Myocardial Infarction in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Results from Nationwide Readmission Database.

Background and Objective Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy with an excellent prognostic outcome. After advancements in CML treatment and the introduction of different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), the life expectancy of CML patients has become equivalent to that of the general population. As a result, coronary artery disease is anticipated to be the leading cause of death among CML patients. Moreover, TKI use is associated with a risk of endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, and cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction. In this study, we compare the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with CML to their matched non-CML counterparts. and compare the events reported with different TKI. Method The Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was searched from January 2016 to December 2020. for the study population. Adults of age ≥ 18 years with or without CML hospitalized for with a primary diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and underwent PCI were included. The patients were identified using ICD-10 codes. The baseline characteristics and outcomes of the CML and non-CML patients who underwent PCI were compared. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates. The secondary outcomes were the PCI complications rates. Data regarding TKI reports of STEMI and acute coronary syndrome were obtained from The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FARES). Results Out of 2,727,619 patients with myocardial infarction, 2,124 CML patients were identified. A total of 888 CML patients underwent PCI. The mean age was 68.34 ± 11.14, with 62.46 % above 65 years. The analysis showed no significant difference between CML and non-CML patients after PCI for death (OR? 0.93 (95% CI 0.49-1.80), P=0.527) and 30-day readmission (OR? 1.41 (95% CI 0.99-2.01), P=0.056) rates. CML patients were significantly older (mean age 68.34 ± 11.14 versus 64.40 ± 12.61, p < 0.001) than non-CML patients without a difference in sex distribution. Hypertension (85.45% versus 78.64%), diabetes (45.48% versus 37.29), stroke (11.84% versus 7.78) at baseline were significantly higher in CML group. Prior myocardial infarction events (20.51% versus 15.17%) and prior PCI procedure (24.47% versus 16.89%) were significantly higher in CML group. CML had a significantly longer hospital stay (4.66 ± 4.40 versus 3.75 ± 4.62 days, p = 0.001). The primary outcomes did not differ between the comparison groups. Conclusion This analysis showed no statistically significant difference in mortality, 30-day readmission, and complication rates post PCI between CML and non-CML patients. However, interestingly, CML patients may experience lower coronary artery dissection and ischemic stroke rates than those without CML diagnosis.

Evolution of Stress Echocardiogram in the Era of CT Angiography.

The ideal diagnostic modality for acute chest pain is a highly debated topic in the cardiovascular community. With the rapid rise of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and the fall of functional testing, stress echocardiography (SE) is at a delicate crossroads. Though there are many advantages of coronary CTA, it is not without its flaws. The exact realm of SE needs to be clearly defined, as well as which patients need diagnostic testing. The emergence of additional parameters will propel the evolution of modern SE. In this review article, we explore the role of SE, guidelines, comparison of SE versus CTA, and additional parameters in the coronary CTA era.

Gender-specific outcomes after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: A nationwide readmission database analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolism-associated stroke is the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (pLAAC) is indicated for stroke prevention in patients with AF who can not tolerate long-term anticoagulation. We aim to study gender differences in peri-procedural and readmissions outcomes in pLAAC patients. METHODS: Using the national readmission database from January 2016 to December 2018, AF patients undergoing the pLAAC procedure were identified. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses and time-to-event Cox regression analyses to conduct the study. Propensity matching with the Greedy method was done for the accuracy of results. RESULT: A total of 28 819 patients were included in our study. Among them 11 946 (41.5%) were women and 16 873 (58.6%) were men. The mean age of overall population was 76.1 ± 8.5 years, with women ~1 year older than men. The overall rate of complications was higher in women (8.6% vs. 6.6%, p < .001), primarily driven by bleeding-related complications, that is, major bleed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.32 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.69, p = .029), blood transfusion (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.97, p = .019), and cardiac tamponade (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.13-2.89, p = .014). Women had two times higher peri-procedural ischemic stroke. There was no difference in peri-procedural mortality. Women remained at 20% and 13% higher risk for readmission at 30 days and 6 months of discharge. CONCLUSION: Women had higher peri-procedural complications and were at higher risk of readmissions at 30 days and 6 months. However, there was no difference in mortality during the index hospitalization. Further studies are necessary to determine causality.

