Unprotected left main coronary artery stenting with zotarolimus (Endeavor) drug‐eluting stents

Objectives: To report the safety and efficacy of zotarolimus eluting stents for treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery disease. Background: Percutaneous stent insertion is an increasingly popular alternative to bypass surgery for the management of left main (LM) coronary artery disease. While data support the use of sirolimus‐ and paclitaxel‐coated stents in the LM coronary artery, there are no published series reporting results with Endeavor (zotarolimus) stents, particularly in the context of unprotected left main (ULM) lesions. Methods: We retrospectively identified 40 consecutive patients who had ULM disease treated with Endeavor stents (ZES) and who had follow‐up angiography. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac/unexplained death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and in‐stent restenosis (ISR)/target lesion revascularization (TLR). Results: Angiographic and procedural success was achieved in all cases. Follow‐up angiography occurred on average 5.6 ± 0.9 months after the index procedure. There were three incidences of ISR requiring TLR and another patient who had a NSTEMI in the follow‐up period. At late follow‐up (12.4 ± 1.8 months) three patients underwent CABG (one for RCA stenosis) and four patients died without knowledge of the status of the ULM stent (two cardiovascular and two deaths related to cancer progression). Conclusions: In conclusion, our experience with Endeavor stents for the treatment of ULM disease demonstrates excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes, with a 7.5% ISR/TLR rate and a 15% MACE rate, respectively, at an average clinical follow‐up of 12.4 months. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Current management of unprotected left main coronary artery disease: Run-in survey of the RITMO (Registro Italiano sul Trattamento del tronco coMune non protettO) study

The optimal approach for a significant unprotected left main coronary stenosis (ULM) is debated, in light of the recent progresses of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still considered the first choice treatment. Randomized trials comparing PCI and CABG are ongoing, yet patient selection will considerably limit their clinical applicability. We thus designed a prospective multicenter registry which will include patients with ULM disease independently from the subsequent medical, interventional or surgical treatment: the RITMO Study (Registro Italiano sul Trattamento del tronco coMune non protettO). During the RITMO run-in phase, we conducted a systematic survey of Italian catheterization laboratories to define current management strategies for ULM. A total of 240 Italian catheterization laboratory were sent an email questionnaire on current practices for ULM, with 45 (19%) detailed replies, for a total of 61,370 annual coronary angiographies. Data provided from responders showed a 5% (95% interval: 2–16) prevalence of ULM, with 50% (9–99) of ULM treated surgically and 10% (0–81) treated percutaneously. In conclusion, treatment of ULM in Italy remains prevalently surgical, even if PCI is performed in a sizable portion of patients with ULM.     

Invasive assessment modalities of unprotected left main stenosis

Among all coronary lesions, the decision-making process for the treatment of unprotected left main (ULM) stem lesions is still challenging. Indeed, the optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with ULM disease remains controversial: coronary artery bypass grafting was established as the gold standard, but it is without doubt that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed by experienced operators achieves good results at long term follow up, especially in cases where the ostium and/or shaft of ULM are treated. Thanks to the widespread use of invasive assessment of atherothrombotic ULM stenosis, improved selection of PCI cases and techniques of stenting, better outcomes are now possible. This review seeks to define the place of PCI in ULM disease by describing the different modalities of ULM stenosis assessment.     

Hybrid coronary revascularization for the treatment of left main coronary stenosis: a feasibility study

Objective : To determine the feasibility of a hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) approach for the treatment of left main (LM) coronary artery stenosis. Background : The recommended therapy for significant LM stenosis is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected LM lesions is reserved for patients at high risk for complications with CABG. HCR in LM disease has not been studied. Methods : Twenty‐two consecutive patients with LM stenosis >70% underwent staged HCR. Following a robotic or thoracoscopic‐assisted minimally invasive left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) coronary bypass, PCI of the LM, and non‐LAD targets was performed after angiographic confirmation of LIMA patency. Intravascular ultrasound confirmed optimal stent deployment. Thirty‐day adverse outcomes and long term follow up was obtained. Results : In the 22 patients with LM lesions, 6 were ostial, 5 mid, and 11 distal. LIMA patency was FitzGibbon A in all cases. LM stenting was successful in all patients with drug‐eluting stents (DES) placed in 21 of 22 cases. Three patients underwent stent implantation in the right coronary artery. There were no 30‐day major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events. At a mean of 38.8 ± 22 months postprocedure, 21 patients were alive without reintervention; one death occurred at 454 days. Conclusions : HCR for LM coronary disease is a feasible alternative to CABG and unprotected LM PCI. This approach combines the long‐term durability of a LIMA‐LAD bypass with the less invasive option of PCI in non‐LAD targets with DES. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected left main thrombosis: The Asia‐Pacific Left Main ST‐Elevation Registry (ASTER)

