Drug-eluting versus nondrug peripheral vascular interventions.

Introduction: Drug-eluting (DRUG) peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) are associated with higher patency rates than nondrug (NONDRUG) PVIs. Recent data raised safety concerns with using DRUG devices in PVIs. Material and methods: The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Database using the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system codes for PVI, DRUG and NONDRUG devices, and in-hospital procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospitalization, acute kidney injury (AKI), amputation, compartment syndrome, vascular complications, bleeding, and blood transfusion. Propensity matching was used to adjust for baseline characteristics. Results: 49,883 discharged patients who underwent lower extremity arterial PVI were identified, 25.3% DRUG and 74.7% NONDRUG PVI. Mean age was 68.3 years and 40.6% were female. Critical limb ischemia was reported in 33.2%, claudication in 7.6%, and acute limb ischemia in 0.1%. In comparison to the NONDRUG group, the DRUG group was associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality (2.2 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001), shorter length of index hospitalization (8.3 vs. 8.6 days, p = 0.001), bleeding (12.0% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001), and need for blood transfusion (10.1% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in terms of AKI (17.3% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.10), amputation (15.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.63), compartment syndrome (0.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.07), or vascular complications (0.8% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.50). After propensity matching, the mortality benefit was no longer present. Conclusions: DRUG PVI was associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality, bleeding events and shorter length of index hospitalization and comparable vascular-related complications. However, this mortality benefit was no longer present after propensity matching.

AngioVac for Minimally Invasive Removal of Intravascular and Intracardiac Masses: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Management of intracardiac masses, such as right heart thrombi and catheter-related vegetations, can be challenging. Many patients are high-risk candidates for surgical extraction due to multiple comorbidities and risk of distal embolization. In this review, we highlight the advancements in percutaneous approaches for treatment of intracardiac masses utilizing AngioVac (AngioDynamic, Latham, NY). RECENT FINDINGS: With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the AngioVac System in 2009, a growing body of evidence has proven it to be a feasible and effective tool to extract thrombi and masses from the iliocaval system and the right heart. In this review, we highlight the feasibility of AngioVac System (AngioDynamic, Latham, NY) based on the published cases series and registries. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to establish an algorithmic approach in treating intracardiac masses.

Percutaneous Versus Surgical Revascularization for Acute Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common medical condition in our clinical practice that should be treated with appropriate revascularization in a timely manner. Percutaneous revascularization (PR) has been the first-line treatment option when feasible. Limited data is available comparing PR to surgical revascularization (SR) in the AMI setting. METHODS: Study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data using International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system codes for AMI, PR, SR, and procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), stroke, acute kidney injury, bleeding, need for blood transfusion, acute respiratory failure, and total hospital charges. RESULTS: The study identified 45,539 discharges with a principal admission diagnosis of AMI (38.7% ST elevation and 61.3% non-ST elevation) who had either PR or SR as a principal procedure (79.1% PR versus 20.9% SR). Single vessel revascularization was performed in 67.8% (93.1% had PR versus 6.9% had SR, p < 0.01). Multivessel revascularization was performed in 32.2% (64.8% had PR versus 35.2% had SR, p < 0.01). 83% of SR was in the setting of non-ST elevation AMI (NSTEMI). In comparison to SR, PR was associated with higher in-hospital all-cause mortality (3.7% versus 2.2%, p < 0.01), shorter LOS (4.3 versus 11.6 days, p < 0.01), and lower incidence of post-procedural stroke (1.0% versus 1.8%, p < 0.01), acute kidney injury (14.9% versus 24.8%, p < 0.01), bleeding (4.3% versus 47.1%, p < 0.01), need for blood transfusion (2.9% versus 18.5%, p < 0.01), acute respiratory failure (10.7% versus 19.8%, p < 0.01), and total hospital charges (120,590$ versus 229,917$, p < 0.01). These results persist after adjustment for baseline characteristics. In a subgroup analysis, SR mortality benefit persisted in patients who had multivessel revascularization (in both ST and non-ST elevation AMI), but not in single vessel revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presented with AMI, PR was associated with higher in-hospital all-cause mortality but lower morbidity, shorter LOS, and lower total hospital charges than SR. However, the mortality benefit of SR was seen in multivessel revascularization only, and not in single vessel revascularization.

Radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation with irrigated tip catheter using remote magnetic navigation compared with conventional manual method.

BACKGROUND: Studies comparing manual catheter navigation (MCN) to remote magnetic navigation (RMN) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation showed variable results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of AF radiofrequency (RF) ablation using MCN versus RMN with irrigated tip catheters. METHODS: Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were queried from inception through January 2019. Studies comparing safety and clinical outcomes of AF ablation with RF using MCN versus RMN with irrigated tip catheters were included. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool outcomes across studies. Study endpoints included freedom of AF at the end of the study, procedure total time, fluoroscopy time, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies (3 controlled non-randomized trials, 1 prospective observational, and 10 retrospective observational studies) involving 3375 patients (1871 in MCN and 1504 in RMN) were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of freedom of AF (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82-1.42, p = 0.52). The MCN group was associated with shorter procedure time (mean difference in minutes - 50.39, 95% CI - 67.99 to - 32.79, p < 0.01), longer fluoroscopy time (mean difference in minutes 18.01, 95% CI 10.73-25.29, p < 0.01), and higher complication rate (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.24-3.82, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: AF ablation utilizing MCN was associated with similar efficacy to RMN but with higher complication rates. Although the procedure time was shorter with MCN, the fluoroscopy time was more prolonged. Randomized clinical studies are needed to further verify these results.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair in Systolic Versus Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip device has been approved for treatment of mitral regurgitation in symptomatic patients deemed high risk for surgical repair. This study compares outcomes of Mitraclip in patients with systolic (SHF) versus diastolic heart failure (DHF). METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data (NRD) using International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system (ICD-9-CM/PCS) codes for the Mitraclip, SHF, DHF, and procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, acute respiratory failure, bleeding, blood transfusion, length of hospital stay (LOS) as well as 30-day readmission rate. RESULTS: A total of 1681 discharges that had Mitraclip during the index hospitalization and had a history of SHF (909) or DHF (772) were included in this analysis. The mean age was 78.5 years and 46.6% were female. SHF group was associated with higher post-procedural cardiogenic shock (7.3% versus 2.0%, p < 0.01), AMI (2.1% versus 0.8%, p = 0.03), AKI (21.0 versus 14.2%, p < 0.01), acute respiratory failure (13.2% versus 9.6%, p = 0.02), and longer LOS (9.6 versus 5.7 days, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of in-hospital all-cause mortality (3.4% versus 2.3%, p = 0.18), stroke (0.7% versus 1.4%, p = 0.15), bleeding (10.7% versus 8.9%, p = 0.23), need for blood transfusion (5.7% versus 3.6%, p = 0.05), or 30-day readmission rate (15.7% versus 16.1%, p = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to DHF, patients with SHF undergoing the MitraClip had higher in-hospital morbidities and longer LOS but comparable mortality and 30-day readmission rates.

Impact of preexisting coronary arterial disease in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip).

