PCI For ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Research Articles

Trends in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of acute coronary ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Latin American countries: insights from the CECI consortium.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires revascularization treatment, preferably via primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI). There is a lack of data about contemporary management of STEMI in Latin America. This was a multicenter, multinational, prospective, and dynamic registry of patients undergoing pPCI in Latin America for STEMI (STEMI/LATAMI Registry) that was carried out in nine centers from five countries (Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic) between June 2021 and June 2023. All interventionalists involved in the study were originally trained at the same institution (Centro de Estudios en Cardiología Intervencionista, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The primary objective was to evaluate procedural and in-hospital outcomes of pPCI in STEMI and in-hospital outcome in the Latin America (LATAM) region; as secondary endpoints, we analyzed the following subgroups: differences between pPCI vs. pharmaco-invasive or late presenters, gender, elderly and very elderly patients, cardiogenic shock outcomes, and causes of STEMI. In total, 744 STEMI patients who underwent PCI between June 2021 and June 2023 in five countries (nine centers) in our continent were included; 76.3% had a pPCI, 8.1% pharmaco-invasive PCI, and 15.6% had late STEMI PCI. There were no differences in region or center when we evaluated in-hospital and 30 days of death. The rate of procedural success was 96.2%, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.2%. In the subgroup of pPCI, mean symptom onset-to-balloon time was 295.3 ± 246 min, and mean door-to-balloon time was 55.8 ± 49.9 min. The femoral approach was chosen in 60.5%. In 3.0% of patients, the left main disease was the culprit artery, with 1.63 ± 1.00 stents per patient (564 drug-eluting stents and 652 bare metal stents), with 34 patients receiving only plain optimal balloon angioplasty. Definitive stent thrombosis was related to the infarct artery as the primary cause of STEMI in 7.5% of patients. The use of assistant mechanical devices was low, at 2.1% in the pPCI group. Women were older, with large numbers in very elderly age (≥90 years), greater mortality, and incidence of spontaneous coronary dissection as a cause of STEMI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.003, respectively). In suitable LATAM Centers from low/medium-income countries, this prospective registry in patients with STEMI, PCI performed by well-trained operators has comparable results to those reported in well-developed countries.

Baseline eGFR cutoff for increased risk of post-contrast acute kidney injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the emergency department.

Acute myocardial infarction is an acute-stage disease that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a high-risk factor for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI). This retrospective cohort study analyzed the data of 754 patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI and were integrated into the Fast Interrogation Rule for STEMI critical pathway program between 2015 and 2019. We aimed to determine the optimal cutoff baseline eGFR for identifying a high risk of PC-AKI after multivariable adjustment with statistically significant risk factors. We also compared the incidence rates of PC-AKI between the previous and current diagnostic criteria. The probability of PC-AKI increased when the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was ≤ 79mL/min/1.73 m2. The optimal cutoff baseline eGFR for high risk of PC-AKI was found to be an eGFR of ≤ 61 mL/min/1.73 m2 after multivariable adjustment. The current diagnostic criteria more accurately identified the patient group with impaired renal function. Our results have clinically significant implications for identifying patients at a high risk of developing PC-AKI, especially before and after the use of contrast agents in patients who require PCI for STEMI in the emergency department.

Ischemia-guided vs routine non-culprit vessel angioplasty for patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and multi-vessel disease: the IAEA SPECT STEMI trial

