Rescue Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty Research Articles

Long-term clinical outcomes after rescue angioplasty are not different from those of successful thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction

The long-term value of rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who received thrombolytic therapy but failed to achieve early recanalization of the artery is still debated. This study aimed to compare long-term outcomes after successful thrombolysis vs. systematic attempted rescue PTCA. A total of 362 consecutive patients with STEMI hospitalized within 6 h of symptom onset and treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy were studied. Of these, 345 underwent coronary angiography within 90 min. Sixty per cent of patients achieved TIMI 3 flow and were treated medically; the in-hospital death rate in this group was 4%. Nine per cent of patients had TIMI 2 flow and 31% TIMI 0-1 flow. In this latter group, rescue PTCA was attempted in 85.8% with a hospital death rate of 5.5% (20% with failed vs. 4% with successful rescue PTCA, P=0.03). Eight year actuarial survival without recurrent myocardial infarction was no different in patients who had successful thrombolytic therapy and in patients with attempted rescue PTCA [78 and 95% CI (71-85) vs. 78 and 95% CI (68-87), respectively, hazard ratio: 0.93 (0.52-1.65), P=0.80]. Total mortality, cardiac mortality, and other composite endpoints also did not differ between groups. Routine attempted rescue PTCA 90 min after thrombolytic therapy in patients with persistent occlusion of the infarct-related vessels achieves long-term clinical outcomes which do not differ from those obtained by successful thrombolysis.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in the right ventricle myocardial infarction treatment

To present the results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the treatment of the patients with acute right ventricle myocardial infarction (ARVMI), with adjuvant analyses of the obtained results in the period of five years (2000-2004). Thrombolytic therapy and the primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PPTCA) was applied within the first 6 hours from the onset of anginous disorders, and rescue PTCA in the period from 6-24 hours from the onset of ARVMI. Results. A total number of 1175 patients, both sexes, 763 (64.8%) males and 412 females (35.2%), mean age 58.4 +/- 7.8 years, were treated for acute myocardial infarction (AIM) of different localization in the period of five years (2000-2004). Anterior infarction was found in 645 (54.8%) of the patients, and inferoposterior infarction (IPI) was localized in 530 patients (45.2%) patients of which in 134 (25.2%) AIMDK was proven. Out of 134 patients with proven acute myocardial of the right ventricle AIMDK, 53 (39.5%) got thrombolytic therapy, 64 patients (47.7%) were treated with the conservative heparin therapy, whereas in 17 patients (12.8%), primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PPTCA) was done. Delayed or rescue PTCA was done in 22 (18.8%) patients, in 8 (36.3%) from the group which got thrombolytic therapy, and in 14 (63.7%) treated with the heparin therapy. Out of the total number of 22 patients who got heparin or thrombolytic therapy combined with rescue PTCA, in 7 patients (31.8%) the complete clinical and angiographic effect of thrombolysis with AIM was achieved only by using a balloon. Baloon dilatation with the implantantion of intracoronary stent was performed in another 11 patients (50%), while 2 (9.1%) were sent to revascularization of the myocard due to diffusion changes in each of the 3 blood vessels, and 2 patients (9.1%) died. Of the patients, 17 (12.6%) had PPTCA with the implantation of intracoronary stent with the additional direct inhibitor of the platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb/IIIa (abciximab). All the patients treated in this way survived. They had no side effects nor serious complications. Their clinical recovery was satisfactory. In the first three weeks of the intrahospital period in the group of 45 patients (33.5%) with AIMDK, who got only thrombolytic therapy, 7 patients (15.5%) died, whereas in the group of 50 patients (37.3%) treated only with heparin, 13 (26%) died. In the group of 22 patients (18.8%) treated with the combined therapy with rescue PTCA and heparin or thrombolytic therapy, 2 patients (9.1%) died. In the group of 84 patients (62.6%) with AIMDK, who were treated with thrombolytic therapy with primary or rescue PTCA, 9 (10.7%) died. In the AIMDK group of 134 patients, 22 patients (16.4%) died in the period of 1 month of the hospital treatment, whereas in the second group of 396 patients with IPI, but without IDK, 36 (9.1%) died (chi2 = 4.789; p < 0.001). Out of the total number of 1175 patients with AIM in the five-year period of the intrahospital treatment, 145 patients (12.3%) died. In the group of patients with IPI, 58 patients out of 530 (10.9%) died, whereas 87 patients out of 645 (13.4%) with anterior infarction died, (chi2 = 0.567; p < 0.452). The combination of thrombolytic therapy and PTCA shown in the obtained results completely justified this kind of treatment, and offered the patients with AIMDK a greater chance to surve than they had before.

