute limb ischemia due to vascular closure devices is an infrequent complication. However, its incidence is increasing because the use of these devices has become commonplace after cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty. It is therefore important for interventional cardiologists to be acquainted with the knowledge and cognitive skills of managing this complication in the catheterization laboratory. The present report describes a strategy to manage this complication in a cardiac catheterization laboratory that is not equipped with standard fluoroscopic equipment for peripheral interventions.

Treatment of severe functional mitral regurgitation: is cardiac surgery always indicated?

Severe functional mitral regurgitation associated with myocardial ischemia is conventionally a Class I indication for cardiac surgery. Mitral annuloplasty or mitral valve replacement are performed during coronary bypass surgery with the aim of improving the patient's ventricular function and symptoms. With the advancement of stent technology, sustained myocardial perfusion and improvement of ventricular function could be achieved by revascularization alone, leading to a reduction in the severity of mitral regurgitation. The purpose of this case is to review the role of transcatheter coronary revascularization in the management of myocardial ischemia associated with severe functional mitral regurgitation and heart failure.

Immediate catheter-directed reperfusion for acute stroke occurring during diagnostic cardiac catheterization.

Acute stroke is a rare but the most dreaded complication of cardiac catheterization. We report a case about the management of an acute stroke that occurred during a diagnostic cardiac catheterization procedure. Immediate catheter-based intraarterial thrombolysis with adjunctive balloon angioplasty of the left middle cerebral artery was carried out. The patient recovered markedly within the first 2 hr and was discharged without neurological sequelae after 3 days. A clinical pathway for acute stroke management in the catheterization laboratory is discussed.