Need For Antiplatelet Therapy Research Articles

Predictors and outcomes of intracranial hemorrhage in 58,000 patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation: insights from COMBINE-AF

Abstract Background Among anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the leading cause of bleeding-related death and disability. The COMBINE-AF database has patient-level data from four major randomized-controlled trials [ROCKET-AF (rivaroxaban), RE-LY (dabigatran), ENGAGE-TIMI 48 (edoxaban), ARISTOTLE (apixaban)] of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin in patients with AF. Purpose/Methods We investigated the rates, predictors, and mortality of ICH in patients randomized to DOAC (rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, apixaban) or warfarin. ICH was subclassified as subdural or non-subdural (intracerebral, intraventricular, subarachnoid, epidural). Multivariable Cox models were used to identify predictors of ICH. Frequencies and fatality rates of ICH were calculated and displayed as Kaplan-Meier curves. Results In COMBINE-AF, there were 58,634 patients randomized to either DOAC (n=29,362) or warfarin (n=29,272). The mean age was 70.5 years, 37% were female, and 81% were White. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.6, 43% of patients had a history of smoking, 31% had diabetes, and 29% had prior stroke/TIA. After a mean of 32 months, ICH occurred in 593 patients (1.01%, 0.58 per 100-patient years, 95% CI [0.54, 0.63]). The most significant independent predictors of ICH in order of importance were: treatment with warfarin, older age, prior stroke/TIA, enrollment in Asia, antiplatelet use at randomization, and history/risk of falls (Figure 1). Mortality after ICH was 48.4% (287/593 participants), with a majority of deaths (82%) occurring within 30 days of ICH event. Non-subdural ICH was more common than subdural ICH (73% vs 25%) and had a higher risk of death (Figure 2). Participants randomized to DOAC had a lower risk of both subdural and non-subdural ICH than those treated with warfarin; however, mortality rates after ICH were similar regardless of anticoagulant type. Conclusion ICH is an uncommon but devastating complication of oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation. The mortality rate following ICH is high, particularly following non-subdural ICH. To reduce the risk of ICH, clinicians should consider using DOACs over warfarin and carefully evaluate the need for antiplatelet therapy, particularly in patients with other significant predictors of ICH such as prior stroke, advanced age, residence in Asia, and history of falls.Predictors of Intracranial Hemorrhage90-Day Mortality after ICH

Lateral Supraorbital Approach for Microsurgical Clipping of Recurrent Ruptured Fetal Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Initially Treated With Woven Endobridge Embolization and Flow Diversion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Fetal posterior communicating artery (PComA) is a variant of the cerebral vasculature. 1 Woven endobridge (WEB) embolization carries a good safety profile as treatment for ruptured wide neck PComA aneurysms, without the need for antiplatelet therapy. However, the reported occlusion rates are not optimal. 2 Flow diversion is suboptimal in treating aneurysms originating from fetal PComA. 3 Here we present a case of a 78-year-old female patient with a history of ruptured right fetal PComA aneurysm with wide base. It was initially treated with WEB embolization at an outside hospital. After WEB implantation, the initial follow-up of cerebral angiogram (6 months later) demonstrated a neck recurrence measuring 6 × 3 mm. Approximately 1 year after the initial treatment, pipeline embolization was performed and patient was placed on antiplatelet therapy since. Follow-up images demonstrated a 6 mm × 4 mm persistent neck remnant. Her care was transferred to our institution. Cerebral angiogram obtained 36 months post-WEB implantation showed growth of the neck remnant measuring 9 × 8.5 mm. The WEB device was found to be folded in the aneurysmal fundus. Given this was a growing recurrent previously ruptured fetal PComA aneurysm with a pipeline stent in the internal carotid artery the decision was made to retreat with microsurgical clipping; carotid access at the neck was required for proximal control. We achieved complete aneurysm obliteration through a minimal invasive approach. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional Review Board approval was deemed unnecessary.

REDV-Functionalized Recombinant Spider Silk for Next-Generation Coronary Artery Stent Coatings: Hemocompatible, Drug-Eluting, and Endothelial Cell-Specific Materials.