Predictors of Mortality Following Rescue Percutaneous Intervention

Rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a mechanical reperfusion strategy aimed at achieving patency of the infarct-related artery after failed thrombolysis. However, in randomized studies the indication for rescue PTCA was per protocol rather than based on clinical criteria. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of mortality at 30 days following rescue percutaneous intervention. Seventy-one consecutive patients who underwent rescue PTCA were included. Mean age was 61 (11) years, 80% were men and 9.8% had diabetes. The infarct-related artery was the left anterior descending artery in the 46.5%, and the mean percentage of stenoses was 91.0 (11.6)%. A stent was implanted in 97.2% and TIMI II-III flow was obtained in the 97.2% of the patients. Overall mortality was 9.8% at 30 days follow-up and 11.3% at 1 year follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of mortality at 30 days were age (OR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.03-1.5, P=.001), Killip class III-IV (OR=20.1; 95% CI: 1.7-500; P=.003), PTCA failure (OR=indeterminate; P=.04) and left anterior descending artery involvement (OR=12.6; 95% CI: 0.7-214.9; P=.04). Rescue PTCA is effective in restoring blood flow in the infarct-related artery in the majority of patients in whom thrombolysis failed. The independent predictors of mortality were similar to those previously reported in acute myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction and rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in a young HIV-infected patient

We report a case of acute myocardial infarction in an HIV-infected patient without significant coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. The patient underwent rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), with a successful outcome. We presume a possible pathogenetic role of anti-retroviral therapy and/or direct viral action on ischaemic heart disease progression. We propose that the current approach to management of AIDS-affected patients needs close monitoring for CAD risk factors and symptoms, to improve prognosis and life expectancy.

Combined Abciximab REteplase Stent Study in acute myocardial infarction (CARESS in AMI)

Background Most patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are admitted to hospitals without percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) facilities or are initially managed in a prehospital mobile unit. Thrombolysis remains the most readily available reperfusion treatment in those settings, but the optimal subsequent strategy in those patients is unclear. If a mechanical recanalization is likely to be performed in an emergency, it is probably desirable that the patient receives abciximab, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist with the strongest evidence of benefit for angioplasty in AMI. Objective The aim of this trial is to compare the effects on clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of 2 strategies after immediate treatment with abciximab and half-dose reteplase for ST-elevation AMI: to manage the patients conservatively (referring them for rescue PTCA only if needed) or to immediately send all patients for emergency coronary angioplasty. Methods The Combined Abciximab RE-teplase Stent Study in Acute Myocardial Infarction (CARESS in AMI) is an open, prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial conducted in patients with high-risk ST-segment elevation AMI treated within 12 hours from symptom onset in hospitals without PTCA facilities or in a prehospital mobile intensive care unit. Apart from contraindications to thrombolysis, the main exclusion criteria are age ≥75 years and a past history of CABG surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention procedure involving the infarct-related artery. Enrollment will be performed in hospitals without PTCA facilities or directly in the ambulance if a dedicated system is in place for prehospital diagnosis and treatment of AMI. Patients will receive half-dose reteplase and full-dose abciximab and will subsequently be randomized to conventional medical therapy (with referral for emergency rescue PTCA allowed in selected cases) or emergency angioplasty. The primary end point is the 30-day combined incidence of mortality, reinfarction, and refractory ischemia. In order to obtain a 95% power (2-sided) to detect a 42% reduction in the primary end point, 900 patients are required in each arm of the study. Secondary end points include the 1-year composite end point of mortality, reinfarction, refractory ischemia, and hospital readmission because of heart failure; resource use at 30 days and 1 year; and the incidence of inhospital stroke and bleeding complications in the 2 groups. Results Seventy-four patients have been randomized (as of March 10, 2004); results are expected in June 2005. Conclusion This study will establish whether angioplasty must be started as soon as possible in all patients who receive combined pharmacologic reperfusion with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab and half-dose thrombolysis or whether it can be postponed or skipped in patients with signs of successful reperfusion, with obvious organizational advantages.

