Intravascular Ultrasound Research Articles

Clinical Outcomes Following Optical Coherence Tomographic Versus Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are adjunctive intracoronary imaging modalities used to optimize coronary stent implantation. However, the impact of OCT versus IVUS on clinical outcomes and periprocedural complications is unclear. To perform a meta-analysis of all vetted randomized controlled trials comparing OCT-guided versus IVUS-guided percutaneous coronary intervention. We queried MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and clinicalTrials.gov databases from their commencement to February 2024 for all randomized controlled trials that compared OCT-guided versus IVUS-guided percutaneous coronary interventions. The primary endpoint was major adverse periprocedural events (MAPE), a composite of stent thrombosis (ST), distal embolization (DE), and distal edge dissection (DED) at 30 days. The secondary endpoints included ST, DE, DED, major adverse cardiac events (MACE)-(a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction TVMI], and target vessel revascularization [TVR]), all-cause mortality, cardiac death, TVMI, TVR, and nonfatal stroke at 1 year. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was analyzed using a random-effect model. Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis, and 4446 patients were enrolled. OCT was associated with lower MAPE (OR: 0.65, CI: 0.47-0.91, p = 0.01) compared to IVUS. ST, DE, and DED were similar between OCT and IVUS at 30 days. There were no significant differences in MACE (OR: 0.86, CI: 0.64-1.16, p = 0.32), all-cause mortality (OR: 0.83, CI: 0.42-1.66, p = 0.60), Cardiac death (OR:0.62, CI: 0.20-1.89, p = 0.40), TVMI (OR: 0.69, CI: 0.33-1.46, p = 0.33), TVR, (OR: 1.09, CI: 0.70-1.71, p = 0.70), and Nonfatal stroke (OR: 1.82, CI: 0.67-4.95, p = 0.24) 1 year following the index procedure. Optical coherence tomographic-guided PCI was associated with lower MAPE, defined as a composite of ST, DE, and DED, compared to IVUS-guided PCI at 30 days of the index procedure. However, there was no difference in overall MACE, TVMI, TVR, and nonfatal stroke at 1 year.

Effectiveness of balloon angioplasty under intravascular ultrasound guidance in calcified below-the-knee tibial arteries.

This study aimed to assess the optimal balloon diameter for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided balloon angioplasty in calcified below-the-knee (BTK) tibial artery lesions. Between February 2024 and April 2024, a retrospective review was conducted on 17 patients with Rutherford category 4-6 severely calcified tibial arteries with >70% stenosis, treated with IVUS-guided balloon angioplasty. Sequentially, 3 mm and then 3.5 mm diameter balloons were inflated. The minimum lumen diameter and area were measured before and after the procedure in the proximal, mid, and distal segments of the tibial arteries. One- and three-month follow-ups were conducted using Doppler ultrasound. Significant increases in lumen diameter (P < 0.001 for all) and lumen area (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.002, respectively) were observed in the proximal, mid, and distal segments of the BTK arteries following IVUS-guided 3.5 mm balloon angioplasty. Ultra-low iodinated contrast media was used [median 2 mL (range, 1-4 mL)]. Lumen area increase ratios were similar among the proximal, mid, and distal segments (P = 0.905). No target vessel revascularization, major amputation, or mortality was observed during follow-up. Wound healing was seen in 62.5% of the cases with foot ulcers. In the treatment of calcified BTK tibial arteries, a gradual balloon diameter increase up to 3.5 mm in IVUS-guided balloon angioplasty is safe and effective. Gradual balloon diameter increase up to 3.5 mm under IVUS guidance in calcified BTK lesions demonstrates significant potential. It enables ultra-low contrast usage, provides low complication rates, and achieves high patency and limb salvage, along with satisfactory wound healing in the short term.

