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Introduction: Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) frequently coexists in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). These patients have worse clinical outcomes than those with non-significant MR, especially if MR persists after treatment of the aortic stenosis. The optimal treatment approach for this challenging high-risk population is not well defined.Areas Covered: This review aims to present the current literature on concomitant significant MR in the TAVR population, and to provide a comprehensive algorithmic approach for clinical decision-making in this challenging cohort of patients.Expert Opinion: Concomitant mitral and aortic valve disease is a complex clinical entity. An exhaustive and comprehensive assessment of patient's clinical characteristics and mitral valve anatomy and function is required in order to assess the surgical risk, predict the MR response after AVR and evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous MV treatment if necessary. Further developments in transcatheter techniques will expand the indications for double valve treatment in operable and inoperable patients with concomitant significant MR and aortic stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an international effort to develop and repurpose medications and procedures to effectively combat the disease. Several groups have focused on the potential treatment utility of angiotensin-converting–enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) for hypertensive COVID-19 patients, with inconclusive evidence thus far. We couple electronic medical record (EMR) and registry data of 3,643 patients from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ecuador, and the US with a machine learning framework to personalize the prescription of ACEIs and ARBs to hypertensive COVID-19 patients. Our approach leverages clinical and demographic information to identify hospitalized individuals whose probability of mortality or morbidity can decrease by prescribing this class of drugs. In particular, the algorithm proposes increasing ACEI/ARBs prescriptions for patients with cardiovascular disease and decreasing prescriptions for those with low oxygen saturation at admission. We show that personalized recommendations can improve patient outcomes by 1.0% compared to the standard of care when applied to external populations. We develop an interactive interface for our algorithm, providing physicians with an actionable tool to easily assess treatment alternatives and inform clinical decisions. This work offers the first personalized recommendation system to accurately evaluate the efficacy and risks of prescribing ACEIs and ARBs to hypertensive COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The combination of aspirin and clopidogrel remains the most frequent dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Clopidogrel, a P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) platelet receptor inhibitor requires transformation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the liver to produce an active metabolite. On the other hand, ivabradine is an effective antianginal drug that is also metabolized by the CYP enzyme, acting as a weak inhibitor. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of ivabradine on platelet reactivity in patients receiving clopidogrel and to evaluate the possible pharmacodynamic interactions between them. Methods: This is a prospective, observational, post-authorization pharmacodynamic study including patients treated with aspirin and clopidogrel and initiating ivabradine. Patients with platelet abnormalities and those treated with anticoagulants or other CYP inhibitors were excluded. A platelet aggregation test was performed at baseline before the first dose of ivabradine and repeated after 4 weeks of treatment. The primary endpoint was inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) after 20 mM ADP stimulation. Results: A total of 34 patients were initially recruited; eight patients were excluded, leaving 25 patients for final analysis. All patients had chronic ischemic heart disease. The maximum ivabradine dosage of 7.5 mg twice daily was achieved in seven patients (28%). After 4 weeks of treatment with ivabradine, no significant differences were found in maximal platelet aggregation from baseline, as assessed with 20 μM ADP stimulation. In addition, no significant difference in IPA from baseline was detected after stimulation with ADP 5 μM, arachidonic acid, thrombin receptor-activated peptide 25 μM, and platelet reactivity index. Conclusion: Ivabradine did not alter antiplatelet response to clopidogrel in patients treated concomitantly with both drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: While thinner struts are associated with improved clinical outcomes in bare-metal stents (BMS), reducing strut thickness may affect drug delivery from drug-eluting stents (DES) and there are limited data comparing otherwise similar thin and thick strut DES. We assessed 2-year outcomes of patients treated with a thin strut (84-88um) cobalt-chromium, biodegradable polymer, Biolimus A9-eluting stent (CoCr-BP-BES) and compared these to patients treated with a stainless steel, biodegradable polymer, Biolimus A9-eluting stent (SS-BP-BES).Methods: In total, 1257 patients were studied: 400 patients from 12 centres receiving ≥1 CoCr-BP-BES in the prospective Biomatrix Alpha registry underwent prespecified comparison with 857 patients who received ≥1 Biomatrix Flex SS-BP-BES in the LEADERS study (historical control). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE)-cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or clinically driven target vessel revascularization (cd-TVR). Propensity analysis was used to adjust for differences in baseline variables and a landmark analysis at day-3 to account for differences in periprocedural MI definitions.Results: MACE at 2 years occurred in 6.65% CoCr-BP-BES versus 13.23% SS-BP-BES groups (unadjusted HR 0.48 [0.31-0.73]; P=0.0005). Following propensity analysis, 2-year adjusted MACE rates were 7.4% versus 13.3% (HR 0.53 [0.35-0.79]; P=0.004). Definite or probable stent thrombosis, adjudicated using identical criteria in both studies, occurred less frequently with CoCr-BP-BES (1.12% vs. 3.22%; adjusted HR 0.32 [0.11-0.9]; P=0.034). In day-3 landmark analysis, the difference in 2-year MACE was no longer significant but there was a lower patient-orientated composite endpoint (11.7% vs. 18.4%; HR 0.6 [0.43-0.83]; P=0.006) and a trend to lower target vessel failure (5.8% vs. 9.1%; HR 0.63 [0.4-1.00]; P=0.078).Conclusion: At 2-year follow-up, propensity-adjusted analysis showed the thin strut (84-88um) Biomatrix Alpha CoCr-BP-BES was associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with the thicker strut (114-120um) Biomatrix Flex SS-BP-BES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) shows high morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Some of these patients are under oral anticoagulation (OAC) at admission, but to date, there are no data on the clinical profile, prognosis and risk factors of such patients during hospitalization for COVID‐19. Design: Subanalysis of the international 'real‐world' HOPE COVID‐19 registry. All patients with prior OAC at hospital admission for COVID‐19 were suitable for the study. All‐cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Results: From 1002 patients included, 110 (60.9% male, median age of 81.5 [IQR 75‐87] years, median Short‐Form Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] of 1 [IQR 1‐3]) were on OAC at admission, mainly for atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. After propensity score matching, 67.9% of these patients died during hospitalization, which translated into a significantly higher mortality risk compared to patients without prior OAC (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.08‐2.16). After multivariate Cox regression analysis, respiratory insufficiency during hospitalization (HR 6.02, 95% CI 2.18‐16.62), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during hospitalization (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.34‐3.91) and the Short‐Form CCI (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03‐1.49) were the main risk factors for mortality in patients on prior OAC. Conclusions: Compared to patients without prior OAC, COVID‐19 patients on OAC therapy at hospital admission showed lower survival and higher mortality risk. In these patients on OAC therapy, the prevalence of several comorbidities is high. Respiratory insufficiency and SIRS during hospitalization, as well as higher comorbidity, pointed out those anticoagulated patients with increased mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The quantitative measurement of the left ventricle by echocardiography is a fundamental tool in the diagnosis and prognosis of acquired and congenital diseases in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to validate an automated three‐dimensional adaptive analytic echocardiographic algorithm, the so‐called Heart Model® (HM) in the pediatric population, using as comparators the left atrial and left ventricular volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction obtained by means of conventional 2D and 3D echocardiography. Methods: Pilot study, where a population comprised of 75 consecutive patients aged 6–17 years who attended a pediatric cardiology clinic, was evaluated. Every patient underwent a conventional 2D and 3D echocardiography and an analysis using HM. Conventional 3D echo was used as the reference method. Results: Seventy‐five patients were analyzed. Mean age was 11.2 (4.0) years (52.2% women). The intraclass correlation coefficient of HM vs 2D echo was poor, but it was good for the agreement between HM and 3D echo for left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (ICC: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; P < 0.001), left ventricular end‐systolic volume ICC: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99; P = 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (ICC: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78–0.92; P < 0.001). The agreement was also good for the three parameters when the analysis was performed according to body weight. Conclusions: Heart Model® is a feasible and accurate tool for the evaluation of left atrial and left ventricular volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction in pediatric population aged above 6 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation severity assessment is usually carried out using qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative parameters. The mitral valve navigation (MVN) tool allows to measure the mitral effective regurgitant orifice (MERO) from 3D echo datasets. Our aim was to validate the MVN as a new tool to quantify MERO. A secondary aim was to assess the intra‐ and interobserver variability. