Left Anterior Descending Lesions Research Articles

Analysis of influential factors of stent-related adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention more than twice: a single-center retrospective study

We aimed to assess the factors affecting patient outcomes in multiple stent placements over a 10-year period. The single-center study included 1,200 patients who had multiple stents implanted at least twice or more. Participants were divided into the adverse outcomes as endpoints (n = 204 [17%]) and control groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of stent-related adverse events risk during 10 years and logistic regression analysis of the adverse outcomes risk factors were performed. Univariate analysis revealed the impact of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, cumulative lesions in the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) arteries, number of stents in the LAD, LCX, and right coronary artery (RCA), presence of multiple coronary artery lesions, total number of stents used, and intervals between the first and second and between the fourth and fifth implantations. For secondary stent implantation, significant factors in univariate analysis included the number of LAD and LCX lesions, stents in LAD, LCX, and RCA, extent of coronary lesions, ACS, hypertension, diabetes, and total stent count. Many factors affect the outcomes in this patient group over time. Reducing the need for frequent percutaneous coronary intervention and considering the number of stents implanted are essential to improving outcomes.

UNVEILING CLINICAL AND ANGIOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF RESTENOSIS FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION (PCI) IN LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING (LAD) ARTERY LESIONS: INSIGHTS FROM A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Restenosis, the re-narrowing of coronary arteries post-stenting, continues to be a significant clinical issue, particularly in Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery lesions. Despite advances in stent technology, including drug-eluting stents (DES), restenosis remains a significant contributor to adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and repeat revascularisation. Understanding the clinical and angiographic factors that predict restenosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to identify clinical and angiographic predictors of restenosis in patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for LAD artery lesions. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. A total of 162 patients who underwent PCI for de-novo LAD lesions were included. Data regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, lesion characteristics, and stent types were extracted from hospital records. Angiographic follow-up was performed at 12 months post-PCI to assess restenosis, defined as ≥50% luminal narrowing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of restenosis. Results: Among the 162 patients, 15.4% (n=25) developed restenosis within 12 months. Diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.21–6.24; p=0.014), lesion length (OR: 1.08 per mm; 95% CI: 1.01–1.15; p=0.025), and stent type (DES vs. BMS; OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.98; p=0.046) were identified as significant predictors. Smoking and hypertension were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus, lesion length, and the use of drug-eluting stents are independent predictors of restenosis in LAD artery lesions. These findings underscore the need for tailored stenting strategies and enhanced post-PCI management in high-risk patients to reduce restenosis rates and improve long-term outcomes.

IMPACT OF LESION COMPLEXITY ON PCI SUCCESS IN LAD DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Coronary artery disease (CAD) involving the left anterior descending (LAD) artery is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease depends on the extent of at-risk myocardium. LAD comparatively supplies a large percentage of the left ventricle compared to RCA or LCX. The principal indication of percutaneous coronary intervention is to improve the quality of life in patients with angina refractory to medications. There are many advancements in PCI techniques for better management of challenging lesions due to physiological, anatomical, or functional difficulties. Some of the complex lesions include ostial lesions, bifurcating lesions, calcified lesions, and chronic total occlusions. However, as lesion complexity plays a significant role in procedural success and long-term outcomes, complex lesions are often associated with increased rates of restenosis, adverse events, and procedural challenges Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of lesion complexity on PCI success in patients with LAD disease. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, at a tertiary cardiovascular center. A total of 216 participants who had PCI to LAD lesions done were included. Lesion complexity was assessed using the SYNTAX score and categorised into low, intermediate, and high complexity groups. The primary outcome was restenosis at 12 months, defined as ≥50% luminal narrowing in patients requiring repeat angiography due to any indication. Secondary outcomes included procedural success, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and rates of stent thrombosis. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 216 participants, 72% were male, and the mean age was 61.4 ± 9.8 years. Restenosis occurred in 13.9% of participants, with higher rates observed in patients with high-complexity lesions (24.5%) compared to low-complexity lesions (7.7%) (p = 0.02). Procedural success was achieved in 92.6% of cases, though it decreased with increasing lesion complexity (97.8% for low, 93.4% for intermediate, and 85.7% for high-complexity groups). MACE occurred in 4.6% of participants, with stent thrombosis noted in 2.7%. Conclusion: Lesion complexity significantly influences PCI success and restenosis rates in LAD disease. Patients with higher complexity lesions experience worse outcomes, necessitating individualised treatment strategies to optimise procedural success.