Textured-piezoelectric-ceramic-based focused intravascular ultrasonic transducer with improved image quality and uniformity

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is a minimally invasive medical technology that plays a critical role in diagnosis, treatment guidance, and post-treatment assessment of coronary artery diseases. As a crucial component of the IVUS system, conventional IVUS transducers are designed to be planar and unfocused to adequately cover the region of interest. However, this design comes at the cost of spatial resolution. Here, we developed a high-performance focused IVUS transducer using Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3-PbTiO3 (PIN-PSN-PT) textured ceramics with both high electromechanical performance (thickness-mode electromechanical coupling factor kt: ∼60%) and high Curie temperature (TC: ∼250 °C). Benefiting from the relatively low clamped dielectric constant (ε33S/ε0: ∼450) of PIN-PSN-PT-textured ceramics in contrast to currently used soft piezoelectric ceramics (&amp;gt;1000), we designed a relatively large aperture for the focused IVUS transducer, with a goal of enhancing lateral resolution across a larger depth of field, ranging from 1 to 5 mm. The developed focused IVUS transducer operates at 42 MHz with an −6 dB bandwidth of 72%, featuring a 0.6 × 0.6 mm2 aperture while maintaining an electrical impedance of approximately 40–60 Ω. The axial and lateral resolutions characterized by wire phantom imaging are 45 and 208 μm, respectively. The acoustic pressure generated by the focused IVUS transducer is 1.4 times higher than that of its planar counterpart. Ex vivo porcine coronary artery imaging demonstrates that our focused IVUS transducer offers improved image quality and uniformity for the visualization of intravascular structures. Our work shows great potential of PIN-PSN-PT-textured ceramics for creating high-frequency miniaturized focused transducers.

A semi-automatic cardiovascular annotation and quantification toolbox utilizing prior knowledge-guided feature learning

Annotation and quantification of cardiovascular in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images are of great significance in assisting the clinical diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease. However, it is time-consuming and expensive for cardiologists to manually annotate cardiovascular and calculate parameters in IVUS images using different software during the diagnosis. In this paper, we propose an IVUS analysis toolbox (SaCAQ) for semi-automatic cardiovascular annotation and quantification via prior knowledge-guided feature learning. The SaCAQ consists of two main modules: (1) a semi-automatic cardiovascular annotation module and (2) a cardiovascular quantification module. The semi-automatic cardiovascular annotation module can accurately segment the vascular wall by a IVUS images segmentation model (ISM-IVUS). The ISM-IVUS first extracts vascular morphological features and pixel intensity change features for the complex image segmentation by the expert prior knowledge feature extraction mechanism. Secondly, vascular wall is accurately segmented by the multi-scale feature extraction of attention U-Net. Moreover, the segmentation result checking mechanism is applied to verify the automatic segmentation result, which enhances the reliability of SaCAQ. Plaque regions of interest to doctors are detected by the rule-based plaque detection method, which can assist in the quantification task. Finally, image measurement methods and medically recognized calculation formulas are used in the cardiovascular quantification module to obtain clinical parameters, which significantly improves the confidence of the results. The SaCAQ is verified on our own dataset containing 5242 IVUS slice images and 383 sets of parameters. The experiments demonstrate that the SaCAQ achieves high accuracy of vascular wall segmentation: mIoU of 86.16%, Dice coefficient of 93.43%, and Hausdorff distance of 0.2171 mm. Moreover, ISM-IVUS has good segmentation speed and robustness. The calculated parameters show good correlation and p-values. All of these results indicate that the proposed SaCAQ provides an efficient, accurate, and reliable toolbox for clinical diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. The SaCAQ and user manual can be publicly available from https://github.com/zHwiz/SaCAQ.

Dynamic coronary roadmap in percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundContrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is one of the complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with high financial burden and poor outcomes. Dynamic coronary roadmap (DCR) is one of the augmentation tools that can provide a dynamic clear coronary mapping with the potential to reduce contrast use and CI-AKI incidence. Herein, we aim to systematically investigate the studies that have assessed the effect of DCR on PCI outcomes.MethodsFour online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant studies. Studies that compared the DCR group with the non-DCR group were included while the outcomes were AKI incidence, contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, dose area product, air kerma, intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) use, and procedural success. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for comparison of DCR and non-DCR groups.ResultsA total of six studies were included in the final analysis comprised of 447 patients in the DCR group and 527 in the non-DCR group. The mean age was 68.7 ± 10.6 years while 78.9% of the DCR group and 75.6% of the non-DCR group were males. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the rates of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, prior myocardial infarction (MI), prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and atrial fibrillation. Meta-analysis revealed that patients in the DCR group had a significantly lower rate of AKI (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93, p-value = 0.028), and contrast volume used (SMD -1.16, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.18, p-value = 0.021). However, there was no difference in fluoroscopy time (SMD -0.64, 95% CI -1.43 to 0.16, p-value = 0.116), air kerma (SMD -1.81, 95% CI -4.61 to 0.99, p-value = 0.206), IVUS use (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.73, p-value = 0.285), and procedural success (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.15 to 7.26, p-value = 0.957).ConclusionThese findings show that DCR use is associated with a lower rate of AKI and lower contrast use, compared to conventional PCI. This is of particular importance since many patients undergoing PCI have limited renal function and hence will benefit from the use of DCR. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to pave the way for the routine use of DCR in clinical settings.