Operator Radiation Exposure During Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: The level of radiation exposure received by operators performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not well investigated. The aim of this study is to measure the amount of radiation received by operators performing transfemoral TAVR and to identify various patient and procedural characteristics associated with increased radiation exposure. Methods: Primary (operator 1) and secondary (operator 2) operators' equivalent radiation doses in micro Sieverts (µSv) were calculated prospectively using real-time radiation dosimeters for a total of 140 consecutive transfemoral TAVRs. Corresponding eye and thorax radiation exposures between the operators were compared. Associations between various patient and procedural characteristics and the radiation exposure were tested using the t-test and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney rank-sum test with Monte Carlo estimation. Multivariable regression analysis was also conducted. Results: Operator 1 had significantly higher cumulative equivalent radiation exposure than operator 2 (86 µSv vs 38 µSv, p-value: <0.0001) which was consistent at the level of the thorax (67 µSv vs 22 µSv, p-value: <0.0001), but not at the level of the eye (16.5 µSv vs 15 µSv, p-value: 0.30). On multivariable analysis, patient obesity and intraprocedural complications were associated with higher radiation exposure to both operators. Ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention led to excessive radiation exposure to the secondary operator. Conclusions: Transfemoral TAVR is associated with a modest amount of radiation exposure to operators and is significantly higher for the primary operator than for the secondary operator.

Lemierre's Syndrome in an Elderly Female Patient with Polycythemia Vera: Does Polycythemia Vera Predispose to Lemierre's Syndrome?

BACKGROUND Lemierre's syndrome (LS), a potentially fatal condition, is characterized by thrombophlebitis of a head or neck vein secondary to a head or neck infection, most commonly involving Fusobacterium necrophorum. Its association with polycythemia vera (PV) is not well reported despite the predisposition to thrombogenesis. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 66-year-old woman with a known history of polycythemia vera (PV) who presented with 4 days of worsening right-sided neck pain and odynophagia. The physical examination revealed poor oral dentition, mild erythema of the posterior pharyngeal mucosa, and non-erythematous tonsils without exudate. A computed tomography with i.v. contrast of the neck revealed complete thrombosis of the right internal jugular vein (IJV). Treatment was initiated with i.v. antibiotics and anticoagulation, with symptoms improving rapidly within 24 h. She was eventually discharged on apixaban and clindamycin and was encouraged to follow up with her hematologist. CONCLUSIONS PV predisposes patients to a hyper-viscous and prothrombotic state, which may warrant a stronger suspicion of Lemierre's syndrome. In addition, lack of aspirin use for prophylaxis of thrombosis and undiagnosed oral infection are factors to consider when assessing risk factors for Lemierre's syndrome in PV patients.

A Case of Adrenal Crisis-Induced Stress Cardiomyopathy.

We report a case of a 36-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with complaints of weakness. On presentation the patient was hypotensive, hyperkalemic, and hyponatremic. The patient experienced a sudden cardiac arrest in the computed tomography (CT) scanner moments after arrival. Electrocardiogram (EKG) demonstrated PR prolongation and widened QRS. Echocardiogram demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction of 26%-30% with evidence of severe hypokinesis of the mid antero-septal and inferior-septal segments of the left ventricle. CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis demonstrated hypoplastic/atrophic adrenal glands. Total cortisol level was undetectable by lab measurement. The patient was diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy secondary to adrenal crisis. He was managed with hydrocortisone and eventually made a full clinical recovery and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction. This article references the rarity of this phenomenon and its relevance to early clinical detection.

Association of right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension with adverse 30-day outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 are multifactorial and are associated with increased mortality. The clinical utility and prognostic value of echocardiography in COVID-19 inpatients is not clearly defined. We aim to identify echocardiographic parameters that are associated with 30-day clinical outcomes secondary to COVID-19 hospitalization. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. It included 214 adult inpatients with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab and had a transthoracic echocardiogram performed during the index hospitalization. Primary outcome was 30-day all-cause inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day utilization of mechanical ventilator support, vasopressors, or renal replacement therapy. RESULTS: Mild right ventricular systolic dysfunction (odds ratio (OR): 3.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63-7.57, p = 0.001), moderate to severe right ventricular systolic dysfunction (OR: 7.30, 95% CI: 2.20-24.25, p = 0.001), pulmonary hypertension (OR: 5.39, 95% CI: 1.96-14.86, p = 0.001), and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation (OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.71-9.03, p = 0.001) were each associated with increased odds of 30-day all-cause inpatient mortality. Pulmonary hypertension and moderate to severe right ventricular dysfunction were each associated with increased odds of 30-day utilization of mechanical ventilator support and vasopressors. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation were associated with increased odds for 30-day inpatient mortality. This study highlights the importance of echocardiography and its clinical utility and prognostic value for evaluating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Presenting With Anterior Wall ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) or stress cardiomyopathy with the presence of transient apical ballooning of the left ventricle in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The recurrence of TC is extremely rare, with an annual recurrence risk of 1.5% and approximately 5% recurrence risk after six years. We present a case of a patient with a history of TC who presented with chest pain and ST-segment elevation in her electrocardiogram and was found to have normal coronaries and diagnosed with recurrent TC.

