Search

Background Nephrotic syndrome causes severe hypercholesterotaemia due to increased production and altered clearance of lipoproteins from the liver. It is challenging for patients with nephrotic syndrome and coronary heart disease to meet LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for secondary prevention with conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Case summary We present a man with nephrotic syndrome caused by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and hypercholesterolaemia. He presented at the emergency room (ER) with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction at the age of 26. On follow-up, the patient had persistent hyperchotesterotaemia [LDL-C 3.9 mmot/L and tipoprotein(a) 308 nmol/L] despite a combination of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and ezetimibe 10 mg/ day. Addition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibody evolocumab 140 mg bi-monthly did not improve cholesterol levels. However, after addition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagtiflozin 10 mg/day on top of other anti-proteinuric treatments, the patients proteinuria was reduced and a dramatic drop in LDL-C level by 3.2 -0.6 mmoUL (-81%) was observed when evolocumab was re-introduced. Discussion We show that target LDL-C levels were obtained in this patient with therapy-resistant FSGS and hypercholesterolaemia following multi-pharmacological treatment with SGLT2 and PCSK9 inhibitors on top of conventional lipid-lowering therapy. The SGLT2-inhibitor reduced proteinuria and, speculatively, also reduced urinary loss of PCSK9antibody. Therefore, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cardiovascular disease novel therapeutic options to manage proteinuria could be considered to improve the efficacy of the lipid-lowering therapy, especially when the protein-based PCSK9 inhibitors are used.

Background Nephrotic syndrome causes severe hypercholesterotaemia due to increased production and altered clearance of lipoproteins from the liver. It is challenging for patients with nephrotic syndrome and coronary heart disease to meet LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for secondary prevention with conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Case summary We present a man with nephrotic syndrome caused by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and hypercholesterolaemia. He presented at the emergency room (ER) with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction at the age of 26. On follow-up, the patient had persistent hyperchotesterotaemia [LDL-C 3.9 mmot/L and tipoprotein(a) 308 nmol/L] despite a combination of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and ezetimibe 10 mg/ day. Addition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibody evolocumab 140 mg bi-monthly did not improve cholesterol levels. However, after addition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagtiflozin 10 mg/day on top of other anti-proteinuric treatments, the patients proteinuria was reduced and a dramatic drop in LDL-C level by 3.2 -0.6 mmoUL (-81%) was observed when evolocumab was re-introduced. Discussion We show that target LDL-C levels were obtained in this patient with therapy-resistant FSGS and hypercholesterolaemia following multi-pharmacological treatment with SGLT2 and PCSK9 inhibitors on top of conventional lipid-lowering therapy. The SGLT2-inhibitor reduced proteinuria and, speculatively, also reduced urinary loss of PCSK9antibody. Therefore, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cardiovascular disease novel therapeutic options to manage proteinuria could be considered to improve the efficacy of the lipid-lowering therapy, especially when the protein-based PCSK9 inhibitors are used.

Background Nephrotic syndrome causes severe hypercholesterotaemia due to increased production and altered clearance of lipoproteins from the liver. It is challenging for patients with nephrotic syndrome and coronary heart disease to meet LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for secondary prevention with conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Case summary We present a man with nephrotic syndrome caused by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and hypercholesterolaemia. He presented at the emergency room (ER) with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction at the age of 26. On follow-up, the patient had persistent hyperchotesterotaemia [LDL-C 3.9 mmot/L and tipoprotein(a) 308 nmol/L] despite a combination of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and ezetimibe 10 mg/ day. Addition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibody evolocumab 140 mg bi-monthly did not improve cholesterol levels. However, after addition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagtiflozin 10 mg/day on top of other anti-proteinuric treatments, the patients proteinuria was reduced and a dramatic drop in LDL-C level by 3.2 -0.6 mmoUL (-81%) was observed when evolocumab was re-introduced. Discussion We show that target LDL-C levels were obtained in this patient with therapy-resistant FSGS and hypercholesterolaemia following multi-pharmacological treatment with SGLT2 and PCSK9 inhibitors on top of conventional lipid-lowering therapy. The SGLT2-inhibitor reduced proteinuria and, speculatively, also reduced urinary loss of PCSK9antibody. Therefore, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cardiovascular disease novel therapeutic options to manage proteinuria could be considered to improve the efficacy of the lipid-lowering therapy, especially when the protein-based PCSK9 inhibitors are used.

Background Nephrotic syndrome causes severe hypercholesterotaemia due to increased production and altered clearance of lipoproteins from the liver. It is challenging for patients with nephrotic syndrome and coronary heart disease to meet LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for secondary prevention with conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Case summary We present a man with nephrotic syndrome caused by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and hypercholesterolaemia. He presented at the emergency room (ER) with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction at the age of 26. On follow-up, the patient had persistent hyperchotesterotaemia [LDL-C 3.9 mmot/L and tipoprotein(a) 308 nmol/L] despite a combination of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and ezetimibe 10 mg/ day. Addition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibody evolocumab 140 mg bi-monthly did not improve cholesterol levels. However, after addition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagtiflozin 10 mg/day on top of other anti-proteinuric treatments, the patients proteinuria was reduced and a dramatic drop in LDL-C level by 3.2 -0.6 mmoUL (-81%) was observed when evolocumab was re-introduced. Discussion We show that target LDL-C levels were obtained in this patient with therapy-resistant FSGS and hypercholesterolaemia following multi-pharmacological treatment with SGLT2 and PCSK9 inhibitors on top of conventional lipid-lowering therapy. The SGLT2-inhibitor reduced proteinuria and, speculatively, also reduced urinary loss of PCSK9antibody. Therefore, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cardiovascular disease novel therapeutic options to manage proteinuria could be considered to improve the efficacy of the lipid-lowering therapy, especially when the protein-based PCSK9 inhibitors are used.