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous mitral valve repair with Mitraclip device has been approved for the treatment of symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation in patients deemed high surgical risk. It's unclear whether the presence of preexisting coronary arterial disease (CAD) affects the postprocedural outcomes of Mitraclip. METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data (NRD) using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modifications/Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/PCS) for Mitraclip, preexisting CAD, and postprocedural complications. Study primary endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, acute respiratory failure, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission rate. RESULTS: A total of 2,539 discharges that had Mitraclip during the index hospitalization, 62.3% had history of preexisting CAD. Mean age was 78.5 years and 46.6% were female. Overall, the presence of preexisting CAD was associated with higher AMI (1.6 vs. 0.4%, p < .01), however, there was no significant differences in terms of in-hospital all-cause mortality (2.2 vs. 2.6%, p = .52), cardiogenic shock (3.4 vs. 4.1%, p = .39), AKI (14.7 vs. 13.6%, p = .43), stroke (0.9 vs. 0.5%, p = .31), acute respiratory failure (9.7 vs. 8.8%, p = .43), LOS (5.3 vs. 5.3 days, p = .85) or 30-day readmission rate (14.6 vs. 14.4%, p = .92). These results persisted after adjustment for baseline characteristics. The subgroup of CAD patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (22.5 vs. 2.0%, p < .01), cardiogenic shock (25.0 vs. 3.3%, p < .01), AMI (22.5 vs. 0.8%, p < .01), AKI (55.0 vs. 13.7%, p < .01), stroke (10.0 vs. 0.6%, p < .01), acute respiratory failure (45.0 vs. 8.8%, p < .01), and longer LOS (21.5 vs. 5.1 days, p < .01), however there was no significant difference in 30-day readmission rate (15.0 vs. 14.5%, p = .95). CONCLUSIONS: Preexisting CAD was associated with higher in-hospital AMI post-Mitraclip but with comparable mortality and other morbidities. Patients who received PCI during the same index hospitalization had higher in-hospital mortality and morbidity.

The accuracy of distribution of non-ST elevation electrocardiographic changes in localising the culprit vessel in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: ST-segment elevation distribution on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) accurately localises the culprit vessel. However, the utility of the ECG changes in localising the coronary culprit territory in the setting of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is not well established. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included patients presenting with NSTEMI, who had dynamic non-ST elevation ischaemic changes in one or more ECG leads and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a single vessel between October 2011 and November 2017 in a single university hospital institution. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the distribution of ECG changes in localising the culprit vessel were calculated. RESULTS: There was a total of 82 patients included in this study, who received PCI to the left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex (LCX), in 43.9%, 24.4%, and 31.7%, respectively; 51% were male. In this cohort, sensitivity of ECG in localising single-culprit-vessel NSTEMI was 41.5%. The overall accuracy of ECG changes was 50.0%, 72.0%, and 70.0% in LAD, RCA, and LCX distribution, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 72.2% and 32.6% in LAD distribution, 20% and 88.7% in RCA distribution, and 15.4% and 82.1% in LCX distributions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ischaemic non-ST elevation ECG changes had modest accuracy in localising the culprit vessel in patients with PCI-treated NSTEMI. These changes were more sensitive in LAD distribution and more specific in RCA and LCX distributions.

Outcomes of concomitant percutaneous coronary interventions and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease is a common diagnosis among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The treatment and timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain controversial. We sought to compare in-hospital periprocedural outcomes of combined TAVR and PCI during the same index hospitalization versus the isolated TAVR procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data (NRD) using International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system codes for TAVR, coronary PCI, and post-procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospital stay, cardiogenic shock, need for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, mechanical complications of prosthetic valve, paravalvular leak (PVL), acute kidney injury (AKI), bleeding and total hospital charges. Propensity matching was used to adjust for baseline characteristics. RESULTS: There were 23,604 TAVRs in the 2016 NRD, of which 852 were combined with PCI during the same index hospitalization. Mean age was 80.5 years and 45.9% were female. In comparison to isolated TAVR, TAVR-PCI was associated with higher in-hospital all-cause mortality (4.5% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.01), longer length of stay (10.5 vs. 5.4 days, p < 0.01), and higher incidence of cardiogenic shock (9.4% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.01), use of MCS devices (6.8% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.01), mechanical complications of prosthetic valve (6.8% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.01), PVL (0.9% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.01), AKI (25.5% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.01), bleeding (25.2% vs. 18.1%, p < 0.01), and total hospital charges ($354,725 vs. $220474, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to isolated TAVR, combined TAVR-PCI was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital morbidity and mortality. The association and mechanism of increased mortality warrant further study.

