Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures Research Articles

Lipid profile and risk factors for neoatherosclerosis after drug-eluting stent implantation in acute coronary syndrome

Predictors of neoatherosclerosis in patients who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and risk factors of neoatherosclerosis 1-year after the onset of ACS. This study investigated 83 patients who underwent PCI for ACS followed by 1-year follow-up optical coherence tomography. The patients were categorized into the neoatherosclerosis (n = 11) and non-neoatherosclerosis groups (n = 72). Baseline characteristics, PCI procedures, medical therapies, and blood tests at 1-year, including detailed lipid profiles, were compared between the two groups. Diabetes mellitus was more prominent in the neoatherosclerosis than in the non-neoatherosclerosis group (45% vs. 17 %, respectively, p = 0.03). Total cholesterol (171 ± 37 mg/dL vs. 145 ± 25 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.01), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (124 ± 36 mg/dL vs. 94 ± 24 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (94 ± 36 mg/dL vs. 72 ± 19 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.01), and lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) (70 [19-112] mg/dL vs. 10 [3-25] mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.03) at follow-up were significantly higher in the neoatherosclerosis group. Multivariate analysis revealed that neoatherosclerosis was associated with high serum non-HDL-C (odds ratio [OR]: 1.075; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.011-1.144; p < 0.01) and high serum Lp(a) levels (>30 mg/dL) (OR: 11.0; 95 % CI: 1.492-81.02; p = 0.02). Poorly controlled non-HDL-C and Lp(a) would be risk factors of neoatherosclerosis in patients 1-year after ACS.

One-Year Clinical Outcomes in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with angiography guidance is a common procedure. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging method that uses light waves. This study from a single center aimed to compare 1-year outcomes in 75 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent OCT-guided primary PCI, with 163 patients with acute STEMI who underwent PCI without OCT guidance from February 2019 to July 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with acute STEMI were enrolled from February 2019 to July 2021. Seventy-five patients underwent OCT-guided PCI (OCT group), while 163 underwent PCI without OCT (control group). Baseline characteristics, in-hospital mortality, target lesion revascularization, post-MI heart failure, and 1-year all-cause mortality were compared between groups. RESULTS The OCT group had lower diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia prevalence. Additionally, they experienced longer procedures (OCT: 50.45&plusmn;21.75 min; control: 33.80&plusmn;14.44 min; P<0.001). After PCI, the control group had lower left ventricular ejection fractions (OCT: 53.4%&plusmn;10.5%; control: 47.8%&plusmn;12.4%; P<0.001) and higher post-MI heart failure rates (OCT: 2.7%; control: 11.0%; P=0.030). Notably, the 1-year all-cause mortality rate was significantly lower in the OCT group (OCT: 1.3%; control: 8.0%; P=0.043). CONCLUSIONS During the 1-year follow-up, patients who received OCT-guided primary PCI experienced a notably lower rate of post-MI heart failure than did those who underwent primary PCI without OCT guidance. Importantly, the application of OCT in primary PCI procedures did not result in a higher incidence of distal embolism, even in cases with a significant thrombus burden.

Comparison of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures and Outcomes for Recent and Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Although the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an established treatment for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), relevant guidelines do not recommend it for recent-STEMI cases with a totally occluded infarcted related artery (IRA). However, PCI is allowed in Japan for recent-STEMI cases, but little is known regarding its outcomes. We aimed to examine the details and outcomes of PCI procedures in recent-STEMI cases with a totally occluded IRA and compared the findings with those in acute-STEMI cases.Among the 903 consecutive patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, 250 were treated with PCI for type I STEMI with a totally occluded IRA. According to the time between symptom onset and diagnosis, patients were divided into the recent-STEMI (n = 32) and acute-STEMI (n = 218) groups. The background, procedure details, and short-term outcomes were analyzed. No significant differences between the groups were noted regarding patient demographics, acute myocardial infarction severity, or IRA distribution. Although the stent number and type were similar, significant differences were observed among PCI procedures, including the number of guidewires used, rate of microcatheter or double-lumen catheter use, and application rate of thrombus aspiration. The thrombolysis rate in the myocardial infarction flow 3-grade post-PCI did not differ significantly between the groups. Both groups had a low frequency of procedure-related complications. The in-hospital mortality rates were 0% and 4.6% in the recent-STEMI and acute-STEMI groups, respectively (P > 0.05).Although recent-STEMI cases required complicated PCI techniques, their safety, success rate, and in-hospital mortality were comparable to those of acute-STEMI cases.