Background Nephrotic syndrome causes severe hypercholesterotaemia due to increased production and altered clearance of lipoproteins from the liver. It is challenging for patients with nephrotic syndrome and coronary heart disease to meet LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for secondary prevention with conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Case summary We present a man with nephrotic syndrome caused by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and hypercholesterolaemia. He presented at the emergency room (ER) with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction at the age of 26. On follow-up, the patient had persistent hyperchotesterotaemia [LDL-C 3.9 mmot/L and tipoprotein(a) 308 nmol/L] despite a combination of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and ezetimibe 10 mg/ day. Addition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibody evolocumab 140 mg bi-monthly did not improve cholesterol levels. However, after addition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagtiflozin 10 mg/day on top of other anti-proteinuric treatments, the patients proteinuria was reduced and a dramatic drop in LDL-C level by 3.2 -0.6 mmoUL (-81%) was observed when evolocumab was re-introduced. Discussion We show that target LDL-C levels were obtained in this patient with therapy-resistant FSGS and hypercholesterolaemia following multi-pharmacological treatment with SGLT2 and PCSK9 inhibitors on top of conventional lipid-lowering therapy. The SGLT2-inhibitor reduced proteinuria and, speculatively, also reduced urinary loss of PCSK9antibody. Therefore, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cardiovascular disease novel therapeutic options to manage proteinuria could be considered to improve the efficacy of the lipid-lowering therapy, especially when the protein-based PCSK9 inhibitors are used.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndromes most commonly arise from thrombosis of lipid-rich coronary atheromas that have large plaque burden despite angiographically appearing mild. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of non-flow-limiting vulnerable plaques. METHODS: Three-vessel imaging was performed with a combination intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) catheter after successful PCI of all flow-limiting coronary lesions in 898 patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI). Patients with an angiographically nonobstructive stenosis not intended for PCI but with IVUS plaque burden of ≥65% were randomized to treatment of the lesion with a bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. The primary powered effectiveness endpoint was the IVUS-derived minimum lumen area (MLA) at protocol-driven 25-month follow-up. The primary (nonpowered) safety endpoint was randomized target lesion failure (cardiac death, target vessel-related MI, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization) at 24 months. The secondary (nonpowered) clinical effectiveness endpoint was randomized lesion-related major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, MI, unstable angina, or progressive angina) at latest follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were randomized (93 BVS, 89 GDMT alone) at 15 centers. The median angiographic diameter stenosis of the randomized lesions was 41.6%; by near-infrared spectroscopy-IVUS, the median plaque burden was 73.7%, the median MLA was 2.9 mm2, and the median maximum lipid plaque content was 33.4%. Angiographic follow-up at 25 months was completed in 167 patients (91.8%), and the median clinical follow-up was 4.1 years. The follow-up MLA in BVS-treated lesions was 6.9 ± 2.6 mm2 compared with 3.0 ± 1.0 mm2 in GDMT alone-treated lesions (least square means difference: 3.9 mm2; 95% confidence interval: 3.3 to 4.5

Background: Immediate coronary angiography with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has the potential to reduce post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. The aim of this study was to see if immediate coronary angiography, with potential PCI, in patients without ST-elevation on the ECG, influenced post-resuscitation myocardial function and cardiac biomarkers. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Direct or Subacute Coronary Angiography in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (DISCO) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02309151). Patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA, without ST-elevations on the ECG were randomly assigned to immediate coronary angiography within two hours of cardiac arrest (n = 38) versus standard-of-care with deferred angiography (n = 40). Outcome measures included left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) at 24 h, peak Troponin T levels, lactate clearance and NT-proBNP at 72 h. Results: In the immediate-angiography group, median LVEF at 24 h was 47% (Q1-Q3; 30-55) vs. 46% (Q1-Q3; 35-55) in the standard-of-care group. Peak Troponin-T levels during the first 24 h were 362 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 174-2020) in the immediate angiography group and 377 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 205-1078) in the standard-of-care group. NT-proBNP levels at 72 h were 931 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 396-2845) in the immediate-angiography group and 1913 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 489-3140) in the standard-of-care group. Conclusion: In this analysis of OHCA patients without ST-elevation on the ECG randomized to immediate coronary angiography or standard-of-care, no differences in post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction parameters between the two groups were found. This finding was consistent also in patients randomized to immediate coronary angiography where PCI was performed compared to those where PCI was not performed.