Hybrid coronary revascularization: position paper of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions.

Myocardial revascularization in coronary artery disease via percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery effectively relieves symptoms, significantly improves prognosis and quality of life when combined with guideline-directed medical therapy. Hybrid coronary revascularization is a promising alternative to percutaneous coronary intervention or CABG in selected patients and is defined as a planned and/or intended combination of consecutive CABG surgery using at least 1 internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending (LAD), and catheter-based coronary intervention to the non-LAD vessels for the treatment of multivessel disease. The main indications for hybrid coronary revascularization are (i) to achieve complete revascularization in patients who cannot undergo conventional CABG, (ii) to treat patients with acute coronary syndromes and multivessel disease with a non-LAD vessel as the culprit lesion that needs revascularization and (iii) in highly select patients with multivessel disease with complex LAD lesions and simple percutaneous coronary intervention targets for all other vessels. Hybrid coronary revascularization patients receive a left internal mammary artery graft to the LAD artery through a minimal incision along with percutaneous coronary intervention to the remaining diseased coronary vessels using latest generation drug-eluting stents. A collaborative environment with a dedicated heart team is the optimal platform to perform such interventions, which aim to improve the quality and outcome of myocardial revascularization. This position paper analyses the rationale of hybrid coronary revascularization and the currently available evidence on the various techniques and delves into the sequence of the interventions and pharmacological management during and after the procedure.

OUTCOMES OF ROTATIONAL ATHERECTOMY IN CALCIFIED PROXIMAL LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING (LAD) LESIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF TRIPLE VESSEL DISEASE

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become more complex with the advancement of medical devices. One such device is the rotational atherectomy (RA), which uses a rotating diamond-coated burr to modify calcified lesions. This makes it easier to deliver balloons and stents to specific lesions. However, there is a lack of literature regarding the success of RA in calcified proximal 'left anterior descending (LAD) lesions' following PCI. To address this gap, a study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes of RA in calcified proximal LAD lesions in triple vessel disease (TVD). The study included 112 patients who underwent PCI using RA between February 2022 and November 2022 at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Data was collected using a standard report structure, including operative and follow-up details and medical and demographic features. Retrospective data was collected using medical records and interviews with patients or doctors. The ethical committee approved the study. The participants had an average age of 68.4± 0.45 years, with 85 men (75.8%) and 40 (35.7%) with diabetes mellitus. The technical success rate was 97.6%, with 20 individuals (17.8%) experiencing significant adverse cerebral and cardiac events while hospitalized. At 1.5 years, 25 (22.3%) TVFs had occurred. Independent variables such as current smoking, chronic renal disease, history of cerebrovascular attack, left ventricle ejection fraction, and left central disease were assessed to predict TVF. Based on the results, the investigation showed that rotational atherectomy in calcified proximal LAD lesions had promising success rates.

Evaluation of the residual myocardial ischemia after PCI to long diffuse left anterior descending artery lesions: comparison of IVUS vs FFR

Abstract Background Up to 30% of coronary artery lesions continue to induce myocardial ischemia (FFR ≤ 0.8) despite angiographically successful PCI. This proportion is even larger after PCI to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery as it supplies blood to the largest myocardial territory and often has diffuse disease. Post PCI FFR is an important tool to risk stratify patients, as lower values are associated with a worse prognosis. Therefore, achieving a good functional PCI result after LAD treatment is crucial. PCI optimization tools such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and FFR were both proven to be superior to angiography-guided PCI, however, there is a lack of studies comparing these two modalities head-to-head, especially in the long LAD lesions. Purpose To compare functional PCI result assessed with FFR measured immediately post PCI and at 9-12 months follow-up between IVUS optimization and FFR optimization strategies after percutaneous treatment of long LAD lesions. Methods This was a single center observational study, which enrolled 127 patients. 61 patients underwent PCI optimized with FFR (historical FFR optimization group) and for 66 patients PCI was optimized with IVUS. FFR measurement was performed using intravenous adenosine with a pullback before and after PCI for all patients. Post PCI FFR was recorded in both groups when the PCI result was considered to be final and no more optimization was performed afterwards. Patients also underwent invasive follow-up at 9-12 months post PCI with FFR measurement at the same location (Figure 1). A case example of IVUS optimization strategy is demonstrated in Figure 2. Results The average patients age (66.5 ± 9.5) and baseline clinical characteristics (males 70.1%, diabetes 20.5%, hypertension 92.1%, dyslipidemia 91.3%, smoking 23.0%, chronic kidney disease 21.3%) did not differ between IVUS and FFR optimization groups. IVUS strategy resulted in the longer stented segment compared to FFR group (62 [48-75] mm vs 52 [36-63] mm, p=0.03). The proportion of patients with optimal functional PCI result (FFR > 0.9) did not differ significantly between two groups (16.7% in IVUS group vs 15% in FFR group), however, there was a lower incidence of residual myocardial ischemia in the IVUS optimization group: 0% of patients with post-PCI FFR ≤ 0.8 in the IVUS group vs 13.3% in the FFR group (p=0.002). The trend for smaller ischemia prevalence in IVUS optimization strategy continued during follow-up: there were 4.5% of patients with target vessel related myocardial ischemia in IVUS group and 18.0% in FFR group (p=0.015). Conclusion(s) In the treatment of long LAD lesions IVUS PCI optimization strategy was associated with lower incidence of poor functional PCI result and smaller ischemia burden at follow-up compared to FFR optimization strategy. The implementation of intravascular imaging should be mandatory in the treatment of long diffuse coronary disease.Figure 1Figure 2

