Canadian Cardiovascular Society Score Research Articles

Does ischaemia testing predict worse adverse outcomes in ANOCA patients?

Abstract Background Following the recent ISCHEMIA trial (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) it was revealed that the extent of ischaemia was not associated with an increased risk for adverse outcomes after adjustment for coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. How the extent of ischemia applies to outcomes for patients with stable angina without obstructive CAD is unknown. Purpose To determine if the presence of ischaemia impacted on 3-year clinical outcomes (mortality and readmission) in patients with Angina and Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (ANOCA). Methods ANOCA was defined as those presenting with chest pain symptoms consistent with angina and undergoing an elective angiogram. All consecutive ANOCA (stenosis <50%) enrolled in the CADOSA (Coronary Angiogram Database of South Australia) Registry between 2012-2018 were included. CADOSA captures all public hospital patients undergoing coronary angiography. Results Among 8,932 symptomatic patients undergoing elective angiography, 1,169 patients (60±11 years, 59% female) with ANOCA underwent ischaemic stress testing prior to angiography. Of these patients, 185 (16%) had no evidence of ischaemia (ANOCA ischaemia negative), and 984 (84%) had documented evidence of ischaemia (ANOCA ischaemia positive). The ANOCA ischaemic negative patients (relative to the ANOCA ischaemic positive patients) were (a) younger (58±11 vs 61±11, p<0.05), (b) in the year preceding diagnostic angiography, more often presented to the emergency department with chest pain (36% vs 21%, p<0.05) and required hospital admission (28% vs 14%, p<0.05), and (c) had more disabling angina, as assessed by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Score (CCSS; CCSC-IV 19% vs 13%, p>0.05). At 3-year post-angiography follow-up, (i) cardiac mortality was similar (ANOCA negative 0% vs ANOCA positive 0.1%, p>0.05), but the ANOCA negative patients were more likely to present to the emergency department (26% vs 14%, p< 0.05) and require hospital readmission (18% vs 8%), compared to the ANOCA positive patients. Conclusion Patients with ANOCA and negative ischaemic testing have more disabling symptoms, with frequent emergency department presentations and readmissions, compared to those with a positive ischaemic test. Hence the presence of ischaemia on stress testing is not predictive of clinical outcomes and further investigation is required to identify predictors of outcomes in ANOCA.

Sex-Based Differences in Early Outcomes Following Mitral Valve Surgery for Degenerative Disease

Objectives: To determine whether sex-based differences exist following surgery for degenerative mitral valve disease. Methods: Using a national database, we analysed data on mitral valve surgery for degenerative disease (n = 22,658) between January 2000 and March 2019 in the UK. We split the cohort into men (n = 14,681) and women (n = 7977) and compared background characteristics, intraoperative variables and early postoperative outcomes. Our primary outcome was hospital mortality; secondary outcomes included re-exploration for bleeding, prolonged admission (>10 days) and mitral replacement. We used binary logistic regression models for all outcomes, with multiplicative interaction terms to determine the nature of any differences. Results: Women presented older (70 ± 11 years vs. 67 ± 11 years, p < 0.001) with worse symptom profiles (New York Heart Association Class III–IV 57% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). They had higher rates of preoperative atrial fibrillation (39% vs. 35%, p < 0.001) and tricuspid disease requiring surgery (21% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). They had lower repair rates (66% vs. 76%, p < 0.001), higher mortality (3% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) and were more likely to have a prolonged admission (48% vs. 40%, p < 0.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.52, 95% CI: 1.21–1.90, p < 0.001). Age and Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) score showed significant interactions with sex. The relationship between advancing age and mortality was found to be more pronounced in women. Conclusions: (1) Female sex is an independent predictor of hospital mortality, prolonged hospital admission and mitral valve replacement. (2) The relationship between female sex and mortality is exacerbated by worsening CCS score and advancing age. (3) Women have significantly lower repair rates.

Agreement between physician- and patient-reported Canadian cardiovascular society scores among patients undergoing elective coronary angiography-The CATS study.

