Radiation Dose Benchmarks During Cardiac Catheterization for Congenital Heart Disease in the United States

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to define age-stratified, procedure-specific benchmark radiation dose levels during interventional catheterization for congenital heart disease.BackgroundThere is a paucity of published literature with regard to radiation dose levels during catheterization for congenital heart disease. Obtaining benchmark radiation data is essential for assessing the impact of quality improvement initiatives for radiation safety.MethodsData were obtained retrospectively from 7 laboratories participating in the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes collaborative. Total air kerma, dose area product, and total fluoroscopy time were obtained for the following procedures: 1) patent ductus arteriosus closure; 2) atrial septal defect closure; 3) pulmonary valvuloplasty; 4) aortic valvuloplasty; 5) treatment of coarctation of aorta; and 6) transcatheter pulmonary valve placement.ResultsBetween January 2009 and July 2013, 2,713 cases were identified. Radiation dose benchmarks are presented including median, 75th percentile, and 95th percentile. Radiation doses varied widely between age groups and procedure types. Radiation exposure was lowest in patent ductus arteriosus closure and highest in transcatheter pulmonary valve placement. Total fluoroscopy time was a poor marker of radiation exposure and did not correlate well with total air kerma and dose area product.ConclusionsThis study presents age-stratified radiation dose values for 6 common congenital heart interventional catheterization procedures. Fluoroscopy time alone is not an adequate measure for monitoring radiation exposure. These values will be used as baseline for measuring the effectiveness of future quality improvement activities by the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes collaborative.     

The Benefits Conferred by Radial Access for Cardiac Catheterization Are Offset by a Paradoxical Increase in the Rate of Vascular Access Site Complications With Femoral Access: The Campeau Radial Paradox

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess whether the benefits conferred by radial access (RA) at an individual level are offset by a proportionally greater incidence of vascular access site complications (VASC) at a population level when femoral access (FA) is performed.BackgroundThe recent widespread adoption of RA for cardiac catheterization has been associated with increased rates of VASCs when FA is attempted.MethodsLogistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted VASC rate in a contemporary cohort of consecutive patients (2006 to 2008) where both RA and FA were used, and compared it with the adjusted VASC rate observed in a historical control cohort (1996 to 1998) where only FA was used. We calculated the adjusted attributable risk to estimate the proportion of VASC attributable to the introduction of RA in FA patients of the contemporary cohort.ResultsA total of 17,059 patients were included. At a population level, the VASC rate was higher in the overall contemporary cohort compared with the historical cohort (adjusted rates: 2.91% vs. 1.98%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 1.89; p = 0.001). In the contemporary cohort, RA patients experienced fewer VASC than FA patients (adjusted rates: 1.44% vs. 4.19%; OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.48; p < 0.001). We observed a higher VASC rate in FA patients in the contemporary cohort compared with the historical cohort (adjusted rates: 4.19% vs. 1.98%; OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.67 to 2.81; p < 0.001). This finding was consistent for both diagnostic and therapeutic catheterizations separately. The proportion of VASCs attributable to RA in the contemporary FA patients was estimated at 52.7%.ConclusionsIn a contemporary population where both RA and FA were used, the safety benefit associated with RA is offset by a paradoxical increase in VASCs among FA patients. The existence of this radial paradox should be taken into consideration, especially among trainees and default radial operators.     

Periprocedural Complications and Long-Term Outcome After Alcohol Septal Ablation Versus Surgical Myectomy in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Single-Center Experience

ObjectivesThis study compared alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and surgical myectomy for periprocedural complications and long-term clinical outcome in patients with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.BackgroundDebate remains whether ASA is equally effective and safe compared with myectomy.MethodsAll procedures performed between 1981 and 2010 were evaluated for periprocedural complications and long-term clinical outcome. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality; secondary endpoints consisted of annual cardiac mortality, New York Heart Association functional class, rehospitalization for heart failure, reintervention, cerebrovascular accident, and myocardial infarction.ResultsA total of 161 patients after ASA and 102 patients after myectomy were compared during a maximal follow-up period of 11 years. The periprocedural (30-day) complication frequency after ASA was lower compared with myectomy (14% vs. 27%, p = 0.006), and median duration of in-hospital stay was shorter (5 days [interquartle range (IQR): 4 to 6 days] vs. 9 days [IQR: 6 to 12 days], p < 0.001). After ASA, provoked gradients were higher compared with myectomy (19 [IQR: 10 to 42] vs. 10 [IQR: 7 to 13], p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, age (per 5 years) (hazard ratio: 1.34 [95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 1.65], p = 0.007) was the only independent predictor for all-cause mortality. Annual cardiac mortality after ASA and myectomy was comparable (0.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.15). During follow-up, no significant differences were found in symptomatic status, rehospitalization for heart failure, reintervention, cerebrovascular accident, or myocardial infarction between both groups.ConclusionsSurvival and clinical outcome were good and comparable after ASA and myectomy. More periprocedural complications and longer duration of hospital stay after myectomy were offset by higher gradients after ASA.     

Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access in Patients Undergoing Rescue Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Fibrinolytic Therapy

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess usage patterns of transradial access in rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and associations between vascular access site choice and outcomes.BackgroundTransradial access reduces bleeding and mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Little is known about access site choice and outcomes in patients undergoing rescue PCI after receiving full-dose fibrinolytic therapy for STEMI.MethodsPatients in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry’s CathPCI Registry undergoing rescue PCI for STEMI between 2009 and 2013 were studied. Patients were divided on the basis of access site. Patterns of access use and baseline demographics were noted. Unadjusted and propensity-matched analyses were performed comparing in-hospital bleeding, vascular complications, and mortality outcomes among transradial and transfemoral access patients. The falsification endpoint of gastrointestinal bleeding was specified to assess for persistent unmeasured confounding.ResultsTransradial access was used in 14.2% of cases. In propensity-matched analyses, transradial rescue PCI was associated with significantly less bleeding than transfemoral access (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52 to 0.87; p = 0.003), but not mortality (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.25; p = 0.35). Gastrointestinal bleeding was less frequent in the radial group (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.98; p = 0.05).ConclusionsIn a large, “real-world” registry, transradial access was used in a minority of cases and was associated with significantly less bleeding than transfemoral access in patients undergoing rescue PCI. However, given persistent differences in a falsification endpoint, the influence of treatment-selection bias on these results cannot be ruled out. Further studies are needed to determine predictors of bleeding and mortality in this understudied high-risk group.     

Methodological Standardization for the Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Renal Sympathetic Denervation

Transcatheter ablation of renal autonomic nerves is a viable option for the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension; however, structured pre-clinical evaluation with standardization of analytical procedures remains a clear gap in this field. Here we discuss the topics relevant to the pre-clinical model for the evaluation of renal denervation (RDN) devices and report methodologies and criteria toward standardization of the safety and efficacy assessment, including histopathological evaluations of the renal artery, periarterial nerves, and associated periadventitial tissues. The pre-clinical swine renal artery model can be used effectively to assess both the safety and efficacy of RDN technologies. Assessment of the efficacy of RDN modalities primarily focuses on the determination of the depth of penetration of treatment-related injury (e.g., necrosis) of the periarterial tissues and its relationship (i.e., location and distance) and the effect on the associated renal nerves and the correlation thereof with proxy biomarkers including renal norepinephrine concentrations and nerve-specific immunohistochemical stains (e.g., tyrosine hydroxylase). The safety evaluation of RDN technologies involves assessing for adverse effects on tissues local to the site of treatment (i.e., on the arterial wall) as well as tissues at a distance (e.g., soft tissue, veins, arterial branches, skeletal muscle, adrenal gland, ureters). Increasing experience will help to create a standardized means of examining all arterial beds subject to ablative energy and in doing so enable us to proceed to optimize the development and assessment of these emerging technologies.     

The Effect of Transradial Coronary Catheterization on Upper Limb Function

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the change of upper limb function when percutaneous coronary procedures were performed through the radial artery.BackgroundIt is currently unknown if upper limb function is affected by transradial (TR) catheterization.MethodsBetween January 2013 and February 2014, upper limb function was assessed in a total of 338 patients undergoing coronary catheterization in an ambulatory setting (85% radial approach, 15% femoral approach). Upper limb function was assessed with the self-reported shortened version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. The presence and severity of upper extremity cold intolerance was assessed with the self-reported Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity questionnaire. Both questionnaires were completed before the catheterization and at 30-day follow-up. Higher scores represent worse upper limb functionality or symptoms. The nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the change of upper limb function and symptoms over time.ResultsUpper limb function did not change significantly over time when catheterization was performed through the radial artery (p = 0.06). The number of procedure-related extremity complaints that persisted during 30-day follow-up were not different between both access groups (TR access 10.5%, transfemoral access 11.5%; p = 0.82). The upper extremity was not affected by cold intolerance after TR access at 30-day follow-up (p = 0.91).ConclusionsUpper limb function was not affected when coronary catheterizations and interventions were performed through the radial artery.     

