Influence of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients undergoing contemporary pLVAD-supported high-risk PCI.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction worsens outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate outcomes of pLVAD-supported high-risk PCI (HRPCI) patients according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: Patients from the PROTECT III study undergoing pLVAD-supported HRPCI were stratified according to baseline LVEF: severe LV dysfunction (LVEF <30%), mild and moderate LV dysfunction (LVEF ≥30% to <50%), or preserved LV function (LVEF ≥50%). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and repeat revascularization), and PCI-related complications were assessed at 90 days and mortality was assessed at 1-year. RESULTS: From March 2017 to March 2020, 940 patients had evaluable baseline LVEF recorded in the study database. Patients with preserved LV function were older, more frequently presented with myocardial infarction, and underwent more left main PCI and atherectomy. Immediate PCI-related coronary complications were infrequent (2.7%, overall), similar between groups (P = 0.98), and not associated with LVEF. Unadjusted 90-day MACCE rates were similar among LVEF groups; however, as a continuous variable, LVEF was associated with both 90-day MACCE (adj.HR per 5% 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.98], P = 0.018) and 1-year mortality (adj.HR per 5% 0.84 [0.78, 0.90], P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent pLVAD-supported HRPCI exhibited low incidence of PCI-related complications, regardless of baseline LVEF. However, LVEF was associated with 90-day MACCE and 1-year mortality.

Use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support for right ventricular failure.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of right ventricular mechanical circulatory support (RV-MCS) devices has been limited by a lack of recognition of RV failure as well as a lack of availability and experience with RV-MCS. AIMS: We report a single-center experience with the use of percutaneous RV-MCS and report predictors of adverse outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Data from consecutive patients who received RV-MCS for any indication between June 2015 and January 2022 were included. Data on baseline comorbidities, hemodynamics, and laboratory values were collected. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality analyzed as a logistic outcome in a multivariable model. These variables were further ranked by their predictive value. RESULTS: Among 58 consecutive patients enrolled, the median age was 66 years, 31% were female and 53% were white. The majority of the patients (48%) were hospitalized for acute on chronic heart failure. The majority of the patients were SCAI SHOCK Stage D (67%) and 34 (64%) patients had MCS placed within 24 h of the onset of shock. Before placement of RV-MCS, median central venous pressure (CVP) and RV stroke work index were 20 mmHg and 8.9 g m/m2, respectively. Median serum lactate was 3.5 (1.6, 6.2) mmol/L. Impella RP was implanted in 50% and ProtekDuo in the remaining 50%. Left ventricular MCS was concomitantly used in 66% of patients. Twenty-eight patients (48.3%) died. In these patients, median serum lactate was significantly higher (4.1 [2.3, 13.0] vs. 2.2 [1.4, 4.0] mmol/L, p = 0.007) and a trend toward higher median CVP (24 [18, 31] vs. 19 [14, 24] mmHg, p = 0.052). In the multivariable logistic model, both serum lactate and CVP before RV-MCS placement were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Serum lactate had the highest predictive value. CONCLUSION: In our real-world cohort, 52% of patients treated with RV-MCS survived their index hospitalization. Serum lactate at presentation and CVP were the strongest predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Retrograde chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention via ipsilateral collaterals.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on retrograde chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via ipsilateral epicardial collaterals (IEC). AIMS: To compare the clinical and angiographic characteristics, and outcomes of retrograde CTO PCI via IEC versus other collaterals in a large multicenter registry. METHODS: Observational cohort study from the Prospective Global registry for the study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO). RESULTS: Of 4466 retrograde cases performed between 2012 and 2023, crossing through IEC was attempted in 191 (4.3%) cases with 50% wiring success. The most common target vessel in the IEC group was the left circumflex (50%), in comparison to other retrograde cases, where the right coronary artery was most common (70%). The Japanese CTO score was similar between the two groups (3.13 ± 1.23 vs. 3.06 ± 1.06, p = 0.456); however, the IEC group had a higher Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) score (1.95 ± 1.02 vs. 1.27 ± 0.92, p < 0.0001). The most used IEC guidewire was the SUOH 03 (39%), and the most frequently used microcatheter was the Caravel (43%). Dual injection was less common in IEC cases (66% vs. 89%, p < 0.0001). Technical (76% vs. 79%, p = 0.317) and procedural success rates (74% vs. 79%, p = 0.281) were not different between the two groups. However, IEC cases had a higher procedural complications rate (25.8% vs. 16.4%, p = 0.0008), including perforations (17.3% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.0001), pericardiocentesis (3.1% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.018), and dissection/thrombus of the donor vessel (3.7% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The use of IEC for retrograde CTO PCI was associated with similar technical and procedural success rates when compared with other retrograde cases, but higher incidence of periprocedural complications.

