Corrected TIMI Frame Count Research Articles

Corrected timi frame count : time to replace the TIMI flow?

Abstract Background Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade had been widely accepted method for evaluating coronary artery perfusion following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Besides, TIMI flow used to predicts outcome in ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEACS) underwent Primary PCI (PPCI). However, its subjective nature has led to the exploration of more objective measures such as the Corrected TIMI Frame Count (CTFC), which quantifies coronary flow by counting the number of cine frames required for contrast to reach distal coronary landmarks. Purpose This study aims to assess the predictive value of CTFC in comparison with TIMI flow grades for clinical outcomes in STEACS undergoing PPCI, and whether CTFC could serve as a superior prognostic tool. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from electronic medical record, involving STEACS patients underwent PPCI. Post-procedure, patient with TIMI flow grades 3, CTFC was measured. Patients were followed up during hospitalization for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate CTFC with clinical outcomes. Result A total of 263 patients with TIMI flow 3 were analyzed, 54.5% patient with CTFC ≤27 and >27 respectively. MACE was 5.3% and 21% in the CTFC ≤27 and >27In the regression model analysis indicates a significant relationship between CTFC and MACE was found. The correlation coefficient (R) was observed at 0.417, with the model explaining 17.4% of the variance in MACE occurrence (R Square = .174), and an Adjusted R Square of .171, indicating a modest but significant predictive power. The ANOVA confirmed the model's statistical significance with an F value of 55.067 (p < .001). This suggests that CTFC is a significant predictor of MACE in patients post-PPCI with TIMI 3 flow, underscoring its potential utility in clinical prognostication. Conclusion CTFC appears to be a promising tool in assessing coronary flow post-PCI and may be considered as a additional for TIMI flow grading in predicting clinical outcomes in ACS patients. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and to explore the integration of CTFC into clinical practice

Coronary slow flow as measured by corrected TIMI frame counts is associated with impaired microvascular resistance

Abstract Background The Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon (CSFP) reflects an increased resting microvascular resistance and has been defined as a corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (cTFC) >27 in the in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there is limited and conflicting data on the diagnostic utility of CTFC with respect to gold standard coronary haemodynamic parameters; namely coronary flow reserve (CFR) and hyperaemic microvascular resistance (hMR). Purpose To evaluate the relationship between angiography-derived cTFC and the coronary haemodynamic parameters (CFR and hMR). Methods Patients with angina and non-obstructive CAD (< 50% epicardial stenosis; ANOCA) underwent comprehensive functional coronary angiography utilising a dual sensor-tipped pressure-doppler flow wire during adenosine infusion for investigation of coronary microvascular impairment, and acetylcholine provocative testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery spasm. Results In 103 patients who underwent functional coronary angiography, 60 patients had CSFP and this was associated with low flow velocity and higher microvascular resistance at rest as compared with patients without CSFP (19.2 ± 7.3 versus 22.6 ± 6.7, p=0.024; and 5.9 ± 2.0 versus 4.6 ± 1.7, p=0.009, respectively). Whilst cTFC was poorly associated with CFR (r= 0.058, p= 0.564), there was a relatively strong, positive correlation with hMR (r=0.258, p=0.008). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analyses demonstrated that CTFC poorly predicts an impaired CFR <2.5 (AUC, 0.479 [0.36-0.59]) but does predict an impaired hMR >2.5 (AUC, 0.623 [0.51-0.74] p=0.037). Conclusion In patients with ANOCA, cTFC is associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction as measured by microvascular resistance during hyperaemia. This data suggests the cTFC may be a surrogate marker for impaired microvascular resistance.cTFC versus hMR

Angiographic Outcomes in STEMI Patients: Evaluating Pre-dilatation and Thrombus Aspiration Effects