Introduction

Prior studies of ULM STEMI have been confined to small cohorts. Recent registry data with larger patient cohorts have shown contrasting results. We aim to study the outcomes of patients with unprotected left main (ULM) ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

The Asia‐pacific left main ST‐Elevation Registry (ASTER) is a multicenter retrospective registry involving 4 sites in Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. The registry included patients presenting with STEMI due to an ULM coronary artery culprit lesion who underwent emergency PCI. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events.

Results

A total of 67 patients (mean age 64.2 ± 12.8 years, 53 [79.1%] males) were included. The distal left main bifurcation was most commonly involved (85%, n = 57). Fifty one (76%) patients had TIMI 3 flow post‐PCI. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 47.8% (n = 32); 61% (n = 41) had cardiac failure, 4% (n = 3) had emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, 1% (n = 1) had a re‐infarction, 3% (n = 2) had stroke and 55% (n = 37) had malignant ventricular arrhythmias. On multivariate analysis, predictors of in‐hospital mortality included older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.085 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.002‐1.175), P = 0.044), diabetes mellitus (OR 10.882 (95%CI 11.074‐110.287), P = 0.043) and absence of post‐PCI TIMI 3 flow (OR 71.429 (95%CI 2.985‐1000), P = 0.008).

Conclusions

STEMI from culprit unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Emergency PCI provides an important treatment option in this high‐risk group, but in‐hospital mortality remains high.     

高龄无保护左主干病变不宜行冠状动脉搭桥患者介入治疗效果评价

目的:冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)一直是左主干病变的首选治疗,关于高龄左主干病变但不宜行CABG治疗的患者临床研究较少。本研究针对这一特殊人群进行经皮冠状动脉介入术(PCI)治疗后的临床情况进行随访。方法:入选年龄≥75岁不宜行CABG治疗的无保护左主干病变患者,随访患者的临床终点事件,死亡、心源性死亡、心肌梗死及靶血管重建。结果:研究共入选115例高龄左主干病变患者。平均年龄(78.3±2.6)岁,平均Syntax评分和Euroscore评分为(29.3±6.1)和(7.8±4.2),随访总病死率是9.5%,心源性死亡、心肌梗死及靶血管重建率分别为7%,6.1%及6.1%,MACCE事件发生率为16.5%。男性和慢性肾功能不全与全因死亡显著相关。结论:PCI治疗为高龄不宜行CABG治疗的左主干患者提供了α-选择。男性和慢性肾功能不全与全因死亡显著相关。     

Results of percutaneous drug‐eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main coronary disease according to left ventricular systolic function

Objectives: We aimed to appraise the early and long‐term outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES) in patients with unprotected left main disease (ULM) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVD). Background: PCI with DES has being performed with increasing frequency in subjects with ULM and LVD, but few specific data are available. Setting and Patients: We identified patients undergoing PCI with DES for ULM at our Center and distinguished those with ejection fraction (EF) >50% from those with 40% <EF ≤50% and those with EF ≤40%. The primary end‐point was the rate of major adverse cerebro‐cardiovascular events (MACCE, ie death, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, repeat PCI or bypass surgery). Results: A total of 197 patients were included, 57.4% with EF >50%, 32.0% with 40% <EF ≤50%, and 10.6% with EF ≤40%. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in those with EF ≤40% (9.5% vs. 0 and 3.2%, P < 0.001). A total of 96% patients were followed for 23 ± 14 months, yielding a MACCE rate of 44.2% (41.6% in those with EF >50%, 41.6% in those with 40% <EF ≤50%, and 61.9% in those with EF ≤40%, P = 0.4). Specifically, death occurred in 2.7%, 7.9%, and 28.6% (P < 0.001), cardiac death in 1.8%, 4.8%, and 23.8% (P = 0.001), MI in 8.0%, 7.9% and 0 (P = 0.4), and TVR in 15.9%, 11.1% and 33.3% (P = 0.6). Conclusion: Systolic ventricular dysfunction is highly correlated with in‐hospital and long term death rates in patients undergoing PCI with DES for ULM disease. However it does not confer an increased risk of nonfatal adverse events or stent thrombosis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Complete Revascularization in Patients Undergoing Multivessel PCI is an Independent Predictor of Improved Long‐term Survival