Validation of the BCIS CHIP Score in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The complex high-risk indicated percutaneous coronary intervention (CHIP) score is a tool developed using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database to define CHIP cases and predict in-hospital major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). AIM: To assess the validity of the CHIP score in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We evaluated the performance of the CHIP score on 8341 CTO PCIs from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) performed at 44 centers between 2012 and 2023. RESULTS: In our cohort, 7.8% (n = 647) of patients had a CHIP score of 0, 50.2% (n = 4192) had a CHIP score of 1-2, 26.2% (n = 2187) had a CHIP score of 3-4, 11.7% (n = 972) had a CHIP score of 5-6, 3.3% (n = 276) had a CHIP score of 7-8, and 0.8% (n = 67) had a CHIP score of 9+. The incidence of MACCE for a CHIP score of 0 was 0.6%, reaching as high as 8.7% for a CHIP score of 9+, confirming that a higher CHIP score is associated with a higher risk of MACCE. The estimated increase in the risk of MACCE per one score unit increase was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65%-141%). The AUC of the CHIP score model for predicting MACCE in our cohort was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.58-0.67). There was a positive correlation between the CHIP score and the PROGRESS-CTO MACE score (Spearman's correlation: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.35-0.39; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CHIP score has modest predictive capacity for MACCE in CTO PCI.

No "July Effect" in the management and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction: An 18-year United States national study.

BACKGROUND: There has been conflicting reports on the effect of new trainees on clinical outcomes at teaching hospitals in the first training month (July in the United States of America). We sought to assess this "July effect" in a contemporary acute myocardial infarction (AMI) population. METHODS: Adult (>18 years) AMI hospitalizations in May and July in urban teaching and urban nonteaching hospitals in the United States were identified from the HCUP-NIS database (2000-2017). In-hospital mortality was compared between May and July admissions. A difference-in-difference analysis comparing a change in outcome from May to July in teaching hospitals to a change in outcome from May to July in nonteaching hospitals was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 1,312,006 AMI hospitalizations from urban teaching (n = 710,593; 54.2%) or nonteaching (n = 601,413; 45.8%) hospitals in the months of May and July were evaluated. May admissions in teaching hospitals, had greater comorbidity, higher rates of acute multiorgan failure (10.6% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.001) and lower rates of cardiac arrest when compared to July admissions. July AMI admissions had lower in-hospital mortality compared to May (5.6% vs. 5.8%; adjusted odds ratio 0.94 [95% confidence interval 0.92-0.97]; p < 0.001) in teaching hospitals. Using the difference-in-difference model, there was no evidence of a July effect for in-hospital mortality (p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: There was no July effect for in-hospital mortality in this contemporary AMI population.

Utilization of TandemHeart in cardiogenic shock: Insights from the THEME registry.

BACKGROUND: TandemHeart has been demonstrated to improve hemodynamic and metabolic complications in cardiogenic shock (CS). Contemporary outcomes have not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of the TandemHeart (LivaNova) in contemporary real-world use. METHODS: We analyzed baseline characteristics, hemodynamic changes, and outcomes of all patients treated with TandemHeart who were enrolled in the THEME registry, a multicenter, prospective, observational study. RESULTS: Between May 2015 and June 2019, 50 patients underwent implantation of the TandemHeart device. 22% of patients had TandemHeart implanted within 12 h, 32% within 24 h, and 52% within 48 h of CS diagnosis. Cardiac index (CI) was significantly improved 24 h after implantation (median change 1.0, interquartile range (IQR) (0.5-1.4 L/min/m2 ). In survivors, there was a significant improvement in CI (1.0, IQR (0.5-2.25 L/min/m2 ) and lactate clearance -2.3 (-5.0 to -0.7 mmol/L). The 30-day and 180-day survival were 74% (95% confidence interval: 60%-85%) and 66% (95% confidence interval: 51%-79%), respectively. Survival was similarly high in those in whom TandemHeart has been used as a bridge to surgery (85% 180-day survival). CONCLUSION: In a contemporary cohort of patients presenting in CS, the use of TandemHeart is associated with a 74% 30-day survival and a 66% 180-day survival.

