Outcomes Of Revascularization Research Articles

Prognostic role of post-percutaneous coronary intervention quantitative flow ratio

Abstract Background/Introduction Accumulated evidence supports the prognostic value of post–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) physiological measurement. Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) is a well-studied angiography-based method for functional assessment. Purpose To investigate the possible prognostic implications of post-PCI QFR in patients undergoing revascularization. Methods We performed offline QFR analysis in all-comers undergoing PCI in a single center. A cut-off value of 0.8 was used to classify patients in high post-PCI QFR group (>0.8) and low post-PCI QFR group (≤0.8). Patients with at least one vessel with post-PCI QFR ≤0.8 were classified in the low post-PCI QFR group. Primary endpoint was the composite outcome of death, myocardial infraction, ischemia-driven revascularization, and heart failure-related hospitalization. Results We included 297 patients in the study. Mean age was 64 (±11) years and 81% of patients were male. Number of patients presented with chronic coronary syndrome was comparable to that of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (52.9 vs 47.1 %, respectively). Patients in the low post-PCI QFR group had more often diabetes mellitus, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and higher SYNTAX score compared to patients in the high post-PCI QFR group. Median follow-up period was 29 (26-34) months. After adjusting for covariates, low post-PCI QFR was independently associated with higher rate of the composite outcome (HR: 2.22 95% CI 1.01-4.88, p=0.047). Conclusions In our study, patients with lower post-PCI value were independently associated with higher risk of cardiovascular adverse events.

Virtual physiological analysis of non-culprit disease in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease: a substudy of the COMPLETE trial

Abstract Background In the Complete Revascularization with Multivessel PCI for Myocardial Infarction (COMPLETE) trial, patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) who underwent staged revascularization of non-culprit coronary stenoses experienced fewer major adverse cardiovascular events than those who underwent a culprit-only approach (1). Inclusion was, however, based on angiographic and not physiological criteria. Purpose To analyse, using computational modelling, the physiological significance of non-culprit lesions included in the COMPLETE trial, to compare these against angiographic measures of severity, and investigate interactions between physiology and the benefits of complete revascularization. Methods Angiograms with appropriate digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data from the COMPLETE trial (n=1327) underwent software-based 3-dimensional (3D) arterial reconstruction and analysis of 3D-quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and virtual fractional flow reserve (vFFR) using computational fluid dynamics software. Physiological lesion significance was defined as vFFR ≤0.80 and was compared with operators’ visual angiographic analysis, core-laboratory 2D-QCA and 3D-QCA. Results vFFR was computed successfully in 635 patients (710 lesions). The median vFFR was 0.82 (interquartile range 0.73–0.91). 302 patients (48%) had at least one physiologically significant lesion and 333 (52%) had none. 321 (45%) lesions were physiologically significant and 389 (55%) were not. Physiologically significant lesions were angiographically more severe than non-significant lesions according to the operator’s visual angiographic assessment (mean stenosis 80% vs. 75%, P<0.0001), 2D-QCA (69% vs. 59%, p<0.0001), and 3D-QCA (56% vs. 43, P<0.0001). Percentage lesion stenosis was significantly different when measured visually, with 2D-QCA and with 3D-QCA (80% vs 62% vs 49%, P<0.0001). vFFR was weakly correlated with operators’ visual angiographic severity (Figure 1) and 2D-QCA, but more strongly with 3D-QCA (r=-0.21, -0.21, and -0.60, respectively; all p<0.0001). 3D-QCA predicted vFFR significance more accurately than visual and 2D-QCA (concordance 73% vs 49% vs 59%, respectively). There was no statistically significant interaction between physiological lesion significance and any of the trial coprimary or key secondary clinical outcomes, or on an exploratory outcome of ischaemia-driven revascularization without preceding MI (all interactions P>0.30) (Figure 2). Conclusions In this virtual physiological substudy of the COMPLETE trial, 52% of patients lacked any physiologically-significant lesions, 3D-QCA was a better predictor of physiological significance than either 2D-QCA or operator visual analysis, and the benefits of complete revascularization appeared to be independent of physiological lesion significance. Further research is warranted to compare angiography-guided and physiology-guided complete revascularization strategies.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Comparative Outcomes of Unilateral vs Bilateral Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by progressive steno-occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, leading to compensatory collateral vessel formation. The optimal surgical approach for MMD remains debated, with bilateral revascularization potentially offering more comprehensive protection but involving more extensive surgery compared to unilateral revascularization. This study aims to compare bilateral revascularization and unilateral revascularization short-term safety profile in the treatment of MMD. This multicenter retrospective study included patients with MMD who underwent surgical revascularization at 13 academic institutions. Patients were categorized into unilateral and bilateral revascularization groups. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata (V.17.0; StataCorp). A total of 497 patients were included, including 90 who had bilateral revascularization and 407 who had unilateral revascularization. Bilateral revascularization was associated with more perioperative asymptomatic strokes (10% vs 2.4%; odds ratio [OR] 4.41, 95% CI 1.73 to 11.19, P = .002) and higher rates of excellent functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-1) at discharge (92.2% vs 79.1%; OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.39 to 7, P = .006). After propensity score matching, 57 matched pairs were analyzed. There was a higher rate, though not statistically significant difference, of perioperative stroke in the bilateral revascularization group (15.7% vs 8.7%; OR 1.95, 95% CI 0.61 to 6.22, P = .26). No significant differences were noted in modified Rankin scale 0 to 1 and 0 to 2 scores at discharge, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at discharge, intraoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. The follow-up stroke rates were also not significantly different (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.39, P = .15). This study found no significant differences between bilateral and unilateral revascularization in MMD. Patients who had bilateral revascularization had higher tendency of perioperative stroke, though not statistically significant. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Exploring the Other Side of the River: Early and Midterm Outcomes of Endovascular Pedal Arch Revascularization in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