Abciximab improves 6-month clinical outcome after rescue coronary angioplasty

Background Few data are available concerning the effects on clinical outcome and left ventricular function of abciximab administration in patients undergoing rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) after failed thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the study was to investigate such effects. Methods Eighty-nine consecutive patients referred to our laboratory from other hospitals for rescue PTCA within 24 hours from the onset of chest pain were prospectively randomized before the procedure to abciximab treatment (44 patients) or placebo (45 patients). No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the 2 groups. Study end points were the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) such as death, reinfarction, congestive heart failure, target lesion revascularization, or recurrent ischemia at 30-day and 6-month follow-up and the occurrence of periprocedural bleeding. Results Mean time from symptom onset to reperfusion was 8.5 ± 5.4 hours; rescue PTCA was successful in 96% of patients. The incidence of major, moderate, and minor bleeding was similar in the 2 groups. At 30-day follow-up, the echocardiographic left ventricular wall motion score index showed a significantly higher improvement in the abciximab group versus the placebo group (P <.001). At 6-month follow-up, the incidence of MACE was 11% in the abciximab group versus 38% in the placebo group (P =.004). Abciximab administration (P =.003) and cardiogenic shock (P =.005) were the only independent predictors of the occurrence of MACE at multivariable analysis. Conclusion Treatment with abciximab during rescue PTCA positively affects clinical outcome at 6-month follow-up without increasing periprocedural bleeding. (Am Heart J 2002;143:334-41.)

Bleeding risks with abciximab after full-dose thrombolysis in rescue or urgent angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

Background The bleeding risk associated with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) after full-dose thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear. We examined the risk and predictors of bleeding complications in patients with AMI who received abciximab during rescue or urgent PTCA after full-dose thrombolytic therapy. Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort of 147 consecutive patients who underwent PTCA within 48 hours after full-dose thrombolysis for AMI was studied. Bleeding events (major, minor, nuisance) from the onset of AMI to discharge were compared between those who received abciximab (n = 57) and those who did not (n = 90). Results Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Despite lower doses of procedural heparin, the incidence of non–coronary artery bypass graft–related major and minor bleeding was higher in the abciximab group than in controls (63% vs 39%, P =.004). Although the risk of major bleeding was 4-fold with abciximab (12% vs 3%, P =.04), only one intracranial and one fatal bleeding event occurred. Multivariable regression identified abciximab therapy as the most powerful independent predictor of combined major and minor bleeding, with a hazard risk ratio of 1.9 (P =.04). Conclusions In the setting of rescue or urgent PTCA within 48 hours after full-dose thrombolytic therapy after AMI, major and particularly minor bleeding were frequently encountered. The adjunctive use of abciximab increased these bleeding risks by approximately 2-fold. (Am Heart J 2001;141:218-25.)

