Guide catheter extension use are associated with higher procedural success in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Guide catheter extensions (GCEs) increase support and facilitate equipment delivery, but aggressive instrumentation may be associated with a higher risk of complications. AIM: Our aim was to assess the impact of GCEs on procedural success and complications in patients submitted to chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed data from the multicenter LATAM CTO Registry. Procedural success was defined as <30% residual stenosis and TIMI 3 distal flow. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and stroke. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare outcomes with and without GCE use. RESULTS: From August 2010 to August 2021, 3049 patients were included. GCEs were used in 438 patients (14.5%). In unadjusted analysis, patients in the GCE group were older and had more comorbidities. The median J-CTO score and its components were higher in the GCE group. After PSM, procedural success was higher with GCE use (87.7% vs. 80.5%, p = 0.007). The incidence of coronary perforation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-2.71, p = 0.230), bleeding (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 0.41-2.41, p = 0.986), in-hospital death (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.54-3.62, p = 0.495) and MACCE (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.52-2.19, p = 0.850) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In a contemporary, multicenter cohort of patients undergoing CTO PCI, GCEs were used in older patients, with more comorbidities and complex anatomy. After PSM, GCE use was associated with higher procedural success, and similar incidence of adverse outcomes.

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.

"Catheter Hole Support": A Novel Technique for Increasing Guide Catheter Support.

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in the setting of tortuosity, calcification, and some types of coronary takeoffs can be challenging. In such cases, the choice of strategies that promote optimal catheter support is essential for the success of the procedure, by facilitating the delivery of the equipment. We have developed a new support technique: "Catheter Hole Support Technique" is a simple, low-cost, and widely available technique that effectively increases catheter support and system stability. To perform the technique, all that is needed is a hole in the catheter at the right spot, made by a 22G needle and a 0.018″ shapeable tip support guidewire. We report the steps of this new technique in a successful Right Coronary Artery (RCA) PCI, in the context of a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

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

Resumo 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.

Abstract 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.

Coronary atherosclerosis and periodontitis have similarities in their clinical presentation.

Background: Periodontitis (PE) and coronary heart disease (CHD) possess multiple mechanisms for a putative association. This case-control study compared the periodontal status among CHD subjects to controls without CHD, while also investigating atheroma invasion by known periodontal pathogens. Methods: 161 subjects participated in this study were divided into three CHD groups: No CHD, chronic CHD, acute CHD. Additional analysis involved grouping subjects according to number of atheromas: no atheroma, 1-4 atheromas, 5-18 atheromas. Data were collected from medical records, periodontal examinations, and questionnaires that included demographic, behavioral, and oral health variables. Angiographic catheterizations were analyzed according to the number of atheroma lesions, lesion size, lesion location, and atheroma lesion stability. Lipoprotein profile, inflammatory markers and cells were analyzed. The microbiological branch added 30 individuals who had their atheroma lesion and subgingival plaque analyzed using polymerase chain reaction probes against the 16 s region, red complex and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans' DNA. Results: Subjects with CHD had high levels of systemic inflammatory markers and low levels of high-density lipoproteins compared to subjects without CHD. Subjects without CHD and clear coronaries had a prevalence of mild CAL, while individuals with more atheroma lesions had advanced CAL and more active PE. Subjects with more advanced CAL were 4 times more likely to have CHD compared to subjects with less, which is comparable to smoking. Only 4 subjects had the screened pathogens detected in atheroma, although these subjects also have the screened pathogens in subgingival plaque. However, 80% of atheromas had bacteria. Conclusions: CHD and PE showed similarities in progression while active PE led to more atheroma lesions that also tended to be larger in size.

Feasibility and Safety of Ipsilateral Ulnar Access in Cases of Impossibility or Failure of Radial Access for Coronary Angiography or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the ulnar access in coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, in the failure or contraindication of ipsilateral radial access. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated, in a quaternary hospital, patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention by transulnar approach, in case of failure or contraindication to the ipsilateral radial access. RESULTS: Between August 2018 and March 2020, of the 5,916 invasive coronary procedures performed, 2.2% were by transulnar approach. In the 130 patients evaluated, the indication for use of the transulnar approach was predominantly the low-amplitude or difficult to palpate radial pulse when compared to the ulnar artery (39.2%), followed by occlusion of the ipsilateral radial artery (33.1%). Complications of using the transulnar approach were superficial hematoma or low-degree muscle infiltration with extension ≤10 cm, in 6 patients (4.5%), and in 5 cases (3.8%) hematoma >10 cm. There was a case of transient ischemia of the hand due to forearm hematoma, treated conservatively. No cases of arterial thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, symptomatic ulnar artery occlusion or ulnar nerve injury were observed after 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of ipsilateral transulnar access is a feasible and safe alternative in cases where radial access would be impossible. This access site is associated with a low incidence of complications, which, when present, are most commonly associated with the occurance of spasm after the attempted radial puncture.

