Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions Research Articles

Data standards for acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention: the European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomised Trials (EuroHeart).

Standardized data definitions are essential for monitoring and benchmarking the quality of care and patient outcomes in observational studies and randomized controlled trials. There are no contemporary pan-European data standards for the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomised Trials (EuroHeart) project of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) aimed to develop such data standards for ACS and PCI. Following a systematic review of the literature on ACS and PCI data standards and evaluation of contemporary ACS and PCI registries, we undertook a modified Delphi process involving clinical and registry experts from 11 European countries, as well as representatives from relevant ESC Associations, including the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC). This resulted in final sets of 68 and 84 'mandatory' variables and several catalogues of optional variables for ACS and PCI, respectively. Data definitions were provided for these variables, which have been programmed as the basis for continuous registration of individual patient data in the online EuroHeart IT platform. By means of a structured process and the interaction with major stakeholders, internationally harmonized data standards for ACS and PCI have been developed. In the context of the EuroHeart project, this will facilitate country-level quality of care improvement, international observational research, registry-based randomized trials, and post-marketing surveillance of devices and pharmacotherapies.

PATIENTS' PERCEPTION OF RECOVERY AFTER CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS: AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR OF LIFESTYLE CHANGE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of premature death in the world.1 Recent advances in medical technology have led to lower mortality and better relative recovery in CVD patients. Today, various invasive procedures are used in cardiovascular interventions such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), which have led to improvements in the outcomes of CVD patients. However, despite the benefits of cardiovascular interventions, patients need to change their lifestyles. Therefore, patients with CVD need rehabilitation after cardiovascular interventions for complete recovery, which is often overlooked.2 Meanwhile, patients' perception of recovery after cardiovascular interventions is one of the key factors in predicting lifestyle changes in CVD patients. These patients should have a full awareness of a healthy lifestyle about physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, and diet, as well as a proper perception of recovery after cardiovascular interventions.3 Hence, the results of a randomized controlled trial in the UK that assessed the impact of educational and rehabilitation programs on patients 'perceptions after myocardial infarction (MI) showed that educational and rehabilitation programs can lead to positive changes in patients' perceptions of recovery after cardiovascular interventions and lifestyle after MI, especially after three months of intervention. Also, patients in the intervention group reported fewer symptoms of angina compared to patients in the control group. Overall, educational and rehabilitation programs were effective in changing the perception of CVD patients and improving the functional outcome of patients after MI.4 In contrast, the results of another study in the Netherlands that evaluated the effect of a lifestyle intervention on CVD risk indicators in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia showed that there was no significant improvement between the intervention and control groups (usual care).5 The importance of this issue becomes clearer when these patients undergo invasive cardiovascular interventions. Despite the benefits of cardiovascular interventions, patients need to change their lifestyles. On the other hand, there is a link between patients' perceptions of recovery after cardiovascular interventions and lifestyle changes. Therefore, there is a need for serious attention to patients' perception of recovery after cardiovascular interventions. Obviously, patients' perceptions of recovery after cardiovascular interventions can be an important predictor of their lifestyle changes. However, to our knowledge, studies in this field are very limited. Therefore, it is suggested that researchers in future studies pay special attention to the perception of CVD patients of recovery after cardiovascular interventions as an important predictor of lifestyle changes in them after cardiovascular interventions.

Stent malapposition generates stent thrombosis: Insights from a thrombosis model

BackgroundCurrently, there exists differing conclusions on the role of acute stent malapposition and its role in stent thrombosis (ST). The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) consensus recommends that acute malapposition <0.4 mm with longitudinal extension <1 mm need not be corrected since there is no clear correlation of malapposition with adverse clinical outcomes. However, malapposition was identified as the main mechanism of ST in the Bern and PESTO registries, and one of the three leading mechanism in the PRESTIGE study. MethodsIn this study, a validated perfused benchtop thrombosis model was deployed to evaluate the role of both stent under-expansion (UE) and acute stent malapposition (MA) on thrombus formation in vitro in a controlled reproducible environment. ResultsThe results showed that UE alone did not result in acute thrombus formation, but UE together with MA did. The data suggested that a MA distance of 0.25 mm led to significant thrombus formation; and a positive correlation exists between the longitudinal extension of the MA and the thrombus volume formed. ConclusionExperiments in this in vitro model demonstrated that platelets and a thrombosis cascade were activated and developed around large segments of malapposed stent. This was significantly more thrombus formation than in the under-expanded stent region.