BackgroundIn patients with multi-vessel disease presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the efficacy and safety of ischemia-guided, vs routine non-culprit vessel angioplasty has not been adequately studied. MethodsWe conducted an international, randomized, non-inferiority trial comparing ischemia-guided non-culprit vessel angioplasty to routine non-culprit vessel angioplasty, following primary PCI for STEMI. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in percent ischemic myocardium at follow-up stress MPI. All MPI images were processed and analyzed at a central core lab, blinded to treatment allocation. ResultsIn all, 109 patients were enrolled from nine countries. In the ischemia-guided arm, 25/48 (47%) patients underwent non-culprit vessel PCI following stress MPI. In the routine non-culprit PCI arm, 43/56 (77%) patients underwent angioplasty (86% within 6 weeks of randomization). The median percentage of ischemic myocardium on follow-up imaging (mean 16.5 months) was low, and identical (2.9%) in both arms (difference 0.13%, 95%CI − 1.3%–1.6%, P < .0001; non-inferiority margin 5%). ConclusionA strategy of ischemia-guided non-culprit PCI resulted in low ischemia burden, and was non-inferior to a strategy of routine non-culprit vessel PCI in reducing ischemia burden. Selective non-culprit PCI following STEMI offers the potential for cost-savings, and may be particularly relevant to low-resource settings.(CTRI/2018/08/015384).

A-29 | Impact of Age on Clinical Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Contemporary Analysis

Primary PCI for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased risk of mortality and procedural complications. Increasing age is an established risk factor for PCI related complications. In this study, we test the hypothesis that these clinical outcomes increase with age. In this multicenter, retrospective observational study from the Indiana University Health Multicenter Cath Registry, which includes data from 7 participating hospitals, clinical outcomes were analyzed in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI between 2016-2021. Stratified analysis was performed for age groups <65, 65-80, and >80 years of age. In-hospital outcomes and procedural complications were assessed through review of medical records. Among 3931 patients included in this analysis, in-hospital mortality and complication rates studied were higher with increasing age, except for GI bleeding (Table). Event rates were statistically significantly different across age groups except for in-hospital recurrent MI, new need for renal replacement therapy, and GI bleeding. In-hospital mortality and complications for patients with STEMI increase 3-4-fold with advanced age >80 years. The increased risk is likely in part related to comorbid conditions and frailty.

Microvascular and Prognostic Effect in Lesions With Different Stent Expansion During Primary PCI for STEMI: Insights From Coronary Physiology and Intravascular Ultrasound.

BackgroundWhile coronary stent implantation in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can mechanically revascularize culprit epicardial vessels, it might also cause distal embolization. The relationship between geometrical and functional results of stent expansion during the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is unclear.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the optimal stent expansion strategy in pPCI using novel angiography-based approaches including angiography-derived quantitative flow ratio (QFR)/microcirculatory resistance (MR) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).MethodsPost-hoc analysis was performed in patients with acute STEMI and high thrombus burden from our prior multicenter, prospective cohort study (ChiCTR1800019923). Patients aged 18 years or older with STEMI were eligible. IVUS imaging, QFR, and MR were performed during pPCI, while stent expansion was quantified on IVUS images. The patients were divided into three subgroups depending on the degree of stent expansion as follows: overexpansion (>100%), optimal expansion (80%−100%), and underexpansion (<80%). The patients were followed up for 12 months after PCI. The primary endpoint included sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unexpected hospitalization or unplanned revascularization, and all-cause death.ResultsA total of 87 patients were enrolled. The average stent expansion degree was 82% (in all patients), 117% (in overexpansion group), 88% (in optimal expansion), and 75% (in under-expansion). QFR, MR, and flow speed increased in all groups after stenting. The overall stent expansion did not affect the final QFR (p = 0.08) or MR (p = 0.09), but it reduced the final flow speed (−0.14 cm/s per 1%, p = 0.02). Under- and overexpansion did not affect final QFR (p = 0.17), MR (p = 0.16), and flow speed (p = 0.10). Multivariable Cox analysis showed that stent expansion was not the risk factor for MACE (hazard ratio, HR = 0.97, p = 0.13); however, stent expansion reduced the risk of MACE (HR = 0.95, p = 0.03) after excluding overexpansion patients. Overexpansion was an independent risk factor for no-reflow (HR = 1.27, p = 0.02) and MACE (HR = 1.45, p = 0.007). Subgroup analysis shows that mild underexpansion of 70%−80% was not a risk factor for MACE (HR = 1.11, p = 0.08) and no-reflow (HR = 1.4, p = 0.08); however, stent expansion <70% increased the risk of MACE (HR = 1.36, p = 0.04).ConclusionsStent expansion does not affect final QFR and MR, but it reduces flow speed in STEMI. Appropriate stent underexpansion of 70–80% does not seem to be associated with short-term prognosis, so it may be tolerable as noninferior compared with optimal expansion. Meanwhile, overexpansion and underexpansion of <70% should be avoided due to the independent risk of MACEs and no-reflow events.

