Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

Percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in left main disease according to patients' sex: A meta-analysis.

The role of sex in choosing between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease has gained interest. Randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies comparing PCI versus CABG in ULMCA patients with outcomes by sex were included. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with secondary endpoints being all-cause mortality and repeated revascularization. Ten studies (3 randomized, 7 observational) involving 22,141 ULMCA disease patients (13,411 PCI, 8730 CABG) with a median 5-year follow-up were included. Among males, PCI was associated with a higher risk of MACE (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38), while no significant difference was seen in females. However, moderator analysis showed no significant interaction between sex and revascularization strategy for MACE (p for interaction .422). No differences in all-cause mortality were observed between PCI and CABG for either sex. Repeated revascularization risk was significantly higher with PCI for both sexes (HR 3.51, 95% CI 2.21-5.59 in males and HR 4.20, 95% CI 2.57-6.87 in females). In males with ULMCA disease, CABG was associated with a lower risk of MACE compared to PCI, while no significant differences were seen in females. The lack of a significant interaction between sex and revascularization strategy suggests that these findings may not reflect true sex-based effect modification. PCI was linked to a higher risk of repeated revascularization in both sexes compared to CABG. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42024537726).

Impact of intravascular imaging on mortality in patients undergoing left main coronary artery PCI. Propensity score matching analysis of the high-volume single centre registry

Abstract Background Recent guidelines endorsed use of intravascular imaging in left main coronary artery (LMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, impact of adjunctive percutaneous imaging tools on mortality is ambiguous. Purpose The purpose was to investigate impact of intravascular imaging (IVI) on all-cause mortality in patients with LMCA disease. Methods Group of 998 individuals undergoing LMCA PCI was selected from medical records of patients hospitalized in years 2008-2022. Data on mortality were obtained from the Ministry of Digital Affairs. Overall observation time was 14 years (mean 4.3 years). Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression in the overall and propensity-score matched (PSM) population. Results The median age was 71 y.o. (IQR 16), 265 (41.0%) of patients presented with acute myocardial infarction and 183 (20.7%) had history of previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). IVI-guided PCI was performed in 353 (35.4%) patients. In the overall unmatched population, IVI reduced one-year and long-term mortality by 70% (HR 0.3, 95% 0.19-0.47, P<0.001) and 57% (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.34-0.55, P<0.001). In the subgroup analysis stratified on the history of previous CABG, in patients with unprotected LMCA, IVI resulted in 74% and 63% mortality reduction in the one-year and long-term follow-up (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16-0.42, P<0.001; HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.28-0.47, P<0.001; respectively). No influence of IVI on patients with previous CABG was observed. After PSM adjustment for baseline and angiographical characteristics, in the overall population IVI was still associated with significant one-year (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.99, P=0.045) and long-term mortality reduction (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.97, P=0.03). In patients with unprotected LMCA disease, IVI reduced mortality in two-year observation (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.91, P=0.02) and long-term follow-up (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.93, P=0.02), with no significant effect in one-year observation. No effect of IVI was observed in the PS-matched cohort of patients with previous CABG. Conclusions Intravascular imaging is associated with significantly better survival in patients undergoing LMCA PCI. The greatest benefit may be obtained in patients with no previous history of CABG. Further studies should investigate subgroups that benefit the most from adjunctive percutaneous tools.PS-matching detailsKaplan-Meier curves in subgroups

Prognostic value of pan immune-inflammation value in patients undergoing unprotected left main coronary artery stenting.

Aim: This study aimed long-term prognostic factors for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease, focusing on inflammatory parameters like Pan Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII).Materials & methods: This retrospective, observational study involved 121 patients receiving unprotected LMCA PCI.The study's primary end point was MACE, including all-cause death, repeat revascularization and myocardial reinfarction.Results: The PIV and SII scores emerged as independent predictors of MACE occurrence in patients undergoing PCI for unprotected LMCA disease (p:0.045,p:0.048;respectively).In addition, age, ejection fraction, creatinine, shock presentation and the residual syntax score were identified as significant independent predictors of MACE in both models.Conclusion: This study showed a significant, independent correlation between PIV, SII and MACE in patients undergoing PCI for LMCA disease, with PIV showing slightly better predictive capability than SII.