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which consecutive subjects undergoing a transoesophageal echocardiogram for more than mild mitral regurgitation evaluation were included. MERO measurement obtained by means of 3D color Doppler was used as the gold standard method for comparison. In every patient, MERO was also obtained using the MVN tool. Results: Fifty‐nine consecutive patients were analyzed (47.5% female; mean age 50.8 years). Mitral regurgitation was moderate in 23 (39%) and severe in 36 (61%) patients. Forty patients (67.8%) had a primary and 19 (32.2%) a secondary mitral regurgitation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between 3D color Doppler and MVN was excellent (ICC: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98; P < 0.001) in the total group and for patients with primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. Intra‐ and interobserver agreements were also good. Conclusions: Mitral valve navigator shows an excellent accuracy for measuring MERO when the transoesophageal 3D color Doppler is used as the reference method, either primary or secondary mitral regurgitation. Intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reproducibility are also excellent. These findings make this software a good alternative method to measure mitral regurgitation severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inability to cross the lesion with a guidewire is the most common reason for failure in percutaneous revascularization (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTOs). An ostial or stumpless CTO is an acknowledged challenge for CTO recanalization due to difficulty in successful wiring. IVUS imaging provides the opportunity to visualize the occluded vessel and to aid guidewire advancement. We review the value of this technique in a single-centre experience of CTO PCI. This series involves 22 patients who underwent CTO-PCI using IVUS guidance for stumpless CTO wiring at our institution. CTO operators with extensive IVUS experience in non-CTO cases carried out all procedures. Procedural and outcome data was prospectively entered into the institutional database and a retrospective analysis of clinical, angiographic and technical data performed. 17 (77%) of the 22 procedures were successful. The mean age was 59.8 ± 11.5 years, and 90.9% were male. The most commonly attempted lesions were located in the left anterior descending 36.4% (Soon et al. in J Intervent Cardiol 20(5):359-366, 2007) and Circumflex artery (LCx) 31.8% (Mollet et al. in Am J Cardiol 95(2):240-243, 2005). Mean JCTO score was 3.09 ± 0.75 (3.06 ± 0.68, 3.17 ± 0.98 in the successful and failed groups respectively p = 0.35). The mean contrast volume was 378.7 ml ± 114.7 (389.9 ml ± 130.5, 349.2 ml ± 52.2 p = 0.3 in the successful and failed groups respectively). There was no death, coronary artery bypass grafting or myocardial infarction requiring intervention in this series. When the success rates were analyzed taking into account the date of adoption of this technique, the learning curve had no significant impact on CTO-PCI success. This series describes a good success rate in IVUS guided stumpless wiring of CTOs in consecutive patients with this complex anatomical scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In diabetic patients a predisposed coronary microcirculation along with a higher risk of distal particulate embolization during primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) increases the risk of peri-procedural microcirculatory damage. However, new antiplatelet agents, in particular Ticagrelor, may protect the microcirculation through its adenosine-mediated vasodilatory effects. Methods: PREDICT is an original, prospective, randomized, multicenter controlled study designed to investigate the protective effect of Ticagrelor on the microcirculation during PCI in patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 or prediabetic status. The primary endpoints of this study aim to test (i) the decrease in microcirculatory resistance with antiplatelet therapy (Ticagrelor > Clopidogrel; mechanistic effect) and (ii) the relative microcirculatory protection of Ticagrelor compared to Clopidogrel during PCI (Ticagrelor < Clopidogrel; protective effect). Conclusions: PREDICT will be the first multicentre clinical trial to test the adenosine-mediated vasodilatory effect of Ticagrelor on the microcirculation during PCI in diabetic patients. The results will provide important insights into the prospective beneficial effect of this drug in preventing microvascular impairment related to PCI (http://www.clinicaltrials. gov No. NCT02698618). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The evidence of the benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for patients of high or intermediate surgical risk is not consistent. We performed a meta-analysis to compare major adverse outcomes after TAVR or SAVR. METHODS: We searched propensity score matched studies or randomized clinical trials comparing the risks of mortality, stroke, major bleeding, acute renal injury, pacemaker implantation, vascular complications and prostheses haemodynamic performance between TAVR and SAVR in patients with moderate or high risk. Combined odds ratios (ORs), relative risk or mean differences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Analyses of sensitivity and publication bias were also conducted. RESULTS: We included 5 clinical trials and 37 observational studies, enrolling 20 224 patients (TAVR, n = 9099 and SAVR, n = 11 125). The pooled analysis suggested no differences in early (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.9-1.39, P = 0.355) or late mortality (relative risk = 0.91, 95% CI 0.78-1.05, P = 0.194). TAVR was associated with a lower risk of major bleeding (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.25-0.69, P < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.71) but with an increase in the incidence of pacemaker implantation (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.73-3.08) and vascular complications (OR = 4.88, 95% CI 2.84-8.39). Residual aortic regurgitation was more frequent after TAVR (OR= 6.83, 95% CI 4.87-9.6). SAVR prostheses were associated with poor trans-prosthetic gradients (mean difference: -2.4 mmHg, 95% CI - 3.27 to - 1.53). CONCLUSIONS: TAVR and SAVR have similar short and long-term all-cause mortality and risk of stroke among patients of moderate or high surgical risk. TAVR decreases the risk of major bleeding, acute kidney injury and improves haemodynamic performance compared with SAVR but increases the risk of vascular complications, the need for a pacemaker and residual aortic regurgitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effectiveness of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) versus placebo and antiplatelet therapy (APT) is well established for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are mostly superior to VKA in stroke and intracranial bleeding prevention. Recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) suggested the non-inferiority of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) versus VKA. However, comparisons between LAAC versus placebo, APT or NOAC are lacking. The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of LAAC compared with other strategies for stroke prevention in patients with AF.Methods: We pooled together all RCTs comparing warfarin with placebo, APT or NOAC in patients with AF using meta-analysis guidelines. Two major trials of LAAC were also included and a network meta-analysis was performed to compare the impact of LAAC on mortality, stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding in relation to medical treatment.Results: The network meta-analysis included 19 RCTs with a total of 87 831 patients with AF receiving anticoagulants, APT, placebo or LAAC. Indirect comparison with network meta-analysis using warfarin as the common comparator revealed efficacy benefit favouring LAAC as compared with placebo (mortality: HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.67, p<0.001; stroke/SE: HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.52, p<0.001) and APT (mortality: HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.91, p=0.0018; stroke/SE: HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.86, p=0.017) and similar to NOAC (mortality: HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.16, p=0.211; stroke/SE: HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.92, p=0.969). LAAC showed comparable rates of major bleeding when compared with placebo (HR 2.33, 95% CI 0.67 to 8.09, p=0.183), APT (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.88, p=0.542) and NOAC (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.94, p=0.615).Conclusions: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that LAAC is superior to placebo and APT, and comparable to NOAC for preventing mortality and stroke or SE, with similar bleeding risk in patients with non-valvular AF. However, these results should be interpreted with caution and more studies are needed to further substantiate this advantage, in view of the wide CIs with some variables in the current meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer may induce cardiotoxicity and these patients should be echocardiographically monitored. The performance of a focused echocardiographic evaluation (echoscopy) at the patient's location by a non-cardiologist appears to be feasible. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of echoscopy performed by medical oncologists in an outpatient clinic using hand-held echocardiography devices. The study cohort comprised consecutive unselected patients who attended an oncology outpatient clinic. Two medical oncologists attended a one-week training period, which included theoretical and practical teaching by an expert cardiologist. Every subject underwent two echo examinations. The first examination was performed by an oncologist using a hand-held echo device and the second was performed by a cardiologist using a 'premium' device. Out of the 101 enrolled patients, 32 were men (31.7%) and the mean age was 56.03±16.88 years. There was a good global agreement [intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.65 for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)]. When the results were analyzed depending on the period of time when the echo studies were performed, a clear and short learning curve was observed: LVEF started at ICC=0.58 and increased to 0.66 and 0.77 in the second and third period, respectively. There were extremely few clinically significant differences and a learning curve was also evident. In conclusion, cardiac echoscopy performed by an oncologist with a hand-held