An Asian Perspective on Gender Differences in In-Hospital and Long-Term Outcome of Cardiac Mortality and Ischemic Stroke after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ObjectivesGender differences historically exist in cardiovascular disease, with women experiencing higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events. We investigated these trends in a contemporary Asian cohort, examining the impact of gender differences on cardiac mortality and ischemic stroke after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and MethodsWe analysed 3971 consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI retrospectively. The primary outcome was cardiac mortality and ischemic stroke in-hospital, at one year and on longer-term follow up (median follow up 3.62 years, interquartile range 1.03–6.03 years). ResultsThere were 580 (14.6%) female patients and 3391 (85.4%) male patients. Female patients were older and had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, previous strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Cardiac mortality was higher in female patients during in-hospital (15.5% vs. 6.2%), 1-year (17.4% vs. 7.0%) and longer term follow up (19.9% vs. 8.1%, log-rank test: p < 0.001). Similarly, females had higher incidence of ischemic stroke at in-hospital (2.6% vs. 1.0%), 1-year (3.6% vs. 1.4%) and in the longer-term (6.7% vs. 3.1%) as well (log-rank test: p < 0.001). Female gender remained an independent predictor of in-hospital cardiac mortality (HR 1.395, 95%CI 1.061-1.833, p=0.017) and on longer-term follow-up (HR 1.932 95%CI 1.212-3.080, p=0.006) even after adjusting for confounders. ConclusionsFemales were at higher risk of in-hospital and long-term cardiac mortality and ischemic stroke after PPCI for STEMI. Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors and follow-up to improve outcomes in the females with STEMI.

Dual antithrombotic therapy with dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a post hoc analysis of the randomised RE-DUAL PCI trial.

Little is known about the optimal antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of dabigatran dual therapy (110 or 150 mg twice daily, plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor) versus warfarin triple therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and STEMI. In the RE-DUAL PCI trial, 305 patients with STEMI were randomised to dabigatran 110 mg (n=113 versus 106 warfarin) or 150 mg (n=86 versus 84 warfarin). The primary endpoint was the time to first major/clinically relevant non-major bleeding event (MBE/CRNMBE). The thrombotic endpoint was a composite of death, thromboembolic events, or unplanned revascularisation. In STEMI patients, dabigatran 110 mg (HR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.20-0.74) and 150 mg (0.43, 0.21-0.89) dual therapy reduced the risk of MBE/CRNMBE versus warfarin triple therapy (p for interaction vs all other patients=0.31 and 0.16). The risk of thrombotic events for dabigatran 110 mg (HR 1.61, 95% CI: 0.85-3.08) and 150 mg (0.56, 0.20-1.51) had p interactions of 0.20 and 0.33, respectively. For net clinical benefit, the HRs were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.46-1.17) and 0.49 (0.27-0.91) for dabigatran 110 and 150 mg (p for interaction=0.80 and 0.12), respectively. After PCI for STEMI, patients on dabigatran dual therapy had lower risks of bleeding events versus warfarin triple therapy with similar risks of thromboembolic events, supporting dabigatran dual therapy even in patients with high thrombotic risk.

