Surveillance Angiography Research Articles

Longitudinal Changes in Size of Conservatively Managed Flow-Related Aneurysms Associated with Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Flow aneurysms (FAs) associated with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are thought to arise from increased hemodynamic stress due to high-flow shunting. This study aims to describe the changes in conservatively managed FAs after successful AVM treatment. Patients with symptomatic AVMs and associated FAs who underwent successful treatment of the AVM between 2008 and 2017 were included. FA dimensions were measured on surveillance angiography to assess longitudinal changes. Thirty-two patients were identified with 48 FAs. Sixteen (33%) FAs were treated endovascularly; 18 (38%) FAs were treated surgically; and 14 (29%) FAs (11 patients) were monitored. FAs demonstrated a decrease in size from 5.0 mm to 3.8 mm (24%; P= 0.016) and 4.9 mm to 3.6 mm (27%; P= 0.013) in height and width, respectively, over a median 35 months. However, on subgroup analysis, only class IIb aneurysms demonstrated a significant decrease in size (51% reduction in largest diameter, P= 0.046) and only 3 FAs (21%) resolved. There were no hemorrhages observed during follow-up. While conservatively managed FAs demonstrated a reduction in size after the culprit AVM was treated, this was only significant in FAs located close to an AVM nidus (class IIb). There were no hemorrhages during the median 35 months' follow-up; however, long-term data are lacking. Our data support close observation of all conservatively managed aneurysms and a tailored approach based on the proximity to the nidus and observed changes in size.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary allograft vasculopathy from single center experience

Abstract Background/Introduction Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality of heart transplant recipients. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an alternative to medical treatment, however long-term data from large multicenter studies are scarce. Purpose To review clinical characteristics and outcomes of CAV undergoing PCI in our heart transplant series. Methods We analysed retrospectively 52 heart transplant recipients with CAV who underwent PCI from 2004 to 2020. Surveillance angiography was performed in 90% of stents. Stent restenosis (SR), stent thrombosis (ST), target lesion revascularization (TLR) and patient survival are reported. Results During study period, 124 lesions were treated. Primary success was obtained in 99% of lesions. Mean angiographic follow up was 37±47 months. A total of 31 (25%) stents presented events during follow-up: 24 SR, 7 ST. There were no differences between bare-metal stent (BMS) and drug-eluting stent (DES). We performed 16 (12.9%) TLR. There was no association between clinical and lesion-related features and TLR. Post-PCI survival was 75.3% at 5 and 55.7% at 10 years.. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection before development of CAV decreased survival in univariable analysis (p<0.016). Conclusions PCI with stent in CAV can be performed with high rates of primary success and low rate of complications, similar to non-transplant patients. Our series suggest that CMV infection can have negative impact in post-PCI survival, but further studies are needed. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Angiographic performance of everolimus-eluting stents for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis in daily practice.

The present study aims to analyze the angiographic anti-restenotic performance of durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (EES) for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in daily practice. Randomized data is available supporting the use of drug-coated balloons and drug-eluting stents for the treatment of ISR; however, additional real-world data including angiographic follow-up is needed. Patients who underwent EES-implantation for the treatment of drug-eluting stent ISR and attended for a 6-8months angiographic surveillance were analyzed. Off-line assessment of the angiograms was conducted at a central quantitative coronary angiographic core laboratory. A total of 426 patients with ISR were treated with EES and had undergone angiographic follow-up. The mean age was 66.8 ± 9.9 years and 27.5% suffered from diabetes. A total of 459 lesions were treated. The diameter stenosis decreased from 64.3 ± 19.1% (preprocedural) to 12.0 ± 6.4% (postprocedural). At 6-8months angiographic follow-up, the in-segment diameter stenosis was 38.3 ± 21.7% and the in-stent late luminal loss was 0.54 ± 0.74 mm in the treated area analysis. The rate of recurrent binary restenosis was 25.7%. In the setting of ISR, the angiographic anti-restenotic efficacy of stenting with EES is comparable to that observed in randomized clinical trials and less favorable than its performance in patients undergoing stenting for de novo disease.

Spectrum of neuroimaging findings post-proton beam therapy in a large pediatric cohort.

