Significant Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

Stenting versus surgery for significant left main disease.

For decades, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been the choice of revascularization strategy for significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, with marked technological advances in less invasive percutaneous strategies, such as drug-eluting stents, and potent adjunctive pharmacology, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been increasingly accepted as an alternative to CABG for selected cases with LMCA disease. The available evidence from randomized clinical trials and adequately sized, real-world registries suggest that hard clinical endpoints (death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) were comparable between two treatment strategies at short- and mid-term follow-up, while higher rate of repeat revascularization are observed after PCI. Current guidelines state that PCI for LMCA disease is reasonable in patients with low to intermediate anatomic complexity and those who are at increased surgical risk. Ongoing large-sized clinical trials comparing newer-generation drug-eluting stents and CABG would provide important clinical insights to guide optimal strategy for patients with significant LMCA disease in the (near) future.

Modified T stenting for leftmain trifurcation stenosis in a patient with multiple co-morbidities through transradial route

A critical lesion in the left main coronary artery (LMCA) has been observed in 3%–5% of all the patients undergoing coronary angiography. Significant LMCA disease is considered as the lesion with the highest prognostic value in the coronary system because of the extent of jeopardised myocardium. Though CABG is considered as gold standard for treatment of left main stenosis, particularly distal left main, evidence is increasing to support the use of PCI with stenting in some cases . We report here a case of an elderly male with peripheral vascular disease and distal left main trifurcation disease with critical stenosis of ostial LAD and ostial LCX, who was treated by us with PCI of the distal left main trifurcation with a modified T stenting technique through the transradial route.

Long-Term Prognostic Factors in Patients with Significant Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction and Objectives: The natural history of patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) is largely unknown. Our objective was to analyse the predictors of long-term mortality in these patients, both those that have had surgery and those that have not undergone surgery for various reasons, in a cohort treated at a university hospital. Methods: The study included patients with significant LMCAD diagnosed through consecutive coronary angiograms from 2001 to 2009. Clinical variables, the reasons for cardiac catheterisation, therapeutic decisions and clinical evolution in long-term follow-up were analysed. Results: Of the 163 patients included in the analysis, a total of 109 (66.9%) underwent revascularisation, while the remaining 54 (33.1%) received other medical treatment. We analysed the clinical events that took place with a mean follow-up period of 54 months (IQR: 25-95). The non-revascularised group had a lower survival rate than the revascularised group in unadjusted analysis (logrank test 0.005). Age (OR 1.04, CI 1.02-1.07, p = 0.001), ventricular dysfunction (OR 2.87, CI95% 1.71-4.81, p 0.0001), clinical instability (OR 2.11, CI95% 1.08 to 4.13, p = 0.028) and above 70% severity of LMCAD (OR 1.78, CI 1.09 to 2.91, p = 0.021) were independent predictors of mortality for the entire cohort, but revascularisation was not. Conclusions: Revascularisation is associated with improved survival in patients with LMCAD, but only age, ventricular dysfunction, clinical instability and the severity of the lesion are independent predictors of long-term mortality in the unselected population.

Clampless off-pump surgery reduces stroke in patients with left main disease

BackgroundSurgical revascularization is the most appropriate therapy for patients with significant left main coronary-artery disease (LMD). An incidence of perioperative stroke remains an issue when compared to the early outcomes to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study evaluates the safety and impact of standardized “clampless” OPCAB techniques, composed of either complete in situ grafting or “clampless” device enabled techniques for stroke reduction in patients undergoing surgical revascularization for LMD. MethodsBetween 1999 and 2009, 1031 patients with LMD underwent myocardial-revascularization at our institution. Of these, 507 patients underwent “clampless” OPCAB and 524 patients underwent conventional on-pump CABG (ONCABG). Data-collection was performed prospectively and a propensity-adjusted regression-analysis was applied to balance patient characteristics. LMD was defined as a stenosis >50% and endpoints were mortality, stroke, a cardiac-composite (including death, stroke and myocardial-infarction); a non-cardiac composite and complete-revascularization. ResultsIn OPCAB patients, the cardiac composite (3.0% vs. 7.8%; propensity-adjusted (PA)OR=0.27; CI95% 0.12–0.65; p=0.003) as well as the occurrence of stroke (0.4% vs. 2.9%; PAOR=0.04; CI95% 0.003–0.48; p=0.012) were significantly lower while the mortality-rate was well comparable between groups (1.8% vs. 2.5%; PAOR=0.44; CI95% 0.11–1.71; p=0.24). The non-cardiac composite was also significantly decreased after OPCAB (8.9% vs. 19.7%; PAOR=0.55; CI95% 0.34–0.89; p=0.014) and complete revascularization was achieved for similar proportions in both groups (95.1% vs. 93.7%; p=0.35). ConclusionsThis study shows the superiority of OPCAB for patients with LMD with regards to risk-adjusted outcomes other than mortality. A “clampless OPCAB strategy”, effectively reduces stroke yielding similar early outcomes as PCI.

