Coronary Revascularization In Patients Research Articles

FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE–GUIDED PCI IN PATIENTS WITH MULTI-VESSEL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

In multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), there is insufficient data to support the use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to guide treatment beyond candidates for coronary graft surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the treatment based on FFR is more effective in lowering the ‘cumulative rate of death’, ‘myocardial infarction’, ‘stroke, or unexpected coronary revascularization in patients who have multi-vessel CAD than a ‘traditional strategy based on coronary angiography without FFR’. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 1200 participants, i-e, 607 in the control group and 593 in the FFR group. This study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) from June 2021 to July 2022. Multi-vessel CAD candidates were randomised (1 to 1) to either a conventional treatment plan without FFR or an intervention plan ‘based on FFR in all stenotic (≥50%) coronary arteries. ‘Revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or surgery)’ was recommended for FFR ≤0.80 lesions in the FFR group. A significant ‘adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event at one year served as the primary outcome. Results: After a safety investigation and the enrollment of 1200 patients, the data safety and monitoring board decided to terminate the trial early. The results showed no appreciable variations in the frequencies of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events among the FFR and control groups at the one-year monitoring, according to intention to treat. A 24-month extended follow-up confirmed no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the FFR group and the control group. More individuals were referred solely for medical care when FFR dramatically decreased the percentage of revascularised individuals. Conclusion: An FFR-guided approach reduced revascularisation rates compared to angiography only and almost doubled the rate of OMT alone among individuals with multi-vessel coronary artery disease. However, the FFR-guided approach had no discernible impact on the clinical results at one year, determined mainly by the SYNTAX score and left ventricular function. The current study indicates that while FFR alone does not affect clinical results, it does assist in selecting the best revascularisation approach.

Could Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Replace Invasive Coronary Angiography as a First-Line Diagnostic Investigation in Suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes? A Decision-Analytic Model

The implementation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays into clinical practice has resulted in the identification of a novel cohort of patients with modestly increased troponin concentrations. Subsequent increases in rates of coronary angiography have been observed, without significant increases in rates of coronary revascularisation. Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is a non-invasive investigation that offers the opportunity to decouple investigation from the impetus to revascularise, and may provide an alternative, more risk-appropriate initial investigative strategy for the cohort with low to moderate hs-cTn increases. This analysis seeks to define the threshold of pre-test probability of coronary revascularisation in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome at which a strategy of initial CTCA is safe and a more cost-effective approach than standard invasive coronary angiography (ICA). A cost-benefit evaluation was conducted using a decision-analytic model. The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CTCA in comparison with ICA as an initial diagnostic investigation for patients with hs-cTnT levels between 5 and 100 ng/L. Secondary outcome measures of costs, patient outcomes, and quality-adjusted life years were analysed. Median base case ICER over 1,000 trials was $17,163 AUD but demonstrated large variability. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that CTCA was cost-effective until the probability of requiring revascularisation was ∼60%, beyond which point CTCA was associated with higher costs and poorer outcomes than ICA. Computed tomography coronary angiography may be a cost-effective first-line investigation for patients with moderate hs-cTnT rises until/up to a 60% pre-test probability for receiving coronary revascularisation. To objectively assess the optimal circumstances of cost-effectiveness, prospective evaluation incorporating the estimated probability of revascularisation will be required.

Sex-specific genetic risks for adverse outcomes after coronary revascularization procedures.

Men and women have differing risks of adverse events after revascularization procedures and these differences could be partially driven by genetics. We studied the sex-specific differences in associations of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) with atrial fibrillation (AF), ischaemic stroke (STR), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), myocardial infarction (MI) and gastrointestinal haemorrhage (GIH) in coronary revascularization patients. The study cohort comprised 5561 and 17578 revascularized women and men. All participants underwent genotyping and register-based follow-up from 1961 to 2021. We calculated PRSs for all individuals and used Cox models with interaction term to examine the sex-specific associations between the PRSs and adverse outcomes after revascularization. The AF-PRS was more strongly associated with AF in men [hazard ratio (HR) per 1 standard deviation increase, 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-1.19; P = 7.6 × 10-22) than in women (P for interaction 0.006). Conversely, ICH-PRS was more strongly associated with ICH after revascularization in women (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08-1.62; P = 0.008) than in men (P for interaction 0.008). We observed no sex-specific differences for the associations of PRSs with STR, MI or GIH. The genetic risk of AF after revascularization is greater in men than in women, and vice versa for ICH. Sex-specific PRSs could be used to identify individuals in high genetic risk for these complications.