Microcatheter Crossing of Radial Artery Loops and Tortuosities: New Ideas in Reducing Trans Radial Approach Crossover

BACKGROUND: Transradial access is currently the default access site for percutaneous cardiovascular interventions. Radial artery (RA) anomalies present a significant challenge in radial access success. RA 360-degree loops are an uncommon, but quite challenging vascular anomaly even for the most experienced radial operators. CASE REPORT: We report on two cases of patients with complex RA loops referred for PCI through radial approach in a high-volume radial center. Pre-procedural RA angiography was performed in both cases identifying a 360-degree RA loop in the proximal part of the RA below the entrance into the brachial artery. In both cases, we present a novel “Microcatheter crossing” technique of the complex RA loop as a new strategy in overcoming even the most difficult radial adversary. After identifying the loop a hydrophilic wire 0.014 inch was used to cross the loop and extend it in the upper arm. Then a microcatheter ASAHI corsair (Asahi Intecc USA, Inc.) was advanced through the loop without difficulty. The microcatheter is advanced through the wire until middle of the upper arm. Hydrophilic wire is then exchanged with High Torque Iron man guide wire (Abbott Vascular). Again, the wire is advanced in the upper arm. Microcatheter is then removed and 5F catheter JR 4.0 or similar is advanced gently through the iron man wire with a clockwise rotation through the loop. Then, wire and catheter are pulled back to straighten the loop. The percutaneous angiography procedure was performed successfully in both cases. CONCLUSION: Both patients were discharged without registered bleeding complications from place of puncture. They both reported slight pain during the beginning of the procedure in the arm of puncture, but without additional problems after the procedure.

Current use of catheter directed treatment of acute PE in Europe: results of survey of EAPCI and ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricular Function

Abstract Aims This survey conducted by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation &amp; Right Ventricular Functioncollected information on current practices in catheter-directed treatment (CDT) of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) among cardiology intervention centers in European countries. Methods and results Responses from 157 Catheterization laboratories (Cath Lab) representing European countries were collated and analyzed.Sixty seven centers (43%) centers reported application of CDT in PE patients. Almost all centers performing CDT (96%) provided 24/7 service and had experience with a wide spectrum of percutaneous interventions including those for the treatment of structural heart diseases; 53% of the Cath labs utilizing CDT were located in teaching hospitals, and involved 5 to 10 interventional cardiologists performing more than 600 coronary procedures per year. The survey showed a rapid increase in CDT use in European countries after 2015 (45 out of 67 centers). Over 60% of responding centers performed 5–10 CDT procedures per year. It was estimated that 24 patients were treated with CDT per center on a yearly base. The majority of centers (80.3%) indicated that CDT is used in high-risk PE patients, while 38% also apply CDT to intermediate high risk PE. The survey revealed that pigtail catheters are most commonly used for CDT (49%), while dedicated systems such as AngioJet, Indigo and EKOS were reported to be used in 25%, 23.81% and 20.24% of the centers, respectively. Local thrombolysis during CDT was used in 71% of the procedures. More than 60% of the responders indicated that according to their expert opinion CDT will be routinely used in PE patients in the future. However, they stressed the need for randomized trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CDT and determine the patients that would benefit most. Conclusions According to the survey, use of CDT in patients with PE is increasing over time. Currently, it is mostly but not exclusively applied to patients with high-risk PE. The respondents indicated the need for high-quality randomized trials to establish the optimal indication for CDT and further standardize the use of the available techniques. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Long term follow up of elderly patients treated with self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve implantation; a single center experience