Clinical Presentation and Cardiovascular Risk Profiles in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in a Middle Eastern Country

We evaluated the prevalence and clinical profile of patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) in Qatar between 2006 and 2010. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with LMCA and patients without LMCA but had severe 3-vessel disease (VeD) eligible for surgical revascularization. Among 7000 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 210 patients had significant LMCA and 200 patients with severe 3VeD were matched for age and sex. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were comparable in the 2 groups. Presentations with myocardial infarction or heart failure were comparable in both groups. Isolated LMCA was 4-fold higher in women (P = .02). Dyslipidemia and smoking were more prevalent in patients with distal and proximal lesions, respectively. Renal failure was independent predictor of LMCA (adjusted odds ratio: 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.43-4.69). One-year mortality was higher in LMCA (P = .01). The LMCA carries high mortality. Certain cardiovascular risk factors were important predictors of stenosis site.

Outcomes of patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing medical or surgical treatment

To evaluate the outcomes of patients with significant (≥ 50%) left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) undergoing medical treatment (MT) or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). A total of 181 patients with significant LMCAD were followed for 4 ± 2 years. MT was done when patients refused CABG or because of either thin native vessels or high clinical risk. Events were defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or subsequent CABG. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of death. A propensity score was created to compare outcomes of patients from the two treatment groups. CABG was performed in 78.5% of the patients. Overall, there were no significant differences in the incidences of death or other events between treatment groups. In patients with normal left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction, ≥ 45%), there were no significant differences in event rates with MT or CABG (death, 7.7 vs. 12.1%; myocardial infarction, 0 vs. 1.9%; percutaneous coronary intervention, 3.8 vs. 5.6%). For patients with LV dysfunction, death was more frequent with MT than with CABG (53.8 vs. 22.9%, P<0.001), whereas the incidence of other events was not statistically different. Age and LV dysfunction, but not treatment type, were independent predictors of death. When comparing propensity-matched patients from both treatment groups, there was also no difference in survival. Patients with 50% or more LMCAD and LV dysfunction had increased survival with CABG. However, outcomes of patients with 50% or more LMCAD and normal LV function were not significantly different with either MT or CABG.

Comparison of Outcomes of Unprotected Left Main Versus Multivessel Coronary Artery Interventions

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as an appealing alternative to bypass surgery for significant LMCA disease, especially in high-risk candidates. PCI for unprotected LMCA stenosis is currently designated a class IIb indication. Direct comparisons between unprotected LMCA PCI and multivessel PCI are lacking. We aimed to determine the incremental risk associated with unprotected LMCA PCI compared to multivessel PCI. We queried the Cleveland Clinic PCI database to identify patients who underwent unprotected LMCA PCI from 2003 through 2009 and compared these to patients undergoing multivessel PCI in the same period. Patients undergoing PCI for acute myocardial infarction were excluded. Mortality was derived using the Social Security Death Index. Short-term (≤30-day) mortality rates in the LMCA PCI group (n = 468, 1.9%) were similar to the death rate in the multivessel PCI group (n = 1,973, 1.3%, p = 0.3). There was no significant difference in adjusted mortality between the 2 study groups. Stratifying LMCA PCI by the number of concomitant vessel territories treated, there was no significant difference in mortality in any LMCA PCI category (LMCA only, LMCA + 1-vessel PCI, LMCA + multivessel PCI) compared to multivessel PCI. In conclusion, there was comparable short-term and long-term mortality in the LMCA PCI and multivessel PCI groups. LMCA stenting did not appear to incur incremental risk compared to multivessel PCI.

Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Does Not Affect the Outcome of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis (≥50%) has historically been recognized as a risk factor among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. From January 2002 to December 2008, a total of 665 patients, 268 of whom had significant LMCA disease, underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery at Shiga Medical University Hospital. We compared the clinical results in the 237 patients with LMCA stenosis (LMCA group) with those in the propensity score-matched 237 patients without LMCA stenosis (non-LMCA group). We performed off-pump surgery in all coronary artery bypass grafting cases with no exclusion criteria. All procedures were performed by off-pump technique without conversion to on-pump. Two patients in the LMCA group (2 of 237; 0.8%) and four in the non-LMCA group (4 of 237; 1.7%) died within 30 days after surgery. Follow-up was completed in 96.2% of the patients. The rates of six-year freedom from all cause death were 87.3% and 60.7% in the LMCA group and non-LMCA group, respectively (p = 0.17), and the corresponding rates for the combined endpoint of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, repeat coronary intervention, and heart failure were 80.4% and 70.4% (p = 0.98). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed chronic renal failure as a statistically significant predictor for late cardiac event. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is feasible and safe in patients with critical LMCA stenosis and LMCA disease is not recognized as a risk factor after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in either the short or the long term.

Prevalence of left main coronary artery disease among patients referred to multislice computed tomography coronary examinations

We have evaluated the prevalence of left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) among patients referred to multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography examinations. The study Group comprised of 1,000 consecutive patients (750 male and 250 female; mean age 53+/-12 years) who underwent successful 64-slice MSCT examinations. Left main coronary artery (LMCA) was classified into three Groups: normal LMCA; nonsignificant LMCAD with coronary plaques resulting in obstructions <or=50%; and significant LMCAD corresponding to obstructions >50%. We have found that 24 patients (2.4%) had significant LMCAD. Additional 200 patients (20%) had nonsignificant LMCAD. Univariate analysis revealed that LMCAD was associated with age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, typical symptoms, history of previous myocardial infarction and previous percutaneous coronary intervention. Only age and male gender were found as independent predictors for LMCAD in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively,). Angiographic follow-up was avaliable for the 24 patients with significant LMCAD, and conventional coronary angiography confirmed the presence of significant LMCAD in all of these patients. Significant LMCAD was found in 2.4% of the 1,000 patients referred to 64-slice MSCT examinations. Age and male gender were the independent predictors for LMCAD.

Should All Patients With Asymptomatic but Significant (&gt;50%) Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis Undergo Surgical Revascularization?

The incidental detection of asymptomatic but significant (>50%) left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) has become more frequent with the increased use of coronary angiography for acute myocardial infarction. Most would agree that such LMCAD cannot be ignored. Yet, clarity is somewhat lacking as to the best approach to managing such patients. The long-running debate of the best revascularization method of LMCAD has flared up again. However, medical management also may be a viable option for some of these patients. A 64-year-old nondiabetic man without a history of cardiovascular disease is admitted with an acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. He undergoes successful primary angioplasty of a dominant right coronary artery. Left ventriculography reveals inferior hypokinesis with an estimated ejection fraction of 45% to 50%. However, the patient also has a smooth mid-to-distal 60% LMCAD without any significant lesions in the left anterior descending or left circumflex artery. A month later, a stress echocardiogram reveals no new wall motion abnormalities. On the basis of this presentation, should he be referred for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery? The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2002 guidelines for stable angina1 discuss the indications for CABG surgery separately for symptomatic and asymptomatic LMCAD, but the recommendations are the same for both: Revascularization with CABG is a class I recommendation with level of evidence B. (Class I recommendations indicate situations for which evidence or general agreement exists that a given procedure or treatment is beneficial, useful, and effective.) An abbreviated version of these same guidelines was published in 2003.2 These guidelines acknowledged that the evidence behind the recommendation for asymptomatic patients is weak, yet the class IB recommendation was not changed. The ACC/AHA 2004 guidelines for use of CABG surgery also separate symptomatic and asymptomatic LMCAD recommendations and propose that CABG …

Exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in leads aVR and V 1 for the prediction of left main disease

Background This study investigated the value of exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in lead aVR with or without concomitant ST-segment elevation in lead V 1 for detection of left main (LM) coronary artery disease in patients with Duke treadmill score ≤− 11. Methods One hundred and four patients with Duke treadmill score ≤− 11 were retrospectively screened for presence of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR and lead V 1. Results Twenty-six out of 65 patients with ST-segment elevation in lead aVR and 24 out 38 patients with ST-segment elevation in lead aVR with concomitant ST-segment elevation in lead V 1 were found to have LM disease. Exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in lead aVR had a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 48.6% and ST-segment elevation in lead aVR accompanied by ST-segment elevation in lead V 1 had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 81.6% in predicting LM disease. Conclusions This study shows that the observation of exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in lead aVR is a sensitive, but not a specific, electrocardiographic finding of significant LM coronary artery disease. However, exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in lead aVR accompanied by ST-segment elevation in lead V 1 might be not only a sensitive but also a specific finding of LM stenosis in these patients.