Percutaneous coronary intervention: Before, after, or during TAVR?

Key points Decisions surrounding if, and when, to perform coronary revascularization in patients undergoing trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are often complex. Concomitant percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and TAVR is associated with comparable technical success, but higher rates of bleeding and acute kidney injury, compared to staged procedures or no PCI. Timing of PCI relative to TAVR should be individualized based on clinical status, lesion complexity and anticipated risks of bleeding and renal injury.

Factors associated with coronary revascularization in patients with suspected NSTE-ACS from a large multicenter prospective registry

Factors associated with coronary revascularization in patients with suspected NSTE-ACS from a large multicenter prospective registry

Longer-term impact of PCSK9 inhibitors on major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Background The development of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors offers a novel treatment option for lowering cardiovascular risk profiles through significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Whilst their effect on improving patients' lipid profiles has been well-established in clinical trials, their impact on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in the longer-term is of interest since PCSK9 inhibitors are becoming an important addition to the current armament of lipid-lowering therapies. Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to evaluate the longer-term effect (≥ 12 months) of PCSK9 inhibitors on MACE and all-cause mortality, compared to placebo, in patients with dyslipidaemia or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Methods A systematic search of databases including PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in January 2023. Two reviewers screened for phase 3 randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies currently in use (alirocumab and evolocumab) to placebo in adult patients. Trials were included if they had a follow-up of at least 12 months from initiation of treatment and reported on MACE or all-cause mortality. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, MACE outcomes such as rates of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation, cardiovascular death, hospitalisation for heart failure, hospitalisation for unstable angina, stroke and all-cause mortality outcomes were extracted. A random effects model was used for meta-analysis with dichotomous outcomes reported as odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I² metric to assess heterogeneity. Results The incidence of myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation was reported in ten studies (encompassing 57,890 participants) out of the eleven RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant reduction in myocardial infarction (OR -0.27, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.15, p <0.01, I² = 25.5%) and coronary revascularisation (OR -0.20, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.11, p <0.01, I² =12.4%) for patients on PCSK9 inhibitors compared to placebo. Heterogeneity was considered moderate and low respectively for these outcomes. No statistically significant effect was observed for other MACE or all-cause mortality. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that PCSK9 inhibitors can significantly reduce rates of myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation in patients over the long-term (≥ 12 months). Further studies with longer-term follow-up are needed to fully evaluate the impact of PCSK9 inhibitors across MACE outcomes, and to inform clinical decision-making.Myocardial Infarction Forest PlotCoronary Revascularisation Forest Plot

Vessel-oriented cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes undergoing intracoronary physiology-guided revascularization

Abstract Background The safety of intracoronary physiology guided coronary revascularization in patients with diabetes mellitus is not well established. Purpose The aim of this work is to assess the risk of vessel oriented cardiovascular events (VOCE) in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent physiology-guided coronary revascularization. Moreover, we sought to identify clinical features associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes among patients with DM particularly when coronary intervention was deferred based on intracoronary functional assessment. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of a multicenter registry of patients evaluated with fractional flow reserve and/or non-hyperaemic pressure ratio. The primary endpoint was a composite of VOCE including cardiac death, vessel-related myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (TVR). Results A large cohort of 2828 patients and 3353 coronary lesions with and without DM was analysed to assess the risk of VOCE at long-term follow up (23, interquartile range 14-36 months). The primary endpoint occurred in 222 (6.6%) coronary lesions without difference between patients with and without DM (7.8% vs. 6.1%, P=0.078). Diabetes was not associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR, 1.20, 95% CI 0.89-1.61, P=0.226) or with its individual components. Conversely, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) demonstrated an increased risk of VOCE (aHR 1.76, 95% CI 1.07-2.91, P=0.027). In particular, IDDM was independently associated with ischemia-driven TVR (aHR 2.13, 95% CI 1.22-3.72, P=0.008) but not with vessel-oriented MI and cardiac death. Myocardial revascularization was deferred in 2316 (69%) coronary lesions without difference between patients with and without DM (68.8% vs. 69.2%, P=0.820). In multivariable analysis, lesion localization in the proximal segment of the coronary artery (aHR 2.20, 95% CI 1.33-3.63, P=0.002), abnormal coronary physiology (aHR 5.95, 95% CI 2.27-15.59, P<0.0001) and IDDM (aHR 2.77, 95% CI 1.11-6.93, P=0.029) were independently associated with the risk of VOCE in the shared frailty Cox regression model. Conversely, overall DM was not associated with the primary endpoint (HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.98-1.98, P=0.069). Moreover, in patients with DM and deferred coronary lesions, lesion localization on the left anterior descending artery (aHR 3.13, 95%CI 1.31-7.51, P=0.010) and IDDM (aHR 2.47 95% CI 1.29-4.73, p=0.006) were associated with increased risk of VOCE after adjustment for clinical confounders. Conclusion Patients with non-IDDM and coronary lesions assessed with coronary physiology demonstrated low risk of VOCE at long-term follow up, similar to the risk of patients without DM. Conversely, IDDM represents a subgroup at high-risk of vessel-related adverse events and require close monitoring at follow up, even in presence of non-ischemic findings at coronary functional assessment.Overall cohortDeferred cohort