This study investigated the effect of patency of the pedal arch (PA) on wound healing rate and time, amputation-free survival (AFS), limb salvage, and limb-based patency (LBP) in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients undergoing endovascular revascularization of infrainguinal arterial lesions. This prospective study included all CLTI patients presenting with wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) stages 2 to 4 (WIfI ischemia grades 2-3) who underwent endovascular revascularization of infrainguinal arterial disease between April 2019 and April 2021. Pedal angioplasty was attempted in all patients with significant steno-occlusive pedal artery disease. Patients were stratified according to Kawarada PA types. Successful PA revascularization (PAR) was counted when at least 1 pedal vessel is patent. Wound healing rate and time and Kaplan-Meier estimate of AFS and LBP at 2 years were evaluated and compared among the patient groups. A total of 120 patients were categorized according to PA type into type 1 (n = 34; 28.3%), type 2 (n = 64; 53.3%), and type 3 (n = 22; 18.3%). Pedal angioplasty was attempted in 97 patients and was technically successful in 75 patients (77.3%). Successful PAR (with or without pedal angioplasty) was achieved in 98 patients (81.7%). During the follow-up, successful PAR resulted in a better wound healing rate (86.7% vs 59.1%; P = 0.007), major amputation rates (5.1% vs 40.9%; P ≤ 0.001), and AFS (92.9% vs 72.7%; P = 0.018) compared with unsuccessful PAR. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in wound healing time (3.76 ± 1.99 months vs 3.64 ± 1.94 months; P = 0.798, respectively) or LBP (80.6% vs 72.7%; P = 0.594, respectively). Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) stage (odds ratio [OR] = 6.84; 95% CI, 1.30-36.03; P = 0.023) and unsuccessful PAR (OR = 21.64; 95% CI, 4.01-116.69; P ≤ 0.001) were independently associated with failure of wound healing, whereas site of wound lesion (OR = 5.52; 95% CI, 1.15-26.48; P = 0.033), GLASS stage (OR = 24.93; 95% CI, 2.84-218.69; P = 0.004), and unsuccessful PAR (OR = 22.44; 95% CI, 3.53-142.67; P = 0.001) were significant predictors of major amputation. Successful PAR is important for improving clinical outcomes of endovascular revascularization of CLTI patients such as wound healing, amputation-free survival, and limb salvage. Predictors of limb salvage were site of foot lesion, GLASS stage, and successful PAR, whereas GLASS stage and successful PAR were independently associated with improved wound healing. Pedal arch patency positively influences clinical outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who have ischemic wounds undergoing endovascular revascularization. This study demonstrated that successful pedal arch revascularization (PAR) significantly improved wound healing, amputation-free survival, and limb salvage rates when compared to patients who did not achieve successful PAR. Additionally, the study identified the predictors of limb salvage as the site of foot lesions, GLASS staging, and successful PAR, while both GLASS staging and successful PAR were found to be independently associated with improved wound healing.