Impacts of illicit drug use on coronary angiographic findings in a multicenter registry of patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Although illicit drug use may induce acute coronary syndrome (ACS), its impacts on coronary angiographic characteristics and the coronary artery disease (CAD) burden are a matter of debate. Purpose To assess the association between illicit drugs use and coronary angiographic findings in a multicenter patients with ACS. Methods From April 7 to 22, 2021, the Addiction in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ADDICT-ICCU) study included prospectively 1,499 patients admitted to ICCUs with a systematic urine multidrug test in 39 ICCUs across France. This prespecified study focuses on patients admitted for ACS with an angiography analysed by an independent Angiographic Core Laboratory. Patients with history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery were excluded. We compared coronary angiographic findings between illicit drugs users and others for the following parameters: the prevalence, location, type, and severity of CAD obstruction (stenosis≥50%), SYNTAX score, residual SYNTAX score, and the characteristics of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results Among the 283 patients with ACS (62±13 years, 77% men), 38 (13.4%) had a positive test for illicit drugs (cannabis: 12%, cocaine: 1.1%, MDMA: 0.7%). Drug users were younger than other patients (51±12 vs 64±12 years, p<0.001), but there were no significant difference in sex ratio (89.5% vs 75.5%, p=0.088). There was no significant difference in the rate of STEMI (52.6% vs 45.7%, p=0.535) and NTSEMI (47.4% vs 54.3%, p=0.535) between drug users and others. Regarding the CAD burden, drug users had significantly less obstructive coronary lesions (1.6±1.1 vs 2.2±1.4, p=0.012), less multivessel obstructive CAD (31% vs 61%, p=0.001), and a trend for a lower initial SYNTAX score (8.3±7.8 vs 10.8±8.4; p=0.084) compared to others. Concerning culprit lesion, drug users had less bifurcation lesions (p=0.008), a trend for more left anterior descending (LAD) artery lesions (p=0.091), a higher thrombus burden score (p=0.057), and less lesions above 20 mm (p=0.183). Conclusion In patients with ACS, recent illicit drug use is associated with less number of significant lesions and less multivessel CAD. Concerning culprit lesions, illicit drugs use is associated with less bifurcation lesions, with a trend for more LAD lesions and a higher thrombus burden score.ACS analysed with Core LaboratoryAngiographic findings according to drug

Drug-coated balloons for the treatment of ostial left anterior descending or ostial left circumflex artery lesions: a patient-level propensity score-matched analysis.