The primary aim of revascularization in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is symptom relief. The severity of symptoms is usually evaluated by the physician, not by the patient. We examined the agreement between physician- and patient-reported Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) scores among patients scheduled for elective coronary angiography in a cross-sectional study. Patients (n = 650) and cardiologists evaluated the severity of angina symptoms by filling the CCS questionnaire before coronary angiography. Patients were divided into those without CAD (stenosis diameter <50%, n = 445) and those with CAD (stenosis diameter >50%, n = 205). CAD patients were further divided into three groups according to disease severity (single-, double- or triple-vessel disease). The mean age of the patients was 67.6 (9.9) years and 50.6% were women. In 51.8% (95% CI 44.5%-59.0%) of patients with CAD and 51.9% (95% CI 47.0%-56.8%) of those without, physician- and patient reported CCS scores agreed. The physician reported better CCS scores in 33.9% (95% CI 27.6%-40.7%) of patients with CAD and 36.2% (95% CI 31.8%-41.0%) of patients without CAD. The proportions of full or partial agreement between physician- and patient reported CCS scores were similar across the CAD severity groups. To summarize, we observed a significant discrepancy between the physician- and patient-reported symptom severity in patients with or without CAD scheduled for angiography. The physician underestimated the symptoms in third of the cases. Thus, patient-reported symptom severity, rather than physician's evaluation, should be the cornerstone of treatment decisions.

Shock-Wave Therapy Improves Myocardial Blood Flow Reserve in Patients with Refractory Angina: Evaluation by Real-Time Myocardial Perfusion Echocardiography

Cardiac shock-wave therapy (CSWT) has been demonstrated as an option for the treatment of patients with refractory angina (RA), promoting immediate vasodilatory effects and, in the long-term, neoangiogenic effects that would be responsible for reducing the myocardial ischemic load. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of CSWT on myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) assessed by quantitative real-time myocardial perfusion echocardiography in patients with RA. Fifteen patients (mean age 61.5±12.8years) with RA who underwent CSWT during nine sessions, over 3months of treatment, were prospectively studied. A total of 32 myocardial segments with ischemia were treated, while another 31 did not receive therapy because of technical limitations. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated at rest and after dipyridamole stress (0.84mg/kg) before and 6months after CSWT, using quantitative real-time myocardial perfusion echocardiography. Clinical effects were evaluated using Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. The ischemic segments treated with CSWT had increased MBFR (from 1.33±0.22 to 1.74±0.29, P<.001), a benefit that was not observed in untreated ischemic segments (1.51±0.29 vs 1.54±0.28, P=.47). Patients demonstrated increased global MBFR (from 1.78±0.54 to 1.89±0.49, P=.017). Semiquantitative single-photon emission computed tomographic analysis of the treated ischemic segments revealed a score reduction from 2.10±0.87 to 1.68±1.19 (P=.024). There was improvement in Canadian Cardiovascular Society score (from 3.20±0.56 to 1.93±0.70, P<.05) and in Seattle Angina Questionnaire score (from 42.3±12.99 to 71.2±14.29, P<.05). No major cardiovascular events were recorded during follow-up. CSWT improved MBFR in ischemic segments, as demonstrated by quantitative real-time myocardial perfusion echocardiography. These results suggest that CSWT has the potential to increase myocardial blood flow, with an impact on symptoms and quality of life in patients with RA.

Ranolazine: impact on quality of life in patients with stable angina pectoris, results from an observational study in Austria - the ARETHAAT study.