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase as a prognostic risk factor in complex coronary disease: a serendipitous (re)discovery of machine learning in the SYNTAXES?

Abstract Background/Introduction Over the last decade, epidemiology and pathology studies have suggested that gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has an independent role in the pathogenesis and clinical evolution of cardiovascular diseases associated with atherosclerosis. Recently, machine learning (ML) algorithms have identified pre-procedural GGT as a significant predictor of long-term mortality after coronary revascularization in the SYNTAX trial. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of pre-procedural GGT on 10-year all-cause mortality in patients with three-vessel disease (3VD) and/or left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) following revascularization. Methods The SYNTAX trial was a randomized trial comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 1,800 patients with complex CAD. The present report is a post-hoc sub-analysis of the SYNTAXES study, an investigator-driven extended 10-year follow-up of the SYNTAX trial. Before revascularization, blood samples were taken for GGT as well as other biological markers and analyzed by an independent central chemistry laboratory. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 10-years. The changes in hazard for all-cause mortality in GGT over time were modelled using restricted cubic spline functions in a Cox regression model adjusted by age and sex. Subsequently, we compared survival in four groups defined by gender specific GGT thresholds of <32 IU and ≥32 IU for females and <64 IU and ≥64 IU for males, in accordance with prior studies. Results Out of 1,800 patients enrolled in the SYNTAX study, 167 (9.3%) did not have a GGT available at baseline and 1,633 (90.7%) patients were included in the present study. The mean values of GGT for males and females were 43.5±48.5 and 36.4±46.1 U/L, respectively. In the overall population a 10 U/L increase in GGT was significantly associated with 10-year all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 [1.02–1.04], p <0.001, Figure A). For Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients were stratified into four groups according to previously reported sex related GGT thresholds. Ten-year mortality was numerically higher in males (adjusted HR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.90–1.91), and significantly higher in females (adjusted HR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.16–3.05) among patients with higher versus lower GGT (Figure B). Furthermore, GGT was significantly associated with CRP, a surrogate-marker of inflammation, as well as established cardiovascular risk biomarkers such as TG, total cholesterol, and glucose. Conclusions Preprocedural GGT is an independent predictor of 10-year mortality following coronary revascularization in patients with 3VD and/or LMCAD. This long-term association has been identified using ML algorithms and should be corroborated using data from large biobanks.Figure AFigure B

Clinical outcomes of physiology-guided coronary revascularization in patients undergoing TAVR

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease frequently coexists with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Although an fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in native coronary artery has been shown to be associated with better clinical outcomes as compared with an angiography-guided PCI, it is unknown whether this applies to severe AS patients. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of different revascularization strategies between FFR-guided and angiography-guided PCI in AS patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods In this retrospective analysis, we included 401 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR who had coexisting coronary artery disease at invasive coronary angiography. A total of 156 patients was considered to have significant coronary artery lesions (>50% of diameter stenosis) due to the visual estimation. Patients were divided into 2 groups: physiology-guided (n=96, PCI performed in case of FFR ≤0.80 or diameter stenosis ≥90%) and angiography-guided PCI (n=60, PCI performed based on angiographic evaluation). Patients were clinically followed up and evaluated for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE; defined as a composite of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target vessel failure, and cerebrovascular accident) and major bleeding event defined as ≥VARC-3 type 2. Results Most lesions (62/96; 65%) in the physiology-guided group had negative results and were deferred. During a median follow-up of 743 [from 400 to 1,186] days, physiology-guided group had a significantly lower rate of MACCE compared with the angiography-guided groups (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.83; P<0.01). In addition, physiology-guided group showed a lower major bleeding event rate compared with the angiography-guided group (adjusted HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04-0.40; P<0.01). Conclusion Physiology-guided PCI resulted in better clinical outcomes and lower bleeding events than angiography-guided PCI in patients with AS undergoing TAVR.