Controversy exists as to the optimal treatment approach for ostial left anterior descending (LAD) or ostial left circumflex artery (LCx) lesions. Drug-coated balloons (DCB) may overcome some of the limitations of drug-eluting stents (DES). Therefore, we investigated the security and feasibility of the DCB policy in patients with ostial LAD or ostial LCx lesions, and compared it with the conventional DES-only strategy. We retrospectively enrolled patients with de novo ostial lesions in the LAD or LCx who underwent interventional treatment. They were categorized into two groups based on their treatment approach: the DCB group and the DES group. The treatment strategies in the DCB group involved the use of either DCB-only or hybrid strategies, whereas the DES group utilized crossover or precise stenting techniques. Two-year target lesion revascularization was the primary endpoint, while the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and vessel thrombosis were the secondary endpoints. Using propensity score matching, we assembled a cohort with comparable baseline characteristics. To ensure result analysis reliability, we conducted sensitivity analyses, including interaction, and stratified analyses. Among the 397 eligible patients, 6.25% of patients who were planned to undergo DCB underwent DES. A total of 108 patients in each group had comparable propensity scores and were included in the analysis. Two-year target lesion revascularization occurred in 5 patients (4.90%) and 16 patients (16.33%) in the DCB group and the DES group, respectively (odds ratio = 0.264, 95% CI: 0.093-0.752, P = 0.008). Compared with the DES group, the DCB group demonstrated a lower major adverse cardiovascular events rate (7.84% vs. 19.39%, P = 0.017). However, differences with regard to cardiac death, non-periprocedural target vessel myocardial infarction, and definite or probable vessel thrombosis between the groups were non-significant. The utilization of the DCB approach signifies an innovative and discretionary strategy for managing isolated ostial lesions in the LAD or LCx. Nevertheless, a future randomized trial investigating the feasibility and safety of DCB compared to the DES-only strategy specifically for de novo ostial lesions in the LAD or LCx is highly warranted.

Association among β2-adrenergic receptor autoantibodies and proximal left anterior descending artery lesions in patients with initial ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

β2 -adrenergic receptor autoantibody (β2 -AA) are widely present in patients with many different types of cardiovascular diseases. Proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery lesions are associated with adverse prognostic events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). β2 -AA is associated with the presence of proximal LAD lesions in patients with STEMI. A cohort of 153 patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) was enrolled in the study. Baseline characteristics were compared between the proximal LAD group (n = 62) and the nonproximal LAD group (n = 91). Admission serum of patients was collected to detect the level of β2 -AA. Data for echocardiogram within 24 hours after PPCI and at the 6-month follow-up were recorded. The optical density values and positive rates of β2 -AA in the proximal LAD group were higher than those in the nonproximal LAD group (p < 0.05). β2 -AA positively correlated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein and peak N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide levels in the proximal LAD group, but those were not relevant in the nonproximal LAD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high β2 -AA levels was independently associated with the presence of proximal LAD lesions in patients with STEMI. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to show the efficiency of β2 -AA levels to detect proximal LAD lesions, and the AUC of the β2-AA OD value was 0.658 (95% confidence interval 0.568-0.749; p = 0.001). The STEMI patients with high β2 -AA levels had a greater possibility having proximal LAD lesions.

Postoperative results of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass procedure in 234 patients.

Minimally invasive approach in cardiac surgery has gained popularity. In order to reduce surgical trauma in coronary surgery minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has already been established. This technique has been introduced for revascularisation of isolated left anterior descending (LAD). It can also be performed for hybrid revascularisation procedure in multi-vessel disease. From 2017 to 2021, 234 patients received MIDCAB operation in our heartcenter 73% were male. Most of the patients had two or three vessel disease (74%). The average age of the patients was 66 ± 12 years mean. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was anastomosed to the LAD through left minithoracotomy approach. Multi-vessel MIDCAB (MV-MIDCAB) including two anastomoses (T-graft to LIMA with additional saphenous vein graft) was done in 15% (n = 35). The average operation time was 2.3 ± 0.8 h mean. The 30-day mortality was 1.7% (n = 4). The average amount of packed red blood cells (pRBC) that was given intra- and postoperatively was 0.4 ± 0.8 units mean. The mean intensive care unit stay (ICU) was 1 ± 1.2 days. Three patients (1.3%) had wound infection postoperatively. The rate of neurologic complications was 0.4% (n = 1). Two patients (0.9%) had myocardial infarction and received coronary re-angiography perioperatively including stent implantation of the right coronary artery. The MIDCAB procedure is a safe and less traumatic procedure for selected patients with proximal LAD lesions. It is also an option for hybrid procedure in multi-vessel disease. The ICU stay and application of pRBC's are low. Our MIDCAB results show a good postoperative clinical outcome. However, follow-up data are necessary to evaluate long-term outcome.

Surgeon-Guided Robotic Arm Facilitates LIMA Takedown in MIDCAB Surgery.

Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery bypass has been scientifically proven to have the best patency and long-term results in myocardial revascularization. The latest guidelines suggest minimally invasive LIMA to LAD is the optimal therapy for isolated proximal LAD lesions. The start of a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) program can be quite challenging as robotic surgery demands high starting costs, while normal thoracoscopic techniques have a longer surgeon learning curve. In this article, we describe to the best of our knowledge the first use of surgeon-guided wristed instruments in LIMA harvesting for MIDCAB surgery. It allows for a facilitated LIMA harvest like in robotic surgery with the comfort of a surgeon constantly standing by the patient, allowing for a faster response time in case of an emergency or the need for instrument exchange. These features result in shorter operating times, lower costs compared with robotic surgery, and faster adoption of this technique for centers just starting MIDCAB surgery.

982 NON CULPRIT LESION IN ACS PATIENTS DISCREPANCY BETWEEN HYPERAEMIC AND RESTING INDEXES

Abstract Background Multivessel disease occurs in approximately half of patients presenting with STEMI and the best management non-culprit lesions is still unclear. The case reported a patient with inferior STEMI, in which the non-culprit lesion has been evaluated with a “full-physiology” approach by a pressure wire. Case Description A 52-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and diabetes was admitted to our center diagnosed with inferior STEMI. Coronary angiography showed a thrombotic occlusion (TIMI 0) of the right coronary artery (culprit lesion) and intermediate stenosis of proximal left anterior descending (LAD). Primary PCI (p-PCI) of the right coronary artery has been performed. After 4 days a stepwise complete physiological approach on the LAD artery has been performed. The physiological study showed a negative discrepancy between FFR - and RFR + with increased index of microvascular resistance (IMR). Discussion The fractional flow reserve (FFR) represents the best-known invasive method for the functional evaluation of intermediate coronary stenosis. Unlike the FFR, the resting flow ratio RFR is a non-hyperemic index that does not require the administration of a vasodilator such as adenosine as does the iwFR. There are many factors that can lead to a negative discrepancy between hyperemic and non-hyperemic indices. In the case presented, the functional values found were: FFR: 0.90 RFR: 0.86 and IMR = 76; CFR = 1.0. The FFR-/ RFR+ disagreement may reflect the attenuating influence of microvascular disease on adenosine-mediated vasodilation. Therefore, we decided to treat the LAD lesion according the RFR value with a DES 3.0×33 mm implantation. Conclusion Myocardial infarction can result in altered microvascular and endothelial dysfunction also in the non-culprit territory. The FFR - / RFR + disagreement may reflect the attenuating influence of microvascular disease on adenosine-mediated vasodilation.

Occlusion of Two Coronary Arteries Simultaneously

A 60-year-old woman with a history of stroke and known hypertension presented to the emergency room after experiencing acute chest pain for an hour. Her blood pressure was 80/55 mmHg, and her pulse rate was 42 beats per minute. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed first-degree cardiac block and inferior and anteroseptal leads with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (Panel A). The patient was promptly moved to the catheterization lab after receiving first care. Early distal left anterior descending (LAD) artery partial blockage with thrombus-containing lesion was found during diagnostic coronary angiography (Panel B). After a challenging engagement of the right coronary artery (RCA), it was discovered that there was a proximal complete blockage with a thrombus-containing lesion (Panel C). Unfortunately, the patient collapsed with severe bradycardia (34 beats per minute) and hypotension (systolic blood pressure = 60 mmHg), which did not react to quick intravenous fluid and atropine ampules. A temporary pacemaker was soon implanted. After the pacing was started, the patient developed ventricular fibrillation, which required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and successive DC shocks before the pulse returned to sinus. The RCA was successfully stented quickly, followed by the stenting of the LAD lesion (Panel D and E). The patient rapidly returns to sinus rhythm with great coronary blood flow, and normal blood pressure is recorded after one hour of recovery. Two hours later, echocardiography demonstrated normal systolic function with no aberrant segmental motion. Occlusion of two coronary arteries is a critical disorder that requires immediate detection and treatment to avoid complications such as ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock. The patient was released with excellent outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery or stenting for left anterior descending artery disease - meta-analysis.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are both well-established minimally invasive revascularization strategies in patients with proximal left anterior descending (LAD) lesions. We aimed to evaluate the 20-years’ experience by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing MIDCAB versus PCI in adults with proximal LAD disease. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane on October 1st, 2021 for articles published in the year 2000 or later. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included cardiac mortality, repeat target vessel revascularization (rTVR), myocardial infarction (MI), and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Outcomes were analysed at short-term, mid-term, and long-term follow-up. Random effects meta-analyses were performed. Events were compared using risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Our search yielded 17 studies pooling 3847 patients. At short-term follow-up, cardiac mortality was higher with MIDCAB than with PCI (RR 7.30, 95% CI: 1.38 to 38.61). At long-term follow-up, MIDCAB showed a decrease in all-cause mortality (RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.93). MIDCAB showed a decrease in rTVR at mid-term follow-up (RR 0.16, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.23) and at long-term follow-up (RR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.38). MI and CVA comparisons were not significant. In conclusion, in patients with proximal LAD lesions, MIDCAB showed a higher short-term mortality in the RCTs, but the cohort studies suggested a lower all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up. We confirm a decreased rTVR at mid-term follow-up in the RCTs and long-term follow-up in the cohort studies.