Background: Immediate coronary angiography with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has the potential to reduce post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. The aim of this study was to see if immediate coronary angiography, with potential PCI, in patients without ST-elevation on the ECG, influenced post-resuscitation myocardial function and cardiac biomarkers. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Direct or Subacute Coronary Angiography in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (DISCO) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02309151). Patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA, without ST-elevations on the ECG were randomly assigned to immediate coronary angiography within two hours of cardiac arrest (n = 38) versus standard-of-care with deferred angiography (n = 40). Outcome measures included left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) at 24 h, peak Troponin T levels, lactate clearance and NT-proBNP at 72 h. Results: In the immediate-angiography group, median LVEF at 24 h was 47% (Q1-Q3; 30-55) vs. 46% (Q1-Q3; 35-55) in the standard-of-care group. Peak Troponin-T levels during the first 24 h were 362 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 174-2020) in the immediate angiography group and 377 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 205-1078) in the standard-of-care group. NT-proBNP levels at 72 h were 931 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 396-2845) in the immediate-angiography group and 1913 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 489-3140) in the standard-of-care group. Conclusion: In this analysis of OHCA patients without ST-elevation on the ECG randomized to immediate coronary angiography or standard-of-care, no differences in post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction parameters between the two groups were found. This finding was consistent also in patients randomized to immediate coronary angiography where PCI was performed compared to those where PCI was not performed.

Background: Immediate coronary angiography with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has the potential to reduce post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. The aim of this study was to see if immediate coronary angiography, with potential PCI, in patients without ST-elevation on the ECG, influenced post-resuscitation myocardial function and cardiac biomarkers. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Direct or Subacute Coronary Angiography in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (DISCO) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02309151). Patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA, without ST-elevations on the ECG were randomly assigned to immediate coronary angiography within two hours of cardiac arrest (n = 38) versus standard-of-care with deferred angiography (n = 40). Outcome measures included left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) at 24 h, peak Troponin T levels, lactate clearance and NT-proBNP at 72 h. Results: In the immediate-angiography group, median LVEF at 24 h was 47% (Q1-Q3; 30-55) vs. 46% (Q1-Q3; 35-55) in the standard-of-care group. Peak Troponin-T levels during the first 24 h were 362 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 174-2020) in the immediate angiography group and 377 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 205-1078) in the standard-of-care group. NT-proBNP levels at 72 h were 931 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 396-2845) in the immediate-angiography group and 1913 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 489-3140) in the standard-of-care group. Conclusion: In this analysis of OHCA patients without ST-elevation on the ECG randomized to immediate coronary angiography or standard-of-care, no differences in post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction parameters between the two groups were found. This finding was consistent also in patients randomized to immediate coronary angiography where PCI was performed compared to those where PCI was not performed.

Background: Immediate coronary angiography with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has the potential to reduce post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. The aim of this study was to see if immediate coronary angiography, with potential PCI, in patients without ST-elevation on the ECG, influenced post-resuscitation myocardial function and cardiac biomarkers. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Direct or Subacute Coronary Angiography in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (DISCO) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02309151). Patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA, without ST-elevations on the ECG were randomly assigned to immediate coronary angiography within two hours of cardiac arrest (n = 38) versus standard-of-care with deferred angiography (n = 40). Outcome measures included left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) at 24 h, peak Troponin T levels, lactate clearance and NT-proBNP at 72 h. Results: In the immediate-angiography group, median LVEF at 24 h was 47% (Q1-Q3; 30-55) vs. 46% (Q1-Q3; 35-55) in the standard-of-care group. Peak Troponin-T levels during the first 24 h were 362 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 174-2020) in the immediate angiography group and 377 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 205-1078) in the standard-of-care group. NT-proBNP levels at 72 h were 931 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 396-2845) in the immediate-angiography group and 1913 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 489-3140) in the standard-of-care group. Conclusion: In this analysis of OHCA patients without ST-elevation on the ECG randomized to immediate coronary angiography or standard-of-care, no differences in post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction parameters between the two groups were found. This finding was consistent also in patients randomized to immediate coronary angiography where PCI was performed compared to those where PCI was not performed.

Background: Immediate coronary angiography with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has the potential to reduce post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. The aim of this study was to see if immediate coronary angiography, with potential PCI, in patients without ST-elevation on the ECG, influenced post-resuscitation myocardial function and cardiac biomarkers. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Direct or Subacute Coronary Angiography in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (DISCO) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02309151). Patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA, without ST-elevations on the ECG were randomly assigned to immediate coronary angiography within two hours of cardiac arrest (n = 38) versus standard-of-care with deferred angiography (n = 40). Outcome measures included left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) at 24 h, peak Troponin T levels, lactate clearance and NT-proBNP at 72 h. Results: In the immediate-angiography group, median LVEF at 24 h was 47% (Q1-Q3; 30-55) vs. 46% (Q1-Q3; 35-55) in the standard-of-care group. Peak Troponin-T levels during the first 24 h were 362 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 174-2020) in the immediate angiography group and 377 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 205-1078) in the standard-of-care group. NT-proBNP levels at 72 h were 931 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 396-2845) in the immediate-angiography group and 1913 ng/L (Q1-Q3; 489-3140) in the standard-of-care group. Conclusion: In this analysis of OHCA patients without ST-elevation on the ECG randomized to immediate coronary angiography or standard-of-care, no differences in post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction parameters between the two groups were found. This finding was consistent also in patients randomized to immediate coronary angiography where PCI was performed compared to those where PCI was not performed.

