Sex differences in outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with MitraClip improves outcomes among select patients with moderate-to-severe and severe mitral regurgitation; however, data regarding sex-specific differences in the outcomes among patients undergoing TEER are limited. METHODS: An electronic search of the PubMed, Embase, Central, and Web of Science databases for studies comparing sex differences in outcomes among patients undergoing TEER was performed. Summary estimates were primarily conducted using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eleven studies with a total of 24,905 patients (45.6% women) were included. Women were older and had a lower prevalence of comorbidities, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease. There was no difference in procedural success (odds ratio [OR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-1.05) and short-term mortality (i.e., up to 30 days) between women and men (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.97-1.39). Women had a higher incidence of periprocedural bleeding and stroke (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.15-1.56) and (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.25), respectively. At a median follow-up of 12 months, there was no difference in mortality (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89-1.09) and heart failure hospitalizations (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.68-1.67). An analysis of adjusted long-term mortality showed a lower incidence of mortality among women (hazards ratio: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a lower prevalence of baseline comorbidities, women undergoing TEER with MitraClip had higher unadjusted rates of periprocedural stroke and bleeding as compared with men. There was no difference in unadjusted procedural success, short-term or long-term mortality. However, women had lower adjusted mortality on long-term follow-up. Future high-quality studies assessing sex differences in outcomes after TEER are needed to confirm these findings.

2021 Update for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes for the Perioperative Clinician.

In this review, recent key publications related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are summarized and placed into context of contemporary practice. Landmark trials examining vascular access in ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the management of multivessel disease, acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest are discussed. An update in pharmacology for ACS provides updates in major trials relating to P2Y12 inhibitor initiation, deescalation, and use in special populations. Additional updates in the use of lipid-lowering agents and adjunctive medications in ACS are reviewed. Finally, cardiac pathology related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the care of patients with ACS, is summarized.

Snare-Assisted Valve Positioning of Self-Expanding Valves for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

We describe 4 cases in which technical challenges were anticipated in delivering a self-expanding TAVR valve due to challenging aortic anatomy or a previous placed surgical aortic valve. An upfront snare strategy is described which facilitates valve centralization and atraumatic valve delivery. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Management of Cardiogenic Shock in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early mechanical revascularization improves survival, and development of STEMI systems of care has increased the utilization of revascularization in AMI-CS from 19% in 2001 to 60% in 2014. Mechanical circulatory support devices are increasingly used to support and prevent hemodynamic collapse. These devices provide different levels of univentricular and biventricular support, have different mechanisms of actions, and provide different physiologic effects. Herein, the authors review the definition, incidence, pathophysiology, and treatment of AMI-CS.

Antegrade versus retrograde techniques for Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO): a review and comparison of techniques and outcomes.

Introduction: As the field of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention has evolved, technical approaches have evolved and been refined.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the major techniques utilized in modern CTO PCI including antegrade wiring, antegrade dissection reentry, retrograde wiring, and retrograde dissection reentry. Retrograde techniques have been extensively studied in comparison to antegrade techniques. Retrograde techniques have contributed to increases in CTO PCI success rates and are generally used in higher complexity lesions. Observational data ssuggestincreased sshort-termcomplications in procedures requiring the use of retrograde techniques; however, llong-termCTO PCI durability and patient outcomes have been shown to be similar among procedures using antegrade only versus retrograde techniques.Expert opinion: Retrograde techniques play a vital role in the technical success of CTO PCI, particularly among more complex lesions and in patients with high burdens of comorbidities. Increases in procedural safety with equipment iteration and in the use of adjunctive imaging will play an important role in the selection of appropriate retrograde conduits and the overall success rates of CTO PCI.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The use of mechanical circulatory devices to support high-risk elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become more common as the group of patients considered inoperable or high risk for surgical revascularization has grown. Most of the data examining outcomes in high-risk PCI are observational and retrospective. Limited prospective randomized studies have been unable to show improved clinical outcomes with routine mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with a high burden of coronary artery disease and reduced ejection fraction. The role for MCS in high-risk PCI continues to evolve as understanding of the appropriate groups for this therapy evolves.

Vein Graft Coil Embolization and Successful Retrieval With a Micro-Snare.

Following successful retrograde CTO PCI via a degenerating saphenous vein graft, persistent TIMI II flow was noted in the graft. Given increased risk of target vessel failure in the presence of significant competitive flow from a saphenous vein graft, the SVG underwent coil embolization with two 4 mm × 6 cm detachable coils. Follow up angiography with forceful contrast injection resulted in embolization of the coils into the patient's two remaining patent grafts. The coils were then retrieved using a micro-snare. The patient tolerated the procedure with no compromise of flow into the remaining grafts and resolution of angina following CTO PCI.

Papillary Muscle Rupture Due to Delayed STEMI Presentation in a Patient Self-Isolating for Presumed COVID-19.

A 57-year-old man acutely developed chest tightness and dyspnea. Given concern that his symptoms were consistent with COVID-19, the patient self-isolated. After 1 week of worsening symptoms, the patient presented with hypoxia and hypotension. He was found to have an occluded right coronary artery and ruptured posteromedial papillary muscle. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).