Complication Of Angioplasty Research Articles

Procedure complications of carotid angioplasty and stent placement without cerebral protection devices

The goal in this retrospective study was to examine the procedural complication rate for carotid angioplasty and stent placement performed without cerebral protection devices. Between March 1996 and December 2003, 167 carotid angioplasty and/or stent placement procedures were performed without cerebral protection devices in 152 patients (57 women and 95 men whose mean age was 64 years, range 19-92 years). Seven of these patients underwent angioplasty alone. Eighty-nine patients presented with focal neurological symptoms. Indications for surgery included atherosclerosis, radiation-associated stenosis, dissection, pseudoaneurysm, and stretched endovascular coils from aneurysm treatment. In this study, the patients' medical records were reviewed for clinical characteristics, techniques used, and resulting intraprocedural and 30-day complication rates. The intraprocedural stroke rate was four (2.4%) of 167; this included three hemispheric strokes and one retinal embolus. All events occurred in patients who had symptomatic stenosis. The procedural transient ischemic complication rate was six (3.6%) of 167, as was the procedural nonneurological complication rate. During the 30 days postprocedure, one patient had died and three had suffered permanent ischemic events (two cerebral and one ocular). The composite 30-day postprocedural stroke and death rate was eight (5%) of 160. The rate of asymptomatic angiographically confirmed abnormalities was 0.6% (one treated vessel that was occluded but asymptomatic). The 30-day rate of nonneurological complications was 2.5%. A strong association between intraprocedural thromboembolic events (eight cases) and prior ischemic symptoms was found (p = 0.01). Carotid angioplasty and stent placement without cerebral protection devices is safe, particularly in patients without symptomatic stenosis.

Treatment of Coronary Artery Perforation and Tamponade Complicating Balloon Angioplasty by PTFE-Covered Stent. A Case Report

A coronary artery perforation is a rare but often fatal complication of angioplasty. We experienced a coronary artery perforation and cardiac tamponade during balloon angioplasty. A polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)-covered stent was used to successfully close the perforation.

Impact of anemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Analysis from the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial

Impact of anemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Analysis from the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial

Predictors of and outcomes of early thrombosis following balloon angioplasty versus primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction and usefulness of abciximab (the CADILLAC trial)

We sought to identify the predictors and clinical outcomes of early thrombosis after primary angioplasty and stenting for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Little is known about the correlates and prognosis of acute and subacute thromboses after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI. We therefore studied the frequency, clinical determinants, and implications of early thrombosis in a large trial of patients who had primary PCI. In the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications trial, 2,082 patients who had AMI were randomized in a 2 x 2 factorial design to primary stenting or to balloon angioplasty, each with and without abciximab. Early thrombosis occurred in 19 patients (0.9%) at a median of 2 days (range 0 to 23). Maximal balloon diameter was smaller, and aneurysmal and bifurcation lesions were more prevalent in the group with early thrombosis. Early thrombosis occurred in 0.4% of patients who had been randomized to receive abciximab versus 1.5% of control patients (p <0.01) and in 0.5% of patients who had been randomized to undergo stenting versus 1.4% of those who underwent balloon angioplasty (p = 0.04). By multivariate analysis, abciximab use was an independent predictor of no thrombosis (hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.86, p = 0.026). Within 30 days, 5.3% of patients who had early thrombosis died, 32.9% developed reinfarction, and 89.5% required repeat target vessel revascularization (including bypass surgery in 11.1%). As a result, patients who had versus those who did not have early thrombosis had markedly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events at 30 days (94.7% vs 5.0%, p <0.0001) and at 1 year (94.7% vs 16.9%, p <0.0001). Patients who develop early thrombosis after primary PCI have a very high rate of major adverse cardiac events, including death and reinfarction, and usually require repeat coronary angioplasty or surgery for management. Complex baseline angiographic morphology and smaller maximal balloon diameter are predictors of early thrombosis after primary PCI for AMI. The incidence of early thrombosis after primary angioplasty and stenting is decreased by abciximab use.