Prasugrel compared to ticagrelor in primary PCI

Abstract Background Prasugrel and ticagrelor have similar recommendations in the setting of primary PCI by current guidelines. Data comparing both in daily clinical practice of primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction is limited. Purpose To compare the effect of prasugrel and ticagrelor on in-hospital outcomes after primary PCI. Methods and results We prospectively enrolled 5365 patients treated with prasugrel (n=2785, 51.9%) or ticagrelor (n=2580; 48.1%) in the setting of primary PCI from January 2011 to December 2018 in a nationwide registry. In-hospital outcomes were compared and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Prasugrel treated patients were younger, less often in cardiogenic shock, with lower rates of previous stroke and had shorter ischemic time. Both groups showed similar rates of previous MI, diabetes and current resuscitation. In the univariate analysis mortality was lower in patients with prasugrel (2.5% vs. 4.4% p&amp;lt;0.01). Similarly, MACE (3.3% vs. 5.3%, p&amp;lt;0.01) and NACE (4.0% vs. 5.7% p&amp;lt;0.01) were lower in prasugrel treated patients, whereas major bleeding events did not differ (0.4% vs. 0.6% p=0.24). After adjustment in multivariable analysis mortality (0.99 95% CI 0.57 to 1.72), MACE (OR 0.99 95% CI 0.65 to 1.52) as well as NACE (0.86 95% CI 0.61 to 1.22) did not differ in patients treated with prasugrel compared to ticagrelor. Conclusion Patients treated with prasugrel showed improved outcomes compared to ticagrelor in a large cohort of primary PCI. However, after adjustment for confounders the Advantage of prasugrel in primary PCI did not persist. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): Austrian Society of Cardiology

Serial assessment of focal myocardial function after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: Value of layer‐specific speckle tracking echocardiography

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) frequently follows successful PCI for STEMI and is recognized by multiple modalities. Multilayer speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has the potential of detecting myocardial dysfunction in different myocardial layers. Our objective was to describe the changes in layer-specific myocardial function over the 24hours after successful PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients (n=120) with STEMI and no prior myocardial infarction underwent echocardiography prior to PCI, immediately after and at 3- and 24-hours post-PCI. Worsening focal dysfunction (WFD) was defined as an immediate reduction, compared to the pre-PCI value, in the amplitude of endo-myocardial longitudinal strain (endo-MLS) within the infarction territory. Patients with WFD (52%) had further reductions in endo-MLS, mid-MLS, and epi-MLS in the infarction region immediately post-PCI; at 3hours strain began to improve and continued to improve at 24hours. Reductions of endo-MLS strain were more evident than those of global, mid-MLS, and epi-MLS. This same pattern was seen in each of the ischemic territories of the anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries. Immediate improvement in endo-MLS following PCI was seen in 48% of patients. The time from symptom onset to balloon time was markedly longer in those with WFD (P<.0001). Multilayer SPE is a sensitive method that identifies serial alterations in focal myocardial function following successful PCI for STEMI. Layer-specific reductions in endo-MLS appeared more evident than decreases in global LV strain. Prolonged total ischemic time prior to PCI was directly related to the incidence of WFD.

The benefit of complete revascularization after primary PCI for STEMI is attenuated by increasing age: Results from the DANAMI-3-PRIMULTI randomized study.