Effect of infarct site on the clinical endpoints of thrombolytic-treated ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies suggest better outcomes after the use of thrombolytics in inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared to other locations. The goal of this study is to compare the clinical endpoints of thrombolytic-treated STEMI based on coronary artery distribution. METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Data using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modifications codes for STEMI, thrombolytic infusion, and complications of STEMI. Primary study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), cardiogenic shock, and mechanical complications of STEMI. RESULTS: A principal diagnosis of thrombolytic-treated STEMI was identified for in 1231 patients (mean age 61.5 years; 26.5% female). Four hundred and thirty-one STEMIs occurred in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery distribution, 124 in the left circumflex (LCX) artery distribution, and 676 in the right coronary artery (RCA) distribution. In comparison to the LAD and LCX distributions, thrombolytic-treated STEMIs in the RCA distribution were associated with lower mortality (6.5% with LAD, 5.7% with LCX, and 3.6% with RCA; p = 0.02), fewer cardiogenic shock (12.3% with LAD, 12.1% with LCX, and 7.7% with RCA; p = 0.01), and shorter LOS (4.5 days with LAD, 3.9 with LCX, and 3.6 days with RCA; p < 0.01). Mechanical complications showed no significant difference based on coronary distribution (2.3% with LAD, 3.2% with LCX, and 1.2% with RCA; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolytic-treated STEMIs in the RCA distribution were associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, and shorter LOS. Mechanical complications were not different based on coronary distribution.

Outcomes of fractional flow reserve-guided percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment has been validated as an effective tool to guide revascularization of stable coronary artery disease. The role of utilizing FFR in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is less established. METHODS: The study population was extracted from the National Readmissions Data (NRD) 2014 using International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for ACS, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), FFR, and periprocedural complications. Study endpoints included all-cause of in-hospital mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), acute kidney injury (AKI), bleeding, coronary dissection, total number of stents used, stroke, vascular complications (VCs), and the total charges of index hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 304,548 discharges that had the diagnosis of ACS and treated invasively within the same index hospitalization (average age 65.1 years; 64% male) were identified. Among these, 7,832 had FFR guided invasive treatment (2.6%) which was associated with significantly lower in-hospital all-cause mortality (1.1 vs. 3.1%, p < .01), shorter LOS (4.6 vs. 5.3 days, p < .01), less AKI (12.5 vs. 14.6%, p < .01), less bleeding (7.0 vs. 8.5%, p < .01), and lower total charges ($99,805 vs. $105,736). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of stroke (2.2 vs. 2.3%, p = .41), coronary dissection (0.7 vs. 0.8%, p = .34), VC (1.3 vs. 1.0% p = .01) or the total number of stents used (55.5 vs. 54.5% p = .34). CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with an ACS FFR- guided PCI, as compared to angiography guided PCI, was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality, shorter LOS, less AKI, bleeding and lower hospital charges. There was no significant difference in terms of the incidence of stroke, coronary dissection, VC or the total number of stents used.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease is a common diagnosis among patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is unknown whether the presence of coronary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) has any impact on TAVR post-procedural in-hospital outcomes. METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data using International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system codes for TAVR, coronary CTO and post-procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospital stay, paravalvular leak (PVL), mechanical complications of prosthetic valve, cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), need for a permanent pacemaker, and bleeding. Propensity matching was used to extract a matched control (TAVR-M group to TAVR-CTO group). RESULTS: There were 23,604 TAVR, of whom, 467 discharges were identified in each group. Baseline characteristics and comorbidities were comparable. Mean age was 80.5 years and 45.9% were female. In comparison to TAVR-M, TAVR-CTO was associated with longer length of stay (8.1 versus 5.9 days, p < 0.01), and higher incidence of post-procedural cardiogenic shock (5.1% versus 1.7%, p < 0.01), AMI (5.8% versus 2.8%, p = 0.02), and AKI (18.6% versus 13.9, p = 0.048). There was no significant difference between the two groups in in-hospital all-cause mortality (1.7% versus 2.4%, p = 0.49), PVL (1.3% versus 0.4%, p = 0.16), mechanical complications of prosthetic valve (0.4% versus 0.9%, p = 0.41), permanent pacemaker (11.6% versus 8.1%, p = 0.07), or bleeding (20.6% versus 19.7%, p = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to TAVR-M, TAVR-CTO was associated with a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock, AMI, and AKI and longer LOS but similar mortality.

