Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Research Articles

Early unfractionated heparin treatment in patients with STEMI – trial design and rationale

The early unfractionated heparin (UFH) treatment in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. The study population are patients with STEMI that undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The trial was designed to investigate whether early administration of unfractionated heparin immediately after diagnosis of STEMI is beneficial in terms of patency of infarct-related coronary artery (IRA) when compared to established UFH administration at the time of coronary intervention. The patients will be randomized in 1:1 fashion in one of the two groups. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study is Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades 2 and 3 on diagnostic coronary angiography. Secondary outcome measures are: TIMI flow after PPCI, progression to cardiogenic shock, 30-day mortality, ST-segment resolution, highest Troponin I and Troponin I values at 24 hours. The safety outcome is bleeding complications. The study of early heparin administration in patients with STEMI will address whether pretreatment with UFH can increase the rate of spontaneous reperfusion of infarct-related coronary artery.

Comparison of Post PCI TIMI Flow Between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with diabetes significantly exacerbating the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease. Diabetic patients experience altered coronary blood flow dynamics, which can impact the efficacy of therapeutic interventions like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objective: This study aims to compare the post-PCI Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades between diabetic and non-diabetic patients to assess the impact of diabetes on the short-term outcomes of coronary revascularization. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi, involving 3,000 patients who underwent primary PCI between January 2018 and December 2020. Patients were categorized into diabetic (1,500) and non-diabetic (1,500) groups. Data collected included demographics, coronary artery risk factors, TIMI flow grades before and after PCI, and the use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing chi-square tests, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests for comparative analysis, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study found significant differences in postoperative TIMI3 flow rates, with non-diabetic patients achieving a higher rate of TIMI3 (59.4%) compared to diabetic patients (58.1%). The use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors was higher in diabetic patients (34.7%) than in non-diabetic patients (1.8%). Additionally, diabetic patients showed a higher incidence of multi-vessel disease and more severe lesion profiles, including higher rates of triple branch lesions (45.9% vs. 39.9%) and left main lesions (53% vs. 43.9%). Conclusion: Diabetic patients exhibit worse post-PCI TIMI flow grades and more complex coronary lesions compared to non-diabetic patients, suggesting that diabetes adversely affects the outcomes of coronary revascularization. These findings underscore the need for tailored therapeutic approaches to improve PCI outcomes in diabetic patients.

Clinical Impact of Perfusion Balloon for ST-segment Elevated Myocardial Infarction: RYUSEI Study

Drug-eluting stents have significantly contributed to reducing mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs), but slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon (SFNR) and in-stent restenosis are still clinical problems. On the other hand, perfusion balloons (PBs) can compress thrombi and ruptured plaque for long inflation without ischemia and can be used as a delivery device for infusion of nitroprusside to distal risk area during ballooning. We conducted RYUSEI (Reduction of risk bY perfUsion balloon for ST-segment Elevated myocardial Infarction) study to evaluate whether PBs before stenting are more effective than conventional stenting for STEMIs. We divided consecutive patients with STEMIs who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) into PB group who were treated with PBs (Ryusei®; Kaneka Medix Corporation, Osaka, Japan) before stenting and the conventional PCI (CP) group. We compared clinical results including SFNR, OCT findings, and clinical events between the two groups. We finally analyzed 34 patients in PB group and 90 in CP group. After propensity score matching, PB and CP groups consisted of 23 patients, respectively. In the propensity score-matched cohort, SFNR and maximum protrusion area detected by OCT were significantly lower (P=0.047 and P=0.019) and TIMI flow grade 3 higher (P=0.022) in the PB group than CP group. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly better clinical outcome in PB group than CP group (p=0.038). In conclusion, the RYUSEI study revealed a pre-stent lesion modification in addition to nitroprusside infusion using PB is useful to achieve better clinical course in STEMI patients.