Abstract Background and aims The information of long term clinical performance of transcatheter heart valves is limited. Our aim is to assess the clinical outcomes and rate of structural valve deterioration (SVD) in patients after self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) at 10-year follow-up. Methods A total of 141 consecutive patients undergoing self-expanding TAVI for native aortic valve stenosis or failed aortic surgical bioprosthesis, between 2008 and 2012 at our institution were included. We considered SVD as defined for the consensus statement from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery). SVD cumulative incidence was calculated considering death in the absence of valve damage as a competitive risk. Results At the time of TAVI mean age was 78±5 years, male 44%. Percutaneous prosthesis implanted were self-expanding in 100% of patients (size: 26 mm in 72%, 29 mm in 28%). Mortality at 1, 5, and 10-year follow-up was 14%, 32%, and 72%, respectively. There was one death due to prosthetic valve endocarditis. Of the total cohort, 11 patients had severe SVD, with a cumulative incidence at 10 years of 8,21 (95% CI 4.09- 14.14%). The rate of SVD at 4, 6, 8, and 10 years was 0%, 1.41%, 2.83%, and 8.21%, respectively (Figure 1 and 2). Of the 11 patients with severe SVD, seven died, two patients had reintervention (both had redo TAVI), and the other two patients remain in close follow-up. In survivors at 10-year follow-up (n=41) the median of mean gradient was 8 mmHg (interquartile Rank 6–13 mmHg) and in 8.4% an prosthetic valve regurgitation ≥moderate was detected. Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, previous stroke and high pulmonary systolic pressure were independent predictors of global mortality. SVD was not associated with any of studied variables (Age, arterial hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, previous aortic bioprosthesis, left ventricle function &amp;lt;50%, prosthetic valve regurgitation, valve size and ballon postdilatation) Conclusions A low rate of SVD at 10-year follow-up was observed in this serie of elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with self-expanding TAVI. This study provides insights into the long-term performance of self-expanding TAVI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Cumulative incidence of SVD and deathSVD with confidence intervals

Durability of Transcatheter Heart Valves: Standardized Definitions and Available Data.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a well-established alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Currently, this technique is shifting towards younger patient groups with intermediate- and low-risk profile, which raises the question about long-term durability. Despite acceptable results up to 5 years, little is currently known about valve performance beyond 5 years. Since valve deterioration, thrombosis and endocarditis seem to be the main factors affecting valve durability, precise and widely accepted definitions of these parameters were stated by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) in 2017, followed by the Valve in Valve International Data (VIVID) group definitions in 2018 and the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3) definitions in 2021. Until the introduction of these definitions, interstudy comparisons were difficult due to missing uniformity. Since the release of these recommendations, an increasing number of studies have reported their data on long-term durability using these new criteria. The aim of the present article is to discuss the current definitions on bioprosthetic valve durability, and to summarize the available data on long-term durability of transcatheter aortic valves.

Antithrombotic Management for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Comprehensive protection of a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF) should not only reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, but also reduce the risk coronary events and ensure high adherence to treatment. In accordance with consensus document issued by the European Heart Rhythm Association, European Society of Cardiology, European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, as well as with other recent Russian Society of Cardiology Guidelines, the management of antithrombotic therapy of patients with AF undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requires that multiple and interconnected issues. The review article addresses questions about duration of initial triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT), selection of P2Y12 inhibitor, choice of oral anticoagulant to be combined with antiplatelet therapy, intensity of oral anticoagulation throughout combination therapy, and choice of oral anticoagulant for indefinite therapy. In general, it is recommended to refuse the routine use of TAT for most patients. Accordingly, for patients who need both anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, it is strongly recommended that the default strategy after recent PCI is a double antithrombotic therapy consisting of an anticoagulant and one antiplatelet, preferably from the group of P2Y12 inhibitors. When conducting combined antithrombotic therapy, preference should be given to clopidogrel compared to other, more powerful P2Y12 inhibitors and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) instead of vitamin K antagonists. The primary choice of DOAC in patients with AF who have undergone PCI should be carried out taking into account such factors as individual risk of stroke and bleeding, adherence to treatment, concomitant diseases, pharmacological characteristics and evidence base of a specific DOAC, taking other medications, etc. The pharmacokinetic features of rivaroxaban, which create the possibility of its single administration, the evidence base for reducing coronary risks in various variants of the course of coronary heart disease, determines the special positions of the drug for the comprehensive protection of patients with AF after PCI.

Joint EAPCI/ACVC expert consensus document on percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

There has been a significant increase in the use of short-term percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) as acute circulatory support in cardiogenic shock and to provide haemodynamic support during interventional procedures, including high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Although frequently considered together, pVADs differ in their haemodynamic effects, management, indications, insertion techniques, and monitoring requirements. This consensus document summarizes the views of an expert panel by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) and appraises the value of short-term pVAD. It reviews the pathophysiological context and possible indications for pVAD in different clinical settings and provides guidance regarding the management of pVAD based on existing evidence and best current practice.