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is now well established for the treatment of certain pediatric brain tumors. The intrinsic properties of PBT are known to reduce long-term negative effects of photon radiotherapy (PRT). To better understand the intracranial effects of PBT, we analyzed the longitudinal imaging changes in a cohort of children with brain tumors treated by PBT with clinical and radiotherapy dose correlations. Retrospective imaging review of 46 patients from our hospital with brain tumors treated by PBT. The imaging findings were correlated with clinical and dose parameters. Imaging changes were assessed by reviewing serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans following PBT over a follow-up period ranging from 1 month to 7 years. Imaging changes were observed in 23 patients undergoing PBT and categorized as pseudoprogression (10 patients, 43%), white matter changes (6 patients, 23%), parenchymal atrophy (6 patients, 23%), and cerebral large vessel arteriopathy (5 patients, 25%). Three patients had more than one type of imaging change. Clinical symptoms attributable to PBT were observed in 13 (28%) patients. In accordance with published literature, we found evidence of varied intracranial imaging changes in pediatric brain tumor patients treated with PBT. There was a higher incidence (10%) of large vessel cerebral arteriopathy in our cohort than previously described in the literature. Twenty-eight percent of patients had clinical sequelae as a result of these changes, particularly in the large vessel arteriopathy subgroup, arguing the need for angiographic and perfusion surveillance to pre-empt any morbidities and offer potential neuro-protection.

Intravascular Imaging for Assessment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Following Heart Transplantation

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the post-cardiac transplant patient population. Current guidelines recommend annual angiographic surveillance for CAV; however, angiography alone has several limitations and can lead to systematic underestimation of disease burden and the inability to sensitively track disease progression. We provide an overview of intravascular imaging in the initial and longitudinal evaluation of CAV, with a focus on the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Multiple studies have demonstrated that progression of maximal intimal thickness (MIT) on serial IVUS evaluation, particularly ≥ 0.5 mm over the first year, post-transplant, is predictive of both future development of angiographically significant CAV as well as major adverse cardiac events, including graft loss and mortality. There are also emerging data that in vivo plaque characterization, as assessed by the attenuated-signal plaque score or by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS), may provide prognostic value in this population. OCT-derived intimal measurements have been noted to correlate well with IVUS findings and may also aid in early identification of CAV. In addition to early identification and prognostication, several studies have used intravascular imaging to assess therapeutic impact of various immunosuppressive regimens on progression of established CAV. Intravascular ultrasound, and more recently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) have emerged as valuable adjuncts to angiography in the evaluation of CAV, particularly with regard to early detection, objective prognostication, and differentiation of CAV from donor-derived coronary artery disease (CAD). Furthermore, intravascular imaging may guide changes to the immunosuppressive regimen and/or percutaneous coronary intervention, when necessary.

Combination of Colour Duplex and Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound as an Alternative to Computed Tomography Angiography in Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection Surveillance

The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) plus contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) vs. computed tomography angiography (CTA) for surveillance in patients with isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD). Patients who underwent CDU, CEUS, and CTA for surveillance of IMAD between January 2012 and May 2019 were included in the study. The accuracy of CDU, CEUS, and CTA for determining the morphological characteristics of IMAD was analysed. A total of 42 patients undergoing 76 total imaging examinations during follow up were included. Both CTA and CDU plus CEUS demonstrated the thrombosed false lumen for 28 (36.8%) examinations and the dissecting aneurysm for 20 (26.3%) examinations (both κ=1.0). The diameter of the dissecting aneurysm was 5.03±1.25mm using CDU and CEUS vs. 5.27±1.23mm on CTA (coefficient of consistency, 0.997; p<.001). The entry points were visualised by CDU and CEUS for 20 (26.3%) examinations and by CTA for 14 (18.4%) examinations (κ=0.769); no re-entry points were visualised by CDU and CEUS for any examinations but re-entry points were visualised by CTA for two (2.6%) examinations. The minimum inner diameter was 2.80±1.30mm on CDU and CEUS vs. 2.52±1.29mm on CTA (coefficient of consistency, 0.999; p<.001). The peak systolic velocities were 128.2±13.0cm/s at diagnosis and 98.7±4.9cm/s after one month (p<.001). The combination of CDU and CEUS can be used in place of CTA for the surveillance of IMAD.