Comparison of Metoprolol Versus Carvedilol After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Beta-blockers are typically prescribed following myocardial infarction (MI), but no specific beta-blocker is recommended. Of 7,057 patients enrolled in the OBTAIN multi-center registry of patients with acute MI, 4142 were discharged on metoprolol and 1487 on carvedilol. Beta-blocker dose was indexed to the target daily dose used in randomized clinical trials (metoprolol-200 mg; carvedilol-50 mg), reported as %. Beta-blocker dosage groups were >0% to12.5% (n = 1,428), >12.5% to 25% (n = 2113), >25% to 50% (n = 1,392), and >50% (n = 696). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate 3-year survival. Correction for baseline differences was achieved by multivariable adjustment. Patients treated with carvedilol were older (64.4 vs 63.3 years) and had more comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes, prior MI, congestive heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and a longer length of stay. Mean doses for metoprolol and carvedilol did not significantly differ (37.2 ± 27.8% and 35.8 ± 31.0%, respectively). The 3-year survival estimates were 88.2% and 83.5% for metoprolol and carvedilol, respectively, with an unadjusted HR = 0.72 (p <0.0001), but after multivariable adjustment HR = 1.073 (p = 0.43). Patients in the >12.5% to 25% dose category had improved survival compared with other dose categories. Subgroup analysis of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, showed worse survival with metoprolol versus carvedilol (adjusted HR = 1.281; 95% CI: 1.024 to 1.602, p = 0.03). In patients with left ventricular ejection fraction >40%, there were no differences in survival with carvedilol versus metoprolol. In conclusion, overall survival after acute MI was similar for patients treated with metoprolol or carvedilol, but may be superior for carvedilol in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%.

Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 Disease and High Oxygen Requirements.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 19% of people infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) progress to severe or critical stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a mortality rate exceeding 50%. We aimed to examine the characteristics, mortality rates, intubation rate, and length of stay (LOS) of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease with high oxygen requirements (critically ill). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis in a single center in Brooklyn, New York. Adult hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease and high oxygen requirements were included. We performed multivariate logistic regression analyses for statistically significant variables to reduce any confounding. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients were identified between March 19th and April 25th, 2020 who met the inclusion criteria, of which 247 (62.1%) required intubation. The overall mortality rate in our study was 57.3% (n = 228). The mean hospital LOS was 19.1 ± 17.4 days. Patients who survived to hospital discharge had a longer mean LOS compared to those who died during hospitalization (25.4 ± 22.03 days versus10.7 ± 1.74 days). In the multivariate analysis, increased age, intubation and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were each independently associated with increased odds of mortality. Diarrhea was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.4; CI 0.16, 0.99). Obesity and use of vasopressors were each independently associated with increased intubation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19 disease and high oxygen requirements, advanced age, intubation, and higher LDH levels were associated with increased mortality, while diarrhea was associated with decreased mortality. Gender, diabetes, and hypertension did not have any association with mortality or length of hospital stay.

In-hospital outcomes of angiography versus intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: We compared the in-hospital complications, outcomes, cost, and length of stay (LOS) between angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided PCI in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the USA. METHODS: A nationwide inpatient database was queried to identify patients >18 years with STEMI who underwent angiography-guided and IVUS-guided PCI from January 2016 to December 2016. We compared the in-hospital mortality, complications, cost, and LOS between the two groups. RESULTS: We identified 100,485 patients who underwent angiography-guided PCI and 5,460 patients who underwent IVUS-guided PCI. In-hospital mortality was not statistically different (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.46 - 1.22, P = 0.24). Patients who underwent PCI with IVUS were more likely to have coronary artery dissection (OR 4.26, 95% CI 2.34 - 7.7, p = <0.01), and both groups had a similar incidence of acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis. The mean LOS was similar, but the mean total cost was higher in the group that underwent PCI under IVUS guidance. CONCLUSIONS: The in-hospital mortality, hemodialysis, and the use of support devices did not reach a statistical difference between the two groups. However, we observed higher rates of coronary dissection with the use of IVUS in STEMI management.