Prognostically relevant periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction associated with percutaneous coronary interventions: a Consensus Document of the ESC Working Group on Cellular Biology of the Heart and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI).

A substantial number of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) experience periprocedural myocardial injury or infarction. Accurate diagnosis of these PCI-related complications is required to guide further management given that their occurrence may be associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Due to lack of scientific data, the cut-off thresholds of post-PCI cardiac troponin (cTn) elevation used for defining periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction, have been selected based on expert consensus opinions, and their prognostic relevance remains unclear. In this Consensus Document from the ESC Working Group on Cellular Biology of the Heart and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), we recommend, whenever possible, the measurement of baseline (pre-PCI) cTn and post-PCI cTn values in all CCS patients undergoing PCI. We confirm the prognostic relevance of the post-PCI cTn elevation >5× 99th percentile URL threshold used to define type 4a myocardial infarction (MI). In the absence of periprocedural angiographic flow-limiting complications or electrocardiogram (ECG) and imaging evidence of new myocardial ischaemia, we propose the same post-PCI cTn cut-off threshold (>5× 99th percentile URL) be used to define prognostically relevant ‘major’ periprocedural myocardial injury. As both type 4a MI and major periprocedural myocardial injury are strong independent predictors of all-cause mortality at 1 year post-PCI, they may be used as quality metrics and surrogate endpoints for clinical trials. Further research is needed to evaluate treatment strategies for reducing the risk of major periprocedural myocardial injury, type 4a MI, and MACE in CCS patients undergoing PCI.

Joint EAPCI/ACVC expert consensus document on percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

There has been a significant increase in the use of short-term percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) as acute circulatory support in cardiogenic shock and to provide haemodynamic support during interventional procedures, including high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Although frequently considered together, pVADs differ in their haemodynamic effects, management, indications, insertion techniques, and monitoring requirements. This consensus document summarizes the views of an expert panel by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) and appraises the value of short-term pVAD. It reviews the pathophysiological context and possible indications for pVAD in different clinical settings and provides guidance regarding the management of pVAD based on existing evidence and best current practice.

Influence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Taiwan.

The outbreak of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has notably affected the medical system worldwide and influenced the health-seeking behavior of people while depleting medical resources, causing a delay in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we compared the clinical pictures of nontransfer patients who presented to the emergency department directly and received primary percutaneous cardiovascular intervention (PPCI) from February 1 to April 30, 2020 (group 2, N = 28), with patients who received PPCI from February 1 to April 30, 2016–2019 (group 1, N = 130). A total of 158 patients with STEMI who received PPCI were included in the study. A decrease in the percentage of patients with door-to-balloon time <90 minutes was found in group 2 (64.3% vs. 81.5%, p = 0.044). The adjusted odds ratio was calculated using logistic regression, according to potential confounding factors such as age, sex, off-hours, and Killip class. An adjusted odds ratio of 2.45 (95% confidence interval, 1.1–6.0, p = 0.048) was reported for group 2. A decrease in the percentage of patients meeting the criteria of door-to-balloon time <90 minutes was demonstrated, and differences were revealed in the clinical pictures of patients with STEMI after the pandemic. While systemic factors contributed the most, improvements and adjustments in the protocols for managing patients with STEMI for better outcomes in the COVID-19 era have yet to be studied.

Advances in Clinical Cardiology 2020: A Summary of Key Clinical Trials.

IntroductionDespite the challenge of a global pandemic, 2020 has been an invaluable year in cardiology research with numerous important clinical trials published or presented virtually at major international meetings. This article aims to summarise these trials and place them in clinical context.MethodsThe authors reviewed clinical trials presented at major cardiology conferences during 2020 including the American College of Cardiology, European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, European Society of Cardiology, Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics and the American Heart Association. Trials with a broad relevance to the cardiology community and those with potential to change current practice were included.ResultsA total of 87 key cardiology clinical trials were identified for inclusion. New interventional and structural cardiology data included trials evaluating bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided PCI, instantaneous wave-free (iFR) physiological assessment, new generation stents (DynamX bioadaptor), transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in low-risk patients, and percutaneous mitral or tricuspid valve interventions. Preventative cardiology data included new data with proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (evolocumab and alirocumab), omega-3 supplements, evinacumab and colchicine in the setting of chronic coronary artery disease. Antiplatelet data included trials evaluating both the optimal length of course following PCI and combination of antiplatelet agents and regimes including combination antithrombotic therapies for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Heart failure data included the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (sotagliflozin, empagliflozin and dapagliflozin) and mavacamten in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Electrophysiology trials included early rhythm control in AF and screening for AF.ConclusionThis article presents a summary of key clinical cardiology trials during the past year and should be of relevance to both clinicians and cardiology researchers.