P5630Morphometric and qualitative differences in neointimal tissue six months after implantation of bioresorbable scaffolds versus conventional everolimus eluting stents in ISAR-Absorb MI trial

Abstract Background Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) are novel devices designed to overcome the long-term limitations of permanent metallic stent implantation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) surveillance can provide important insights on the process of vessel wall healing at follow-up. Purpose We sought to compare OCT-assessed healing at 6 months after implantation of everolimus-eluting BRS and everolimus-eluting metallic stents (EES) in patients treated for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods ISAR-Absorb MI is a multicentre, 2:1 randomized trial comparing outcomes of patients with AMI stented with BRS or conventional EES. Angiographic surveillance was planned for all patients at 6–8 months follow-up. Patients who had OCT surveillance at follow-up were included for the present analysis. Analysis of contiguous OCT cross-sections- 1 mm apart was performed at a centralized core laboratory. Tissue characterisation using a 256-level grey-scale signal intensity (GSI) analysis was also performed for all neointimal regions of interest (ROI) with thickness of 100 to 400 μm. ROI's were classified as mature using a standard cut-off GSI score of 109.7. Generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) was used as appropriate. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Data is presented as numbers, percentages or median (Interquartile range, IQR). Results Median follow-up interval was 216 days. 70 patients in the BRS arm and 33 patients in the EES arm were available for analysis. Stented length was 19.8 mm (13.6, 24.5) and 22.3 mm (16.7, 26.4) in BRS and EES arms respectively (p=0.73). Minimum lumen area [5.13 (3.95, 6.71) vs. 4.83 (3.63, 6.92) mm2] and minimum stent area [5.78 (4.88, 7.34) vs. 6.36 (4.70, 7.45) mm2] were comparable between BRS and EES. 2,262 frames (1,529 in BRS, 733 in EES) with 20,033 struts (12,704 in BRS, 7,329 in EES) were assessed. Overall strut coverage was better with BRS compared to EES (97.5% vs. 91.1% respectively, p&lt;0.001). Malapposed (1.1% vs. 0.5%, p=0.54) and uncovered struts (7.3% vs. 1.3%, p&lt;0.001) were more common with EES. Neointimal coverage was comparable amongst both stent groups [85.5 (61.9, 124.1) vs. 71.5 (33.4, 133.0) μm in BRS and EES groups respectively, p=0.50]. GSI analysis in 95 cases (65 cases, 2,233 ROIs in BRS; 30 cases, 1,210 ROIs in EES) showed that immature ROIs were numerically more common in the EES group as compared to the BRS group (75.4 vs. 57.0% respectively; p=0.35). Two-year clinical follow-up and analysis of correlation of clinical outcomes with OCT findings will also be available for presentation at ESC Congress 2019. Conclusions In selected patients undergoing OCT imaging at 6–8 months after implantation of BRS and conventional EES for AMI, we observed generally favourable healing characteristics with high rates of strut coverage, low rates of strut malapposition and fewer areas of immature neointimal areas with BRS in comparison to EES. Acknowledgement/Funding The study was predominantly funded by Deutsches Herzzentrum München and in part by a grant from Abbott Vascular

Comparison of cardiac computed tomography angiography and transoesophageal echocardiography for device surveillance after left atrial appendage closure. What we see depends on where we are looking from and what we are looking for.

Comparison of cardiac computed tomography angiography and transoesophageal echocardiography for device surveillance after left atrial appendage closure. What we see depends on where we are looking from and what we are looking for.