Ten-year experience with early angioplasty in 759 patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVESHow effective and safe is rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PTCA] compared with primary PTCA, and is it cost effective?BACKGROUNDIn acute myocardial infarction (AMI), primary PTCA has been shown to be beneficial in terms of clinical outcome. In contrast, the value of rescue PTCA has not been established.METHODSIn a retrospective analysis, we compared the angiographic and clinical outcomes of 317 consecutive patients who had rescue PTCA ∼90 min after failed thrombolysis and 442 patients treated with primary PTCA. An estimation of interventional costs was compared with the strategies of primary and rescue PTCA or with the strategy of thrombolysis with rescue PTCA, when indicated.RESULTSBaseline characteristics between primary and rescue PTCA were comparable for most variables. Treatment delay was longer for patients who had rescue PTCA: 240 min. versus 195 min. Coronary patency after PTCA was comparable: 90.2% for rescue PTCA and 91.4% for primary PTCA (p = 0.67, power 71.9%). In-hospital mortality rates were 4.7% and 6.6%, respectively (p = 0.37). Also, the other complications were fairly similar during the in-hospital phase and during one-year follow-up. Predictors of death were age, infarct size, localization of AMI, failed PTCA and left main stem occlusion. The estimated interventional costs during one-year follow-up were $7,377 for primary PTCA and $8,246 for rescue PTCA: difference $869 (11.7%).CONCLUSIONSIn this retrospective analysis of 759 patients with AMI, rescue angioplasty early after failed thrombolysis seems to be as effective and safe as primary PTCA. In the present evaluation, interventional costs of primary PTCA are less than those of rescue PTCA (p = 0.0001).

Review of immediate angioplasty after fibrinolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction: Insights from the RESCUE I, RESCUE II, and other contemporary clinical experiences

Background Prompt restoration of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow improves survival in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Fibrinolytic therapy fails to restore TIMI 3 flow within 90 minutes in 40% to 50% of patients. Because the results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for MI seem to be improving, a reevaluation of the role of PCI after fibrinolytic therapy for MI appears to be warranted. Methods and Results Data from all 9 randomized controlled trials (including new data from 4 trials) of rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) versus conservative therapy after fibrinolytic therapy (1456 patients), 4 contemporary registries of PCI in this setting (977 patients), and other germane studies are reviewed. PTCA after failed fibrinolysis (TIMI 0 to 1 flow) appears to reduce early severe heart failure (3.8% vs 11.7%, P =.04) and improve survival over 1 year in patients with moderate to large MI (92% vs 87%, P =.001) and possibly reduces early repeat MI (4.3% vs 11.3%, P =.08). Assessment of the possible benefit of PTCA for TIMI 2 flow is hampered by the small number of patients randomly assigned. Repeat MI may be decreased and left ventricular functional recovery enhanced. PTCA early after successful fibrinolysis is nearly always technically successful and may reduce repeat MI and hospital length of stay. However, it must be recalled that randomized trials from the 1980s suggested increased mortality rates with PTCA after restoration of TIMI 2 to 3 flow with fibrinolysis. Data from contemporary randomized studies of stents and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors suggest that PCI as performed today may yield better results than those reviewed. Conclusions These data suggest a probable benefit of rescue PTCA in several distinct scenarios and that the pivotal mid-1980s studies suggesting no benefit or harm for PTCA after fibrinolytic therapy may no longer be relevant. The role of mechanical intervention in the treatment of patients treated in these settings should be reassessed. (Am Heart J 2000;139:1046-53.)

A comparison of electrocardiographic changes during reperfusion of acute myocardial infarction by thrombolysis or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Background Different electrocardiographic changes have been described during thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction to indicate successful reperfusion. The occluded coronary artery also can be reopened by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This study was performed to compare electrocardiographic changes during primary or rescue PTCA and thrombolytic therapy. The electrocardiographic changes were studied directly at the moment of reperfusion during PTCA. Methods and Results Continuous 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing a reperfusion intervention (thrombolytic therapy or primary or rescue PTCA) to assess electrocardiographic changes during reperfusion. Potency and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow in the infarct-related artery were assessed by coronary angiography. During reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery, early signs of reperfusion were an increase of ST-segment deviation (30%), ST-segment normalization (70%), and terminal T-wave inversion (60%); only 11% of patients showed no ST-segment changes. Thrombolytic therapy was significantly more often accompanied by a transient increase in ST-segment deviation compared with primary PTCA. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm was documented in 51%, an increase in the number of ventricular premature complexes in 42%, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in 7%, and bradycardia in 18% of all patients. Conclusions This study confirms the occurrence of specific electrocardiographic changes at the time of reperfusion. The pattern of ST-segment change upon reperfusion relates to the type of treatment. Awareness of electrocardiographic changes at the moment of reperfusion will help to select patients for rescue PTCA and can be used to assess the effect of future pharmacologic interventions to limit reperfusion damage.