Introduction ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) poses significant challenges in cardiovascular care, necessitating rapid and effective reperfusion strategies. The present study assesses the angiographic outcomes of pre-dilatation and thrombus aspiration (PD+TA) versus conventional treatment without thrombus aspiration (NOTA) in patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI. Methods This prospective cohort study included a total of 155 patients, with 78 assigned to the PD+TA group and 77 to the NOTA group. Baseline demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and angiographic assessments including TIMI flow, TMPG flow, corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC), ST segment changes, and ejection fraction were compared between the groups. Results The PD+TA group exhibited significantly lower systolic (p-value: 0.021) and diastolic blood pressures (p-value: 0.046), better glucose control (p-value: 0.015), and a more pronounced reduction in ST segment elevation (p-value: 0.027) compared to the NOTA group. Although ejection fraction at presentation was similar between groups, the PD+TA group (52.29±8.80%) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement at one-month follow-up from NOTA (49.14±8.20%). TIMI 3 and TMPG 3 flow rates were comparable between groups before and after drug administration, with significant improvements in CTFC observed in the PD+TA group. Conclusion Pre-dilatation and TA during PPCI for STEMI patients may lead to improved acute angiographic outcomes, including enhanced myocardial reperfusion and reduced ischemic burden. The significant improvement in ejection fraction at one-month follow-up further supports the potential benefits of PD+TA in cardiac function recovery. Larger studies with longer-term follow-up are needed to validate these findings and determine the broader clinical implications of TA in STEMI management. Clinical trial registration: CTRI/2019/02/017520, 7th February 2019, https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=Mjk5Mjc=&Enc=&userName=CTRI/2019/02/017520

Coronary Slow Flow as Measured by Corrected TIMI Frame Counts is Associated With Impaired Microvascular Resistance

Coronary Slow Flow as Measured by Corrected TIMI Frame Counts is Associated With Impaired Microvascular Resistance

Adiponectin and Paraoxonase-1 Correlation With Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Frame Count With Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon

Objectives: Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an important angiographic entity, with no clear-cut etiology. The effects of adiponectin (APN) and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) have been proven in microvascular disease pathophysiology, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to determine the correlation between APN and PON-1 and CSFP. Methods: Subjects who were undergone coronary angiography and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. The study subjects were divided into the following groups: 40 subjects without coronary artery disease (CAD) and CSFP, 22 patients without CAD but with CSFP, 29 patients with CAD < 50% and without CSFP, 22 patients with CAD (50-90%) but without CSFP and 16 patients with CAD and CSFP. Coronary flow rates of the participants with slow flow diagnosis were determined by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count method. The serum levels of APN and PON-1 were measured by ELISA kit. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in serum levels of APN. No significant correlation was observed between APN serum concentration and corrected TIMI frame count (TFC) (r=0.17, P=0.29). The PON-1 serum concentration in patients with CAD (50-90%) and without CSFP was significantly lower than the other groups (P<0.01). There was a near significant correlation between PON-1 serum levels and corrected TFC in left anterior descending coronary artery (r=0.32, P=0.08). Discussion: The present study has demonstrated no significant correlation between the serum concentration of APN and PON-1 and corrected TFC, so we need more extensive studies in this regard with larger sample size.

Extended Balloon Inflation Technique for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction during Stent Deployment

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the preferred method for treating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the no-reflow phenomenon remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the efficacy of prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment to reduce the incidence of no-reflow. Objective: To assess whether extending the duration of balloon inflation during stent deployment in PPCI reduces the incidence of the no-reflow phenomenon compared to the conventional rapid inflation and deflation strategy. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 122 patients at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pakistan, from February 2023 to January 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to either prolonged balloon inflation (PBSG) or conventional deployment (CDSG). Results: The mean age in the PBSG was 59.83±10.10 years, and in the CDSG, it was 60.39±10.16 years. Male participants comprised 51.6%. The PBSG showed significantly lower immediate TIMI flow grades less than 3 (4.9% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.00), no-reflow incidence (0% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.00), corrected TIMI frame counts (36.96±4.25 vs. 46.13±6.82, P = 0.00), and higher ST-segment resolution ≥50% (77.0% vs. 57.4%, P = 0.02). Additionally, 59.0% in the PBSG achieved an MBG of 3 compared to 16.4% in the CDSG (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment in PPCI significantly reduces the no-reflow phenomenon and improves myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI.