Prognostic utility of comparative methods for assessment of ST-segment resolution after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarctionThe controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (CADILLAC) trial

This study was done to assess and compare the prognostic significance of multiple methods for measuringST-segment elevation resolution (STR) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Resolution of ST-segment elevation (STE) is a powerful predictor of both infarct-related artery patency and mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recent thrombolytic studies have suggested that simple measures of STR may be as powerful as more complex algorithms. The optimal method of assessing STR following primary PCI has not been studied. We analyzed 700 patients with technically adequate baseline and post-PCI electrocardiograms from the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial. Five methods were used to assess STR: 1) summed %STR across multiple leads (ΣSTR); 2) %STR in the single lead with maximum baseline STE (MaxSTR); 3) absolute maximum STE before the procedure; 4) absolute maximum STE after intervention (MaxSTPost); and 5) a categorical variable based upon MaxSTPost (High Risk). At 30 days, ΣSTR, MaxSTR, and MaxSTPost all correlated strongly with mortality (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, and p < 0.0001, respectively) and the combined end point of mortality or reinfarction (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.0001). At one year, ΣSTR and MaxSTPost correlated with mortality (p = 0.04, p = 0.0001), reinfarction (p = 0.02, p = 0.0015), and the combined end point (p = 0.02, p < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, only the simpler measures of MaxSTPost and High Risk categorization independently predicted all outcomes at both time points. The STR following primary PCI in AMI correlates strongly with mortality and reinfarction, independent of target vessel patency. The simple measure of the maximal residual degree of STE after primary PCI is a strong independent predictor of both survival and freedom from reinfarction at 30 days and 1 year.

Prognostic utility of comparative methods for assessment of ST-segment resolution after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: The controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (CADILLAC) trial

This study was done to assess and compare the prognostic significance of multiple methods for measuring ST-segment elevation resolution (STR) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Resolution of ST-segment elevation (STE) is a powerful predictor of both infarct-related artery patency and mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recent thrombolytic studies have suggested that simple measures of STR may be as powerful as more complex algorithms. The optimal method of assessing STR following primary PCI has not been studied. We analyzed 700 patients with technically adequate baseline and post-PCI electrocardiograms from the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial. Five methods were used to assess STR: 1) summed %STR across multiple leads (SigmaSTR); 2) %STR in the single lead with maximum baseline STE (MaxSTR); 3) absolute maximum STE before the procedure; 4) absolute maximum STE after intervention (MaxSTPost); and 5) a categorical variable based upon MaxSTPost (High Risk). At 30 days, SigmaSTR, MaxSTR, and MaxSTPost all correlated strongly with mortality (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, and p < 0.0001, respectively) and the combined end point of mortality or reinfarction (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.0001). At one year, SigmaSTR and MaxSTPost correlated with mortality (p = 0.04, p = 0.0001), reinfarction (p = 0.02, p = 0.0015), and the combined end point (p = 0.02, p < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, only the simpler measures of MaxSTPost and High Risk categorization independently predicted all outcomes at both time points. The STR following primary PCI in AMI correlates strongly with mortality and reinfarction, independent of target vessel patency. The simple measure of the maximal residual degree of STE after primary PCI is a strong independent predictor of both survival and freedom from reinfarction at 30 days and 1 year.

Impact of anemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Analysis from the controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (cadillac) trial

We sought to investigate the impact of anemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The prognostic importance of anemia on primary PCI outcomes is unknown. In the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, 2,082 patients of any age with AMI within 12 h onset undergoing primary PCI were randomized to balloon angioplasty versus stenting, each +/- abciximab. Outcomes were stratified by the presence of anemia at baseline, as defined by World Health Organization criteria (hematocrit <39% for men and <36% for women). Anemia was present in 260 (12.8%) of 2,027 randomized patients with baseline laboratory values. Patients with versus without baseline anemia more frequently developed in-hospital hemorrhagic complications (6.2% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.002), had higher rates of blood product transfusions (13.1% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.0001), and had a prolonged (median 4.1 vs. 3.5 days, p < 0.0001) and more expensive (median costs $12,434 vs. $11,603, p = 0.002) index hospitalization. Patients with versus without anemia had strikingly higher mortality during hospitalization (4.6% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.0003), at 30 days (5.8% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.0001), and at 1 year (9.4% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.0001). The rates of disabling stroke at 30 days (0.8% vs. 0.1%, p = 0.005) and at 1 year (2.1% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.0007) were also significantly higher in patients with anemia. By multivariate analysis, anemia was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio, 3.26; p = 0.048) and one-year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.38; p = 0.016). Anemia at baseline in patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI is common, and is strongly associated with adverse outcomes and increased mortality.