Outcomes of Inoperable Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis Patients Not Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: Insight Into the Impact of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty From the PARTNER Trial (Placement of AoRtic TraNscathetER Valve Trial)

ObjectivesThe aim of this report is to characterize the impact of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients not undergoing aortic valve replacement in the PARTNER (Placement of AoRtic TraNscathetER Valves) trial.BackgroundThe PARTNER trial is the only randomized trial with independently adjudicated data of inoperable severe symptomatic aortic stenosis patients, allowing outcome analysis of unoperated-on patients.MethodsThe design and initial results of the PARTNER trial (Cohort B) were reported previously. After excluding patients with pre-randomization BAV, we compared patients undergoing BAV within 30 days of randomization (BAV group) with those not having BAV within 30 days of randomization (no BAV group) to characterize the use and impact of BAV.ResultsIn the PARTNER Cohort B study, 179 inoperable patients were randomized to standard treatment including 39 patients (21.8%) who had undergone a BAV before randomization (previous BAV group). Of the 140 patients who did not have BAV before enrollment in the study, 102 patients (73%) had BAV within 30 days of study randomization (BAV group). Survival at 3 months was greater in the BAV group compared with the no BAV group (88.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.0% to 94.5% vs. 73.0%; 95% CI: 58.8% to 87.4%). However, survival was similar at 6-month follow-up (74.5%; 95% CI: 66.1% to 83.0% vs. 73.1%; 58.8% to 87.4%). There was improvement in quality of life parameters when paired comparisons were made between baseline and 30 days and 6 months between the BAV and no BAV groups, but this effect was lost at 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsBAV improves functional status and survival in the short term, but these benefits are not sustained. BAV for aortic stenosis patients who cannot undergo aortic valve replacement is a useful palliative therapy. (THE PARTNER TRIAL: Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve Trial; NCT00530894)     

Real-Time Assessment of Myocardial Viability in the Catheterization Laboratory Using the Intracoronary Electrograms Recorded by the PTCA Guidewire in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Comparison With Delayed-Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether the intracoronary electrograms (IC-EGMs) recorded using a standard percutaneous coronary intervention guidewire could provide myocardial viability information.BackgroundThe revascularization of dysfunctional but viable myocardium may confer prognostic benefits compared with medical therapy in patients with post-ischemic heart failure. However, knowledge of myocardial viability is often unavailable at the time of the procedure.MethodsThe peak-to-peak voltage of 317 IC-EGMs recordings from 25 patients with a previous myocardial infarction and systolic dysfunction were matched with corresponding delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging sites using a 17-segment model of the left ventricle.ResultsSixty-seven recordings were obtained from segments classified as complete scar on delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (group A), 162 from partially viable segments (group B), and 88 from fully viable segments (group C). Three high-pass (HP) filters (0.5, 30, and 100 Hz) were applied to the signals to modulate their spatial resolution. For all filters, the peak-to-peak voltage significantly decreased from group C to group B to group A (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). When receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to compare nonviable (group A) with viable (group B + C) segments, the optimal discriminating voltages were 4.6, 2.2, and 0.78 mV for, respectively, HP-0.5, HP-30, and HP-100 filters, with a sensitivity of 92%, 94%, and 99% and a specificity of 70%, 79%, and 69%.ConclusionsThe amplitude of the IC-EGMs discriminates viable from nonviable left ventricular segments. Because this technique is simple and inexpensive and provides real-time results, it is potentially useful to aid decision making in the catheterization laboratory.     

