Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures Research Articles

RAdiation Dose Attenuation using RADPAD in CATH lab for primary and secondary operators - RADAR-CATH STUDY.

Radiation injury is an important concern for interventional cardiologists and needs to be addressed. RADPAD is a radiation protection drape that has been shown to reduce the radiation exposure of the primary operator (PO). While Indian data on radiation exposure of the PO in the cath lab are scarce, the exposure of the secondary operator (SO) is even less well studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of RADPAD drapes in reducing radiation doses in the cath lab for the primary as well as the secondary operator. A total of 160 patients (40 patients each with single vessel disease [SVD], double vessel disease [DVD] and triple vessel disease [TVD] undergoing coronary angioplasty, and 40 patients undergoing balloon mitral valvuloplasty [BMV]) were randomised in a 1:1 pattern to undergo a procedure with or without the use of RADPAD. For patients with SVD, DVD and TVD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and those undergoing BMV, the % reduction with the use of RADPAD reduced the PO's received dose (in mrem) by 65%, 54%, 28% and 67%, respectively, as compared to without RADPAD. The % reduction in relative operator exposure for the PO for the 4 groups was 55%, 34%, 18% and 75%, respectively, with the use of RADPAD. The corresponding % reduction for the SO's received dose (in mrem) was 80%, 63%, 33% and 69% and for relative operator exposure was 74%, 46%, 23% and 76% in the 4 groups, respectively. RADPAD significantly reduces the radiation exposure of the primary and secondary operator during prolonged complex PCI and BMV procedures.

Sheathless radial approach in contemporary coronary rotational atherectomy: data from two high-volume centers

Aim: To analyze the feasibility and procedural outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using rotational atherectomy (RA), performed via transradial sheathless guiding catheter, as compared to a standard radial and femoral vascular approach. Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing RA at two high-volume PCI centers from May 2011 to May 2023 were included. Comparisons were made between the two transradial approaches and between the three types of vascular access. Results: Two hundred twenty-three patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were similar, with the exception of gender. We observed, in percentages, fewer cases of failure for sheathless than standard transradial attempts (7.5% vs. 11.5%, respectively), whereas all trans-femoral attempts were successful. Transfemoral procedures were longer and more frequently performed under mechanical circulatory support. There was no difference in procedural success between the three vascular approaches. A trend towards a higher rate of vascular and bleeding complications was found in the femoral group. Conclusion: Sheathless transradial vascular access is a viable option when performing RA during complex PCI procedures, tending to result in fewer failures than the standard transradial approach and reduced bleeding and vascular complications compared to the femoral method.

The safety and feasibility of live-stream proctoring for CTO procedures.

To assess the technical feasibility of a new method of educational training, based on audio-video (AV) communication between an interventional cardiologist and the cath lab staff members in one location and a remote expert proctor. Overall, 9 patients underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) targeting a chronic total occlusion (CTO) between June 2021 and January 2022 at a single Belgian center using the virtual proctoring approach. For this assessment, the strategic planning of the CTO PCI and all the decisions throughout the intervention were the responsibility of the proctor. The operator was guided via an AV link, by the proctor throughout the procedure. The operator performed each procedural step, guided by the remote proctor, who had continuous access to all relevant interventional details. No major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred during the index hospitalization or within 6 months follow-up. A new method of virtual proctoring based on live AV communication is feasible, even in the case of highly complex CTO PCI procedures. This strategy also appears safe and may provide the patient the benefit of incremental expertise. This approach is facilitated by advances in AV communication and allows physicians to share expertise irrespective of location. It could increase global interaction between colleagues and facilitate sharing of knowledge, which are both key aspects in the development of CTO PCI. This preliminary experience could serve as a basis for future large studies to study the potential role and benefits of virtual proctoring for complex CTO PCI procedures.

Periprocedural myocardial infarction in patients undergoing complex versus noncomplex percutaneous coronary intervention.

