Unprotected Left Main Coronary Disease Research Articles

A case report: successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in unprotected left main and three-vessel coronary artery disease

Background: Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) Disease is the highest-risk lesion of coronary artery disease and is related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared to other types of obstructive Coronary Arterial Disease (CAD). Previously, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was the preferred method for revascularization in significant LMCA lesions; however, results from several trials comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) to CABG showed PCI was non-inferior to CABG in highly selected LMCA patients. This report was to describe the contemporary evidence for PCI to CABG in LMCA Disease. Case Presentation: A diabetic and hypertensive 59-year-old man with stable angina pectoris and Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Score III was referred to Saiful Anwar Hospital for elective PCI consideration. The patient was diagnosed with left main and three-vessel coronary artery disease from CCTA in 2009 and angiography in 2023, then suggested to CABG for revascularization. However, the patient refused CABG surgery and decided to perform PCI with high-risk criteria after an adequate consultation. Considering the high-risk category and reduced ejection fraction, an elective PCI was performed with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. Then it implanted 2 DES at distal-LM until distal-LCx. In the following procedure, the patient also implanted 1 DES at mid-distal RCA and was discharged with significant improvement in his quality of life. Conclusion: In selected left main and three-vessel coronary artery disease, PCI is successfully improves the patient's quality of life. Keyword: complex PCI, left main coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary intervention, quality of life

Technological Advances Are Associated With Better Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention inPatients With Unprotected Left MainDisease.

Few large-scale studies have evaluated the effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) technological advances in the treatment of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LM-CAD). We aim to identify independent factors that affect the prognosis of PCI in patients with unprotected LM-CAD and to assess the impact of PCI technological advances on long-term clinical outcomes. A total of 4512 consecutive patients who underwent unprotected LM-CAD PCI at Fuwai Hospital from 2004 to 2016 were enrolled. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify which techniques can independently affect the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization). The incidence of 3-year MACEs was 9.0% (406/4512). Four new PCI techniques were identified as the independent protective factors of MACEs, including second-generation drug-eluting stents (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61 [95% CI, 0.37-0.99]), postdilatation (HR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.59-0.94]), final kissing balloon inflation (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.62-0.99]), and using intravascular ultrasound (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.63-0.97]). The relative hazard of 3-year MACEs was reduced by ≈50% with use of all 4 techniques compared with no technique use (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.32-0.87]). PCI technological advances including postdilatation, second-generation drug-eluting stent, final kissing balloon inflation, and intravascular ultrasound guidance were associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients who underwent unprotected LM-CAD PCI.

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.

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

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

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.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided versus angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies

Intravascular ultrasound-guided versus angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies

Real-World Experience and Outcomes With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Protected Versus Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from the Veteran Affairs Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking Program

Practice patterns and outcomes of protected left main (PLM) and unprotected left main (ULM) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not well defined in contemporary US clinical practice. Data collected from all Veteran Affairs (VA) catheterization laboratories participating in the Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking Program between 2009 and 2019. The analysis included 4,351 patients undergoing left main PCI, of which 1,306 pairs of PLM and ULM PCI were included in a propensity matched cohort. Selected temporal trends were also assessed. The primary outcome was MACE outcomes at 1-year, which was defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, rehospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI), rehospitalization for stroke or urgent revascularization. ULM PCI patients in comparison to PLM PCI were older (71.5 vs 69.2; P < 0.001), more clinically complex and more likely to present with ACS. In the propensity matched cohort, radial access was used more often for ULM PCI (21% [273] vs. 14% [185], P < 0.001), and ULM PCI was more likely to involve the LM bifurcation (22% vs 14%; P = 0.003) and require mechanical circulatory support (10% [134] vs 1% [17]; P <0.001). One-year MACE occurred more frequently with ULM PCI compared to PLM PCI (22% [289] vs. 16% [215]; P = < 0.001) and all-cause mortality was also higher (16% [213] vs. 10% [125]; P = < 0.001). In the matched cohort there was a low incidence of rehospitalization for MI (4% [48] ULM vs. 4% [48] PLM; P = 1.000) or revascularization (7% [94] ULM vs. 6% [84] PLM; P = 0.485). In this real-world experience patients undergoing PLM PCI had better one-year outcomes than those undergoing ULM PCI, but in both groups there was a high rate of mortality and MACE at one-year despite a relatively low rate of MI or revascularization.•What is known?○In contemporary practice, the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main coronary artery disease has increased.○Clinical trials have demonstrated that left main PCI can be performed safely, but observational studies have shown that patients who undergo left main PCI are older and with more co-morbid conditions than trial populations.•What the study adds?○In a large multi-center sample from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there has been increasing use of left main PCI in patients who have not undergone prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).○Compared to patients with prior CABG who underwent left main PCI, those who underwent left main PCI without prior CABG had a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events and all cause death at 12 months.○While there was an overall low rate of rehospitalization for myocardial infarction or revascularization, there was a higher 12-month incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in this real-world population compared to clinical trial populations.