Use of Robotic Assistance to Reduce Proximity and air-sharing During Percutaneous Cardiovascular Intervention

Aim: Traditional percutaneous cardiovascular interventions require close physical proximity between the patients and the healthcare team, posing occupational hazards that range from radiation exposure to interpersonal air contamination. Materials & methods: Prospective single-arm pilot study (n=10) to investigate robotic-assisted intervention as a strategy to reduce proximity during the procedure. Primary end point: composite of angiographic success, intervention performed with the team positioned >2meters from the patient for ≥50% procedure duration, and absence of in-hospital death or acute target lesion occlusion. Results: The composite primary end point was achieved in 100% of cases. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted percutaneous intervention provided successful invasive treatment while reducing proximity and shared air space between the care-delivery team and the patient during the procedure. Trial registration number: NCT04379453 (Clinicaltrials.gov).

Management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a consensus document of the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), in collaboration with the ESC Council on Valvular Heart Disease.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is effective in older patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, while the indication has recently broadened to younger patients at lower risk. Although thromboembolic and bleeding complications after TAVI have decreased over time, such adverse events are still common. The recommendations of the latest 2017 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease on antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing TAVI are mostly based on expert opinion. Based on recent studies and randomized controlled trials, this viewpoint document provides updated therapeutic insights in antithrombotic treatment during and after TAVI.

The management of secondary mitral regurgitation in patients with heart failure: a joint position statement from the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC.

Secondary (or functional) mitral regurgitation (SMR) occurs frequently in chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, resulting from LV remodelling that prevents coaptation of the valve leaflets. Secondary mitral regurgitation contributes to progression of the symptoms and signs of HF and confers worse prognosis. The management of HF patients with SMR is complex and requires timely referral to a multidisciplinary Heart Team. Optimization of pharmacological and device therapy according to guideline recommendations is crucial. Further management requires careful clinical and imaging assessment, addressing the anatomical and functional features of the mitral valve and left ventricle, overall HF status, and relevant comorbidities. Evidence concerning surgical correction of SMR is sparse and it is doubtful whether this approach improves prognosis. Transcatheter repair has emerged as a promising alternative, but the conflicting results of current randomized trials require careful interpretation. This collaborative position statement, developed by four key associations of the European Society of Cardiology—the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)—presents an updated practical approach to the evaluation and management of patients with HF and SMR based upon a Heart Team approach.

Hospitalization deficit of in‐ and outpatient cases with cardiovascular diseases and utilization of cardiological interventions during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Insights from the German‐wide helios hospital network

BackgroundTreatment numbers of various cardiovascular diseases were reduced throughout the early phase of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. Aim of this study was to (a) expand previous study periods to examine the long‐term course of hospital admission numbers, (b) provide data for in‐ and outpatient care pathways, and (c) illustrate changes of numbers of cardiovascular procedures.Methods and ResultsAdministrative data of patients with ICD‐10‐encoded primary diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease) and in‐ or outpatient treatment between March, 13th 2020 and September, 10th 2020 were analyzed and compared with 2019 data. Numbers of cardiovascular procedures were calculated using OPS‐codes. The cumulative hospital admission deficit (CumAD) was computed as the difference between expected and observed admissions for every week in 2020. In total, 80 hospitals contributed 294 361 patient cases to the database without relevant differences in baseline characteristics between the studied periods. There was a CumAD of −10% to −16% at the end of the study interval in 2020 for all disease groups driven to varying degrees by both reductions of in‐ and outpatient case numbers. The number of performed interventions was significantly reduced for all examined procedures (catheter ablations: −10%; cardiac electronic device implantations: −7%; percutaneous cardiovascular interventions: −9%; cardiovascular surgery: −15%).ConclusionsThis study provides data on the long‐term development of cardiovascular patient care during the COVID‐19 pandemic demonstrating a significant CumAD for several cardiovascular diseases and a concomitant performance deficit of cardiovascular interventions.