Atherectomy-assisted versus percutaneous angioplasty interventions for treatment of symptomatic infra-inguinal peripheral arterial disease.

INTRODUCTION: The role of atherectomy (ATHERO) for the treatment of symptomatic infra-inguinal arterial lesions remains controversial. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of atherectomy-assisted endovascular interventions in comparison with percutaneous angioplasty (PTA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted for studies comparing ATHERO with PTA from February 1995 to May 2018. Only studies comparing ATHERO to PTA for symptomatic infra-inguinal disease were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the data and endpoints across studies. Study endpoints included vessel dissection, distal embolization, residual stenosis (> 30%), vessel patency at 6 months, target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months and major amputation rates at 1, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 2923 patients were included from 8 studies. PTA was associated with higher vessel dissection (OR = 4.00, 95% CI: 1.15-13.86) and lower 12-month major amputation rates (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.90). There was no significant difference between ATHERO and PTA groups in terms of distal embolization (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.04-4.63), residual stenosis (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.58-2.80), vessel patency at 6 months (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.50-3.22), TLR at 12 months (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.46-2.51), or limb amputation at 1 month (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.44-1.07) or 6 months (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.38-6.15). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing infra-inguinal endovascular interventions, PTA was associated with higher peri-procedural vessel dissection and lower 12-month major amputation rates. Both modalities were associated with similar distal embolization, residual stenosis, and 6-month vessel patency and amputation rates.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with mitral valve regurgitation.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is currently considered a class I indication for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and high/prohibitive surgical risk. AIM: We describe the effect of concomitant mitral valve regurgitation (MR) on post-procedural TAVR outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2014 National Readmissions Data (NRD) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for TAVR, MR and post-procedural outcomes. Propensity matching was used to extract a control group of TAVR patients without MR (TAVR-C) to the TAVR with concomitant MR group (TAVR-MR). Study outcomes included in-hospital all-cause mortality, in-hospital post-procedural stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), bleeding, mechanical complications of prosthetic valve, vascular complications (VC), need for new permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) and 30-day readmission rates. RESULTS: A total of 1511 patients were identified in each group (mean age: 81.7 years, 49.3% male); the two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics and co-morbidities. When compared to TAVR-C, TAVR-MR was associated with lower post-procedural stroke (3.5% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of all-cause mortality (4.1% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.59), AMI (3.2% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.59), bleeding (33.4% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.19), mechanical complications of prosthetic valve (2.5% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.31), VC (3.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.06), the need for PPM (7.9% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.21) or 30-day readmission rates (19.0% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: TAVR-MR was associated with lower post-procedural stroke but comparable other in-hospital outcomes and 30-day readmission rates to TAVR-C.

Device monitoring in heart failure management: outcomes based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Implantable devices have been developed for continuous monitoring of heart failure. We investigated the effect of fluids and hemodynamic monitoring, using these devices, on heart failure clinical outcomes. Literature search was performed January 2000 through May 2017 of studies comparing device monitored patients with control group. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool outcomes across the studies. A total of 5,454 patients were included from 14 studies. There was no difference in heart failure (HF)-related admissions rate [odds ratio (OR) 1.25, 95% CI: 0.92-1.69, P=0.15], all-cause mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.91-1.61, P=0.20) or combined admission rate and all-cause mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.89-1.64, P=0.22) between the device monitored and the control group. In a subgroup analysis including only pressure sensors devices, there was no difference in all-cause mortality (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.62-1.74, P=0.89), however, there was a lower admissions rate (OR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.10-2.41, P=0.02). In a subgroup of only impedance monitoring devices, there was no difference in all-cause mortality or admissions rate. Pressure monitoring was associated with lower HF admissions rate. No improvement in these outcomes was noted with impedance monitoring.