Reorganizing as a Covid-Free Heart Center: Does It Really Matter For The Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Endpoints During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Backrounds/Aims: With the emergence of the new and more transmissible COVID variants such as Omicron, the necessity of taking new measures began to be discussed. &#x0D; Methods: Data regarding the organizational arrangements as defining COVID-free heart centers during the first waves is scarce. We evaluated the 273 non-COVID acute coronary syndrome patients who were admitted to our COVID-free tertiary cardiovascular center during the lockdown period. None of these cases had hospital acquired SARS CoV-2 infection during the follow-up. Therefore, no COVID-related morbidity or mortality was observed in this vulnerable group. &#x0D; Results: However, when we analyzed the 88 primary percutaneous coronary intervention procedures of the non-COVID STEMI patients of the lockdown period and compared the 70 of them with the 50 STEMI patients of the previous year, the results were not that encouraging. Even our hospital was declared as a COVID-free cardiolovascular center, there was a significant delay in the symptom-to-door time (SDT) during the pandemic (4.8 vs. 2.5 hours, respectively; P

Gender Difference in the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Reperfusion and 30-Day Mortality for STEMI: Results of the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry.

Several reports have demonstrated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and outcome of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the current analysis is to investigate the potential gender difference in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mechanical reperfusion and 30-day mortality for STEMI patients within the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry. This retrospective multicenter registry was performed in high-volume primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) centers on four continents and included STEMI patients undergoing PPCIs in March-June 2019 and 2020. Patients were divided according to gender. The main outcomes were the incidence and timing of the PPCI, (ischemia time ≥ 12 h and door-to-balloon ≥ 30 min) and in-hospital or 30-day mortality. We included 16683 STEMI patients undergoing PPCIs in 109 centers. In 2020 during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCIs compared to 2019 (IRR 0.843 (95% CI: 0.825-0.861, p < 0.0001). We did not find a significant gender difference in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the numbers of STEMI patients, which were similarly reduced from 2019 to 2020 in both groups, or in the mortality rates. Compared to prepandemia, 30-day mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic period among female (12.1% vs. 8.7%; adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.66 [1.31-2.11], p < 0.001) but not male patients (5.8% vs. 6.7%; adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.14 [0.96-1.34], p = 0.12). The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a 16% reduction in PPCI procedures similarly observed in both genders. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates during the pandemic only among females. Trial registration number: NCT 04412655.

The Pragmatic Role of COVID-19 on the Thrombus Grade of Patients with Contemporary ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Limited data exist on the clinical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This multicenter study, conducted in 6 centers in Iran, aimed to compare baseline clinical and procedural data between a case group, comprising STEMI patients with COVID-19, and a control group, comprising STEMI patients before the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine in-hospital infarct-related artery thrombus grades and major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), defined as a composite of deaths from any cause (cardiovascular and noncardiovascular), nonfatal strokes, and stent thrombosis. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding baseline characteristics. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) was performed in 72.9% of the cases and 98.5% of the controls (P=0.043), and primary coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 6.2% of the cases and 1.4% of the controls (P=0.048). Successful PPCI procedures (final TIMI flow grade III) were significantly fewer in the case group (66.5% vs 93.5%; P=0.001). The baseline thrombus grade before wire crossing was not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups. The summation of thrombus grades IV and V was 75% in the case group and 82% in the control group (P=0.432). The rate of MACCEs was 14.5% and 2.1% in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.002). In our study, the thrombus grade had no significant differences between the case and control groups; however, the in-hospital rates of the no-reflow phenomenon, periprocedural MI, mechanical complications, and MACCEs were statistically significantly higher in the case group.