Personalized 3D printed coronary models in coronary stenting

3D printing has shown great promise in cardiovascular disease, with reports mainly focusing on pre-surgical planning and medical education. Research on utilization of 3D printed models in simulating coronary stenting has not been reported. In this study, we presented our experience of placing coronary stents into personalized 3D printed coronary models with the aim of determining stent lumen visibility with images reconstructed with different postprocessing views and algorithms. A total of six coronary stents with diameter ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 mm were placed into 3 patient-specific 3D printed coronary models for simulation of coronary stenting. The 3D printed models were placed in a plastic container and scanned on a 192-slice third generation dual-source CT scanner with images reconstructed with soft (Bv36) and sharp (Bv59) kernel algorithms. Thick and thin slab maximum-intensity projection (MIP) images were also generated from the original CT data for comparison of stent lumen visibility. Stent lumen diameter was measured on 2D axial and MIP images, while stent diameter was measured on 3D volume rendering images. 3D virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) images were generated to provide intraluminal views of the coronary wall and stent appearances. All of these stents were successfully placed into the right and left coronary arteries but 2 of them did not obtain wall apposition along the complete length. The stent lumen visibility ranged from 54 to 97%, depending on the stent location in the coronary arteries. The mean stent lumen diameters measured on 2D axial, thin and thick slab MIP images were found to be significantly smaller than the actual size (P<0.01). Thick slab MIP images resulted in measured stent lumen diameters smaller than those from thin slab MIP images, with significant differences noticed in most of the measurements (4 out of 6 stents) (P<0.05), and no significant differences in the remaining 2 stents (P=0.19-0.38). In contrast, 3D volume rendering images allowed for more accurate measurements with measured stent diameters close to the actual dimensions in most of these coronary stents, except for the stent placed at the right coronary artery in one of the models due to insufficient expansion of the stent. Images reconstructed with sharp kernel Bv59 significantly improved stent lumen visibility when compared to the smooth Bv36 kernel (P=0.01). 3D VIE was successfully generated in all of the datasets with clear visualization of intraluminal views of the stents in relation to the coronary wall. This preliminary report shows the feasibility of using 3D printed coronary artery models in coronary stenting for investigation of optimal coronary CT angiography protocols. Future studies should focus on placement of more stents with a range of stent diameters in the quest to reduce the need for invasive angiography for surveillance.

Cost-Effectiveness of Computed Tomography Angiography in Management of Tiny Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in the United States.

Background and Purpose- Our study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for surveillance of tiny unruptured intracranial aneurysms and the impact of CTA radiation-induced brain tumor on the overall effectiveness of CTA. Methods- A Markov decision model was constructed from a societal perspective starting with patients 30-, 40-, or 50-year-old, with incidental detection of unruptured intracranial aneurysm ≤3 mm and no prior history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Five different management strategies were assessed (1) annual CTA surveillance, (2) biennial CTA, (3) CTA follow-up every 5 years, (4) coiling and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, and (5) annual CTA surveillance for the first 2 years, followed by every 5-year CTA follow-up. Probabilistic, 1-way, and 2-way sensitivity analyses were performed. Results- The base case calculation shows every 5-year CTA follow-up to be the most cost-effective strategy, and the conclusion remains robust in probabilistic sensitivity analysis. It remains the dominant strategy when the annual rupture risk of nongrowing unruptured intracranial aneurysms is smaller than 2.66% or the rupture risk in growing aneurysms is <57.4%. The radiation-induced brain cancer risk is relatively low, and sensitivity analysis shows that the radiation-induced cancer risk does not influence the conclusions unless the risk exceeds 663-fold of the base case values. Conclusions- Given the current literature, every 5-year CTA imaging follow-up is the cost-effective strategy in patients with aneurysms ≤3 mm, resulting in better health outcomes and lower healthcare spending. Patients with aneurysms at high risk of rupture might need more aggressive management.

Update in the Use of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy After Heart Transplantation

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) limits long-term survival after heart transplantation. CAV with discrete or tubular lesions can be treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with high procedural success. Revascularization with balloon angioplasty, bare-metal stents, and first-generation drug-eluting stents has been associated with high and unacceptable restenosis rates. However, second-generation drug-eluting stents are associated with favorable stent and lesion patency. Stent and lesion patency now closely resemble the expected rates in their use in non-transplant CAD. A PCI strategy with routine follow-up surveillance angiography is associated with favorable survival, and should be considered established therapy especially in patients who are ineligible for re-transplantation. Drug-coated balloons may offer an alternative revascularization option and require a shorter duration of dual anti-platelet therapy. Randomized data is needed to determine who to treat, when to treat, and with what to treat CAV after heart transplantation, and the optimal duration of dual anti-platelet therapy.