Intracoronary administration of tenecteplase to prevent PCI-related myocardial infarction in patients with echo-attenuated coronary plaques: study protocol for a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related myocardial infarction (MI), especially the distal type associated with microvascular dysfunction, is not an uncommon complication of the procedure. Specific lesion features, the echo-attenuated plaques (EA) in particular, are well-established contributors to the pathogenesis of distal-type MI. These plaques are prone to disruption during PCI, leading to microvascular thrombosis and distal embolism. Tenecteplase (TNK), a 3rd-generation thrombolytic drug, has demonstrated effective thrombolytic capacity without significantly increasing the bleeding risk. Our study aims to evaluate whether a low-dose intracoronary TNK administration prior to PCI in patients with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-detected EA can reduce the occurrence of PCI-related MI and improve clinical outcomes.MethodsThis trial is designed as a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial with a 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of PCI-related myocardial infarction (MI) occurring within 48 h after PCI, which serves as a valid surrogate endpoint for assessing the efficacy of tenecteplase-based PCI in preventing future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with EA (Bulluck, et. al, Eur Heart J 42:2630–42, 2021) {1b.1}. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of patients with elevated postoperative high-sensitivity cTnI exceeding 5, 10, 35, and 70 times of the normal baseline, incidence of coronary slow flow after stent implantation and post-dilation, frame count of angiographic flow after stent implantation and post-dilation, as well as the incidence of MACE during hospitalization and at the 1-month follow-up.DiscussionThis trial may demonstrate that an immediate intracoronary administration of low-dose TNK following PCI can effectively lower the incidence of PMI in patients with EA, while confirming the safety of this therapeutic approach.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400084840). Registered on May 27, 2024.

Tracking and Navigation Technologies for Image-Guided Trans-Arterial Interventions

Trans-arterial interventions are an increasingly utilized approach for diagnosing and treating a wide range of pathologies, providing superior patient outcomes compared to traditional open surgical methods. Recent advancements in tracking and navigation technologies have significantly refined these interventions, enhancing procedural precision and success. Advanced imaging modalities, such as fluoroscopy, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), are frequently used strategies offering critical real-time guidance. Although fluoroscopy remains the primary choice for many procedures, advancements in CBCT and IVUS have enabled the delivery of detailed volumetric and intravascular imaging while reducing radiation exposure. Aiming to enhance imaging capabilities further, image fusion and augmented reality technologies show substantial potential for integrating multiple datasets into cohesive models, improving instrument tracking and spatial orientation during interventions. Innovations in navigation systems, including electromagnetic, fiberoptic, and robotic navigation, provide additional tracking capabilities for enhanced intra-arterial navigation. This article will review the current advancements in imaging, tracking, navigation, and image fusion technologies and explore their utility in enhancing trans-arterial interventions.

Abstract 4137467: Intravascular ultrasound-guided versus angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