Intravascular Imaging-Guided Versus Coronary Angiography-Guided Complex PCI: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Trials evaluating the role of intravascular imaging in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex coronary artery disease have yielded mixed results. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of intravascular imaging specifically intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with those from conventional coronary angiography in complex PCI. Comprehensive electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed until March 2023 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing intravascular imaging with coronary angiography in patients undergoing complex PCI. Complex PCI was defined per each study, and included PCI for American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) type B2/C lesions, unprotected left main coronary artery disease, or multivessel stenting. The primary study outcome was major adverse clinical events (MACE). The meta-analysis included 10 RCTs with a total of 6615 patients (3576 in the intravascular imaging group and 3039 in the coronary angiography group). The weighted mean-follow up was 28.9months. Compared with coronary angiography, intravascular imaging reduced MACE (8% vs. 13.3%; relative risk [RR] 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.73), cardiac death (RR 0.47; 95%CI 0.31-0.73), definite/probable stent thrombosis (RR 0.48; 95%CI 0.24-0.97), target vessel revascularization (RR 0.62; 95%CI 0.46-0.83), and target lesion revascularization (RR 0.61; 95%CI 0.47-0.79). There was no difference between both groups in all-cause death (RR 0.79; 95%CI 0.53-1.18) and myocardial infarction (RR 0.80; 95%CI 0.61-1.04). In patients undergoing complex PCI, intravascular imaging-specifically IVUS-reduced MACE by decreasing the incidence of cardiac death, stent thrombosis, and target vessel and target lesion revascularization.

Long Term Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Unprotected Left Main Disease

Background: The management of unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LM CAD) poses a significant clinical challenge. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have been extensively compared, with PCI emerging as a viable option for specific patient subsets. Advancements in interventional cardiology, including drug-eluting stents and intravascular ultrasound, have improved PCI outcomes, yet long-term efficacy remains a subject of investigation. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of PCI in patients with unprotected LM CAD, focusing on all-cause mortality, cardiac deaths, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and stroke. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, KPK, from November 2022 to October 2023. A total of 120 patients aged 55-70 years with LM disease undergoing PCI were included. Long-term outcomes were assessed after five years. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, focusing on frequency and association of outcomes with gender. Results: The study observed all-cause mortality in 15.0% (n=18) of the patients, cardiovascular mortality in 6.7% (n=8), myocardial infarction in 7.5% (n=9), revascularization in 14.2% (n=17), and stroke in 4.2% (n=5). Gender analysis revealed no significant difference in all-cause mortality (P=0.73), with a notable gender disparity in cardiovascular mortality favoring females (P=0.04). Revascularization and stroke rates did not significantly differ by gender. Conclusion: PCI presents a favorable and safe long-term treatment option for patients with unprotected LM CAD, with significant outcomes in terms of mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and stroke. The study supports the continued use of PCI in clinical practice, highlighting the necessity for further comparative research with CABG to optimize patient outcomes.