A comparison of electrocardiographic changes during reperfusion of acute myocardial infarction by thrombolysis or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Background Different electrocardiographic changes have been described during thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction to indicate successful reperfusion. The occluded coronary artery also can be reopened by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This study was performed to compare electrocardiographic changes during primary or rescue PTCA and thrombolytic therapy. The electrocardiographic changes were studied directly at the moment of reperfusion during PTCA. Methods and Results Continuous 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing a reperfusion intervention (thrombolytic therapy or primary or rescue PTCA) to assess electrocardiographic changes during reperfusion. Potency and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow in the infarct-related artery were assessed by coronary angiography. During reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery, early signs of reperfusion were an increase of ST-segment deviation (30%), ST-segment normalization (70%), and terminal T-wave inversion (60%); only 11% of patients showed no ST-segment changes. Thrombolytic therapy was significantly more often accompanied by a transient increase in ST-segment deviation compared with primary PTCA. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm was documented in 51%, an increase in the number of ventricular premature complexes in 42%, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in 7%, and bradycardia in 18% of all patients. Conclusions This study confirms the occurrence of specific electrocardiographic changes at the time of reperfusion. The pattern of ST-segment change upon reperfusion relates to the type of treatment. Awareness of electrocardiographic changes at the moment of reperfusion will help to select patients for rescue PTCA and can be used to assess the effect of future pharmacologic interventions to limit reperfusion damage.

A randomized trial comparing primary angioplasty with a strategy of short-acting thrombolysis and immediate planned rescue angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction: the PACT trial

OBJECTIVESThe study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a short-acting reduced-dose fibrinolytic regimen to promote early infarct-related artery (IRA) patency during the inherent delay experienced by infarct patients referred for angioplasty as the principal recanalization modality.BACKGROUNDPrevious approaches using long-acting, full-dose thrombolytic infusions rarely showed benefit, but they did increase adverse event rates.METHODSFollowing aspirin and heparin, 606 patients were randomized to a 50-mg bolus of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) (alpha half-life 4.5 min) or to placebo followed by immediate angiography with angioplasty if needed. The end points included patency rates on catheterization laboratory (cath lab) arrival, technical results when PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) was performed, complication rates, and left ventricular (LV) function by treatment assignment and time to restored patency following angioplasty.RESULTSPatency on cath lab arrival was 61% with rt-PA (28% Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trial [TIMI]-2, 33% TIMI-3), and 34% with placebo (19% TIMI-2, 15% TIMI-3) (p = 0.001). Rescue and primary PTCA restored TIMI-3 in closed arteries equally (77%, 79%). No differences were observed in stroke or major bleeding. Left ventricular function was similar in both treatment groups, but convalescent ejection fraction (EF) was highest with a patent IRA (TIMI-3) on cath lab arrival (62.4%) or when produced by angioplasty within an hour of bolus (62.5%). However, in 88% of angioplasties, the delay exceeded 1 h: convalescent EF 57.3%.CONCLUSIONSTailored thrombolytic regimens compatible with subsequent interventions lead to more frequent early recanalization (before cath arrival), which facilitates greater LV function preservation with no augmentation of adverse events.

Prospective randomised comparison between thrombolysis, rescue PTCA, and primary PTCA in patients with extensive myocardial infarction admitted to a hospital without PTCA facilities: a safety and feasibility study

OBJECTIVETo assess the safety and feasibility of acute transport followed by rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or primary PTCA in patients with acute myocardial infarction initially admitted to a...

