Rapid Classification and Treatment Algorithm of Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Coronary Syndromes: The SAVE ACS Classification.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify the independent "frontline" predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and propose a rapid cardiogenic shock (CS) classification and management pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2019, a total of 11439 incident ACS patients were treated in our institution. Forward conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the "frontline" predictors of 30 day mortality. The C-statistic assessed the discriminatory power of the model. As a validation cohort, we used 431 incident ACS patients admitted from January 1, 2020, to July 20, 2020. RESULTS: Independent predictors of 30-day mortality included age (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07, p < 0.001), intubation (OR 7.4; 95% CI 4.3 to 12.74, p < 0.001), LV systolic impairment (OR severe_vs_normal 1.98; 95% CI 1.14 to 3.42, p=0.015, OR moderate_vs_normal 1.84; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.1, p=0.022), serum lactate (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.41, p < 0.001), base excess (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07, p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.982 to 0.999, p=0.024). The model discrimination was excellent with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.879 (0.851 to 0.908) (p < 0.001). Based on these predictors, we created the SAVE (SBP, Arterial blood gas, and left Ventricular Ejection fraction) ACS classification, which showed good discrimination for 30-day AUC 0.814 (0.782 to 0.845) and long-term mortality (p log-rank < 0.001). A similar AUC was demonstrated in the validation cohort (AUC 0.815). CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, we introduce a rapid way of classifying CS using frontline parameters. The SAVE ACS classification could allow for future randomized studies to explore the benefit of mechanical circulatory support in different CS stages in ACS patients.

Coronary artery bypass confers intermediate-term survival benefit over percutaneous coronary intervention with new-generation stents in real-world patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, including left main disease: a retrospective analysis of 6383 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The intermediate-term all-cause mortality rate of real-world patients with multivessel disease (MVD) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with new-generation drug-eluting stents or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unknown. We sought to compare the intermediate-term all-cause mortality rates of real-world patients with MVD including left main stem disease, treated with CABG or PCI. METHODS: All consecutive all-comer patients with MVD undergoing CABG or PCI with second/third generation drug-eluting stents from 2007 to 2015 in Harefield Hospital, UK were included in this study. The revascularization modality was based on heart team discussions. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Mean follow-up of the study was 3.3 years. Cox regression analysis and propensity matching were used. RESULTS: Of 6383 patients with MVD, 4230 underwent CABG, whereas 2153 had PCI with new-generation stents. In the CABG group, the mean age was 66.4 ± 10 years, whereas in the PCI group it was 65.3 ± 12.1 years (P < 0.001). Fewer female patients with MVD were treated with CABG than were treated with PCI (18.5% vs 20.5%; P = 0.026). There was a higher 5-year estimated survival rate among patients having CABG (88% vs 78.3%; Plog-rank < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for PCI over CABG was 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41-2.16; P < 0.001]. A total of 653 patients having CABG and 653 having PCI were included in the propensity-matched groups. At mean follow-up, PCI was associated with a higher adjusted HR for all-cause mortality (2.18, 95% CI 1.54-3.1; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary cohort of real-world patients with MVD, CABG was associated with increased intermediate-term survival compared to PCI with new-generation drug-eluting stents.

Mid-to-long term mortality following surgical versus percutaneous coronary revascularization stratified according to stent subtype: An analysis of 6,682 patients with multivessel disease.