Aortic sac enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair: volume-related changes and the impact of intraluminal thrombus.

PurposeAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is still unpredictable. The issue of optimal frequency of computed tomography angiography for surveillance and its measurement method accuracy remain unclear. We aimed to assess the value of abdominal aneurysm sac volume measurement for detecting expansions and the association of preprocedural intraluminal thrombus (ILT) volume with aneurysm sac growth following EVAR.Material and methodsA total of 107 patients underwent elective EVAR. Inclusion criteria provided a cohort of 39 patients. Changes of postoperative maximum aneurysm sac diameter and AAA volume were calculated. Volumetric AAA changes and demographic data of the cases with clinically irrelevant AAA diameter enlargement were evaluated. Preoperative ILT volumes were collected. ILT and AAA sac volume ratio was calculated. Statistical data analysis was performed using standard methods.ResultsThe mean changes of maximum AAA diameter and volume in percentage after EVAR were –5.08 ± 8.20 mm and –13.39 ± 23.32%, respectively. A moderate positive linear correlation between those changes was found (R 2 = 0.731; p < 0.0001). The mean relative AAA volume increase in cases without clinically relevant diameter enlargement was 11.50 ± 8.27%. The means of ILT and AAA sac ratios were 0.59 ± 0.17 and 0.52 ± 1.8 in growing AAA sac and in stable or shrinking AAA sac groups, respectively (p = 0.308).ConclusionsVolumetric AAA measurement may be useful as an additional method to diameter measurement after EVAR to identify clinically relevant sac growth. Preoperative volume of ILT may not significantly affect the growth rate of AAA after EVAR.

TCT-401 A Strategy of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Drug-Eluting Stents for the Treatment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy May Normalize Survival

PCI for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is associated with high revascularization rates but acceptable stent and lesion patency. Whether a strategy of PCI normalizes survival is not known. Pts who underwent PCI with 2nd gen DES for CAV were included. Surveillance angiography was performed 6-12

Incidencia y predictores de la reestenosis recurrente tras angioplastia con balón farmacoactivo en reestenosis de stents farmacoactivos: proyecto cooperativo ICARUS

Introduction and objectivesThe incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis remain poorly studied. We sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis among participants in randomized controlled trials receiving DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis. MethodsThe clinical and lesion data of individuals enrolled in 6 randomized controlled trials of DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis were pooled. All patients included in this report were assigned to receive paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with the SeQuent Please DCB (B Braun, Melsungen, Germany). The current analysis focused on participants with available follow-up angiography at 6 to 9 months. The incidence of recurrent restenosis, defined as diameter restenosis ≥ 50% in the in-segment area at follow-up angiography, and its clinical and angiographic predictors were evaluated. ResultsA total of 546 patients were combined in a single dataset. Angiographic follow-up at 6 to 9 months was available for 484 patients (88.6%) with 518 treated lesions. Recurrent restenosis was detected in 101 (20.8%) patients. On multivariable analysis, lesion length (OR, 1.58; 95%CI, 1.10-2.26; P=.012 for 5mm increase) and vessel size (OR, 1.42; 95%, 1.12-1.79; P=.003 for 0.5mm reduction) were independently associated with recurrent restenosis. ConclusionsIn the largest cohort to date of individuals with angiographic surveillance after DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis, we demonstrated that recurrent restenosis occurs in approximately 1 out of 5 patients. Predictors of recurrent restenosis are increased lesion length and small vessel size.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Comparative efficacy of two paclitaxel-coated balloons with different excipient coatings in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis: A pooled analysis of the Intracoronary Stenting and Angiographic Results: Optimizing Treatment of Drug Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis 3 and 4 (ISAR-DESIRE 3 and ISAR-DESIRE 4) trials