Long-term Clinical Follow-up in Patients with Left Main Coronary Disease According to Treatment Strategies

Background and Objectives:Many studies have shown that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery prolongs the life of patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCD). Recently, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been applied to treat LMCD, with good clinical results. However, a significant portion of patients decline any revascularization therapy, so receive medical treatment only. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term clinical outcome in these patients with LMCD, according to the treatment strategies. Subjects and Methods:The clinical outcomes of 281 consecutive patients, with significant LMCD, between January 1997 and December 2000, were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups, according to their initial treatment strategies;1) CABG, 2) PCI and 3) medical treatment. The mean follow-up duration was 37.4±14.9 months. Results:The 1- and 3-year survival rates in the CABG group (97.4±1.5% and 95.6±1.9%) were significantly higher than those of the medical group (89.8±3.9% and 76.1±5.9%;p=0.03). The survival rates in the PCI group (one year and 3-year survival rate, 98.1±1.3% and 93.8±2.5%) were similar to those of the CABG group (p=0.93). The incidence of 3-year MACE in the medical group (40.7%) was higher than those of the CABG (10.5%, p<0.001) and PCI groups (20.4%, p=0.007). There was no significant difference between the CABG and PCI groups (p=0.06). Conclusion:In patients with LMCD, a CABG remains the standard therapy for prolonging survival and lowering the incidence of MACE. PCI offers similar survival benefits in selected patients. Medical treatment is associated with a significantly higher mortality and MACE. Active revascularization therapy should be the treatment of choice for the patients with LMCD. (Korean Circulation J

Left main coronary artery disease in adults younger than 50 years: A comparison with older patients

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is a potentially lethal disease that can be effectively treated if it is recognized expeditiously. To determine whether clinical signs and symptoms vary with age, we examined data from 100 patients with angiographically significant LMCA disease (\G 50% stenosis). The majority of patients had myocardial infarction (32%) or Braunwald class I unstable angina (46%). There were no differences in initial symptoms, electrocardiographic findings (normal or only nonspecific changes in 52% of patients), or left ventricular function (normal or only mildly impaired in 76% of patients) between younger patients (< 50 yr; n = 29) and older patients (n = 71). Severe atherosclerosis was common in both groups. Risk factor profiles were different, however, in that diabetes mellitus (10% vs. 34%; P = 0.028) and hypertension (38% vs. 73%; P = 0.002) were less common and tobacco use was more common (79% vs. 39%; P < 0.001) in younger patients. In summary, age influenced the risk factors associated with but not the clinical signs and symptoms of LMCAD. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:11–17, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Symptomatic coronary artery disease in patients aged 21 to 30 years

One hundred one young people (88 men, 13 women) aged 30 years or younger with arteriographically proved obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) were identified and reviewed for risk factor prevalence. The men were compared with an age and date-of-catheterization matched control group who were arteriographically normal. Significant risk factors were cigarette smoking (p = 0.001), familial CAD (p = 0.002) and familial CAD manifested by age 50 years or younger (p = 0.005). Serum cholesterol values were significantly higher in the CAD group (p = 0.0001), but in most (54%) were still less than 250 mg/dl. Arteriography showed a spectrum of CAD: 1-vessel in 57, 2-vessel in 21 and 3-vessel in 22. One patient had significant left main CAD. Follow-up was obtained for all of the 94 American subjects. One-year mortality was 3% and 5-year mortality was 20%. The causes of death were predominantly cardiac: myocardial infarction in 10 patients, congestive heart failure in 2 and sudden death in 6; 3 patients died of noncardiac causes.

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva

The clinical and angiographic findings in 10 patients with anomalous origin of the left main (LM) coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva are presented. The initial course of the anomalous artery was between the aorta and the pulmonary trunk in 6 patients (5 men and 1 woman), and posterior to the aorta in 4 patients (3 women and 1 man). The best coronary angiographic projection to determine the course of the LM coronary artery in relation to the aorta and pulmonary trunk was the right anterior oblique and lateral projections, with a catheter in the pulmonary trunk as a guide. In the right anterior oblique projection left ventriculogram, an increased density at the base of the aorta was seen in all patients with posterior-to-aorta course of the anomalous artery. The blood supply to the first portion of the ventricular septum is provided by 1 or 2 descending septal branches from the anomalous LM artery, when the anomalous vessel is coursing between the aorta and pulmonary trunk. When the anomalous LM courses posteriorly to the aorta, it does not provide any septal branches. In patients with this anomaly, the blood supply to the first portion of the septum is usually provided by descending septal branches originating from the right sinus of Valsalva or from the first portion of the right coronary artery. Six of the 10 patients had severe obstructive coronary artery disease. Four of the 6 patients had significant LM coronary artery disease.