Background: The clinical importance of immediate coronary angiography, with potentially subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients without ST-elevation on the ECG is unclear. In this study, we assessed feasibility and safety aspects of performing immediate coronary angiography in a pre-specified pilot phase of the 'DIrect or Subacute Coronary angiography in Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest' (DISCO) randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02309151). Methods: Resuscitated bystander witnessed OHCA patients > 18 years without ST-elevation on the ECG were randomized to immediate coronary angiography versus standard of care. Event times, procedure related adverse events and safety variables within 7 days were recorded. Results: In total, 79 patients were randomized to immediate angiography (n = 39) or standard of care (n = 40). No major differences in baseline characteristics between the groups were found. There were no differences in the proportion of bleedings and renal failure. Three patients randomized to immediate angiography and six patients randomized to standard care died within 24 h. The median time from EMS arrival to coronary angiography was 135 min in the immediate angiography group. In patients randomized to immediate angiography a culprit lesion was found in 14/38 (36.8%) and PCI was performed in all these patients. In 6/40 (15%) patients randomized to standard of care, coronary angiography was performed before the stipulated 3 days. Conclusion: In this out-of-hospital cardiac arrest population without ST-elevation, randomization to a strategy to perform immediate coronary angiography was feasible although the time window of 120 min from EMS arrival at the scene of the arrest to start of coronary angiography was not achieved. No significant safety issues were reported., De 2 sista författarna delar sistaförfattarskapet.

The association of markers of myocardial injury and dysfunction with infarct size (IS) and ejection fraction (EF) are well documented. However, limited data are available on the newer high-sensitivity troponin assays and comparison with morphologic and functional assessment with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to examine the associations of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin-T (hs-cTnT), creatine kinase MB iso-enzyme (CKMB), and N-terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) to IS and EF at 6 months. Blood samples from 119 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients from the Rapid Endovascular Catheter Core Cooling Combined With Cold Saline solution as an Adjunct to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction trial were collected at baseline, 6, 24, and 48 hours after admission. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed at 4 +/- 2 days and 6 months. The association of biomarker levels to IS and EF was tested with Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression models with bootstrap resampling. The correlation coefficient of biomarker to IS was (CKMB: r = 0.71); (NT-proBNP: r = 0.55); (hs-cTnT: r = 0.80); and for EF (CKMB: r = 0.57); (NT-proBNP: r = 0.48); and (peak hs-cTnT: r = 0.68). IS and EF at 4 +/- 2 days had the strongest correlations with IS and EF at 6 months respectively (IS: r = 0.84) and (EF: r = 0.74). Receiver operating characteristic of peak hs-cTnT for predicting EF <= 40% at 6 months was 0.87 compared with 0.75 for early IS. Early EF was a negative predictor of late EF <40%, 1-area under curve = 0.93. In conclusion, high-sensitivity Troponin T is a rapid, cheap, generally available tool for accurate prediction of systolic dysfunction in patients 6 months after first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: The potential benefit of early coronary angiography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients without ST elevation on ECG is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between early coronary angiography and survival in these patients. Methods: Nationwide observational study between 2008 and 2013. Included were patients admitted to hospital after witnessed OHCA, with shockable rhythm, age 18 to 80 years and unconscious. Patients with ST-elevation on ECG were excluded. Patients that underwent early CAG (within 24 hours) were compared with no early CAG (later during the hospital stay or not at all). Outcomes were survival at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years. Multivariate analysis included pre-hospital factors, comorbidity and ECG-findings. Results: In total, 799 OHCA patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 275 (34%) received early CAG versus 524 (66%) with no early CAG. In the early CAG group, the proportion of patients with an occluded coronary artery was 27% and 70% had at least one significant coronary stenosis (defined as narrowing of coronary lumen diameter of >= 50%). The 30-day survival rate was 65% in early CAG group versus 52% with no early CAG (P < .001). The adjusted OR was 1.42 (95% CI 1.00-2.02). The one-year survival rate was 62% in the early CAG group versus 48% in the no early CAG group with the adjusted hazard ratio of 1.35 (95% CI 1.04-1.77). Conclusion: In this population of bystander-witnessed cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with shockable rhythm and ECG without ST elevation, early coronary angiography may be associated with improved short and long term survival.

The association of markers of myocardial injury and dysfunction with infarct size (IS) and ejection fraction (EF) are well documented. However, limited data are available on the newer high-sensitivity troponin assays and comparison with morphologic and functional assessment with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to examine the associations of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin-T (hs-cTnT), creatine kinase MB iso-enzyme (CKMB), and N-terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) to IS and EF at 6 months. Blood samples from 119 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients from the Rapid Endovascular Catheter Core Cooling Combined With Cold Saline solution as an Adjunct to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction trial were collected at baseline, 6, 24, and 48 hours after admission. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed at 4 ± 2 days and 6 months. The association of biomarker levels to IS and EF was tested with Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression models with bootstrap resampling. The correlation coefficient of biomarker to IS was (CKMB: r = 0.71); (NT-proBNP: r = 0.55); (hs-cTnT: r = 0.80); and for EF (CKMB: r = 0.57); (NT-proBNP: r = 0.48); and (peak hs-cTnT: r = 0.68). IS and EF at 4 ± 2 days had the strongest correlations with IS and EF at 6 months respectively (IS: r = 0.84) and (EF: r = 0.74). Receiver operating characteristic of peak hs-cTnT for predicting EF ≤40% at 6 months was 0.87 compared with 0.75 for early IS. Early EF was a negative predictor of late EF <40%, 1-area under curve = 0.93. In conclusion, high-sensitivity Troponin T is a rapid, cheap, generally available tool for accurate prediction of systolic dysfunction in patients 6 months after first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