SummaryObjectiveAssessment of treatment routine and outcome for ranolazine in clinical practice as second-line treatment for stable angina pectoris (AP).Design and settingMulticenter, prospective, uncontrolled, non-interventional study at 88 sites including internal specialists, cardiologists, pneumologists, angiologists and primary care practices in Austria.ParticipantsIn this study 292 patients receiving ranolazine in the course of routine treatment on top of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers after failure of first-line therapy.Main outcome measuresDosage and symptoms were recorded at two visits (at intervals of 12 weeks), complemented by treatment rationale and disease characteristics at baseline. Disease intensity was quantified by angina symptoms, nitrate use and by Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grading. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed through a 10-grade scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.ResultsRanolazine was prescribed in order to improve exercise capacity (84.3%), reduce symptoms (83.2%) and reduce AP (77.1%). Of the patients 87.3% received the recommended starting dose of 375 mg and subsequent dose changes were reported for 39.8%. The number of AP attacks was reduced from 5.3 ± 4.5 to 0.8 ± 1.3 per week; nitrate use was reduced from 3.4 ± 4.1 to 0.4 ± 0.9 applications per week. Of the patients 94.0% reported improved exercise capacity and 93.7% reduced symptoms. For the majority of patients, the CCS improved from grade II to I and QoL improved accordingly. Of the patients 3 experienced adverse drug reactions and 95.5% continued ranolazine.ConclusionIn this real-world study, ranolazine was shown to be effective, safe and well tolerable. Symptoms of AP were improved, as illustrated by the reduced number of angina attacks, reduced rate of nitrate use, reduced CCS scores and improved QoL.

The efficacy of coronary sinus reducer in patients with refractory angina—A systematic review of the literature

The aim of our systematic review was to investigate the efficacy of coronary sinus (CS) reducer device in patients with refractory angina. The CS reducer device provides a therapeutic option for patients with coronary artery disease who are not suitable for revascularization. Two independent investigators (GB and GT) systematically searched the Medline and Cochrane library databases for studies describing the efficacy and safety of the CS reducer in patients with refractory angina from January 1, 2000 until May 12, 2018 using the following terms: "coronary sinus (reducer OR reducing) device." Efficacy was defined as ≥1 unit improvement in the Canadian cardiovascular society (CCS) score. Our search strategy provided six studies (five observational studies and one randomized clinical trial) with 196 patients. The CS reducer device was effective in 146/186 (78.5%) patients. CCS score improved from 3.2 at baseline to 1.9 after 8.6 months of follow-up. The efficacy of CS reducer device was also demonstrated as an improvement in Seattle Angina Questionnaire score, dobutamine echocardiography, thalium single-photon emission computed tomography perfusion studies, 6-min-walk test and myocardial perfusion reserve index. Implantation failed in 4 of 196 (2%) patients and 5 patients (2.5%) had a complication during 30-day follow-up. The CS reducer is a promising treatment option for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for revascularization. However, larger randomized control trials with long-term follow-up are needed to elucidate its role.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of Ivabradine with or Without Concomitant Beta-Blocker Therapy in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina in Routine Clinical Practice.

IntroductionIn the prospective, open-label, non-interventional, multicenter RESPONSIfVE study, the effectiveness, response rates and tolerability of ivabradine with or without beta blocker (BB) were evaluated in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris (AP) in daily clinical practice.MethodsIn patients with AP, ivabradine was given twice daily in flexible doses for 4 months. Resting heart rate (HR), number of angina attacks, short-acting nitrate use, severity of symptoms [by Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) score] and tolerability with or without existing BB therapy were documented and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.ResultsIn total, 1250 patients with AP (mean age 66.0 ± 10.9 years, 59.6% male, 31.9% previous myocardial infarction) and an indication for ivabradine were included. Sixty-five percent of all patients received BB. Further concomitant standard medication included aspirin (74.2%), statins (69.3%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (84.2%), diuretics (40.0%), long-acting nitrates (15.7%), and calcium antagonists (21.4%). After 4 months of ivabradine treatment (mean daily dose 11.0 ± 2.7 mg), mean HR was reduced from 82.4 ± 11.8 beats per minute (bpm) to 67.1 ± 8.4 bpm. The average number of angina attacks/week decreased from 1.2 ± 1.9 to 0.1 ± 0.6 and the average use of short-acting nitrates/week from 1.5 ± 2.8 units to 0.2 ± 1.0 units. CCS classification of patients improved from 76% classified in CCS grades II or III and 24% in CCS grade I to 66% classified in CCS grade I and only 35% remaining in CCS grades II or III at study end. Response rate to ivabradine (defined as HR <70 bpm or HR reduction ≥10 bpm) reached 87%. HR reduction, symptomatic improvement and response rates were comparable in patients with or without BB. Adverse drug reactions were reported for 2.2% of patients.ConclusionIn this prospective study over a four-month period in clinical practice, ivabradine effectively reduced HR, angina attacks, and nitrate consumption in patients with AP with or without concomitant BB therapy. Ivabradine improved CCS scores and achieved a high treatment response rate with good general tolerability.FundingServier.Trial registrationControlled-trials.com identifier, ISRCTN73861224.