Coronary artery stents are life-saving devices, and millions of these devices are implanted annually to treat coronary heart disease. The current gold standard in treatment is drug-eluting stents, which are coated with a biodegradable polymer layer that elutes antiproliferative drugs to prevent restenosis due to neointimal hyperplasia. Stenting is commonly paired with systemic antiplatelet therapy to prevent stent thrombosis. Despite their clinical success, current stents have significant limitations including inducing local inflammation that drives hyperplasia; a lack of hemocompatibility that promotes thrombosis, increasing need for antiplatelet therapy; and limited endothelialization, which is a critical step in the healing process. In this research, we designed a novel material for use as a next-generation coating for drug-eluting stents that addresses the limitations described above. Specifically, we developed a recombinant spider silk material that is functionalized with an REDV cell-adhesive ligand, a peptide motif that promotes specific adhesion of endothelial cells in the cardiovascular environment. We illustrated that this REDV-modified spider silk variant [eADF4(C16)-REDV] is an endothelial-cell-specific material that can promote the formation of a near-confluent endothelium. We additionally performed hemocompatibility assays using human whole blood and demonstrated that spider silk materials exhibit excellent hemocompatibility under both static and flow conditions. Furthermore, we showed that the material displayed slow enzyme-mediated degradation. Finally, we illustrated the ability to load and release the clinically relevant drug everolimus from recombinant spider silk coatings in a quantity and at a rate similar to that of commercial devices. These results support the use of REDV-functionalized recombinant spider silk as a coating for drug-eluting stents.

Clinical impact of preemptive pharmacogenomic testing on antiplatelet therapy in a real-world setting.

CYP2C19 genotyping to guide antiplatelet therapy after patients develop acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or require percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) reduces the likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Evidence about the impact of preemptive testing, where genotyping occurs while patients are healthy, is lacking. In patients initiating antiplatelet therapy for ACS or PCI, we compared medical records data from 67 patients who received CYP2C19 genotyping preemptively (results >7 days before need), against medical records data from 67 propensity score-matched patients who received early genotyping (results within 7 days of need). We also examined data from 140 patients who received late genotyping (results >7 days after need). We compared the impact of genotyping approaches on medication selections, specialty visits, MACE and bleeding events over 1 year. Patients with CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles were less likely to be initiated on clopidogrel if they received preemptive rather than early or late genotyping (18.2%, 66.7%, and 73.2% respectively, p = 0.001). No differences were observed by genotyping approach in the number of specialty visits or likelihood of MACE or bleeding events (all p > 0.21). Preemptive genotyping had a strong impact on initial antiplatelet selection and a comparable impact on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization, compared to genotyping ordered after a need for antiplatelet therapy had been identified.

Dissecting pseudoaneurysm in a spinal cord AVM treated by flow diversion: Technical note.

We report the case of a 29-year-old woman presenting with severe back pain and S1-radiculopathy. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation complicated by acute feeder dissection and pseudoaneurysm (PA) formation causing mass effect. After conservative management with limited angiographic and clinical improvement, selective treatment of the PA by flow diversion (FD) led to occlusion and shrinkage with the resolution of clinical symptoms. FD may be a feasible treatment option for spinal artery aneurysms in selected patients with favorable anatomy. The need for antiplatelet therapy is a limitation of its use with currently available devices.

Coil Embolization with Subsequent Subacute Flow Diversion Before Hospital Discharge as a Treatment Paradigm for Ruptured Aneurysms.