Importance of mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: the controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (cadillac) trial: Pellizzon GG, Grines CL, Cox DA, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004;43:1368–74

Importance of mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: the controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (cadillac) trial: Pellizzon GG, Grines CL, Cox DA, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004;43:1368–74

Impact of intravenous Beta-Blockade before primary angioplasty on survival in patients undergoing mechanical reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction

ObjectivesWe sought to examine the effect of intravenous beta-blockers administered before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on survival and myocardial recovery after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BackgroundStudies of primary PCI but not thrombolysis have suggested that beta-blocker administration before reperfusion may enhance survival. Whether oral beta-blocker use before admission modulates this effect is unknown. MethodsThe Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial randomized 2,082 AMI patients to either stenting or balloon angioplasty, each ± abciximab. In accordance with the protocol, intravenous beta-blockers were administered before PCI in the absence of contraindications. ResultsA total of 1,136 patients (54.5%, BB+ group) received beta-blockers before PCI, whereas 946 (45.5%, BB− group) did not. The 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the BB+ group than in the BB− group (1.5% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.03), an effect entirely limited to patients who had not been receiving beta-blockers before admission (1.2% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.007). In contrast, no survival benefit with pre-procedural beta-blockers was observed in patients receiving beta-blockers at home (3.3% vs. 1.9%, respectively, p = 0.47). By multivariate analysis, pre-procedural beta-blocker use was an independent predictor of lower 30-day mortality among patients without previous beta-blocker therapy (relative risk = 0.38 [95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.87], p = 0.02). The improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to seven months was also greater after intravenous beta-blockers (3.8% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.01), an effect limited to patients not receiving oral beta-blockers before admission. ConclusionsIn patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI, myocardial recovery is enhanced and 30-day mortality is reduced with pre-procedural intravenous beta-blockade, effects confined to patients untreated with oral beta-blocker medication before admission.

Importance of mitral regurgitation inpatients undergoing percutaneous coronaryintervention for acute myocardial infarction: The Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) Trial

ObjectivesWe sought to determine the prognostic importance of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BackgroundMitral regurgitation has been associated with a poor prognosis in patients treated with thrombolytic therapy for AMI. The prognostic significance of MR in patients undergoing mechanical reperfusion therapy for AMI is unknown. MethodsLeft ventriculography was performed during the index procedure in 1,976 (95%) of 2,082 non-shock patients enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial of mechanical reperfusion strategies in AMI. The severity of operator-assessed MR was divided into four strata: none (n = 1,726), mild (n = 192), and moderate/severe (n = 58). ResultsPatients with progressively more severe MR were older (p < 0.0001), were more often women (p < 0.0001), and had higher Killip class (p = 0.0007). More severe grades of MR correlated with triple-vessel disease (p < 0.0001) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as measured during the index procedure (p = 0.0004). Increasingly severe MR was strongly associated with a higher mortality at 30 days (1.4% vs. 3.7% vs. 8.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001) and at one year (2.9%, 8.5%, 20.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, the presence of even mild MR was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (mild MR, relative risk [RR] = 2.40, p = 0.005; moderate/severe MR, RR = 2.82, p = 0.006). ConclusionsMitral regurgitation of any degree present on the baseline left ventriculogram during the index procedure is a powerful, independent predictor of mortality in patients undergoing mechanical reperfusion therapy for AMI. The presence of MR identifies high-risk patients in whom close out-patient follow-up is warranted, and who may benefit from aggressive adjunctive medical or surgical therapies.