The Relationship Between CHA2DS2-VASc Scores and The Degree of TIMI Flow in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention at Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang

Background: Suboptimal reperfusion of the compromised myocardium in the area of the culprit coronary arteries is one of the main problems associated with primary PCI that need reliable risk stratification methods to accurately predict the occurrence of decreased TIMI flow given its complex pathophysiology. Some parameters are included CHA2DS2-VASc score. Objective: To understand the relationship between CHA2DS2-VASc and the decreased TIMI flow in STE-ACS patients who had underwent primary PCI at RSUD dr. Saiful Anwar Malang. Material and Methods: The study was cohort retrospective with the inclusion criteria being all STE-ACS patients who underwent primary PCI in RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang from January 2018 – August 2023. Patients were assigned to TIMI flow grade <3 group (N =169) and TIMI flow grade 3 (N = 677) according to TIMI Flow degree after primary PCI. All the patient’s angiogram were evaluated for TIMI score and CHA2DS2-VASc score is based on a guideline. We concluded data in SPSS program and used the Spearman test and p value of .05 was considered as significant. Result: From a total sample of 846 patients, the correlation between STE-ACS onset and TIMI flow indicates that a higher number of patients with STE-ACS onset <12 hours was found in the TIMI flow <3 and 3 groups (p=0.000). The cutoff CHA2DS2 VASC score's sensitivity and specificity values were ascertained using ROC analysis with cut off value 2.5. The incidence of decreased TIMI flow rate was more significant in the CHA2DS2-VASc ≥3 group with DM (+) and age ≥64 (OR value 0.156, p=0.000) than in the CHA2DS2-VASc ≥3 group without DM and age < 64. With an OR value of 2.94 (p=0.000), Killip class > 2 is another powerful predictor of lower TIMI flow. Conclusion: The only variables in the CHA2DS2-VASc score component that are most strongly associated with the risk of reducing the degree of TIMI flow are DM, age, and Killip class. Keyword: Acute Coronary Syndrome, CHA2DS2-VASc Score, Intervention, Percutaneous Coronary Slow Flow- No Reflow Phenomena, TIMI Flow Degree.

Efficacy of single high-dose statin prior to percutaneous coronary intervention in acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe impacts of single high-dose statin preloading in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been fully examined. This study aims to evaluate post-procedure impacts of single high-dose statin pretreatment with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsThe meta-analysis reviewed Cochrane, PubMed, and Medline databases for studies comparing single high-dose atorvastatin or rosuvastatin to placebo in ACS patients undergoing PCI. The primary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at three months. Secondary endpoints examined were the TIMI flow grade 3 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).ResultsComprehensive analysis was conducted on fifteen RCTs, encompassing a total of 6,207 patients (3090 vs 3117 patients). The pooled results demonstrated that a single high-dose of statin administered prior to PCI led to a significant decrease in the incidence of MACE at three months post-PCI compared to the control group (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.35–0.71, p = 0.0001). The occurrence of MI (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.42–0.77, p = 0.0002), all-cause mortality (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.39–0.81, p = 0.0002), and TVR (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.35–0.92, p = 0.02) was significantly lower in the statin single high-dose group compared to the control group. No significant effects on TIMI flow grade 3 (OR 1.20, 95%CI 0.94–1.53, p = 0.14) or left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.19, 95%CI − 0.97 to 5.34, p = 0.17) were observed. Subgroup analysis demonstrated reduced incidence of MACE with a single dose of 80 mg atorvastatin (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.54–0.81, p < 0.0001) and 40 mg rosuvastatin (OR 0.19, 95%CI 0.07–0.54, p = 0.002).ConclusionsSingle high-dose statin before PCI in patients with ACS significantly reduces MACE, MI, all-cause mortality, and TVR three months post-PCI.