BACKGROUND: Studies comparing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have largely been performed in the bare-metal stent (BMS) and first-generation drug eluting stent (F-DES) era. Second-generation DES (S-DES) have shown improved outcomes when compared to F-DES, but data comparing CABG with PCI using S-DES is limited. We compared mortality following CABG versus PCI for patients with multivessel disease and analyzed different stent types. METHODS: A total of 6,682 patients underwent multivessel revascularization at Harefield Hospital, UK. We stratified CABG patients into single arterial graft (SAG) or multiple arterial grafts (MAG); and PCI patients into BMS, F-DES or S-DES groups. We analyzed all-cause mortality at 5 years. RESULTS: 4,388 patients had CABG (n[SAG] = 3,358; n[MAG] = 1,030) and 2,294 patients had PCI (n[BMS] = 416; n[F-DES] = 752; n[S-DES] = 1,126). PCI had higher 5-year mortality with BMS (HR = 2.27, 95% CI:1.70-3.05, p<0.001); F-DES (HR = 1.52, 95% CI:1.14-2.01, p = 0.003); and S-DES (HR = 1.84, 95% CI:1.42-2.38, p<0.001). This was confirmed in inverse probability treatment weighted analyses. When adjusting for both measured and unmeasured factors using instrumental variable analyses, PCI had higher 5-year mortality with BMS (Δ = 15.5, 95% CI:3.6,27.5, p = 0.011) and FDES (Δ = 16.5, 95% CI:6.6,26.4, p<0.001), but had comparable mortality with CABG for PCI with SDES (Δ = 0.9, 95% CI: -9.6,7.9, p = 0.844), and when exclusively compared to CABG patients with SAG (Δ = 0.4, 95% CI: -8.0,8.7, p = 0.931) or MAG (Δ = 4.6, 95% CI: -0.4,9.6, p = 0.931). CONCLUSIONS: In this real-world analysis, when adjusting for measured and unmeasured confounding, PCI with SDES had comparable 5-year mortality when compared to CABG. This warrants evaluation in adequately-powered randomized controlled trials.

The prognostic significance of incomplete revascularization and untreated coronary anatomy following percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis of 6,755 patients with multivessel disease.

BACKGROUND: More than half of the patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have multivessel disease. Whether complete revascularization impacts long-term mortality or whether selected patients or those with specific coronary anatomy benefit from complete revascularization is unclear. METHODS: A total of 14,452 patients underwent PCI between 2004 and 2015 at Harefield Hospital, UK. Of these, 7,076 patients had multivessel disease. We excluded 321 patients with left main-stem stenosis ≥50%, with 6,755 patients included in the analysis (936 patients had complete revascularization). RESULTS: The unadjusted 3-year mortality rates were lower with complete revascularization (10.8% vs 13.1%, P = 0.047). However, multivariable-adjusted analyses indicated that complete revascularization was not independently associated with mortality (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.78-1.31, P = 0.939). These findings were unchanged when addressing measured confounding using propensity-matched analyses (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.81-1.65, P = 0.417) and inverse probability treatment weighted analyses (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.77-1.33, P = 0.950); and unmeasured confounding using instrumental variable analyses (Δ = 0.9%, 95% CI: -2.5%, 4.3%, P = 0.958). There was no association with mortality and untreated LAD disease (HR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.72-1.17, P = 0.482) and LCx disease (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.74-1.10, P = 0.999). However, untreated proximal LAD disease (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.51, P = 0.045) and RCA disease (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.65, P = 0.007) was associated with increased mortality, particularly in patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STEACS). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of unselected patients undergoing PCI, complete revascularization did not confer a mortality benefit. However, the presence of untreated proximal LAD and RCA disease was prognostic in patients with STEACS. Thus, complete revascularization may be considered in select patient groups with anatomical subsets of coronary disease.

A feasibility and safety study of intracoronary hemodilution during primary coronary angioplasty in order to reduce reperfusion injury in myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We designed a pilot study to evaluate safety and feasibility of an inexpensive and simple approach to intracoronary hemodilution during primary angioplasty (PPCI) to reduce reperfusion injury. INTRODUCTION: Early revascularization in acute myocardial infarction decreases infarct size and improves outcomes. However, abrupt restoration of coronary flow results in myocardial reperfusion injury and increased final infarct size. Dilution of coronary blood during revascularization may help reduce this damage. If proved effective, such an approach would need to be simple and suitable for widespread adoption. METHODS: Ten patients presenting with STEMI underwent intracoronary dilution with room temperature Hartmann's solution delivered through the guiding catheter during primary angioplasty (PPCI). Infusion of perfusate began prior to crossing the occluded artery with the guidewire, continuing until 10 min after completion of the balloon and stenting procedure. Infusion was briefly interrupted for contrast injection and pressure monitoring. The outcome measures were safety, including intracoronary temperature reduction and volume of intracoronary perfusate infused, and technical feasibility. RESULTS: There were no significant symptomatic, hemodynamic, ECG ST/T segment or rhythm changes observed during perfusate administration. The median (interquartile range) volume of perfusate administered was 550 mL (350-725 mL) and the median intracoronary temperature reduction observed was 3.4°Celsius. Myocardial salvage was 0.54 (0.43-0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter intracoronary hemodilution with room temperature perfusate during PPCI is feasible and appears safe. Such a strategy is simple and inexpensive, with potential to be widely applied. Further mechanistic and subsequent outcome powered studies are required to evaluate whether this strategy can reduce reperfusion injury in STEMI.