Background: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) allows better visualization of atherosclerotic plaques than angiography alone. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively synthesize the available evidence regarding the efficacy of IVUS-guidance compared to angiography-guided PCI. Moreover, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine the applicability of IVUS guidance in complex PCI. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of major bibliographic databases from inception until May 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IVUS-guided versus angiography-guided PCI. Risk ratios (RR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using the random-effects model, with a p-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. We conducted meta-regression to determine the moderating of baseline covariates on pooled outcomes. Results: Sixteen RCTs were included with 10,993 patients undergoing PCI (IVUS-guided PCI: 5684 patients; angiography-guided PCI: 5157 patients). IVUS-guided PCI demonstrated a significantly lower risk of cardiac death [RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.68], major adverse cardiovascular events [RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.80], myocardial infarction [RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.89], stent thrombosis [RR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.75], target lesion revascularization [RR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.74], and target vessel revascularization [RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.70] than angiography-guided PCI. IVUS-guided PCI demonstrated a nonsignificant trend toward a reduced risk of all-cause mortality [RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.04]. Meta-regression showed a nonsignificant moderating effect of the duration of follow-up, age of patients, baseline dyslipidemia, and hypertension status on pooled outcomes. A sensitivity analysis was conducted for patients undergoing complex PCI. The sensitivity analysis showed the superiority of IVUS-guided PCI compared to angiography-guided PCI by resulting in a significant improvement in the clinical outcomes. Conclusion: This meta-analysis concluded that IVUS-guided PCI resulted in a reduction in cardiac death, major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target lesion revascularization, and target vessel revascularization, compared to angiography-guided PCI. Moreover, we observed the superiority of IVUS guidance in complex PCI as well.

A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Studies Applying Flow-Mediated Dilation.

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a noninvasive method to evaluate vascular endothelial function, which manifests the vascular inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and autoregulation. Since FMD is noninvasive and assesses commonly in the brachial artery by ultrasound, compared to other invasive methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), it is widely used to evaluate endothelial function and allows serial assessment. In this review, we present the currently accepted mechanisms and methods of FMD measurement with the studies applied in the current clinical practice using FMD. After all, the association with cardiovascular diseases is of substance, and so we introduce clinical studies of FMD related to cardiovascular disease such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease. In addition, studies related to pregnancy and COVID-19 were also inspected. Yet, endothelial examination is not endorsed as a cardiovascular prevention measure, for the lack of a clear standardized value methodology. Still, many studies recommend practicable FMD and would be a better prognostic value in the cardiovascular prognosis in future clinical research.

Computed tomography coronary angiography assessment of left main coronary artery stenosis severity

BackgroundAngiographic assessment of left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis severity can be unreliable. In cases of ambiguity, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can be utilised with a minimal lumen area (MLA) of ≥6 ​mm2 an accepted threshold for safe deferral of revascularization. We sought to assess whether quantitative computer tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) measures could assist clinicians making LMCA revascularization decisions when compared with IVUS as gold standard. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing IVUS assessment of angiographically intermediate LMCA stenosis were included. All patients had undergone 320-slice CTCA <90 days prior to IVUS imaging. Offline quantitative assessment of IVUS- and CT-derived measures were undertaken with the cohort divided into those with significant (s-LMCA) versus non-significant (ns-LMCA) disease using the accepted IVUS threshold. ResultsFifty-eight patients were included, with no difference in mean age (61.5 ​± ​12.2 vs. 59.7 ​± ​11.9 years, p ​= ​0.57), diabetic status (24.2% vs 16.0%, p ​= ​0.44) or other baseline demographics between groups. Patients with ns-LMCA had larger CT luminal area (8.64 ​± ​3.91 vs. 5.41 ​± ​1.54 ​mm2, p ​< ​0.001), larger minimal lumen diameter (MLD) (3.25 ​± ​0.74 vs. 2.56 ​± ​0.38 ​mm, p ​< ​0.001) and lower area stenosis (45.74 ​± ​18.10 vs. 60.93 ​± ​14.68%, p ​= ​0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CTCA and IVUS MLA (r ​= ​0.68, p ​< ​0.001) and MLD (r ​= ​0.67, p ​< ​0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated CTCA MLA cut-off <8.29 ​mm2 provides the greatest negative predictive value and sensitivity in predicting the presence of significant LMCA disease. ConclusionCTCA derived MLA and MLD have a strong correlation with IVUS. A CTCA derived MLA cut-off <8.29 ​mm2 showed greatest clinical utility for predicting the need for further assessment, based on IVUS gold standard.

The Impact of Statin Intensity on the Early Progression of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy.