Influence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with acute coronary syndrome

To evaluate the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A cohort prospective study of the COPD effect on mortality and coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO, no-reflow) development after PCI in ACS was carried out. 626 patients admitted in 2019-2020 were included, 418 (67%) - men, 208 (33%) - women. Median age - 63 [56; 70] years. Myocardial infarction with ST elevation identified in 308 patients (49%), CMVO - in 59 (9%) patients (criteria: blood flow <3 grade according to TIMI flow grade; perfusion <2 points according to Myocardial blush grade; ST segment resolution <70%). 13 (2.1%) patients died. Based on the questionnaire "Chronic Airways Diseases, A Guide for Primary Care Physicians, 2005", 2 groups of patients were identified: 197 (31%) with COPD (≥17 points) and 429 (69%) without COPD (<17 points). Groups were compared on unbalanced data (÷2 Pearson, Fisher exact test). The propensity score was calculated, and a two-way logistic regression analysis was performed. The data were balanced by the Kernel "weighting" method, logistic regression analysis was carried out using "weighting" coefficients. Results as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. The conducted research allowed us to obtain the following results, depending on the type of analysis: 1) analysis of unbalanced data in patients with COPD: OR death 3.60 (1.16-11.12); p=0.03; OR CMVO 0.65 (0.35-1.22); p=0,18; 2) two-way analysis with propensity score: OR death 3.86 (1.09-13.74); p=0.04; OR CMVO 0.61 (0.31-1.19); p=0.15; 3) regression analysis with "weight" coefficients: OR death 12.49 (2.27-68.84); p=0.004; OR CMVO 0.63 (0.30-1.33); p=0.22. The presence of COPD in patients with ACS undergoing PCI increases mortality and does not affect the incidence of CMVO.

Utility of Global Registry of Acute Coronary Event Score (GRACE) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score (TIMI Score) in predicting 30-day Mortality in patients undergoing primary angioplasty at a Tertiary care center – A record-based study

Background This research work aims to assess the effectiveness of Global Registry Of Coronary Events (GRACE) and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores in predicting outcomes for patients who underwent primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). The study included a cohort from a tertiary care centre. Methods This record-based study enrolled 94 patients who underwent primary PCI after a diagnosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The data, for this study, was extracted from sources including, medical records. These records contained the computation and documentation of both GRACE and TIMI scores. The study also conducted Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) curve analysis, subsequently yielding the area under the curve alongside a 95% confidence interval, which was duly reported. Results The current study attempts a comparative analysis of the capacities of TIMI and GRACE scores. Accordingly, the study highlights that both are equally effective in predicting 30-day mortality for patients with STEMI. The TIMI Risk Score, with 85% sensitivity and 99% specificity metrics (also p-value = 0.008), and the GRACE Score, with 85% sensitivity and 99% specificity metrics (also p-value = 0.006), exhibit a strong similarity in the prognostic performance. Also, the sensitivity and specificity metrics were obtained after a thorough analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCC). Conclusions The study utilized the TIMI score which demonstrated a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 99% and the GRACE Score with 85% sensitivity and 99% specificity to predict 30-day mortality in STEMI patients. This included more than one month of observation period. Post observations, the results of the experiment suggested an improvement in the left ventricular functionwhich helped to infer that recovery after primary PCI is gradual rather than an immediate and pronounced recovery.

Intravenous antiplatelet therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention : A report from the INVEST-STEMI group.

The use of intravenous antiplatelet therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is not fully standardized. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of periprocedural intravenous administration of cangrelor or tirofiban in a contemporary ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population undergoing PPCI. This was a multicenter prospective cohort study including consecutive STEMI patients who received cangrelor or tirofiban during PPCI at seven Italian centers. The primary effectiveness measure was the angiographic evidence of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow < 3 after PPCI. The primary safety outcome was the in-hospital occurrence of BARC (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium) 2-5 bleedings. The study included 627 patients (median age 63years, 79% males): 312 received cangrelor, 315 tirofiban. The percentage of history of bleeding, pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock at admission was comparable between groups. Patients receiving cangrelor had lower ischemia time compared to tirofiban. TIMI flow before PPCI and TIMI thrombus grade were comparable between groups. At propensity score-weighted regression analysis, the risk of TIMI flow < 3 was significantly lower in patients treated with cangrelor compared to tirofiban (adjusted OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.30-0.53). The risk of BARC 2-5 bleeding was comparable between groups (adjusted OR:1.35; 95% CI: 0.92-1.98). These results were consistent across multiple prespecified subgroups, including subjects stratified for different total ischemia time, with no statistical interaction. In this real-world multicenter STEMI population, the use of cangrelor was associated with improved myocardial perfusion assessed by coronary angiography after PPCI without increasing clinically-relevant bleedings compared to tirofiban.