Angina severity predicts worse sleep quality after coronary artery bypass grafting.

We sought to reveal whether the severity of angina pectoris affects sleep quality after elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients scheduled to undergo isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into two groups, having a recent myocardial infarction (Group 1, n=22, mean age 59.40±7.79 years) or not having a recent myocardial infarction (Group 2, n=30, mean age 59.73±7.72 years). The assessment included the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Score, the visual analogue scale for postoperative pain and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The two groups were similar in regard to baseline characteristics. Cross-clamp time was significantly higher (p=0.007) and the use of inotropes was significantly more common (p=0.01) in those patients with recent myocardial infarction compared to those without. Mean Canadian Cardiovascular Society scores were also higher in patients with recent myocardial infarction (p=0.02). Total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was significantly higher in patients with recent myocardial infarction (8.45±3.50 vs. 5.03±2.32, respectively, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher angina score (OR: 3.27, 95% CI, 1.20-8.90, p=0.02) and longer time of intensive care unit stay (OR: 6.15, 95% CI, 1.49-25.35, p=0.01) were found to be independent predictors of poor sleep quality. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina score showed a significant positive correlation with poor sleep duration score (<0.001), sleep disturbance score (p=0.02), day dysfunction due to sleepiness score (p=0.001), sleep efficiency score (p=0.003), overall sleep quality score (0.03) and total PSQI score (p=0.004). The severity of angina pectoris in the preoperative period is independently associated with worse sleep quality after elective isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.

Comparative Cardiac Anatomy and Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization

Comparative cardiac anatomy related to the analysis of the initial clinical experience of transmyocardial laser revascularization (tmlr) in patients with severe diffuse coronary artery disease.methods20 patients were submitted to tmlr at the heart institute (incor), university of são paulo medical school, brazil, isolated or in association with conventional coronary artery bypass graft (cabg). all patients had severe diffuse coronary artery disease, with angina functional class iii/iv (canadian cardiovascular society score) unresponsive to medical therapy. fourteen patients were submitted to tmlr as the sole therapy, whereas 6 underwent concomitant cabg. fifty per cent of the patients had either been previously submitted to a cabg or to a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (ptca). mean age was 60 years, ranging from 45 to 74 years.resultsall patients had three‐vessel disease, with normal or mildly impaired left ventricular global function. follow‐up ranged from 1 to 13 months (mean 6.6 months), with no postoperative short or long term mortality. there was significant symptom improvement after the procedure, with 85% of the patients free of angina, and the remaining 15 % of the patients showing improvement in functional class, as well as in exercise tolerance.

Is There Any Positive Remodeling after Enhanced External Counter Pulsation in Patients With Severe Refractory Angina?

Background: Patients with severe refractory cardiac angina who are not candidates for any form of invasive treatment and are already on optimal medical therapy have few therapeutic options. Enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) offers an alternative palliative and possibly therapeutic option for these patients. EECP achieves this by inducing hemodynamic effects much similar to those of the intraaortic balloon pump. Objectives: We sought to further evaluate these therapeutic effects, especially on the basis of echocardiographic data. Patients and Methods: Thirty-two patients who had severe refractory angina despite full anti-ischemic medication and were poor candidates for invasive procedures were evaluated. After undergoing 35 sessions of EECP, the patients were followed up for 6 months for adverse events, change in quality of life, severity of the remaining symptoms according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification, and echocardiographic changes. Results: After receiving standard EECP treatment regimen, the patients showed a marked increase in quality of life scores; a significant decrease in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume index after 6 months (P = 0.045), in tandem with an increase in the LV myocardial performance index (P = 0.04) with no significant change in the LV ejection fraction; and a significant decrease in the CCS scores (P = 0.01). In addition, physical performance measures, including time to unset of angina during the exercise test, were significantly increased. Conclusions: EECP is a useful and low-risk additive therapeutic option in patients with end-stage and non-responsive angina symptoms who are receiving optimal medical conventional treatments and are not good candidates for invasive procedures. This treatment can induce some positive remodeling in the LV.