The association of markers of myocardial injury and dysfunction with infarct size (IS) and ejection fraction (EF) are well documented. However, limited data are available on the newer high-sensitivity troponin assays and comparison with morphologic and functional assessment with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to examine the associations of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin-T (hs-cTnT), creatine kinase MB iso-enzyme (CKMB), and N-terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) to IS and EF at 6 months. Blood samples from 119 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients from the Rapid Endovascular Catheter Core Cooling Combined With Cold Saline solution as an Adjunct to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction trial were collected at baseline, 6, 24, and 48 hours after admission. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed at 4 ± 2 days and 6 months. The association of biomarker levels to IS and EF was tested with Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression models with bootstrap resampling. The correlation coefficient of biomarker to IS was (CKMB: r = 0.71); (NT-proBNP: r = 0.55); (hs-cTnT: r = 0.80); and for EF (CKMB: r = 0.57); (NT-proBNP: r = 0.48); and (peak hs-cTnT: r = 0.68). IS and EF at 4 ± 2 days had the strongest correlations with IS and EF at 6 months respectively (IS: r = 0.84) and (EF: r = 0.74). Receiver operating characteristic of peak hs-cTnT for predicting EF ≤40% at 6 months was 0.87 compared with 0.75 for early IS. Early EF was a negative predictor of late EF <40%, 1-area under curve = 0.93. In conclusion, high-sensitivity Troponin T is a rapid, cheap, generally available tool for accurate prediction of systolic dysfunction in patients 6 months after first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

In the randomized rapid intravascular cooling in myocardial infarction as adjunctive to percutaneous coronary intervention (RAPID MI-ICE) and rapid endovascular catheter core cooling combined with cold saline as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction CHILL-MI studies, hypothermia was rapidly induced in conscious patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by a combination of cold saline and endovascular cooling. Twenty patients in RAPID MI-ICE and 120 in CHILL-MI with large STEMIs, scheduled for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within <6 hours after symptom onset were randomized to hypothermia induced by rapid infusion of 600-2000mL cold saline combined with endovascular cooling or standard of care. Hypothermia was initiated before PCI and continued for 1-3 hours after reperfusion aiming at a target temperature of 33 degrees C. The primary endpoint was myocardial infarct size (IS) as a percentage of myocardium at risk (IS/MaR) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 4 +/- 2 days. Patients randomized to hypothermia treatment achieved a mean core body temperature of 34.7 degrees C before reperfusion. Although significance was not achieved in CHILL-MI, in the pooled analysis IS/MaR was reduced in the hypothermia group, relative reduction (RR) 15% (40.5, 28.0-57.6 vs. 46.6, 36.8-63.8, p=0.046, median, interquartile range [IQR]). IS/MaR was predominantly reduced in early anterior STEMI (0-4h) in the hypothermia group, RR=31% (40.5, 28.8-51.9 vs. 59.0, 45.0-67.8, p=0.01, median, IQR). There was no mortality in either group. The incidence of heart failure was reduced in the hypothermia group (2 vs. 11, p=0.009). Patients with large MaR (>30% of the left ventricle) exhibited significantly reduced IS/MaR in the hypothermia group (40.5, 27.0-57.6 vs. 55.1, 41.1-64.4, median, IQR; hypothermia n=42 vs. control n=37, p=0.03), while patients with MaR<30% did not show effect

In the randomized rapid intravascular cooling in myocardial infarction as adjunctive to percutaneous coronary intervention (RAPID MI-ICE) and rapid endovascular catheter core cooling combined with cold saline as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction CHILL-MI studies, hypothermia was rapidly induced in conscious patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by a combination of cold saline and endovascular cooling. Twenty patients in RAPID MI-ICE and 120 in CHILL-MI with large STEMIs, scheduled for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within <6 hours after symptom onset were randomized to hypothermia induced by rapid infusion of 600-2000 mL cold saline combined with endovascular cooling or standard of care. Hypothermia was initiated before PCI and continued for 1-3 hours after reperfusion aiming at a target temperature of 33°C. The primary endpoint was myocardial infarct size (IS) as a percentage of myocardium at risk (IS/MaR) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 4±2 days. Patients randomized to hypothermia treatment achieved a mean core body temperature of 34.7°C before reperfusion. Although significance was not achieved in CHILL-MI, in the pooled analysis IS/MaR was reduced in the hypothermia group, relative reduction (RR) 15% (40.5, 28.0-57.6 vs. 46.6, 36.8-63.8, p=0.046, median, interquartile range [IQR]). IS/MaR was predominantly reduced in early anterior STEMI (0-4h) in the hypothermia group, RR=31% (40.5, 28.8-51.9 vs. 59.0, 45.0-67.8, p=0.01, median, IQR). There was no mortality in either group. The incidence of heart failure was reduced in the hypothermia group (2 vs. 11, p=0.009). Patients with large MaR (>30% of the left ventricle) exhibited significantly reduced IS/MaR in the hypothermia group (40.5, 27.0-57.6 vs. 55.1, 41.1-64.4, median, IQR; hypothermia n=42 vs. control n=37, p=0.03), while patients with MaR<30% did not show effect of hypothermia (