Comparison of Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Performed in the Catheterization Laboratory (Minimalist Approach) Versus Hybrid Operating Room (Standard Approach): Outcomes and Cost Analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF TAVR) performed in a catheterization laboratory (minimalist approach [MA]) with TF TAVR performed in a hybrid operating room (standard approach [SA]).BackgroundA MA-TF TAVR can be performed without general anesthesia, transesophageal echocardiography, or a surgical hybrid room. The outcomes and cost of MA-TF TAVR compared with those of the SA have not been described.MethodsPatients who underwent elective, percutaneous TF TAVR using the Edwards Sapien valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) were studied. Baseline characteristics, outcomes, and hospital costs of MA-TF TAVR and SA-TF TAVR were compared.ResultsA total of 142 patients were studied (MA-TF TAVR, n = 70 and SA-TF TAVR, n = 72). There were no differences in baseline comorbidities (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, 10.6 ± 4.3 vs. 11.4 ± 5.8; p = 0.35). All procedures in the MA-TF TAVR group were successful; 1 patient was intubated. Three patients in the SA-TF TAVR group had procedure-related death. Procedure room time (150 ± 48 min vs. 218 ± 56 min, p < 0.001), total intensive care unit time (22 h vs. 28 h, p < 0.001), length of stay from procedure to discharge (3 days vs. 5 days, p < 0.001), and cost ($45,485 ± 14,397 vs. $55,377 ± 22,587, p < 0.001) were significantly less in the MA-TF TAVR group. Mortality at 30 days was not significantly different in the MA-TF TAVR group (0 vs. 6%, p = 0.12) and 30-day stroke/transient ischemic attack was similar (4.3% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.35). Moderate or severe paravalvular leak and device success were similar in the MA-TF TAVR and SA-TF TAVR groups (3% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.4 and 90% vs. 88%, p = 0.79, respectively) at 30 days. At a median follow-up of 435 days, there was no significant difference in survival (MA-TF TAVR, 83% vs. SA-TF TAVR, 82%; p = 0.639).ConclusionsMA-TF TAVR can be performed with minimal morbidity and mortality and equivalent effectiveness compared with SA-TF TAVR. The shorter length of stay and lower resource use with MA-TF TAVR significantly lowers hospital costs.     

20 Years of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an accepted treatment for patients with heart failure (HF), impaired left ventricular (LV) function, and a wide QRS complex. It has been revolutionary for patients with advanced HF whose only previous option was cardiac transplantation, and it is now a realistic option for patients with mild HF. The development of CRT also has united the previously disparate cardiological subspecialties of electrophysiology and HF. This review, written on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first clinical use of CRT for HF, takes a historical perspective on CRT’s evolution from “bench to bedside.” We also comment on the task faced by electrophysiologists and HF specialists as they make this life-saving therapy available to an increasing number of eligible patients.     

Three-Year Outcomes After Revascularization With Everolimus- and Sirolimus-Eluting Stents From the SORT OUT IV Trial

ObjectivesThe study sought to compare the risk of late outcome with a focus on very late definite stent thrombosis of the everolimus-eluting stent (EES) with that of the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) at 3-year follow-up.BackgroundIn the SORT OUT IV (SORT OUT IV Trial), comparing the EES with the SES in patients with coronary artery disease, the EES was noninferior to the SES at 9 months. The SORT OUT IV trial provides long-term head-to-head randomized comparison of the EES with the SES.MethodsWe prospectively randomized 2,774 patients in the SORT OUT IV trial. Follow-up through 3 years was complete in 2,771 patients (99.9%). The 3-year pre-specified endpoints were composites of safety and efficacy (major adverse cardiac events [MACE]: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and definite stent thrombosis).ResultsAt 3 years, the composite endpoint MACE occurred in 9.8% of the EES group and in 11.1% of the SES group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70 to 1.12). Overall rate of definite stent thrombosis was lower in the EES group (0.2% vs. 1.4%; HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.50), which was largely attributable to a lower risk of very late definite stent thrombosis: 0.1% versus 0.8% (HR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.70).ConclusionsAt 3-year follow-up, the MACE rate did not differ significantly between EES- and SES-treated patients. A significant reduction of overall and very late definite stent thrombosis was found in the EES group. (The SORT OUT IV TRIAL [SORT OUT IV]; NCT00552877).     

Clinical,Angiographic, Functional,and Imaging Outcomes 12 Months After Implantation of Drug-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds in Acute Coronary Syndromes

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe the multimodal outcome 12 months after implantation of coronary bioresorbable scaffolds (BVS) for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).BackgroundFunctional and imaging data on the use of BVS are limited to simple, stable lesions; in the setting of ACS, only short-term clinical follow-up data are available, and no information from intracoronary imaging and vasomotion tests has been reported.MethodsA total of 133 patients (age 62 ± 12 years, 74% males, 15% diabetic) underwent BVS (n = 166) implantation for the treatment of thrombotic lesions in the setting of ACS (43% non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 38% ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 20% unstable angina). Clinical, angiographic, intracoronary imaging, and vasomotor endpoints were evaluated at 12 months.ResultsDuring the 374 days (interquartile range: 359 to 411 days) of follow-up, there were 4 deaths; 3 definite and 1 probable in-BVS thromboses (all in the first 6 months). At 12-month angiography (75 patients, 83 BVS), in-segment late lumen loss was 0.19 ± 0.45 mm, and 3 (4%) patients showed binary restenosis. Optical coherence tomography (80 BVS, n = 70) showed a mean lumen area of 6.3 ± 2.3 mm². Malapposition was evidenced in 21 (26%) BVS. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation were observed in 48% and 49% of the BVS.ConclusionsTwelve months after BVS implantation, clinical, intracoronary imaging, and vasomotion data appear to provide a rationale for the use of BVS in the setting of ACS and the basis for a randomized study.     