Balloon-assisted subintimal entry (BASE) in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the use of the balloon-assisted subintimal entry (BASE) technique in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and outcomes of 155 CTO PCIs that utilized the BASE technique at 31 US and non-US centers between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: The BASE technique was used in 155 (7.9%) of 1968 antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) cases performed during the study period. The mean age was 66 ± 10 years, 88.9% of the patients were men, and the prevalence of diabetes (44.6%), hypertension (90.5%), and dyslipidemia (88.7%) was high. Compared with 1813 ADR cases that did not use BASE, the target vessel of the BASE cases was more commonly the RCA and less commonly the LAD. Lesions requiring BASE had longer occlusion length (42 ± 23 vs. 37 ± 23 mm, p = 0.011), higher Japanese CTO (J-CTO) (3.4 ± 1.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and PROGRESS-CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention chronic total occlusion) (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.008) scores, and were more likely to have proximal cap ambiguity, side branch at the proximal cap, blunt/no stump, moderate to severe calcification, and proximal tortuosity. Technical (71.6% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.334) and procedural success (71.6% vs. 72.8%, p = 0.821), as well as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (1.3% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.124), were similar in ADR cases that used BASE and those that did not. CONCLUSIONS: The BASE technique is used in CTOs with longer occlusion length, higher J-CTO score, and more complex angiographic characteristics, and is associated with moderate success but also low MACE.

Incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of donor vessel injury during percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Donor vessel injury is a potentially life-threatening complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIMS: Our goal was to examine the incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and outcomes of patients with donor vessel injury in a large multicenter CTO PCI registry. METHODS: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics, and procedural outcomes of 12,349 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 at 44 centers. RESULTS: The incidence of donor vessel injury was 0.35% (n = 43). The baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without donor vessel injury were similar. Cases complicated by donor vessel injury were more complex with higher Japanese CTO score (2.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3; p = 0.004) and lower procedural success rate (69.8% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.004). The retrograde approach was used more commonly in donor vessel injury cases (68.9% vs. 30.9%; p < 0.001). Most (53.5%) donor vessel injuries were guide catheter-induced, whereas 20.9% were due to donor vessel thrombosis. Of the 43 patients with donor vessel injury, 36 (83.7%) were treated with stenting and seven (16.3%) received a left ventricular assist device. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was significantly higher in cases with donor vessel injury (23.3% vs. 2.0%; p < 0.001). Of the 43 patients with donor vessel injury, five patients (11.6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction and four patients (9.3%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Donor vessel injury, occurred in 0.35% of CTO PCIs performed by experienced operators, was mainly due to guide catheter-induced dissection or thrombosis and was associated with lower procedural success and higher MACE.