Background: The prognostic relevance of complete revascularization (CR) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MV‐CAD) has been established so far for surgical treatment strategies rather than for percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI). In addition, different definitions of CR have further complicated the interpretation of clinical studies. Methods: Procedural characteristics and long‐term overall survival were assessed in 679 consecutive “all‐comer” patients, who underwent PCI in at least two main vessels. We adapted three definitions of CR from the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) trials. CR was achieved if following MV‐PCI one of the three criteria was met: (1) no residual stenosis in a main coronary vessel, (2) no residual stenosis in any coronary segment, or (3) no residual stenosis in the left anterior descending (LAD) and at least one further main branch. The main objective was the evaluation of predictors of incomplete revascularization and the prognostic impact of CR in MV‐PCI patients. Results: CR was achieved in 76%, 67%, and 95%, respectively, (definitions 1–3). Patients without CR were older, had a lower ejection fraction, and presented more often with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Clinical long‐term follow‐up regarding survival was available in 664 patients (98%) with a mean follow‐up of 2.5 ± 1.6 years. Independent of the specific definition, CR was associated with a reduced long‐term mortality by approximately 50%. After adjusting for relevant baseline parameters, only absence of residual stenosis in all coronary segments remained as an independent predictor of long‐term prognosis (hazard ratio [HR]= 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28–0.93; P = 0.025). Conclusions: CR of all coronary segments is associated with improved overall survival after MV‐PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:256–263)     

Outcomes after Atherectomy Treatment of Severely Calcified Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Single Center Experience

BackgroundCoronary bifurcation and calcified lesions account for 15–20% and 6%–20% of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), respectively. Treatment of these lesions is associated with high periprocedural complication rates and unfavorable long-term clinical outcomes, including high rates of revascularization. This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the outcomes of atherectomy treatment for heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions.MethodsPatients who underwent a coronary atherectomy procedure to treat a heavily calcified lesion between January 2010 and March 2016 at Metropolitan Heart and Vascular Institute (Minneapolis, MN) were included in this retrospective study. Data were stratified to compare atherectomy treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions vs non-bifurcation lesions. Additionally, data were compared based on type of atherectomy utilized during the index procedure, either orbital (OAS) or rotational (RA) atherectomy. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR), were assessed at 30 days post-procedure.ResultsAmong the 177 patients treated with atherectomy, 72 patients had bifurcation lesions. Compared to patients with non-bifurcation lesions, patients with bifurcation lesions were more likely to have a history of prior PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting. Bifurcation lesions required a higher volume of contrast. There were similar low rates of slow flow/no-reflow (2.8% bifurcations vs 1.0% non-bifurcation; p = 0.355). The 30-day rates of death (1.4% vs 1.9%; p = 0.794), MI (0% vs 0%; p = NA), and TVR (0% vs 1.0%; p = 0.406) were similar in patients with bifurcation lesions versus those without, respectively. An atherectomy sub-analysis (OAS vs RA) of the patients with bifurcation lesions showed that OAS utilization was associated with shorter procedure time (81 min vs 109 min; p = 0.026) and fluoroscopy time (18 min vs 27 min; p = 0.007) compared to RA, respectively—no significant differences in baseline demographic or lesion characteristics were noted in the bifurcation atherectomy sub-groups, except for higher beta/calcium blocker use in RA bifurcation subjects.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrated that atherectomy treatment in patients with heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions is feasible, resulting in similar low 30-day MACE rates as compared to patients with non-bifurcation lesions. In addition, in this study OAS utilization versus RA in bifurcation lesions was associated with significantly shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time. Further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of atherectomy in patients with severely calcified bifurcation lesions.Summary for annotated table of contentsThis retrospective, single-center study evaluated the outcomes of orbital and rotational atherectomy treatment for heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions as compared to non-bifurcation lesions. The results demonstrate that atherectomy treatment in patients with heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions is feasible, resulting in similarly low 30-day MACE rates as compared to patients with non-bifurcation lesions. In addition, in this study OAS utilization versus RA in bifurcation lesions was associated with significantly shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time.     