15-Year Patency and Life Expectancy After Primary Stenting Guided by Intravascular Ultrasound for Iliac Artery Lesions in Peripheral Arterial Disease

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate 15-year patency and life expectancy after endovascular treatment (EVT) with primary stenting guided by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for iliac artery lesions.BackgroundFifteen-year patency, factors causing restenosis, and survival after IVUS-guided EVT are unclear based on the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC-II) classification in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).MethodsEVT was performed for 507 lesions in 455 patients with PAD. The 15-year endpoints were primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency; overall survival; freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE); and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLE).ResultsThe 5-, 10-, and 15-year primary and secondary patencies were 89%, 83%, and 75%, respectively, and 92%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. There were no significant differences among TASC-II categories.ConclusionsIVUS-guided stenting for the iliac artery had favorable 15-year patency in all TASC categories. Life expectancy after EVT was poor, but stenting is feasible for patients with PAD.     

A New Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement System for Predominant Aortic Regurgitation Implantation of the J-Valve and Early Outcome

ObjectivesThis study introduces a newly designed transcatheter aortic valve system, the J-Valve system, and evaluates its application in patients with predominant aortic regurgitation without significant valve calcification. We also report the early results of one of the first series of transapical implantations of this device and aim to offer guidance on the technical aspects of the procedure.BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been widely used in high-risk patients for surgical aortic valve replacement. However, the majority of the TAVR devices were designed for aortic valve stenosis with significant valve calcification.MethodsSix patients with native aortic regurgitation without significant valve calcification (age, 61 to 83 years; mean age, 75.50 ± 8.14 years) underwent transapical implantation of the J-Valve prosthesis (JieCheng Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China), a self-expandable porcine valve, in the aortic position at our institution. All patients were considered to be prohibitive or high risk for surgical valve replacement (logistic EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation], 22.15% to 44.44%; mean, 29.32 ± 7.70%) after evaluation by an interdisciplinary heart team. Procedural and clinical outcomes were analyzed.ResultsImplantations were successful in all patients. During the follow-up period (from 31 days to 186 days, mean follow-up was 110.00 ± 77.944 days), only 1 patient had trivial prosthetic valve regurgitation, and none of these patients had paravalvular leak of more than mild grade. There were no major post-operative complications or mortality during the follow-up.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the feasibility of transapical implantation of the J-Valve system in high-risk patients with predominant aortic regurgitation.     

Appropriateness Ratings of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Japan and Its Association With the Trend of Noninvasive Testing

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Japan and clarify the association between trends of pre-procedural noninvasive testing and changes in appropriateness ratings.BackgroundAlthough PCI appropriateness criteria are widely used for quality-of-care improvement, they have not been validated internationally. Furthermore, the correlation of appropriateness ratings with implementation of newly developed noninvasive testing is unclear.MethodsWe assigned an appropriateness rating to 11,258 consecutive PCIs registered in the Japanese Cardiovascular Database according to appropriateness use criteria developed in 2009 (AUC/2009) and the 2012 revised version (AUC/2012). Trends of pre-procedural noninvasive testing and appropriateness ratings were plotted; logistic regression was performed to identify inappropriate PCI predictors.ResultsIn nonacute settings, 15% of PCIs were rated inappropriate under AUC/2009, and this percent increased to 30.7% under AUC/2012 criteria. This was mostly because of the focused update of AUC, in which the patients were newly classified as inappropriate if they lacked proximal left anterior descending lesions and did not undergo pre-procedural noninvasive testing. However, these cases were simply not rated under AUC/2009. The amount of inappropriate PCIs increased over 5 years, proportional to the increase in coronary computed tomography angiography use. Use of coronary computed tomography angiography was independently associated with inappropriate PCIs (odds ratio: 1.33; p = 0.027).ConclusionsIn a multicenter, Japanese PCI registry, approximately one-sixth of nonacute PCIs were rated as inappropriate under AUC/2009, increasing to approximately one-third under the revised AUC/2012. This significant gap may reflect a needed shift in appropriateness recognition of methods for noninvasive pre-procedural evaluation of coronary artery disease.