Recombinant hirudin (lepirudin) for the improvement of thrombolysis with streptokinase in patients with acute myocardial infarction: Results of the HIT-4 trial

OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study was to compare recombinant hirudin and heparin as adjuncts to streptokinase thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).BACKGROUNDExperimental studies and previous small clinical trials suggest that specific thrombin inhibition improves early patency rates and clinical outcome in patients treated with streptokinase.METHODSIn a randomized double-blind, multicenter trial, 1,208 patients with AMI ≤6 h were treated with aspirin and streptokinase and randomized to receive recombinant hirudin (lepirudin, IV bolus of 0.2 mg/kg, followed by subcutaneous (SC) injections of 0.5 mg/kg b.i.d. for 5 to 7 days) or heparin (IV placebo bolus, followed by SC injections of 12,500 IU b.i.d. for 5 to 7 days). A total of 447 patients were included in the angiographic substudy in which the primary end point, 90-min Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 of the infarct-related artery, was evaluated, while the other two-thirds served as “safety group” in which only clinical end points were evaluated. As an additional efficacy parameter the ST-segment resolution at 90 and 180 min was measured in all patients.RESULTSTIMI flow grade 3 was observed in 40.7% in the lepirudin and in 33.5% in the heparin group (p = 0.16), respectively. In the entire study population the proportion of patients with complete ST resolution at 90 min (28% vs. 22%, p = 0.05) and at 180 min (52% vs. 48%, p = 0.18) after start of therapy tended to be higher in the lepirudin group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke (0.2% vs. 0.3%) or total stroke (1.2% vs. 1.5%), reinfarction rate (4.6% vs. 5.1%) and total mortality rate (6.8% vs. 6.4%) at 30 days, as well as the combined end point of death, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal reinfarction, rescue-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and refractory angina (22.7 vs. 24.3%) were not statistically different between the two groups.CONCLUSIONSLepirudin as adjunct to thrombolysis with streptokinase did not significantly improve restoration of blood flow in the infarct vessel as assessed by angiography, but was associated with an accelerated ST resolution. There was no increase in the risk of major bleedings with lepirudin compared to heparin.

Contribution of stenting to the results of rescue PTCA.

Failed thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with increased mortality. Controversial benefit of rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in these setting has been published. The feasibility, safety, and contribution of stenting to the outcome of AMI patients treated with this strategy is unknown. We studied the angiographic result and clinical outcome of 33 patients with failed thrombolysis referred for rescue angioplasty. Twenty-three patients had stenting and 10 patients did not have stenting. Both groups had similar clinical and angiographic characteristics. Stent indications were nonoptimal result, 40%; bailout, 40%; elective, 20%. Angiographic success was 100% with stent vs. 91% with balloon alone (P < 0.8). Postprocedure residual stenosis was 1.5% (0%-10%) with stent vs. 18.05% (0%-30%) with balloon alone (P < 0.01). Thirty-day outcome with and without stent was mortality, 0% vs. 13% (P < 1.0); reinfarction, 10% vs. 0% (P < 0.30); target vessel revascularization, 0% vs. 21% (P < 0.21). The 6-month mortality was 0% with stent vs. 14% (P < 0.5). We conclude that stenting during rescue angioplasty is feasible, safe, and is associated with better immediate angiographic results. Although no obvious clinical benefit was found, a potential decrease in the revascularization rate was suggested.