Correlation Between Corrected TIMI Frame Count with the Extent of Myocardial Fibrosis on ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Microvascular injury after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) reperfusion contributes to necrosis propagation. Corrected TIMI Frame Count (CTFC) is a surrogate marker of microvascular dysfunction and can stratify in-hospital mortality risk in patients with final TIMI flow 3. The extent of myocardial fibrosis after STEMI is associated with a higher incidence of major cardiovascular events. This study aimed to determine the relationship between CTFC in the infarct-related artery and myocardial fibrosis area based on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 31 STEMI patients who had undergone PPCI and CMR examination between days 60 and 75 after STEMI as the sample. CTFC was measured in the infarct-related artery from post-PPCI angiogram recordings. Myocardial fibrosis area was measured from late gadolinium enhancement CMR (LGE-CMR) imaging results.Results: In this study, the mean age was 51.61±10.49 years, 90.3% were male, non-anterior infarction location was 58.1%, mean total ischemic time was 489.48±228.33 minutes, mean CTFC was 27.4±9.3 frames, and mean myocardial fibrosis was 18.33±7.87%. There was no significant correlation found between CTFC and myocardial fibrosis (p=0.530), however total ischemic time had a positive and significant correlation with myocardial fibrosis (p=0.025, r=0.403).Conclusion: CTFC in the infarct-related artery is not correlated with myocardial fibrosis area in STEMI patients undergoing PCI.

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Is Associated with the Phenomenon of Coronary Slow Flow in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Coronary slow flow phenomena (CSFP) are associated with endothelial and blood component abnormalities in coronary arteries. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) can damage the endothelium of the heart or blood vessels in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), causing changes in levels of biological indicators. Our aim was to analyze the relationship between ADMA and CSFP in NVAF patients. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 134 patients diagnosed with NVAF and underwent coronary angiography, 50 control patients without a history of atrial fibrillation and with normal coronary angiographic flow were included at the same time. Based on the corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC), the NVAF patients were categorized into two groups, CTFC ≤27 frames and CTFC >27 frames. Plasma ADMA, P-selectin (p-sel), von Willebrand factor (vWF), D-dimer (D-Di), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and nitric oxide (NO) were detected by ELISA in the different groups. Results: We found that plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher among NVAF patients in the CTFC >27 grade group compared with the control or CTFC ≤27 group. In addition, the levels of blood cells and endothelium-related biomarkers (NO, P-selectin, vWF, D-Di, and PAI-1) were significantly altered and correlated with ADMA levels. Multifactorial analysis showed that plasma ADMA (odd ratio [OR; 95% CI]: 1.65 [1.21–2.43], p < 0.001) and left atrial internal diameter (OR [95% CI]: 1.04 [1.02, 1.1], p < 0.001) could be used as independent risk factors for the development of CSFP in patients with NVAF. The ROC curves of ADMA can predict the development of CSFP in NVAF patients. The minimum diagnostic concentration for the development of CSFP in patients was 2.31 µmol/L. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that CSFP in NVAF patients was associated with high levels of ADMA and left atrial internal diameter. Therefore, aggressive preoperative detection and evaluation of ADMA and left atrial internal diameter can help deal with the intraoperative presence of CSFP.

Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon in Takotsubo Syndrome: The Prevalence, Clinical Determinants, and Long-Term Prognostic Impact.

Patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS) may present coronary slow flow (CSF) in angiography performed in the acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, the detailed clinical relevance and its long-term impact remain poorly understood. Among 7771 MI patients hospitalized between 2012 and 2019, TTS was identified in 82 (1.1%) subjects. The epicardial blood flow was assessed with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) scale and corrected TIMI frame count (TFC), whereas myocardial perfusion with TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). CSF was defined as TIMI-2 or corrected TFC > 27 frames in at least one epicardial vessel. CSF was identified in 33 (40.2%) TTS patients. In the CSF-TTS versus normal-flow-TTS group, lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction on admission (33.5 (25-40) vs. 40 (35-45)%, p = 0.019), more frequent midventricular TTS (27.3 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.020) and the coexistence of both physical and emotional triggers (9.1 vs. 0%, p = 0.032) were noted. Within a median observation of 55 months, higher all-cause mortality was found in CSF-TTS compared with normal-flow TTS (30.3 vs. 10.2%, p = 0.024). CSF was identified as an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio 10.09, 95% confidence interval 2.12-48.00, p = 0.004). CSF identified in two-fifths of TTS patients was associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes.