Comparison of Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using Internal Mammary Graft Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Isolated Proximal Left Anterior Descending Narrowing.

There are limited contemporary studies comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for isolated proximal left anterior descending (LAD) disease. Increasing stent length and decreasing stent diameters are associated with increased risk of restenosis and adverse outcomes after PCI. Whether these parameters influence outcomes when comparing CABG and PCI is unclear. We compared CABG and PCI in 3,473 patients who underwent revascularization for isolated proximal LAD disease from 2004 to 2015 at Harefield Hospital, UK; 3,078 patients (89%) had PCI and 384 patients had CABG (11%). We analyzed all-cause mortality at 3 years. The unadjusted mortality rates were similar (PCI vs CABG: 9.5% vs 7.0%, p = 0.109). PCI was associated with comparable mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70 to 1.89, p = 0.593), even when stratified to bare-metal stents (HR 1.58, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.80, p = 0.121); first-generation drug-eluting stents (FDES; HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.02, p = 0.597); and second-generation DES (SDES; HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.82, p = 0.946). Stent diameters did not influence outcomes, but PCI was associated with higher mortality when stent length ≥30 mm (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.03, p = 0.022). There was a linear association between stent length and mortality, and for every 1-mm increase in stent length, the 3-year mortality increased by 0.32%. In conclusion, for patients with isolated proximal LAD disease, PCI and CABG were associated with similar mortality. Increasing stent length was progressively associated with worse outcomes with PCI. For longer segments of disease requiring stent lengths ≥30 mm, CABG may be associated with better outcomes.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Counterpulsation in the Post-Resuscitation Period is Associated with Improved Functional Outcomes in Patients Surviving an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Insights from a Dedicated Heart Attack Centre.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, functional survival remains low after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA). Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy has recently been shown to augment cerebral blood flow. Whether IABP therapy in the post-resuscitation period improves functional outcomes is unknown. METHODS: We analysed 174 consecutive patients who were successfully resuscitated from an OOHCA between 2011-2013 at Harefield Hospital, London. We analysed functional status at discharge and mortality up to one year. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients (32.1%) received IABP therapy. Comparing those receiving IABP with those not receiving IABP, there was no difference in favourable functional status at discharge (49.1% vs. 57.1%, p=0.321); and mortality at one year (45.5% vs. 35.5%, p=0.164). Multivariable analyses identified IABP therapy as a strong independent predictor for favourable functional status at discharge (OR=7.51, 95% CI: 2.15-26.14, p=0.002) and this association was maintained in propensity-score adjusted analyses (OR=9.90, 95% CI: 2.11-46.33, p=0.004) and inverse probability treatment weighted analyses (OR=10.84, 95% CI: 2.75-42.69, p<0.001). However, IABP therapy was not an independent predictor for mortality at one year (HR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.52-1.65, p=0.810) and this was confirmed in both propensity-score adjusted and inverse probability treatment weighted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational analysis of patients surviving an OOHCA, the use of IABP therapy in the post-resuscitation period was associated with improved functional outcomes. This warrants further evaluation in larger prospective studies.

Time-trend analyses of bleeding and mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention during out of working hours versus in-working hours: an observational study of 11 466 patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Resources are limited during out of working hours (OWH). Whether PPCI outside working hours is associated with worse outcomes and whether outcomes have improved over time are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 11 466 patients undergoing PPCI between 2004 and 2011 at all 8 tertiary cardiac centers in London, United Kingdom. We defined working hours as 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday). We analyzed in-hospital bleeding and all-cause mortality ≤3 years, comparing OWH versus in-working hours. A total of 7494 patients (65.3%) were treated during OWH. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that PPCI during OWH was not a predictor for bleeding (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-2.24; P=0.071) or 3-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.94-1.32; P=0.20). This was confirmed in propensity-matched analyses. Time-stratified analyses demonstrated that PPCI during OWH was a predictor for bleeding (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.06-3.80; P=0.034) and 3-year mortality during 2005 to 2008 (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00-1.50; P=0.050), but this association was lost during 2009 to 2011. During 2005 to 2008, transradial access was predominantly used during in-working hours and PPCI during OWH was predictive of reduced transradial access use (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.98; P=0.033), but this association was lost during 2009 to 2011. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of unselected patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, PPCI during OWH versus in-working hours had comparable bleeding and mortality. Time-stratified analyses demonstrated a reduction in adjusted bleeding and mortality during OWH over time. This may reflect the improved service provision, but the increased adoption of transradial access during OWH may also be contributory.