Intracoronary microcatheter indwelling for continuous pumping of low-dose thrombolytic drugs: A new approach to reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction.

Reperfusion therapy of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) refers to physical or chemical recanalization and restoration of blood flow to an occluded coronary artery, and current techniques for reperfusion therapy include intravenous thrombolysis, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The number of patients receiving emergency CABG in the real world is decreasing due to the disadvantages of CABG and the improvement in PCI procedures. Thrombolytic therapy has some disadvantages such as low recanalization rate, high risk of reocclusion and bleeding, and short time window. On the other hand, intracoronary interventional therapy may meet the requirements of "early, complete and persistent" patency of coronary arteries at different time points. However, in the emergency PCI, although thrombus aspiration via a catheter or balloon dilation is performed, residual thrombus with heavy or low TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) myocardial perfusion grading is still observed in some patients, suggesting disordered microcirculation. Currently, the treatment of microcirculatory disturbance in emergency PCI mainly employed injection of tirofiban, adenosine, thrombolytic agent or other drugs into the local area via a microcatheter in a short time, all of which can significantly reduce the thrombus load and improve TIMI perfusion. Herein, we report that a microcatheter was indwelled in the coronary artery for continuous pumping of low-dose thrombolytic drugs as reperfusion therapy in 12 patients with acute and subacute MI.

One-Month Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Followed by P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy After Biodegradable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation - The REIWA Region-Wide Registry.

The safety and feasibility of using 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by P2Y12inhibitor monotherapy for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with thin-strut biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) in daily clinical practice remain uncertain.Methods and Results: The REIWA region-wide registry is a prospective study conducted in 1 PCI center and 9 local hospitals in northern Japan. A total of 1,202 patients who successfully underwent final PCI using BP-DES (Synergy: n=400; Ultimaster: n=401; Orsiro: n=401), were enrolled in the registry, and received 1-month DAPT followed by P2Y12inhibitor (prasugrel 3.75 mg/day or clopidogrel 75 mg/day) monotherapy. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular and bleeding events at 12 months, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), definite stent thrombosis (ST), ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major or minor bleeding. Based on the results of a previous study, we set the performance goal at 5.0%. Over the 1-year follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 3.08% of patients, which was lower than the predefined performance goal (Pnon-inferiority<0.0001). Notably, definite ST occurred in only 1 patient (0.08%) within 1 year (at 258 days). No differences were observed in the primary endpoint between stent types. The REIWA region-wide registry suggests that 1-month DAPT followed by P2Y12inhibitor monotherapy is safe and feasible for Japanese patients with BP-DES.

Association between the insufficient improvement of the quantitative flow ratio and worsening outcomes in ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction: a multicentre prospective cohort study.