Influence of Trichosanthes pericarpium extract on improving microcirculation and outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Microcirculatory dysfunction is an independent risk factor for a poor prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Trichosanthes pericarpium is a well-known Chinese traditional herb described with the effect of activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis and improve blood circulation. However, its effects on microcirculation in patients with AMI after primary PCI remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Trichosanthes pericarpium extract (TPE) on improving microcirculation and outcomes in patients with AMI after PCI. This study included 155 patients with a history of emergency PCI treatment. In this cohort, 31 patients received a course of TPE, defined as intravenous TPE infusion (12 ml TPE dissolved in 250 ml 5% Glucose Injection) once daily for 7 days on the background of standard treatment after PCI; 124 who did not receive TPE were regarded as the control group and received standard treatment after PCI. The corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (CTFC) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) were used to evaluate myocardial microcirculation. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography during hospitalization and follow-up. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were recorded for prognostic analysis. At the 6-month follow-up, AMI patients who received TPE after primary PCI had significantly lower levels of CTCF (24.27 ± 2.40 vs. 21.88 ± 1.92, P < 0.001) and IMR (20.02 ± 2.20 vs. 17.80 ± 2.11, P < 0.001) than patients in the control group. Left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular internal dimension at systolic at 6-month follow-up in the TPE group significantly improved than in the control group (56.6 ± 4.5 vs. 62.1 ± 3.5, P < 0.001; 32.5 ± 1.5 vs. 30.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that patients with AMI who received TPE had significantly lower rates of MACEs than the control group at 6-month follow-up (P = 0.042). In the context of standard treatment, Trichosanthes pericarpium further improved coronary microcirculation, increased cardiac function, and reduced short-term MACEs rate. Our data suggest that TPE could be used in combination therapy for patients with AMI after primary PCI.

Evaluation of serum nitric oxide synthase levels in patients with coronary slow flow based on corrected TIMI frame count.

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) finding in angiography is characterized by the delayed filling of the terminal vessels without significant epicardial coronary disease. The endothelium performs a vital role in cardiovascular homeostasis by releasing vasoactive substances. Endothelial cells produce nitric oxide (NO) as one of these essential compounds. Three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We aimed to determine the role of NOS in the development of CSFP as the first human study. A total of 129 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The patients were classified into five groups based on the results of coronary angiography: Group 1 without coronary artery disease (CAD) and without CSF, group 2 without CAD and with CSF, group 3 with CAD (< 50%) and without CSF, group 4 with CAD (50-90%) and without CSF, and group 5 with CAD and CSF. The serum level of NOS was determined in the participants. Coronary flow was quantified in patients with CSFP using the corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) method, and the correlation between the levels of this biomarker and CTFC was investigated. In this study, the NOS serum levels were not significantly correlated with the mean CTFC. Since the total amount of NOS was measured as a result of 3 isoforms of this enzyme, the lack of correlation could be related to increased iNOS level and decreased eNOS concentration. These results should be confirmed by more human studies.

Intracoronary antithrombotic therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

IntroductionThe efficacy of intracoronary (IC) antithrombotic therapy, which may best prevent the no-reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), remains unclear. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of different IC antithrombotic agents. Materials and methodsThis systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared IC fibrinolytic agents (recombinant tissue plasminogen activators [rtPAs] and non-rtPAs) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (small molecules and monoclonal antibodies) with placebo by searching the relevant studies published before September 21, 2022. Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. ResultsTwenty-five RCTs with 4546 patients were included. Non-rtPAs and small molecules were significantly more effective in achieving thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow than placebo (odds ratio [OR] 2.28, 95 % credible intervals [CrI] 1.24–4.13; OR 2.06, 95 % CrI 1.17–3.46). Moreover, these agents' efficacy was observed in other microcirculation-related outcomes, including TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3, complete ST-segment resolution, and corrected TIMI frame counts. Within 6 months, small molecules were associated with both an improved left ventricular ejection fraction (MD 3.90, 95 % CrI 0.48–7.46) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) reduction (OR 0.36, 95 % CrI 0.20–0.61). Non-rtPAs demonstrated a reduced MACE incidence within 6 months (OR 0.51, 95 % CrI 0.31–0.81). The results were consistent in the subgroup with a total ischemic time > 6 h. No significant differences in mortality or bleeding events were observed. ConclusionsIC non-rtPAs and small molecules may be effective for adjunctive therapy to PCI, particularly in patients with longer ischemia periods.