Patients with COVID-19 who experience a myocardial infarction have complex coronary morphology and high in-hospital mortality: Primary results of a nationwide angiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore angiographic patterns and in-hospital outcomes of patients with concomitant coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 may experience MI during the course of the viral infection. However, this association is currently poorly understood. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective study of consecutive patients with concomitant COVID-19 and MI who underwent coronary angiography. Quantitative and qualitative coronary angiography were analyzed by two observers in an independent core lab. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included, of whom 142 (93.4%) had COVID-19 diagnosis confirmation. The median time between symptom onset and hospital admission was 5 (1-10) days. A total of 83 (54.6%) patients presented with ST-elevation MI. The median angiographic Syntax score was 16 (9.0-25.3) and 69.0% had multi-vessel disease. At least one complex lesion was found in 73.0% of patients, 51.3% had a thrombus containing lesion, and 57.9% had myocardial blush grades 0/1. The overall in-hospital mortality was 23.7%. ST-segment elevation MI presentation and baseline myocardial blush grades 0 or 1 were independently associated with a higher risk of death (HR 2.75, 95%CI 1.30-5.80 and HR 3.73, 95%CI 1.61-8.61, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have a MI in the context of ongoing COVID-19 mostly present complex coronary morphologies, implying a background of prior atherosclerotic disease superimposed on a thrombotic milieu. The in-hospital prognosis is poor with a markedly high mortality, prompting further investigation to better clarify this newly described condition.

Patients with COVID-19 who experience a myocardial infarction have complex coronary morphology and high in-hospital mortality: Primary results of a nationwide angiographic study

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore angiographic patterns and in-hospital outcomes of patients with concomitant coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 may experience MI during the course of the viral infection. However, this association is currently poorly understood. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective study of consecutive patients with concomitant COVID-19 and MI who underwent coronary angiography. Quantitative and qualitative coronary angiography were analyzed by two observers in an independent core lab. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included, of whom 142 (93.4%) had COVID-19 diagnosis confirmation. The median time between symptom onset and hospital admission was 5 (1­10) days. A total of 83 (54.6%) patients presented with ST elevation MI. The median angiographic Syntax score was 16 (9.0­25.3) and 69.0% had multi-vessel disease. At least one complex lesion was found in 73.0% of patients, 51.3% had a thrombus containing lesion, and 57.9% had myocardial blush grades 0/1. The overall in-hospital mortality was 23.7%. ST-segment elevation MI presentation and baseline myocardial blush grades 0 or 1 were independently associated with a higher risk of death (HR 2.75, 95%CI 1.30­5.80 and HR 3.73, 95%CI 1.61­8.61, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have a MI in the context of ongoing COVID-19 mostly present complex coronary morphologies, implying a background of prior atherosclerotic disease superimposed on a thrombotic milieu. The in-hospital prognosis is poor with a markedly high mortality, prompting further investigation to better clarify this newly described condition.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America. BACKGROUND: CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region. METHODS: An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 ± 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9% CONCLUSIONS: CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.

Trading direct for indirect defense? Phytochrome B inactivation in tomato attenuates direct anti-herbivore defenses whilst enhancing volatile-mediated attraction of predators.

Under conditions of competition for light, which lead to the inactivation of the photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB), the growth of shade-intolerant plants is promoted and the accumulation of direct anti-herbivore defenses is down-regulated. Little is known about the effects of phyB on emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which play a major role as informational cues in indirect defense. We investigated the effects of phyB on direct and indirect defenses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using two complementary approaches to inactivate phyB: illumination with a low red to far-red ratio, simulating competition, and mutation of the two PHYB genes present in the tomato genome. Inactivation of phyB resulted in low levels of constitutive defenses and down-regulation of direct defenses induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Interestingly, phyB inactivation also had large effects on the blends of VOCs induced by MeJA. Moreover, in two-choice bioassays using MeJA-induced plants, the predatory mirid bug Macrolophus pygmaeus preferred VOCs from plants in which phyB was inactivated over VOCs from control plants. These results suggest that, in addition to repressing direct defense, phyB inactivation has consequences for VOC-mediated tritrophic interactions in canopies, presumably attracting predators to less defended plants, where they are likely to find more abundant prey.