Comparison of percutaneous coronary intervention in native coronary arteries vs. bypass grafts in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery

ObjectiveTo compare the procedural and clinical outcomes of prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in native arteries vs. bypass grafts.MethodsThe medical and catheterization records and the angiograms of 142 consecutive prior CABG patients who underwent 165 PCI of 247 lesions at our institution between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2006, were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsMean age was 66±10 years and 99% were men: 79 and 63 patients underwent native coronary or bypass graft PCI, respectively. Compared to patients undergoing bypass graft PCI, those undergoing native coronary artery PCI were younger (mean age 64±10 vs. 68±10 years, P=.008), more likely to present with stable angina (29% vs. 8%, P=<.001), and presented earlier after CABG (after a mean of 9±6 vs. 12±5 years, P<.01). Compared to bypass graft PCI, native coronary PCI was more likely to be performed with drug-eluting stents (88% vs. 57%, P<.001) and was associated with lower risk of no-reflow (3% vs. 24%, P<.001). After a mean follow-up of 2.5±1.1 years, both groups of patients had similar but high incidence of myocardial infarction, repeat PCI, and death.ConclusionsPrior CABG patients undergoing native coronary artery PCI have lower procedural risk, but similar postprocedural clinical outcomes compared to patients undergoing bypass graft PCI. If feasible, native coronary arteries may be the preferred PCI target in prior CABG patients.     

Coronary intravascular lithotripsy and rotational atherectomy for severely calcified stenosis: Results from the ROTA.shock trial

Background

Severely calcified coronary lesions present a particular challenge for percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aims

The aim of this randomized study was to determine whether coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is non-inferior to rotational atherectomy (RA) regarding minimal stent area (MSA).

Methods

The randomized, prospective non-inferiority ROTA.shock trial enrolled 70 patients between July 2019 and November 2021. Patients were randomly (1:1) assigned to undergo either IVL or RA before percutaneous coronary intervention of severely calcified coronary lesions. Optical coherence tomography was performed at the end of the procedure for primary endpoint analysis.

Results

The primary endpoint MSA was lower but non-inferior after IVL (mean: 6.10 mm², 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 5.32–6.87 mm²) versus RA (6.60 mm², 95% CI: 5.66–7.54 mm²; difference in MSA: −0.50 mm², 95% CI: −1.52–0.52 mm²; non-inferiority margin: −1.60 mm²). Stent expansion was similar (RA: 0.83 ± 0.10 vs. IVL: 0.82 ± 0.11; p = 0.79). There were no significant differences regarding contrast media consumption (RA: 183.1 ± 68.8 vs. IVL: 163.3 ± 55.0 mL; p = 0.47), radiation dose (RA: 7269 ± 11288 vs. IVL: 5010 ± 4140 cGy cm²; p = 0.68), and procedure time (RA: 79.5 ± 34.5 vs. IVL: 66.0 ± 19.4 min; p = 0.18).

Conclusion

IVL is non-inferior regarding MSA and results in a similar stent expansion in a random comparison with RA. Procedure time, contrast volume, and dose-area product do not differ significantly.     

Rotational atherectomy in the drug-eluting stent era: a recent single-center experience

IntroductionPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of heavily calcified lesions is a challenge for the interventional cardiologist and is associated with a high rate of restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Adequate lesion preparation by rotational atherectomy followed by drug-eluting stent implantation has shown favorable results.ObjectiveTo report the recent experience of our center with rotational atherectomy (RA) of complex and heavily calcified coronary lesions.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent PCI with RA in our center between January 2009 and December 2010. A total of 42 patients were included, 65% of whom had been previously refused for coronary artery bypass grafting due to unfavorable coronary anatomy or high surgical risk. RA was performed using the standard Boston Scientific Rotablator^® system. The procedure was performed ad-hoc in 50% of patients and transradial access was used in 35%. Data were collected on immediate post-procedural events and major cardiac events during follow-up – cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, TLR and recurrent angina.ResultsOf 1650 PCIs performed in a 23-month period from January 2009, 42 (2.5%) involved RA, a total of 42 patients (mean age 70.3±10.1 years, 67% male, 55% diabetic), three of whom had left main disease, six had three-vessel disease, 18 had two-vessel disease and the other 15 had single-vessel disease. Of the lesions treated, 71% were >20 mm long and classified in 69% of cases as type C according to the ACC/AHA lesion classification, 4% being chronic total occlusions. The left anterior descending artery was treated in 56% of the procedures. The mean number of burrs used per lesion was 1.3 and a total of 69 stents were implanted, 81% of which were drug-eluting. During follow-up three patients had recurrent angina, one required TLR and two died due to a cardiovascular event. There was significant clinical improvement in 83% of patients.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that rotational atherectomy followed by stenting in heavily calcified lesions can nowadays be performed with high success rates and few complications, extending the possibility of coronary revascularization to a greater number of patients.     