Successful Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Challenging Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Patient: How to Prepare and Optimize

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) due to unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) is a relatively uncommon presentation. It represents as the anatomical subset of coronary artery disease (CAD) with the highest risk of atherosclerotic obstructive CAD. In the setting of acute MI, the treatment options are limited in this particular condition. Major advances in the field of PCI have made PCI as a viable option for patients with ULMCAD who are equally suited for CABG or PCI. This study aimed to describe the contemporary evidence PCI for ULMCAD. Case Illustration: A man was admitted to our hospital with crescendo angina accompanied with dyspnea. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed biphasic t wave on V2-V5 leads. He continued to experience symptoms of ischemia and had increased serial cardiac enzymes. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support was implemented before performing the PCI. After eight days of hospitalization, he was discharged with stable hemodynamics. Conclusion: PCI has risks and advantages when performed on patients with complex CAD, including ULMCAD. The prognosis for this high-risk patient group can be improved with thorough preparation and effective treatment strategies. Keyword: Coronary Artery Disease, Myocardial Infarction, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Long-term outcomes of IVUS-guided and angiography-guided drug-eluting stent implantation for left main coronary artery disease: a retrospective consort study

BackgroundIn patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD), this study compared the long-term prognosis of drug-eluting stent insertion guided by intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) vs. angiography.Patients and methodsThis retrospective consort investigation was performed in December 2021. This analysis included 199 patients who underwent IVUS-guided (IVUS group, n = 81) or angiography-guided (angiography group, n = 118) drug-eluting stent implantation at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University between September 2013 and September 2018. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as cardiovascular death, sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction.ResultsThe IVUS group had considerably lower proportions of MACE within 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.002) and cardiac mortality within 3 years postoperatively (P = 0.018) compared to the angiography group. However, after adjusting for confounding variables, the hazard ratio for 3-year cardiac mortality was similar between the two groups (P = 0.28). In the IVUS group, there was considerably greater minimum lumen diameter (MLD) (P = 0.046), and reduced frequencies of target vessel restenosis (P < 0.050) and myocardial infarction (MI) (P = 0.024) compared to the angiography group. Cox regression analysis for 3-year cardiac mortality found that MSD was independently associated with low cardiac mortality (HR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01–14.92, P = 0.030).ConclusionIVUS-guided drug-eluting stent implantation may lead to better long-term prognosis in patients with ULMCAD, and MSD may be a predictor for lower cardiac mortality.

Impact of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump on outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting for unprotected left-main coronary artery disease.

Preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) could improve operative outcomes by augmenting the diastolic coronary blood flow. Data on preoperative IABP use in patients with left-main coronary artery (LMCA) disease are limited. This study aimed to characterize patients who received preoperative IABP before CABG for LMCA and evaluate its effect on postoperative outcomes. This multicenter retrospective cohort study that included consecutive 914 patients who underwent CABG for unprotected LMCA disease from January 2015 to December 2019 in 14 tertiary referral centers. Patients were grouped according to the preoperative IABP insertion into patients with IABP (n=101) and without IABP (n=813). Propensity score matching adjusting for preoperative variables, with 1:1 match and a caliber of 0.03 identified 80 matched pairs. The primary outcomes used in propensity score matching were cardiac mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). IABP was commonly inserted in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI), chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, and congestive heart failure. IABP patients had higher EuroSCORE [ES >8%: 95 (11.86%) vs. 40 (39.60%), P<0.001] and SYNTAX {29 [interquartile range (IQR) 25-35] vs. 33 (IQR 26-36); P=0.02} scores. Preoperative cardiogenic shock and arrhythmia were more prevalent in patients with IABP, while acute coronary syndrome was more prevalent in patients without IABP. After matching, there was no difference in vasoactive inotropic score between groups [3.5 (IQR 1-7.5) vs. 6 (IQR 1-13.5), P=0.06], and lactate levels were nonsignificantly higher in patients with IABP [2.4 (IQR 1.4-4.5) vs. 3.1 (IQR 1.05-7.75), P=0.05]. There were no differences between groups in acute kidney injury [20 (25%) vs. 26 (32.5%), P=0.34], cerebrovascular accidents [3 (3.75%) vs. 4 (5%), P>0.99], heart failure [5 (6.25%) vs. 7 (8.75%), P=0.75], MI [7 (8.75%) vs. 8 (10%), P>0.99], major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [10 (12.5%) vs. 17 (21.25%), P=0.21], and cardiac mortality [6 (7.50%) vs. 14 (17.50%), P=0.09]. Patients who received IABP had longer ventilation times [8.5 (IQR 6-23) vs. 15.5 (IQR 5-50.5) h, P=0.03] and intensive care unit (ICU) stays [3 (IQR 2-5) vs. 4 (IQR 2-7.5) days, P=0.01]. Preoperative IABP in patients with LMCA might not be associated with reduced cardiac mortality or hospital complications. IABP could increase the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and its use should be individualized for each patient.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous intervention on the unprotected left main coronary artery