Performing elective cardiac invasive procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak: a position statement from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI).

The rearrangement of healthcare services required to face the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a drastic reduction in elective cardiac invasive procedures. We are already facing a "second wave" of infections and we might be dealing during the next months with a "third wave" and subsequently new waves. Therefore, during the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic we have to face the problems of how to perform elective cardiac invasive procedures in non-COVID patients and which patients/procedures should be prioritised. In this context, the interplay between the pandemic stage, the availability of healthcare resources and the priority of specific cardiac disorders is crucial. Clear pathways for "hot" or presumed "hot" patients and "cold" patients are mandatory in each hospital. Depending on the local testing capacity and intensity of transmission in the area, healthcare facilities may test patients for SARS-CoV-2 infection before the interventional procedure, regardless of risk assessment for COVID-19. Pre-hospital testing should always be conducted in the presence of symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In cases of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 positive patients, full personal protective equipment using FFP 2/N95 masks, eye protection, gowning and gloves is indicated during cardiac interventions for healthcare workers. When patients have tested negative for COVID-19, medical masks may be sufficient. Indeed, individual patients should themselves wear medical masks during cardiac interventions and outpatient visits.

Can Tei Index Predict High Syntax Score in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome and Normal Left Ventricular Systolic Function?

Objective:Some patients who had chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and were recognized as low risk, however, developed cardiovascular events, whereas others who were categorized as high risk did not develop any cardiovascular events. Invasive coronary angiography is the gold standard tool for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. The SYNTAX score (SS) was recently recognized as an invasive angiographic-guided scoring system used in risk stratification of patients who have more than one-vessel CAD and undergoing revascularization with percutaneous cardiovascular intervention. It has a good predictive value of adverse cardiovascular events. Exploration for unique noninvasive modalities that may help in a better way for risk stratification of CCS patients by predicting the severity of CAD (as reflected by SS) would be of a paramount value. Tei index is a promising modality for that objective, which is a Doppler-derived time interval index that combines both systolic and diastolic cardiac performance.Methods:We examined the relationship between the severity of CAD as assessed by the SS and Tei index in 100 patients with CCS and normal left ventricular systolic function.Results:All the studied 100 patients had a normal ejection fraction with mean = 58.92 ± 7.88; the mean value of Tei index was 0.84 ± 0.26. There was a statistically significant positive association between Tei index and SS (P = 0.0001); moreover, there was a correlation between left anterior descending (LAD) affection and Tei index (P = 0.0001).The cutoff point of Tei index to detect SS above 22 was >0.93 (with specificity of 86.5% and sensitivity of 42.4%).Conclusion:Tei index significantly correlates with SS and LAD affection. Moreover, it is a cheap, radiation-free, noninvasive technique and may be used as a further risk stratification modality beyond others.

Interdisciplinary management of acute ischaemic stroke - current evidence on training requirements for endovascular stroke treatment. Position Paper from the ESC Council on Stroke and the European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions with the support of the European Board of Neurointervention: A step forward.

Stroke, a vascular disease of the brain, is the #1 cause of disability and a major cause of death worldwide. Stroke has a major negative impact on the life of stroke-affected individuals, their families and the society. A significant proportion of stroke victims indicate that would have preferred death over their after-stroke quality of life. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT), opening the occluded artery using mechanical aspiration or a thrombus-entrapment device, is a guideline-mandated (class I, level of evidence A) treatment modality in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke. MT clinical benefit magnitude indicates that a universal access to this treatment strategy should be the standard of care. Today there is a substantial geographic variation in MT deliverability, with large-scale disparities in MT implementation. In many countries effective access to MT remains severely limited. In addition, many of the MT-treated patients are treated too late for a good functional outcome because of logistic delays that include transportations to remotely located, scarce, comprehensive stroke centres. Position Paper from the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke and European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions on interdisciplinary management of acute ischaemic stroke, developed with the support of the European Board of Neurointervention fills an important gap in systematically enabling interventional cardiologists to support stroke intervention in the geographic areas of unmet needs in particular. We review strengths and weaknesses of the document, and suggest directions for the next steps that are swiftly needed to deliver MT to stroke patients more effectively.