Limited data are available on the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) in patients undergoing complex versus noncomplex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We assessed the risk of periprocedural MI according to the fourth Universal definition of myocardial infarction (UDMI) and several other criteria among patients undergoing elective PCI in a prospective, single-center registry. Complex PCI included at least one of the following: 3 coronary vessels treated, ≥3 stents implanted, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length >60 mm, treatment of chronic total occlusion, and use of rotational atherectomy. Between 2017 and 2021, we included 1010 patients with chronic coronary syndrome, of whom 226 underwent complex PCI (22.4%). The rate of periprocedural MI according to the fourth UDMI was significantly higher in complex compared to noncomplex PCI patients (26.5% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001). Additionally, periprocedural MI was higher in the complex PCI group using SCAI (4% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.009), ARC-2 (13.7% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.013), ISCHEMIA (5.8% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.002), and EXCEL criteria (4.9% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.032). SYNTAX periprocedural MI occurred at low rates in both groups (0.9% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.657). Complex PCI was an independent predictor of the fourth UDMI periprocedural MI (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.27, p = 0.031). In patients with chronic coronary syndrome undergoing elective PCI, complex PCI is associated with a significantly higher risk of periprocedural MI using multiple definitions. These findings highlight the importance of considering upfront this risk in the planning of complex PCI procedures.

On-line estimated peak skin dose during percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion using new patient dose mapping technology

X-ray exposure during complex percutaneous coronary intervention is a very important issue. To reduce patient peak skin dose during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures for chronic total occlusion using on-line estimated peak skin dose software (Dose Map). Throughout the procedure, Dose Map provided a map of local cumulative peak skin dose. This map was displayed in-room from 1Gy cumulative air kerma, and was updated every 0.5Gy. The operator's actions to minimize deterministic risks following map notification were collected. Skin reaction was evaluated 3 months after the procedure. A comparison with our historical X-ray exposure data (207 patients from January 2013 to July 2014) was performed. From November 2015 to October 2016, 97 patients (Japanese chronic total occlusion score 2.1±1.1; 100 percutaneous coronary intervention procedures for chronic total occlusion) were prospectively enrolled. Fluoroscopy time was 40.8 (21.6-60.3) minutes, cumulative air kerma 1884 (1144-3231) mGy, estimated peak skin dose 962 (604-1474) mGy and kerma area product 115.8 (71.5-206.7) Gy.cm2. Cumulative air kerma was>3Gy in 28% of cases, and>5Gy in 11% of cases. In 68% of cases, at least one action was taken by the operator after map notification to optimize skin dose distribution. Main changes included: gantry angulation (52%); field of view (25%); and collimation (13%). No skin injuries were observed at follow-up. In comparison with our chronic total occlusion historical radiation data, median cumulative air kerma and kerma area product were reduced by 31% and 33%, respectively (P<0.005. Online skin dose mapping software allows the distribution of patient skin dose during complex percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, and may minimize X-ray exposure.

First-in-Human Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Stent Positioning Assistance System for Precise Positioning of Coronary Stents.

Objectives This study was planned for evaluating the safety and efficacy of SPAS (stent positioning assistance system) device in first-in-human procedures. Background SPAS is a novel device that can be used for improved positioning of coronary stents. Methods Consecutive patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the SPAS device. Device-related adverse and serious adverse events were evaluated in addition to a dedicated questionnaire completed by operators immediately after using SPAS. Results The SPAS device was deployed in 55 PCI procedures, comprising of heavily calcified lesions (33.3%), totally occluded (7.4%), and severely tortuous vessels (7.4%). In these procedures, nonbifurcation and nonostial (53.7%), bifurcation (22.2%), and edge-to-edge (24.1%) stenting techniques were employed. Analysis of the pooled scores for the five satisfaction-related questions gave an average score of 5.6 ± 1.5, with 40 (75.5%) operators providing an average satisfaction grade of >5; the average operator-rated SPAS device accuracy performance scores exceeded 6 out of 7 (on visual analog score). The time spent for positioning the stent with the SPAS device averaged 41 ± 68.0 seconds. The SPAS device was rated as easy to use (6.1 ± 1.6) and reliable (6.1 ± 1.7). No device-related adverse events were reported. Conclusion This stent positioning device was evaluated in a consecutive cohort of standard and complex PCI procedures. The device was shown to be safe, easy, and precise to use, both in standard and complex cases.