The debate on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) has been constant over time. To investigate the clinical and procedural characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes of PCI of unprotected LMCA. Observational study which included patients with unprotected LMCA disease undergoing PCI; patients with cardiogenic shock prior to the procedure were excluded. We describe the clinical and angiographic characteristics, as well as the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) according to the year of the procedure. We included 73 patients, with a SYNTAX I score of 31.2 ± 9.1, mostly with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (35%). There was a higher frequency of triple vessel coronary disease (63%) and distal LMCA lesions (35%). The provisional stent technique was the most used for distal lesions (58%) and the 2-stent technique for bifurcation lesions (78%), supported by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in 38%. During follow-up, 19 presented MACCE (26%), out of which cardiac death occurred in 13%, non-cardiovascular death in 5%, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction in 1%, cerebrovascular event in 2%, and revascularization of the treated vessel in 4%. It was observed a similar frequency to the one appearing in other studies of cardiovascular events, mainly in patients with intermediate risk, which supports the increasing use of percutaneous intervention in this population.

Very long-term prognostic value of clinical SYNTAX score in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for left main coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Recently, long-term prognostic value of SYNTAX score (SS) has been validated in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCA). However, the ability of clinical SYNTAX score (CSS) to predict very long-term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for LMCA has not been fully investigated yet. Purpose We aimed to validate the impact of CSS on very long-term outcomes in patients undergoing PCI for LMCA. Methods Between June 2006 and December 2012, 279 patients underwent unprotected LMCA PCI were analyzed. The SS for each patient was calculated by scoring all coronary lesions using SS algorithm. CSS was calculated by multiplying the SS to an ACEF score (age/left ventricular ejection fraction + 1 if serum creatinine&amp;gt;2mg/dL). Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and revascularizations. Mean follow-up duration was 2,529±1664 days. Results The CSS (26.8±11.9 versus 39.9±26.1, p&amp;lt;0.001) as well as SS (23.2±6.9 versus 25.8±7.9, p=0.003) was significantly higher in patients with MACEs. Area under the curve for MACEs (0.672 versus 0.599, p=0.0023) and mortality (0.744 versus 0.626, p&amp;lt;0.0001) of CSS was significantly higher compared with those of SS (Figure 1). The CSS significantly improved the reclassification and the integrated discrimination of patients compared to SS. Log CSS was an independent predictor for MACEs (hazard ratio [HR] 5.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98 – 14.61; p = 0.006) and mortality (HR 11.69, 95% CI 3.30 – 41.31; p &amp;lt; 0.001). When patients were categorized into 3 groups according to tertiles of CSS (Low CSS ≤ 22, 22 &amp;lt; Mid CSS ≤ 34, High CSS &amp;gt; 34), patients in the highest CSS tertile had significantly higher rates of MACEs (log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001) and mortality (log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001) compared with those in the lower 2 tertiles (Figure 2). The highest CSS tertile was an independent predictor for MACEs (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.42 – 3.82; p = 0.001) and mortality (HR 5.66, 95% CI 2.20 – 14.57; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions The CSS is useful to predict very long-term clinical outcome in patients underwent unprotected LMCA PCI.

Early experience of intravascular lithotripsy in unprotected calcified left main coronary artery disease