Fruit-localized photoreceptors increase phenolic compounds in berry skins of field-grown Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec.

Sunlight exposure has multiple effect on fruits, as it affects the light climate perceived by fruit photoreceptors and fruit tissue temperature. In grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), light exposure can have a strong effect on fruit quality and commercial value; however, the mechanisms of light action are not well understood. The role of fruit-localized photoreceptors in the control of berry quality traits was evaluated under field conditions in a commercial vineyard in Mendoza (Argentina). Characterization of the diurnal dynamics of the fruit light environment in a vertical trellis system indicated that clusters were shaded by leaves during most of the photoperiod. Supplementation of the fruit light environment from 20 days before veraison until technological harvest showed that red (R, 660 nm) and blue (B, 470 nm) light strongly increased total phenolic compound levels at harvest in the berry skins without affecting sugar content, acidity or berry size. Far-red (FR, 730 nm) and green (G, 560 nm) light supplementation had relatively small effects. The stimulation of berry phytochromes and cryptochromes favored accumulation of flavonoid and non-flavonoid compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, phenolic acids and stilbenes. These results demonstrate that the chemical composition of grape berries is modulated by the light quality received by the clusters under field conditions, and that fruit photoreceptors are not saturated even in areas of high insolation and under management systems that are considered to result in a relatively high exposure of fruits to solar radiation. Therefore, manipulation of the light environment or the light sensitivity of fruits could have significant effects on critical grape quality traits.

Phytochrome A increases tolerance to high evaporative demand.

Stresses resulting from high transpiration demand induce adjustments in plants that lead to reductions of water loss. These adjustments, including changes in water absorption, transport and/or loss by transpiration, are crucial to normal plant development. Tomato wild type (WT) and phytochrome A (phyA)-mutant plants, fri1-1, were exposed to conditions of either low or high transpiration demand and several morphological and physiological changes were measured during stress conditions. Mutant plants rapidly wilted compared to WT plants after exposure to high evaporative demand. Root size and hydraulic conductivity did not show significant differences between genotypes, suggesting that water absorption and transport through this organ could not explain the observed phenotype. Moreover, stomatal density was similar between genotypes, whereas transpiration and stomatal conductance were both lower in mutant than in WT plants. This was accompanied by a lower stem-specific hydraulic conductivity in mutant plants, which was associated to lower xylem vessel number and transversal area in fri1-1 plants, producing a reduction in water supply to the leaves, which rapidly wilted under high evaporative demand. PhyA signaling might facilitate the adjustment to environments differing widely in water evaporative demand in part through the modulation of xylem dimensions.

Desempenho dos stents farmacológicos de segunda geração com liberação de everolimus no tratamento de pacientes com lesões coronárias De Novo / Performance of second-generation everolimus-eluting stents in the treatment of patients with "De Novo" coronary lesions

Introdução: Os stents farmacológicos com eluição de everolimus (SEE) têm se mostrado seguros e efetivos em estudos clínicos randomizados. Este estudo avaliou a evolução clínica tanto inicial como tardia de pacientes tratados na prática diária com SEE. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com portadores de doença coronária isquêmica tratados exclusivamente com SEE. Foram incluídos pacientes com lesõesde novo, em vasos nativos, sem qualquer restrição ao quadro clínico de apresentação. Acompanhamento tardio foi realizado para avaliar a ocorrência de óbito, infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) ou necessidade de revascularização do vaso-alvo (RVA). Resultados: A média de idade foi de 62,1 + 11,9 anos, dois terços eram do sexo masculino, com elevado porcentual de pacientes diabéticos (49,2%), e 51,6% eram portadores de angina estável. Doença multiarterial estava presente em 54,8%, com disfunção moderada a grave do ventrículo esquerdo em 11,3%. Predominaram as lesões complexas B2/C (79%), com implante monitorizado pelo ultrassom intracoronário em 57,3% dos casos. Ao menos uma indicação off-label ocorreu em quase 60% dos pacientes. Nos primeiros 30 dias observou-se IAM em 2,4%, RVA em 1,6% e trombose do stent em 1,6%. Com seguimento clínico de 92% dos pacientes, por período médio de 16 meses, observou-se reintervenção em apenas 0,9% e nenhum IAM adicional. Nenhum óbito foi constatado nessa população de pacientes. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o implante de SEE em uma população não-selecionada é seguro, com reduzida ocorrência de eventos adversos a longo prazo.