To ascertain the effect of age on outcomes after culprit-only and complete revascularization after Primary PCI (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The numbers of older patients being treated with PPCI are increasing. The optimal management of nonculprit stenoses in such patients is unclear. We conducted an analysis of patients aged ≥75 years randomized in the DANAMI-3-PRIMULTI study to either culprit-only or complete FFR-guided revascularization. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal reinfarction, and ischaemia-driven revascularization of lesions in noninfarct-related arteries after a median of 27 months of follow-up. One hundred and ten of six hundred and twenty seven patients in the DANAMI-3-PRIMULTI trial were aged ≥75 years. These patients were more likely female (p < .001), hypertensive (p < .001), had lower hemoglobin levels (p < .001), and higher serum creatinine levels (p < .001) than the younger patients in the trial. Other than less use of drug-eluting stents (96.6 versus 88.0%: p = .02), there were no significant differences in procedural technique and success between patients aged <75 years and those ≥75 years of age. There was no significant difference in the incidence of the primary endpoint in patients ≥75 years randomized to culprit-only or FFR-guided complete revascularization (HR 1.49 [95% CI 0.57-4.65]; log-rank p = .19; p for interaction versus patients <75 years <.001). There was a significant interaction between age as a continuous variable, treatment assignment, and the primary outcome (p < .001); beyond the age of about 75 years, there may be no prognostic advantage to complete revascularization. In patients ≥75 years, after treatment of the culprit lesion in STEMI, there is no significant prognostic benefit to prophylactic complete revascularization of nonculprit stenoses. Pending further study, data would support a symptom-guided approach to further invasive treatment.

Assessment of Admission Time Cell Blood Count (CBC) Parameters in Predicting Post-primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention TIMI Frame Count in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

In this study, we aimed to assess the value of admission time CBC parameters in predicting post-primary PCI corrected TIMI frame count. Recent years have witnessed a large series of studies evaluating different laboratory variables to predict no-reflow phenomenon following primary PCI (PPCI) in patients with STEMI. However, a general agreement about the most reliable predictor of the no-reflow phenomenon is challenging and also intriguing. The current study concluded 208 consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) from January 2014 to February 2016. Blood samples were obtained after taking ECG. Complete blood samples were collected and analyzed within 5 minutes from sampling. Post-PCI corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count was determined by one interventional cardiologist blinded to patients' clinical data. The correlation between admission time blood parameters and post-primary PCI corrected TIMI frame count in patients with STEMI were assessed. Corrected TIMI frame count was positively correlated with WBC count (R: 0.18, P-value: <0.01), neutrophil count (R: 0.34, P-value: <0.01), and platelet count (R: 0.23, P-value: <0.01) and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count (R: -0.2, P-value: <0.01). Multiple linear regression results demonstrated that corrected TIMI frame count was positively correlated with neutrophil count (P < 0·001) and platelet count (P < 0·001) and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count (p=0.004). High counts of WBC, neutrophil, and platelet and low count of lymphocyte may be predictors of no-reflow in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. The clinical significance of such predictive parameters becomes clear as we consider the treatment approach in STEMI patients. Appropriate risk stratification leads to better treatment planning and allocation of resources.

787 Are All STEMIs Created Equal? Angiographic Predictors of Early Mortality in a Large Australian Cohort

ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) presentations are often examined as a cohort despite having different risk profiles. We sought to examine the relationship between initial TIMI flow, culprit lesion, troponin values and early mortality outcomes for patients undergoing Primary PCI for STEMI. 1260 consecutive STEMI patients presenting within 12 hours of symptom onset and treated with Primary PCI were analysed over a 10-year period between 2008-2017. Initial TIMI flow and culprit lesions were identified on coronary angiography. Peak cardiac troponin within 48 hours of event was analysed. All-cause mortality was assessed at 30 days. Culprit lesions identified were RCA (45.7%), LAD (41.2%) and LCx (13.1%). TIMI 0 flow occurred in 64.7% of cases and did not differ across lesions (p=0.344). Median troponin significantly decreased in a stepwise fashion as initial TIMI flow increased from TIMI 0 to TIMI III (41ng/ml, 25ng/ml, 17.5ng/ml, 7.2ng/ml; p<0.0001). Median troponin for LAD infarcts was significantly higher than LCx and RCA (43ng/ml, 26ng/ml and 22ng/ml; p<0.0001). There was a trend for increased 30-day mortality with infarcts with TIMI 0 flow vs TIMI III (4.6% vs 2.2%; p<0.096). LAD infarcts had significantly higher 30-day mortality than other culprit lesions (LAD–5.8%, LCx–3.0%, RCA–2.3%; p=0.008). 30-day mortality for LAD infarcts with TIMI 0 was 6.4%. Median troponin levels are significantly higher with LAD infarcts compared with other culprit vessels. LAD infarcts, particularly those with TIMI 0 flow, represent a higher mortality risk at 30 days compared with other STEMI culprit vessels.