Klinički rezultati perkutanog lečenja stenoze na glavnom stablu leve koronarne arterije u akutnom infarktu miokarda

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery stenosis is a rare, but life-threatening event often accompanied by sudden cardiac death and/or cardiogenic shock. The optimal revascularization strategy for unprotected left main coronary artery disease is the subject of ongoing debate, especially in urgent settings, where immediate optimal acute angiographic result is required to ensure patient survival and improve prognosis. Aim: This study aims to investigate patient characteristics and procedural and clinical variables associated with favorable outcomes of percutaneous treatment. Material and methods: A number of 40 patients undergoing PCI with acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery stenosis were reviewed retrospectively from 1st January 2019 to 21st December 2022. Results: There was a total of 40 patients with a mean age of 70.83 ± 11.415. Cardiogenic shock occurred in 20 (50%) patients. Two patients (5%) died in the catheterization laboratory and 16 (40%) died during hospitalization. Twenty-two patients survived to be discharged; five patients died during the follow-up period. The overall mortality rate was 23 (57.5%). Factors associated with increased mortality included female gender (p = 0.008), cardiogenic shock (p = 0.025) and inotropes (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Acute myocardial infarction caused by left main coronary artery stenosis is complicated by high incidence of cardiogenic shock and mortality. In univariate analysis, cardio-genic shock, female gender and usage of inotropes correlated with death. Emergency PCI provides an important treatment option in these high-risk patients, but mortality remains high.

Real-world long-term survival after non-emergent percutaneous coronary intervention to unprotected left main coronary artery — From the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registry

BackgroundCurrent evidence suggests that percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LMPCI) in selected patients is a safe alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting. However, real-world long-term survival data is limited. MethodsWe analyzed 24,644 patients from the MIG (Melbourne Interventional Group) registry between 2005 and 2020. We compared baseline clinical and procedural characteristics, in-hospital and 30-day outcomes, and long-term survival between unprotected LMPCI and non-LMPCI among patients without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest. ResultsUnprotected LMPCI patients (n = 185) were significantly older (mean age 72.0 vs. 64.6 years, p < 0.001), had higher prevalence of impaired ejection fraction (EF <50 %; 27.3 % vs. 14.9 %, p < 0.001) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (40.9 % vs. 21.5 %, p < 0.001), and had greater use of intravascular ultrasound (21 % vs. 1 %, p < 0.001) and drug-eluting stents (p < 0.001). LMPCI was associated with longer hospital stay (4 days vs. 2 days, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in other in-hospital outcomes, 30-day mortality (0.6 % vs. 0.6 %, p = 0.90), and major adverse cardiac events (1.7 % vs. 3 %, p = 0.28). Although the unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival to 8 years was significantly less with LMPCI compared to non-LMPCI (p < 0.01), LMPCI was not a predictor of long-term survival up to 8 years after Cox regression analysis (HR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.40–1.13, p = 0.13). ConclusionIn this study, non-emergent unprotected LMPCI was uncommonly performed, and IVUS was underutilized. Despite greater co-morbidities, LMPCI patients had comparable 30-day outcomes to non-LMPCI, and LMPCI was not an independent predictor of long-term mortality.

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.

Unprotected Left Main Bifurcation Stenting in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Two-Stent Technique versus One-Stent Technique.