Improved coronary physiological function after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to improve prognosis in stable ischaemic heart disease, but has not yet been explored in ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study sought to determine whether an improvement in the quantitative flow ratio (QFR) could improve the prognosis of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Patients diagnosed with STEMI who were receiving primary PCI were recruited for the study. Those with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow <2 after wiring were excluded. The ΔQFR was calculated using the following formula: ΔQFR = post-PCI QFR - pre-stent QFR. The primary endpoint was the composite event, including recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) and acute heart failure (AHF). In total, 515 STEMI patients with a median follow-up of 364 days were enrolled in the study. Based on the cut-off value from the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, the patients were divided into the following two groups: the lower ΔQFR group (≤0.25, N=332); and the normal ΔQFR group (>0.25, N=183). Patients with a lower ΔQFR had a relatively higher rate of MI/AHF (10.5% vs. 4.4%, P=0.019) and AHF (7.2% vs. 2.7%, P=0.044). A lower ΔQFR was significantly associated with a higher incidence of MI/AHF [hazard ratio (HR) =2.962, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.358-6.459, P=0.006, respectively] after adjusting for potential confounders. Pre-stent angiographic microvascular resistance [odds ratio (OR) =1.027, 95% CI: 1.022-1.033, P<0.001] and the stent-to-vessel diameter ratio <1.13 (OR =1.766, 95% CI: 1.027-3.071, P=0.04) were independent predictors of a lower ΔQFR. An insufficient improvement in the QFR contributes to worsening outcomes and might be a useful tool for risk stratification in STEMI.

Impact of TIMI Risk Stratification on In-Hospital Mortality in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Perspectives from a Coronary Intervention Facility

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses a range of conditions, including non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Risk stratification is essential for guiding management strategies to improve patient outcomes. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score is a validated tool for predicting mortality in NSTEMI patients, yet its applicability in South Asian populations requires further investigation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the TIMI risk score with in-hospital mortality among NSTEMI patients in a tertiary care cardiac center and to assess the relevance of the TIMI score as a prognostic tool in a South Asian context. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 126 patients presenting with NSTEMI at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Karachi. Data were collected from June 2012 to June 2013 after the institutional review board's approval. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18 to 85 with a TIMI score ≥5, while exclusion criteria were refusal to consent and a history of cardiac surgery. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical data, with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results: The study found that 52 (41.3%) patients had diabetes mellitus, and 78 (61.9%) suffered from hypertension. A positive family history of coronary artery disease was observed in 29 (23.0%) patients. Among participants, 42 (33.3%) were smokers. The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.3%. No significant differences were noted in mortality regarding demographic and clinical variables. Conclusion: Elevated TIMI scores in NSTEMI patients are associated with significant in-hospital mortality. The findings underscore the importance of the TIMI risk score as a predictor of short-term outcomes in a South Asian population. The study highlights the need for further validation of the TIMI score in diverse populations and the optimization of risk stratification tools.

Avaliable data for adverce cardiac events prognostication after ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is aimed at the long‑term survival of patients, so attention should be given to predicting adverse outcomes, specifically the development of heart failure, recurrent AMI, cardiovascular death, and so on. The combination of various data obtained in recent decades has helped improve prognosis, but challenges with long‑term survival after ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) still exist.&#x0D; Objective — to find the optimal combination of data collected from patients with STEMI and prospectively analyzed during one‑year observation to improve the quality of prognostication.&#x0D; Materials and methods. One hundred and twenty‑eight enrolled patients visited research center to clinical examination and estimation of left ventricular (LV) function in 365±14 days follow up period after STEMI. End points such as major adverce cardiac events (MACE) — composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, newly diagnosed heart failure, rhythm, and conduction disturbances were estimated. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention was successful, and all included patients had TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) &gt;2. Patients was divided into two cohorts depending on the presence of MACE: global longitudinal strain and mechanical dispersion are independent factors of it (p=0.0006 and p &lt;0.0001respectively).&#x0D; Results. We found the optimal combination of different data for prognostication of adverce outcome after 1 year after STEMI, among them occurred global longitudinal strain, left atrium volume index, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, mechanical dispersion, LV ejection fraction. They all reflect different hemodynamic sides of LV remodeling after STEMI.&#x0D; Conclusions. The model is simple and avaliable for use in medical practice.&#x0D;

VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS AS PREDICTORS OF DEATH IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND CORONARY MICROVASCULAR OBSTRUCTION (NO-REFLOW)