Safety of performing transoesophageal echocardiography in patients with oesophageal varices.

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal varices (EV) are one of the complications of liver cirrhosis that carries a risk of rupture and bleeding. The safety of performing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with pre-existing EV is not well described in literature. Therefore, this retrospective study has been conducted to evaluate the safety of preforming TEE in this group of patients. METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System for EV, TEE and in-hospital outcomes. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, hospital length of stay, postprocedural gastrointestinal bleeding and oesophageal perforation. RESULTS: A total of 81 328 discharges with a diagnosis of EV were identified, among which 242 had a TEE performed during the index hospitalisation. Mean age was 58.3 years, 36.6% female. In comparison to the no-TEE group, the TEE group was associated with comparable in-hospital all-cause mortality (7.0% vs 6.7%, p=0.86) and bleeding (0.9% vs 1.1%, p=0.75); however, TEE group was associated with longer hospital stay (14.9 days vs 6.9 days, p<0.01). There were no reported oesophageal perforations. CONCLUSIONS: TEE is not a common procedure performed in patients with pre-existing EV. TEE seems to be a safe diagnostic tool for evaluation of heart diseases in this group of patients.

Utilization and Outcomes of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in Cardiogenic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality despite recent advances in the temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. The current utilization and outcomes of these MCS devices with or without vasopressors compared with conventional medical therapy (no-MCS) in CS remain poorly described. The study population was extracted from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for CS, temporary MCS devices, and vasopressor infusion. Study end points included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), the likelihood of receiving invasive treatment, postprocedural bleeding, vascular complications, total hospitalization charges, and discharge disposition. A total of 59,148 discharges with a diagnosis of CS were identified (age 67 years; 38.5% female). Temporary MCS devices were utilized in 22.7%. The use of these devices was associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality (33.0% vs 39.7%, p <0.01), increased likelihood of invasive therapy (75.7% vs 26.3%, p <0.01), and increased likelihood of being discharged home (24.8% vs 20.6%, p <0.01). However, the MCS group had longer LOS (16.9 vs 12.1 days, p <0.01), higher vascular complications (2.6% vs 1.4%, p <0.01), bleeding (31.2% vs 16.8%, p <0.01), and total hospitalization charges ($374,574 vs $182,045, p <0.01). In conclusion, the use of the temporary MCS devices for the treatment of CS was associated with lower mortality, increased the likelihood of receiving invasive treatment and the likelihood of being discharged home. However, it was associated with higher in-hospital complications, LOS, and hospitalization charges.

The safety of morphine use in acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Morphine is widely used for pain control in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Several studies have questioned the safety of morphine in this setting with a concern of interaction with and reduced efficacy of antiplatelet agents. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review the safety of morphine use in ACS. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from inception through April 2018. Studies comparing morphine to nonmorphine use in ACS were included. Study endpoints included: in-hospital myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding, minor bleeding and dyspnoea. RESULTS: A total of 64 323 patients with ACS were included from eight studies, seven of which were observational studies and one was a randomised controlled trial. The use of morphine was associated with increased risk of in-hospital recurrent MI (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.43, p < 0.00001). There was, however, no significant difference in terms of all-cause mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.22, p = 0.44), stroke (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.66, p = 0.57), major bleeding (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.00, p = 0.05), minor bleeding (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.34, p = 0.97), or dyspnoea (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.83, p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: The use of morphine for pain control in ACS was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital recurrent MI. Randomised clinical trials are needed to further investigate the safety of morphine in ACS.