Venous Stent Migrating to the Right Heart Causing Severe Regurgitation.

Venous stent migration to the cardiopulmonary system is a rare but serious complication. Cardiopulmonary involvement has various presentations such as valvulopathy, acute heart failure, arrhythmias, endocarditis, and tamponade. The presenting symptoms depend on the eventual location of the stent in the heart or lungs, size of the stent, and valve involvement. Extracardiac dislodgement can be managed by catheter-directed extraction or proper deployment within the containing vessel or surgical extraction. Intracardiac stents may require open surgery to prevent life-threatening complications. We present an asymptomatic patient with stent migration that lead to severe tricuspid regurgitation and required tricuspid valve replacement.

A Rare Case of Partial Aortic Mechanical Valve Thrombosis With Intact Mitral Mechanical Valve Presenting With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

The incidence of mechanical valve thrombosis (MVT) is around 0.4 per 100 patient-years. Mitral valve thrombosis has a higher incidence than aortic valve thrombosis with a nearly 5-fold increase. Various factors contribute to MVT. The most common cause of valve thrombosis is poor adherence/disruption of anticoagulation therapy. Low cardiac output is known to increase the risk of prosthetic valve thrombosis. Other factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and other patient comorbidities might also play a role. Decreased flow promotes hypercoagulability. Lower pressure in the left atrium (and higher velocities in the left ventricle) can partially contribute to the higher incidence of mitral MVT versus aortic MVT. The presenting symptoms usually depend on the severity of the valve thrombosis; nonobstructive valve thrombosis patients have progressive dyspnea, signs of heart failure, and systemic embolization with strokes being the most common complication. In this article, we present a case of a middle-aged woman with a history of mitral and aortic mechanical prosthesis who presented with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and pulmonary edema due to mechanical aortic valve prosthesis thrombosis. She had an isolated mechanical aortic valve prosthesis thrombosis with intact mitral valve, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not yet been described. We performed a literature review by searching PubMed and Embase using the keywords "mechanical valve," "thrombosis," "aortic," and "mitral," our search did not show similar cases.

Protected Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of Cabrol Type Anastomosis of Saphenous Vein Graft (SVG) to the Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA).

The use of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (VAD) may minimize the risk of hemodynamic compromise during such high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and allow complete revascularization, thus improving outcomes. A good understanding of cardiac hemodynamics is essential in making informed decisions during such cases. A 61-year-old male with an extensive surgical cardiac history including a modified Cabrol type anastomosis with saphenous vein (SVG) conduits to two coronary arteries presented to our hospital with severe substernal chest discomfort and was noted to have diffuse ST depressions along with subtle ST elevations in lead aVR suggestive of diffuse sub-endocardial ischemia. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed significant stenosis in the Cabrol type SVG grafts and we opted for a protected PCI using Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) support. A significant drop in the blood pressure was noted and despite trouble-shooting, the Impella arterial line tracing remained minimally pulsatile.​ A comprehensive understanding of circulatory support physiology was ultimately crucial in making an informed decision for a successful PCI outcome.

Predicting Preeclampsia with Noninvasive Measures of Endothelial Dysfunction: A Pilot Study.

Objective This study evaluates the assessment of endothelial function and its prediction for preeclampsia among women with high-risk factors. Study Design A prospective cohort study of 107 pregnant women at 20 weeks or greater gestation with risk factors for developing preeclampsia. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed using peripheral arterial tonometry by generating a reactive hyperemia index (RHI) score. An index score of <1.67 was defined as endothelial dysfunction. The primary outcome was preeclampsia. Logistic regression was used to predict preeclampsia from RHI scores, body mass index, gestational age at RHI evaluation, history of preeclampsia, history of pregestational diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, and fetal number. A receiver operating characteristic plot was constructed to predict preeclampsia from the RHI score. Results Among 107 women, 99 had interpretable RHI scores. Among those with an abnormal RHI ( n = 61), 17 (28%) developed preeclampsia. Among women with a normal score ( n = 38), six (16%) developed preeclampsia ( p = 0.166). After logistic regression, there was no significant association. A receiver operating characteristic plot also revealed no association between RHI score and preeclampsia. Conclusion An abnormal RHI score using peripheral arterial tonometry indicating endothelial dysfunction was not predictive of developing preeclampsia in this cohort. Future studies are needed to further evaluate this relationship.

Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients with connective tissue disease: Propensity match analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is the hallmark of coronary artery disease (CAD) and CTD. There are reports of increased prevalence of CAD among patients with CTD such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of PCI among patients with CTD. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Database, patients that underwent PCI between 2007 and 2015 were identified using ICD-9-CM codes. Propensity match analysis with 1: 3 matching of patients with and without CTD was performed. Outcomes were acute kidney injury (AKI), access site complication (ASC), ventricular fibrillation (VF), cardiogenic shock (CS), Stroke, In-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS) compared between both groups. RESULT: We identified 17,422 patients with CTD and matched with 52, 266 patients without CTD. Patients were predominantly female (63.1%) and white (77.2%), with a mean age of 63 ± 12.1 years. AKI (8.3% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001), ASC (3.2% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.01) and hospital stay (4.2 ± 4.8 vs. 3.8 ± 5.2, p < 0.001) were higher among patients with CTD. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of VF, CS, stroke, and In-hospital mortality among the two groups. However, in subgroup analysis, rates of VF were lower among patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (1.5% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CTD undergoing PCI have a higher rate of AKI, Access site complications, and prolonged hospital stay.

Orbital atherectomy versus rotational atherectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification is associated with poor outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Atheroablative techniques such as orbital atherectomy (OA) and rotational atherectomy (RA) are routinely utilized to treat these calcified lesions in order to optimize lesion preparation and facilitate stent delivery. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the performance of OA versus RA in patients with calcified coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing PCI. METHODS: We conducted an electronic database search of all published data for studies that compared OA versus RA in patients with calcified coronary artery disease undergoing PCI and reported on outcomes of interest. Event rates were compared using a forest plot of odds ratios using a random-effects model assuming interstudy heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of five observational studies (total number of patients = 1872; OA = 535, RA = 1337) were included in the final analysis. On pooled analysis, OA compared to RA was associated with a significant reduction in fluoroscopy times (OR = -6.33; 95% CI = -9.90 to -2.76; p < .0005; I2 = 82). There was no difference between the two techniques in terms of contrast volume, coronary artery dissection, device induced arterial perforation, cardiac tamponade, slow flow/no reflow, periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI), in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, 30-day MI, 30-day target vessel revascularization (TVR), and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CONCLUSION: Except for lower fluoroscopy time with OA, there are no significant differences between OA and RA in relation to procedural, periprocedural, and thirty day outcomes among patients with calcified CAD undergoing PCI.

Percutaneous Closure of the Patent Foramen Ovale on Right Ventricular Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Right ventricular infarction can precipitate severe right-to-left shunting and refractory hypoxia from a previously dormant patent foramen ovale. Right ventricle mechanical circulatory support and patent foramen ovale closure can play a crucial role in the treatment of hypoxia and right ventricular recovery. We report a case of successful percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure on right ventricle mechanical circulatory support in a patient with right ventricular shock. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Three to four years outcomes of the absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold versus second-generation drug-eluting stent: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the outcomes of absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) compared with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) after 3 years, the approximate time of complete polymer bioresorption. BACKGROUND: BVS were found to be inferior to second-generation DES in early and mid-term outcomes with a higher rate of target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) and device thrombosis (DT). Improper implantation techniques and incomplete bioresorption of the poly-l-lactide (PLLA) polymer were sighted as possible reasons. METHODS: We conducted an electronic database search for all randomized control trials that compared absorb BVS to second-generation DES and reported outcomes of interest after 3 years of absorb BVS implantation. Assuming interstudy heterogeneity, a random-effects analysis was conducted with odds ratio as the effect size of choice to compare the event rates between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of four studies (n = 3,245, BVS = 2075, DES = 1,170) were included in the final analysis. Pooled analysis revealed that there was no difference between absorb BVS and second-generation DES with respect to target lesion failure (TLF) (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.73-2.07, p = 0.44), TV-MI (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.42-2.53, p = 0.95), target lesion revascularization (TLR) (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.77-3.33, p = 0.20) and definite/probable DT (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.10-5.07, p = 0.74). Also, there was no difference in cardiac mortality (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.22-1.94, p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Between 3 and 4 years of follow-up, patients receiving absorb BVS did not have significantly different outcomes, in terms of TLF, TV-MI, TLR, DT, and cardiac mortality, compared to DES.