HighlightsThe review analyzed the role of various preoperative indicators as predictors of long-term mortality in patients with myocardial infarction and coronary microvascular obstruction (no-reflow) that developed during percutaneous coronary intervention. As a result of a multifactorial analysis, taking into account the confounders available for evaluation, we have found that predilation serves as an independent predictor of death within two years. AbstractAim. To evaluate the role of various aspects of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) as predictors of long-term death in myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO, no-reflow).Methods. The unmatched case-control study included 232 patients with type 1 MI and CMVO developed during PCI. CMVO criteria were as follows: TIMI flow grade &lt;3, Myocardial blush grade &lt;2, ST segment resolution after PCI &lt;70%. The “cases” group consisted of 54 (23.3%) patients who died within the next two years, the “controls” group consisted of 178 (76.7%) patients who survived. The analysis included the following indicators: predilation, high-pressure balloon post-dilation, vacuum assisted manual thromboaspiration, intra-aortic balloon pump, intracoronary administration of isosorbide dinitrate and verapamil hydrochloride, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and “potent” p2y12 inhibitors usage, bare-metal stents, stent implantation with exceeded rated burst pressure, 3 or more stents usage, PCI on more than one artery, the ratio of contrast agent volume to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) &gt;3.0. A univariate comparative analysis of the groups regarding PCI aspects and potential confounders was performed (Mann-Whitney, Fisher). To control the confounders, a multivariate analysis was carried out (logistic regression).Results. Differences were obtained for the following indicators: “predilation” – in 51 (94%) patients in the “cases” group and in 139 (78%) in the “control” group, p-value = 0.005; “intra-aortic balloon pump” – in 9 (17%) and 7 (4%) patients respectively, p-value = 0.003; “the ratio of contrast agent volume to GFR &gt;3.0” – in 26 (48%) and 48 (27%) patients, p-value = 0.005. Multivariate analysis revealed that only predilation was an independent predictor of death within two years – odds ratio 7.38 (95% confidence interval 1.70–49.04, p-value = 0.005).Conclusion. Predilation of the infarct-related coronary artery is an independent predictor of death within two years in MI patients who develop CMVO during PCI.

Navigating the Risk: “Unraveling the Relationship between Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (“TIMI” Risk Score) and Coronary Vessel Involvement in Non-ST-Elevated acute Coronary Syndrome with Respect to “Syntax” Score – A Cross-sectional Study”

Objectives: Patients with unstable angina and non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) present with a spectrum of cardiac events and death. Hence, early accurate management should be initiated. This can be achieved by risk stratifying the patients as early as possible on hospital admission. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score assessment is used widely for this purpose. It helps to standardize the approach of management and compare the extent and number of vessels involved in the coronary angiogram. This research aims to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) in individuals with NSTEMI by examining the extent of vessel involvement and the complexity of coronary artery blockages, using the SYNTAX score about the TIMI risk score. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved 60 participants who were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The TIMI risk score was computed for each individual, categorized as either &lt;4 or ≥4, and the results of their coronary angiogram were analyzed to assess the degree of vessel involvement, categorizing it as either single-vessel disease (SVD) or multi-vessel disease (MVD). The Syntax score was computed for all angiograms and divided into two groups based on whether it was ≤22 or &gt;22. Results: The average age of the participants in our study was 56 ± 10.64, with an age range of 34. Gender distribution revealed a higher proportion of males, constituting 68.3% (41 individuals), while females accounted for 31.7% (19 individuals). The angiogram results demonstrated that among the patients with TIMI score &lt;4, 70% (14 individuals) had SVD, 30% (6 individuals) had MVD, and among those with score ≥4, 15% (6 individuals) had SVD while 75% (34 individuals) had MVD. In the subgroup analysis of TIMI &lt;4, a Syntax score &lt;22 was observed in 15 cases of SVD and a score &gt;22 was observed in cases of MVD. Likewise, in the TIMI &gt;4 group, a Syntax score &lt;22 was observed in 12 cases of SVD and a score &gt;22 was observed in 28 cases of MVD. Conclusion: This study noted that patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary angiogram and had a TIMI score of ≥4 were observed to have a 13-fold increased likelihood of having multi-vessel Coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to those with a TIMI score of &lt;4. TIMI score of ≥4 had a 7 times higher chance of getting a SYNTAX score &gt;22.

Ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor plus aspirin following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with versus without diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is one among the major causes of mortality all round the globe. Several anti-platelet regimens have been proposed following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this analysis, we aimed to show the adverse clinical outcomes associated with ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ticagrelor and aspirin following PCI in patients with versus without diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsElectronic databases were searched by four authors from September to November 2023. Cardiovascular outcomes and bleeding events were the endpoints of this analysis. Revman 5.4 software was used to conduct this meta-analysis. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to represent the results which were generated.ResultsThree studies with a total number of 22,574 participants enrolled from years 2013 to 2019 were included in this analysis. Results of this analysis showed that DM was associated with significantly higher risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (RR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.49 – 2.00; P = 0.00001), all-cause mortality (RR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.73 – 2.66; P = 0.00001), cardiac death (RR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.42 – 5.60; P = 0.003), stroke (RR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.16 – 2.74; P = 0.009), myocardial infarction (RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.17 – 2.26; P = 0.004) and stent thrombosis (RR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.03 – 2.94; P = 0.04) when compared to patients without DM.However, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) defined minor and major bleedings, bleeding defined according to the academic research consortium (BARC) type 3c (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.14 – 11.90; P = 0.81) and BARC type 2, 3 or 5 (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.85 – 1.62; P = 0.34) were not significantly different.ConclusionIn patients who were treated with ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of DAPT with ticagrelor and aspirin, DM was an independent risk factor for the significantly increased adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, TIMI and BARC defined bleeding events were not significantly different in patients with versus without DM.

Nearly catastrophe coronary perforation: Is it second drug-eluting stent effective?

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is an uncommon yet serious complication. Although severe perforations (Ellis III) have become more frequent, the overall mortality rate associated with perforations (7.5%) has decreased in recent years. Unfortunately, our medical facility cannot always access a cover stent. The aim of this case report was to demonstrate the effectiveness of using a second drug-eluting stent as an alternative and successful treatment approach in a CAP patient. This is the case of a 67-year-old female with stable angina pectoris Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification III (CCS III), three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), who declined CABG (Syntax score of 44) and had type II diabetes mellitus. The patient underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and we identified diffuse stenosis in the proximal to distal portions of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with extensive calcification. Furthermore, there was a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in obtuse marginal (OM) 2, as well as critical stenosis in OM3, 80% stenosis in the proximal part of right coronary artery (RCA), 90% stenosis in the middle of the RCA, 90–95% in the distal RCA, and diffuse stenosis ranging from 70–80% in the distal posterolateral. During the procedure to alleviate the stenosis in the left circumflex artery (LCx), we encountered a coronary perforation classified as Ellis type III while using a 2.5/20 mm NC balloon inflated to 12 atm for 12 seconds. In response, we performed stent placement from the proximal LCx to OM2 using the Xience Xpedition drug-eluting stent (DES) measuring 2.5/28 mm. Subsequently, we conducted extended balloon inflation (intermittent) for five minutes. Despite these efforts, the coronary perforation, still classified as Ellis type III, persisted. We decided to employ intrastent stenting (a second DES strategy) with the Coroflex Isar DES measuring 2.5/28 mm, followed by prolonged balloon inflation. The outcome revealed no remaining perforation, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) III flow, and no complications such as pericardial effusion after 48 hours of monitoring. The implantation of a second DES proved to be a practical approach for managing a significant CAP.