Limited research has compared the relative risks and benefits different statins have after heart transplantation (HT). We hypothesize that higher statin intensity is associated with a smaller degree of allograft intimal thickening on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at 1-year post-HT. Allograft intima-media thickness (IMT) on the first annual IVUS was retrospectively compared in patients initiated on a low-intensity statin (pravastatin 20mg daily) versus moderate-intensity statin (atorvastatin 20mg daily) post-HT. A total of 172 adult patients were included (2018-2022, n = 86 in each group). At 1 year, the maximal IMT was lower in the moderate-intensity statin group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The LDL levels at 1 year trended lower with moderate-intensity statin therapy, while the rates of adverse reactions were not statistically different. A multivariate analysis of the logistic regression model showed moderate statin intensity at 12 months was protective, while donor-specific antibodies developed within the first-year posttransplant were associated with IMT≥0.5mm on the first annual IVUS. This study found that using moderate-intensity statin to prevent the early progression was as safe and possibly more effective than low-intensity statin therapy for the prevention of early cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Multimodal Intravascular Imaging of the Vulnerable Coronary Plaque.

Vulnerable coronary plaques are atherosclerotic lesions which, due to their specific phenotype, are prone to plaque rupture and to cause acute coronary syndromes, with subsequent relevant morbidity and mortality. Strategies to break the chain link between plaque vulnerability and adverse clinical events include optimized pharmacologic prevention and potentially also preemptive percutaneous coronary interventions (previously defined as "plaque sealing" or "plaque passivation"). Various morphologic features of the vulnerable plaques have been described, including aspects regarding the large necrotic lipid content, the thin fibrous cap, the presence and extent of the presence of calcifications with small size and calcification angle, and as well as the large macrophage infiltration within the plaque. The detection of these features of plaque vulnerability is possible with intravascular imaging modalities such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). This review explores the peculiarities of these three imaging modalities for the detection of vulnerable coronary plaque features.

Diagnostic Methods of Atherosclerotic Plaque and the Assessment of Its Prognostic Significance-A Narrative Review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of death. The most notable cause of CVD is an atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of different diagnostic methods for atherosclerotic plaque relevant to the assessment of cardiovascular risk. The methods can be divided into invasive and non-invasive. This review focuses on non-invasive with attention paid to ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, intravascular ultrasonography, and assessment of intima-media complex, coronary computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance. In the review, we discuss a number of Artificial Intelligence technologies that support plaque imaging.

Assessment of fractal ratio of vessel diameters in coronary bifurcation lesions by angiography and intravascular ultrasound.

Physiological coronary branching at the bifurcation has a constant fractal ratio (FR) of the diameter of the mother vessel to the sum of daughter vessels on quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). We sought to investigate the FR of diseased coronary bifurcations using QCA and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and its impact on late lumen loss after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In multicentre prospective studies of the J-REVERSE and 3D OCT Bifurcation Registry, 402 and 109 bifurcations treated with stenting that completed QCAs and IVUS examinations, respectively were analysed. FR was investigated at the reference sites pre-PCI and the minimum lumen diameter (MLD) post-PCI. In the QCA analysis, constant FR was observed in the pre-PCI reference (0.62 ± 0.08) and in the post-PCI MLD site (0.74 ± 0.10), which was greater (p < 0.05). In the IVUS analysis, the constant FR in the post-PCI MLD site (0.67 ± 0.06) was similar to that in the pre-PCI reference (0.66 ± 0.06) and close to the physiological FR value (0.678). The fourth quintile of pre-PCI reference FR in the IVUS analysis showed numerically least late lumen loss in proximal main vessel (MV) (0.16 ± 0.22mm) and distal MV (0.13 ± 0.32mm) and significantly less in the side branch compared to higher FR quintile (-0.14 ± 0.27mm vs. 0.10 ± 0.19mm, p = 0.004), while no relationship was found in the QCA analysis. FR in the diseased coronary bifurcation was more accurately assessed on IVUS than on QCA, and the accomplishment of physiological FR might lead to less late lumen loss after bifurcation PCI.