902 Time to First Device Time in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) at a High-Volume STEMI Centre Stratified by Access Site Approach

To assess diagnostic ECG to first device time (FDT), door to FDT and sheath-insertion FDT between radial and femoral approaches in patients presenting with STEMI within 6 hours of chest pain onset at a high-volume STEMI centre. We undertook an analysis of the Queensland Cardiovascular Outcomes Registry (QCOR) prospectively collected data set to assess time to FDT for the highest volume STEMI centre in the State of Queensland for patients presenting with STEMI for primary PCI within 6 hours of chest pain onset from 2015 to 2019. Diagnostic ECG to FDT, door to FDT and sheath to FDT were stratified by access site approach. After collating descriptive statistics stratified by access site, data was analysed using Student’s T test. From 2015 to 2019 there were 907 patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI within 6 hours of chest pain onset at Princess Alexandra Hospital. 642 (71%) had a femoral approach and 265 (29%) had a radial approach. The mean diagnostic ECG to FTD, door to FTD and sheath-insertion to FTD for femoral versus radial was 114 mins versus 110 mins (p=0.23), 65 mins versus 52 mins (p=0.01), 18 mins versus 13 mins (p=0.0001). There was an overall trend toward shorter times to reperfusion with a radial approach despite a greater proportion of patients having their procedure via a femoral approach. These findings are limited by potential confounders that are an associative link with shorter procedure times and choice of access approach and, while hypothesis generating, do not establish a causal link between the radial approach itself and shorter procedure times.

The Impact of Out-of-Hours Presentation on Clinical Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Systems of care have been established to ensure patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) get timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). In this study, we evaluated whether patients undergoing PPCI both in-hours and out-of-hours experience similar care and clinical outcomes. Of 9,865 patients who underwent PCI for STEMI from 2005 to 2016 and were enrolled in the multi-centre Melbourne Interventional Group registry, patients who had initially presented to a non-PCI capable hospital, received thrombolysis or presented >12hourspost-symptom onset were excluded. Our final study cohort of 4,590 patients were dichotomised by whether PPCI was performed in-hours or out-of-hours, and compared. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. The in-hours group included 1,865 patients (40.6%) while 2,725 patients (59.4%) had out-of-hours PPCI. Patients presenting out-of-hours had longer median door-to-balloon time (DTBT; 83 [IQR 61-109] vs. 60 [IQR 41-88] mins, p<0.01) and were more likely to receive a drug-eluting stent (p=0.001). Procedural characteristics were otherwise similar although rates of radial access were low overall (18.4%). No differences in in-hospital, 30-day or 12-month mortality were observed between the groups (p=NS). On Cox proportional hazards modelling, out-of-hours presentation was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.71-1.22). A landmark analysis of data from 2012 did not change the primary outcome. Despite a slightly longer DTBT, patients undergoing PPCI out-of-hours experienced similar care and clinical outcomes to the in-hours group. Given the majority of patients with STEMI present out-of-hours, these data have implications for STEMI systems of care.