Abstract 17163: The Relationship Between TIMI Frame Count, Microvascular Resistance, and Coronary Flow Reserve in Patients With Ischemia and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

Introduction: Ischemia and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) may be caused by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), but coronary function testing for CMD is not routinely performed. Consensus statements include coronary flow reserve (CFR), an index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), or coronary slow flow by corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) &gt;25 as diagnostic for CMD. However, correlations between cTFC and invasive parameters of CMD are uncertain. Methods: Adults age ≥ 18 with INOCA (&lt;50% stenosis by invasive coronary angiography in all major epicardial coronary arteries) were prospectively enrolled. cTFC was measured from baseline angiography of the left anterior descending artery. Invasive coronary function testing using thermodilution techniques was performed to identify CMD, defined by IMR≥25 and/or CFR&lt;2.5. Relationships between cTFC and invasively derived CMD were evaluated. Results: Ninety-seven patients (mean age 60.4 ± 11 years; 80% female) underwent assessment; coronary slow flow was present in 46%. Coronary slow flow (cTFC&gt;25) had a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 57%, a positive predictive value of 53%, and a negative predictive value of 54% to identify CMD defined by IMR and/or CFR. cTFC weakly correlated with IMR (r=0.40, p&lt;0.001) and was not correlated with CFR (Pearson r=-0.03, p=0.73). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for cTFC to identify abnormal IMR (AUC = 0.64), CFR (AUC = 0.55), CMD (AUC = 0.59), and CMD endotypes of abnormal IMR with normal CFR (AUC = 0.65), abnormal CFR with normal IMR (AUC = 0.58), abnormal IMR and CFR (AUC = 0.54). Conclusions: Coronary slow flow by angiography was not a reliable indicator of CMD defined by abnormal IMR and/or CFR. Correlations between cTFC and IMR were poor and no correlation with CFR was observed. These findings raise questions regarding the relevance of coronary slow flow at baseline to assess microvascular pathology causing INOCA.

TCT-84 The Significance of Final Corrected TIMI Frame Count in the Management of No-Reflow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

TCT-84 The Significance of Final Corrected TIMI Frame Count in the Management of No-Reflow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Coronary slow flow is not an adverse prognostic factor in MINOCA patients in the 5-year follow-up

Introduction: The research aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) patients with coronary slow flow (CSF) vs. normal coronary flow (no CSF) in a 5-year follow-up. Material and methods: Between 2010–2015 were identified 111 patients as having final MINOCA diagnosis and available calculated corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC). CSF was defined as cTFC greater than 27 frames per second in any of the three coronary arteries. The primary endpoint was the 5-year major adverse cardiovascular events rate, defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization due to angina. Results: The mean cTFC was 28.9 ± 6.1 frames per second (median: 28, IQR 24–33; min-max: 19–58). 62 (55.9%) patients had normal coronary flow, and 49 (44.1%) had CSF. Patients did not differ in sex (females no CSF vs. CSF: 58% vs. 61%, p = 0.7) or age (63 ± 15 years vs. 63 ± 13 years, p = 0.8). Patients with CSF characterized higher rates of chronic kidney disease (0 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.035). No statistically significant difference was observed for any of the analysed points. MACE rates for no CSF vs. CSF were 9.6% vs. 14.3% (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.28–2.96, p = 0.7), respectively. Conclusions: CSF was not associated with a higher risk of adverse events among MINOCA patients at five years.