Intravascular Ultrasound Assessment of Distal Trans-Radial Access in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Distal trans-radial access (dTRA) for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is increasingly gaining attention due to its potential to mitigate radial artery occlusion (RAO). However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical impact of the devices on the radial artery (RA) wall remains limited. Using a complete intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluation of the RA, including also the vascular access site, we aimed to evaluate all the consequences related to the catheterization on the RA wall, starting from the vascular access, comparing conventional sheath and sheathless approaches. This is an observational, prospective, multicenter study aimed to assess the entire RA wall immediately after IVUS-guided PCI via-dTRA. IVUS assessment included quantitative measurements (minimal lumen area [MLA], minimal vessel area [MVA]) and qualitative observations (dissections, vasospasm). Study objectives included delineating RA wall structure post-PCI and comparing findings between conventional and sheathless approaches. Fifty patients (21 [42%] with conventional sheath, 29 [58%] sheathless) were enrolled between March 2023 and February 2024. Female patients were more prevalent in the convention sheath group (38% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). Sheathless approach utilized 7-French guiding catheters more frequently (33% vs. 86%, p < 0.001). Post-procedural IVUS identified dissections in 12% of cases, with no significant difference between approaches. Arterial vasospasm was present in a quarter of patients, numerically higher in the conventional sheath group (29% vs. 21%, p = 0.5). MLA and MVA were comparable between groups, though MLA and MVA were lowest at the proximal segment of the RA only in the conventional sheath group (p < 0.001). No RAO was documented during the IVUS evaluation. The intravascular assessment of dTRA after coronary interventions, utilizing either conventional or sheathless approaches, including large-bore guiding catheters, demonstrated a relatively low incidence of access-related complications such as dissection and vasospasm, without affecting the flow and patency of the proximal RA.

Assessment of Cutting-Balloon Angioplasty with Novel Bioabsorbable Polymer-Coated Everolimus-Eluting Stent in Treating Calcified Coronary Lesions Guided by Intravascular Ultrasound (CUPID Trial): study design and protocol

BackgroundVarious devices and techniques have been used for plaque modification in the treatment of severe coronary artery calcification. This prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cutting balloon angioplasty using a novel bioabsorbable polymer-coated everolimus-eluting coronary stent for treating various degrees of calcified coronary lesions.MethodsWe outline the trial design aimed at assessing whether the cutting balloon (Wolverine™) is non-inferior to the non-compliant balloon in treating patients with calcified lesions, encompassing both de novo and in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions. We aim to enroll 250 patients who have undergone bioabsorbable polymer-coated everolimus-eluting coronary stent (Synergy™) implantation. The primary endpoint is the minimal stent cross-sectional area at the calcium site as determined by intravascular ultrasonography. The secondary endpoints include major adverse cardiac events and target lesion revascularization at 12 months, alongside procedural convenience and operator-centric parameters, such as the number of balloons used, procedure time, and total contrast medium volume used.DiscussionIn this study, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Wolverine™ and non-compliant balloon in patients with calcified coronary lesions and provide a rationale for which type of balloons will optimally modify calcium lesions. In addition, we will attempt to expand the indications of the cutting balloon for treating mild-to-severe calcified coronary lesions. As the scope of insurance coverage for cutting balloons remains limited in some countries, this study may provide evidence for extending insurance coverage to the treatment of de novo calcified and ISR lesions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06177808. Registered on January 1, 2024.

In vivo study of pulmonary artery remodeling and pulsatility in long Fontan patient