Background: Everolimus-eluting stents (EES) have proven to be safe and effective in randomized clinical trials. This study evaluated the early and late clinical follow-up of patients treated with EES in the daily practice. Methods: Retrospective study in patients with ischemic coronary disease treated with ESS alone. Patients with “de novo” lesions, in native vessels, were included. Patients were evaluated in the long-term follow-up for the occurrence of death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or the need of target-vessel revascularization (TVR). Results: Mean age was 62.1 + 11.9 years, 75% were male, there was a high percentage ofdiabetics (49.2%) and 51.6% had stable angina. Multivessel disease was observed in 54.8% and moderate tosevere left ventricular dysfunction in 11.3%. There was a prevalence of complex B2/C lesions (79%), and the procedure was monitored by intravascular ultrasound in 57.3% of the cases. At least one off-label indication was observed in nearly 60% of the patients. At 1-month follow-up AMI was observed in 2.4%, TVR in 1.6% and stent thrombosis in 1.6% of the patients. Complete long-term data were obtained in 92% of the overall cohort, with a mean follow-up of 16 months. TVR was observed in only 0.9% of the patients and there was no additional AMIs. There were no deaths in this population. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that EES implantation in a non-selected population is safe, with a low rate of long-term adverse events.

Análise comparativa de segurança e eficácia entre as vias de acesso radial e femoral na realização de intervenção coronária percutânea no infarto agudo do miocárdio / Safety and efficacy of radial versus femoral approach in percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUÇÃO: A intervenção coronária percutânea é a estratégia mais adequada de reperfusão no infarto agudo do miocárdio. A intervenção coronária percutânea pela via radial nas síndromes estáveis é uma alternativa efetiva, comparativamente ao acesso pela via femoral, com redução do risco de complicações hemorrágicas e vasculares. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a segurança e a efetividade da intervenção coronária percutânea pela via radial no infarto agudo do miocárdio em uma série consecutiva de pacientes. MÉTODO: Entre janeiro de 1997 e julho de 2009, 387 pacientes foram tratados por intervenção coronária percutânea nas primeiras 12 horas de infarto agudo do miocárdio, sendo excluídos os pacientes em choque cardiogênico e aqueles submetidos a angioplastia de ponte de safena e angioplastia com balão. Foram realizadas 132 angioplastias transluminais coronárias por via radial (34,8%) e 247 por via femoral (65,2%). RESULTADOS: Obteve-se elevado sucesso angiográfico (95,6% vs. 96,8%; P = 0,57), com o mesmo porcentual de perfusão miocárdica pós-procedimento, independentemente da via de acesso utilizada. Aos 30 dias de evolução, observou-se tendência a menor incidência de eventos no grupo em que foi utilizada a via radial (1,5% vs. 6,9%; P = 0,07), possivelmente pela menor ocorrência de trombose do stent nesse grupo (0,8% vs. 4,9%; P = 0,04) e pela menor necessidade de nova revascularização percutânea do vaso-alvo (0,8% vs. 4,9%; P = 0,04). Não foram observadas diferenças na incidência de hemorragias maiores entre os dois grupos (2,3% vs. 2%; P > 0,99). CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo sugere que o acesso pela via radial na angioplastia primária em pacientes elegíveis é seguro e eficaz quando o procedimento é realizado por intervencionistas "radialistas", sendo uma alternativa atrativa ao acesso femoral, especialmente naqueles pacientes com alto risco de complicações vasculares associadas à via de acesso, como os obesos e os que recebem inibidores da glicoproteína IIb/IIIa e trombolíticos.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most appropriate reperfusion strategy in acute myocardial infarction. PCI by the radial approach in stable coronary syndromes is an effective alternative when compared to the femoral approach, with reduced risk of bleeding and vascular complications. This paper is aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of PCI in acute myocardial infarction by the radial approach in a series of consecutive patients. METHOD: From January 97 to July 2009, 387 patients were treated by PCI within 12 hours of acute myocardial infarction. Patients with cardiogenic shock and those undergoing balloon angioplasty or saphenous vein graft PCI were excluded. One hundred and thirty-two PCI by radial approach (34.8%) and 247 by femoral approach (65.2%) were carried out. RESULTS: High angiographic success (95.6% vs. 96.8%; P = 0.57) was observed with the same rate of post-procedure myocardial perfusion, regardless of the approach used. After 30 days, there was a trend towards lower incidence of events in the radial approach group (1.5% vs. 6.9%; P = 0.07), possibly due to the lower occurrence of stent thrombosis in this group (0.8% vs. 4.9%; P= 0.04) and less need of target vessel revascularization (0.8% vs. 4.9%; P = 0.04). There was no difference in the incidence of major bleeding between the two groups (2.3% vs. 2%; P > 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the radial approach in primary angioplasty is safe and effective when performed by interventional "radialists" in eligible patients, and is an attractive alternative to the femoral approach, especially in patients at high risk of vascular complications such as obese patients and those receiving glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or thrombolytics.