Long‐term follow‐up after nonurgent percutaneous coronary intervention in unprotected left main coronary arteries

Objectives : To evaluate the long‐term outcomes of the selected patients by the local Heart Team to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) stenosis and to compare patients considered at low surgical risk versus at high surgical risk for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Background : CABG is recommended in patients with ULMCA stenosis according to the AHA/ACC and ESC guidelines, and there are limited data on the long‐term outcomes in patients selected by the local Heart Team to undergo PCI. Methods : Between 1996 and 2007, 227 patients underwent PCI for ULMCA stenosis based on decision of the local Heart Team and patient's and/or physician's preference. All patients were contacted at 1 year and in November 2008. Results : Long‐term follow‐up was up to 8 years with a mean of 3.9 ± 2.6 years. Overall, the Kaplan–Meier estimate of the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR) was 14.8% at 1 year, 18.3% at 3 years, and 20.9% at 5 years with no events occurring thereafter. Patients considered at low surgical risk for CABG had a significantly lower incidence of cardiac death or MI compared to patients considered at high surgical risk at 8 years (1.4 vs. 16.8%; 1.4 vs. 14.8%, respectively); however, no significant difference was observed for cardiac death, MI, or TLR (18.6 vs. 24.4%). Conclusions : PCI of ULMCA stenosis in patients selected by the Heart Team resulted in good long‐term clinical outcomes with most events occurring within the 1st year. Patients considered at low surgical risk for CABG have a significantly better long‐term survival than patients at high risk for surgery. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Rotablation in the treatment of high-risk patients with heavily calcified left-main coronary lesions

Objective Heavily calcified left-main coronary diseases (LMCA) remain a formidable challenge for percutaneous interventions (PCI). This study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of using rotational atherectomy (RA) in treating such lesions in actual practice. Methods From February 2004 to March 2012, all consecutive patients who received RA for heavily-calcified LMCA lesions in our cath lab were enrolled. The relevant clinical and angiographic characteristics at the time of index PCI, as well as the clinical follow-up outcomes, were retrieved and analyzed. Results A total of 34 consecutive patients were recruited with a mean age 77.2 ± 10.2 years. There were 82.4% presented with acute coronary syndrome and 11.8% with cardiogenic shock. Chronic renal disease and diabetes were seen in 64.7% and 52.9%, respectively. Triple-vessel coronary disease was found in 76.5% of them. The mean SYNTAX score was 50 ± 15 and EuroSCORE II scale 5.6 ± 4.8. The angiographic success rate was 100% with a procedural success rate of 91.2%. The mean number of burrs per patient was 1.7 ± 0.5. Crossing-over stenting was used in 64.7%. Most stents were drug-eluting (67.6%). Intra-aortic ballon pump was used in 20.6% of the procedures. Three patients died during hospitalization, all due to presenting cardiogenic shock. No major complication occurred. Among 31 hospital survivors, the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 16.1%, all due to target lesion revascularization or target vessel revascularization. Conclusions In high-surgical-risk elderly patients, plaque modification with RA in PCI of heavily-calcified LMCA could be safely accomplished with a minimal complication rate and low out-of-hospital MACE.     