Association between completeness of revascularization and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction: a population-based registry analysis

Abstract Introduction Approximately one-third of the patients presenting with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have diabetes. From these, two-thirds have multivessel coronary disease. The impact of completeness of revascularization in this population remains unclear. Purpose To evaluate the contemporary patterns of coronary revascularization among patients with diabetes and NSTEMI, and the clinical outcomes stratified by anatomic completeness of revascularization. Methods All patients with diabetes and multivessel disease admitted for NSTEMI between April 2009 and March 2020 in Ontario, Canada were included. Patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) at any time, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the previous 90 days, or shock were excluded. Patients were classified in four groups, from the most to the least complete revascularization strategy: CABG, complete revascularization with PCI, incomplete revascularization with PCI, or no revascularization. Outcomes included all-cause death and the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Multivariable Cox regression was used to account for confounding (demographics, comorbidities, left ventricular function, coronary anatomy, laboratory tests, and diabetes treatment). Results We included 14,511 patients (mean age: 68.7±11.5y; 69.6% males). A total of 4,525 (31.2%) patients were treated with CABG, 3,008 (20.7%) with complete PCI, 3,624 (25.0%) with incomplete PCI and 3,354 (23.1%) were not revascularized. Patients with more complex coronary disease were more frequently treated with CABG, while PCI was more common in those with less complex disease (p<0.001; Fig 1). The mean number of grafts in the CABG group was 3.4±1.0. The mean number of stents in the complete and incomplete PCI groups was 2.4±1.3 and 1.7±0.9, respectively. Adjusted 5-y risks of all-cause death following CABG, complete PCI, incomplete PCI and no revascularization were, respectively, 25.9%, 29.8%, 32.2%, and 39.4%. Over a median follow-up of 5.8ys, CABG was associated with reduced all-cause death compared with complete PCI (HR 0.82; 95%CI 0.75 - 0.90), incomplete PCI (HR 0.73; 95%CI 0.67 - 0.80), or no revascularization (HR 0.54; 95%CI 0.50 - 0.58); p<0.001 for all (Fig 2). Adjusted 5-y risks of the composite endpoint following CABG, complete PCI, incomplete PCI and no revascularization were, respectively, 34.0%, 41.5%, 44.6%, and 52.9%. CABG was associated with reduced rates of the composite endpoint compared with complete PCI (HR 0.75; 95%CI 0.69 - 0.81), incomplete PCI (HR 0.67; 95%CI 0.62 - 0.72), or no revascularization (HR 0.50; 95%CI 0.47 - 0.54); p<0.001 for all. Conclusion In this contemporary real-world cohort study, almost a quarter of the patients with diabetes and NSTEMI did not receive any revascularization procedure. Cardiovascular outcomes were incrementally improved with CABG or complete revascularization with PCI, compared to no revascularization.Figure 1Figure 2

Microvascular blood flow disturbances predict poor outcome of revascularization in CLTI patients

Abstract Background We have recently established hypoxic microvascular remodelling as a critical pathomechanistic factor that limits oxygen diffusion to muscle in chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Using animal models of experimental hind limb ischaemia we have also displayed the biological relevance of post-ischaemic microvascular remodelling in skeletal muscle. Our results indicate that differential microvascular changes associate to muscle damage and repair. The natural microvascular dynamics that inherently promote muscle recovery are defected in CLTI patients. Particularly, a progressive arterialization of capillaries in CLTI muscle differentiates the dynamics of the microvasculature from initially assisting muscle regeneration to aggravating ischaemic damage. Methods To establish the clinical relevance of the post-ischaemic microvascular changes in CLTI, we now have studied the effect of microvascular remodelling on the outcome of CLTI patients undergoing surgical or endovascular revascularization. Contrast enhanced ultrasound was used preoperatively to determine the microvascular status of CLTI patients (n=36) scheduled for immediate revascularization. Outcome events such as: hospitalization; reoperation; leg amputation; or death, were postoperatively followed from medical records up to 6 months after revascularization. Patients were grouped according to muscle capillary transit time (Tct) being either similar (n=18) or shorter (n=18) to that in the contralateral legs of the patients, and treatment outcomes were compared between groups. Results The results display consistent increases in postoperative event rates in all measured outcomes in the ShortTct group as compared to controls (at 1 month 8 vs. 2 events (rate ratio 4.00 (95%CI: 0.85-18.84, p=0.080)); at 3 months 13 vs. 4 events (rate ratio 3.25 (95%CI: 1.06-9.97, p=0.039)); at 6 months 17 vs. 9 events (rate ratio 1.89 (95%CI: 0.84-4.24, p=0.123))). For example, 5 vs. 0; 7 vs. 1; and 7 vs. 4 reoperations were detected in the ShortTct group as compared to controls at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. By 6 months after initial revascularization also 2 deaths were recorded in the ShortTct group as compared to no deaths in the controls. Conclusions Despite still small samples size in this study, these results suggest that microvascular blood flow disturbances, such as short preoperative muscle capillary transit time, can predict poor outcome of CLTI patients after revascularization. Importantly, the results also identify patients with microvascular blood flow disturbances a subgroup of CLTI patients that should likely receive more specialized care to improve outcomes. The results also call for immediate actions from the scientific community to improve clinical detection of microvascular alterations and to develop strategies to normalize microvascular function in CLTI patients.