745 Meta-analysis comparing the safety and efficacy of ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy versus standard therapy in complex percutaneous coronary interventions

Abstract Aims Current guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor for 6–12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A shorter duration ticagrelor-based DAPT followed by ticagrelor monotherapy can significantly reduce bleeding events while preserving anti-ischaemic effects in patients undergoing conventional PCI. Whether this strategy can be safely and effectively applied to those patient that undergo ‘complex’ PCI is uncertain. Methods We performed a systematic search of randomized controlled trials comparing a short course of ticagrelor-based DAPT vs. standard DAPT in patients undergoing complex PCI. A mixed-effects Poisson regression model with random intervention effects was used to estimate the pooled incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Out of 10 689 studies screened, three were identified for a total of 4176 participants on ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of ticagrelor based DAPT, and 4209 on standard DAPT. Overall, the pooled analysis showed a strong evidence that compared to standard treatment, ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of ticagrelor-based DAPT (1–3 months) reduced the risk of cardiovascular death [IRR 0.52; CI (0.28–0.96); P = 0.04; I2 = 0%], all-cause death [IRR 0.65; CI (0.49–0.86); P = 0.003; I2 = 0%], and any bleeding events [IRR 0.62; CI (0.47–0.81); P &amp;lt; 0.001; I2 = 44%]. Weak evidence was found of an association between the experimental strategy and a lower risk of myocardial infarction [IRR 0.79; CI (0.61–1.01); P = 0.06; I2 = 0%]. Instead, no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding [IRR 0.72; CI (0.48–1.08); P = 0.11; I2 = 61%], definite or probable stent thrombosis [IRR 0.77; CI (0.34–1.75); P = 0.53; I2 = 0%] and ischaemic stroke [IRR 0.83; CI (0.25–2.73); P = 0.76; I2 = 0%] was observed. We speculate that the observed mortality benefits might be related to the reduction of any bleeding events, mainly dictated by minor bleeding reduction, since major bleeding did not seem to be decreased in the shorter regimen group. Conclusion Among patients undergoing complex PCI, ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of ticagrelor-based DAPT significantly reduced bleeding risk without increasing ischaemic risk. As complex PCI procedures are being increasingly performed nowadays, and more comorbid patients are being treated, more studies are required to confirm and explain these findings. This could lead to optimization of antiplatelet therapy across a broad spectrum of patients.

Iterative Improvement and Marginal Gains in Coronary Revascularisation: Is Robot-assisted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention the New Hope?

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has undergone a rapid and adaptive evolution since its introduction into clinical practice more than 40 years ago. It is the most common mode of coronary revascularisation in use, with the scope, breadth and constellation of disease being treated increasing markedly over time. This has principally been driven by improvements in technology, engineering and training in the field, which has facilitated more complex PCI procedures to be undertaken safely. Robot-assisted PCI represents the next paradigm shift in contemporary PCI practice. It has the ability to enhance procedural accuracy for the patient while improving radiation safety and ergonomics for the operator. This state-of-the-art review outlines the current position and future potential of robot-assisted PCI.

Type and Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients are a high-risk population for ischemic complications. Antiplatelet therapy in such patients remains controversial, as the beneficial effects of more potent agents use or prolonged dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) on atherothrombotic complications are hindered by a concomitant increase in bleeding rates. The aim of this article is to describe ischemic and bleeding outcomes associated with complex PCI procedures and to compare different types and durations of DAPT regimens in terms of safety and efficacy outcomes. Issues concerning special patient groups, such as those with left main, chronic total occlusion, or bifurcation lesions, are discussed.