Impact of ST-segment resolution after primary angioplasty on outcomes after myocardial infarction in elderly patients: an analysis from the CADILLAC trial

Background Age is a strong independent predictor of outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whether lower rates of reperfusion success contribute to the poor prognosis in elderly patients is unknown. Methods A formal ST-segment analysis substudy was performed in 695 patients undergoing primary PCI for AMI in the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial. Reperfusion success (determined by the magnitude of ST-segment elevation resolution [STR] after PCI) was evaluated in 4 age groups: <50 years (n = 163), ≥50 to <60 years (n = 187), ≥60 to <70 years (n = 194), and ≥70 years (n = 151). Results There were no differences in the age groups for angiographic procedural success >91% in all, P = .6), postprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow >94%, P = .8), and the proportions of patients with complete, partial, or absent STR ( P >.8). However, rates of 30-day mortality (0.6%, 1.1%, 3.6%, 6.0%, respectively) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE; 2.5%, 4.8%, 6.2% 9.3%, respectively) increased with age. Rates of mortality and MACE were also inversely related to the magnitude of STR. Absent STR (hazard ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.37–6.58; P = .006) and age (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01–1.77; P = .04) were independent predictors of 30-day MACE by using multivariable modeling. Conclusions Lack of effective myocardial reperfusion is not a contributory mechanism responsible for the high morbidity and mortality rates observed in elderly patients. Nevertheless, advanced age and absent STR are both independent predictors of adverse outcomes after primary PCI, emphasizing the importance of successful reperfusion in the elderly population.

Cost-effectiveness of coronary stenting and abciximab for patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from the cadillac (controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications) trial

Cost-effectiveness of coronary stenting and abciximab for patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from the cadillac (controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications) trial

Benefits and risks of abciximab use in primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: the controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (CADILLAC) trial

Benefits and risks of abciximab use in primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: the controlled abciximab and device investigation to lower late angioplasty complications (CADILLAC) trial

Adenoviral transfer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase attenuates lesion formation in a novel murine model of postangioplasty restenosis.

Restenosis remains a major late complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), for which the development of prevention strategies has thus far been hampered by the lack of a representative and practical animal model. We have, therefore, developed a murine model of PTCA-induced restenosis. Rigid probe angioplasty of pre-existing atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid arteries of ApoE-deficient mice was found to result in an increase in lesion size (0.14+/-0.04x10(5) microm2 to 0.42+/-0.09x10(5) microm2, P=0.007) with a smooth muscle cell-rich, fibrotic lesion morphology. In an additional experiment, lesions were incubated immediately after angioplasty with adenovirus bearing an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) transgene (Ad.APT.eNOS), or an "empty" control virus (Ad.APT.empty) at a titer of 1.5x10(9) pfu/mL. Ad.APT.eNOS treatment was seen to lead to a 73.1% reduction in plaque size (0.27+/-0.04x10(5) microm2 versus 1.02+/-0.39x10(5) microm2, P=0.07), which translated to a significantly lowered average degree of stenosis (33.6+/-4.1% versus 74.6+/-14.0%, P=0.02). Ad.APT.eNOS also decreased lesional collagen content from 29.1% to 4.8% (P<0.001). We believe that we have established a representative murine model of postangioplasty restenosis, which may serve to elucidate the mechanisms underlying restenosis and to evaluate potential antirestenotic therapies.

Are Stenting and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Blockade of Good Value in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?