Abstract 13423: Magnetocardiography as a Noninvasive Diagnostic Strategy for Ischemia Evaluating Following Coronary Revascularization of Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Magnetocardiography (MCG) constitutes a non-invasive and radiation-free procedure that quantifies the heart's magnetic fields and has exhibited sensitive diagnostic capabilities for ischemia. Typically, MCG presents a distinctive pattern in healthy subjects, characterized by a positive and a negative pole that forms an angle of approximately 45-60 degrees within the T peak segment. Hypothesis: Our study aims to monitor the significant alterations in MCG patterns among patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing revascularization. Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled and MCG scans were conducted thrice: three days pre-intervention, one week post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up. Results: Four patients underwent anatomical complete revascularization, while one patient had incomplete revascularization. When comparing the MCG patterns of patients with NSTEMI (Figures B-F) to a normal MCG pattern (Figure A), pre-intervention scans showed angular deflection (80%, except for patient 3) and an anomalous distribution of poles (100%). One week post-intervention, patients who underwent complete revascularization (Figures B-D) had myocardial enzymes normalized, along with slight angle recovery and reshaping of the poles (100%). By the three-month follow-up, these patients experienced symptom resolution, and their MCG patterns showed normalized angles with recovered poles (100%). However, the patient who underwent incomplete revascularization (Figure F) exhibited sustained myocardial ischemia symptoms, with no further angle recovery and continued anomalous distribution of positive poles, both post-intervention and during follow-up. Conclusions: The distribution of poles and angular deflection could potentially serve as indicators of ischemia. MCG may represent a promising strategy for evaluating myocardial recovery in patients with NSTEMI.

Abstract 16290: Lipoprotein (a) as a Predictor of Recurrent Myocardial Infarction/Coronary Revascularization in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Who Underwent PCI: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Introduction: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been recognized as an independent predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, there is limited data on the association between Lp(a) levels and risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI)/coronary revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched for studies evaluating the association of Lp(a) with recurrent ischemic events from the year 2000-2023. Patients with coronary artery disease or ACS with baseline Lp(a) who underwent PCI or coronary stenting and had outcomes as recurrent MI/ coronary revascularization were included. Random effects models and I 2 statistics were used for pooled hazard ratios (HR), odds ratio (OR), and heterogeneity assessment. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was also performed. Results: The initial search resulted in 651 articles, of which nine studies with 27964 patients (mean age 58-66 years, 74.79% male) were included. Of the nine studies, six were retrospective and three prospective. Mean±SD/Median (IQ) follow-up duration was four years [range 2-7 years]. There was an increased risk of recurrent MI/coronary revascularization associated with Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL (OR, 1.44, 95% CI: 1.09-1.89, I 2 = 79.24%, p=0.009) (Fig 1a) and Lp(a) ≥10-30 mg/dL (OR, 1.19, 95% CI: 1.009-1.416, I 2 = 0%, p=0.039) (Fig 1b), but failed to reach significance with Lp(a) as a continuous variable (OR, 1.004, 95% CI: 0.998-1.009, I 2 = 85.02%, p=0.221) (Fig 1c). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed an equivalent result for various Lp(a) cutoffs (Fig 1a, 1b, and 1c). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests an association of raised Lp(a) with increased risk of recurrent MI/coronary revascularization in ACS patients who underwent PCI.