Treatment of unprotected left main disease with drug-eluting stents in patients at high risk for coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for high-grade stenosis of the left main coronary artery with bare-metal stents has been limited by restenosis, and most patients are managed with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recently, drug-eluting stents (DES) have reduced instent restenosis after PCI, but their role in the treatment of left main disease remains unclear. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes after utilizing DES to treat left main disease. METHODS: Twenty consecutive symptomatic patients with >50% angiographic stenosis of the left main coronary artery with no prior history of CABG ["unprotected left main" (ULM)] underwent PCI with DES. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (Group A, n=5) or absence (Group B, n=15) of preprocedural cardiogenic shock. At follow up (median, 14 months), cumulative major adverse cardiac events (MACE-death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization) were determined. RESULTS: Sixteen (80%) of 20 patients were at high risk for CABG because of comorbidity, advanced age, or cardiogenic shock. Procedural success was 100% (20/20). Three of five patients in Group A (60%) died in hospital and the two surviving patients experienced no MACE at follow up. In Group B (n=15), there was no in-hospital MACE, but one patient died suddenly 8 weeks postprocedure [cumulative MACE of 7% (1/15)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of ULM treatment with DES with acceptable medium-term outcomes. While CABG remains the best form of revascularization for the majority of patients with ULM, DES should be considered in those who are at high risk.     

Early and long‐term results of percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main trifurcation disease

Objectives: We aimed to conduct a retrospective cohort study focusing on our 5‐year experience in the percutaneous treatment of unprotected left main (ULM) trifurcation disease. Background: Percutaneous treatment of ULM trifurcation remains a challenging and rare procedure for most interventional cardiologists. Moreover, data on long‐term outcomes are lacking. Methods: We retrieved all patients with ULM trifurcation disease treated percutaneously at our Institution since 2002, and adjudicated baseline, procedural, and outcome data. The primary end point was the long‐term rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, i.e., cardiac death, myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, or target vessel revascularization). Results: A total of 27 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation for ULM trifurcation disease, with 14 (52%) cases of true trifurcations, i.e., with concomitant significant stenoses of the distal ULM/ostial left anterior descending plus ostial ramus intermedius and ostial circumflex. Bare‐metal stents were implanted in 8 (29%) patients and drug‐eluting stents (DES) in 26 (96%), with a main branch stent only strategy in 11 (40%), T stenting in 9 (33%), and V stenting in 6 (27%). Procedural and clinical success occurred in 26 (96%), with one postprocedural death. Angiographic follow‐up was obtained in 22 patients (81%), and clinical follow‐up was completed in all subjects after a median of 28 ± 17 months, showing overall MACE in 9 (33%), with cardiac death in 4 (15%), myocardial infarction in 1 (4%), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 4 (15%), and percutaneous target vessel revascularization in 5 (19%). Definite stent thrombosis was adjudicated in 1 (3%) patient. Treatment of a true trifurcation lesion and recurrence of angina during follow‐up were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE (P = 0.029 and P = 0.050, respectively). Conclusions: Percutaneous treatment of ULM trifurcation disease is feasible, associated with favorable mid‐term results, and may be considered given its low invasiveness in patients at high surgical risk or with multiple comorbidities. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Angioplasty in ulcerative coronary artery disease: Acute results and early follow-up

The safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for stenoses involving ulcerative lesions were retrospectively studied. Seventy-seven patients (62 men and 15 women, mean age 62 ± 10 years) representing 3.4% of 2,250 patients treated with PTCA during the period January 1, 1988 and June 30, 1990, had pre-PTCA stenoses defined as ulcerated. Twenty-eight (36%) of the stenoses were localized in the left anterior descending coronary artery, 9 (12%) in the left circumflex and 40 (52%) in the right coronary artery. During angioplasty, percent diameter stenosis was reduced from 73 ± 14% to 22 ± 13% and transstenotic gradient decreased from 48 ± 18 to 12 ± 6 mm Hg. Clinical success (freedom from angina at discharge without coronary bypass surgery, infarction or death) was achieved in 70 patients (90.9%). There were seven unsuccessful cases: three underwent elective coronary bypass surgery, one was managed medically, and three developed a major flow interrupting dissection during the procedure requiring emergency coronary bypass surgery. There were no deaths. At mean follow-up of 7.6 months, 45 of 61 patients (73.7%) remained asymptomatic. One patient needed an elective coronary bypass surgery and five patients had a successful repeat PTCA. In conclusion, PTCA for an ulcerated stenosis can be performed safely with a high primary success rate and a favorable early clinical course.     