Stem cell therapy for chronic ischaemic heart disease and congestive heart failure.

A promising approach to the treatment of chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure is the use of stem cells. The last decade has seen a plethora of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) developed worldwide which have generated conflicting results. The critical evaluation of clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of autologous adult bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSC) as a treatment for chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE (from 1950), EMBASE (from 1974), CINAHL (from 1982) and the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), together with ongoing trial databases, for relevant trials up to 31st March 2013. Eligible studies included RCTs comparing autologous adult stem/progenitor cells with no autologous stem/progenitor cells in participants with chronic IHD and heart failure. Co-interventions such as primary angioplasty, surgery or administration of stem cell mobilising agents, were included where administered to treatment and control arms equally. Two review authors independently screened all references for eligibility, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We undertook a quantitative evaluation of data using fixed-effect meta-analyses. We evaluated heterogeneity using the I² statistic; we explored considerable heterogeneity (I² > 75%) using a random-effects model and subgroup analyses. We include 23 RCTs involving 1255 participants in this review. Risk of bias was generally low, with the majority of studies reporting appropriate methods of randomisation and blinding, Autologous bone marrow stem cell treatment reduced the incidence of mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.53, P = 0.0001, 8 studies, 494 participants, low quality evidence) and rehospitalisation due to heart failure (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.94, P = 0.04, 2 studies, 198 participants, low quality evidence) in the long term (≥12 months). The treatment had no clear effect on mortality (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.41, P = 0.30, 21 studies, 1138 participants, low quality evidence) or rehospitalisation due to heart failure (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.06, P = 0.06, 4 studies, 236 participants, low quality evidence) in the short term (< 12 months), which is compatible with benefit, no difference or harm. The treatment was also associated with a reduction in left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) (mean difference (MD) -14.64 ml, 95% CI -20.88 ml to -8.39 ml, P < 0.00001, 3 studies, 153 participants, moderate quality evidence) and stroke volume index (MD 6.52, 95% CI 1.51 to 11.54, P = 0.01, 2 studies, 62 participants, moderate quality evidence), and an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD 2.62%, 95% CI 0.50% to 4.73%, P = 0.02, 6 studies, 254 participants, moderate quality evidence), all at long-term follow-up. Overall, we observed a reduction in functional class (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class) in favour of BMSC treatment during short-term follow-up (MD -0.63, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.19, P = 0.005, 11 studies, 486 participants, moderate quality evidence) and long-term follow-up (MD -0.91, 95% CI -1.38 to -0.44, P = 0.0002, 4 studies, 196 participants, moderate quality evidence), as well as a difference in Canadian Cardiovascular Society score in favour of BMSC (MD -0.81, 95% CI -1.55 to -0.07, P = 0.03, 8 studies, 379 participants, moderate quality evidence). Of 19 trials in which adverse events were reported, adverse events relating to the BMSC treatment or procedure occurred in only four individuals. No long-term adverse events were reported. Subgroup analyses conducted for outcomes such as LVEF and NYHA class revealed that (i) route of administration, (ii) baseline LVEF, (iii) cell type, and (iv) clinical condition are important factors that may influence treatment effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis found moderate quality evidence that BMSC treatment improves LVEF. Unlike in trials where BMSC were administered following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we found some evidence for a potential beneficial clinical effect in terms of mortality and performance status in the long term (after at least one year) in people who suffer from chronic IHD and heart failure, although the quality of evidence was low.

40 Patient vs physician reported angina before and after revascularisation of coronary artery disease: evidence from a large randomised controlled trial (the sos trial)

IntroductionThe success of revascularisation therapies for coronary artery disease (CAD) must be measured by both an improvement in hard clinical endpoints—mortality, repeat revascularisation procedures and myocardial infarction, the traditional focus...