Efficient annotation of vesicle dynamics video microscopy.

We describe an algorithm for the efficient annotation of events of interest in video microscopy. The specific application involves the detection and tracking of multiple p ossibly overlapping vesicles in total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy images. A st atistical model for the dynamic image data of vesicle configurations allows us to properly weight various hypotheses online. The goal is to find the most likely trajectories given a sequence of images. The computational challenge is addressed by defining a sequence of coarse-to-fine tests, derived from the statistical model, to quickly eliminate most candidate positions at each time frame. The computational load of the tests is initially very low and gradually in creases as the false positives become more difficult to eliminate. Only at the last step, state variables are estimated from a complete time- dependent model. Processing time thus mainly depends on the number of vesicles in the image and not on image size.

Utilização off-label dos stents farmacológicos nas intervenções coronárias percutâneas: registro da Clínica São Vcente / Off-label utilization of drug-eluting stents in percutaneous coronary intervention: Clinica São Vicente registry

Fundamentos: Estudos clínicos randomizados indicam que os stents farmacológicos reduzem a taxa de reestenose e a necessidade de procedimentos de revascularização. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho dos stents farmacológicos no mundo-real, comparando a evolução dos pacientes elegíveis nos estudos randomizados (on-label) com aqueles inelegíveis para intervenção coronária percutânea com stents farmacológicos (off-label). Método: Entre junho de 2002 e dezembro de 2007, 653 pacientes foram tratados por intervenção coronária percutânea somente con stents farmacológicos: 309 pacientes com stents farmacológicos em indicações on-label (309 stents) e 344 pacientes com presença de ao menos uma indicação off-label (654 stents). Foram consideradas indicações off-label: fração de ejeção < 25 por cento, múltiplos stents, oclusão crônica, tronco não protegido, bifurcação, ponte de safena, infarto agudo, lesão ostial e lesão reestenótica. Avaliamos a evolução hospitalar e no período médio de 23,2 meses após o procedimento. Resultados: Sucesso angiográfico elevado, com maior ocorrência de no-reflow (0 por cento vs. 1,5 por cento; p = 0,04) e mionecrose (1,9 por cento vs. 5,2 por cento; p = 0,022), foi observado nos pacientes off label, porém sem diferença na mortalidade (0,3 por cento vs. 0,9 por cento; p = 0,3). No seguimento tardio de 80 por cento dos pacientes...

Background: Randomized clinical trials indicate that drugeluting stents (DES) reduce the rates of restenosis and need for subsequent revascularization procedures. Objective: This study examined the performance of DES in a 'real world' setting comparing the outcomes of trial-eligible (on-label) versus ineligible (off-label) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Methods: From June 2002 to December 2007, 653 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention exclusively using DES: 309 patients (309 stents) with on-label indications, and 344 patients (654 stents) with at least one off-label indication. Off-label indications were considered ejection fraction < 25%, multiple DES, chronic total occlusions, unprotected left main coronary artery, bifurcations, saphenous vein grafts, acute myocardial infarction, ostial or restenotic lesions. We evaluated in-hospital as well as late follow-up events. Results: A high angiographic success, but with higher in-hospital myonecrosis (1.9% vs 5.2%; p = 0.02) and noreflow phenomenon (0% vs 1.5%; p = 0.04), was observed with off-label use; the incidence of death (0.3% vs 0.9%; p = 0.3) was not statistically different between groups. Data obtained from 80% of the patients over an average 23.2-month follow-up period showed a low incidence of major adverse cardiac events (8% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.5) and target vessel revascularization procedures (6.8% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.2). Conclusion: Off-label implantation of DES is safe, with a low mortality rate. DES use in this complex cohort of patients does not confer a higher risk of late adverse cardiac events or repeat revascularizations when compared to on-label indications.