Introduction: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. Methods and Results: Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. Conclusion: CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

BACKGROUND Some concerns still have not been resolved about the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute STEMI. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the stent thrombosis (ST) rate up to 3 years in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with new-generation drug-eluting stents (n-DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) and old-generation drug-eluting stents (o-DES) enrolled in the SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry). METHODS From January 2007 to January 2013, 34,147 patients with STEMI were treated by PCI with n-DES (n = 4,811), o-DES (n = 4,271), or BMS (n = 25,065). The risks of early/late (up to 1 year) and very late definite ST (after 1 year) were estimated. RESULTS Cox regression landmark analysis showed a significantly lower risk of early/late ST in patients treated with n-DES (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 0.99; p 0.04) and o-DES (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89; p = 0.01) compared with the BMS group. The risk of very late ST was similar between the n-DES and BMS groups (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.98; p = 0.21), whereas a higher risk of very late ST was observed with o-DES compared with BMS (HR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.89; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with n-DES have a lower risk of early/late ST than patients treated with BMS. The risk of very late ST is low and comparable between n-DES and BMS up to 3 years of follow-up, whereas o-DES treatment is associated with an increased risk of very late ST. The current STEMI guidelines might require an update in light of the results of this and other recent studies.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore if a course consisting of lectures combined with simulator training in coronary angiography (CA) could accelerate the early learning curve when performing CA on patients. Knowledge in performing CA is included in the curriculum for the general cardiologist. The method, according to American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for this training is not well defined but simulator training is proposed to be an option. However, the transfer effect from a CA simulator to performance in real world cath lab is not validated. Methods: Fifty-four residents without practical skills in CA completed the course and 12 continued to training in invasive cardiology. These residents were tracked in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and compared to a control group of 46 novel operators for evaluation of performance metrics. A total of 4472 CAs were analyzed. Results: Course participants demonstrated no consistent acceleration in the early learning curve in real world cath lab. They had longer fluoroscopy time compared to controls (median 360 seconds (IQR 245-557) vs. 289 seconds (IQR 179-468), p < 0.001). Safety measures also indicated more complications appearing at the ward, in particular when using the femoral approach (6.25% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the results of this retrospective non-randomized study were negative, the role of a structured course including simulator training for skills acquisition in CA is still uncertain. Randomized transfer studies are warranted to justify further use of simulators for training in CA

Objectives The aim of this study was to confirm the cardioprotective effects of hypothermia using a combination of cold saline and endovascular cooling. Background Hypothermia has been reported to reduce infarct size (IS) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions. Methods In a multicenter study, 120 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (<6 h) scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to hypothermia induced by the rapid infusion of 600 to 2,000 ml cold saline and endovascular cooling or standard of care. Hypothermia was initiated before percutaneous coronary intervention and continued for 1 h after reperfusion. The primary end point was IS as a percent of myocardium at risk (MaR), assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 4 +/- 2 days. Results Mean times from symptom onset to randomization were 129 +/- 56 min in patients receiving hypothermia and 132 +/- 64 min in controls. Patients randomized to hypothermia achieved a core body temperature of 34.7 degrees C before reperfusion, with a 9-min longer door-to-balloon time. Median IS/MaR was not significantly reduced (hypothermia: 40.5% [interquartile range: 29.3% to 57.8%; control: 46.6% [interquartile range: 37.8% to 63.4%]; relative reduction 13%; p = 0.15). The incidence of heart failure was lower with hypothermia at 45 +/- 15 days (3% vs. 14%, p < 0.05), with no mortality. Exploratory analysis of early anterior infarctions (0 to 4 h) found a reduction in IS/MaR of 33% (p < 0.05) and an absolute reduction of IS/left ventricular volume of 6.2% (p = 0.15). Conclusions Hypothermia induced by cold saline and endovascular cooling was feasible and safe, and it rapidly reduced core temperature with minor reperfusion delay. The primary end point of IS/MaR was not significantly reduced. Lower incidence of heart failure and a possible effect in patients with early anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions need confirmation. (Effica

Introduction: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. Methods and Results: Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. Conclusion: CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

BACKGROUND Some concerns still have not been resolved about the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute STEMI. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the stent thrombosis (ST) rate up to 3 years in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with new-generation drug-eluting stents (n-DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) and old-generation drug-eluting stents (o-DES) enrolled in the SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry). METHODS From January 2007 to January 2013, 34,147 patients with STEMI were treated by PCI with n-DES (n = 4,811), o-DES (n = 4,271), or BMS (n = 25,065). The risks of early/late (up to 1 year) and very late definite ST (after 1 year) were estimated. RESULTS Cox regression landmark analysis showed a significantly lower risk of early/late ST in patients treated with n-DES (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 0.99; p 0.04) and o-DES (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89; p = 0.01) compared with the BMS group. The risk of very late ST was similar between the n-DES and BMS groups (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.98; p = 0.21), whereas a higher risk of very late ST was observed with o-DES compared with BMS (HR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.89; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with n-DES have a lower risk of early/late ST than patients treated with BMS. The risk of very late ST is low and comparable between n-DES and BMS up to 3 years of follow-up, whereas o-DES treatment is associated with an increased risk of very late ST. The current STEMI guidelines might require an update in light of the results of this and other recent studies.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore if a course consisting of lectures combined with simulator training in coronary angiography (CA) could accelerate the early learning curve when performing CA on patients. Knowledge in performing CA is included in the curriculum for the general cardiologist. The method, according to American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for this training is not well defined but simulator training is proposed to be an option. However, the transfer effect from a CA simulator to performance in real world cath lab is not validated. Methods: Fifty-four residents without practical skills in CA completed the course and 12 continued to training in invasive cardiology. These residents were tracked in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and compared to a control group of 46 novel operators for evaluation of performance metrics. A total of 4472 CAs were analyzed. Results: Course participants demonstrated no consistent acceleration in the early learning curve in real world cath lab. They had longer fluoroscopy time compared to controls (median 360 seconds (IQR 245-557) vs. 289 seconds (IQR 179-468), p < 0.001). Safety measures also indicated more complications appearing at the ward, in particular when using the femoral approach (6.25% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the results of this retrospective non-randomized study were negative, the role of a structured course including simulator training for skills acquisition in CA is still uncertain. Randomized transfer studies are warranted to justify further use of simulators for training in CA