Impact of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Class in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina: A Meta‐analysis

To evaluate the true magnitude of benefit from enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) by determining the effect of EECP on Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class in patients with chronic stable angina. Meta-analysis of 13 prospective studies that evaluated patients with stable angina and reported adequate data on CCS angina class. A total of 949 adult patients with stable angina who underwent EECP treatment. A systematic literature search of studies published between 1950 and February 2009 was performed. Studies were included for meta-analysis if they were reported in the English language, included human subjects, had a prospective study design, and reported adequate data on CCS angina class. The EECP treatment consisted of 35 sessions-1 hour/day, 5 days/week, for 7 weeks. Improvement in angina class was reported as the weighted proportion of patients improving by at least one CCS class from before to after EECP treatment. Heterogeneity was assessed by performing subgroup analyses and using the Cochran Q statistic. Publication bias was assessed by inspection of funnel plots and the Egger bias statistic. Among the 13 studies incorporating 949 patients, angina class was reduced by at least one CCS score in 86% of the patients (95% confidence interval 82-90%, Q statistic p=0.008]. Inspection of funnel plots showed some asymmetry, but the Egger bias statistic showed no publication bias (p=0.97). The results of our meta-analysis call for further long-term studies to determine the place of EECP therapy in the management of chronic stable angina. Currently, EECP therapy should be considered for patients with stable angina who are refractory to or not suitable for invasive therapy and/or medical management.

Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Nosocomial Pneumonia after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Nosocomial pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among surgical patients in the United States. The emergence of effective but potentially costly or risky preventive interventions makes perioperative risk stratification desirable. We sought to develop a prediction rule for pneumonia after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a common surgical procedure. Data on individuals undergoing CABG at 32 hospitals in 6 states were extracted from Tenet Healthcare's Quality and Resource Management System. A logistic regression-based prediction rule was developed in half of the study sample and validated in the remaining patients. Of 17,143 individuals undergoing CABG from January 1999 through February 2004, 361 (2%) developed pneumonia without a known aspiration etiology. Thirteen independent predictors of pneumonia were identified in the derivation subset of the sample: body mass index <18.5 (defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters), smoking history, admission from a nonresidential setting, cancer history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Canadian Cardiovascular Society score 3, prior internal mammary artery CABG, emergency status, serum creatinine level >1.2 mg/dL, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, blood transfusion, preoperative vancomycin administration, and receipt of mechanical ventilation for >1 day. The model-based rule was well calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow X(2)=5.51; P=.70) and demonstrated good discrimination (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [ROC AUC], 0.78) in the derivation group. Discriminatory ability was also reasonable in the validation cohort (ROC AUC, 0.75; P=.18, for difference in ROC AUC between groups). Using a large cohort of patients treated at community and teaching hospitals, we derived and validated a prediction rule for pneumonia after CABG. This index may prove to be useful in prioritizing receipt of preventive interventions.

Coronary endarterectomy in the left anterior descending artery

The diffusely diseased coronary artery is a challenge for cardiac surgeons. Although coronary endarterectomy is an option for surgical reconstruction of a diffusely diseased vessel, it has not been widely used. We assessed the early clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients undergoing coronary endarterectomy of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with a patch plasty method using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA). Furthermore, we assessed the coronary artery velocity flow reserve (CFVR) of the endarterectomized LAD. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 148 patients undergoing LAD endarterectomy using the in situ LITA. Direct endarterectomy was performed with a long segmental incision of the LAD that was reconstructed with the longitudinally incised LITA. The mean age at surgery was 65.1±8.6 years. Previous myocardial infarction was observed in 58.1% of the patients. The mean Canadian Cardiovascular Society score was 2.4±0.9. Postoperative angiography was performed in 134 patients (91.2%) during the same hospitalization (mean, 11.2±9.0 postoperative days). CFVR in the LAD was measured early after the operation by transthoracic echocardiography. The mean number of distal anastomoses per patient was 4.2±1.3. The mean length of reconstructed LAD with endarterectomy was 5.8±1.5 cm. The operative mortality was 2.7%. Low cardiac output occurred in 6.1% of the patients. Perioperative myocardial infarction was observed in 12.2% of the patients, but severe ventricular arrhythmia was not encountered. The patency rate of the LITA to LAD was 94.0% by early angiographic examination. The mean CFVR in the endarterectomized LAD was 2.41±0.66. Coronary endarterectomy of the LAD with a patch plasty using the LITA is associated with acceptable mortality, morbidity, and angiographic patency. CVFR measured by transthoracic echocardiography showed a favorable functional status in the endarterectomized LAD. Endarterectomy is considered to be one of the available surgical methods for patients with a diffusely diseased LAD.