Favorable impact of FFRCT on myocardial revascularization outcomes: results from an observational real-world registry

Abstract Background Based on excellent clinical outcomes data, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is endorsed by guidelines to diagnose obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD)(1). Dedicated outcome analyses in revascularized patients are essential to assess the additional value of FFRCT in revascularization. Purpose To assess the impact of FFRCT use on the postprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) and long-term outcomes of patients with OCAD undergoing myocardial revascularization. Methods Patients with suspected OCAD on CCTA (at least one stenosis of >50% in any vessel) were included from a 2013-2021 tertiary hospital registry. Propensity score adjusted Cox- regression and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the impact of FFRCT on the outcomes of OCAD patients post-revascularization. PMI was defined as cardiac troponin (cTn)>5 times the 99th percentile URL for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and cTn>10 times the 99th percentile URL for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (2). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) comprised all – cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and new revascularization. Results From a registry of 7541 patients, suspected CCTA - derived OCAD was reported in 1601 cases. 559 OCAD patients were revascularized: 386(69.05%) by PCI, 166(29.7%) by CABG and 7(1.25%) by PCI and CABG. FFRCT was performed in 252(45.1%) patients. During a follow-up of 4.4±2.2 years, MACE occurred in 137(24.5%) patients: 43(7.7%) died, 21(3.8%) patients were hospitalized for AMI, 14(2.5%) patients had a stroke, 12 (2.1%) patients had HHF and 77(13.8%) patients had a new revascularization. Survival analysis indicated significant differences in MACE and all-cause mortality–rates between FFRCT use and no FFRCT use (log- rank p = 0.033 and 0.004, Fig 1). Multivariable propensity–adjusted Cox–regression analysis showed a non–significant trend towards reduced MACE risk by using FFRCT (HR 0.736, 95% CI 0.513-1.055, P=0.095) and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality risk (HR 0.476, 95% CI 0.230–0.985, P=0.046). Sub-analysis in the PCI and CABG groups showed no significant association between FFRCT and MACE. Among the 477 patients with available cTn values, 203 (42.5%) had PMI. In the CABG group, FFRCT use correlated with low PMI incidence (5.3% vs. 15.6%, p=0.044). However, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed no significant association between FFRCT use and PMI(Fig 2). Conclusion This observational designed study reveals for the first time that FFRCT reduces post-myocardial revascularization MACE, primarily driven by reduced all-cause mortality. No clear reduction of PMI was observed suggesting that FFRCT value extends beyond procedural enhancements. Although derived from a large real-world registry, these promising observations need to be confirmed by randomized studies.Figure 1Figure 2

Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Multivessel Disease: Complete versus Culprit-only Revascularization

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of complete revascularization and culprit-only revascularization in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) who presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Methodology: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 400 patients with multivessel CAD. Patients were randomly assigned to either the complete revascularization group (n=200) or the culprit-only revascularization group (n=200). The primary outcomes assessed included cardiovascular death, reinfarction, and the need for repeat revascularization over a six-month follow-up period. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: Complete revascularization significantly reduced the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to culprit-only revascularization. Cardiovascular death was lower in the complete revascularization group (4% vs 9%, p = 0.02), as was reinfarction (5% vs 11%, p = 0.01), and repeat revascularization (7% vs 15%, p = 0.004). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant improvement in event-free survival in the complete revascularization group. Conclusion: Complete revascularization significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with multivessel CAD presenting with STEMI, reducing cardiovascular death, reinfarction, and repeat revascularization. This study supports complete revascularization as a preferred treatment strategy in such patients to improve long-term outcomes. Keywords: coronary artery disease, STEMI, complete revascularization, culprit-only PCI, cardiovascular outcomes

Long-term outcome followed for more than 5 years after revascularization surgery for the treatment of atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease: poor outcome prediction using machine learning and analysis of the results.

