One-Year Outcomes of Biodegradable Polymer-Coated Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Patient-Level Pooled Analysis from Two Indian Registries.

INTRODUCTION: This pooled analysis was conducted to assess the clinical safety and performance of the Supra family (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Ltd., Surat, India) of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from two real-world all-comers Indian registries at 1 year. METHODS: We evaluated 1,824 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with the Supra family of SES from two real-world Indian registries (891 patients from T-Flex registry and 933 patients from Tetriflex real-world registry). The primary endpoint was the incidence of target lesion failure (TLF) defined as a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 1-year follow-up. The safety endpoint was stent thrombosis at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,824 patients with ACS, 689 (37.8%) patients presented with STEMI. In ACS and STEMI groups, 47.6% and 41.8% patients had multivessel disease, respectively. Of 2,128 lesions in ACS group, 76.7% lesions were type B2/C and 16.2% lesions were totally occluded. In the STEMI group, out of 784 treated lesions, 76.7% were type B2/C lesions and 21.9% were totally occluded. At 1-year follow-up, incidence of TLF was 5.3% (cardiac death: 0.9%, TV-MI: 2.5%, TLR: 1.9%) in patients with ACS and 6.2% (cardiac death: 1.4%, TV-MI: 2.1%, TLR: 2.7%) in patients with STEMI. The 1-year rate of definite/probable stent thrombosis was 0.3% and 0.7% in patients with ACS and STEMI, respectively. CONCLUSION: This patient-level pooled analysis provides evidence for the safe and effective use of the Supra family of SES in complex patient populations such as ACS and even in STEMI with favorable rates of TLF and stent thrombosis at 1-year follow-up.

Sino-atrial nodal artery occlusion causing acute sinus node dysfunction after percutaneous coronary intervention: Case report and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: New antithrombotic medications and improved stent designs have reduced branch occlusion, although the sino-atrial nodal artery (SANA) may still be occluded after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), causing sinus node dysfunction (SND). Ischemic sinus nodes are usually asymptomatic but can cause sinus arrest sometimes requiring pacemaker placement. In rare cases, junctional escape rhythms, a manifestation of sinus exit blocks after PCI, can predict cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We present a case study of a patient who underwent bifurcation PCI to the LMCA to the LCX but subsequently developed cardiogenic shock as a result of SND, a junctional escape rhythm required substantial inotropic support. This case offers an exemplification of a sparsely documented, yet infrequent manifestation of iatrogenic ischemic SND at an unorthodox site, the confluence of the LMCA-LCX. In addition, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 22 scholarly works pertaining to the subject of sinus node dysfunction (SND) subsequent to PCI resulting from ischemia caused by stenosis or occlusion of the SANA. RESULTS: RCA was responsible for 96.1% of SND cases, whereas LCX was responsible for 3.9%. SND was asymptomatic in 49.3% of cases and junctional escape rhythm in 37.6% of symptomatic cases. 28% needed a temporary transvenous pacemaker, while 7.8% needed a permanent one. Interventional management recanalized the SANA in 5.2% of patients, restoring flow. CONCLUSION: Transient sino-atrial node ischemia after PCI can cause acute SND. Before stent implantation, doctors should consider SND. Complete plaque evaluation around the SANA is needed before choosing the best PCI procedure.

Indian Experience with Vericiguat: A Review Based upon Case Series.

Heart failure (HF) is a condition that can result in repeated hospitalizations every year and can result in worsening HF (WHF). Although current pharmacological treatment for HF is fairly effective, there is a need to lower the residual risk of cardiovascular events and hospitalizations. Vericiguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, a new entrant, seems to present a promising therapeutic option for HF with signs of worsening, and early initiation of this therapy may be beneficial in certain patient profiles. This article explores the potential benefits of early vericiguat initiation in four patient profiles who presented with WHF.