Percutaneous Versus Surgical Pulmonic Valve Implantation for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Percutaneous pulmonic valve implantation (PPVI) is an alternative treatment strategy to surgical pulmonic valve implantation (SPVI) for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. This study sought to compare outcomes of both treatment strategies. METHODS: The study population was extracted from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for PPVI and SPVI. Study outcomes included all-cause in-hospital mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), post-procedural bleeding, mechanical complications of heart valve prosthesis, vascular complications (VC), infective endocarditis (IE), total hospitalization charges, and 30-day readmission rates. RESULTS: A total of 975 patient discharges (176 in PPVI and 799 in SPVI group) were identified (average age 25.7 years; 57.5% male). PPVI was associated with significantly shorter median LOS (1 versus 5 days, p < 0.01), lower risk of bleeding (4.6% versus 26.4%, p < 0.01), and lower total hospitalization charges ($169,551.7 versus $210,681.8, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of all-cause in-hospital mortality (0% versus 1.4%, p = 0.12), mechanical complications of heart valve prosthesis (1.7% versus 2.0%, p = 0.78), VC (2.3% versus 2.0%, p = 0.82), IE (1.7% versus 3.1%, p = 0.31), or 30-day readmission rates (4.4% versus 7.6%, p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Compared with SPVI, PPVI was associated with shorter LOS, lower bleeding, and lower total charges. There was no significant difference between the two strategies in terms of all-cause in-hospital mortality, mechanical complications of heart valve prosthesis, VC, IE, or 30-day readmission rates.

Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Heart Transplant Recipients.

Heart transplantation (HT) recipients represent a growing patient population. Although mechanisms might differ, coronary artery disease is an important cause of morbidity in this group. Limited data are available on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in HT in comparison to general population (non-HT). The study population was extracted from the National Readmissions Data 2014 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for AMI and HT. The study outcomes included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), cardiogenic shock, acute kidney injury, the likelihood of receiving invasive left-sided cardiac catheterization with and/or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 30-day readmission rates. A total of 259,794 discharges with a principal diagnosis of AMI were identified, in which 789 had a history of HT. In comparison to non-HT, HT group was associated with longer LOS (5.9 vs 4.9 days, p <0.01), more cardiogenic shock (8.8% vs 6.4%, p <0.01), more acute kidney injury (26.2% vs 17.6%, p <0.01), less catheterization (59.7% vs 75.1%, p <0.01), less use of PCI (35.2% vs 50.0%, p <0.01), and higher 30-day readmission rate (21.3% vs 14.4%, p <0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality (6.8% vs 5.4%, p = 0.07). In conclusion, compared with non-HT, HT with AMI was associated with longer LOS, more in-hospital morbidity, lower likelihood of receiving invasive treatment (including PCI), and higher 30-day readmission rates. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality.

Bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin in peripheral vascular interventions.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies suggest that bivalirudin (BIV) is associated with similar efficacy but reduced bleeding when compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients undergoing peripheral vascular interventions (PVI). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. These were queried to identify studies comparing BIV with UFH in PVI. Study endpoints included total bleeding events, major and minor bleeding events and procedural success. Random-effects meta-analysis method was used to pool endpoint odds ratios (OR) for both UFH and BIV with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 12,335 patients (70.6 years; 59.7% male) were included from seven observational cohort studies (two prospective and five retrospective) comparing outcomes between BIV and UFH during PVI between January 2000 and May 2017. Compared with BIV, UFH was associated with significantly higher total bleeding, (OR 1.52 with 95% CI 1.11 to 2.09, p = 0.009), major bleeding (OR 1.38 with 95% CI 1.13 to 1.68, p = 0.002), and minor bleeding (OR 1.51 with 95% CI 1.09 to 2.08, p = 0.01). Procedural success rates were not different between the two groups (BIV vs HEP: OR 0.90 with 95% CI 0.49 to 1.64, p = 0.72) CONCLUSION: Compared with BIV, UFH was associated with more bleeding when used during PVI. There was no significant difference in procedural success between the two anticoagulation strategies.