The challenge of acute coronary syndromes

I n t roduc t ion Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) pose multiple challenges to physicians, cardiologists, internists, and emergency department physicians, as well as to general practitioners. General practitioners are responsible for early recognition of ACS among patients with chest discomfort and identification of patients who require hospital admission; cardiologists and other specialists prescribe initial and subsequent medical therapy and select patients for immediate, early, or elective revascularisation by percutaneous techniques (balloon angioplasty, stent) or bypass surgery. A systematic approach may guide the physicians to meet these challenges (table). The term ACS encompasses a spectrum of patients who present with chest discomfort or other symptoms caused by myocardial ischaemia. The unification of these manifestations of coronary artery disease under a single term reflects the understanding that these are caused by a similar pathophysiology, characterised by erosion, fissuring, or rupture of a pre-existing plaque, leading to intravascular thrombosis and impaired myocardial blood supply? The presence or absence of mechanical obstruction by the plaque and its contents, the amount and extent of associated thrombus formation, and the degree of collateral circulation determine the outcome of patients, particularly whether myocardial ischaemia recovers fully or results in minor or major myocardial necrosis. The common pathophysiology of different clinical presentations of ACS logically requires a similar therapeutic approach. In the 1970s, attention focused on management of lifethreatening arrhythmias. Coronary care units were introduced to detect and treat such arrhythmias by pacemakers (A-V block) or defibrillation (ventricular fibrillation). 2-~ Defibrillators were also introduced in ambulances. Antiarrhythmic drugs were also introduced to prevent ventricular fibrillation. Subsequently, attention shifted to measures to reduce myocardial oxygen consumption with [3-blockers, nitrates, and calcium antagonists. ' These agents prevented progression to myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina, and improved outcome in selected patients with evolving infarction." In the past 10 years, reperfusion therapy has been introduced, supported by intensive antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy. The value of reperfusion therapy with coronary occlusion (evolving infarction) by thrombolytic therapy or direct angioplasty has been well established. 9-n However, the indications for, and opt imum timing of, percutaneous or surgical coronary intervention in the spectrum of patients with unstable angina are still debated. H

Early referral for intentional rescue PTCA after initiation of thrombolytic therapy in patients admitted to a community hospital because of a large acute myocardial infarction

Background If no in-house facilities for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are present, thrombolytic therapy is the treatment of choice for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A few studies have shown benefit from rescue PTCA in patients directly admitted to centers with PTCA facilities. The obvious question arises whether patients with AMI initially admitted to a community hospital can benefit from early transfer for intentional rescue PTCA. Methods and Results One hundred sixty-five patients were transferred early for intentional rescue PTCA from a community hospital at a distance of 20 miles. On arrival at the angioplasty center, bedside markers were used to determine reperfusion. In case of obvious reperfusion, no invasive procedure was done; otherwise, coronary angiography and rescue PTCA, if necessary, was performed. During transfer, 1 (1%) patient died and 15 (9%) patients had arrhythmic or hemodynamic problems. Median time delay between onset of chest pain and arrival at the community hospital and the PTCA center was 61 minutes (range 0 to 413) and 150 minutes (range 28 to 472), respectively. In 66 (40%) patients, reperfusion was diagnosed by noninvasive reperfusion criteria on arrival at the PTCA center (group 1). Ninety-eight (59%) patients without evident noninvasive criteria of reperfusion underwent angiography 187 median minutes after the onset of chest pain. Forty-one (25%) patients had Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow, and no further intervention was performed (group 2). In the remaining 57 (35%) patients, rescue PTCA was performed, which was successful in 96% (group 3). In-hospital mortality rate was lowest in group 1 compared with the other 2 groups (0% vs 7% vs 11%; P < .05). Reinfarction was highest in group 1 compared with the other groups (17% vs 5% vs 2%; P < .01). No significant differences were found in coronary artery bypass grafting, stroke, or bleeding complications. The 1-year follow-up data showed low revascularization rates; 2 (1%) patients died after discharge from the hospital. Conclusions Early transfer of patients with large AMI for intentional rescue PTCA can be done with acceptable safety and is feasible within therapeutically acceptable time limits and results in additional early reperfusion in 33% of patients. A large, randomized, multicenter trial is needed to compare efficacy of intravenous thrombolytic treatment in a community hospital versus early referral for either rescue or primary PTCA. (Am Heart J 1999;137:846-53.)