BackgroundTreatment of unprotected severely calcified left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is a complex interventional procedure. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) and rotational atherectomy (RA) are safe and effective methods of treating coronary calcification in the non-LMCA setting. This retrospective analysis assessed the feasibility of IVL versus RA in unprotected LMCA disease. MethodsWe analyzed IVL and RA procedures performed at a large tertiary hospital in the Northeast of England from January 1, 2019 to April 31, 2022. Major safety and efficacy endpoints were procedural and angiographic success, defined by stent delivery with <50 % residual stenosis and without clinical or angiographic complications, respectively. Another important clinical endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 year. ResultsFrom 242 patients, 44 had LMCA IVL, 81 had LMCA RA and 117 had non-LMCA IVL. Patients with LMCA disease were older and more likely to have aortic stenosis. IVL was a second-line or bailout technique in 86.4 % LMCA and 92.2 % non-LMCA cases. Procedural and angiographic success rates were ≥ 84 % across all groups (p > 0.05). In 3 LMCA IVL and 3 LMCA RA cases arrhythmias and cardiac tamponade complicated the procedures respectively. At 1 year, MACE occurred in 10/44 (22.7 %) LMCA IVL, 16/81 (19.8 %) LMCA RA and 25/117 (21.4 %) cases (p > 0.05). ConclusionIn our single center retrospective analysis, IVL is feasible in unprotected calcified LMCA as a second-line and third-line adjuvant calcium modification technique. Its use in unprotected calcified LMCA disease should be formalized with the undertaking of large randomized controlled trials.

Outcomes of Left Main Revascularization in Patients with Anemia: Gulf Left Main Registry

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of baseline anemia and anemia following revascularization on outcomes in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019. The data on patients with ULMCA who underwent revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were stratified by the hemoglobin level at baseline into anemic and non-anemic groups to compare in-hospital events. The pre-discharge hemoglobin following revascularization was categorized into very low (<80 g/L for men and women), low (≥80 and ≤119 g/L for women and ≤129 g/L for men), and normal (≥130 g/L for men and ≥120 g/L for women) to assess impact on follow-up outcomes. Results: A total of 2,138 patients were included, 796 (37.2%) of whom had anemia at baseline. A total of 319 developed anemia after revascularization and moved from being non-anemic at baseline to anemic at discharge. There was no difference in hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) and mortality between CABG and PCI in anemic patients. At a median follow-up time of 20 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 27), patients with pre-discharge anemia who underwent PCI had a higher incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) (p < 0.0001), and those who underwent CABG had significantly higher follow-up mortality (HR: 9.85 (95% CI: 2.53–38.43), p = 0.001). Conclusion: In this Gulf LM study, baseline anemia had no impact upon in-hospital MACCE and total mortality following revascularization (PCI or CABG). However, pre-discharge anemia is associated with worse outcomes after ULMCA disease revascularization, with significantly higher all-cause mortality in patients who had CABG, and a higher incidence of CHF in PCI patients, at a median follow-up time of 20 months (IQR: 27).

Does Gender Affect the Outcomes of Myocardial Revascularization for Left-Main Coronary Artery Disease?

Currently, gender is not considered in the choice of the revascularization strategy for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. This study analyzed the effect of gender on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ULMCA disease. Females who had PCI (n = 328) were compared with females who had CABG (n = 132) and PCI in males (n = 894) was compared with CABG (n = 784). Females with CABG had higher overall hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than females with PCI. Male patients with CABG had higher MACE; however, mortality did not differ between males with CABG vs PCI. In female patients, follow-up mortality was significantly higher in CABG patients, and target lesion revascularization was higher in patients with PCI. Male patients had no difference in mortality and MACE between groups; however, MI was higher with CABG, and congestive heart failure was higher with PCI. In conclusion, women with ULMCA disease treated with PCI could have better survival with lower MACE compared with CABG. These differences were not evident in males treated with either CABG or PCI. PCI could be the preferred revascularization strategy in women with ULMCA disease.

784 IMPACT OF ELECTIVE, UNCOMPLICATED TARGET LESION REVASCULARIZATION ON CARDIAC MORTALITY AFTER ELECTIVE PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION OF UNPROTECTED LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Abstract Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) appears a reasonable alternative to coronary artery bypass graft in selected groups of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. Despite technological progression, improved operator skills and introduction of drug-eluting stents (DES), in-stent restenosis still remains a major limitation after PCI of ULMCA disease. The prognostic relevance of target lesion revascularization (TLR) after PCI of ULMCA disease is unknown. Objectives This study sought to evaluate the impact of elective, uncomplicated target lesion revascularization on long-term cardiac mortality after PCI of ULMCA disease. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing PCI for ULMCA disease between January 2003 and December 2015 in one interventional center in Italy were included. Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI), as well as those undergoing urgent or complicated TLR were excluded. The primary endpoint of the study was cardiac mortality. The secondary endpoints of the study were all-cause death, MI, stroke as individual endpoints, or the composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke defined as major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results Among the 418 patients fulfilling the study criteria, 79 (18.46%) underwent elective, uncomplicated TLR. After a median follow-up of 5.5 years, there were 23 cardiac deaths among patients undergoing elective, uncomplicated TLR versus 50 in patients not undergoing TLR. After adjusting for possible confounders, TLR was an independent predictor of cardiac mortality (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 to 3.49; p = 0.03). Patients undergoing TLR had also significantly higher rates of the composite of cardiac death, MI and stroke compared with the no TLR group (adjusted HR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.72). Conclusion Elective, uncomplicated TLR after PCI of ULMCA disease is associated with increased risk of long-term cardiac mortality. Reducing the risk of TLR after PCI of ULMCA disease may potentially improve the survival of these patients.