The Short Outcomes and In-Hospital Complications in Patients with STEMI Revascularized with Primary PCI

Context: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most effective reperfusion therapy with low complication rate in comparison to thrombolysis. Aims: We aimed to study the short-term outcomes of primary PCI at a large tertiary care center in India. Settings and Design: A prospective cohort of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary PCI was enrolled between December 2015 and November 2016. Subjects and Methods: The demographic profile, risk factors, clinical characteristics, inhospital complications, and outcomes at 30 days were assessed. The primary outcome was a composite of death, reinfarction, and repeat revascularization. Acute left ventricular failure (LVF), complete heart block (CHB) or bradyarrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation, stroke, and major thrombolysis in myocardial infarction bleeding were the inhospital complications that were considered the secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 237 STEMI patients with primary PCI were enrolled, accounting for 7.5% of all PCI procedures performed during this period. The mean age was 55.4 ± 11.9 years, and 86.5% were male. The mean window period was 5.1 ± 3.18 h, and the mean door-to-balloon time was 58.4 ± 11.5 min. Prior to PCI, the most often administered antiplatelets were clopidogrel in 54.4% of patients and prasugrel in 55.6%. The aspiration thrombectomy was done in 70.8% of patients. Predilatation with balloon was required in 41.8% of patients. Drug-eluting stents were implanted in 98.3% of patients. The primary outcome was found in 3.3% of patients (deaths – 2.9% and reinfarction – 0.4%) and the secondary outcomes were observed in 13%. The common inhospital complication was CHB or bradyarrhythmia in 5.0% followed by acute LVF in 4.6% and then VT in 2.1%. Conclusions: The primary outcome rate is as good as reported in developed Western countries in contemporary treatment practices of STEMI. CHB and acute LVF were the major inhospital complications among patients of STEMI treated with primary PCI.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction in Indonesia: a cohort study.

Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a form of acute coronary syndrome with high mortality rate. Management of STEMI should be performed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. With the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it may face obstacles. To overcome those problems, some changes in policy focusing on fibrinolytic therapy in STEMI patients have been applied. This study aimed to identify the effects of COVID-19 in management of STEMI patients in Indonesia. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH), the national referral center in Indonesia. We compared data between 2018 to 2019 and 2020 to 2021 as before and during COVID-19 pandemic period, respectively. We analyzed the effects of COVID-19 on STEMI patients' visits to hospital i.e., monthly hospital admission and symptoms-to-hospital, management of STEMI i.e., the strategies and time of reperfusion, and clinical outcomes of STEMI patients i.e., major adverse coronary event and mortality. Results: There was a significant statistically reduced mean of monthly hospital admissions from 11 to 7 (p = 0.002) and prolonged duration of symptoms-to-hospital during COVID-19 from 8 to 12 hours (p = 0.005). There was also a decrease in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) procedures during COVID-19 (65.2% vs. 27.8%, p<0.001), which was accompanied by an increased number of fibrinolytic (1.5% vs. 9.5%, p<0.001) and conservative therapy (28.5% vs. 55.6%, p <0.01). Moreover, there was also a prolonged duration of diagnosis-to-wire-crossing time (160 vs. 186 minutes, p = 0.005), meanwhile, percentage of urgent PCI, door-to-needle time, and clinical outcomes were not statistically significant. Conclusions: During COVID-19 pandemic, the number STEMI patients declined in monthly hospital admission, delays in symptoms-to-hospital time, changes in type of reperfusion strategy, and delays in PPCI procedures in CMH. Meanwhile, fibrinolytic time and clinical outcomes were not affected.