Multiple arterial grafting confers survival advantage compared to percutaneous intervention with drug-eluting stents in multivessel coronary artery disease: A propensity score adjusted analysis.

BACKGROUND: The best revascularisation strategy for multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) is still controversial. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) utilising drug eluting stents (DES) has emerged as an acceptable alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the last decade. However, multiple arterial grafting (MAG) is superior revascularisation strategy compared with conventional CABG utilising single internal mammary artery and currently there is a paucity of comparison of DES and MAG. We aimed to investigate whether MAG offers advantage over DES-PCI in MVD. METHODS: A total of 6126 patients with MVD (≥ 2 vessel) underwent CABG (n = 4652) or PCI (n = 1474) at a single institution. MAG was performed in 1372 CABG cases and DES were implanted in 1222 PCI cases. Propensity score adjusted analysis was performed to investigate the potential survival advantage of MAG over PCI. Mean follow-up was 4.9 years. RESULTS: Risk for late death was comparable after DES-PCI and conventional CABG (HR 1.11; 95%CI 0.9 to 1.33; P = 0.25). However, DES-PCI was associated with an increased risk for late death compared to MAG (HR 1.53; 95%CI 1.08 to 2.91; P = 0.02). DES-PCI was also associated with a 3.51 fold increased risk for repeat revascularisation over MAG (95%CI 2.60 to 4.75; P < 0.0001) and 2.66 fold increased risk for repeat revascularisation over conventional CABG (95%CI 2.11 to 3.36; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MAG improved late survival and offered superior freedom from repeat revascularisation compared to DES-PCI. When feasible, MAG should be strongly recommended in patients with MVD.

Predictors of survival and favorable functional outcomes after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients systematically brought to a dedicated heart attack center (from the Harefield Cardiac Arrest Study).

Despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), survival remains low after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA). Acute coronary ischemia is the predominating precipitant, and prompt delivery of patients to dedicated facilities may improve outcomes. Since 2011, all patients experiencing OOHCA in London, where a cardiac etiology is suspected, are systematically brought to heart attack centers (HACs). We determined the predictors for survival and favorable functional outcomes in this setting. We analyzed 174 consecutive patients experiencing OOHCA from 2011 to 2013 brought to Harefield Hospital-a designated HAC in London. We analyzed (1) all-cause mortality and (2) functional status using a modified Rankin scale (mRS 0 to 6, where mRS0-3(+) = favorable functional status). The overall survival rates were 66.7% (30 days) and 62.1% (1 year); and 54.5% had mRS0-3(+) at discharge. Patients with mRS0-3(+) had reduced mortality compared to mRS0-3(-): 30 days (1.2% vs 72.2%, p <0.001) and 1 year (5.3% vs 77.2%, p <0.001). Multivariate analyses identified lower patient comorbidity, absence of cardiogenic shock, bystander CPR, ventricular tachycardia/ventricullar fibrillation as initial rhythm, shorter duration of resuscitation, prehospital advanced airway, absence of adrenaline and inotrope use, and intra-aortic balloon pump use as predictors of mRS0-3(+). Consistent predictors of increased mortality were the presence of cardiogenic shock, advanced airway use, increased duration of resuscitation, and absence of therapeutic hypothermia. A streamlined delivery of patients experiencing OOHCA to dedicated facilities is associated with improved functional status and survival. Our study supports the standardization of care for such patients with the widespread adoption of HACs.

High prevalence of raised lipoprotein(a) in patients with refractory angina.