Implante contemporâneo de stents convencionais: comparação dos stents de hastes finas de aço inoxidável versus cromo-cobalto / Contemporary bare metal stents implantation: comparison of stainless steel versus cobalt chromium coronary stents

Introdução: A maior espessura das hastes dos stents coronários está associada a maior risco de reestenose pós-implante de stents convencionais. Novos stents convencionais com hastes finas têm sido desenvolvidos, porém poucos estudos comparando esses novos dispositivos estão disponíveis. Método: No período de fevereiro de 2004 a janeiro de 2007, 475 pacientes consecutivos foram tratados exclusivamente com stents convencionais de hastes finas: 111 com stents de aço inoxidável (Liberté® - grupo I) e 364 com implante de stents de liga de cromo-cobalto (Driver® - grupo II). Foram abordadas lesões de novo em vasos nativos, sendo excluídos enxertos de safena, reestenoses de stent e pacientes em choque cardiogênico. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à evolução tanto hospitalar como tardia. Resultados: Sucesso angiográfico foi obtido na quase totalidade dos casos, com reduzida ocorrência de complicações cardíacas na fase hospitalar. No período médio de 18 meses, não foram observadas diferenças entre os stents, com baixa incidência de eventos cardíacos maiores (10,1% vs. 7,3%; p = 0,2) e da necessidade de revascularização do vaso-alvo (8,6% vs. 6,9%; p = 0,3). Conclusão: O implante da nova geração de stents coronários convencionais com hastes de fina espessura, no tratamento de lesões de novo em população selecionada, reduz a necessidade de reintervenção para níveis abaixo de 10%, com resultados similares entre os dispositivos avaliados.

Introduction: Higher strut thickness of coronary bare metal stents is associated with restenosis risk after bare metal stent implantation. New bare metal stents with thin struts have been developed, but there have been few studies comparing these new devices. Methods: from February 2004 until January 2007, 475 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention treating “de novo” coronary lesions exclusively using BMS. One hundred and eleven patients with stainless steel stent (Liberté® - group I) and 364 with cobalt chromium stent (Driver® - group II). Bypass venous graft, cardiogenic shock and restenosis were excluded. Patient progress was evaluated during their hospital stay and an average 18-month outpatient follow-up. Results: Angiographic success in almost all cases, with reduced in-hospital cardiac complications. Over an average 18-month period we found a low incidence of major adverse cardiac events (10.1 vs 7.3%; p=0.2) and a reduction in target vessel revascularization procedures (8.6 vs 6.9%; p=0.3). Conclusion: Implantation of new generation BMS with thinner-struts to treat “de novo” coronary lesions, in a select population, reduces target vessel revascularization to below 10%, with both devices achieving similar results.

Fratura de stent como causa de reestenose em stent farmacológico / Stent fracture and restenosis of drug-eluting-stents

Os stents coronários são usados em mais de 90 por cento das intervenções coronárias percutâneas. Emtretanto, sua eficácia está limitada pela ocorrência de reestenose, variando de 15 por cento a 50 por cento dos casos, dependendo da morfologia da lesão e da presença de co-morbidade (como, por exemplo, diabetes melito e insuficiência renal). Nos últimos anos os stents farmacológicos provaram ser eficazes em suprimir a hiperplasia neo-intimal, reduzindo a taxa de reestenose para um dígito. Neste artigo, os autores descrevem um caso de reestenose em stent com eluição de sirolimus relacionada à fratura de stent.

The latest great revolution in the management of restenosis has been the introduction of the drug-eluting-stents (DES). They have been proven very effective in suppressing neointimal proliferation and reduces restenosis rates to single digit numbers. A case of DES strut fracture-induced restenosis is described.