Intracoronary Imaging and Physiology to Guide PCI: Are We Ready for a Class I Guideline Recommendation?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the last decade, there has been a plethora of evidence to support the utilization of intravascular coronary imaging and physiological assessment to guide percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). While there is a class I recommendation for the use of coronary physiology to guide PCI, the use of intravascular coronary imaging remains a class IIa recommendation. Herein, we aimed to review the recent scientific evidence from major trials highlighting the consideration for a future class I guideline recommendation for the use of intracoronary imaging. RECENT FINDINGS: The benefits of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to guide and optimize PCI have been demonstrated in several large trials. These trials have demonstrated that IVUS reduces major adverse cardiovascular events. Similarly, intracoronary physiology has been demonstrated to be an important tool to guide revascularization decision-making and been associated with a lower incidence of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization compared with angiography alone. With existing clinical outcomes data on the benefit of intracoronary physiology and imaging-guided PCI as well as forthcoming data from ongoing trials regarding the use of these modalities, the interventional cardiology community is bound to transition from routine PCI to precision-, image-, and physiology-guided PCI.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in delivering acute cardiovascular care. Quality measures and outcomes of patients presenting with AMICS during COVID-19 in the United States have not been well described. METHODS: We identified 406 patients from the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI) with AMICS and divided them into those presenting before (N = 346, 5/9/2016-2/29/2020) and those presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 60, 3/1/2020-11/10/2020). We compared baseline clinical data, admission characteristics, and outcomes. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 64 years, and 23.7% of the group was female. There were no significant differences in age, sex, and medical comorbidities between the two groups. Patients presenting during the pandemic were less likely to be Black compared to those presenting prior. Median door to balloon (90 vs. 88 min, p = 0.38), door to support (88 vs. 78 min, p = 0.13), and the onset of shock to support (74 vs. 62 min, p = 0.15) times were not significantly different between the two groups. Patients presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction more often during the COVID-19 period (95.0% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.005). In adjusted logistic regression models, COVID-19 period did not significantly associate with survival to discharge (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-2.19, p = 0.81) or with 1-month survival (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.42-1.61, p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Care of patients presenting with AMICS has remained robust among hospitals participating in the NCSI during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rates and impact of vascular complications in mechanical circulatory support.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are increasingly used for hemodynamic support in cardiogenic shock or high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Vascular complications remain a major source of morbidity and mortality despite technological advances with percutaneous techniques. Little is known about the rates and predictors of vascular complications with large-bore access MCS in the contemporary era. METHODS: The study cohort was derived from National Inpatient Sample using data from 2015 to 2019 for cardiac hospitalizations with the use of: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) Impella, and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The rates of vascular complications and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 221,700 hospitalizations with MCS use, the majority had only IABP (68%). The rates of vascular complications were greatest with ECMO (15.8%) when compared with IABP (3.0%) and Impella (5.6%). Among patients with vascular complications, in-hospital mortality was higher with ECMO (56.3%) when compared with IABP (26.2%) and Impella (33.8%). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was the strongest predictor of vascular complications, with 10 times higher odds when present (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.96, p < 0.001). In risk-adjusted models, when compared with IABP, the use of Impella (aOR: 1.73, p < 0.001), ECMO (aOR: 5.35, p < 0.001), or a combination of MCS devices (aOR: 3.47, p < 0.001) was associated with higher odds of vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary practice, the use of MCS is associated with significant vascular complications and in-hospital mortality. Predictors of vascular complications include larger arteriotomy size, female gender, and peripheral arterial disease. Vascular access management remains essential to prevent major complications.

Extraplaque versus intraplaque tracking in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes after extraplaque (EP) versus intraplaque (IP) tracking in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: The impact of modern dissection and reentry (DR) techniques on the long-term outcomes of CTO PCI remains controversial. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared EP versus IP tracking in CTO PCI. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are calculated using the Der-Simonian and Laird random-effects method. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included seven observational studies with 2982 patients. Patients who underwent EP tracking had significantly more complex CTOs with higher J-CTO score, longer lesion length, and more severe calcification and had significantly longer stented segments. During a median follow-up of 12 months (range 9-12 months), EP tracking was associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR 1.50, 95% CI (1.10-2.06), p = 0.01) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (OR 1.69, 95% CI (1.15-2.48), p = 0.01) compared with IP tracking. There was no difference in the incidence of all-cause death (OR 1.37, 95% CI (0.67-2.78), p = 0.39), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR 1.48, 95% CI (0.82-2.69), p = 0.20), stent thrombosis (OR 2.09, 95% CI (0.69-6.33), p = 0.19), or cardiac death (OR 1.10, 95% CI (0.39-3.15), p = 0.85) between IP and EP tracking. CONCLUSION: EP tracking is utilized in more complex CTOs and requires more stents. EP tracking is associated with a higher risk of MACE, driven by a higher risk of TVR at 1 year, but without an increased risk of death or MI compared with IP tracking. EP tracking is critically important for contemporary CTO PCI.

Gender differences in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions: Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data describing gender differences in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). METHODS: We compared baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes between men and women among 9457 CTO PCIs performed at 38 centers between 2012 and 2022. RESULTS: A total of 7687 (81%) men and 1770 (19%) women were treated. Women were older, more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and peripheral arterial disease, and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction. The most common CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery for both men (53%) and women (52%), although the left anterior descending artery was more frequently the target vessel among women (31% vs. 25%; p < 0.001). The J-CTO score (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 2.2 ± 1.2; p < 0.001) as well as the PROGRESS-CTO score (1.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 1.0; p < 0.001) were higher among men. In female patients, antegrade wiring was more frequently the initial crossing strategy (87.6% vs. 82.4%; p < 0.001) and was more successful in crossing the target lesion (62.7% vs. 54.0%; p < 0.001) compared with men. Interventions in men required longer procedure time and fluoroscopy time, as well as higher air kerma radiation dose and contrast volume when compared to women. Technical (89% vs. 86%; p < 0.001) and procedural (87% vs. 84%; p = 0.003) success rates were higher among women. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were also higher in women (2.9% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing CTO PCI had higher technical and procedural success rates, but also higher in-hospital MACE compared with men.