Abstract Background Pulmonary vasculopathy associated with Fontan circulation is a relatively unexplored entity that could have clinical and therapeutic implications. Purpose Our aim was to evaluate the physiology of the pulmonary artery in patients with Fontan circulation using conventional right heart catheterization (RHC) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Methods From December 2022 to January 2024, data from all consecutive Fontan patients undergoing RHC were prospectively collected at a tertiary referral center for adult congenital heart disease. Pressures and pulmonary artery wall high-definition IVUS recordings (OptiCrossTM, 60 MHz, Boston Scientific) were recorded at rest and during apnea. Pathological Fontan pressure was defined when as exceeding 15 mmHg. IVUS pulsatility index was defined as [(systolic lumen area - diastolic lumen area)/(diastolic lumen area) ×100], Peterson's elastic modulus as (pulmonary pulse pressure/IVUS pulsatility index), and area of wall thickness as [(wall area - lumen area)/(lumen area) x100)]. In the literature, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) normal values of elastic modulus and wall thickness area have been reported as 21 ± 1.7 mmHg and 1.4 ± 1.3%, respectively, in healthy patients without pulmonary hypertension (1: doi: 10.1186/s12931-017-0568-z). We define an alteration in intrinsic pulmonary arterial wall viscoelastic properties as an elastic modulus &amp;gt; 70 mmHg, and we define structural pulmonary wall remodeling as an increase in wall thickness area greater than 5%. Results 13 patients were studied. Median age was 28.1 years interquartile range (IQR) (25.6- 41.4), 7 (53.9%) were female, and 4 (30,8%) were in functional New York Heart Associtation (NYHA) class I. RHC and pulmonary arterial wall IVUS values are presented in Figure 1. 6 (46.2%) had Fontan abnormal pressures at rest. All patients showed minimal pulse pressure in the pulmonary arteries synchronized with heart rate, median pulmonary pulse pressure (IQR) 3 (2-4) mmHg. This pulsatility was detected in the IVUS study in all patients, pulsatility index (median (IQR) 4.8 (3.3-10.1)) and elastic modulus (median (IQR) 51.5 (20.5-101.6) mmHg). All of them had some degree of structural pulmonary wall remodeling (&amp;gt;5% wall thickness area), and 10 (76.9%) of them had marked remodeling (&amp;gt; 10%). The median (IQR) of wall thickness area was 13.6 (10.5-18.3) % (Figure 2). We think that the pseudo-normality of the elastic modulus is due to a low pulmonary pulse pressure, however, structural remodeling could be secondary to the endothelial dysfunction present and described in arteries with very low pulsatility. Conclusions The IVUS evaluation of the pulmonary artery in Fontan patients may be useful for revealing significant information regarding pulmonary physiology. Pulmonary wall thickening has been observed, providing insight into altered structural remodeling of the pulmonary arteries in this population.

The usefulness of IVUS and OCT in patients treated with rotational atherectomy

Abstract Background Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been shown to improve clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in selected subsets of patients. Purpose To investigate whether the use of OCT or IVUS during PCI with rotational atherectomy (RA-PCI) will increase odds for successful revascularization defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow. Methods Data were obtained from the national registry of PCIs (ORPKI) maintained by the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions (AISN) of the Polish Cardiac Society. The dataset includes PCIs spanning from January 2014 to December 2021 Results A total of 6,522 RA-PCIs were analyzed, out of which 708 (10.9%) were guided by IVUS and 86 (1.3%) by OCT. The postprocedural TIMI 3 flow was achieved significantly more often in RA-PCIs guided by intravascular imaging (98.7% vs 96.6%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that using of IVUS and OCT was independently associated with an increased chance of achieving postprocedural TIMI 3 flow by 67% (odds ratio (OR), 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–1.99; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and 66% (OR, 1.66; 95% CI: 1.09–2.54; p=0.02), respectively. Other factors associated with successful revascularization were as follows: previous PCI (OR, 1.72; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and coronary artery bypass grafting (OR, 1.09; p=0.002), hypertension (OR, 1.14; p&amp;lt;0.0001), fractional flow reserve assessment during angiogram (OR, 1.47; p&amp;lt;0.0001), bifurcation PCI (OR, 3.06; p&amp;lt;0.0001), and stent implantation (OR, 19.6, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusions PCIs with rotational atherectomy guided by intravascular imaging modalities (IVUS or OCT) are associated with a higher procedural success rate compared to angio-guided procedures.

Catheter-induced ostial coronary artery dissection during percutaneous coronary intervention assessed by intravascular ultrasound