Calcified plaque harboring lipidic materials associates with no-reflow phenomenon after PCI in stable CAD

Calcified atheroma has been viewed conventionally as stable lesion which less likely increases no-reflow phenomenon. Given that lipidic materials triggers the formation of calcification, lipidic materials could exist within calcified lesion, which may cause no-reflow phenomenon after PCI. The REASSURE-NIRS registry (NCT04864171) employed near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound imaging to evaluate maximum 4-mm lipid-core burden index (maxLCBI4mm) at target lesions containing small (maximum calcification arc < 180°: n = 272) and large calcification (maximum calcification arc ≥ 180°: n = 189) in stable CAD patients. The associations of maxLCBI4mm with corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) and no-reflow phenomenon after PCI were analyzed in patients with target lesions containing small and large calcification, respectively. No-reflow phenomenon occurred in 8.0% of study population. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analyses revealed that optimal cut-off values of maxLCBI4mm for predicting no-reflow phenomenon were 585 at small calcification (AUC = 0.72, p < 0.001) and 679 at large calcification (AUC = 0.76, p = 0.001). Target lesions containing small calcification with maxLCBI4mm ≥ 585 more likely exhibited a greater CTFC (p < 0.001). In those with large calcification, 55.6% of them had maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400 [vs. 56.2% (small calcification), p = 0.82]. Furthermore, a higher CTFC (p < 0.001) was observed in association with maxLCBI4mm ≥ 679 at large calcification. On multivariable analysis, maxLCBI4mm at large calcification still independently predicted no-reflow phenomenon (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.32–1.94, p < 0.001). MaxLCBI4mm at target lesions exhibiting large calcification elevated a risk of no-reflow phenomenon after PCI. Calcified plaque containing lipidic materials is not necessarily stable lesion, but could be active and high-risk one causing no-reflow phenomenon.

A prospective study on the safety and efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty for the treatment of degenerated great saphenous vein graft

Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) for the treatment of degenerated great saphenous vein graft (SVG). Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, single-arm study. Patients, who were admitted to the Geriatric Cardiovascular Center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2022 to June 2022, were consecutively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were recurrent chest pain after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), and coronary angiography confirmed that the SVG stenosis was more than 70% but not completely occluded, and interventional treatment for SVG lesions was planned. Before balloon dilation and stent placement, ELCA was used to pretreat the lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination was performed and postoperative index of microcirculation resistance (IMR) were assessed after stent implantation. The technique success rate and operation success rate were calculated. The technique success was defined as the successful passage of the ELCA system through the lesion. Operation success was defined as the successful placement of a stent at the lesion. The primary evaluation index of the study was IMR immediately after PCI. Secondary evaluation indexes included thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), minimal stent area and stent expansion measured by OCT after PCI, and procedural complications (Ⅳa myocardial infarction, no reflow, perforation). Results: A total of 19 patients aged (66.0±5.6) years were enrolled, including 18 males (94.7%). The age of SVG was 8 (6, 11) years. The length of the lesions was greater than 20 mm, and they were all SVG body lesions. The median stenosis degree was 95% (80%, 99%), and the length of the implanted stent was (41.7±16.3)mm. The operation time was 119 (101, 166) minutes, and the cumulative dose was 2 089 (1 378, 3 011)mGy. The diameter of the laser catheter was 1.4 mm, the maximum energy was 60 mJ, and the maximum frequency was 40 Hz. The technique success and the operation success rate were both 100% (19/19). The IMR after stent implantation was 29.22±5.95. The TIMI flow grade of patients after ELCA and stent implantation was significantly improved (all P>0.05), and the TIMI flow grade of all patients after stent implantation was Grade Ⅲ. The cTFC decreased significantly after ELCA (33.2±7.8) and after stent placement (22.8±7.1) than preoperative level (49.7±13.0) (both P<0.001). The minimum stent area was (5.53±1.36)mm2, and the stent expansion rate was (90.0±4.3)%. Perforation, no reflow, type Ⅳa myocardial infarction and other complications were not observed. However, postoperative high-sensitivity troponin level was significantly increased ((67.937±33.839)ng/L vs. (5.316±3.105)ng/L, P<0.001). Conclusion: ELCA is safe and effective in the treatment of SVG lesions and could improve microcirculation and ensure full expansion of stent.