Abstract 14040: Hospital Volume-Outcome Relationship After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Contemporary Nationwide Analysis

Introduction: There is paucity of data on the relationship between hospital procedural volume and outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures in the past decade. Methods: We queried the National Inpatient Sample database (2010-2016) for hospitalizations undergoing primary PCI for STEMI. Hospitals were divided into 3 groups: low-volume (&lt;36 primary PCI/ year), moderate-volume (36-72 primary PCI/year) and high-volume (&gt;72 primary PCI/ year). The main outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results: The analysis included 694,505 hospitalizations for primary PCI. There were 329,878 (47.5%) primary PCI procedures performed at low-volume hospitals, 224,317 (32.3%) at moderate-volume, and 140,223 (20.2%) at high-volume hospitals. Compared with high-volume hospitals, low-volume hospitals were associated with higher in-hospital mortality in the unadjusted model (5.3% vs. 4.8%, odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% confidence interval-CI 1.02-1.18, p=0.01) and on multivariable analysis (adjusted-OR 1.15; 95%CI 1.04-1.27, p=0.01). There was no difference between moderate-volume and high-volume hospital in unadjusted analysis (5.1% vs. 4.8%, OR 1.07; 95%CI 0.99-1.15, p=0.11) and on multivariable analysis (adjusted-OR 1.08; 95%CI 0.97-1.20, p=0.17). Conclusions: This nationwide analysis showed that low-volume hospitals are associated with higher in-hospital mortality after primary PCI compared with high-volume hospitals even in recent years. The current threshold set by national guidelines for primary PCI hospitals remains valid in contemporary practice.

COVID-19 pandemic, mechanical reperfusion and 30-day mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction

ObjectiveThe initial data of the International Study on Acute Coronary Syndromes - ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction COVID-19 showed in Europe a remarkable reduction in primary percutaneous coronary intervention procedures and...

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on catheterization laboratory procedural volumes at a tertiary cardiac centre in a low- &amp; middle-income country in South Asia

BackgroundGlobally, reports have suggested that cardiac catheterization procedures, particularly elective coronary procedures declined as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is scarce data on this aspect, in terms of a South Asian low- & middle-income country (LMIC) setting.PurposeWe aimed to evaluate temporal trends and impact of the pandemic on elective and emergency cardiac catheterization procedural volumes at a high-volume tertiary cardiac centre in a LMIC.MethodsData on both emergency and elective catheterization procedures, including coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), peripheral angiography, pacing & electrophysiology (EP) were collected from January to December 2020, and compared with corresponding data for the same months in 2019. Data were obtained from hospital's catheterization laboratory database. The difference was expressed as a percentage (%Δ). Data for each quarter were compared using paired t-test. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsOverall, a significant (32.4%) reduction of cath lab procedures was seen in 2020, as compared with 2019 (p=0.006). There were significantly reduced numbers of coronary angiographies (%Δ −31.4%; p=0.009), PCI (%Δ −32.2%; p=0.008), peripheral procedures (%Δ −69.9%; p=0.001) and pacing & EP procedures (Δ−-48.7%; p=0.001) in 2020, as compared with 2019 (Table 1 & Figure 1). For coronary procedures this was most marked in 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2020 (p<0.05). The greatest deficits for coronary angiographies were observed in April 2020, compared to 2019 (Δ −85.1%); the greatest reductions in PCI (Δ-87.7%) and pacing & EP (Δ −94.7%) were seen in May 2020, coinciding with the nation-wide lockdown measures. Coronary procedures showed a gradually increasing trend since July 2020. Given their elective nature, no peripheral procedures were performed from April to July 2020. In terms of PCI, there was a significant reduction in elective procedures in the 2nd quarter of 2020 (p=0.001), with a steep “catch-up” incline in September (Δ +2.9%) and October 2020 (Δ −8.3%), coinciding with availability of in-hospital COVID19 screening tests (Table 1). Among ad hoc PCI for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), although a 32.3% reduction was seen overall (p=0.108), a significant decrease was only observed in the 2nd quarter. Ad hoc PCI for non-ACS was significantly reduced throughout 2nd to 4th quarters of 2020. In line with national guidelines preferring fibrinolysis as first-line for STEMI, as well as absence of negative pressure ventilation cath labs and unavailability of rapid-screening COVID test kits, no primary PCI procedures were performed since May 2020.ConclusionThe impact of COVID-19 resulted in a significant reduction in all cardiac catheterization procedures in 2020, as compared with 2019. This reduction was most marked for coronary procedures in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2020, with a significant reduction in elective procedures.Funding AcknowledgementType of funding sources: None. Table 1