Left sided ablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia: Frequency, Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Left-sided ablation, targeting left inferior AV nodal extensions, is thought to be necessary for success in a small proportion of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablations; however Indian data are scarce in this regard. METHODS: Consecutive cases of AVNRT undergoing slow pathway ablation in a single centre over an 18-month period were retrospectively analyzed. Left-sided ablation at the posteroseptal mitral annulus was performed if right-sided ablation failed to abolish AVNRT. RESULTS: From January 2017 to June 2018, out of 215 consecutive supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) cases, 154 (71.6%) were AVNRT (47.1 ± 13.1 years, 46.1% male). Trans-septal ablation was required in 5 (3.2%) cases (mean age 48.8 ± 9.4 years; 4 female, 1 male); all with typical (slow-fast) form of AVNRT. Compared with cases needing only right-sided ablation, radiofrequency time (50.8 ± 16.9 vs. 9.9 ± 8.5 min; p = 0.005) and procedure time (166.0 ± 35.0 vs 79.6 ± 35.9 min; p = 0.004) were significantly longer for trans-septal cases, while baseline intervals and tachycardia cycle length were not significantly different. Junctional ectopy was seen in only 2 of the 5 cases during left-sided ablation, but acute success (non-inducibility) was obtained in 3 cases. There were no instances of AV block. Over mean follow-up of 12.2 ± 4.0 months, clinical recurrence of AVNRT occurred in one case, while others remained arrhythmia-free without medication. CONCLUSION: Left-sided ablation was required in a small proportion of AVNRT ablations. Trans-septal approach targeting the posteroseptal mitral annulus was safe and yielded good mid-term clinical success.

Endovascular management of the post-traumatic common carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.

PURPOSE: Pseudoaneurysms of the common carotid artery secondary to high-velocity fragment injuries to the head and neck in patients are uncommon lesions. Multi-detector computed tomography angiography should be performed on all patients suffering from high-speed fragment injuries of the head and neck. CASE PRESENTATION: We share our experience with the endovascular management approach for the closure of 2 separate pseudoaneurysms involving the left common carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous options for surgical and endovascular treatment of these lesions are available. Endovascular therapy in patients with common carotid artery pseudoaneurysms offers a reliable and non-invasive management option. It helps in the mitigation of its rupture and thromboembolic complications.

Role of Empagliflozin in heart failure with severe aortic stenosis before valve replacement: EASTER-HF study.

We evaluated empagliflozin in severe DAS patients with HF before AVR. HF patients with LVEF 30-80 % and NYHA functional class II-IV symptoms got empagliflozin 10 mg or not within 6 months before AVR, along with SOC. Adding empagliflozin to the SOC before AVR reduced HF death or HHF by 73 % after 6-months in a group of 20 patients (RR 0.27; p = 0.022). Improving LVEF (+3.48 %, p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP levels (-3974.6 pg/mL) with empagliflozin in SOC before AVR significantly reduced in-hospital and 6-month mortality in this patient group. In severe DAS and HF patients, empagliflozin improved symptoms and prognosis.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Paradigm Shift from Diabetes Care to Metabolic Care-An Indian Perspective.

The prevalence and burden of diabetes are on the rise in India, making it 'the diabetes capital of the world'. Comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular (CV) complications, chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and neurodegenerative diseases are common in patients with diabetes. Recent breakthroughs in diabetes medications and continuous glucose monitoring have resulted in a paradigm shift in diabetes care. Hence, a review in the Indian context is warranted. This review focuses on the existing evidence (gathered by a systematic literature search utilising online databases such as PubMed) on the metabolic, cardio-renoprotective, and hepatoprotective effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition, particularly in the Indian setting. The study revealed that the SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), with their numerous pleiotropic benefits, have received considerable attention recently as a novel class of antihyperglycaemic agents (AHAs) for the management of diabetes. SGLT2i play a crucial role in the transition from glycaemic control to metabolic care, particularly in the context of obesity, CV disease and renal disease. In addition to improving glycaemic control, SGLT2i have been shown to promote weight loss, reduce blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, which are key components of metabolic health. Moreover, SGLT2i have demonstrated renal protective effects, including a reduction in albuminuria and a slower decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), suggesting a potential role in the management of renal dysfunction.