device may lead to a similar clinical management as a study performed by an expert cardiologist with a 'premium' system in patients under chemotherapy following a short training period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TK) includes a transient left ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary disease, sometimes after stressful situations with elevated cathecolamines. Since catecholamines activate platelets we aimed to study the platelet influence in a TK setting. We included 32 patients with a TK diagnosis, 13 with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 18 healthy volunteers. Once consent informed was obtained, blood samples were extracted and processed (at admission and after 3 months follow-up). Clinical, ecg, echocardiographic and angiographic features were thoroughly recorded.Previous treatment before admission was similar between groups. No differences were observed in clinical features or any of the acute markers studied regarding platelet reactivity between TK compared to ACS. After follow-up, aggregation levels and platelet reactivity showed differences, mainly due to the antithrombotic therapy prescribed at discharge, but similar to volunteers. Circulating epinephrine during the acute phase was significantly higher in TK ( p < 0.001). Patients with higher levels of epinephrine had elevated platelet activation and aggregation after 3 months. No differences were observed in Takotsubo acute platelet aggregation compared to patients with ACS, in spite of higher blood levels of adrenaline. Takotsubo patients had elevated platelet aggregation and activation compared with ACS patients at 3 months follow-up because they were less frequently on chronic clopidogrel and ASA. However, they had similar platelet aggregation and activation levels to healthy volunteers despite treatment with low-dose ASA. Takotsubo patients who had higher levels of adrenaline in the acute phase displayed increased platelet reactivity during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives Atrial fibrillation ( AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a significantly high risk of stroke and systemic embolism. The aim of our study was to assess the association between left atrium ( LA) mechanics measured by 3D wall-motion tracking (3 DWMT) technology and the most common thromboembolic risk scores ( CHADS2, CHA2 DS2- VASc). Methods A total of 101 consecutive patients with permanent AF referred were included. Conventional bidimensional (2D) LA parameters, and LA mechanics by means of 3 DWMT were studied. Association between LA 2D and 3 DWMT parameters and both risk scores was evaluated as well as its correlation with every component of the score individually. Results Mean age was 78 ± 10 years. Mean CHADS2 was 2.7 ± 1.3 and mean CHA2 DS2- VASc was 4.4 ± 1.7. Values of 2D and 3 DWTM LA parameters were: 2D area 26.4 ± 9.7 cm2, 2D volume index 49.4 ± 10.1 mL/m2, 3 DWMT left atrial emptying fraction ( LAEF) 15.9 ± 8.4%, longitudinal strain 9.1 ± 4.5% and area strain 14.9 ± 8.8%. Linear regression analysis showed statistically significant correlation between LA longitudinal strain and LAEF with CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2- VASc scores. For each 10% variation in longitudinal strain, CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2- VASc scores change in 0.7 and 0.8 points, respectively. Conclusions Left atrial longitudinal strain and emptying fraction assessed by 3D WMT technology have correlation with both CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2- VASc scores. Each 10% of variation in longitudinal strain represents a 0.7 and 0.8 points change in those risk scores. LA mechanics evaluation might provide additional value to risk scores and could be considered to be a predictor of stroke in patients with AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: New generation open-irrigated catheters aim to improve irrigation efficiency. This may change lesion patterns, challenging operators. Indeed, safety issues have recently arisen. We aimed to experimentally assess 4 open-irrigated catheters, comparing lesion size, safety, and heat transfer. Methods: The thigh lesion model was employed in 6 anesthetized pigs to assess the morphology of perpendicular and tangential lesions (n=140) created by the newer catheters ThermoCoolR ® SF,CoolFlex™ , and BlazerÚ Open-Irrigated, and the standard ThermoCoolR ® , at a constant power of 30 W (60 seconds). To evaluate the propensity for deep-tissue overheating, a set of 120 applications were performed at 50 W (180 seconds) comparing pop rates. Thermal assessment of the lesion generation process (20W, 60 seconds, n = 32) was performed with an infrared camera on bovine ventricular tissue. Results: At 30 W, the newer catheters showed lower temperature readings compared with the ThermoCoolR ® . No major efficacy or safety differences were found at tangential applications; however, at perpendicular applications: (1) the SF at 17 mL/min better preserved the superficial layers and focused its maximum thermal effect deeper, but at recommended flow rates (8 mL/min) it generated the largest superficial lesions; (2) CoolFlex™ created smaller lesions than SF and readily induced steam pops at 50W without temperature control; and (3) no major differences were found comparing Blazer™ Open-Irrigated and ThermoCoolR ® . Conclusions: The lower temperature readings in the newer catheters make them more prone to deliver the maximum programmed power. Under experimental conditions, the SF catheter focuses its maximum effect deeper and the CoolFlex™ can be more prone to induce steam pops at high power settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Kaname™ cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), thin strut, bare metal stent (BMS) system for the treatment of coronary artery lesions. Background Despite widespread use of drug-eluting stents, a certain percentage of patients with coronary artery disease are still treated with BMS. