Características y predictores ecocardiográficos de mortalidad en pacientes intervenidos con TAVI. La importancia de anticiparse al daño cardíaco global

Introducción: En nuestro medio, el implante percutáneo de prótesis aórtica (TAVI) se encuentra limitado a pacientes más añosos o de mayor riesgo quirúrgico, en quienes frecuentemente se retarda la intervención hasta que presenten signos avanzados de enfermedad. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de compromiso miocárdico en pacientes sometidos a TAVI y determinar si la magnitud de este compromiso predice los resultados alejados del procedimiento. Métodos: Registro de pacientes sometidos a TAVI en 2 instituciones de Chile. Según la clasificación propuesta por Genereux el año 2017, se clasificaron desde el punto de vista ecocardiográfico como: 1) compromiso de ventrículo izquierdo; 2) compromiso de aurícula izquierda; 3) hipertensión pulmonar / insuficiencia tricuspídea significativa y 4) disfunción de ventrículo derecho. Resultados: Se incluyeron 209 pacientes. Se logró un procedimiento exitoso en 98,6%, registrándose una mortalidad intrahospitalaria de 2,9%. El compromiso cardíaco se extendió más allá de las cavidades izquierdas en 24,7% de los casos (estadíos 3 y 4). A una mediana de seguimiento de 650 días se registró una mortalidad de 26,8%. El compromiso de cavidades derechas (estadíos 3 y 4) se asoció a una mayor mortalidad (39,6% vs 22,1%, log rank p=0,015). En análisis multivariado, este compromiso fue el único factor que de forma independiente predijo mortalidad (HR 1,87, IC 1,01-3,44, p=0,044). Conclusiones: El compromiso de cavidades derechas se asocia a una mayor mortalidad alejada en pacientes sometidos a TAVI. Estos resultados debiesen estimular una derivación precoz de estos pacientes que, aunque añosos y de alto riesgo, tienen buenos resultados intervenidos precozmente.

Background: Locally, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is limited to very old or high-risk patients, whose intervention is frequently delayed until they develop signs of advanced disease. Aim: To evaluate the degree of myocardial compromise in patients undergoing TAVI and to determine whether the level of this compromise can predict results during follow-up. Methods: Registry of TAVI patients from 2 institutions in Chile. According to the classification proposed by Genereux in 2017, patients were classified based on the echocardiogram as 1) left ventricular compromise; 2) left atrial compromise; 3) pulmonary hypertension / severe tricuspid regurgitation; 4) right ventricular dysfunction. Results: The study included 209 patients. A successful procedure was achieved in 98.6% of cases, with an in-hospital mortality of 2.9%. Cardiac compromise extended beyond left chambers in 24.7% of cases (stages 3 and 4). During follow-up (median of 650 days) mortality was 26.8%. Right chambers involvement (stages 3 and 4) was associated with increased mortality (39.6% vs 22.1%, log rank p=0.015). In multivariate analysis, this compromise was the only factor that independently predicted mortality (HR 1.87, IC 1.01-3.44, p=0,044). Conclusions: Right chambers involvement was associated to increased mortality during follow-up of patients undergoing TAVI. These results should stimulate earlier referral of these high risk and older patients in order to obtain better results following the intervention.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge. Report of seven cases]. / Abordaje del implante valvular aórtico transcateter durante la pandemia por COVID-19 con alta prevoz: reporte de una serie de casos.

COVID-19 pandemic generated multiple challenges for the health system. Cardiovascular disease is associated with a worse prognosis of infections. Moreover, most hospital resources and operative rooms were destined to patients with COVID-19 infection, deferring the treatment of most valvular patients requiring surgery. We report seven patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge. No patient required intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation. After a 90-day follow-up, there were no complications or unplanned readmissions.

Uso de anticoagulantes orales directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular post implante de TAVI: resultados de una encuesta internacional

Background: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic severe Aortic Stenosis (AS). There is no consensus about the best anticoagulation strategy for patients with a recent TAVI and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective to prevent embolic events with a significant lower incidence of bleeding. There is scarce evidence about the use of these drugs in patients undergoing TAVI. Aim: To assess the management of anticoagulation at the moment of discharge of patients with AF and TAVI. Material and Methods: A four question survey was sent to cardiologists involved in TAVI programs in different international centers. Results: The survey was answered by 72 interventional cardiologists. Even with the lack of randomized evidence, in most of the scenarios DOACs are prescribed at discharge in patients with indication for anticoagulation. Also, in patients with high bleeding risk, most cardiologists would perform a left atrial appendage closure. In patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, if a stent was recently implanted, prescription of the combination of a DOAC and one antiplatelet drug was the most common answer. In patients with a former coronary angioplasty, DOAC or Warfarin was the therapy of choice. Conclusions: In the absence of randomized data, interventional cardiologists prescribe DOACs at discharge to patients with AF and TAVI, without following current guidelines in most cases.