Vasopressors independently associated with mortality in acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Increasing vasopressor dose is associated with increasing mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS). It is unknown whether the use of vasopressors is independently harmful or if their use is secondary to decreasing intrinsic cardiac power output (CPO). Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices enhance CPO. We sought to evaluate the independent impact of increasing vasopressor dose on survival in the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI). METHODS: The NCSI is a single arm prospective trial evaluating outcomes associated with the use of MCS using Impella in patients with AMICS. Early initiation of MCS placement before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and rapid de-escalation of vasopressors guided by systematic use of invasive hemodynamic measures led to 70% in-hospital survival for the first 300 patients enrolled from July 2016 to December 2019 in 57 U.S. sites. RESULTS: Hemodynamic measures were obtained immediately after MCS and PCI. Survival curves were constructed based on CPO and use of vasopressors. For patients with CPO ≤0.6 W, survival was 77.3%, 45.0%, and 35.3% when 0, 1, or ≥ 2 vasopressors were used (p = 0.02). Similarly, for patients with CPO >0.6 W survival was 81.7%, 72.6%, and 56.8%, respectively (p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increasing vasopressor requirements were independently associated with increasing mortality (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Increasing vasopressor requirement is associated with increased mortality in AMICS independent of underlying CPO. Methods to decrease the need for vasopressors may enhance survival in AMICS.

Mechanical circulatory support in acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock: Challenges and importance of randomized control trials.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We provide an overview of previously conducted studies on the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in the treatment of AMI-CS and difficulties which may be encountered in conducting such trials in the United States. RESULTS: Well powered randomized control trials are difficult to conduct in a critically ill patient population due to physician preferences, perceived lack of equipoise and challenges obtaining informed consent. CONCLUSIONS: With growth in utilization of MCS devices in patients with AMI-CS, efforts to perform well-powered, randomized control trials must be undertaken.

SCAI shock classification in acute myocardial infarction: Insights from the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative.

OBJECTIVES: We applied the cardiovascular angiography and interventions (SCAI) shock staging system to patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) who were enrolled in the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI). BACKGROUND: The SCAI shock staging system provides a framework for evaluation of patients with CS based on clinical and hemodynamic parameters, but has not been validated in patients with AMI-CS managed with a contemporary treatment algorithm that incorporates early use of Impella. METHODS: Consecutive patients enrolled in NCSI were identified, all of whom were managed with invasive hemodynamic guidance and supported with Impella. Patients were retrospectively categorized into appropriate SCAI shock stages, and outcomes were assessed accordingly. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were included in the analysis; 182 patients (61%) presented in Stage C shock, 25 (8%) in Stage D, and 93 (31%) in Stage E. Survival to hospital discharge was 76, 76, and 58%, respectively (p = .006). Survival was <20% among patients in Stage E at 24 hr, regardless of baseline stage. There was near perfect agreement in shock staging between two independent clinicians at baseline (kappa = 0.975, 95% CI, 0.95-1.00, p < .001) and at 24 hr (kappa = 0.985, 95% CI, 0.77-1.00, p < .001). CONCLUSION: In patients with AMI-CS enrolled in NCSI, SCAI Shock classification was reproducible, and predicted survival when applied at presentation and at 24 hr.

Efficacy and safety of single vs dual antiplatelet therapy in patients on anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Selection of an appropriate antithrombotic regimen in patients requiring oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) still remains a challenge. An ideal 9-2regimen should balance the risk of bleeding against ischemic benefit. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for studies comparing triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) vs double antithrombotic therapy (DAT) in patients requiring OAC undergoing PCI was performed in clinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO Services, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and various scientific conference sessions from inception to May 1st, 2019. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model to calculate risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Fifteen studies were eligible and included 13 967 patients, of which 7349 received TAT and 6618 received DAT. Compared with DAT, TAT was associated with lower risk of myocardial infarction (RR, 0.82; 95%CI, 0.69-0.98; P = .03) and stent thrombosis (RR, 0.66; 95%CI, 0.46-0.96; P = .03). There was no difference in risk of trial defined major adverse cardiac events, all-cause mortality, and stroke between two groups. Compared with DAT, TAT was associated with higher risk of trial defined major bleeding (RR, 1.67; 95%CI, 1.38-2.01; P < .00001), including thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeding (RR, 1.81; 95%CI, 1.47-2.24; P < .00001) but no significant difference in risk of intracranial bleeding. CONCLUSION: In patients requiring OAC undergoing PCI, TAT was associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction but with a significantly higher risk of major bleeding when compared with DAT.