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate their clinical performance. Methods Two hundred eighty-two patients were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm study including a predefined subset of 79 patients with small vessels. The primary end-point was freedom from target vessel failure (TVF) at 6 months. Key angiographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) end-points were late loss, diameter stenosis, binary restenosis, and neointimal hyperplasia volume. Results Freedom from TVF at 6 months was 93.3% and at 1 year 90.8% in total population, and 92.4% and 87.3% in small vessels, respectively. Clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates at 6 and 12 months were 4.3% and 6.4% in total population, and 3.8% and 7.6% in small vessels, respectively. At 6 months in-stent late loss was 0.75 ± 0.43 mm and binary restenosis rate was 16.9% in total population, and 0.64 ± 0.40 mm and 26.1% in small vessels, while IVUS assessed neointimal hyperplasia volume at 6 months was 128.9 ± 42.6 mm 3 for total population. There were no definite and probable stent thromboses up to 12 months. Conclusions Results indicate good safety and effectiveness of the Kaname™ stent with clinically equivalent results in small and larger vessels, as such providing useful treatment option for patients with ischemic heart disease considered for BMS implantation. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:491-499) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Kaname™ cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), thin strut, bare metal stent (BMS) system for the treatment of coronary artery lesions.Background: Despite widespread use of drug-eluting stents, a certain percentage of patients with coronary artery disease are still treated with BMS. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate their clinical performance.Methods: Two hundred eighty-two patients were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm study including a predefined subset of 79 patients with small vessels. The primary end-point was freedom from target vessel failure (TVF) at 6 months. Key angiographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) end-points were late loss, diameter stenosis, binary restenosis, and neointimal hyperplasia volume.Results: Freedom from TVF at 6 months was 93.3% and at 1 year 90.8% in total population, and 92.4% and 87.3% in small vessels, respectively. Clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates at 6 and 12 months were 4.3% and 6.4% in total population, and 3.8% and 7.6% in small vessels, respectively. At 6 months in-stent late loss was 0.75 ± 0.43 mm and binary restenosis rate was 16.9% in total population, and 0.64 ± 0.40 mm and 26.1% in small vessels, while IVUS assessed neointimal hyperplasia volume at 6 months was 128.9 ± 42.6 mm(3) for total population. There were no definite and probable stent thromboses up to 12 months.Conclusions: Results indicate good safety and effectiveness of the Kaname™ stent with clinically equivalent results in small and larger vessels, as such providing useful treatment option for patients with ischemic heart disease considered for BMS implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective stimulation of β adrenergic-receptor (β3AR) has been shown to reduce infarct size in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. However, its functional long-term effect and the cardioprotective mechanisms at the level of cardiomyocytes have not been elucidated, and the impact of β3AR stimulation has not been evaluated in a more translational large animal model. This study aimed at evaluating pre-perfusion administration of BRL37344 both in small and large animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Pre-reperfusion administration of the β3AR agonist BRL37344 (5 μg/kg) reduced infarct size at 2-and 24-h reperfusion in wild-type mice. Long-term (12-weeks) left ventricular (LV) function assessed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was significantly improved in β3AR agonist-treated mice. Incubation with β3AR agonist (BRL37344, 7 μmol/L) significantly reduced cell death in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes during hypoxia/reoxygenation and decreased susceptibility to deleterious opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), via a mechanism dependent on the Akt-NO signaling pathway. Pre-reperfusion BRL37344 administration had no effect on infarct size in cyclophilin-D KO mice, further implicating mPTP in the mechanism of protection. Large-white pigs underwent percutaneous coronary ischemia/reperfusion and 3-T CMR at 7 and 45 days post-infarction. Pre-perfusion administration of BRL37344 (5 μg/kg) decreased infarct size and improved long-term LV contractile function. A single-dose administration of β3AR agonist before reperfusion decreased infarct size and resulted in a consistent and long-term improvement in cardiac function, both in small and large animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. This protection appears to be executed through inhibition of mPTP opening in cardiomyocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Left atrium (LA) size assessment is clinically relevant, but the accuracy of two-dimensional echocardiographic (2D-echo) methods is limited. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is an excellent alternative but is far from being used in daily clinical practice. Three-dimensional-wall motion tracking (3D-WMT) allows us to obtain volumes in a very simple and rapid manner. The aims of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of 3D-WMT technology to assess LA volume using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as a reference method, to evaluate its reproducibility, and to determine its added clinical value to classify the LA enlargement severity. Methods and results Seventy consecutive patients referred for a CMR study were prospectively enrolled. They underwent LA volume assessment by means of 2D-echo, 3D-WMT, and CMR. Inter-methods agreement was assessed. The mean age was 56 ± 18 years and 42 patients (60%) were males. Average maximal LA volume obtained by 2D-echo, 3D-WMT, and CMR were 63.33 ± 26.82, 79.80 ± 29.0, and 79.80 ± 28.99 mL, respectively. Univariate linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between 3D-WMT and CMR (r = 0.83; P < 0.001). The agreement analysis showed a similar result (ICC = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.74–0.89; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the LA enlargement degree was better evaluated with 3D-WMT than with 2D-echo. Conclusion This study validates LA volume measurements obtained using the new and fast 3D-WMT technology, compared with CMR. This method is fast, accurate, and reproducible, and it allows a better classification of left LA enlargement severity compared with 2D-echo. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain why some platelets have a reduced response to aspirin ( ASA). Among them, it was reported an increased circulating level of vitamin-D-binding protein ( DBP). In addition, nitric oxide ( NO) released from mononuclear cells was involved in the antiplatelet effects of ASA. The aim was to analyse the relationship between platelet response to ASA and both NO generation and vitamin-D-binding protein content in mononuclear cells. Materials and methods Mononuclear cells were obtained from patients with stable coronary artery disease that were divided by a platelet functionality test ( PFA-100) as ASA-sensitive ( n = 23) and ASA resistant ( n = 27). Results Both the release of NO (determined by nitrite + nitrate concentration) and the expression of endothelial-type NO synthase ( eNOS) were higher in mononuclear cells from ASA sensitive as compared with those from ASA-resistant patients. There was a positive correlation between either the release of NO and the expression of eNOS protein in mononuclear cells with the ability of ASA to inhibit platelet activity. DBP content in mononuclear cells was higher in ASA resistant than in ASA sensitive. The level of DBP content in mononuclear cells was negatively associated with the ability of ASA to inhibit platelets. However, in vitro experiments suggested that there was no association between DBP and NO production by mononuclear cells. Conclusions Mononuclear cells from patients with platelets with lower responsiveness to ASA showed a reduced ability to produce NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Conduction disorders in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are associated with high mortality. Previous studies have analyzed the implications of AVB in acute coronary syndrome treated with fibrinolysis. However, the implications of AVB in patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty have not been sufficiently studied. Material and methods: 913 patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty. All clinical, electrocardiographic and angiographic variables were collected. Results: AVB was documented in 115 patients (12.6%). On admission, AVB was present in 70 (7.7%), and persistent at hospital discharge in 36 (3.9 %). Within these, first-degree AVB was present in 29 (3.2%), second-degree in 27 (3%) and third-degree in 73 (8%). AVB was more frequent in women, elderly, hypertensive, diabetic, with worse functional class (Killip class > 2) and with higher incidence at inferior infarctions ( P < 0.05). AVB in general and, more specifically, third-degree AVB was associated with a higher mortality (20.5% versus 5.7%; P < 0.001), re-infarction (8.2% versus 3.6%; P = 0.06) and a greater incidence of cardiogenic shock (33.3% versus 14%; P < 0.001). Interestingly, these events were more common in patients who had persistent AVB at hospital discharge than in those with transitory AVB or present at admission AVB. In the multivariate analysis, persistent AVB at hospital discharge proved to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (death and recurrent infarction), not the rest of AVB. Conclusions: AVB in patients who underwent primary angioplasty is associated with a worse prognosis while is in-hospital. This risk is particularly high in patients who had persistent AVB at hospital discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]