Introduction: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. Methods and Results: Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. Conclusion: CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore if a course consisting of lectures combined with simulator training in coronary angiography (CA) could accelerate the early learning curve when performing CA on patients. Knowledge in performing CA is included in the curriculum for the general cardiologist. The method, according to American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for this training is not well defined but simulator training is proposed to be an option. However, the transfer effect from a CA simulator to performance in real world cath lab is not validated. Methods: Fifty-four residents without practical skills in CA completed the course and 12 continued to training in invasive cardiology. These residents were tracked in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and compared to a control group of 46 novel operators for evaluation of performance metrics. A total of 4472 CAs were analyzed. Results: Course participants demonstrated no consistent acceleration in the early learning curve in real world cath lab. They had longer fluoroscopy time compared to controls (median 360 seconds (IQR 245-557) vs. 289 seconds (IQR 179-468), p < 0.001). Safety measures also indicated more complications appearing at the ward, in particular when using the femoral approach (6.25% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the results of this retrospective non-randomized study were negative, the role of a structured course including simulator training for skills acquisition in CA is still uncertain. Randomized transfer studies are warranted to justify further use of simulators for training in CA

Introduction: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. Methods and Results: Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. Conclusion: CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore if a course consisting of lectures combined with simulator training in coronary angiography (CA) could accelerate the early learning curve when performing CA on patients. Knowledge in performing CA is included in the curriculum for the general cardiologist. The method, according to American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for this training is not well defined but simulator training is proposed to be an option. However, the transfer effect from a CA simulator to performance in real world cath lab is not validated. Methods: Fifty-four residents without practical skills in CA completed the course and 12 continued to training in invasive cardiology. These residents were tracked in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and compared to a control group of 46 novel operators for evaluation of performance metrics. A total of 4472 CAs were analyzed. Results: Course participants demonstrated no consistent acceleration in the early learning curve in real world cath lab. They had longer fluoroscopy time compared to controls (median 360 seconds (IQR 245-557) vs. 289 seconds (IQR 179-468), p < 0.001). Safety measures also indicated more complications appearing at the ward, in particular when using the femoral approach (6.25% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the results of this retrospective non-randomized study were negative, the role of a structured course including simulator training for skills acquisition in CA is still uncertain. Randomized transfer studies are warranted to justify further use of simulators for training in CA

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to confirm the cardioprotective effects of hypothermia using a combination of cold saline and endovascular cooling.BACKGROUND: Hypothermia has been reported to reduce infarct size (IS) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions.METHODS: In a multicenter study, 120 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (<6 h) scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to hypothermia induced by the rapid infusion of 600 to 2,000 ml cold saline and endovascular cooling or standard of care. Hypothermia was initiated before percutaneous coronary intervention and continued for 1 h after reperfusion. The primary end point was IS as a percent of myocardium at risk (MaR), assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 4 ± 2 days.RESULTS: Mean times from symptom onset to randomization were 129 ± 56 min in patients receiving hypothermia and 132 ± 64 min in controls. Patients randomized to hypothermia achieved a core body temperature of 34.7°C before reperfusion, with a 9-min longer door-to-balloon time. Median IS/MaR was not significantly reduced (hypothermia: 40.5% [interquartile range: 29.3% to 57.8%; control: 46.6% [interquartile range: 37.8% to 63.4%]; relative reduction 13%; p = 0.15). The incidence of heart failure was lower with hypothermia at 45 ± 15 days (3% vs. 14%, p < 0.05), with no mortality. Exploratory analysis of early anterior infarctions (0 to 4 h) found a reduction in IS/MaR of 33% (p < 0.05) and an absolute reduction of IS/left ventricular volume of 6.2% (p = 0.15).CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia induced by cold saline and endovascular cooling was feasible and safe, and it rapidly reduced core temperature with minor reperfusion delay. The primary end point of IS/MaR was not significantly reduced. Lower incidence of heart failure and a possible effect in patients with early anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions need confi