Subtotal coil embolization followed by subsequent flow diversion is often pursued for treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms. Owing to the need for anti-platelet therapy, the optimal time of safely pursuing flow diversion treatment has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of staged treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms with early coil embolization followed by flow diversion prior to discharge. A retrospective study to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients who presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and underwent coil embolization followed by subacute flow diversion treatment during the same hospitalization. A total of 18 patients are included in our case series. Eight patients presented with Hunt-Hess (H-H) grade 2 bleed, 6 patients with H-H grade 3, and 2 patients each with H-H grade 4 and H-H grade 1. Eight patients required placement of an external ventricular drain on admission. After initial coil embolization, 12 achieved Raymond-Roy grade 2 occlusion, and 6 attained grade 3a/b occlusion. The mean duration between coil embolization and subsequent flow diversion was 9.83days (range: 1-30). There were no instances of re-hemorrhage between initial coil embolization and subsequent flow diversion treatment. Sixteen patients had a minimum of 6-month follow-up, of which 15 were found to have complete occlusion, and 1 required subsequent clipping. Subtotal coil embolization followed by definitive treatment using flow diversion during the same hospitalization is feasible and achieves excellent aneurysm occlusion rates while avoiding dual anti-platelet therapy during the initial hemorrhage period.

TCT-165 A Novel Ticagrelor Coated Stent to Eliminate the Need for Anti Platelet Therapy Post PCI

TCT-165 A Novel Ticagrelor Coated Stent to Eliminate the Need for Anti Platelet Therapy Post PCI

Клініко-анамнестичні характеристики та медикаментозний супровід вагітних жінок із обтяженим акушерським анамнезом і тромбофіліями

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and anamnestic features (age characteristics of women and anamnestic features of previous pregnancies) of pregnant women with burdened obstetric history and thrombophilia with the establishment of the main pharmacological mechanisms of therapeutic support. Materials and methods. The study was performed at the Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics of Kharkiv National Medical University and at the Kharkiv Clinical Laboratory Center in the period from 2017 to 2021. We examined 137 pregnant women: the main group (101 women – pregnant women with a burdened obstetric history and thrombophilia aged 29.0 to 37.0 years) and the control group (36 women – pregnant women with a burdened obstetric history without thrombophilia aged 26.0 to 30.0 years). In general, the predominance of one (35.8 %) and two (46.7 %) pregnancies in the history of women with a burdened obstetric history compared to three (17.5 %) was noted. Results and discussion. An increase (U = 706.0; p <0.001) in the chances of developing negative consequences of pregnancy in thrombophilia with increasing age due to negative idiopathic thromboembolic effects due to thrombophilia was noted. A higher mean age of pregnant women with a burdened obstetric history in the presence of thrombophilia (33.0 [29.0; 37.0] years) was determined compared with the control (28.0 [26.0; 30.0] years). The maximum negative manifestations of idiopathic thromboembolic effects due to thrombophilia in the first pregnancy were found. The predominance of cases of fetal death in the first pregnancy of women with two (94.1 %) and three (78.3 %) pregnancies was determined. In general, the need for antiplatelet therapy in thrombophilia was stated. Its use (χ2 = 46,950; p <0.001) was determined in 85.1 % of cases, the majority (65.3 %) of one drug (probably (χ2 = 164.54; p <0.001) more often (52.5 %) acetylsalicylic acid compared with dipyridamole (5.9 %)). It was found that anti aggregate therapy, which included two drugs (combination: acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole or klexan) was most often used in the first (40.7%) pregnancy in contrast to the second (11.8%) and third (13.0 %). Conclusion. The study found that antiplatelet therapy with only one drug (acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole or klexan) was more commonly used in the second (74.5%) and third (73.9%) pregnancies than in the first one (40.7%). It was naturally determined that the absence of any medication was noted most often by pregnant women in the first (18.5%) pregnancy in contrast to the second (13.7%) and third (13.0%)

Platelet activation state in early stages of COVID-19.