Effect of Infarction-Related Artery Location on Clinical Outcome of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Contemporary Era of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - Subanalysis From the Prospective Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (JAMIR).

Previous studies have reported that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) related to left anterior descending (LAD) lesion is associated with worse outcomes than left circumflex artery (LCX) or right coronary artery (RCA) lesions. However, it is unknown whether those relationships are still present in the contemporary era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), using newer generation drug-eluting stents and potent antiplatelet agents. This study is a sub-analysis of the Japan AMI Registry (JAMIR), a multicenter, prospective registry enrolling 3,411 AMI patients between December 2015 and May 2017. Among them, 2,780 patients undergoing primary PCI for only a culprit vessel were included and stratified based on infarction-related artery type (LAD, LCX, and RCA). The primary outcome was 1-year cardiovascular death. The overall incidence of cardiovascular death was 3.4%. Patients with LAD infarction had highest incidence of cardiovascular death compared to patients with LCX and RCA infarction (4.8%, 1.3%, and 2.4%, respectively); however, landmark analysis showed that culprit vessel had no significant effect on cardiovascular death if a patient survived 30 days after primary PCI. LAD lesion infarction was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death in adjusted Cox regression analysis. The present sub-analysis of the JAMIR demonstrated that LAD infarction is still associated with worse outcomes, especially during the first 30 days, even in the contemporary era of PCI.

The Effect of Clinical Characteristics and Stent Parameters on Left Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony

Aim. To study short term effect of stent size and number on left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery.Materials and methods. the study included 150 adult patients with LAD lesion treated with PCI using drug-eluting stent. Patients were evaluated pre PCI then 1 month and 3 months post PCI for evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony using tissue synchronization image (TSI).Results. Before revascularization mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 51.2±5.7 %, mean time to peak TSI was 213.6±10.9 ms; 1 month after PCI TSI improved significantly to 163.7±17.6 ms (p&lt;0.001), 3 months after PCI showed more improvement to 120.7±26.9 ms (p&lt;0.001). After 3m; 61 patients (40.7%) showed recovery to normal TSI value. The predictors of non-improvement of time to peak TSI after 3 months were diabetes mellitus (p=0.007), dyslipidemia (p=0.001) and stent length (p=0.001), number of stents (p=0.004). There were strong negative correlation between stent length and improvement of the time to peak TSI at 1 month (r=-0.352, p&lt;0.001) and at 3 months (r=-0.509, p&lt;0.001),and also with number of stent at 1 month (r= -0.173, p=0.034) and at 3 months (r=-0.499, p&lt;0.001), but the correlation between stent diameter and improvement of the TSI wasn’t significant neither at 1 month nor at 3 months (r=0.055, p=0.504 and r= -0.018, p=0.827) respectively.Conclusion. Increased number and length of the implanted stents were predictors to non-improvement of mechanical dyssynchrony, while stent diameter didn’t affects the recovery.

Assessment of tissue mitral annular displacement in patients with coronary artery stenosis.