BackgroundAngioplasty with paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) is recommended for treatment of patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) according to European clinical practice guidelines. Most clinical trials have investigated iopromide-based PCB and there is a paucity of data comparing efficacy against butyryl-tri-hexyl citrate (BTHC)-based PCB. Our aim was to compare the performance of two widely-used PCB in the treatment of coronary ISR. MethodsWe analysed patients treated with BTHC- or iopromide-PCB for treatment of drug-eluting stent ISR in the setting of 2 consecutive trials with identical inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was diameter stenosis at 6–8month angiographic surveillance. The secondary endpoint of interest was the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI) or target-lesion revascularisation (TLR) at 1year. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between groups. ResultsIn total, 264 patients were treated with BTHC-PCB (n=127) or iopromide-PCB (n=137). Baseline patient characteristics were similar for both groups. Post-procedure stenosis was slightly larger with BTHC-PCB (22.3 [SD 8.2]% vs. 18.4 [SD 9.9]%, P=0.001). At 6–8month angiography, diameter stenosis was 40.4 [SD 21.9]% vs. 37.4 [SD 21.4]% in the BTHC-PCB and iopromide-PCB groups, respectively (P=0.16, Padjusted=0.32). At 1year, death, MI or TLR occurred in 29 (23.2%) vs. 32 (23.4%) patients in the BTHC-PCB and iopromide-PCB groups, respectively (HR 1.03 [95% CI 0.62–1.70], P=0.91, Padjusted=0.96). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing intervention for ISR, angioplasty with BTHC-PCB showed similar angiographic and clinical results at 1year compared with iopromide-PCB.

Angiogenesis on coronary angiography is a marker for accelerated cardiac allograft vasculopathy as assessed by intravascular ultrasound.

Errant neovascularization and coronary artery fistulae (CAF) are frequently observed after cardiac transplantation. The relationship between angiographic neovascularization/CAF and coronary plaque progression is unknown. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound were routinely performed at 4-6weeks and 1-year post-transplant. Pts were divided into three groups: no angiographic angiogenesis (Group 1), neovascularization only (Group 2), and CAF (Group 3). First-year changes in maximal intimal thickness (MIT), maximal intimal area (MIA), and percent atheroma volume (PAV) were compared between groups. The 106 pts were included, 40/106 in Group 1, 42/106 in Group 2, and 24/106 in Group 3. Respectively, first-year ΔMIT was 0.14±0.13mm, 0.32±0.26mm, and 0.50±0.34mm, P<.001. ΔMIA was 0.6±0.6mm2 , 1.7±1.8mm2 , and 3.0±2.6mm2 , P<.001. ΔPAV was 2.3±2.5%, 6.0±5.1%, and 9.6±9.0%, P<.001. Rapid plaque progression occurred in 1/40 (2.5%) pts in Group 1, 12/42 (28.6%) in Group 2, and 12/24 (50%) in Group 3, P<.001. Multivariate analysis identified both antithymocyte globulin and presence of CAF as independently associated with rapid plaque progression: OR 0.29 (P=.038) and 4.04 (P=.014). Neovascularization and CAF are commonly present on surveillance angiography after cardiac transplantation and may signify amplified angiogenesis. Their presence is associated with accelerated coronary plaque progression by IVUS.

Incidence and predictors of reCurrent restenosis after drug-coated balloon Angioplasty for Restenosis of a drUg-eluting Stent: The ICARUS Cooperation

Introduction and objectivesThe incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis remain poorly studied. We sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis among participants in randomized controlled trials receiving DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis. MethodsThe clinical and lesion data of individuals enrolled in 6 randomized controlled trials of DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis were pooled. All patients included in this report were assigned to receive paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with the SeQuent Please DCB (B Braun, Melsungen, Germany). The current analysis focused on participants with available follow-up angiography at 6 to 9 months. The incidence of recurrent restenosis, defined as diameter restenosis ≥ 50% in the in-segment area at follow-up angiography, and its clinical and angiographic predictors were evaluated. ResultsA total of 546 patients were combined in a single dataset. Angiographic follow-up at 6 to 9 months was available for 484 patients (88.6%) with 518 treated lesions. Recurrent restenosis was detected in 101 (20.8%) patients. On multivariable analysis, lesion length (OR, 1.58; 95%CI, 1.10-2.26; P=.012 for 5mm increase) and vessel size (OR, 1.42; 95%, 1.12-1.79; P=.003 for 0.5mm reduction) were independently associated with recurrent restenosis. ConclusionsIn the largest cohort to date of individuals with angiographic surveillance after DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis, we demonstrated that recurrent restenosis occurs in approximately 1 out of 5 patients. Predictors of recurrent restenosis are increased lesion length and small vessel size.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients treated with drug-coated balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis after coronary bifurcation stenting with a two-stent technique.