Long-term outcomes of percutaneous versussurgical revascularization in patients with diabetes and left main coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) relative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with diabetes and unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) are not well established. To perform a meta-analysis evaluating the long-term outcomes after PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES), as compared with CABG, in patients with diabetes and unprotected LMCAD. MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported outcomes after PCI with DES versusCABG in unprotected LMCAD among patients with diabetes. To evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions, we restricted this analysis to studies with a minimum follow-up period of 3 years. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed according to Cochrane recommendations. Four RCTs with a total of 1080 patients were included, 553 (51.2%) of whom underwent PCI. There was no difference for individual outcomes of all-cause mortality (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.86-1.71; p = .27; I2 = 28%), cardiovascular death (RR 1.29; 95% CI: 0.76-2.18; p = .34; I2 = 0%), or myocardial infarction (MI)(RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.61-1.45; p = .79; I2 = 0%). However, the risk of stroke was reduced with PCI relative to CABG (RR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18-0.94; p = .04; I2 = 0%), whereas the risk of any repeat revascularization was higher in the PCI group (RR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.44-2.75; p < .001; I2 = 0%). The risk of the composite outcome of all-cause mortality, MI, stroke, or repeat revascularization was higher after PCI compared with CABG (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.09-1.56; p = .004; I2 = 0%). In this meta-analysis with more than 1000 patients with diabetes and unprotected LMCAD followed for a minimum of 3 years, the incidence of repeat revascularization was higher among those treated with PCI, whereas the risk of stroke was higher in patients treated with CABG.

Perioperative variation in serum FGF-23 level and its correlation with MACCE risk in unprotected left main coronary artery disease patients receiving coronary artery bypassing grafting.

ObjectiveFibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) mediates vascular endothelial injury, inflammatory infiltration, and atherosclerosis, which could reflect major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) risk in several cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to further investigate the perioperative change of FGF-23, as well as its association with clinical characteristics and MACCE risk in unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsA total of 226 ULMCAD patients who underwent CABG were enrolled. Serum samples of the patients were collected on the day before CABG, the third day (D3) after CABG, and at discharge; then, the FGF-23 level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The MACCE rate was recorded during a median follow-up of 25.5 (range: 2.0–46.0) months.ResultsThe median, interquartile range (IQR), and range of FGF-23 level in ULMCAD patients receiving CABG were 717.0, 582.5–869.8, and 407.0–1765.0 pg/ml, respectively. FGF-23 level was increased in patients with both previous heart failure (P = 0.046) and chronic renal failure (P = 0.009) compared to those without. FGF-23 level increased from before surgery [median (IQR): 712.5 (574.5–879.8) pg/ml] to D3 [median (IQR): 844.0 (666.0–1072.5) pg/ml], then declined at discharge [median (IQR): 764.5 (569.3–986.8) pg/ml] (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the preoperative FGF-23 level (P = 0.028), but not the FGF-23 level at discharge (P = 0.067) was positively correlated with the cumulative MACCE rate. Multivariable Cox's analyses found that preoperative FGF-23 level could independently predict cumulative MACCE rate [P = 0.015, hazards ratio (HR) = 2.940].ConclusionPreoperative FGF-23 level predicts higher MACCE risk in ULMCAD patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Outcomes of Myocardial Revascularization in Diabetic Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter Observational Study From Three Gulf Countries