PCI complexity and cardiovascular risk in relation to high bleeding risk among patients receiving drug-eluting Stents: insight from China Fuwai PCI registry

Abstract Background The relation between complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), high bleeding risk (HBR), and adverse events after coronary artery implantation of drug-eluting stents has been incompletely characterized. This study sought to investigate the ischemic and bleeding events after complex PCI including a stratification according to HBR estimated by PARIS bleeding risk score. Methods Between January 2013 and December 2013, 10,167 consecutive patients undergoing PCI were prospectively enrolled in Fuwai PCI Registry. Complex PCI was defined when having at least one of the following characteristics: 3 vessels treated, ≥3 stents implanted, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length &amp;gt;60 mm, treatment of chronic total occlusion, unprotected left main PCI, in-stent restenosis target lesion, and severely calcified lesion requiring a rotablator system. The primary ischemic endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and definite/probable stent thrombosis], and primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Results The median duration of follow-up was 30 months. In adjusted Cox regression analysis, patients having complex PCI procedures experienced higher risks of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–1.92; P&amp;lt;0.001), compared with non-complex PCI. In contrast, the risk of clinically relevant bleeding was statistically similar between the 2 groups (HR: 0.86 [0.66–1.11]; P=0.238). There was no statistical interaction between HBR (PARIS bleeding score ≥8 or &amp;lt;8) and complex PCI in regard to MACE (adjusted Pinteraction=0.388) and clinically relevant bleeding (adjusted Pinteraction=0.279). Conclusions Patients who had undergone complex PCI resulted in substantially more ischemic events, without an increase in clinically relevant bleeding risk; and these associations did not seem to be modified by HBR status. More intensified antiplatelet therapy may be beneficial for patients with complex percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences;National Natural Science Foundation of China

PCI complexity and risk of adverse events in relation to high bleeding risk among patients receiving drug-eluting stents

Abstract Background The relation between complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), high bleeding risk (HBR), and adverse events after coronary artery implantation of drug-eluting stents has been incompletely characterized. This study sought to investigate the ischemic and bleeding events after complex PCI including a stratification according to HBR estimated by PARIS bleeding risk score. Methods Between January 2013 and December 2013, 10,167 consecutive patients undergoing PCI were prospectively enrolled in Fuwai PCI Registry. Complex PCI was defined when having at least one of the following characteristics: 3 vessels treated, ≥3 stents implanted, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length &amp;gt;60 mm, treatment of chronic total occlusion, unprotected left main PCI, in-stent restenosis target lesion, and severely calcified lesion. The primary ischemic endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and definite/probable stent thrombosis], and primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Results The median duration of follow-up was 29 months. In adjusted Cox regression analysis, patients having complex PCI procedures experienced higher risks of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–1.92; P&amp;lt;0.001), compared with non-complex PCI. In contrast, the risk of clinically relevant bleeding was statistically similar between the 2 groups (HR: 0.86 [0.66–1.11]; P=0.238). There was no statistical interaction between HBR (PARIS bleeding score ≥8 or &amp;lt;8) and complex PCI in regard to MACE (adjusted Pinteraction=0.388) and clinically relevant bleeding (adjusted Pinteraction=0.279). Conclusions Patients who had undergone complex PCI resulted in substantially more ischemic events, without an increase in clinically relevant bleeding risk; and these associations did not seem to be modified by HBR status. More intensified antiplatelet therapy may be beneficial for patients with complex percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences

Adoption of same day discharge following elective left main stem percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundThis study sought to investigate the safety and feasibility of same day discharge (SDD) practice and compare clinical outcomes to patients admitted for overnight stay (ON) undergoing elective left main stem (LMS) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ON observation is still widely practiced in highly complex PCI as the standard of care, with no previous data comparing clinical outcomes in patients undergoing LMS PCI. MethodsWe analysed 6452 patients undergoing elective LMS PCI between 2007 and 2014 in England and Wales. Multiple logistic regressions and the BCIS risk model were used to study association between SDD and 30 day mortality. ResultsSDD rates almost doubled from 19.9% in 2007 to 39.8% in 2014 for all LMS procedures and increased from 20.7% to 41.4% for unprotected LMS cases during the same study period. There was a significant increase in procedural complexity with higher use of rotational atherectomy, longer stents and multivessel PCI. SDD was not associated with increased 30 day mortality (OR 0.70 95%CI 0.30–1.65) in the overall LMS PCI cohort and the results were similar in unprotected LMS (OR 0.48 95%CI 0.17–1.41) and those requiring ON stay (OR 0.58 95%CI 0.25–1.34). ConclusionsWe did not find evidence that SDD is not safe or feasible in highly complex LMS PCI procedures despite increasing procedural complexity with no significant increase in 30 day mortality rates.