Follow-Up of Alcohol Septal Ablation for Symptomatic Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: The Baylor and Medical University of South Carolina Experience 1996 to 2007

This study sought to determine the long-term outcome of alcohol septal ablation (ASA). There are inadequate data on the long-term outcome of ASA for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Six hundred and twenty-nine patients were enrolled consecutively (1996 to 2007) and 98.4% (n = 619) underwent ASA with 92% follow-up in 2007. Evaluation included deaths, procedural complications, pacemaker requirement, repeat ASA, and myectomy/valve surgery. Follow-up parameters included angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society score), dyspnea (New York Heart Association functional class), exercise time, and echocardiographic indices (septal thickness, ejection fraction, resting and provoked gradients). Ethanol (2.6 +/- 1.0 ml) was injected into 1.3 +/- 0.5 septal arteries, inducing a septal infarct. Complications included death 1% (n = 6), permanent pacemaker requirement 8.2% (n = 52), coronary dissection 1.3% (n = 8), and worsening mitral regurgitation 0.3% (n = 2). The mean follow-up was 4.6 +/- 2.5 years (range: 3 months to 10.2 years). During follow-up, New York Heart Association functional class decreased from 2.8 +/- 0.6 to 1.2 +/- 0.5 (p < 0.001); Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina score decreased from 2.1 +/- 0.9 to 1.0 +/- 0 (p < 0.001); and exercise time increased from 4.8 +/- 3.3 to 8.2 +/- 1.0 (p < 0.001) min. The resting and provoked left ventricular outflow tract gradients decreased progressively (p < 0.001) and remained low during follow-up. The septal thickness decreased from 2.1 +/- 0.5 cm to 1.0 +/- 0.1 cm (p < 0.001) and the ejection fraction decreased from 68 +/- 9% to 62 +/- 3% (p < 0.001). The survival estimates at 1, 5, and 8 years were 97%, 92%, and 89%, respectively. The initial benefits of ASA were maintained during follow-up.

Coronary Sinus Reducer Stent for the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Angina Pectoris: A Prospective, Open-Label, Multicenter, Safety Feasibility First-in-Man Study

This study sought to evaluate the safety of the Coronary Sinus Reducer (Neovasc Medical, Inc., Or Yehuda, Israel) as a potential alternate therapy for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for conventional revascularization procedures.Increased coronary sinus (CS) pressure can reduce myocardial ischemia by redistribution of blood from nonischemic to ischemic territories. The Coronary Sinus Reducer is a percutaneous implantable device designed to establish CS narrowing and to elevate CS pressure. In preclinical experiments, implantation of the Reducer was safe and was associated with improved ischemic parameters. In the present study, the safety and feasibility of the Coronary Sinus Reducer was evaluated in patients with refractory angina who were not candidates for revascularization.Fifteen coronary artery disease patients with severe angina and reversible ischemia were electively treated with the Reducer. Clinical evaluation, dobutamine echocardiography, thallium single-photon emission computed tomography, and administration of an angina questionnaire were performed before and 6 months after implantation. Cardiac computed tomography was performed 2 days and 6 months after implantation.All procedures were completed successfully. No procedure-related adverse events occurred during the periprocedural and the follow-up periods. Angina score improved in 12 of 14 patients. Average Canadian Cardiovascular Society score was 3.07 at baseline and 1.64 at follow-up (n = 14, p < 0.0001). Stress-induced ST-segment depression was reduced in 6 of 9 patients and was eliminated in 2 of these 6 (p = 0.047). The extent and severity of myocardial ischemia by dobutamine echocardiography and by thallium single-photon emission computed tomography was reduced (p = 0.004 [n = 13] and p = 0.042 [n = 10], respectively).Implantation of the Coronary Sinus Reducer is feasible and safe. These findings, along with the clinical improvement observed, support further evaluation of the Reducer as an alternative treatment for patients with chronic refractory angina who are not candidates for coronary revascularization.