Detecting left main coronary artery disease by apical, cross-sectional echocardiography.

To test the feasibility of imaging the left main coronary artery (LMCA) noninvasively as a means of detecting left main coronary artery disease, we studied 73 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization and cross-sectional echocardiography. Fifty-two had a normal LMCA (controls) and 21 had significant obstruction (greater than or equal to 50% luminal reduction). The apical, tomographic, cross-sectional, phased-array, echocardiographic approach was used, and the LMCA was imaged in 52 of 73 patients (71%). In 34 of 36 controls (94%) the LMCA was correctly judged as having no luminal obstruction. In the other two, and asymmetric, high-intensity echo in one wall of the artery suggested atherosclerotic disease, but coronary angiography revealed no obstruction. In 12 of 16 patients (75%) in whom significant LMCA disease was imaged, obstruction was predicted by echocardiographic criteria of either luminal irregularity or an asymmetric, high-intensity echo in the arterial wall. This preliminary study suggests that cross-sectional echocardiography appears to be a feasible, noninvasive technique to image the LMCA and to detect hemodynamically significant luminal obstruction.

Coronary arteriography in left main coronary artery disease.

1. The presence of left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) increases both the risk and the importance of coronary arteriography, an essential in the selection of patients for aortocoronary bypass surgery.2. Our experience in the performance of 67 coronary arteriographies in 51 patients with significant LMCAD contradicts published views and shows that the Judkins method can be used with safety in the presence of LMCAD.3. Clinical judgment and technical competence are of particular importance when coronary arteriography is done in the presence of LMCAD.4. Careful patient evaluation with precautionary measures—skilled, meticulous catheterization technique, vigilant catheter tip pressure monitoring, a logical progressive plan of examination and adequate postangiographic care—help to minimize complications in examination of patients with LMCAD.

Risk Factors for Isolated Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

Background &amp; objective: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis (defined as 50 or &gt; 50 percent narrowing of luminal diameter) usually has a bad prognosis unless revascularization done. Isolated left main coronary artery (ILMCA) disease is a rare clinical entity. Although it carries a grave prognosis, its etiology is not well-understood. Determining risk factors for ILMCA disease might be promising in the preventive strategy of ischemic heart diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and traditional risk factors for left main coronary artery disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on patients who underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital &amp; Research Institute from February 2005 to June 2009. Total number of procedures done in Cath Lab was 7103. Of them 6708(94%) cases underwent CAG. Only 18 of them (0.27%) had isolated left main lesion and were included as cases. Patients who did not have ILMCA were taken as controls. The number of controls selected was 8 times the number of cases (n = 144). Of them 3 were excluded because of incomplete data leaving 141 controls finally. Fifty or &gt; 50% stenosis in the left main was considered as significant stenosis. Major demographic and clinical information of patients were collected from the database of the Institute and were compared between the case and control groups. Results: Of the 18 subjects who had ILMCA disease 44.4% exhibited stable angina, 27.8% had ACS. One third of these patients had normal ECG, ST-T changes in another one third of the patients and 11% had previous MI. 16.7% patients had wall motion abnormality in echocardiogram. Only 4 out of these 18 patients had ETT done before CAG and all were found positive. Patients with ILMCA disease were comparatively old (&gt; 50 years) than the patients without ILMCA disease (p = 0.448). Females were more prevalent in the case group (27.8%) than that in the control group (22.2%) (p = 0.854). There was no significant difference between patients with or without ILMCA disease in terms of traditional risk factors for ischemic heart diseases like hypertension, diabetes, smoking habit, dyslipidemia and family history of ischemic heart diseases (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Isolated and significant LMCA disease is an unusual angiographic finding and presents most commonly as stable angina. A female preponderance is usually observed. The prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors of these patients is similar to that of the general population undergoing coronary angiogram. Key words: Isolated left main disease; risk factors; coronary angiogram; significant lesion. Ibrahim Card Med J 2011; 1(1):17-21