BACKGROUND: Angina that is refractory to conventional medical therapy and revascularisation, remains challenging to manage and poses significant burden to patients. Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has emerged as an important independent cardiovascular risk factor and predictor of adverse outcomes in atherosclerotic disease. The prevalence of raised Lp(a) amongst patients with refractory angina has not yet been defined. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of raised [Lp(a)] >500 mg/L in patients with refractory angina. METHODS: We conducted an epidemiological screening pilot study in 75 patients with refractory angina from a UK tertiary cardiac centre. We determined the proportion of the cohort with raised Lp(a) >500 mg/L using an isoform-insensitive method. In addition, a full fasting lipid profile (including: LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol to HDL ratio and triglycerides) was obtained. Patients were also asked about the presence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that 60% of the 75 patients with refractory angina had raised Lp(a) levels of >500 mg/L. The median and inter-quartile range of Lp(a) values were 771 mg/L (162 mg/L,1260 mg/L) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This high prevalence of raised Lp(a) detected in our cohort with refractory angina may suggest a causal role. Further research is necessary to confirm this association and prospective studies are needed to explore the potential therapeutic benefit of Lp(a) reduction in patients with refractory angina.

Inter-hospital transfer for primary angioplasty: delays are often due to diagnostic uncertainty rather than systems failure and universal time metrics may not be appropriate.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate why many patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) initially present to non-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) equipped hospitals in a region that offers a 24-hour direct access Heart Attack Centre. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective stratified consecutive case analysis was performed for 180 inter-hospital transfer (IHT) and 201 direct access PPCI patients. IHT and direct patients had similar age (61±1.8 years vs. 62±1.9 years, p=0.42), gender (76% vs. 78% male, p=0.64), and cardiovascular risk profile (hypertension 53% vs. 46%, p=0.18; hypercholesterolaemia 32% vs. 25%, p=0.22; and smoking 38% vs. 35%, p=0.56), though there were more diabetic patients in the IHT group (15% vs. 8%, p<0.05). The IHT group had longer symptom-call times 104 mins (42 mins-195 mins) vs. 46 mins (19 mins-114 mins), p<0.0001), lower ECG ST-elevation scores (3.0 mm [1.0-6.0] vs. 5.0 mm [3.0-9.0], p<0.0001), and more protocol negative ECGs at presentation (31.6% vs. 9.4%, p<0.0001). Peak CK was similar for the two groups (628 IU/L [191-1,144] vs. 603 IU/L [280-1,238], p=0.61), as was in-hospital (1.7% vs. 1.5%, p=0.89) and 30-day mortality (2.8% vs. 2.0%, p=0.61). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that reperfusion delays in PPCI due to IHT are not always simply "system failures". IHT patients appear to be a different patient cohort in which symptoms and early ECG changes may be less clear. In many cases, initial triage to a non-PPCI centre may be justifiable due to diagnostic uncertainty, and guideline time metrics should be amended appropriately.

Culprit vessel versus multivessel intervention at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease: real-world analysis of 3984 patients in London.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that up to two thirds of patients presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction have multivessel disease. The optimal strategy for treating nonculprit disease is currently under debate. This study provides a real-world analysis comparing a strategy of culprit-vessel intervention (CVI) versus multivessel intervention at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared CVI versus multivessel intervention in 3984 patients with multivessel disease undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention between 2004 and 2011 at all 8 tertiary cardiac centers in London. Multivariable-adjusted models were built to determine independent predictors for in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality at 1 year. To reduce confounding and bias, propensity score methods were used. CVI was associated with reduced in-hospital MACE (4.6% versus 7.2%; P=0.010) and mortality at 1 year (7.4% versus 10.1%; P=0.031). CVI was an independent predictor for reduced in-hospital MACE (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.75; P<0.001) and survival at 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.91; P=0.011) in the complete cohort; and in 2821 patients in propensity-matched cohort (in-hospital MACE: odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.76; P=0.002; and 1-year survival: hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.90; P=0.010). Inverse probability treatment weighted analyses also confirmed CVI as an independent predictor for reduced in-hospital MACE (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-0.96; P=0.040) and survival at 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.93; P=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: In this observational analysis of patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, CVI was associated with increased survival at 1 year. Acknowledging the limitations with observational analyses, our findings support current recommended practice guidelines.

Radial versus femoral access is associated with reduced complications and mortality in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction: an observational cohort study of 10,095 patients.