Left Ventricular Thrombus After Primary PCI for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: 1-Year Clinical Outcomes

BackgroundLeft ventricular thrombus formation is a complication of acute myocardial infarction. However, the incidence and risk of systemic thromboembolism in the era of primary angioplasty for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unclear. This study aims to determine clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty and left ventricular thrombus at 1 year. MethodsPatients who underwent primary angioplasty for STEMI and had a transthoracic echocardiogram were recruited. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and systemic thromboembolism at 1 year. For the primary endpoint, the difference between the presence and absence of left ventricular thrombus was compared using a logistic regression, adjusting for minimization variables including age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and previous stroke. ResultsOf 2608 patients who underwent primary angioplasty for STEMI, 1645 (63%) patients had a transthoracic echocardiogram performed during the index hospital admission. Forty patients (2.4%) had evidence of left ventricular thrombus on transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with left ventricular thrombus were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation in the immediate postinfarction period (6 [15%] vs 87 [5.4%], P = 0.025). At 1 year, the primary endpoint occurred in 4 (10%) patients with left ventricular thrombus and 146 (9.1%) who did not (logistic regression hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.23-2.70). ConclusionsIn the contemporary era of mechanical reperfusion for STEMI, echocardiographic detection of left ventricular thrombus was observed in <3% patients. The presence of left ventricular thrombus was not associated with an increased risk of systemic thromboembolism.

Prolonged Tpeak-Tend interval is associated with ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

AimVentricular fibrillation (VF) during reperfusion in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Dispersion of ventricular repolarization contributes to ventricular vulnerability during ischemia. Tpeak-Tend interval was proposed as a ventricular repolarization dispersion marker, however its value for prediction of reperfusion VF remains uncertain. We aimed to assess whether Tpeak-Tend before PCI in STEMI is associated with reperfusion VF. MethodsSTEMI patients admitted for primary PCI were retrospectively assessed for VF during reperfusion. Pre-PCI ECGs recorded in 40 patients with reperfusion VF (rVF group; age 65 ± 13 years, 80% male) were compared with 374 consecutive patients without reperfusion arrhythmias (No-rVF group; age 67 ± 12 years; 68% male). Digital ECGs were automatically processed and Tpeak-Tend interval computed on a per-lead basis. The global Tpeak-Tend was calculated between the earliest Tpeak and the latest Tend in any lead, and tested for association with reperfusion VF using logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe leftward shift of Tpeak toward QRS complex in ischemic leads resulted in Tpeak-Tend prolongation. Global Tpeak-Tend in rVF group was higher than in No-rVF group (142 ± 24 vs 130 ± 27 ms; p = 0.007). Global Tpeak-Tend ≥ 131 ms predicted reperfusion VF (OR = 3.41; 95% CI 1.66–7.04; p = 0.001) and remained a significant predictor of reperfusion VF in multivariable analysis. ConclusionTpeak-Tend interval before PCI in STEMI was an independent predictor of reperfusion VF. Our findings warrants further research aimed at prospective validation of Tpeak-Tend as a marker of periprocedural arrhythmic risk.

Direct Stenting Versus Stenting After Pre-dilation in Primary PCI for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: Direct stenting and stenting after pre-dilation are strategies used in the setting of Primary PCI for ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). There is a paucity of evidence to guide one treatment strategy over the other. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a registry of Primary PCI for STEMIs between April 2013 and November 2018. Procedures were performed at Wollongong Hospital, a large tertiary centre in NSW, Australia. We collected data on baseline characteristics, procedural characteristics, procedural complications, and follow up data on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE). Results: Data were collected on a total of 310 patients who were treated with Primary PCI for STEMI. Of these, 260 (83.9%) were treated with stenting after pre-dilatation, 38 (12.3%) were treated with a direct stenting strategy (including 11 with aspiration thrombectomy, 28 without), and 12 (3.9%) of patients were treated with “Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty” (POBA). Mean follow up duration was 29 months. There was a complication rate of 7.9% in the direct stenting arm (including a 5.3% risk of slow flow or no-reflow). This was higher than the rate for stenting with pre-dilatation, with a 6.9% rate of procedural complication (including a 1.9% risk of slow flow/no-reflow), though this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.83). Incidence of MACE on follow up was 15.8% for the direct stenting arm vs 17% for the stenting with pre-dilatation (p = 0.86). Conclusion: In our cohort, there was no statistically significant difference in incidence of peri-procedural complications and MACE between direct stenting and stenting after pre-dilation.