Coronary stenting during rescue angioplasty after failed thrombolysis.

Compared with primary angioplasty [percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)], rescue PTCA is associated with lower angiographic success and higher reocclusion rates, especially after thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Although stent placement during primary PTCA has been demonstrated to be safe and even to improve the angiographic results achieved by balloon-alone PTCA, there are few data on stent placement during rescue PTCA after failed thrombolysis. This study sought to assess the feasibility and safety of stent implantation during rescue angioplasty in myocardial infarction after failed thrombolysis. The study population consisted of 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction referred for rescue PTCA after failed thrombolysis consecutively treated with coronary stenting. The thrombolytic agent was tPA in 15 patients (75%), streptokinase in 1 (5%), and anisoylated streptokinase plasminogen activator complex (APSAC) in 1 (5%); 3 patients (15%) were included in the INTIME II study (tPA vs. lanoteplase). After stenting, aspirin 200 mg daily plus ticlopidine 250 mg b.i.d. were administered. Thirty stents (1.5+/-1.0 per patient) were implanted. Angiographic success was achieved in 19 patients (95%). Two patients (10%) died, both because of severe bleeding complications. One patient (5%) suffered a reinfarction, but no patients suffered postinfarction angina or needed new target vessel revascularization. Eighteen patients (90%) were discharged alive and free of events. All these patients remained asymptomatic and free of target vessel revascularization at 6-month follow-up. Stent placement during rescue PTCA after failed thrombolysis is feasible and safe and is associated with a good angiographic result and clinical outcome. Bleeding complications seem to be, however, the main limitation of this reperfusion strategy.

Incidence, consequences, and risk factors of early reocclusion after primary and/or rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) achieves high patency rates. Conversely, it has been shown that after thrombolysis, early reocclusion of the infarct-related artery (IRA) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to study the incidence, prognostic implications, and clinical risk factors for in-hospital reocclusion of the IRA after successful emergency PTCA for AMI. We studied 399 consecutive patients (aged 59 ± 14 years, 52% with anterior wall infarction) admitted <6 hours after AMI onset, of whom 374 (94%) were successfully treated with primary (n = 297) or rescue (n = 77) PTCA, with a stenting rate of 8%. Predischarge angiography was performed in 306 (82%). Early reocclusion of the IRA occurred in 28 patients (9%) and was silent in 6 (2%). The reocclusion rate was 10% for primary PTCA and 8% for rescue PTCA (p = NS). Twenty-two of 28 patients (6%) underwent repeat emergency coronary angiography because of early recurrent ischemia and most (n = 18) were treated with emergency PTCA. Early recurrent ischemia occurred mostly (86%) within 5 days of AMI onset. There was a higher prevalence of on-site hemorrhage (18% vs 5%, p = 0.007), blood transfusion (11% vs 2%, p = 0.01), pulmonary edema (21% vs 4%, p <0.01), and in-hospital death (21% vs 1%, p = 0.0001) in patients with predischarge reocclusion. On multivariate analysis, cardiogenic shock on admission and absence of dyslipidemia were strong and independent predictors (p = 0.01) of IRA reocclusion. In conclusion, early reocclusion after emergency PTCA occurred in 9% of the patients and was associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This warrants attempts to decrease its incidence, e.g., with more frequent use of stents.

Rescue Coronary Angiography after Failed Thrombolysis: A Real-Life Experience

Failed thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Rescue or salvage percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in this group of patients is still controversial. We report our experience with early emergency angiography and rescue PTCA in 27 patients who were hemodynamically unstable or had a large area of myocardium at risk after failed thrombolysis. Rescue PTCA was successful in 95% of attempted PTCA. Three patients were referred to emergency CABG. Early ‘rescue angiography’ with or without rescue PTCA after failed thrombolysis in a selected patient population, is an important tool for early risk stratification and decision-making during the hyperacute phase of AMI, while it may also serve in restoring coronary artery patency of the infarct-related artery with a high success rate.