BACKGROUNDThe high incidence of coronary heart diseases requires early diagnosis to prevent complications. This study aims to assess the mean value of tissue mitral annular displacement (TMAD), using Speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) in patients with coronary artery stenosis.METHODS149 patients aged 50 to 76 years were included in this cross-sectional study who were admitted with primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to the emergency department. In all patients, the TMAD data were measured using 2D speckle tracking technology.RESULTS149 patients with a mean age of 61.83 ± 7.14 years old were studied. Regarding the involved coronary artery as left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), or left circumflex artery (LCX), the TMAD data was reduced significantly (P < 0.001) in the relevant walls [base of anterior and anteroseptum (4.46 ± 3.53 mm), base of inferior and inferoseptum (4.91 ± 3.81 mm), and base anterolateral and inferolateral walls (5.53 ± 3.827 mm), respectively.] TMAD in anterior, inferior, and lateral ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were 2.64 ± 0.870, 4.78 ± 3.8, and 2.80 ± 0.83 mm, respectively which were significantly reduced compared to the non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (P < 0.001). TMAD in different LV function categories was only reduced in those with LAD lesion and with severe LV systolic dysfunction (2.47 ± 0.834 mm, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThe current study describes a significant relationship between TMAD and left ventricular function, ACS type, and the culprit coronary artery. In different types of ACS, the TMAD value was worse in the subgroups of STEMI and in the walls affected by the stenosed coronary artery. This method might be helpful in defining the culprit coronary artery.

Clinical predictors and prognostic role of high Killip class in patients with a first episode of anterior ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Aims Killip classification is a simple and fast clinical tool for risk stratification of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the clinical features and predictors of high Killip class at admission, and its prognostic impact in patients presenting with anterior ST elevation MI (STEMI) as first clinical cardiovascular event are still poorly known. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of high Killip class and its impact on in-hospital and follow-up outcomes. Methods We prospectively enrolled patients with unheralded anterior STEMI because of proximal or mid left anterior descending (LAD) artery categorized according to Killip classification. Patients’ characteristics, in-hospital complications and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs; composite of all-cause death, heart failure hospitalization and new-onset ACS) at follow-up were collected. Results We enrolled 147 patients [age 66.16±13.33, 113 male patients (76.9%)]. Killip class III--IV occurred in 22 (15%) patients. The median duration of follow-up was 12 [6--15.1] months. At multivariate analysis age [hazard ratio 1.137, 95% CI (1.068--1.209), P &lt; 0.001], prehospital cardiac arrest [hazard ratio 12.145, 95% CI (1.710--86.254), P = 0.013] and proximal LAD lesion [hazard ratio 5.066, 95% CI (1.400--18.334), P = 0.013] were predictive of Killip class III--IV at admission. At multivariate analysis, Killip class III--IV was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality [hazard ratio 7.790, 95% CI (1.024--59.276], P = 0.047 and of MACEs [hazard ratio 4.155 (1.558--11.082), P = 0.004) at follow-up. Conclusion Killip classification performed at the time of admission is a simple and useful clinical marker of a high risk of early and late adverse cardiovascular events.

Clinical Profile and Approach to Osteal LAD Lesion During Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI)

Isolated Coronary Artery Stenoses (CAS) involving the ostium of the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery is very challenging, especially in a setting of primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI). Intimal atherosclerosis in the Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) bifurcation is primarily in area of low shear stress which is the lateral wall, close to the LAD and Left Circumflex (LCx). Thus, carina is usually free of disease, which can explain why single-stent strategy can be successful. However, precise stent placement is often difficult due to unwanted stent movement within vessel or its proximity to side branches. A decision must be made at the outset, to decide on the approach to be employed, to treat osteal LAD lesions. Limited data is available on patients undergoing primary PCI of osteal LAD lesions. Here, we present our experience and problems encountered during the management of osteal LAD lesions in the setting of PAMI.

The de Winter's pattern revisited: a case series.

BackgroundThe de Winter’s electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern signifying proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion was first described in 2008. The ECG changes were thought to be static and mechanisms for this were suggested. In addition, the optimal management of these patients was reported to be via a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy.Case summary Case 1: A 48-year-old gentleman presented with a 2-h history of ischaemic chest pain with initial de Winter’s pattern on ECG. This progressed to anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by ventricular fibrillation. Emergency angiography revealed a mid-vessel LAD occlusion which was successfully reperfused. Case 2: A 34-year-old female presented with a 2-h history of ischaemic chest pain with initial ECG showing a de Winter’s pattern. Due to concerns of performing PCI timeously, a pharmacoinvasive strategy of reperfusion was adopted with resolution of the de Winter’s pattern. Urgent angiography revealed a proximal LAD lesion which was successfully stented.DiscussionThe two cases highlight that the de Winter’s pattern may in fact not be static, but rather lie along the continuum of ischaemia and may evolve into STEMI. In addition, we provide further evidence that if primary PCI cannot be offered in a timeous manner, thrombolytic therapy may be considered in such patients. The de Winter’s pattern remains a high-risk ECG pattern that requires early recognition and intervention.