BackgroundReal-world data for managing patients with diabetes and left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease are scarce. We compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetes and LMCA disease patients. MethodsWe retrospectively studied patients with LMCA presented to 14 centers from 2015 to 2019. The study included 2138 patients with unprotected LMCA disease; 1468 (68.7 %) had diabetes. Patients were grouped into; diabetes with PCI (n = 804) or CABG (n = 664) and non-diabetes with PCI (n = 418) or CABG (n = 252). ResultsIn diabetes, cardiac (34 (5.1 %) vs. 22 (2.7 %); P = 0.016), non-cardiac (13 (2 %) vs. 6 (0.7 %); P = 0.027) and total hospital mortality (47 (7.1 %) vs. 28 (3.5 %); P = 0.0019), myocardial infarction (45 (6.8 %) vs. 11 (1.4 %); P = 0.001), cerebrovascular events (25 (3.8 %) vs. 12 (1.5 %); P = 0.005) and minor bleeding (65 (9.8 %) vs. 50 (6.2 %); P = 0.006) were significantly higher in CABG patients compared to PCI; respectively. The median follow-up time was 20 (10–37) months. In diabetes, total mortality was higher in CABG (P = 0.001) while congestive heart failure was higher in PCI (P = 0.001). There were no differences in major adverse cerebrovascular events and target lesion revascularization between PCI and CABG. Predictors of mortality in diabetes were high anatomical SYNTAX, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and cardiogenic shock. ConclusionsIn this multicenter retrospective study, we found no significant difference in clinical outcomes during the short-term follow-up between PCI with second-generation DES and CABG except for lower total mortality and a higher rate of congestive heart failure in PCI group of patients. Randomized trials to characterize patients who could benefit from each treatment option are needed.

Thrombotic Left Main Coronary Artery Occlusion Treated With Bioresorbable Scaffold.

A 56-year-old man with a history of smoking presented with an extensive anterolateral ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (Killip class III) and moderate left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Emergency coronary angiograms revealed acute thrombotic occlusion of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) (Fig. 1A) and a dominant right coronary artery contributing to Rentrop grade 2 collateral circulation (Fig. 1B). We directed a guidewire into the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and then, under optical coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging guidance, deployed a 3.5 × 28-mm Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular; no longer commercially available) in the unprotected LMCA and LAD. Next, we dilated the vessels with a 3.5 × 20-mm noncompliant balloon. The good angiographic result indicated that patency had been achieved (Fig. 1C). With use of OCT, we confirmed the correct apposition of the scaffold (Fig. 2A), but also identified a small distal edge dissection in the LAD unsuitable for stenting, leaving the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery caged by struts (Fig. 2B). At the patient's 40-month follow-up visit, his LV function had recovered, and a coronary angiogram confirmed that the treated unprotected LMCA-LAD remained patent (Fig. 1D). Optical coherence tomograms showed most of the struts to be adequately covered with neointima and in the process of being reabsorbed (Fig. 2C); they also showed no remaining scaffold struts or neointimal bridges at the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery and other branches (Fig. 2D).To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of catastrophic acute thrombosis of an unprotected LMCA being treated with a bioresorbable scaffold. Acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected LMCA disease is rare, but it is also clinically catastrophic and associated with a high mortality rate even after successful revascularization.1 Despite the withdrawal of the Absorb bioresorbable scaffold from commercial sale,2 bioresorbable scaffolds in general are still an attractive therapeutic option for de novo lesions or spontaneous coronary artery dissections during percutaneous coronary interventions, particularly in young patients with less complex lesions.

Outcomes of Left Main Revascularization after Percutaneous Intervention or Bypass Surgery.

Background This study is aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes of unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) treatment with contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a “real-world” population. Methods and Results Overall, 558 consecutive patients with ULMCAD (mean age 71 ± 9 years, male gender 81%) undergoing PCI or CABG were compared. The primary endpoint was the composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke. Diabetes was present in 29% and acute coronary syndrome in 56%; mean EuroSCORE was 11 ± 8. High coronary complexity (SYNTAX score >32) was present in 50% of patients. The primary composite endpoint was similar after PCI and CABG up to 4 years (15.5 ± 3.1% vs. 17.1 ± 2.6%; p=0.585). The primary end point was also comparable in a two propensity score matched cohorts. Ischemia-driven revascularization was more frequently needed in PCI than in CABG (5.5% vs. 1.5%; p=0.010). By multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (HR 2.00; p=0.003) and EuroSCORE (HR 3.71; p < 0.001) were the only independent predictors associated with long-term outcome. Conclusions In a “real-world” population with ULMCAD, a contemporary revascularization strategy by PCI or CABG showed similar long-term clinical outcome regardless of the coronary complexity.