Decrease in the Number of Patients Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Across Catheterization Centers in Indonesia During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global problem, put a heavy burden on the health care system, and resulted in many fatalities across the globe. A reduction in the number of cardiac emergencies, especially ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is observed worldwide. In this study, we aimed to analyze the trends of cases and presentation of STEMI across several cardiac catheterization centers in Indonesia.Method: This retrospective study was performed by combining medical record data from five different hospitals in Indonesia. We compared data from the time period between February to June 2019 with those between February and June 2020. Patients who were diagnosed with STEMI and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) procedures were included in the study.Results: There were 41,396 emergency department visits in 2019 compared with 29,542 in 2020. The number of patients with STEMI declined significantly from 338 in 2019 to 190 in 2020. Moreover, the total number of PPCI procedures reduced from 217 in 2019 to 110 in 2020. The proportion of PPCI was not significantly reduced (64.2 vs. 57.9%). The majority of the patients were men, with a mean age of 54 years in 2019 and 55 years in 2020. We observed a significantly longer door-to-balloon time in 2020 than in 2019 (p < 0.001). We also observed a difference in the door-to-balloon time and ischemic time between the two periods.Conclusion: We observed a decline in the number of patients presenting with STEMI to our centers. However, we observed no significant decline in the percentage of PPCI performed across our centers during this pandemic.

The Impact of COVID-19 on In-Hospital Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is one of the important clinical procedures that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence and impact of COVID-19 on the in-hospital outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients managed with PPCI. Methods: This observational retrospective study was conducted on consecutive STEMI patients who presented to International Cardiac Center (ICC) Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt between February 1 and October 31, 2020. A group of STEMI patients who presented during the same period in 2019 was also assessed (control), and the data were used for comparison. The inclusion criterion was established diagnosis of STEMI requiring PPCI. A total of 634 patients were included in the study. Results: During the COVID-19 period, the number of PPCI procedures was 25.7% lower than previous year (average 30 cases/month 30.0±4.01 compared to 40 cases/month 40.4±5.3), and the time from first medical contact to needle (FMC-to-N) was longer (125.0±53.6 min vs 52.6±22.8 min, p=0.001). Also during the COVID-19 period, the in-hospital mortality rate was higher (7.4% vs 4.6%, p=0.036), as was the incidence of re-infarction (12.2% vs. 7.7%, p=0.041) and the need for revascularization (15.9% vs 10.7%, p=0.046). The incidence of heart failure, stroke and bleeding was not different between groups, but the length of hospital stay was longer during COVID-19 (6.85±4.22 days versus 3.5±2.3 days, p=0.0025). Conclusion: At the ICC, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed significantly to the PPCI management of STEMI, with a decreased number and delayed procedures. COVID-19 was also associated with higher in-hospital mortality, rate of re-infarction, need for revascularization, and longer hospital stay.

The Impact of COVID-19 on In-Hospital Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is one of the important clinical procedures that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence and impact of COVID-19 on in-hospital clinical outcome of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients managed with PPCI. This observational retrospective study was conducted on consecutive STEMI patients who presented to the International Cardiac Center (ICC) hospital, Alexandria, Egypt between 1 February and 31 October 2020. A group of STEMI patients presented during the same period in 2019 was also assessed (control group) and data was used for comparison. The inclusion criteria were established diagnosis of STEMI requiring PPCI.A total of 634 patients were included in the study. During the COVID-19 period, the number of PPCI procedures was reduced by 25.7% compared with previous year (mean 30.0 ± 4.01 vs. 40.4 ± 5.3 case/month) and the time from first medical contact to Needle (FMC-to-N) was longer (125.0 ± 53.6 vs. 52.6 ± 22.8 min, p = 0.001). Also, during COVID-19, the in-hospital mortality was higher (7.4 vs. 4.6%, p = 0.036) as was the incidence of re-infarction (12.2 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.041) and the need for revascularization (15.9 vs. 10.7%, p = 0.046). The incidence of heart failure, stroke, and bleeding was not different between groups, but hospital stay was longer during COVID-19 (6.85 ± 4.22 vs. 3.5 ± 2.3 day, p = 0.0025). Conclusion: At the ICC, COVID-19 pandemic contributed significantly to the PPCI management of STEMI patients with decreased number and delayed procedures. COVID-19 was also associated with higher in-hospital mortality, rate of re-infarction, need for revascularization, and longer hospital stay.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and diabetes on mechanical reperfusion in patients with STEMI: insights from the ISACS STEMI COVID 19 Registry