Acute myocardial infarction following blunt chest trauma with intracranial bleed: a rare case report.

A young male following road traffic accident (RTA) with head injury and parietal bleed was diagnosed with STEMI based on ECG findings which is rare occurrence. Coronary angiography showed thrombotic ostial occlusion of LAD. Successful primary angioplasty using thrombo-aspiration was done, in difficult clinical scenario. The case was challenging in terms of use of anticoagulation and antiplatelet strategy in a rare etiology of acute myocardial infarction following road traffic accident.

Myocardial abscess secondary to staphylococcal septicemia: diagnosis with 3D echocardiography.

A 56 years old gentleman with staphylococcal septicemia with metastatic abscesses in spleen and heart. Real time 3D trans thoracic echocardiography could not only confirm the diagnosis of myocardial abscess but also well delineate it and identify adjacent structures.

HOW did GLP-1RAs bring about a paradigm shift in the guidelines of managing T2DM: A path to gluco-cardio Centricity.

Diabetes is a common condition with a dismal prognosis. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million people worldwide have diabetes. Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are the major cause of death globally. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) increases the risk of CVD. Since 2008, the FDA has required all new antihyperglycemic treatments to show no increased CV risk. Years of glucocentric diabetic therapy have left many patients on medicines with no known CV benefit. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are excellent glucose-lowering medicines with little risk of hypoglycaemia, CVD and weight loss. GLP-1RAs may also delay renal disease development. As an adjunct to metformin or ongoing therapy, GLP1RAs or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Thus, this review summarises GLP-1RA and their significance in the paradigm shift in diabetes care recommendations from glucocentric to gluco-cardiocentric.

A 'dreaded' complication of stuck prosthetic valve in the first trimester pregnancy.

A dramatic rise in cardiac output with a decrease in afterload are the hallmark of hemodynamic variations induced by normal pregnancy, which requires significant cardiac adaptation. Females with rheumatic mitral valve disease who have had a mitral valve replacement in the past are increasingly choosing to become pregnant. Hypercoagulability of pregnancy, problems with anticoagulant therapy along with hemodynamic changes in pregnancy increase the risk of cardiac complications in this subset. There is a paucity of research on the management of problems in patients with cardiac prosthetic valves. We present a case of primigravida with a history of mitral valve replacement, presenting with a stuck valve. Learning objectives: •Pregnancy is a pro-thrombotic state•Pregnancy with a mechanical heart valve has high risk of stuck vale despite adequate anti-coagulation•Management of such high-risk cases must be carried out at a tertiary care center with all facilities•Multi-disciplinary approach is required to deal with pregnant women with mechanical heart valve.

Ultrathin Strut Biodegradable Polymer-Coated Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stents: Patient-Level Pooled Analysis From Two Indian Registries.

Background Despite significant evolution in stent technology, female gender, and patients with diabetes mellitus, multivessel disease, total occlusions, long lesions, and small vessels represent the "Achilles' heel" of contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We performed a pooled analysis of high-risk subgroup on patient-level data from the T-Flex registry (1,203 patients) and a real-world Indian registry (1,269 patients), with the aim of assessing one-year safety and clinical performance of ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer-coated Supra family of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited, Surat, India) in the real-world, all-comer population. Method We pooled the following high-risk subgroups data from two all-comer registries: female gender (n=678), diabetes mellitus (n=852), multivessel disease (n=406), total occlusions (n=420), long lesions (≥28 mm) (n=1241), and small vessels (≤2.5 mm) (n=726). Both the registries included patients with coronary artery disease who underwent implantation of at least one SES belonging to the Supra family of stents from May 2016 until March 2018, irrespective of lesion complexity and comorbidities. The primary endpoint was the inci-dence of target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically indicated target lesion revas-cularization by percutaneous or surgical methods up to one year. The safety endpoint was stent thrombosis.  Results According to prespecified high-risk subgroups, one-year rates of TLF and overall stent thrombosis, respectively, were as follows: female gender (4.9% and 0.6%), diabetes mellitus (6.9% and 1.0%), multivessel disease (6.4% and 0.8%), total occlusions (5.2% and 0.5%), long lesions (≥28 mm) (6.6% and 0.8%), and small vessels (≤2.5 mm) (6.1% and 1.3%). Conclusion This present pooled analysis demonstrated the one-year safety and clinical performance of ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer-coated Supra family of SES in a real-world, all-comer population, with considerably low rates of TLF and stent thrombosis.