Platelet activation at the early stage of COVID-19 is poorly described. The need for antiplatelet therapy in patients with COVID-19 remains controversial. We characterized the platelet activation profile in hospitalized patients at the early stage of COVID-19 using the modified prothrombinase Platelet Activation State (PAS) Assay. Sixteen patients admitted to the emergency department of the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) between February 8 and April 2021 were enrolled. All patients presented with respiratory symptoms and tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Platelet activation was measured via the PAS Assay within 24 hours from patients' hospital admission. Data were compared with those measured in N.=24 healthy subjects (controls). Platelet activation was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with respect to controls (PAS=0.63 [0.58-0.98%] vs. 0.46 [0.40-0.65%], respectively; P=0.03). Of note, highest PAS values were measured in the two patients with the worst clinical outcome, i.e., death because of respiratory failure (PAS=2.09% and 1.20%, respectively). No differences in standard coagulation parameters were noted between these two patients and those who were later discharged home. This study provides evidence of significant platelet activation state at the early stage of COVID-19 and suggests that the patient-specific platelet activation profile is a reliable clinical marker to stratify COVID-19 patients at high risk of poor clinical outcome who might potentially benefit from antiplatelet therapy.

REtrospective Multicenter INdian Study of Derivo Embolization Device (REMIND): Periprocedural Safety.

PurposeThe treatment of aneurysms with characteristics such as complex morphology, fusiform, blister-like, wide neck, or large size has been revolutionized with the introduction of flow diverters. Though flow diverters have several advantages over coiling, they also have certain important disadvantages such as the lack of immediate protection against rupture, the risk of ischemic stroke, the need for antiplatelet therapy, and long latency for complete effect. The Derivo Embolization Device (DED) is a second-generation self-expanding device that is claimed to be less thrombogenic than conventional devices. We retrospectively evaluated the periprocedural safety and risks associated with the DED across 5 centers in India.Materials and MethodsThis is a multicentric, retrospective, observational study of DED, conducted at 5 high volume endovascular therapy centers in India from May 2018 to June 2020. Periprocedural demographic, clinical, and angiographic data were collected from a retrospective review of patient charts.ResultsA total of 96 patients, including 56 (58.3%) females, aged between 16–80 years (60±12.7 years) harboring 106 aneurysms were studied. Seven (7.3%) were noted to harbor multiple aneurysms: 6 had 3 aneurysms each, while 1 patient had 5 aneurysms. The following aneurysm characteristics were noted: average size, 9.8±8.2 mm; average neck size, 6.9±8.5 mm; wide-necked (>4 mm), 63 (59.4%); giant (>25 mm), 8 (7.5%); and anterior circulation location, 98 (92.5%). Eighteen (17%) of these were ruptured. Additional balloon angioplasty was performed in 5 (5.2%) patients. Intraprocedural problems were encountered in 3 (3.1%), of which only 1 had clinical implications, the device fish-mouthing with stent thrombosis resulting in a malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction. The modified Rankin scale at 3 months was worse in 1 patient.ConclusionDED is a newer generation flow diverter stent with a low periprocedural complication rate.

Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease: Choice of Myocardial Revascularization Strategy

Multi-vessel coronary artery disease is quite a common state, which is often diagnosed by coronary angiography in patients with both stable coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes. Major difficulties in percutaneous coronary intervention include stent thrombosis and the need for antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor). Stent thrombosis leads to the recurrence of myocardial infarction and may occur within the first few hours after percutaneous coronary intervention. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy, especially that combined with low-molecular-weight heparin in the first days after myocardial infarction, poses a risk of bleeding, which often occurs in real clinical practice. Among P2Y12 inhibitors, ticagrelor causes bleeding somewhat more frequently than clopidogrel. A case of multi-vessel coronary artery disease is described in this paper. Coronary angiography revealed right-dominant circulation; occlusion of the proximal and medial segments of the right coronary artery, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 0; stenosis of the left main coronary artery (50-60%), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 2; diffuse stenosis of the medial and distal segments of the left anterior descending artery, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 1; stenosis of the proximal segment of the left circumflex artery (> 75%), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 1. The patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention; the stents were implanted in the infarct-dependent right coronary artery. The clinical course was complicated by early stent thrombosis with subsequent thrombus extraction; a day later melena developed. Bleeding was stopped, the intensity of antithrombotic therapy was reduced: the combination of aspirin and ticagrelor was replaced by the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel. Six weeks after stenting of the infarct-dependent coronary artery, complete myocardial revascularization (hybrid intervention) was performed: coronary artery bypass grafting [the left internal mammary artery → the left anterior descending artery], coronary autogenous bypass grafting [the aorta → the right coronary artery and the aorta → the left circumflex artery]. The role of fractional flow reserve or instantaneous wave-free ratio-controlled complete myocardial revascularization techniques is discussed. The following algorithm for myocardial revascularization was used: percutaneous coronary intervention for the right coronary artery + coronary artery bypass grafting-3: the left internal mammary artery → the left anterior descending artery, the aorta → the left circumflex artery, the aorta → the right coronary artery.