Frequency of 30-day readmission and its causes after percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Survival after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) has increased over the years. Short-term readmission rates in this high-risk population remain unknown. METHODS: We queried the United States (U.S.) Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from January 2010 to November 2014 using the International Classification of Diseases-Ninth edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes to identify all patients ≥18 years readmitted within 30 days after surviving an index hospitalization for PCI in AMI-CS. Incidence, etiologies, and predictors of 30-day readmission were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 46,435 patients who survived to discharge after PCI in AMI-CS, 9,020 (19.4%) were readmitted within 30 days. Median time to 30-day readmission was 11 days. Cardiac conditions were the most common causes of readmission (57.8%). Heart failure was the leading readmission diagnosis (24.8%). Private insurance including HMO and self-pay were predictive of lower 30-day readmission. Among other covariates, female sex, comorbidities such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, in-hospital complications such as major bleeding, sepsis, respiratory complications, AKI requiring dialysis, utilization of mechanical circulatory support (IABP and ECMO) were independently predictive of 30-day readmission. Trend analysis showed decline in 30-day readmission rates from 21.9% in 2010 to 17.9% in 2014 (ptrend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this large real-world database, one in five patients receiving PCI in AMI-CS was readmitted within 30 days after discharge. Cardiac conditions were the most common causes of readmission. Insurance type had significant influence on 30-day readmission.

Temporal trends of survival and utilization of mechanical circulatory support devices in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) is the initial rhythm in a third of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device use remains poorly understood in this population. METHODS: We conducted an observational analysis of temporal trends in the utilization of MCS in VT/VF IHCA between January 2008 and December 2014 utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Using multivariable analysis, we assessed factors associated with MCS use and survival to discharge. RESULTS: Among 151,628 hospitalizations with VT/VF IHCA, 14,981 (9.9%) received MCS. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was the most commonly used MCS (9.1%). From 2008 to 2014, there was significant increase in the utilization of MCS (8.7-11%; ptrend < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, there was 12-fold increase and three-fold increase in the utilization of PVAD and ECMO respectively; however, there was no significant change in the use of IABP. Over the seven-year sample period, there was significant increase in the overall survival to hospital discharge (35.4-43.5%; ptrend < 0.0001). Survival to hospital discharge increased in both MCS and non-MCS groups. CONCLUSION: There was significant increase in utilization of MCS after VT/VF IHCA during the study period. IABP was the most commonly utilized MCS. The survival to hospital discharge increased in the overall study population including both MCS and non-MCS groups. Future studies are needed to identify patient population most likely to benefit from the use of MCS after VT/VF IHCA.

Improved Outcomes Associated with the use of Shock Protocols: Updates from the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative.

BACKGROUND: The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative is a single-arm, prospective, multicenter study to assess outcomes associated with early mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Between July 2016 and February 2019, 35 sites participated and enrolled into the study. All centers agreed to treat patients with AMICS using a standard protocol emphasizing invasive hemodynamic monitoring and rapid initiation of MCS. Inclusion and exclusion criteria mimicked those of the "SHOCK" trial with an additional exclusion criteria of intra-aortic balloon pump counter-pulsation prior to MCS. RESULTS: A total of 171 consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients had an average age of 63 years, 77% were male, and 68% were admitted with AMICS. About 83% of patients were on vasopressors or inotropes, 20% had a witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrest, 29% had in-hospital cardiac arrest, and 10% were under active cardiopulmonary resuscitation during MCS implantation. In accordance with the protocol, 74% of patients had MCS implanted prior to PCI. Right heart catheterization was performed in 92%. About 78% of patients presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction with average door to support times of 85 ± 63 min and door to balloon times of 87 ± 58 min. Survival to discharge was 72%. Creatinine ≥2, lactate >4, cardiac power output (CPO) <0.6 W, and age ≥ 70 years were predictors of mortality. Lactate and CPO measurements at 12-24 hr reliably predicted overall mortality postindex procedure. CONCLUSION: In contemporary practice, use of a shock protocol emphasizing best practices is associated with improved outcomes.