Abordaje del implante valvular aórtico transcateter durante la pandemia por COVID-19 con alta prevoz: reporte de una serie de casos / Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge: report of seven cases

COVID-19 pandemic generated multiple challenges for the health system. Cardiovascular disease is associated with a worse prognosis of infections. Moreover, most hospital resources and operative rooms were destined to patients with COVID-19 infection, deferring the treatment of most valvular patients requiring surgery. We report seven patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with conscious sedation and early discharge. No patient required intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation. After a 90-day follow-up, there were no complications or unplanned readmissions.

[Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation]. / Uso de anticoagulantes orales directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular post implante de TAVI: resultados de una encuesta internacional.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic severe Aortic Stenosis (AS). There is no consensus about the best anticoagulation strategy for patients with a recent TAVI and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective to prevent embolic events with a significant lower incidence of bleeding. There is scarce evidence about the use of these drugs in patients undergoing TAVI. AIM: To assess the management of anticoagulation at the moment of discharge of patients with AF and TAVI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A four question survey was sent to cardiologists involved in TAVI programs in different international centers. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 72 interventional cardiologists. Even with the lack of randomized evidence, in most of the scenarios DOACs are prescribed at discharge in patients with indication for anticoagulation. Also, in patients with high bleeding risk, most cardiologists would perform a left atrial appendage closure. In patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, if a stent was recently implanted, prescription of the combination of a DOAC and one antiplatelet drug was the most common answer. In patients with a former coronary angioplasty, DOAC or Warfarin was the therapy of choice. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of randomized data, interventional cardiologists prescribe DOACs at discharge to patients with AF and TAVI, without following current guidelines in most cases.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been fully evaluated and some structural programs in the world have been suspended during this period. We sought to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI in pandemic versus nonpandemic era. In a single center, we compared 198 TAVI patients performed during 2019 to 59 patients performed during the COVID-19 pandemic period (March 1st to June 30th, 2020). Primary outcome was procedural success according to VARC criteria and 30-day mortality rates. VARC-defined procedural success was high in both groups (93.3% vs 96.6%; p = 0.53). There were no differences in any vascular complications (26% vs 19%; p = 0.3), permanent pacemaker implantation (11.8% vs 15.3%; p = 0.63), and length of hospital stay (5.2 vs 4.2 days; p = 0.29). Thirty-day mortality was similar (3% vs 3.4%; p = 1.0). We had no documented COVID-19 disease in our patients during follow up. In conclusion, TAVI procedures can be performed effectively and safely during the COVID-9 pandemic, using a minimalist approach, early discharge, and by maintaining proper use of personal protective equipment.

Importancia del electrocardiograma en el diagnóstico del infarto agudo al miocardio por obstrucción del tronco común de arteria coronaria izquierda

Acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombosis of left main coronary artery generate acute cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and death. Along with the clinical history, the electrocardiogram (EKG) is the most useful tool for its recognition and timely management. Classically the EKG shows ST elevation > 1 mm in aVR or V1 with ST depression in the other leads. Urgent coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary angioplasty using drug eluting stents is recommended when the diagnosis is made. We report two cases to exemplify the clinical presentation, EKG and angiographic findings and therapeutic approach.

[Combined use of left ventricular assist devices in cardiogenic shock. Report of one case]. / ECMELLA: Uso combinado de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular izquierda en el manejo del shock cardiogénico postinfarto agudo al miocardio.

We report a 55-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus who consulted at the emergency room because of intermittent oppressive chest discomfort. At admission, electrocardiogram showed a complete atrioventricular block. A transthoracic echocardiogram disclosed severe left ventricular dysfunction. The patient developed cardiogenic shock that required the installation of the Impella system. An emergency coronary angiography showed an ostial occlusion of the anterior descending artery. Despite successful primary angioplasty, she persisted with refractory shock and progressive hypoxemia. A concomitant connection to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) was decided. The support of both devices allowed the stabilization of the patient and the improvement of perfusion parameters.