There is little evidence guiding the choice between a one-stent and a two-stent approach in unprotected distal left main coronary artery disease (UDLMCAD) presenting as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aim to compare these two techniques in an unselected ACS group. We conducted a single center retrospective observational study, that included all patients with UDLMCAD and ACS undergoing PCI between 2014 and 2018. Group A underwent PCI with a one-stent technique (n = 41, 58.6%), Group B with a two-stent technique (n = 29, 41.4%). A total of 70 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years, including n = 12 (17.1%) with cardiogenic shock. There were no differences between Group A and B in terms of patient characteristics, including SYNTAX score (median 23). The 30-day mortality was 15.7% overall, and was lower in Group B (3.5% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.02). Mortality rate at 4 years was significantly lower in Group B (21.4% vs. 44%), also when adjusted in a multivariable regression model (HR 0.26, p = 0.01). In our study, patients with UDLMCAD and ACS undergoing PCI using a two-stent technique had lower early and midterm mortality compared to one-stent approach, even after adjusting for patient-related or angiographic factors.

Physiology-guided PCI versus CABG for left main coronary artery disease: insights from the DEFINE-LM registry

There have been no studies comparing clinical outcomes of physiology-guided revascularization in patients with unprotected left main coronary disease (ULMD) between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs. coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcomes between PCI and CABG of patients with physiologically significant ULMD. From an international multicenter registry of ULMD patients interrogated with instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), we analyzed data from 151 patients (85 PCI vs. 66 CABG) who underwent revascularization according to the cutoff value of iFR ≤ 0.89. Propensity score matching was employed to adjust for baseline clinical characteristics. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. The secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary endpoint. Mean age was 66.6 (± 9.2) years, 79.2% male. Mean SYNTAX score was 22.6 (± 8.4) and median iFR was 0.83 (IQR 0.74–0.87). After performing propensity score matching analysis, 48 patients treated with CABG were matched to those who underwent PCI. At a median follow-up period of 2.8 years, the primary endpoint occurred in 8.3% in PCI group and 20.8% in CABG group, respectively (HR 3.80; 95% CI 1.04–13.9; p = 0.043). There was no difference in each component of the primary event (p > 0.05 for all). Within the present study, iFR-guided PCI was associated with lower cardiovascular events rate in patients with ULMD and intermediate SYNTAX score, as compared to CABG.Graphical abstractState-of-the-art PCI vs. CABG for ULMD. Study design and primary endpoint in patients with physiologically significant ULMD. MACE was defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. The blue line denotes the PCI arm, and the red line denotes the CABG arm. PCI was associated with significantly lower risk of MACE than CABG. CABG: coronary artery bypass grafting; iFR: instantaneous wave-free ratio; MACE: major adverse cardiovascular events; PCI: percutaneous coronary intervention; ULMD: unprotected left main coronary artery disease.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unprotected Left Main Disease: A Single-Center Study

Background: Hemodynamically significant unprotected left main (LM) coronary artery disease is a high-risk clinical condition because of the large area of myocardium at risk, and it requires prompt revascularization. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an appropriate alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for revascularization of unprotected LM disease in patients with low-to-intermediate anatomic complexity or when the patient refuses CABG after adequate counseling by the heart team. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 201 patients receiving left main (LM) provisional one-stent or two-stent procedures, and we assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing unprotected LM PCI. Results: The mean age was 66.5 ± 9.9 years, and 72% were male. The majority of the subjects presented several cardiovascular risk factors, among which arterial hypertension (179 patients, 89.5%) and dyslipidemia (173 patients, 86.5%) were the most frequent. Out of all patients, 162 (81.8%) underwent revascularization by using the one-stent technique, while the two-stent technique was used in 36 patients (18.2%). The median value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) of the side branch was 0.9 [0.85-0.95], and 135 patients (67.1%) showed a value of FFR > 0.8. One hundred nine patients (54.2%) had a stent enhancement side branch length (SESBL) > 2, with median values of 2.5 mm2 [2.1-3]. Regarding angiographic parameters, the LM area as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the grade of stenosis as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) were similar between groups. However, patients who required revascularization by using the two-stent technique presented more frequently with intermediate rather than low SYNTAX scores (69.4% vs. 28.4%, p < 0.0001). Also, the same group required kissing balloon inflation (KBI) more frequently (69.4% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). There were no differences regarding the success of revascularization between the use of the one-stent or two-stent technique. FFR was able to predict a SESBL > 2 mm. The cut-off value for FFR to afford the highest degree of sensitivity (74.5%) and specificity (47%) for a SESBL > 2 was >0.86, indicating a moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.61, 95% CI 0.525-0.690, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Unprotected left main PCI is a safe and effective revascularization option amongst a complex and morbid population. There were no differences regarding the success of revascularization between the use of the one-stent or two-stent technique, and there was no significant impact of KBI on side branch FFR measurements but lower side branch FFR values were correlated with angiographic side branch compromise.