Cerebral revascularization for the treatment of atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease (ASOD) was found to have no benefit compared with medical treatment. However, there is also criticism that with sufficiently long-term follow-up, a crossover might emerge demonstrating the advantages of surgery. Therefore, we examined the long-term outcome of cerebral revascularization performed on patients with carefully selected ASOD at our center. Patients undergoing bypass surgery for non-moyamoya ischemic disease were retrospectively identified. The inclusion criteria were symptomatic ASOD with hemodynamic insufficiency, follow-up of more than 5 years, and stroke or surgical complications during follow-up. The clinical course and radiological findings were investigated. Poor outcomes were predicted using machine learning (ML) models, and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values and feature importance of each model were analyzed. A total of 109 patients were included from 2007 to 2018. The 30-day risk of any stroke or death was 6.4% (7/109). The risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke during median follow-up of 116 months was 7.3% (8/109). The SHAP values showed that previously and empirically known stroke risk factors exert a relatively consistent effect on the prediction of models. The number of lesions with stenosis > 50% (odds ratio [OR] 5.77), age (OR 1.13), and coronary artery disease (OR 5.73) were consistent risk factors for poor outcome. We demonstrated an acceptable long-term outcome of cerebral revascularization surgery for patients with hemodynamically insufficient and symptomatic ASOD. Multicenter studies are encouraged to predict poor outcomes and suitable patients with large numbers of quantitative and qualitative data.

Understanding external carotid artery collateralisation after cerebral revascularisation in moyamoya disease: insights from quantitative analysis

BackgroundThis study aims to quantitatively evaluate collateralisation angiogenesis ratio (CAR) of external carotid artery and intracranial arterial residual volumes (ARV) postcerebral revascularisation in moyamoya disease (MMD) and elucidate the factors...

Long-term health outcomes of young patients with low complexity coronary disease: A weighted analysis according to revascularization strategy.

Age is an important factor weighing on revascularization outcomes decisions. We analysed long-term health outcomes of young patients with low complexity coronary anatomy suitable for both CABG and PCI, according to revascularization strategy. Patients 60 year-old or less, undergoing invasive coronary angiography between Jan/2007 and Dec/2015, presenting with proximal LAD involvement, left main or multivessel disease and a SYNTAX Score (SS) ≤22 were retrospectively selected. An inverse probability of treatment weight methodology generated a pseudopopulation with well-balanced characteristics, which was used to estimate the average treatment effect between PCI (n = 374) and CABG (n = 173). Mean age was 53 ± 7 yo, 27% had DM and 48% presented with an ACS. Mean SYNTAX Score was 13.6 ± 4.9 and 68% underwent PCI as index revascularization strategy. In the weighed population, the adjusted hazard of the primary end-point of all-cause death at total follow-up (median 9.3 years [IQR: 6.9; 11.7]) was 0.40 (95% CI 0.19-0.7) for CABG vs PCI (incidence-rate 5.8 vs 14.0 deaths/1000-person-years). Accounting for death as competing-risk, the cumulative hazard of new revascularization (sub-distribution HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.32-1.25) and any cause hospital readmission (sub-distribution HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.41-1.07) were lower in CABG patients, as opposed to death/stroke rates at 30-days which were higher with CABG (0.3% vs 1.7%; risk ratio = 5.84). In this quasi-experimental analysis of young patients with CAD and an equivalent indication for both PCI or CABG, improved long-term health outcomes were favourably associated with CABG, as compared to PCI. These observations support the need for dedicated randomized trials with longer follow-up in order to better inform lifetime treatment options.

Examining the Outcomes of Hybrid Coronary Revascularization in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients

Examining the Outcomes of Hybrid Coronary Revascularization in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients

Racial Differences in Adoption and Outcomes of Transcarotid Artery Revascularization among High-Risk Adults with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Differential access to new technologies may contribute to racial disparities in surgical outcomes but has not been well-studied in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. We examined race-based differences in adoption and outcomes of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) among high-risk non-Hispanic (NH) NH Black and NH white adults undergoing carotid revascularization. We conducted a retrospective analysis of TCAR, transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS), and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedures performed for carotid artery stenosis from 1/2015 to 7/2023 in the Vascular Quality Initiative. NH Black and NH white adults were included if they met Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services high-risk criteria. Hospitals and physicians were categorized as TCAR-capable if they had previously performed at least one TCAR prior to the time of a given procedure. We fit logistic and linear regressions, adjusted a priori for common demographic, clinical, and disease characteristics, to estimate associations of race with receipt of TCAR (versus CEA or TF-CAS), and to explore associations between race, hospital and physician characteristics, and perioperative composite stroke/death/myocardial infarction. Of 159,471 high-risk patients undergoing revascularization for carotid artery stenosis (mean age 72 years, 38.5% female, 5.3% NH Black), 28,722 (18.0%) received TCAR, including 16.9% of NH Black adults and 18.1% of NH white adults (P<0.001). After controlling for patient and disease characteristics, NH Black patients were less likely than NH white patients to receive TCAR (aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99). The use of TCAR did not vary by race among patients treated at TCAR-capable hospitals (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.05) or by TCAR-capable physicians (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.10); however, NH Black race was associated with lower odds of receiving treatment in these settings (TCAR-capable hospital: aOR 0.93 [0.88 to 0.98]; TCAR-capable physician: aOR 0.92 [0.87 to 0.98]). NH Black race was associated with higher odds of stroke/death/MI in the full cohort (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.36), but not in the subgroup of patients who received TCAR (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.34). TCAR attenuated racial disparities in perioperative morbidity and mortality associated with carotid revascularization, but NH Black adults were less likely than NH white adults to receive TCAR. Relatively worse access for NH Black adults to technologically-advanced treatment settings may partially explain the broader persistence of race-based differences in carotid revascularization treatment patterns and outcomes.

Open and Endovascular Treatment of the Common Femoral Artery in a Tertiary Care Center

ObjectivesEndovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involving the common femoral artery (CFA) remains controversial. This study compares the perioperative and long-term outcomes of open and endovascular lower extremity revascularization (LER) involving the CFA. MethodsA retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing LER for PAD in a tertiary-care center was performed. Patients were divided into the open or endovascular group based on the first LER that involved the CFA. Patient characteristics were compared, and outcomes analysis focused on the ipsilateral CFA reintervention rate. Multivariable regression was used to determine the association between the CFA revascularization strategy and CFA reintervention. Analysis was stratified based on indication. ResultsA total of 1,954 patients underwent 4,879 LER (including all reinterventions) between 2013-2020. The CFA was treated in 22.9% of patients (N=447/1954) and 15.0% of LER procedures involved the CFA (N=734/4,879). Patients treated for CLTI were more likely to undergo open CFA treatment compared to patients with claudication (60.6% vs 42.7%, p<0.001). Patients treated for CLTI with endovascular therapy were more likely to be male compared to patients treated with open surgery (66.7% vs 51.2%, p=0.025). On the other hand, patients treated for claudication with endovascular therapy were more likely to have CAD (64.9% vs 50.5%, p=0.027) and diabetes (49.3% vs 33.0%, p=0.013) compared to open surgery. There was no difference in perioperative amputation or mortality but patients undergoing CFA endarterectomy were more likely to have post-operative bleeding in the claudication group as well as wound infections and longer hospital length of stay in both indication groups. On follow up, patients receiving endovascular LERs were more likely to require an ipsilateral CFA reintervention for both claudication (35.1% vs 21.0%, p=0.019) and CLTI (33.3% vs 20.9%, p=0.043) with no difference in major amputation or survival between the groups. Among claudicants, CFA endarterectomy was significantly more likely in patients initially treated with endovascular therapy (conversion to open endarterectomy) compared to patients initially treated with open surgery (redo endarterectomy) (14.9% vs 5.0%, p=0.015). Multivariable logistic regression revealed an independent association between endovascular therapy and CFA reintervention for claudication (OR= 2.29 [1.16-4.66]) and CLTI (OR=2.38 [1.18-4.90]). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in MALE-free survival. ConclusionEndovascular treatment of the CFA is associated with higher reintervention of the CFA regardless of indication. CFA endarterectomy is associated with higher perioperative complications and longer hospital stay. Understanding the severity of CFA disease could improve patient selection for optimal therapy.