Therapy for ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) has undergone remarkable change over the past decade, and more evolution is doubtless in store. First, it has become relatively clear that primary angioplasty provides a real, if small, benefit over thrombolytic therapy.1 More recently, clinical trial data have shown that coronary stenting, initially thought to be unsafe in the thrombotic setting of an STEMI, is indeed safe and provides for a reduction in early events and repeat revascularization, although there was lingering concern over possible increased mortality with stenting compared with balloon angioplasty.2 Finally, some have argued recently that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors also provide a benefit over conventional anticoagulation regimens.3–5 See p 2857 However, despite the potential benefits that each of these therapies may offer, each new therapy is also expensive, and a greater question of judgment has emerged, as follows: are the clinical benefits associated with each of these therapies adequate to justify the higher costs associated with their use? To answer this question, it has become standard for the major clinical trials evaluating a new therapy to include an economic study, and often a cost-effectiveness analysis. Indeed, some have argued that economics and cost-effectiveness evaluation must become fundamental in clinical decision-making.6 A major study addressing optimal adjunctive therapy with primary angioplasty was the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, which used a 2-by-2 factorial design to independently evaluate the effectiveness of adding coronary stents or the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab to standard balloon percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the setting of an acute MI. Considering stenting versus PTCA, there were no significant differences in initial hospital outcomes or in death, recurrent MI, and stroke at 1 year. Stenting, however, was associated with a significant 6.4% absolute risk reduction in …

IL-1 cluster genes and occurrence of post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty restenosis: a prospective, angiography-based evaluation

A polymorphic marker of the gene encoding the interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist has been recently reported to be associated with risk of coronary artery disease. However, no prospective studies of the IL-1 gene cluster in relation to the occurrence of restenosis, a major complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), have so far been conducted. We had the opportunity to investigate this question in a large, prospective cohort characterized by quantitative coronary angiography in all subjects. The IL1A A114S, IL1B −511C>T, IL1B 3953T>C, IL1RI exon1B T>C, and IL1RN VNTR (intron 2) polymorphisms were characterized in a cohort of 779 patients of whom 342 (“cases”) had developed restenosis (as defined by >50% loss of lumen compared to immediate post-procedure results) at repeat angiography at 6 months post-PTCA. All observed genotype frequencies were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Frequencies for the rare alleles were: IL1A S, 0.29 (cases), 0.28 (controls); IL1B T, 0.31 (cases), and 0.33 (controls); IL1B C, 0.23 (cases), 0.24 (controls); IL1RI C, 0.34 (cases), 0.35 (controls); and IL1RN 2, 0.29 (cases), 0.29 (controls), respectively. There was no evidence for an association between genotype and restenosis or degree of lumen loss (adjusted for covariables). Our data indicate that the common variants in the IL-1 cluster genes are not associated with incidence of restenosis after PTCA.

Outcomes of optimal or “stent-like”balloon angioplasty in acutemyocardial infarction: the CADILLAC trial

ObjectivesWe sought to compare outcomes between patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with an optimal or “stent-like” result versus patients who underwent routine stent placement. BackgroundRecent studies in patients with AMI undergoing stent implantation have suggested that PTCA may no longer be a relevant treatment modality for stent eligible lesions. However, whether routine stent placement is superior or necessary when an optimal PTCA or “stent-like” result is achieved is unknown. MethodsIn the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, 2,082 patients with AMI were randomly assigned to undergo PTCA alone, PTCA + abciximab, stenting alone, or stenting + abciximab. Outcomes were compared in patients achieving an optimal acute PTCA result (residual core laboratory diameter stenosis <30% without significant dissection) versus those assigned to routine stenting. ResultsOptimal PTCA was achieved in 40.7% of patients randomized to balloon angioplasty, including 38.5% and 42.7% assigned to PTCA alone and PTCA + abciximab, respectively. Ischemic target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 30 days occurred more frequently after optimal PTCA than routine stenting (5.1% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.007). The one-year composite adverse event rate (death, reinfarction, disabling stroke, or TVR) was greater after optimal PTCA than routine stenting (21.9% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.001), driven largely by increased rates of ischemic TVR (19.1% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001); no significant differences were present in the rates of death, reinfarction, or disabling stroke between the two groups. Angiographic restenosis also was more common with optimal PTCA than routine stenting (36.2% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.003). Even a post-PTCA diameter stenosis of <20% (realized in 12% of patients) did not result in outcomes equivalent to stenting. ConclusionsEven if an optimal result is achieved after primary PTCA in AMI, early and late outcomes can be further improved with routine stent implantation.