BackgroundIt has been suggested the COVID pandemic may have indirectly affected the treatment and outcome of STEMI patients, by avoidance or significant delays in contacting the emergency system. No data have been reported on the impact of diabetes on treatment and outcome of STEMI patients, that was therefore the aim of the current subanalysis conducted in patients included in the International Study on Acute Coronary Syndromes–ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (ISACS-STEMI) COVID-19.MethodsThe ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 is a retrospective registry performed in European centers with an annual volume of > 120 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and assessed STEMI patients, treated with primary PCI during the same periods of the years 2019 versus 2020 (March and April). Main outcomes are the incidences of primary PCI, delayed treatment, and in-hospital mortality.ResultsA total of 6609 patients underwent primary PCI in 77 centers, located in 18 countries. Diabetes was observed in a total of 1356 patients (20.5%), with similar proportion between 2019 and 2020. During the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in primary PCI as compared to 2019, similar in both patients with (Incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73–0.85, p < 0.0001) and without diabetes (IRR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.85, p < 0.0001) (p int = 0.40). We observed a significant heterogeneity among centers in the population with and without diabetes (p < 0.001, respectively). The heterogeneity among centers was not related to the incidence of death due to COVID-19 in both groups of patients. Interaction was observed for Hypertension (p = 0.024) only in absence of diabetes.Furthermore, the pandemic was independently associated with a significant increase in door-to-balloon and total ischemia times only among patients without diabetes, which may have contributed to the higher mortality, during the pandemic, observed in this group of patients.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a similar reduction in primary PCI procedures in both patients with and without diabetes. Hypertension had a significant impact on PCI reduction only among patients without diabetes. We observed a significant increase in ischemia time and door-to-balloon time mainly in absence of diabetes, that contributed to explain the increased mortality observed in this group of patients during the pandemic.Trial registration number: NCT 04412655.

Abstract 14710: Cardiovascular Interventions in Face of Covid-19 Pandemic in a Low to Middle Income Country of South Asia Region - A Pre and Post Covid Era Comparison!

Introduction: Worldwide, cardiologists have reported decline in cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) activation. In this study, we analysed the impact of COVID19 outbreak on cardiology intervention in a tertiary care centre of epicentre of Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted via emergency department (ED) and undergoing cardiovascular intervention. Data for CCL procedures was obtained from electronic register for March-April 2019 (pre-COVID era - pCE) and March-April 2020 (COVID era - CE). Comparison was made between the two era for number of times CCL was activated with regard to left heart catheterization (LHC), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). This study also compared numbers for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and cardiac imaging. Results: A total of 239 and 106 patients were admitted via ED in pCE and CE respectively (Reduction =R=55.6%). Total procedures performed dropped from 183 to 73 (R = 60.11%). Numbers for primary PCI were 34 (pCE) and 16 (CE) with R = 52.94%. 41 patients underwent LHC in pCE in comparison to 13 patients in CE (R = 68.29%). PCI other than primary was performed in 30 (pCE) and 24 patients (CE) with R = 20%. CABG numbered to 26 (pCE) and 12 (CE) with R = 53.85%. CIED was implanted in 12 and 2 patients in pCE and CE respectively (R = 83.33%). Additionally cardiac imaging modality was used in 38 (pCE) and 6 patients (CE) with R = 84.21 %. Conclusion: There is significant reduction in rate of primary PCI, LHC, CABG, CIED and non-invasive imaging procedures during CE. South-asia region carries huge burden of undiagnosed cardiovascular disease. Significant drop in cardiovascular procedure in CE is alarming and warns us for need of preparedness for times of increased late presentations or cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. This highlights the importance of urging public to report for their cardiac symptoms in face of COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Reperfusion for Patients With STEMI