Abstract Background Catheter-induced ostial coronary artery dissection is one of the possible complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), sometimes resulting in serious consequences. The incidence of catheter-induced ostial coronary artery dissection has been assessed by coronary angiography, but rarely by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Prognosis of ostial coronary artery dissection is also unclear. Purpose To determine the incidence and prognosis of catheter-induced ostial coronary artery dissection during PCI by IVUS assessment. Methods The study population consisted of 1468 consecutive patients undergoing PCI at our institution between January 2019 and March 2020. Patients who had previously received a stent in the ostial coronary artery to be treated and patients who were scheduled to receive a stent in the ostial coronary artery during the procedure were excluded. The analysis was performed on 246 patients undergoing IVUS assessment of the ostial coronary artery at the end of the procedure. The 1-year cumulative rates of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization procedure were compared between patients with and without ostial coronary artery dissection (dissection and nondissection groups). Results Ostial coronary artery dissection was detected by coronary angiography in 13 patients (5.2%) and by IVUS in 49 patients (19.9%). There were no significant differences between the dissection and nondissection groups (49 patients vs. 197 patients) in the percentage of the treated coronary artery (right coronary artery: 34.7% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.86), acute coronary syndrome (30.6% vs. 41.6%, p = 0.15), or the use of a backup catheter (32.7% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.09). The dissection group had more moderate to severe calcified lesions than the nondissection group (42.9% vs. 22.3%, p&amp;lt;0.01). There were no significant differences between the dissection and nondissection groups in the 1-year cumulative incidence of all-cause death (6.1% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.88), nonfatal infarction (6.1% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.54), or any revascularization procedure (10.2% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.72). Eight patients (16%) in the dissection group received additional intervention for ostial coronary artery dissection and had a significantly higher rate of dissection detected by coronary angiography than conservatively treated patients (75.0% vs. 17.1%, p&amp;lt;0.01). In addition, no conservatively treated patients received additional intervention for worsening dissection within one year of the index procedure. Conclusion IVUS may be more useful than coronary angiography in detecting ostial coronary artery dissection. With proper management, ostial coronary artery dissection may not lead to worse 1-year outcomes, and many dissections detected by IVUS may not require additional intervention.

Computed tomography for prediction of stent underexpansion after percutaneous recanalization of calcified coronary chronic total occlusions

Abstract Background Coronary calcifications are the leading cause of stent underexpansion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and are commonly encountered in chronic total occlusions (CTO). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is uniquely suited for pre-procedural assessment of coronary calcifications. Recently quantitative CCTA, providing exact volumes of each plaque component, has shown additional value in future risk assessment compared with conventional qualitative CCTA. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CCTA predicts intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-defined suboptimal stent expansion following percutaneous recanalization of calcified CTO lesions. Methods We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with a CCTA performed within 6-months prior to successful PCI of a calcified CTO (defined as calcification within the target lesion on CCTA). All patients had final IVUS of implanted stents (Figure 1). Patients requiring atherectomy were excluded. The primary outcome was IVUS-derived stent expansion index (SEI), defined as stent area divided by vessel area (both measured at the site of maximum calcium). SEI&amp;lt;0.4 indicated suboptimal stent expansion. The site of maximum calcium was a cross-section with greatest calcium arc on pre-stent IVUS within the target lesion. CCTA calcium analysis was performed by a researcher blinded to the IVUS and angiography results. Measurements included total-, vessel-, and lesion-specific calcium score (CAC), total calcium length, maximum calcium thickness and maximum CT calcium attenuation at the target lesion defined as occlusion site and adjacent severely diseased segments. Calcium quantification was performed using a semi-automated software to obtain volumes and burdens of calcified and non-calcified plaque components within the target lesion. Results The cohort included 43 patients (age 64.9±10.0 years, 88% males) with 43 CTO lesions. Mean final stent area at maximum calcium by IVUS was 8.2±2.1mm². Mean SEI was 0.47±0.1, and suboptimal SEI of &amp;lt;0.4 was found in 10 (23.3%) lesions. Lesions with suboptimal stent expansion (SEI&amp;lt;0.4) were characterized by numerically higher total-, vessel- and lesion-specific CAC, higher maximum calcium attenuation, greater calcium length and remodeling index compared with patients with optimal stent expansion (Table 1). However, only calcified plaque volume (105 [IQR 27-271] vs. 29 [4-96]mm³, P=0.02) and calcified plaque burden (16 [7-24] vs. 6 [1-10]%, P=0.03) were significantly greater in lesions with suboptimal stent expansion compared with lesions with optimal stent expansion, respectively. Calcified plaque volume ≥51 mm³ within the target lesion predicted suboptimal stent expansion with 70% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity (AUC 0.74). Conclusion CCTA-derived calcium volume identifies CTO lesions at greater risk of stent underexpansion. Such lesions require more aggressive plaque modification prior to stent implantation.