Postoperative infection associated with polyester patch angioplasty after carotid endarterectomy.

Postoperative infection is one of the most dreaded complications associated with use of synthetic patches for carotid endarterectomy. Although polyester patches were used extensively for carotid patch angioplasty throughout the last decade, few reports detail cases of deep patch infection. We describe our experience with polyester patch infections after carotid endarterectomy. Patients and methods From January 1996 through December 2001 we treated polyester patch infections after carotid endarterectomy in 10 patients. The interval from primary carotid endarterectomy to presentation with infection ranged from 11 days to 30 months. All patients underwent repeat operation that involved tissue debridement, excision of the polyester patch, and either interposition grafting or patch angioplasty with autologous vein. No perioperative stroke or death occurred; however, 1 patient had transient hoarseness, and in 1 patient a pseudoaneurysm developed that required additional surgical repair with a saphenous vein interposition graft. All patients remain well and free of infection with follow-up as long as 56 months. Infection is a serious and rare complication of carotid patch angioplasty with polyester material. Nonetheless, it can be treated successfully with good results and acceptable morbidity with soft tissue debridement, prosthetic patch excision, and either patch angioplasty or interposition grafting with autologous vein.

Lipid metabolism and occurrence of post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty restenosis: role of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and paraoxonase/arylesterase

Plasma lipid metabolic and transfer processes have recently been suggested to play an important role in the development of early restenosis, a major complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA); in particular, the common variants of genes for cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and paraoxonase (PONA) have been implicated. We had the opportunity to investigate this question in a large, prospective cohort characterized by quantitative coronary angiography in all subjects. The CETP-TaqIB (intron 1), CETP-MspI (intron 8), and PONA-AlwI (exon 2) polymorphisms were characterized in a cohort of 779 patients of whom 342 ("cases") had developed restenosis (as defined by > 50% loss of lumen compared with immediate postprocedure results) at repeat angiography at 6 months post PTCA. Selected frequencies for CETP B1 and B2 alleles (absence/presence of TaqIB site) were 0.65 and 0.35 (cases) and 0.65 and 0.35 (controls), respectively; frequencies for CETP M1 and M2 alleles (absence/presence of MspI site) were 0.20 and 0.80 (cases), 0.21 and 0.79 (controls), respectively; frequencies for PONA A and B alleles (absence/presence of AlwI site) were 0.73 and 0.27 (cases), 0.72 and 0.28 (controls), respectively. All observed genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no evidence for gene-gene interaction, or an association between genotype and restenosis or degree of lumen loss (adjusted for covariates). Our data, collected in the largest study of its kind so far, indicate that the common variants for CETP and PONA are not associated with incidence of restenosis after PTCA, and are therefore not useful markers for risk assessment.

A break-even price calculation for the use of sirolimus-eluting stents in angioplasty

Background: One of the major complications of angioplasty is the early occurrence of restenosis requiring a repeat procedure. When bare-metal stents are used, clinical restenosis results in a repeat procedure in 10% to 15% of cases. Based on the results of an international, randomized clinical trial, the use of sirolimus-eluting stents reduces this risk. Objectives: The aims of this study were to calculate the theoretical break-even price for sirolimus-eluting stents in France, the Netherlands, and the United States, and to determine the additional health care cost per patient. Methods: The break-even price was calculated by adding the savings resulting from a 15% decrease in the rate of clinical restenosis to the price of bare-metal stents. Costs were computed from the viewpoint of the health care system, exclusive of the other societal costs. Results: The break-even prices were €1291 to €1489 in France, €2028 in the Netherlands, and €2708 in the United States (€1.00 = US $1.00 in purchasing power parity). These results indicate that the commercial price of sirolimus-eluting stents will increase hospital spending for patients undergoing angioplasty by 17% to 55% per patient. Conclusion: This additional cost to the health care system should be discussed in view of possible productivity savings and improved quality of life for patients.