Clinical and Angiographic Predictors of suboptimal Coronary Flow After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who experienced primary percutaneous coronary intervention failure. This retrospective observational study was derived from the Primary Angioplasty Registry of Sina Hospital (PARS). A total of 548 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention between November 2016 and January 2019 were evaluated. Percutaneous coronary intervention failure was defined as Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow ≤ 2 or corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) ≥ 28. The study population consisted of 458 (83.6%) males and 90 (16.4%) females with a mean age of 59.2 ± 12.49 years. TIMI flow 3 was achieved in 499 (91.1%) patients after the procedure, while 49 (8.9%) patients developed TIMI ≤ 2. The findings showed that cTFC ≥ 28 was present in 50 (9.1%) patients, while 489 (89.2%) patients had cTFC < 28. Multiple regression analysis shows that age 1.04 (1.01, 1.07), duration of pain onset to first medical contact time 1.04 (1.00, 1.18), and left anterior descending artery involvement 3.15 (1.21, 8.11) were independent predictors of TIMI ≤ 2. Even though TIMI ≤ 2 was uncommon among the study population, it was associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes. The results indicate that earlier emergency medical service arrival and shorter transfer time to the referral center can dramatically reduce the primary percutaneous coronary intervention failure rate.

Short-term outcomes of tirofiban use in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

Introduction: When patients suffering from acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergo for percutaneous coronary intervention, tirofiban is mostly prescribed. Objective: In this study, patients undergoing for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were evaluated to determine the impact of a high bolus dose (HBD) of tirofiban on clinical outcomes. Methods: This study included 272 acute STEMI patients aged less than 79 years, admitted to the Hayatabad Medical Complex hospital, Peshawar from April 2021 to February 2022. According to the random number table, these patients were divided into four groups: the control group (n= 65), low-dose group (n=69), medium-dose group (n=71) and high-dose group (n=67). Results: After percutaneous coronary intervention, the high-dose group experienced higher rates of corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC), Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3, and total frequency of ST-segment resolution greater than 50% than the other 3 groups while compared to the low- dose group as well as control group, the CTFC were greater in the medium dose group. Furthermore, the LVEF of the medium-dose group was much better than that of the low-dose group. Compared to other groups, the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions of the high-dose group remained suggestively elevated.

Angiography alone versus angiography plus intracoronary imaging to guide emergency percutaneous coronary intervention: outcomes from a single-centre retrospective analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background There is emerging evidence showing improvement in clinical outcomes with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Yet data supporting their use in emergency setting are still conflicting. Purpose We aim to compare the immediate angiographic outcomes, short and long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing emergency PCI with intracoronary imaging to those with angiography guidance only. Methods We included 426 patients from May 2012 to December 2020 who presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and underwent emergency PCI within 24 hours of hospital admission. Intracoronary imaging was used in 196 of them to guide PCI. Immediate angiographic outcomes in terms of TIMI flow grade (TFG), myocardial blush grade (MBG) and corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) are compared. Clinical outcomes including major adverse cardiac events (MACE), target vessel revascularization (TVR), hospitalization for heart failure and all-cause mortality were also compared. Results 196 patients (46%) underwent intracoronary imaging-guided PCI. Use of imaging was associated with a higher post procedural CTFC (27.0 vs. 25.8, p=0.11), yet it failed to reach statistical significance. Comparing with angiography-guided PCI, imaging-guided PCI was associated with significantly larger proportion of high CTFC post procedure (slow coronary flow) (OR, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38-1.0, P=0.05), and this result was consistent after adjustment of variables (adjusted OR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.34-0.98, P=0.04). Subjective measures of TIMI flow grade and MBG, however, were not different between the 2 groups. In the subgroup of patients with high Syntax score and American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) type C culprit lesion morphology, imaging guided PCI was associated with significantly worse post procedural MBG (OR, 0.36; 95% CI 0.17-0.78, P=0.01 vs. OR, 0.40; 95% CI 0.18-0.94, P=0.04), and the results were consistent after adjusting for variables. In the subgroup of patients with high Syntax score, imaging guided PCI was associated with significantly worse post procedural TIMI flow grade (adjusted OR, 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.95, P=0.05) and a trend towards higher CTFC (adjusted OR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.06-0.94, P=0.05) after adjusting for variables. The cumulative incidences of all clinical outcome measures were not significantly different between the 2 groups before and after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions Imaging-guided PCI was not associated with improved angiographic or clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI who underwent emergency PCI. Use of intracoronary imaging in emergency PCI may associate with worse immediate angiographic outcomes.