Lipoprotein(a) and the Effect of Alirocumab on Revascularization After Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Many patients require revascularization after index acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Lipoprotein(a) is thought to play a pathogenic role in atherothrombosis. In ODYSSEY OUTCOMES, alirocumab reduced major adverse cardiovascular events after ACS, with greater reduction among those with higher lipoprotein(a) levels. We explored whether risk of revascularization after ACS was modified by the level of lipoprotein(a) and treatment with alirocumab or placebo. In ODYSSEY OUTCOMES alirocumab was compared with placebo in 18,924 patients with ACS and elevated atherogenic lipoprotein levels despite optimized statin treatment. In this post hoc analysis, treatment effects are summarized using competing risks proportional hazard models. A total of 1559 (8.2%) patients had coronary, 204 (1.1%) had limb, and 40 (0.2%) had carotid revascularization. Alirocumab reduced coronary revascularization (2.8 vs 3.2 events per 100 patient-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.80-0.97]; P=0.01) and any revascularization (3.2 vs 3.7 events per 100 patient-years; HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.78-0.94]; P= 0.001). Baseline lipoprotein(a) quartile was directly associated with risk of coronary or any revascularization in the placebo arm and inversely related to treatment HRs (all Pfor trend < 0.01). Alirocumab produced the greatest reduction of coronary revascularization in patients with baseline lipoprotein(a) in the top quartile (≥ 59.6 mg/dL; HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84]), but no apparent reduction in the bottom quartile (HR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.82-1.22]). Findings were similar for the effect of alirocumab on any revascularization. Alirocumab reduced revascularization rates after ACS. The risk of revascularization and reduction in that risk with alirocumab were greatest in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) at baseline.

Identifying the Incidence, Predictors, Outcomes, and Prevention of Stent Thrombosis (ST) in Post-percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Patients With Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): A Systematic Review.

Stent thrombosis (ST) is a rare but catastrophic event to happen to a stented coronary artery. The incidence of ST has greatly been reduced after the advent of modern drug-eluting stent (DES) implants, which have become the most preferred treatment option in the stenting category for coronary artery disease (CAD). Although the risk reduction by newer category implant provides substantial benefits, the possibility of thrombosis still exists mostly during the early stage of DES implantation. The development of ST after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be predicted by multiple factors, but advancements in early diagnostic techniques and modified stent types have greatly reduced the occurrence of this complication. Mortality, which is one of the complications of ST, is primarily influenced by patient-related factors such as incomplete treatment duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The duration of DAPT after DES implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is determined based on individual characteristics, mainly considered in view of bleeding or ischemia risk. Risk evaluation systems like DAPT/precise-DAPT scores help tailor and personalize the duration of DAPT for each individual patient. This systematic review contains pertinent articles extracted from the PubMed database. We retrieved articles from various study categories, encompassing publications from the period spanning 2014 to 2022. Our analysis highlighted results from studies investigating different aspects contributing to ST development. The most favorable prevention option was the use of customized DAPT intervention based on patient-specific predictable factors. Several complications associated with ST were identified, including recurrent ST, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) encompassing all-cause mortality (including cardiac and non-cardiac mortality), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or transient ischemic attacks (TIA), hospitalization due to heart failure, and myocardial infarction requiring revascularization. Mortality was also observed as a significant outcome. The umbrella term of ST includes multiple causative factors. Although DES has improved patient survival rates vastly with its usage, careful risk factor assessment and required follow-up, in each individual being stented, further guarantee a more promising reduction in late adverse outcomes.

Unstable angina in the context of high-sensitive troponins: Still a marker of high risk? A comparison of outcomes with adjudicated type 1 myocardial infarction

BackgroundUnstable angina (UA), considered historically a marker of high risk, has rarely been studied in the high sensitive troponin era. We sought to characterise this population and determine short- and medium-term outcomes for UA and compared this to both patients with musculoskeletal chest pain and adjudicated type 1 MI (NSTEMI). MethodWe conducted a post-hoc analysis of 2 prospective cohort studies of suspected acute coronary syndrome in 2 hospitals in the northwest of England. (n = 3018) We used a dedicated symptom score to diagnose unstable angina. Type 1 MI (NSTEMI) was diagnosed by independent physician adjudication according to 3rd universal definition of MI. Follow-up was 100% complete for all patients to 1 year. Results185 (6.1%) and 249 (8.3%) were adjudicated as suffering from UA and NSTEMI respectively. We restricted our analysis of UA to 158 (5.2%) patients with UA with high sensitive troponin T (Roche Elecsys) ≤14 ng/L (≤99th percentile). Compared to the NSTEMI population, the UA cohort were younger (59 vs 74, p < 0.002), had a lower incidence of hypertension (56.3% vs 69.1%, p = 0.009), had significantly lower composite risk scores and had fewer ECG abnormalities (ST depression >1 mm, 5.1% vs 15.6%, p = 0.001, T wave flattened, biphasic or inverted 24.1% vs 47.8%, p < 0.0001).Subsequent Type 1 MI to 30 days and 1 year in the UA cohort was 1.9% and 1.9% respectively compared to 0.8% and 2.4% in the index type 1 MI (NSTEMI cohort) respectively. However, compared to patients presenting with musculoskeletal chest pain (n = 468) there was a significantly greater incidence of subsequent MI and coronary revascularisation in patients with unstable angina. All cause death at 30 days and 1 year was 0.0% and 0.6% (n = 1) for UA patients and 2.8% (n = 7) and 16.1% (n = 40) for the NSTEMI cohort respectively. ConclusionUA, defined objectively by a symptom score and absence of myocyte necrosis, is still prevalent as an entity, with a risk of subsequent MI and urgent or emergency coronary revascularisation. However, mortality is >10-fold lower when compared to NSTEMI, indicating a less severe pathology in terms of atherosclerosis or plaque burden, and implying the need for a different management strategy to that of NSTEMI.