Basilar artery fenestration aneurysm treated with the Woven EndoBridge device

Arterial fenestrations are anomalies in embryonic vascular development and considered rare congenital variations. The management of fenestration aneurysms of the lower third of the basilar artery is challenging because of complex morphology. Given its relationship with the skull base and critical neurovascular structures, endovascular treatment is preferred over microsurgery, and allows the use of a range of different endovascular devices and techniques. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device was specifically developed for treating wide-neck aneurysms in arterial bifurcations and is a self-expanding braided mesh of nitinol with platinum core. The devicés dense metal mesh disrupts intra-aneurysmal blood flow and promotes intrassacular thrombosis, while the mesh and neck together create a surface favorable to neo-endothelialization. The WEB allows solely endosaccular treatment, without the need for further implants in the lumen of parent vessels, thereby reducing the risk of complications and dispensing with the need for antiplatelet therapy. The present study reports the successful treatment of a basilar artery fenestration aneurysm using the WEB device.

P4771Novel oral anticoagulants plus antiplatelet therapy vs. vitamin K antagonists plus antiplatelet therapy in atrial fibrillation patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention:a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery disease are a therapeutic challenge. Current evidence specifies the need for antiplatelet therapy (APT) to prevent stent thrombosis, but this alone is inadequate for stroke prevention. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is necessary for stroke prevention in AF patients, but this alone is insufficient to prevent stent thrombosis. The concurrent administration of APT with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) is associated with increased bleeding. At present, there is limited data on the effectiveness and safety benefit of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) plus APT in the prevention of ischemic stroke and stent thrombosis among AF patients who undergo PCI. Purpose This review compared NOACs plus APT versus VKAs plus APT in preventing mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and clinically significant bleeding among AF patients who underwent PCI. Methods The electronic databases MEDLINE and CENTRAL and the clinical trial databases ClinicalTrials.gov and ISRCTN registry were systematically searched in February 2019 for all published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NOACs plus APT versus VKAs plus APT in AF patients who underwent PCI. Manual searching was done by reviewing the references of available studies. There were no language restrictions. Screening and data extraction were done using standardized forms, and evaluated independently by the authors using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. Statistical analysis used RevMan 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, 2014). Summary effects were expressed by risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed by visual inspection of forest plots and by I2 statistic ≥40%. Results The search identified 63 records of which 60 studies were excluded (55 studies did not fulfill inclusion criteria, 1 RCT is awaiting additional data, and 4 RCTs are currently ongoing). Three studies were included in the final qualitative and quantitative synthesis. All included RCTs compared a NOAC plus single APT versus warfarin plus dual APT (aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor). Based on two moderate quality RCTs with a combined population of 4,820 patients, we found that NOACs plus single APT are not statistically different from warfarin plus dual APT in preventing MI, stroke, or all-cause mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.75–1.34; I2=48%) in AF patients who undergo PCI. Based on two high quality RCTs with a combined population of 4,824 patients, NOACs plus single APT are definitely superior to warfarin plus dual APT in reducing clinically significant bleeding (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.59–0.74; I2=0%). Figures Conclusion In AF patients who undergo PCI, NOACs plus single APT are as effective as warfarin plus dual APT in preventing major adverse cardiac events, but with significantly less bleeding risk.