BACKGROUND: Compared with transfemoral access, transradial access (TRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with reduced risk of bleeding and vascular complications. Studies suggest that TRA may reduce mortality in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. However, there are few data on the effect of TRA on mortality, specifically, in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 10 095 consecutive patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention between 2005 and 2011 in all 8 tertiary cardiac centers in London, United Kingdom. TRA was a predictor for reduced bleeding (odds ratio=0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.57; P=0.002), access-site complications (odds ratio=0.47; 95% CI: 0.23-0.95; P=0.034), and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=0.72; 95% CI: 0.54-0.94; P=0.017). Between 2005 and 2007, TRA did not appear to reduce mortality at 1 year (HR=0.81; 95% CI: 0.51-1.28; P=0.376), whereas between 2008 and 2011, TRA conferred survival benefit at 1 year (HR=0.65; 95% CI: 0.46-0.92; P=0.015). The mortality benefit with TRA at 1 year was not seen at the low-volume centers (HR=0.80; 95% CI: 0.47-1.38; P=0.428) but specifically seen in the high volume radial centers (HR=0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.97; P=0.031). In propensity-matched analyses, TRA remained a predictor for survival at 1 year (HR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.42-0.85; P=0.005). Instrumental variable analysis demonstrated that TRA conferred mortality benefit at 1-year with an absolute mortality reduction of 5.8% (P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, TRA appears to be a predictor for survival. Furthermore, the evolving learning curve, experience, and expertise may be important factors contributing to the prognostic benefit conferred with TRA.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass improves late survival compared with drug-eluting stents in isolated proximal left anterior descending artery disease: a 10-year follow-up, single-center, propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has been proposed to reduce surgical morbidity and improve long-term outcomes compared with stenting in the treatment of isolated proximal left anterior descending artery. However, the survival benefit from MIDCAB still needs to be demonstrated, in particular, because percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES-PCI) continues to be considered the initial treatment strategy. We conducted a 10-year follow-up, single-center, propensity score-matched MIDCAB versus DES-PCI comparison. METHODS: A total of 1033 patients (303 MIDCAB and 730 DES-PCI) with isolated proximal left anterior descending disease were included. Propensity score matching was used to compare 303 pairs of MIDCAB and DES-PCI patients. RESULTS: MIDCAB and DES-PCI presented with comparable 30-day mortality (2 of 303 [0.6%] vs 1 of 303 [0.3%]; P=1.0). At 10 years, DES-PCI was associated with a 2.19-fold increased risk of late death (95% confidence interval, 1.15-4.17), a 2.0-fold increased risk of repeat revascularization (95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.47), and a 2.14-fold increased risk of the composite of death and repeat revascularization (95% confidence interval, 1.41-3.24). CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly support a survival benefit from MIDCAB at long-term follow-up compared with DES-PCI in the treatment of isolated left anterior descending disease.

Impact of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting on in-hospital outcome in octogenarians undergoing aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Abundant data are available reporting excellent in-hospital outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) in octogenarians. However, there is a paucity of studies reporting the in-hospital outcome of concomitant AVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in this group of patients. Hence, a comparison was made of the impact of concomitant AVR and CABG versus isolated AVR on in-hospital outcome in octogenarians. METHODS: Between January 2001 and October 2011, a total of 114 consecutive octogenarians undergoing combined AVR and CABG were compared with a control group of octogenarians (n = 68) undergoing isolated AVR. A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively collected cardiac surgery database. In addition, the medical notes and charts of all study patients were reviewed. RESULTS: The two groups had a similar mean age (AVR 82.3 +/- 2.4 years versus AVR + CABG 82.6 +/- 2.1 years; p = 0.91), demographics and EuroSCORE (AVR 11.4 versus AVR + CABG 13.2; p = 0.12). The aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were longer for AVR + CABG patients (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality (7.4% after isolated AVR, 9.6% after AVR + CABG; p = 0.35 between groups) and major clinical outcomes for the two groups were found to be similar except for an increased need for hemofiltration in AVR + CABG patients (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In-hospital outcomes for concomitant AVR and CABG in octogenarians are comparable to those of isolated AVR, justifying the performance of combined AVR and CABG in this high-risk group of carefully selected patients.