Timing and Outcomes of Precoronary Artery Bypass Grafting Carotid Endarterectomy

The Society for Vascular Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines suggests the timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with symptomatic or bilateral severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis needing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) be performed either with preoperative CEA or concomitantly with CABG. The optimal timing of CEA in patients with high grade unilateral stenosis, however, has been controversial due to equivocal and/or scarce data. This study examines our experience with pre-CABG CEA and timing in this patient population. This is a single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent CEA before or during CABG between January 2010 and January 2021. All patients receiving CEA were anesthetized by a dedicated cardiac anesthesiologist. Patients were compared based on timing of CEA in relation to CABG: concomitant (CABG day 0 from CEA) and nonconcomitant (CABG day 1-30 after CEA). The nonconcomitant cohort was substratified into hyperacute (CABG within 48 hours), acute (CABG within 2 weeks), and subacute (CABG within 30 days). Demographics and status of carotid disease were collated. Primary outcomes included stroke, defined as new neurologic deficit, myocardial infarction (MI), 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. A total of 39 patients were identified in the study population. Of these, 9 (23%) patients underwent CEA and CABG concomitantly, with 30 receiving nonconcomitant CEA (hyperacute [9, 23%]; acute [16, 41%]; subacute [5, 13%]). Baseline demographics and comorbidities were similar between groups. The degree of internal carotid artery stenosis, presence of high-grade contralateral stenosis, and symptomatic carotid presentation did not impact perioperative outcomes. One stroke occurred after a concomitant CEA/CABG that was a bi-hemispheric event believed to be due to cannulating a highly diseased ascending aorta. One patient in the concomitant cohort developed postoperative MI, cardiogenic shock, and subsequent death (Table I). There was no observed stroke, MI, or death in the nonconcomitant cohort. Thirty-day readmission and mortality were similar between all groups (Tables I and II). However, when comparing aggregate stoke/MI (Table I), a statistically significant difference was observed in favor of the nonconcomitant cohort (P = .007). Careful consideration is needed when determining appropriate timing for coronary revascularization in patients with carotid disease. These data suggest that nonconcomitant, preoperative CEA can be performed safely by a dedicated cardiac anesthesiologist before CABG. Concomitant CEA/CABG, as reflected in these data, carries an added procedural risk of stroke and a potentially poor cardiac outcome. Further study is warranted to elucidate the role of timing in perioperative outcomes for patients requiring CEA and CABG.Table IPerioperative outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy (CEA)Concomitant CABG (n = 9)Nonconcomitant CABG (n = 30)P valuePostoperative events (MI, NS), No. (%)2 (22.2)0 (0).007a30-day readmission, No. (%)1 (11.1)3 (10).9330-day mortality, No. (%)1 (11.1)0 (0).07MI, Myocardial infarction; NS, neurologic symptoms. Open table in a new tab Table IIPerioperative outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy (CEA), with the nonconcomitant CEA/CABG cohort substratified by timingConcomitant CABG (n = 9)Hyperacute CABG (n = 9)Acute CABG (n = 16)Subacute CABG (n = 5)P valuePostoperative events (MI, NS), No. (%)2 (11.1)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0).3530-day readmission, No. (%)1 (11.1)0 (0)1 (6.3)2 (40).1130-day mortality, No. (%)1 (11.1)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0).35MI, Myocardial infarction; NS, neurologic symptoms. Open table in a new tab