Treatment of Acutely Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms With the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) Flow Disruptor: A Multicenter Experience

Abstract INTRODUCTION Coiling has become the first-line treatment option for acutely ruptured aneurysms 1 to 3. However, coiling of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms is challenging and stent-assisted coiling requires dual anti-platelet therapy. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) flow disruptor has been recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for bifurcation aneurysms and is designed to achieve intrasaccular flow diversion without the need for antiplatelet therapy. However, its use has been mostly reserved for unruptured aneurysms. Here, we present our series of ruptured aneurysms that were treated with the WEB-device post FDA approval. METHODS We performed a review of the first cohort of patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment with the WEB-device at Thomas Jefferson and Iowa University Hospitals and identified 7 patients. RESULTS All 7 patients were female and the mean age was 71 yr (range 57-81). Hunt and Hess grades ranged from 2 to 5. The aneurysms treated included anterior communicating, posterior communicating, posterior-inferior cerebellar (PICA), basilar apex, and vertebrobasilar junction (VBJ). In 6 of the 7 aneurysms, 1 WEB device was sufficient to achieve adequate obliteration; the VBJ aneurysm was 14 mm in size and required 2. The majority of patients underwent treatment via transfemoral access followed by transradial. One patient underwent direct carotid puncture due to vessel tortuosity. Aneurysm rebleeding was not encountered in any of the WEB-treated aneurysms. One patient had an intraoperative rupture of their PICA aneurysm after dislodgment of the WEB device. There were no treatment-related deaths, but one patient died of cardiopulmonary failure. CONCLUSION Our series shows that the WEB device can be safely used in ruptured bifurcation aneurysms of various sizes in the anterior and posterior circulation. It does not require adjunctive stent use and is a valuable alternative to stent-assisted coiling as it obviates the need for anti-platelet therapy.

Utility of Platelet Function Tests: A Recent Review Round Up

AbstractPatients undergoing cardiac surgery are at risk of excessive bleeding and associated complications. Excessive bleeding during and after cardiac surgery has an incidence of ~20%. Massive bleeding and subsequent requirement for blood product administration and mediastinal re-exploration is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Postoperative, nonsurgical bleeding in cardiac surgical patients is often multifactorial. Platelet dysfunction, excessive fibrinolysis, hypothermia, preoperative anemia, and deficiency of coagulation factors or their dilution are all suggested etiologies of postoperative bleeding. Among these, the most important is thought to be platelet dysfunction, which occurs as a result of the interplay of acquired and pharmacologically induced factors. Patients suffering from coronary artery disease are usually advised to stop antiplatelet medication a few days prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to reduce the incidence of postoperative bleeding. However, patients who are still on antiplatelet drugs are at an increased risk of postoperative bleeding. Currently, the transfusion of blood and blood components to manage postoperative bleeding after CABG remains largely empirical, with considerable variation among institutions. Algorithm-based hemostatic therapy has been shown to be superior to empiric hemostatic therapy that is based on clinical judgment. Hence, there is a need to have objective tests to demonstrate platelet dysfunction before platelet transfusion. Several devices of platelet function tests have been reported in clinical studies to evaluate platelet dysfunction and quantify the need for antiplatelet therapy

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Elderly: Are Drug-coated Balloons the Future?

Background: Balloon angioplasty revolutionised percutaneous treatment for coronary ar-tery disease four decades ago, but vessel-threatening dissections, elastic recoil and restenosis were major drawbacks to an otherwise successful long-lasting intervention. Subsequent advances with bare metal stents and then drug eluting stents followed, aiming to mitigate the risks of acute vessel closure and restenosis. However, stent implantation often necessitates dual antiplatelet therapy for a pro-longed period of time, which in itself can lead to adverse outcomes, especially in the frail elderly pop-ulation at higher risk of bleeding. More recently, bioabsorbable stents have been implemented in clini-cal practice enabling earlier intimal coverage of the stent and apposition.However, another addition to the armamentarium of percutaneous coronary intervention is the use of drug-coated balloons without the need for deploying any coronary stents or scaffolds. Drug-coated balloons are semi-compliant balloons coated with an antiproliferative agent that is rapidly released on contact with the vessel intima exerting an anti-restenotic effect. The absence of a metallic scaffold means that the need for antiplatelet therapy can potentially be negated in the longer term if required. In this article, we will review the history of percutaneous coronary intervention and the available evi-dence for the appropriate use of drug-coated balloons especially in the elderly population.Conclusion: We will conclude this review by demonstrating the potential use of drug-coated balloon rather percutaneous stenting through case examples.

PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND ANTIPLATELET THERAPY. CLINICAL LECTURE

Today, treatment with low doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (alone or in combination with other antiplatelet drugs) is the key element in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. Long-term therapy with low-dose ASA is recommended to patients with stable coronary artery disease, patients after acute coronary syndrome with or without ST segment elevation, and after revascularization. [1–3] The need for antithrombotic therapy in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events raises many questions. The currently available guidelines are contradictory – from complete denial of the need for antiplatelet therapy to designation of the specific groups of patients for whom ASA treatment is recommended. [4, 5] Findings of clinical trials underlie those contradictory opinions. ASA is the only antiplatelet agent the administration of which is debated for primary prevention. Administration of ASA in primary prevention usually results in a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications, but the positive effect is largely offset by an increased risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal. Therefore, the challenge is in the selection of patients for whom the benefit from antithrombotic therapy could outweigh the risks associated with bleeding. Risk scores are commonly used to assess the risk of complications.

PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND ANTIPLATELET THERAPY. CLINICAL LECTURE

Today, treatment with low doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (alone or in combination with other antiplatelet drugs) is the key element in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. Long-term therapy with low-dose ASA is recommended to patients with stable coronary artery disease, patients after acute coronary syndrome with or without ST segment elevation, and after revascularization. [1–3] The need for antithrombotic therapy in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events raises many questions. The currently available guidelines are contradictory – from complete denial of the need for antiplatelet therapy to designation of the specific groups of patients for whom ASA treatment is recommended. [4, 5] Findings of clinical trials underlie those contradictory opinions. ASA is the only antiplatelet agent the administration of which is debated for primary prevention. Administration of ASA in primary prevention usually results in a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications, but the positive effect is largely offset by an increased risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal. Therefore, the challenge is in the selection of patients for whom the benefit from antithrombotic therapy could outweigh the risks associated with bleeding. Risk scores are commonly used to assess the risk of complications.

Endovascular treatment of blister aneurysms.

Blister aneurysms are rare cerebrovascular lesions for which the treatment methods are reviewed here, with a focus on endovascular options. The reported pathogenesis of blister aneurysms varies, and hemodynamic stress, arterial dissection, and arteriosclerotic ulceration have all been described. There is consensus on the excessive fragility of blister aneurysms and their parent vessels, which makes clipping technically difficult. Open surgical treatment is associated with high rates of complications, morbidity, and mortality; endovascular treatment is a promising alternative. Among endovascular treatment options, deconstructive treatment has been associated with higher morbidity compared with reconstructive methods such as direct embolization, stent- or balloon-assisted direct embolization, stent monotherapy, and flow diversion. Flow diversion has been associated with higher technical success rates and similar clinical outcomes compared with non-flow diverting treatment methods. However, delayed aneurysm occlusion and the need for antiplatelet therapy are potential drawbacks to flow diversion that must be considered when choosing among treatment methods for blister aneurysms.

Preliminary In Vivo Evaluation of a Hybrid Armored Vascular Graft Combining Electrospinning and Additive Manufacturing Techniques.

In this study, we tested in vivo effectiveness of a previously developed poly-l-lactide/poly-ε-caprolactone armored vascular graft releasing heparin. This bioprosthesis was designed in order to overcome the main drawbacks of tissue-engineered vascular grafts, mainly concerning poor mechanical properties, thrombogenicity, and endothelialization. The bioprosthesis was successfully implanted in an aortic vascular reconstruction model in rabbits. All grafts implanted were patent at four weeks postoperatively and have been adequately populated by endogenous cells without signs of thrombosis or structural failure and with no need of antiplatelet therapy. The results of this preliminary study might warrant for further larger controlled in vivo studies to further confirm these findings.