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.

One year follow-up of unprotected left main coronary artery disease, a prospective cohort study of 139 patients

Objectives: Coronary artery revascularization is the standard treatment for patients with severe left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). In cases where the patient refuses surgical revascularization or PCI, medical treatment will be the only option. The purpose of this study was to compare the one-year outcomes of patients with (LMCAD) in terms of surgical or medical treatment.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 139 patients (91 men and 48 women) with severe left main coronary artery disease who were diagnosed by coronary angiography from 1st Mar 2014 to 28th Feb 2014. Patients were followed up for one year as to major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) including death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization.&#x0D; Results: From total of 2661 coronary angiographies, 139 patients (5.2%) with a mean age of 63.2±7.2 years had LMCAD. The mortality rate in the medical treatment group and the surgical group appeared to be 16.7% (6 cases) and 8.7% (9 cases) respectively (p =.156). The rate of stroke in the medical group turned out to be 5.6% (n=2) and in the surgery group 2% (n=2) (p =.27). The rehospitalization rate was 19.4% in the medical treatment group but 4.9% in the surgical group (p =.013). During one year, the survival rate was significantly lower in the medical group than the group undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (58.3% vs. 84.5%) (p =.002).&#x0D; Conclusions: In the short term, the optimal medical treatment of patients with LMCAD was not significantly different from that of CABG patients in terms of fatal cardiac and cerebral events. However, rehospitalization was more common due to recurrent angina pectoris.

Percutaneous coronary artery intervention in unprotected left main coronary artery disease: one-year outcome Egyptian registry

BackgroundLeft main coronary artery lesions are associated with jeopardy of an outsized area of the myocardium, causing a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. Optimal treatment of coronary bifurcation anatomy remains highly debatable, whether by provisional or two-stent technique. This prospective observational study was designed to investigate the one-year clinical outcomes of unprotected left main coronary artery disease revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention in a “real-world” setting among Egyptian patients in a prospective single-center registry (at Ain Shams University Hospitals).ResultsThis study included 163 patients who underwent PCI to LM lesions between May 1, 2020, and the end of April in Ain Shams University hospitals. Patients were dichotomized into two groups according to their intended stenting technique, whether provisional or two-stent technique. A total of 142 underwent provisional stenting while 21 were designated for the two-stent technique, mainly DK crush (double kissing). Among the patients with intended provisional stenting, 34 patients underwent the TAP technique. Patients were followed up for the primary endpoints, at the in-hospital setting, at 30 days, and after 1 year. In-hospital death was encountered in 6.34% of cases undergoing provisional stenting, among which 5.36% were due to a cardiovascular cause. Total MACCE was found to be 2.96% in the provisional stenting group versus 4.76% in the two-stent group. Overall, MACCE at 1 year was found to be 22.31% in the provisional group and 30% in the two-stent group (p-value0.57). TVF was recognized in 10% of cases treated by provisional stenting and 30% of cases treated by the two-stent technique (p-value 0.023).ConclusionsLM coronary artery lesions treatment by PCI is considered a safe and beneficial solution. Provisional stenting is the preferred approach bearing in mind that bail-out procedures may be sought in case the SB needs further treatment. Adjunctive assessment by IVUS or FFR may help achieve better outcomes, and efforts should be performed to facilitate their feasibility.

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.