The prognostic study of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia in coronary revascularization patients with depression/anxiety: rationale and design

BackgroundMental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) frequently occurs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and is even more common in patients with co-occurring CAD and depression/anxiety. MSIMI appears to be a poor prognostic factor for CAD, but existing data on depression/anxiety patients are limited.MethodsThis cohort study will consecutively screen 2,647 CAD patients between 2023 and 2025. Included subjects will need to have received coronary revascularization and also have depression and/or anxiety at baseline. This study will enroll 360 subjects who meet the criteria. Two mental stress tests will be carried out in each patient at 1 month and 1 year timelines after coronary revascularization, using Stroop color word tests. MSIMI will be assessed by 99 m−Tc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion imaging. The endothelial function will be assessed by EndoPAT. Furthermore, we will dynamically monitor patients’ health and mental conditions every 3 months. The mean follow-up time will be 1 year. The primary endpoint is the major adverse cardiac events, a composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unplanned revascularization. Secondary endpoints will include overall health and mental conditions. The reproducibility of mental stress combined with myocardial perfusion for detecting MSIMI and comparisons between coronary stenosis and ischemic segments will also be included.ConclusionsThis cohort study will provide information on MSIMI outcomes in CAD patients who also have comorbid depression/anxiety after revascularization. In addition, understanding the long-term dynamics of MSIMI and the match between coronary stenosis and ischemia will provide insight into MSIMI mechanisms.Trail RegistrationChiCTR2200055792, 2022.1.20, www.medresman.org.cn;

Coronary Revascularization in Patients With Cancer.

The treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in cancer patients is an evolving landscape. Recent data emphasizes the importance of aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases in improving cardiovascular health in this unique group of patients regardless of cancer type or stage. Novel cancer therapeutics such as immune therapies and proteasome inhibitors have been associated with CAD. Recent stent technologies may safely allow for shorter duration (< 6months) of dual antiplatelet therapy post-percutaneous coronary interventions. Intracoronary imaging may be useful in the decision making process in terms of stent positioning and healing. Large registry studies have partially filled a gap left by the lack of randomized controlled trials in the treatment of CAD in cancer patients. Cardio-oncology is gaining traction as a major sub-specialty in the cardiology field given the release of the first European Society of Cardiology - Cardio-oncology guidelines in 2022.

Prognostic Value of Global Longitudinal Speckle-Tracking Strain after Coronary Revascularization in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Prognostic Value of Global Longitudinal Speckle-Tracking Strain after Coronary Revascularization in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Coronary artery disease and TAVI: Current evidence on a recurrent issue

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a frequent finding in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Concomitant coronary artery bypass and aortic valve replacement is considered the gold standard treatment in surgical candidates. However, limited evidence is available regarding the role of coronary revascularization in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).How to evaluate CAD severity in patients with AS, whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) needs to be performed and what is the timing for revascularization to minimize procedural risks, remains matters of debate. The aim of this review is to summarize epidemiology, diagnostic tools and possible options for CAD management in patients undergoing TAVI with specific focus on the pros and the cons of the different timing of PCI.

Clinical Outcome of Revascularization Deferral With Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio and Fractional Flow Reserve: A 5-Year Follow-Up Substudy From the iFR-SWEDEHEART Trial.

Background Although physiology-based assessment of coronary artery stenosis using instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) are established methods of guiding coronary revascularization, its clinical outcome in long-term deferral needs further evaluation, especially with acute coronary syndrome as a clinical presentation. The aim was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of deferral of revascularization based on iFR or FFR. Methods and Results This is a substudy of the iFR-SWEDEHEART (Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio Versus Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris or Acute Coronary Syndrome) randomized clinical trial, where patients deferred from revascularization from each study arm were selected. Nine hundred eight patients deferred from coronary revascularization with iFR (n=473) and FFR (n=435) were followed for 5 years. The national quality registry, SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies), was used for patient data collection and clinical follow-up. The end point was major adverse cardiac events and their individual components all-cause death, cardiovascular death, noncardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unplanned revascularization. No significant difference was found in major adverse cardiac events (iFR 18.6% versus FFR 16.8%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.79-1.48]; P=0.63) or their individual components. Conclusions No differences in clinical outcomes after 5-year follow-up were noted when comparing iFR versus FFR as methods for deferral of coronary revascularization in patients presenting with stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02166736.