Management of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complications: Algorithms From the 2018 and 2019 Seattle Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complications Conference.

Complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may have significant impact on patient survival and healthcare costs. PCI procedural complexity and patient risk are increasing, and operators must be prepared to recognize and treat complications, such as perforations, dissections, hemodynamic collapse, no-reflow, and entrapped equipment. Unfortunately, few resources exist to train operators in PCI complication management. Uncertainty regarding complication management could contribute to the undertreatment of patients with high-complexity coronary disease. We, therefore, coordinated the Learning From Complications: How to Be a Better Interventionalist courses to disseminate the collective experience of high-volume PCI operators with extensive experience in chronic total occlusion and high-risk PCI. From these conferences in 2018 and 2019, we developed algorithms that emphasize early recognition, effective treatment, and team-based care of PCI complications. We think that an algorithmic approach will result in a logical and systematic response to life-threatening complications. This construct may be useful for operators who plan to perform complex PCI procedures.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complexity and Risk of Adverse Events in relation to High Bleeding Risk among Patients Receiving Drug-Eluting Stents: Insights from a Large Single-Center Cohort Study.

Background/Aim The relation between complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), high bleeding risk (HBR), and adverse events after coronary artery implantation of drug-eluting stents has been incompletely characterized. This study sought to investigate the ischemic and bleeding events after complex PCI including stratification according to HBR estimated by PARIS bleeding risk score. Methods Between January 2013 and December 2013, 10,167 consecutive patients undergoing PCI were prospectively enrolled in Fuwai PCI Registry. Complex PCI was defined when having at least one of the following characteristics: 3 vessels treated, ≥3 stents implanted, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length >60 mm, treatment of chronic total occlusion, unprotected left main PCI, in-stent restenosis target lesion, and severely calcified lesion. The primary ischemic endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, definite/probable stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization), and primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Results The median duration of follow-up was 29 months. In adjusted Cox regression analysis, patients having complex PCI procedures experienced higher risks of MACE (hazard ratio (HR): 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–1.92; P < 0.001), compared with noncomplex PCI. In contrast, the risk of clinically relevant bleeding was statistically similar between the 2 groups (HR: 0.86 [0.66–1.11]; P = 0.238). There was no statistical interaction between HBR (PARIS bleeding score ≥8 or <8) and complex PCI in regard to MACE (adjusted Pinteraction = 0.388) and clinically relevant bleeding (adjusted Pinteraction = 0.279). Conclusions Patients who had undergone complex PCI resulted in substantially more ischemic events, without an increase in clinically relevant bleeding risk, and these associations did not seem to be modified by HBR status. More intensified antiplatelet therapy may be beneficial for patients with complex percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures.

910 Uptake and Utilisation of Intravascular Imaging to Guide Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains an established therapeutic option for myocardial revascularisation. Use of intravascular imaging to guide PCI is known to improve clinical outcomes, with this benefit most pronounced when tackling complex lesion subsets. We therefore sought to ascertain the current uptake and use of intravascular imaging based on anonymised data from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR). All consecutive patients undergoing PCI for coronary artery disease (CAD) were included (n=51,044) from January 2013 through December 2018. Intravascular imaging included intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) use. Patient/lesion characteristics were obtained and compared between angiographic- and imaging-PCI guided groups. Overall, 873 (1.7%) of patients had intravascular imaging to guide PCI during the study period, with IVUS used in 602 (1.2%), OCT in 246 (0.48%) and both in 25 (0.05%) cases. There was an increase in case rates of intravascular imaging year on year (p=0.001). Intravascular imaging was more commonly used in patients with diabetes (p=0.04) and those with stable CAD (p<0.001). Although angiographically-guided PCI remained the default modality used for treatment of all complex lesion subsets, rates of intravascular imaging use were higher for left-main stem intervention (14.7%), stent thrombosis (9.4%), in-stent restenosis (4.6%), treatment of chronic total occlusions (3.0%) and AHA Type B2/C lesions (1.9%). The uptake of intravascular imaging use during PCI remains limited in Victoria, even when considering more complex PCI procedures. These data should renew our focus on education, reimbursement and support for using intravascular imaging in Australia.