冠状动脉内旋磨术联合支架术治疗严重钙化病变的疗效及随访研究

目的评价冠状动脉(冠脉)内旋磨术联合支架术治疗严重钙化病变的疗效及中期随访结果。方法对21例冠心病患者的严重钙化病变行冠脉内旋磨术及支架术治疗,6例患者在血管内超声的引导下进行,观察其治疗的即刻成功率及6个月的随访结果。结果行冠脉内旋磨术的21例患者,冠脉造影结果均为В2、C型严重钙化病变。旋磨头均成功通过了病变,15例(71.4%)病例仅选择1.25mm的旋磨头,3例(14.3%)病例仅选择1.5mm旋磨头,3例(14.3%)病例使用了2个旋磨头。全部病例均联合应用经皮冠脉血管成形术(PTCA),19例(90.5%)在旋磨术后置入支架。2例(9.5%)在术中发生冠脉痉挛;1例(4.8%)发生无血流现象;无冠脉穿孔、死亡、急性心肌梗死及急诊冠脉旁路移植术(CABG)。对15例患者进行了术后6个月的冠脉造影随访,有2例(13.3%)发生支架内再狭窄。结论冠脉内旋磨术联合支架术治疗严重钙化病变,去除钙化斑块增大管腔,提高了严重钙化病变的经皮冠脉介入治疗(PCI)成功率。     

Simultaneous Improvement in Aortic Distensibility and Coronary Flow Velocity Reserve after Successful Coronary Interventions

Objective: Deteriorations in coronary flow velocity reserve (CFR) and aortic distensibility have been demonstrated in coronary artery disease. The objective of the present study was a simultaneous echocardiographic evaluation of the CFR and aortic distensibility indices before and after successful percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) disease. Methods: The study population, comprising 12 patients (4 women and 8 men) with significant proximal LAD stenosis, were compared with matched controls. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was carried out to evaluate the CFR and aortic distensibility indices (the aortic elastic modulus E(p) and Young's circumferential static elastic modulus E(s)) before and after PCI to the LAD. The subjects underwent TEE on average 8 ± 11 days before PCI and 25 ± 6 weeks after PCI. Results: An improvement in CFR was demonstrated in patients with LAD stenosis after successful PCI (1.71 ± 0.36 vs. 2.08 ± 0.28, P < 0.05), which paralleled the decreases in E(p) (936 ± 544 mmHg vs. 567 ± 184 mmHg, P < 0.05) and E(s) (10,207 ± 6,295 mmHg vs. 5,831 ± 2,010 mmHg, P < 0.05) during the follow‐up. Conclusion: The aortic distensibility improves in parallel with the increase in CFR in patients with LAD stenosis after successful PCI. (Echocardiography 2010;27:311‐316)     

Outcomes of nonagenarians who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents

Background : Age is an important predictor of mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The safety and efficacy of PCI with drug‐eluting stents (DES) in nonagenarians have not been extensively studied. Methods : A retrospective analysis of 889 consecutive patients identified 28 (3.1%) nonagenarians who underwent PCI with DES from May 2003 to December 2005 at our institution. Results : The mean age was 92 ± 2 years, 39% were male, and 4% were diabetic. Sirolimus‐eluting stents were used in 79%. A mean of 1.5 ± 0.9 stents/patient were implanted with a total stent length of 31 ± 20 mm. Twenty‐nine percent presented with unstable angina and 39% with myocardial infarction. The angiographic success rate obtained was 100%. The 30‐day mortality rate was 21%. The 6 patients who died within 30 days included 3 patients who had cardiogenic shock and one patient with critical aortic stenosis who died due to complications during percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty. The cumulative survival rate for all nonagenarians at 1 year and 3 years was (68 ± 9)% and (61 ± 9)%. When the four patients who were in extremis on presentation were excluded, there were no in‐hospital deaths, the 30‐day mortality was 8%, and the 1 year and 3 year survival rate was (79 ± 8)% and (71 ± 9)% for the nonagenarians. No patient had definite stent thrombosis. Conclusions : The majority of the nonagenarians who underwent PCI with DES presented with acute coronary syndrome. Percutaneous coronary intervention with DES was safe in nonagenarians as there were no in‐hospital deaths and acceptable 3‐year survival rates when patients who were in extremis on presentation were excluded. The high‐risk profile of these patients and the expected attrition of nonagenarians may contribute to their mortality rates. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.