Sex-Specific Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To assess whether outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease differ between men and women. Current guidelines recommend either PCI or CABG for patients with unprotected LMCA disease and low-to-intermediate anatomical complexity. However, it is unclear whether these guidelines apply to women, who are underrepresented in clinical trials. An electronic search was performed to identify studies reporting sex-specific outcomes after PCI versus CABG in patients with LMCA disease. Trial level hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by random-effects modelling. Eight (8) studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 13,066 patients (24.3% women). In both sexes, there was no difference between PCI and CABG with respect to the primary composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction or stroke (HR in women: 1.03, 95% CI 0.76-1.40; HR in men: 1.04, 95% CI 0.92-1.17). However, both sexes were more likely to require repeat revascularisation after PCI. There was no interaction between sex and treatment effect for the primary composite endpoint nor for the individual outcomes of death, stroke and repeat revascularisation. However, in women the risk of myocardial infarction was higher after PCI compared with CABG (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.06-3.18), with a trend toward the opposite in men (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.54-1.13; p-interaction=0.01). Percutaneous coronary intervention and CABG have a comparable risk of the composite outcome of death, stroke or myocardial infarction in patients undergoing revascularisation for LMCA disease, with no significant interaction between sex and treatment effect.

A multi-center, international, randomized, 2-year, parallel-group study to assess the superiority of IVUS-guided PCI versus qualitative angio-guided PCI in unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease: Study protocol for OPTIMAL trial.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used increasingly for revascularization of unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Observational studies and subgroup analyses from clinical trials, have suggested a possible benefit from the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance when performing unprotected LMCA PCI. However, the value of imaging with IVUS has never been proven in an appropriately powered randomized clinical trial. The OPtimizaTIon of Left MAin PCI With IntravascuLar Ultrasound (OPTIMAL) trial has been designed to establish whether IVUS-guided PCI optimization on LMCA is associated with superior clinical outcomes when compared with standard qualitative angiography-guided PCI. The OPTIMAL trial is a randomized, multicenter, international study designed to enroll a total of 800 patients undergoing PCI for unprotected LMCA disease. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to IVUS-guided PCI versus angiogram-guided PCI. In patients allocated to the angiogram-guided arm, use of IVUS is discouraged, unless there are safety concerns. In patients allocated to the IVUS guidance arm, pre-procedural IVUS assessment is highly recommended, whilst post-procedural IVUS assessment is mandatory to confirm appropriate stenting result and/or to guide stent result optimization, according to predefined criteria. Patients will be followed up to 2 years after the index procedure. The primary outcome measure is the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) patient-oriented composite endpoint (PoCE) which includes all-cause death, any stroke, any myocardial infarction and any repeat revascularization at 2 years follow-up. The OPTIMAL trial aims to provide definitive evidence about the clinical impact of IVUS-guidance during PCI to an unprotected LMCA. It is anticipated by the investigators, that an IVUS-guided strategy will be associated with less clinical events compared to a strategy guided by angiogram alone. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04111770. Registered on October 1, 2019.

In-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis rates after left main coronary artery stenting

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-stent restenosis (ISR) and stent thrombosis rates along with one-month and one-year survival rates in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) with different methods of stenting, lesion characteristics, and clinical disease presentation. Methods: A total of 297 consecutive patients with unprotected LMCAD were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at University Clinical Center Maribor between January 2008 and October 2016. One hundred and thirty-two (50.8%) eligible patients underwent angiographic follow-up. The majority of patients (86.5%) were treated with a single drug-eluting stent (DES). Results: The overall prevalence of angiographic ISR in unprotected LMCA lesions was 33.3% (44 out of 132 patients with angiographic follow-up). The in-stent restenosis rate was 31.7% (39) in the group initially treated with DES (123). Most patients (63.6%) with ISR underwent repeated PCI, 22.7% had coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 13.6% were treated conservatively. Only hypertension was shown to be statistically significant as a predictor of ISR in the present study. Stent thrombosis rate was 2.0% (six out of 297 patients). The mortality rate was 12.5% one month after the procedure on the left main coronary artery lesion, and 17.2 % after one year. Conclusion: Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome had worse outcomes. While the numbers in the present study are higher compared to some other studies, they represent a real-world example of patients with different clinical presentations.