BackgroundThe fear of contagion during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have potentially refrained patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from accessing the emergency system, with subsequent impact on mortality. ObjectivesThe ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 registry aims to estimate the true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment and outcome of patients with STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), with identification of “at-risk” patient cohorts for failure to present or delays to treatment. MethodsThis retrospective registry was performed in European high-volume PPCI centers and assessed patients with STEMI treated with PPPCI in March/April 2019 and 2020. Main outcomes are the incidences of PPCI, delayed treatment, and in-hospital mortality. ResultsA total of 6,609 patients underwent PPCI in 77 centers, located in 18 countries. In 2020, during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCI as compared with 2019 (incidence rate ratio: 0.811; 95% confidence interval: 0.78 to 0.84; p < 0.0001). The heterogeneity among centers was not related to the incidence of death due to COVID-19. A significant interaction was observed for patients with arterial hypertension, who were less frequently admitted in 2020 than in 2019. Furthermore, the pandemic was associated with a significant increase in door-to-balloon and total ischemia times, which may have contributed to the higher mortality during the pandemic. ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a 19% reduction in PPCI procedures, especially among patients suffering from hypertension, and a longer delay to treatment, which may have contributed to the increased mortality during the pandemic. (Primary Angioplasty for STEMI During COVID-19 Pandemic [ISACS-STEMI COVID-19] Registry; NCT04412655).

Impact of COVID-19 on percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to identify any changes in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in England by analysing procedural numbers, clinical characteristics and...

Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Score of Five or Higher.

BackgroundPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a treatment of choice for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Of the various risk stratification scores that have been introduced, the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) score is among the most used modalities. Patients with a TIMI score of five or higher are classified as high-risk patients with higher rates of adverse events. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the rate of adverse events after primary PCI in patients presenting with STEMI and a TIMI score of five or higher.MethodologyThis descriptive study was conducted at the cardiology department of the Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from February 2018 to August 2018. The patients included in this study consisted of a total of 150 men and women who presented to the ED with concerns of chest pain and were diagnosed with STEMI and had a TIMI score of five or higher. Consultant cardiologists performed primary PCI procedures, and any post-procedure adverse events were recorded during the patients’ hospital stays (up to one week), including mortality, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular arrhythmias.ResultsThe study population was 83.3% male and 16.7% female patients, and the mean age was 54.0 ± 9.4 years. The mean BMI was 27.34 ± 2.76 kg/m2. The mean TIMI score was 9.19 ± 2.71, with a TIMI score higher than eight for 52.7% of patients. Death was observed in 18.7% of cases, heart failure in 21.3% of cases, cardiogenic shock in 13.3% of cases, and ventricular arrhythmia in 22.0% of cases.ConclusionA TIMI risk score of five or higher can identify patients at high risk not only for mortality, but also for heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular arrhythmias.

A direct connection promotes time efficiency for transfer of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Reducing the delay in time to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome patients in the non-urban emergency department (ED) is of critical importance. Conventionally, physicians in a non-PCI-capable, non-urban local emergency department (LED) require approval from a tertiary university hospital emergency department (TUH-ED) prior to transferring eligible STEMI patients for PCI procedures. To reduce the ED delay time, this study developed a direct connection between the LED and the cardiac catheterisation laboratory in the TUH (TUH cath lab). ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients' medical records for 2014 to 2017, from a non-PCI regional hospital located in one of the rural counties in central Taiwan and a TUH-ED in a metropolitan area in the centre of Taiwan, were retrospectively collected and classified into two categories: the LED referral (group A) and the TUH-non-referral (group B). This study compared the ED delay time between TUH non-referral patients in the TUH and LED referral patients in the LED, to determine whether a direct connection reduces current LED delay time. A total of 214 patients (group A, n=62; group B, n=152) who underwent PCI procedures at the TUH were enrolled in the study. ED delay times in the LED were significantly less than the TUH-ED (45.0 v 66.0 min, p<0.01.) Conclusion: The direct connection between the LED and the TUH cath lab effectively shortened the ED delay time in the LED, allowing for earlier primary PCI procedures for the transferred STEMI patients.