Early and Midterm Results of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Early outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting have been documented by numerous studies. However, there have been few reports concerning midterm outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 602 consecutive patients (24.8% female) who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting between April 2001 and July 2004. Mean age was 66.7 +/- 9.3 years. Mean Canadian Cardiovascular Society score was 2.5 +/- 0.9. Early postoperative angiograms were evaluated during the same period of hospitalization. Midterm outcomes, including overall patient survival, freedom from cardiac death, and freedom from the combined endpoint of cardiac events, were evaluated. The average number of distal anastomoses per patient was 3.6 +/- 1.4. The average operation time was 286.1 +/- 72.1 minutes. Long segmental reconstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed in 218 patients (36.2%). Total arterial grafting was performed in 466 patients (77.4%). Thirty-day mortality was 0.5%. Overall patency rate for all grafts and anastomoses was 97.5% and 97.6%, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 2.9 +/- 1.0 years. Cumulative patient survival at 5 years was 87.9% +/- 2.4%. Freedom from cardiac death was 97.7% +/- 0.6% at 5 years. Freedom from the combined endpoint of cardiac events was 83.8% +/- 2.3% at 5 years. Early and midterm outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting have acceptable mortality and cardiac events rates, with favorable early graft patency rates.

Coronary reoperations: recurrence of angina and clinical outcome with and without cardiopulmonary bypass

Background We compared our experience of minimal tissue dissection and target vessel revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with the standard procedure of total dissection of the heart and complete revascularization with CPB in patients who had elective reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (redo-CABG). Methods We analyzed recurrence of angina and clinical outcome in 118 patients who had elective redo-CABG between January 1995 and April 2002. Seventy-four patients had redo-CABG with CPB, and 44 patients had redo-CABG without CPB. Results Perioperative outcome was comparable with regard to morbidity and mortality rates. At follow-up, the mean Canadian Cardiovascular Society score was 1.3 ± 0.6 in patients who had redo-CABG with CPB and 1.7 ± 0.8 in patients who had redo-CABG without CPB ( p = 0.02). At follow-up, patients who had redo-CABG without CPB had a higher rate of recurrence of angina (log rank = 0.001) and higher use of nitrates ( p = 0.015). Target vessel revascularization was an independent predictor of recurrence of angina in younger patients (< 75 years; p = 0.012) but not in the elderly (≥75 years; p = 0.142). Conclusions In elective redo-CABG patients, minimal tissue dissection and target vessel revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass did not add significant benefit with regard to perioperative morbidity and mortality. The unsatisfactory relief of symptoms does not seem to justify target vessel revascularization by a less invasive approach. Therefore, this technique should be offered exclusively to patients at high risk with complete revascularization using CPB, such as the elderly.

Transmyocardial laser revascularization. Early clinical experience

To analyze the initial clinical experience of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) in patients with severe diffuse coronary artery disease. Between February, 1998 and February, 1999, 20 patients were submitted to TMLR at the Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil, isolated or in association with conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). All patients had severe diffuse coronary artery disease, with angina functional class III/IV (Canadian Cardiovascular Society score) unresponsive to medical therapy. Fourteen patients were submitted to TMLR as the sole therapy, whereas 6 underwent concomitant CABG. Fifty per cent of the patients had either been previously submitted to a CABG or to a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Mean age was 60 years, ranging from 45 to 74 years. All patients had three-vessel disease, with normal or mildly impaired left ventricular global function. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 13 months (mean 6.6 months), with no postoperative short or long term mortality. There was significant symptom improvement after the procedure, with 85% of the patients free of angina, and the remaining 15% of the patients showing improvement in functional class, as well as in exercise tolerance. This novel technique can be considered a low risk alternative for a highly selected group of patients not suitable for conventional revascularization procedures.