The association between midlife type 2 diabetes and late-life cognitive status: Findings from KORA-Age study

Systems of care have been established to ensure patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) get timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). In this study, we evaluated whether patients undergoing PPCI both in-hours and out-of-hours experience similar care and clinical outcomes.Of 9,865 patients who underwent PCI for STEMI from 2005 to 2016 and were enrolled in the multi-centre Melbourne Interventional Group registry, patients who had initially presented to a non-PCI capable hospital, received thrombolysis or presented >12 hours post-symptom onset were excluded. Our final study cohort of 4,590 patients were dichotomised by whether PPCI was performed in-hours or out-of-hours, and compared. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.The in-hours group included 1,865 patients (40.6%) while 2,725 patients (59.4%) had out-of-hours PPCI. Patients presenting out-of-hours had longer median door-to-balloon time (DTBT; 83 [IQR 61–109] vs. 60 [IQR 41–88] mins, p < 0.01) and were more likely to receive a drug-eluting stent (p = 0.001). Procedural characteristics were otherwise similar although rates of radial access were low overall (18.4%). No differences in in-hospital, 30-day or 12-month mortality were observed between the groups (p = NS). On Cox proportional hazards modelling, out-of-hours presentation was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.71–1.22). A landmark analysis of data from 2012 did not change the primary outcome.Despite a slightly longer DTBT, patients undergoing PPCI out-of-hours experienced similar care and clinical outcomes to the in-hours group. Given the majority of patients with STEMI present out-of-hours, these data have implications for STEMI systems of care.

The value of pre admission Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Risk Index (TRI) in the prediction of no-reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients presented with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

Background: Coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are the major causes of death, worldwide. Risk assessment for patients with ACS is necessary to minimize morbidity and mortality. The global registry of acute coronary events risk score (GRS), the in thrombolysis myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score (TRS), and the TIMI risk index (TRI) have been used for patients with ACS to evaluate their risk. We showed at our study the value of pre-admission TRI, TRS, and GRS in occurrence prediction of no-reflow (NRF) Phenomenon after primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients; and its impact on the in-hospital outcome for those patients. Patients and Methods: Our study included 319 patients presented with STEMI and managed by primary PCI. For all patients, we recorded a detailed history, clinical examination as well as Killip class, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. TRI as well, TRS, and GRS were calculated for all patients. We observed all patients during their PCI at the catheterization room to monitor the result of the intervention. NRF was defined as TIMI flow grade less than III or TIMI flow Grade III with myocardial blush grade less than or equal to II. Then, we followed the patients during their hospitalization period to record any associated complications and mortality. Results: We found NRF patients older than reflow patients, thus regarding age. They were more males. Killip Class III-IV was found to be more common in NRF patients. TRI as well, TRS and GRS showed higher values among the NRF patients. As well, in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and mortality were more common in NRF patients. Conclusion: We found that the high TRI values were related to the occurrence of NRF, in hospital MACE, and mortality.

Bare metal versus drug eluting stents for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the TOTAL trial

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of drug eluting stents (DES) in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not well established. MethodsIn the TOTAL trial, patients presenting with STEMI were randomized to routine thrombectomy versus PCI alone. In this post-hoc analysis, propensity matching was used to assess relative safety and efficacy according to type of stent used. ResultsEach propensity-matched cohort included 2313 patients. The composite primary outcome of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, cardiogenic shock or class IV heart failure within one year was lower in the DES group (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.84, p=0.0004). Cardiovascular death (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.86, p=0.005), recurrent MI (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.75, p=0.0005), target vessel revascularization (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.62, p<0.0001) and stent thrombosis (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89, p=0.01) were lower in the DES group. There was no difference in major bleeding between groups. ConclusionsIn this observational analysis, the use of DES was associated with improvement in cardiovascular outcomes compared to the use of BMS. These results support the use of DES during primary PCI for STEMI.