Outcomes after Endovascular Revascularization for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia from the only Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Center in Asia

IntroductionThis study compares chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) disease characteristics and endovascular revascularization outcomes in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort versus their North American counterparts. MethodsThe Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI) registry database from the first and currently the only VQI center in Asia was reviewed to identify patients with CLTI who underwent endovascular revascularization between July 2019 and April 2024. Standardized VQI reporting variables were compared against benchmarks derived from all participating centers in North America. Results2862 endovascular revascularization procedures from our center were benchmarked against 129347 procedures from 406 North American centers. Our cohort had a higher burden of comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, cardiac disease) and presented with more advanced Wound, Ischemia, and Foot Infection (WIfI) stages. Our patients had more heavily calcified and longer (14.8 cm vs. 6.0 cm) diseased vessels with higher prevalence of multi-level (87% vs 54.6%), infrapopliteal (52.6% vs 38.9%) and inframalleolar (9.6% vs 2.4%) disease. Rates of technical success (92.7% vs 93%) and symptom improvement (39.1% vs 40.4%) were comparable between cohorts. However, 1-year mortality rates (28.9% vs 25.1%) and major amputation rates (13.3% vs 7.8%) were significantly higher. ConclusionShort term outcomes of technical success and symptom relief in our center were comparable to benchmark North American outcomes despite having a cohort with more diseased vessels, higher WIfI stages and comorbidities. However, this cohort fared worse in longer term outcomes of 1-year mortality and major amputation rates. Further studies are required to elucidate the causes to improve these outcomes.

Outcome of Saphenous Vein Graft Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Contemporary Drug-Eluting Stents: A SCAAR Report

BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) is associated with poor outcomes and is often regarded as inferior to native vessel PCI. We investigated clinical outcomes of SVG-PCI using contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES), in a complete, nationwide population. MethodsThe complete Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) was used to identify all patients in Sweden who underwent SVG-PCI with a contemporary DES between 2013 and 2020. Baseline characteristics, procedures, and outcomes were described. ResultsA total of 2198 SVG-PCI procedures with 3106 contemporary DES were included. Patients had a high incidence of comorbidities such as diabetes (40%), prior myocardial infarction (MI) (69%), and acute coronary syndrome (74%) at presentation. SVG-PCI procedures commonly involved multiple DES (41%). Native vessel PCI, in addition to SVG-PCI, was performed in only 13% of procedures. At 1 year, adverse clinical outcomes were frequent as exemplified by any death (9.2%), MI (9.1%), or revascularization (21.1%), whereas stent and lesion-related outcomes on a patient level were less common: stent thrombosis (1.2%), in-stent restenosis (4.3%) and target lesion revascularization (4.3%). Similarly, at 3 years, clinical outcomes were frequent: death (19.8%), MI (21.1%), revascularization (32.8%); and stent-related outcomes were less common: stent thrombosis (2.9%), restenosis (10.8), and target lesion revascularization (13.6%). ConclusionsIn this nationwide cohort of patients who underwent SVG-PCI with contemporary DES, patients were characterized by a high-risk profile and high rates of adverse clinical events. However, the incidence of stent and lesion-related events was low.

Can wound blush be used as an indicator for termination of endovascular procedures in chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients?

Predicting the outcomes of endovascular revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients with foot wounds can be challenging. Angiographic wound blush (WB) assessment has been found to be a helpful tool to assess wound perfusion. The aim of this study is to evaluate WB during endovascular revascularization of CLTI patients and its effects on treatment outcomes. This prospective study included all CLTI patients with foot wounds who underwent successful endovascular revascularization of infrainguinal arterial disease between 2019 and 2021. Patients were grouped according to the WB status into positive WB (group A) and negative WB (group B). Both groups were compared for demographics, comorbidities, clinical picture, and 12-month limb-based patency (LBP) and amputation-free survival (AFS) rates. The study included 69 patients of Rutherford classes 5 (46.4%) and 6 (53.6%), with the main arterial lesion located at the femoropopliteal (58%) or infrapopliteal (42%) segments. Completion angiography showed positive WB in 38 (55.1%) patients and negative WB in 31 (44.9%) patients. Both groups were comparable regarding patient presentation, site of the main arterial lesion, and distribution of foot lesions in relation to the feeding artery. The overall 12-month LBP and AFS rates were 21.7% and 39.1%, respectively, with significantly better rates in group A than in group B (LBP, 31.6% vs 9.7%, p = 0.001 and AFS, 54.1% vs 22.2%, p = 0.006, respectively). Successful angiosome-based direct flow to the foot was achieved in 38 patients (55.1%), resulting in significantly better 12-month AFS rates than those with indirect revascularization (54.8% vs 26.3%, p = 0.036, respectively), despite the comparable 12-LBP rates between the direct and indirect revascularization groups (29% vs 15.8%, p = 0.133, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified smoking as a significant predictor of a major amputation, whereas positive WB and successful direct revascularization were significant predictors of limb salvage. WB can serve as a predictor for AFS and LBP during endovascular revascularization of CLTI patients with foot wounds. A positive WB may guide the decision to conclude an endovascular procedure, potentially avoiding unnecessary complicated maneuvers to recanalize more vessels. Conversely, a negative WB may suggest the need for further revascularization attempts to augment wound perfusion and healing.