We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of drug-coated balloon therapy for in-stent restenosis after coronary bifurcation stenting. Patients who underwent angioplasty with at least one paclitaxel-coated balloon for in-stent restenosis after bifurcation intervention using a two-stent approach were included. Two types of paclitaxel-coated balloon were used, with either an iopromide (iopromide-PCB) or a butyryl tri-n-hexyl citrate (BTHC-PCB) excipient. Angiographic surveillance was planned at six to eight months. Quantitative coronary angiography analysis was carried out with dedicated bifurcation analysis software. Clinical follow-up was performed to one year. In total, 177 patients were included in this study. Information on the type of stent technique used at the time of the index intervention was available for 145 (81.9%) patients: the culotte technique was used in 123 (69.5%) and T-stenting in 22 (12.4%) patients. Iopromide-PCB and BTHC-PCB were used in 124 (70%) and 53 (30%) patients, respectively. Of 125 patients who underwent angiographic follow-up, 30 cases (24%) of binary restenosis were observed. At one year, the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction or target lesion revascularisation was observed in 35 patients (24%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of angiographic and clinical outcomes between iopromide-PCB versus BTHC-PCB. In the setting of in-stent restenosis after coronary bifurcation stenting, drug-coated balloons demonstrated good clinical efficacy without the requirement for further stent implantation. There were similar outcomes between iopromide-PCB and BTHC-PCB.

(913) - Angiogenesis on Coronary Angiography Is a Marker for Accelerated Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy as Assessed by Intravascular Ultrasound

Increased levels of angiogenic factors are associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Errant neovascularizations and coronary artery fistulae (CAF) are commonly found on surveillance angiography after transplant and may signify amplified angiogenesis. We sought to explore the relationship between the presence of these angiogenic anomalies and coronary plaque progression as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of percutanenous coronary intervention with everolimus-eluting stents for the treatment of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bare-metal and first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is associated with unexpectedly high restenosis rates and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Long-term outcomes of stenting for CAV using second-generation everolimus-eluting stents (EES) are not established. To evaluate clinical and angiographic outcomes of CAV stenting with EES. Patients who underwent PCI with EES for CAV were studied. Surveillance angiography was performed at 6-12 months post-PCI and as indicated. Patient survival, freedom from MACE, binary restenosis, TLR, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and non-TVR are reported. One-hundred and thirty two EES were placed in 113 discrete lesions in 48 patients. Pre-PCI stenosis was 82.1 ± 12.4%, and average stent length and diameter were 16.9 ± 5.7 and 3.0 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. Mean follow-up was 30.7 ± 18.8 months. Time from transplantation to PCI was 9.9 ± 5.1 years. Post-PCI survival at 1 (93.5 ± 3.6%), 2 (91.0 ± 4.3%), and 3 years (83.8 ± 6.3%), and freedom from MACE (87.2 ± 4.9%, 82.3 ± 5.7%, 75.8 ± 6.9%) were high. Binary restenosis at 1 (3.0 ± 1.7%), 2 (6.9 ± 3.2%), and 3 years (10.0 ± 4.3%) mirrored expected rates with EES use in native CAD. One-, two-, and three-year rates of TLR (5.1 ± 2.5%, 14.3 ± 4.6%, and 21.2 ± 6.3%), TVR (17.1 ± 4.5%, 39.0 ± 6.9%, and 46.2 ± 7.8%), and NTVR (26.3 ± 5.4%, 55.4 ± 7.0%, and 58.0 ± 7.0%) remain high. Diabetes was associated with an increased hazard ratio for binary restenosis 6.084 (95% CI 1.271-29.133, P = 0.024). PCI strategy using EES in the treatment of CAV was associated with a low binary restenosis rate, a high survival rate, and a high rate of freedom from MACE. However, at 3 years, TLR and TVR rates appeared similar to rates observed with first-generation DES. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.