Prevalence and Predictors of Coronary Artery Perforation During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (from the ORPKI National Registry in Poland)

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). With a growing number of PCIs in complex lesions, the problem of CAP becomes even more important nowadays. Data on CAP rates in Poland are lacking. Presented study is an analysis of 344,517 consecutive patients treated with PCI between 2014 and 2017. Data were gathered from the Polish National PCI Registry (ORPKI). During 4 years of data collection CAP was observed in 595 (0.17%) cases. Patients diagnosed with CAP were older (69 years Q1:63; Q3:78 vs 66 years Q1:60; Q3:75; p <0.001), more often female (44% vs 32%; p <0.001), with arterial hypertension (77% vs 71%; p = 0.002), and chronic kidney disease (8.9% vs 5.4%; p <0.001). In the CAP group, a higher rate of PCIs within chronic total occlusions (8.7% vs 2.3%; p <0.001) and saphenous vein graft lesions (2.7% vs 1.3%; p = 0.002), as well as rotational atherectomy procedures (2.2% vs 0.4%; p <0.001) was observed. Patients with CAP had higher rate of no-reflow phenomenon (5.5% vs 0.5%; p <0.001) and greater periprocedural mortality (4.2% vs 0.5%; p <0.001). In conclusion, our study confirms that CAP is more common during complex PCI procedures in high-risk patients. CAP occurrence is associated with worse immediate outcomes including increased periprocedural mortality.

Complex PCI procedures: challenges for the interventional cardiologist.

In recent years, the percentage of patients with multivessel disease and multiple complex stenoses have significantly increased. One factor contributing to this increase is the proportion of elderly and very elderly patients who have been turned down by the Heart Team for surgical revascularization (Landes et al. in Catheter Cardiovasc Interv, https://doi.org/10.1002/ccd.27375 , 2017; Waldo et al. in Circulation 130:2295-2301, https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.011541 , 2014). In addition, the marked increase in patients with significant comorbidities further contributes to the increase in patients referred to the interventional cardiologist for stenting procedures. Mostly, the complexity of these patients is characterized not only by their comorbidities but also by multivessel disease, bifurcation disease, left main disease, or stenoses of calcified or tortuous vessels, degenerated saphenous vein graft lesions, and thrombotic lesions (Kirtane et al. in Circulation 134:422-431, 2016; Gennaro Giustino et al. in JACC 86:1851-1864, 2016) These specific lesion types are typically associated with lower rates of procedural success and higher rates of recurrence or major adverse cardiac events (Kirtane et al. 2016) Coming along with this problem, virtually no study exists evaluating revascularization strategies, i.e. percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or medical therapy alone in complex patients with complex coronary anatomy. Therefore, we are confronted with an increasing patient population that is understudied and potentially underserved. In the absence of robust, accurate, objective, and consistent evidence which could help us in decision-making (e.g. best revascularization strategy, complication prevention, post-interventional medical therapy), we have to stick to personal experience and patients' preferences. In this article, we provide an overview about common definition of complex PCI, general strategies to help decision-making in these patients, and give an overview about post-interventional medical treatment.