High incidence of acute coronary occlusion in patients without protocol positive ST segment elevation referred to an open access primary angioplasty programme.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) programmes vary in admission criteria from open referral to acceptance of electrocardiogram (ECG) protocol positive patients only. Rigid criteria may result in some patients with acutely occluded coronary arteries not receiving timely reperfusion therapy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of acute coronary occlusion and, in these cases, single time point biomarker estimates of myocardial infarct size between patients presenting with protocol positive ECG changes and those presenting with less diagnostic changes in the primary angioplasty cohort of an open access PPCI programme. METHODS: We retrospectively performed a single centre cross sectional analysis of consecutive patients receiving PPCI between January and August 2008. Cases were categorised according to presenting ECG-group A: protocol positive (ST segment elevation/left bundle branch block/posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction), group B: ST segment depression or T-wave inversion, or group C: minor ECG changes. Clinical characteristics, coronary flow grades and 12 h postprocedure troponin-I levels were reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period there were 513 activations of the PPCI service, of which 390 underwent immediate angiography and 308 underwent PPCI. Of those undergoing PPCI, 221 (72%) were in group A, 41 (13%) in group B and 46 (15%) in group C. Prevalence of coronary occlusion was 75% in group A compared with 73% in group B and 63% in group C. Median 12 h postintervention troponin-I (25th-75th percentile) for those with coronary occlusion was significantly higher in group A patients; 28.9 µg/l (13.2-58.5) versus 18.1 µg/l (6.7-32.4) for group B (p=0.03); and 15.5 µg/l (3.8-22.0) for group C (p<0.001), suggesting greater infarct size in group A. CONCLUSIONS: A number of patients referred to an open access PPCI programme have protocol negative ECGs but myocardial infarction and acute coronary artery occlusion amenable to angioplasty.

Ten-year outcome analysis of off-pump sequential grafting: single surgeon, single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: Despite increasing recognition that off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and sequential grafting strategy individually are associated with improved outcomes, concerns persist regarding the safety and efficacy of combining these 2 techniques. We compared in-hospital and midterm outcomes for off-pump multivessel sequential and conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: From September 1998 to September 2008, 689 consecutive patients received off-pump multivessel sequential coronary artery bypass grafting performed by a single surgeon. These patients were propensity matched to 689 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting without sequential anastomoses. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected perioperative data was performed. In addition, medical notes and charts of all the study patients were reviewed. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.1 ± 2.0 years. RESULTS: The major in-hospital clinical outcomes in the sequential and control groups were found to be similar. After adjusting for clinical covariates, sequential grafting was not an independent predictor of in-hospital adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-1.50; P = .31), medium-term mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06-1.32; P = .92), and readmission to hospital (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.96-1.20; P = .80). Sequential grafting was an independent predictor of receiving more than 3 distal anastomoses (OR, 7.46; 95% CI, 4.27-11.45; P < .0001). Risk-adjusted survival was 89% for sequential grafting patients and 88% for conventional grafting patients (P = .96) during the medium-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our analysis confirms the short- and midterm safety and efficacy of off-pump sequential coronary artery bypass grafting.

Brachial artery low-flow-mediated constriction is increased early after coronary intervention and reduces during recovery after acute coronary syndrome: characterization of a recently described index of vascular function.

AIMS: The endothelium plays a role in regulating vascular tone. Acute and dynamic changes in low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC) and how it changes with regard to traditional flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) have not been described. We aimed to investigate the changes in brachial artery L-FMC following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and during recovery from non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: FMD was performed in accordance with a previously described technique in patients before and after PCI and in the recovery phase of NSTEMI, but in addition, L-FMC data were acquired from the last 30 s of cuff inflation. About 135 scans were performed in 96 participants (10 healthy volunteers and 86 patients). Measurement of brachial L-FMC was reproducible over hours. L-FMC was greater among patients with unstable vs. stable coronary atherosclerosis (-1.33 ±1.09% vs. -0.03 ± 1.26%, P < 0.01). Following PCI, FMD reduced (4.43 ± 2.93% vs. 1.66 ± 2.16%, P < 0.01) and L-FMC increased (-0.33 ± 0.76% vs. -1.63 ± 1.15%, P = 0.02). Furthermore, during convalescence from NSTEMI, L-FMC reduced (-1.37 ± 1.19% vs. 0.01 ± 0.82%, P = 0.02) in parallel with improvements in FMD (2.54 ± 2.19% vs. 5.15 ± 3.07%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Brachial L-FMC can be measured reliably. Differences were observed between patients with stable and unstable coronary disease. L-FMC was acutely increased following PCI associated with reduced FMD and, in the recovery from NSTEMI, L-FMC reduced associated with increased FMD. These novel findings characterize acute and subacute variations in brachial L-FMC. The pathophysiological and clinical implications of these observations require further study.