Determinants of serious in-hospital complications in patients with Killip class 1/2 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Killip classification has been used to stratify the risk of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There were many reports that Killip class 3 or 4 is closely associated with poor clinical outcomes. In other words, Killip class 1 or 2 is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients with AMI, especially when patients received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, some patients with Killip class 1/2 suffer from serious in-hospital complications. This study aimed to identify factors associated with serious in-hospital complications of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with Killip class 1/2. The primary endpoint was serious in-hospital complications defined as the composite of in-hospital death and mechanical complications. We included 809 patients with STEMI, and divided them into the non-complication group (n = 791) and the complication group (n = 18). In-hospital death was observed in 14 patients (1.7%), and mechanical complications were observed in 4 patients (0.5%). Final TIMI flow ≤ 2 was more frequently observed in the complication group (33.3%) than in the non-complication group (5.4%) (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serious in-hospital complication was associated with final TIMI flow grade ≤ 2 (Odds ratio 6.040, 95% confidence interval 2.042-17.870, p = 0.001). In conclusion, serious in-hospital complication of STEMI was associated with insufficient final TIMI flow grade in patients with Killip class 1/2. If final TIMI flow grade is suboptimal after primary PCI, we may recognize the potential risk of serious complications even when patients presented as Killip class 1/2.

Risk factors for electrical storms following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis.

Electrical storms (ESs) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients pose a significant challenge, affecting prognostic outcomes and increasing mortality. This meta-analysis synthesized data from 11 studies involving 9,666 AMI patients to identify risk factors associated with ES following PCI. Our findings revealed an average ES incidence of 7.70%, with identified risk factors including low thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades (0-1), elevated cardiac troponin I levels, persistent hypotension, reperfusion arrhythmias, the right coronary artery being the infarct-related artery, increased diameter of the infarct-related artery, renal dysfunction, elevated creatine kinase-MB, and bradycardia. Notably, the use of β-blockers was found to significantly reduce the risk of ES. The study underscores the importance of early identification and management of these risk factors in AMI patients undergoing PCI to prevent the occurrence of ES, highlighting the protective role of β-blockers. This research provides a foundation for future strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and improving the prognosis of ES in this patient population.

Establishment of CME Mouse Model Based on Autologous Thrombotic Particles and the Effect of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill on the Coronary Microvascular Blood Flow in This Model

Coronary microvascular disease poses significant clinical harm and is closely associated with major cardiovascular adverse events. Existing research has highlighted coronary microvascular embolism (CME) as an important factor. Previous studies have utilized microspheres to construct a mouse model of CME, which can partially simulate coronary microvascular disease. However, there are notable discrepancies from the clinical reality. Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (SXDP), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used in Chinese hospitals for treating coronary heart disease. Our preliminary research has indicated that SXDP effectively alleviates chest pain symptoms and improves coronary thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) blood flow in patients with angina pectoris. Nonetheless, the specific mechanism remains unclear. To address this, the current study aimed to explore the size and concentration of autologous thrombotic particles to construct a CME mouse model, taking reference from previous studies on microsphere parameters (size: 9 µm; concentration: 500 000/50 µl). Additionally, we aimed to observe the effect of SXDP on coronary microvascular blood flow in this model. The experiments revealed that the average size of 400-mesh thrombus particles closely approximated 9 µm, and the concentration suspension at a ratio of 1 : 0.15, with a volume of 50 µl, contained approximately 500 000 particles. Concurrently, we observed that 400-mesh blood clot particles induced T-wave elevation in the electrocardiogram, decreased region of interest value in laser speckle examination, downregulated CD31 and Lectin in vascular endothelium, caused thrombosis in coronary microvessels, and led to myocardial infarction. Moreover, a decrease in serum nitric oxide levels and an increase in endothelin-1 (ET-1) were observed. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of SXDP on this animal model and identified potential mechanisms underlying its ability to reverse the aforementioned pathological changes. The research findings suggest that 400-mesh blood clot particles can successfully establish a CME mouse model, and SXDP can improve coronary microvascular blood perfusion, potentially through the improvement of endothelial function.