Efficacy of RADPAD protection drape in reducing radiation exposure in the catheterization laboratory—First Indian study

BackgroundOccupational radiation exposureis a growing problem due to increasing number and complexity of interventional procedures.The RADPAD is a lead-free sterile drape containing bismuth and barium that reduces scatter radiation during fluoroscopic procedures. We aimed to study the radiation exposure reduction to operators with the use of RADPAD and also measureradiation doses in different angiographic projections. Methods65 randomly selected patients undergoing elective complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures from January 2017 to 2017 were randomized in a 1:1 pattern with or without the RADPAD. Primary endpoint was the ratio of operator received dose in mrem to total radiation in Gyat the end of the procedure which was designated ‘’Relative operator exposure’’, with or without RADPAD. ResultsDespite similar fluoroscopy times (20.4 ± 9.4 min with RADPAD vs. 19.4 ± 9.2 min without RADPAD, P = 0.871) and total radiation dose (3.4 ± 4.3 Gy with RADPAD vs. 2.3 ± 1.4 Gy, P = 0.198), the relative operator exposure was significantly less with RADPAD (1.39 ± 0.95) as compared to no RADPAD group (2.27 ± 1.4) (p = 0.004) amounting to a 39% reduction. Additionally mean radiation dose per shoot of recorded Left anterior oblique (LAO) oriented projections was 34.4 ± 15.7mGyvs 24.9 ± 12.9 mGy for a non LAO oriented projection. (p < 0.001). ConclusionRADPAD significantly reduces radiation exposure to the primary operator during prolonged complex PCI procedures. Further, amongst all views, LAO views have significantly higher emitted radiation as compared to Non LAO views and need more radiation protection.

Incidence, Determinants, and Outcomes of Coronary Perforation During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United Kingdom Between 2006 and 2013: An Analysis of 527 121 Cases From the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Database.

As coronary perforation (CP) is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) the current evidence base is limited to small series. Using a national PCI database, the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CP as a complication of PCI were defined. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society data set on all PCI procedures performed in England and Wales between 2006 and 2013. Multivariate logistic regressions and propensity scores were used to identify predictors of CP and its association with outcomes. In total, 1762 CPs were recorded from 527 121 PCI procedures (incidence of 0.33%). Patients with CP were more often women or older, with a greater burden of comorbidity and underwent more complex PCI procedures. Factors predictive of CP included age per year (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence intervals, 1.02-1.03; P<0.001), previous coronary artery bypass graft (OR, 1.44; 95% confidence intervals, 1.17-1.77; P<0.001), left main (OR, 1.54; 95% confidence intervals, 1.21-1.96; P<0.001), use of rotational atherectomy (OR, 2.37; 95% confidence intervals, 1.80-3.11; P<0.001), and chronic total occlusions intervention (OR, 3.96; 95% confidence intervals, 3.28-4.78; P<0.001). Adjusted odds of adverse outcomes were higher in patients with CP for all major adverse coronary events, including stroke, bleeding, and mortality. Emergency surgery was required in 3% of cases. Predictors of mortality in patients with CP included age, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, renal disease, ventilatory support, use of circulatory support, glycoprotein inhibitor use, and stent type. Using a national PCI database for the first time, the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CP were defined. Although CP as a complication of PCI occurred rarely, it was strongly associated with poor outcomes.

Percutaneous Hemodynamic Support in PCI

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures are attempted with increasingly frequency in hemodynamically unstable, high-risk, and complex patients. Hemodynamic support can be advantageous in select patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. The need for hemodynamic support has recently shifted from patients with hemodynamic collapse to support of patients during high-risk complex PCI procedures during elective cases such as left main disease, multivessel disease, or low-flow heart failure. Currently, the three most common types of percutaneous hemodynamic support devices available in the United States are the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and the left ventricular assist devices TandemHeart and Impella. Each of these devices has its advantages and disadvantages, and an understanding of the role each plays in various pathophysiologic conditions is necessary, as this will assist the practitioner in making the correct decision as to which device will optimize patient outcomes. Recent studies have called into question the need for certain devices in specific situations. However, ongoing clinical trials will provide further insight into the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each and whether one or more is beneficial over another in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality. With continued refinements in device technology, technique, and application, it is anticipated that percutaneous device-based procedures will continue to improve patient outcomes in the most critically ill and highest-risk patients.