Bifurcation angioplasty using drug eluting stents of post-AF ablation severe pulmonary vein stenosis.

A 53-year-old man with long-standing persistent AF underwent multiple ablation procedures. A presentation with hemoptysis led to a left pulmonary artery wedge angiography and thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan, which revealed a tight bifurcation stenosis of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV). This was treated by angioplasty with drug-eluting stents to avoid restenosis by bare-metal stent implantation in small diameter PVs as already described. After predilatation, two 4 × 32-mm and a 3 × 20-mm Taxus® Liberté stents (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) were deployed across upper and lower LSPV branches and the ostio-antral segment. Twenty-two month follow-up CT angiography showed patent stents in the LSPV, without in-stent restenosis (no arrhythmia or hemoptysis at 24-month follow-up).

Dual left anterior descending artery: Case series based on novel classification and its therapeutic implications.

Angiographically, a "dual LAD" is described as two distinct arteries supplying the vascular territory of the LAD in parts, identified as the short LAD/LAD1 and the long LAD/LAD2. Using an easy-to-understand three-step approach, Jariwala et al unveiled a novel classification strategy for dual LAD systems in an attempt to decrease ambiguity in diagnosis and management of the anomaly. As part of our research, we looked at a wide range of published cases and case series in the literature, and also those reported from our hospital. In our novel classification system, we divide dual LADs into three main groups based on their origin and vascular territory, each of which is further divided into subgroups based on the course of LAD1/LAD2 and the variable feature that is a distinguishing attribute of the type of anomaly to be specified. A review of 144 publications in the world literature revealed 340 patients eligible for the study. The median age was 58.8 years (SD - 11.42; range - 29-89) with male predominance (3.3:1). Cases in Group I comprised 60.6% of the total cases, followed by Group II (36.2%), and Group III (3.2%). Subgroup I-A was the most common in terms of dual LAD, followed by subgroup II-A. Acute coronary syndrome (45.5%) and chronic coronary syndrome (55.8%) were the most common clinical presentations in patients with significant coronary artery disease (30.8%).

Allergic myocardial infarction (type III Kounis syndrome) secondary to mushroom ingestion: An unusual cause of very late stent thrombosis of saphenous venous graft and refractory no-reflow phenomenon.

The clinical presentation of myocardial injury associated with allergy responses is known in the cardiology literature as Kounis syndrome or allergic angina/myocardial infarction. An allergic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may be caused by systemic increase of allergy mediators, or by local stimulation activating heart tissue mast cells (precipitating coronary spasm or generating plaque rupture and coronary or stent thrombosis). Acute allergic/anaphylactic reactions may cause ACS by directly affecting the heart and atherosclerotic plaque, or by exacerbating underlying illness. We present a case of a 67-year-old, Indian male, who had coronary artery bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention and developed very late stent thrombosis of the saphenous venous graft as a result of an allergic response to mushrooms. Learning objectives: •A prototypical patient with Kounis syndrome who experienced allergy symptoms and myocardial ischemia after being exposed to a probable allergenic stimulus.•A link between Type III Kounis syndrome and drug-eluting stent thrombosis has recently been hypothesized.•Mast cells are plentiful in cardiac tissue and may lead to coronary artery/stent thrombosis.