Hospital and Physician Variability in Revascularization Decisions and Outcomes for Patients With 3-Vessel and Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Hospital- and physician-level variation for selection of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with coronary artery disease has been associated with outcome differences. However, most studies excluded patients treated medically. From 2010 to 2019, adults with 3-vessel or left main coronary artery disease at 3 hospitals (A, B, C) in Alberta, Canada, were categorized by treatment with medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention, or CABG. Multilevel regression models determined the proportion of variation in treatment attributable to patient, physician, and hospital factors, and survival models assessed outcomes including death and major adverse cardiovascular events over 5 years. Of 22 580 patients (mean age, 67 years; 80% men): 6677 (29%) received medical management, 9171 (41%) percutaneous coronary intervention, and 6732 (30%) CABG. Hospital factors accounted for 10.8% of treatment variation. In adjusted models (site A as reference), patients at sites B and C had 49% (95% CI, 44%-53%) and 43% (95% CI, 37%-49%) lower rates of medical therapy, respectively, and 31% (95% CI, 24%-38%) and 32% (95% CI, 24%-40%) lower rates of CABG. During 5.0 years median follow-up, 3287 (14.6%) patients died, with no intersite mortality differences. There were no between-site differences in acute coronary syndromes or stroke; patients at sites B and C had 24% lower risk (95% CI, 13%-34% and 11%-35%, respectively) of heart failure hospitalization. Hospital-level variation in selection of percutaneous coronary intervention, CABG, or medical therapy for patients with complex coronary artery disease was not associated with differences in 5-year mortality rates. Research and quality improvement initiatives comparing revascularization practices should include medically managed patients.

Ten-year outcomes of hybrid coronary revascularization at a single center.

Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) is a well-established technique for treating multi-vessel coronary disease. There remains a paucity of discussion assessing the efficacy of HCR with respect to the timing of the surgical component relative to that of the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A retrospective review was undertaken of our prospectively collected database from January 2009 to December 2019. Of 395 HCR patients analyzed, we examined the outcomes of 109 pairs of propensity-matched patients who either underwent robotic-assisted minimally-invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) first, or who had PCI prior to surgery. Thirty-day mortality was 0.25% (1 death) for the entire cohort. Mid-term survival for the total 'MIDCAB-first' group was 94.1% (17 deaths), not significantly different to that for the 'PCI-first' cohort (8 deaths, 92.7%), and this was also statistically comparable after propensity matching. Perioperative morbidity was not different between patient groups. Freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and the incidence of repeat revascularization was similar between the two groups at up to 11-year follow-up. Elevated serum creatinine independently predicted increased MACCE for all patients, irrespective of the sequence of HCR revascularization employed. In appropriately selected patients with multi-vessel coronary disease, HCR is associated with excellent short and longer-term results, irrespective of whether the MIDCAB or PCI procedure is performed first.

Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Revascularization: In Situ vs Free Grafts

BackgroundBilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafting is associated with improved long-term outcomes; however, the appropriate graft configuration remains controversial. We compared the long-term outcomes of different graft configurations. MethodsBetween 2009 and 2015, 1171 patients underwent isolated bilateral ITA grafting for left-sided complete revascularization at 4 Japanese cardiac surgery centers: underwent in situ left ITA to the left anterior descending artery plus in situ right ITA to the left circumflex artery (LR group, n = 278), in situ right ITA to the left anterior descending artery plus in situ left ITA to the left circumflex artery (RL group, n = 665), and in situ left ITA to the left anterior descending artery plus free right ITA to the left circumflex artery (free group, n = 228). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including mortality, myocardial infarction and revascularization, and ITA patency, were compared. ResultsAmong the 3 groups, the free group showed significantly lower MACEs and overall mortality rates (P < .001). Nonfatal myocardial infarction and revascularization rates showed no marked differences among the groups. A weighted analysis revealed a decreased risk of MACEs and death in the free group. No marked difference was observed in the patency of the ITA anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery. Patency of the ITA grafted to the circumflex artery in the LR group was significantly lower relative to the other groups. Using a free right ITA grafted to the circumflex artery reduced the risk of graft failure. ConclusionsThe free right ITA configuration for left-sided revascularization might have better long-term outcomes and significantly better patency than other grafts.