Litoplastía iliaco-femoral para implante transcatéter de válvula órtica / Iliac-femoral lithoplasty for a transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Report of one case

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has a lower perioperative risk than traditional surgery mostly when the transfemoral access is used. Some patients have anatomical conditions that contraindicate the use of this route. Lithoplasty is a novel technique that fractures calcium in coronary and peripheral arteries using pulsatile waves transmitted through an angioplasty balloon. We report an 83 year-old male with an aortic stenosis requiring TAVI, with severe calcification of his femoral and aortic arteries. A balloon lithoplasty of the right iliac-femoral tract was carried out, which allowed the use of the transfemoral route to install the aortic prosthesis. The patient had a good subsequent evolution.

Uso de la litotripsia intracoronaria en el manejo de lesiones calcificadas: reporte de dos casos / Lithoplasty for calcified coronary artery lesiones

Recently, intravascular lithoplasty (IVL) has been introduced as a novel technique for treating calcified intracoronary artery lesions. There are no reports of this intervention in Latin America. We report 2 cases in which IVL was successfully used to treat this type of coronary artery lesions.

ECMELLA: Uso combinado de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular izquierda en el manejo del shock cardiogénico postinfarto agudo al miocardio / Combined use of left ventricular assist devices in cardiogenic shock. Report of one case

We report a 55-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus who consulted at the emergency room because of intermittent oppressive chest discomfort. At admission, electrocardiogram showed a complete atrioventricular block. A transthoracic echocardiogram disclosed severe left ventricular dysfunction. The patient developed cardiogenic shock that required the installation of the Impella system. An emergency coronary angiography showed an ostial occlusion of the anterior descending artery. Despite successful primary angioplasty, she persisted with refractory shock and progressive hypoxemia. A concomitant connection to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) was decided. The support of both devices allowed the stabilization of the patient and the improvement of perfusion parameters.

[Acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombosis of left main coronary artery. Report of two cases]. / Importancia del electrocardiograma en el diagnóstico del infarto agudo al miocardio por obstrucción del tronco común de arteria coronaria izquierda.

Acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombosis of left main coronary artery generate acute cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and death. Along with the clinical history, the electrocardiogram (EKG) is the most useful tool for its recognition and timely management. Classically the EKG shows ST elevation > 1 mm in aVR or V1 with ST depression in the other leads. Urgent coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary angioplasty using drug eluting stents is recommended when the diagnosis is made. We report two cases to exemplify the clinical presentation, EKG and angiographic findings and therapeutic approach.

Enfoque minimalista en el implante de válvula aórtica percutánea / A minimalist approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: En pacientes con estenosis Aórtica (EA) severa sintomática, el implante de válvula aórtica percutánea transcatéter (TAVI) por vía transfemoral constituye el estándar de tratamiento en aquellos de riesgo quirúrgico intermedio o alto. El uso de un abordaje minimalista ha demostrado ser seguro y efectivo, si bien no existen reportes sobre la realidad nacional Métodos: Estudio descriptivo sobre la experiencia con pacientes sometidos al implante de TAVI bajo un protocolo minimalista en Unidad de Cardiología Intervencional y Hemodinamia del Hospital Sótero del Río desde Enero de 2018. Se analizaron las variables clínicas de los pacientes y del procedimiento así como desenlaces clínicos intrahospitalarios y seguimiento alejado. Resultados: Entre Enero 2018 hasta Abril 2019, un total de 10 pacientes fueron sometidos al implante de TAVI por vía transfemoral. El score STS-PROM promedio fue de 7,1. Se logró un implante exitoso en el 100% de los casos con un gradiente medio residual de 8 mmHg y sin leak moderado a severo en ningún paciente. No hubo eventos cerebrovasculares isquémicos perioperatorios ni muerte en este grupo. Se requirió implante de marcapasos definitivo en 3 pacientes y un paciente presentó hematoma femoral perioperatorio que requirió transfusión de glóbulos rojos. La mediana de la estadía hospitalaria fue de 2 días. Conclusiones: El uso de una estrategia minimalista para el implante de TAVI en nuestra realidad nacional es seguro y aplicable. Los resultados perioperatorios y a 30 días fueron comparables a los descritos en experiencias internacionales.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter percutaneous aortic valve implant (TAVI) is the standard treatment in those with intermediate or high surgical risk. The use of a minimalist approach has proven to be safe and effective, although there are no reports on the national reality Methods: Descriptive study on the experience with patients undergoing TAVI implantation under a minimalist protocol at the Interventional Cardiology and Hemodynamics Unit of the Hospital Sótero del Río since January 2018. Clinical characteristics of the patients and the procedure were analyzed as well as intrahospital outcomes and at 30-days follow up. Results: Between January 2018 and April 2019, a total of 10 patients underwent TAVI implantation by transfemoral approach in our institution. The average STS-PROM score was 7.1. A successful implant was achieved in 100% of cases with an average residual gradient of 8 mmHg and no moderate to severe leak in any patient. There were no perioperative ischemic cerebrovascular events nor death in this group. A definitive pacemaker implant was required in 3 patients and one patient developed femoral hematoma that required red blood cell transfusion. The median hospital stay was 2 days. Conclusions: The use of a minimalist strategy for TAVI implantation in our national reality is safe and applicable. Immediate results and at 30-days follow up were comparable to those described in international experiences.

Implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica transcatéter por vía femoral en paciente joven con obesidad extrema / Trans femoral TAVI in extremely obese patient with severe aortic stenosis

RESUMEN:TAVI transfemoral en una paciente con obesidad extrema y estenosis aórtica severa. Una mujer extremadamente obesa (IMC 62.5 Kg/M2) con estenosis aórtica severa fue descartada para cirugía bariátrica y reemplazo valvular aórtico. Se efectuó una TAVI por vía transfemoral, sin anestesia general. Se describen cuidadosas técnicas para efectuar la punción femoral y su sellado posterior. La paciente se recuperó sin incidentes, la gradiente transvalvular aórtica se redujo significativamente y hubo mínima insuficiencia valvular.

ABSTRACT: An extremely obese woman (BMI 62.5 Kg/M2) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis was discarded for bariatric surgery or aortic valve replacement. A transfemoral TAVI was performed, without general anesthesia. Careful techniques to perform and seal the transfemoral puncture are described. The patient recovered uneventfully with a significant decrease in aortic valve gradient and minimal aortic insufficiency.

Successful Percutaneous Closure of a Ruptured Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm.

A 68-year-old man with previous coronary artery bypass surgery presented with acute onset chest pain. After ruling out an acute coronary syndrome, a computed tomography scan demonstrated a giant aneurysm (10 cm × 8 cm) of the right coronary artery saphenous vein graft (SVG) with signs of rupture into the mediastinum. An Amplatzer Vascular Plug II was successfully deployed at the proximal anastomosis of the SVG, achieving complete exclusion. At 6-month follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic and a computed tomography scan confirmed adequate position of the device. Amplatzer Vascular Plug II is a reasonable alternative for SVG aneurysm closure, providing the vein graft supplies nonviable myocardium.

Resultados a mediano plazo del implante de stents imbricados en pacientes con infarto con supradesnivel del ST: el rol de los stents medicados / Midterm results of overlapping stents implantation in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction

Resumen: Introducción: El implante de dos stents imbricados (SIMB) es una práctica frecuente en el laboratorio de hemodinamia. Sin embargo, evidencia reciente sugiere que en pacientes con infarto con supradesnivel del segmento ST (IAMc/SDST) esta técnica puede asociarse a mejores resultados cuando se utilizan exclusivamente stents medicados. Objetivo: Evaluar en una cohorte de pacientes chilenos las causas, características clínicas y sobrevida a 2 años de los pacientes con IAMc/SDST que son tratados con SIMB, en función del tipo de dispositivo y combinación utilizada; metálico/metálico (BMS/BMS), metálico/medicado (BMS/DES), medicado/medicado (DES/DES). Método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, caso incidente, entre enero del año 2012 y mayo del año 2016 en nuestro laboratorio de hemodinamia. Se recolectó la información clínica, angiográfica y sobrevida a 2 años de los pacientes ingresados por IAMc/SDST que fueron tratados con SIMB. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó chicuadrado, regresión logística y análisis multivariado en programa SPSS, considerando significativa una p<0,05. Resultados: De 2403 pacientes evaluados, el 13% (n=312) recibió tratamiento con SIMB. La edad pro-medio fue de 68 ± 6,6 años y el 71% correspondió a hombres. La presencia de DMII fue de 37%, HTA 65%, tabaquismo 41%, dislipidemia 29% y cardiopatía coronaria previa 18%. Se observó que la fracción de eyección promedio fue de 45 ± 3,5%, medida por método de Simpson. Las causas para imbricar stents fueron la disección post implante de stent en 72%, desplazamiento de placa en 22,5% y extensión de placa más allá de la longitud del stent en un 5,5%. El 38% fue tratado con 2 stents BMS, el 26% con stents BMS/DES y el 36% con DES/DES. El diámetro y largo promedio de SIMB fue de 2,8 ± 2,6 mm y 41,3 ± 6,4 mm, respectivamente. Se observó una mortalidad a 2 años de 11% en el grupo BMS/BMS, 8% BMS/DES y 6% DES/DES (p<0,01) y la necesidad de revascularización fue 8%, 5,2% y 2% respectivamente (p=0,02). El usar la combinación BMS/ BMS se asoció a una mayor mortalidad a 2 años en análisis de regresión logística univariado (OR 5,2, IC 95% 2,0-17,9, p<0,01) y multivariado (ajustado por variables clínicas, número de vasos enfermos y presentación clínica) [OR 5,5, IC 95% 1,9-21,0, p<0,01]). Excluyendo a los pacientes con mortalidad temprana, como marcador de severidad de presentación clínica, la mortalidad a 2 años en el grupo BMS/BMS tuvo un OR de 5.9, 95% CI 2.1- 19.5 (p < 0.01). No se observó diferencia en la mortalidad de pacientes tratados con 2 SIMB DES/DES y los tratados con 1 stent DES. Conclusión: El implantar stents imbricados en pacientes con IAMc/SDST es una práctica común en el laboratorio de hemodinamia. Nuestros resultados sugieren que los resultados a mediano plazo son significativamente mejores cuando al menos uno de los stents utilizados es medicado, lo cual es concordante con reportes recientes.

Abstracts: Background: Coronary angioplasty using two overlapping (OL) stents is a frequent practice at the cath laboratory, however the impact this strategy has on patient prognosis and the preferred stent type are largely unknown. Aim: To evaluate 2-year outcomes of STEMI patients who underwent treatment with OL stents and assess the impact of different types of stents combinations:(BMS/BMS), (BMS/DES), or (DES/DES). Methods: Patients presenting with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty with 2 OL stents between January 2012 to May 2016 were included. Baseline and procedural information was collected, clinically-driven new revascularizations were recorded, and 2-year survival status was confirmed from the national database registry. OL stents technique was defined as a segment with a double layer of stents of at least 1 mm and less than 5 mm long. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS v21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), at with p<=0.05 being considered significant. Results: Of 2403 STEMI patients treated within this period, in 312 (13%) the OL was used. Mean age was 68 ± 6.6 years. 71% males. Type 2 diabetesmellitus was present in 37%, arterial hypertension in 65%, smoking in 41%, dyslipidemia in 29% and previously treated coronary heart disease (either CABG or PCI) in 18% of patients. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as assessed by 2D Simpson method was 48±3.5%. Indications for overlapping stents were plaque extension in 72%, edge dissection after stent implantation in 22.5%, and plaque displacement in 5.5%. One, 2 or 3 vessels disease was present in 23%, 34% and 43%, respectively. Thirty-eight percent of patients were treated with 2 BMS stents, 26% with BMS/DES stents and 36% with two DES stents. The mean stent diameter and length were 2.8 ± 2.6 mm and 41.3 ± 6.4 mm, respectively, with no difference between the 3 groups. Post procedure target vessel revascularization was 8% for BMS/BMS, 5.2% for BMS/DES and 2% for DES/DES groups (p=0.02). Two-year cardiovascular mortality was 11% for the BMS/BMS group, 8% for the BMS/DES group and 6% for the DES/DES (p <0.01). BMS/BMS combination was associated with a greater cardiovascular 2-year mortality in both univariate (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.0-17.9, p <0.01) and multivariate analyses ([OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.9-21.0, p <0.01]). After excluding early mortality cases during the first week (due to their overall severity at presentation), 2-year cardiovascular mortality in the BMS/BMS group had an adjusted OR of 5.9, 95% CI 2.1-19.5 (p< 0.01). There were no differences between the treatment with 2 OL DES stents and the treatment with BMS/DES. Conclusion: Overlapping stent technique is a common practice in our cath lab, mainly driven by an initial unfavorable result with the first stent. The reported findings suggest that midterm results are better when at least on of the imbricated stents is These results are in agreement with recent reports on the subject.

Implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica con apoyo de circulación extracorpórea en paciente con insuficiencia aórtica severa / Trans catheter aortic valve implantation with extra corporeal circulation support in a patient with severe aortic insufficiency

An 84-year man with prior coronary artery bypass surgery and endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm developed congestive heart failu-re. He had calcific aortic valve disease with severe regurgitation. A #29 Edwards-Sapien aortic valve via trans-apical approach was implanted with the patient connected to extra corporeal circulation. The patient recovered successfully and remained in functional class II 8 months after hospital dis-charge.

Acceso radial derecho versus izquierdo para cateterismo coronario en pacientes mayores de 70 años / Right versus Left radial artery access for coronary angiography in elderly

Introducción: El acceso radial izquierdo (ARI) puede ser una alternativa para la realización de cateterismos coronarios, especialmente en pacientes añosos, donde modificaciones anatómicas pueden dificultar el procedimiento por acceso radial derecho (ARD). Objetivo: Determinar si el uso del ARI en pacientes mayores de 70 años disminuye el tiempo de fluoroscopía y la dosis de radiación durante una coronariografía realizada por operadores entrenados. Métodos: De forma prospectiva se evaluaron pacientes mayores de 70 años sometidos a cateterismo coronario por vía radial por operadores experimentados (>200 procedimiento por vía radial/año), utilizando la misma técnica. El acceso derecho o izquierdo fue asignado de forma aleatoria y se registraron los tiempos de procedimiento, la exposición a radiación, insumos utilizados y apreciación de dificultad del operador. Resultados: Se incluyeron 102 pacientes (ARD 52 / ARI 50). Ambos accesos fueron comparables en los tiempos utilizado para realizar el procedimiento (ARD 782 vs ARI 695 segundos, p= 0,06), aunque hubo un significativo menor tiempo utilizado para canular la arteria coronaria derecha en aquellos pacientes que se accedieron por ARI (206 vs 169 segundos; p= 0,01). No hubo diferencias en la radiación producida por el examen entre ambos grupos (PDA ARD 56,7 vs ARI 59,3 Gy/ cm2, p= 0,09), ni en la cantidad de medio de contraste utilizado (ARD 106,33 (31,04) vs ARI 108,13 (30,23), p=0,24). Se encontró una mayor frecuencia de tortuosidad (25% vs 6%, p <0,01) y de dificultad del procedimiento (58% vs 28%, p <0,01) en el grupo de ARD, principalmente debido al uso de una guía adicional (33% vs 4%, p< 0,01). Conclusión: Tanto el acceso radial derecho como el izquierdo son alternativas factibles para la realización de una coronariografía en pacientes de edad avanzada, no existiendo diferencias entre éstos en el tiempo total del procedimiento. Sin embargo, el ARD en pacientes añosos se asocia más frecuentemente con dificultades a nivel braquiocefálico y mayor uso de guías adicionales para sortear estos desafíos.

Background: Left radial access (LRA) for coronary angiography is an alternative to right radial access (RRA), especially in elderly patients in whom anatomic features may complicate the latter approach. Aim: To determine whether LRA in patients 70 years or older involves a decreased fluoroscopy time and radiation doses in coronary angiography performed by experienced operators. Method: Patients 70 years or older were randomly assigned to undergo coronary angiography through de RRA (n=52) or LRA (n=50). The procedure was performed by experienced operators (>200 radial access coronary angiographies, yearly). Duration of the procedure, exposure to radiation, materials used and subjective evaluation of the difficulty in performing the angiography were assessed. Results: Mean procedure duration was similar between accesses (RRA = 782 vs LRA = 695 seconds (p=0.06). The time to access the right coronary artery was significantly greater for de RRA compared to the LRA (206 vs 169 seconds, respectively, p=0.01). There was no difference in radiation dose (PDA) between groups (RRA = 106.3 ± 31.4 vs LRA = 108.1 ± 30.2 Gy/cm2, p=0.24), nor in the amount of contrast (ARD 106,33 (31,04) vs ARI 108,13 (30,23), p=0,24). Tortuosity (25% vs 6%, p <0,01) and subjective evaluation of procedure difficulties (58% vs 28%, p <0,01) were higher in RRA compared to LRA. An additional guide was needed with RRA compared to LRA (33% were higher in RRA compared to LRA, an additional guide was used in RRA 33% than in LRA (33% vs 4%, p< 0,01). Conclusion: RRA may be used in elderly patients within the same procedure duration compared to LRA. However, RRA is more frequently associated to the presence of tortuosity at the brachio-cephalic site, leading to greater use of additional wire.