Introduction: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. Methods and Results: Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. Conclusion: CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore if a course consisting of lectures combined with simulator training in coronary angiography (CA) could accelerate the early learning curve when performing CA on patients. Knowledge in performing CA is included in the curriculum for the general cardiologist. The method, according to American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for this training is not well defined but simulator training is proposed to be an option. However, the transfer effect from a CA simulator to performance in real world cath lab is not validated. Methods: Fifty-four residents without practical skills in CA completed the course and 12 continued to training in invasive cardiology. These residents were tracked in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and compared to a control group of 46 novel operators for evaluation of performance metrics. A total of 4472 CAs were analyzed. Results: Course participants demonstrated no consistent acceleration in the early learning curve in real world cath lab. They had longer fluoroscopy time compared to controls (median 360 seconds (IQR 245-557) vs. 289 seconds (IQR 179-468), p < 0.001). Safety measures also indicated more complications appearing at the ward, in particular when using the femoral approach (6.25% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the results of this retrospective non-randomized study were negative, the role of a structured course including simulator training for skills acquisition in CA is still uncertain. Randomized transfer studies are warranted to justify further use of simulators for training in CA

BACKGROUND: Some concerns still have not been resolved about the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute STEMI. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stent thrombosis (ST) rate up to 3 years in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with new-generation drug-eluting stents (n-DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) and old-generation drug-eluting stents (o-DES) enrolled in the SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry). METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2013, 34,147 patients with STEMI were treated by PCI with n-DES (n = 4,811), o-DES (n = 4,271), or BMS (n = 25,065). The risks of early/late (up to 1 year) and very late definite ST (after 1 year) were estimated. RESULTS: Cox regression landmark analysis showed a significantly lower risk of early/late ST in patients treated with n-DES (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 0.99; p = 0.04) and o-DES (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89; p = 0.01) compared with the BMS group. The risk of very late ST was similar between the n-DES and BMS groups (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.98; p = 0.21), whereas a higher risk of very late ST was observed with o-DES compared with BMS (HR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.89; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with n-DES have a lower risk of early/late ST than patients treated with BMS. The risk of very late ST is low and comparable between n-DES and BMS up to 3 years of follow-up, whereas o-DES treatment is associated with an increased risk of very late ST. The current STEMI guidelines might require an update in light of the results of this and other recent studies.

BACKGROUND: Some concerns still have not been resolved about the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute STEMI. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stent thrombosis (ST) rate up to 3 years in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with new-generation drug-eluting stents (n-DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) and old-generation drug-eluting stents (o-DES) enrolled in the SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry). METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2013, 34,147 patients with STEMI were treated by PCI with n-DES (n = 4,811), o-DES (n = 4,271), or BMS (n = 25,065). The risks of early/late (up to 1 year) and very late definite ST (after 1 year) were estimated. RESULTS: Cox regression landmark analysis showed a significantly lower risk of early/late ST in patients treated with n-DES (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 0.99; p 0.04) and o-DES (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89; p = 0.01) compared with the BMS group. The risk of very late ST was similar between the n-DES and BMS groups (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.98; p = 0.21), whereas a higher risk of very late ST was observed with o-DES compared with BMS (HR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.89; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with n-DES have a lower risk of early/late ST than patients treated with BMS. The risk of very late ST is low and comparable between n-DES and BMS up to 3 years of follow-up, whereas o-DES treatment is associated with an increased risk of very late ST. The current STEMI guidelines might require an update in light of the results of this and other recent studies. (C) 2014 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore if a course consisting of lectures combined with simulator training in coronary angiography (CA) could accelerate the early learning curve when performing CA on patients. Knowledge in performing CA is included in the curriculum for the general cardiologist. The method, according to American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for this training is not well defined but simulator training is proposed to be an option. However, the transfer effect from a CA simulator to performance in real world cath lab is not validated. Methods: Fifty-four residents without practical skills in CA completed the course and 12 continued to training in invasive cardiology. These residents were tracked in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and compared to a control group of 46 novel operators for evaluation of performance metrics. A total of 4472 CAs were analyzed. Results: Course participants demonstrated no consistent acceleration in the early learning curve in real world cath lab. They had longer fluoroscopy time compared to controls (median 360 seconds (IQR 245-557) vs. 289 seconds (IQR 179-468), p < 0.001). Safety measures also indicated more complications appearing at the ward, in particular when using the femoral approach (6.25% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the results of this retrospective non-randomized study were negative, the role of a structured course including simulator training for skills acquisition in CA is still uncertain. Randomized transfer studies are warranted to justify further use of simulators for training in CA

Introduction: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. Methods and Results: Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. Conclusion: CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to confirm the cardioprotective effects of hypothermia using a combination of cold saline and endovascular cooling.BACKGROUND: Hypothermia has been reported to reduce infarct size (IS) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions.METHODS: In a multicenter study, 120 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (<6 h) scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to hypothermia induced by the rapid infusion of 600 to 2,000 ml cold saline and endovascular cooling or standard of care. Hypothermia was initiated before percutaneous coronary intervention and continued for 1 h after reperfusion. The primary end point was IS as a percent of myocardium at risk (MaR), assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 4 ± 2 days.RESULTS: Mean times from symptom onset to randomization were 129 ± 56 min in patients receiving hypothermia and 132 ± 64 min in controls. Patients randomized to hypothermia achieved a core body temperature of 34.7°C before reperfusion, with a 9-min longer door-to-balloon time. Median IS/MaR was not significantly reduced (hypothermia: 40.5% [interquartile range: 29.3% to 57.8%; control: 46.6% [interquartile range: 37.8% to 63.4%]; relative reduction 13%; p = 0.15). The incidence of heart failure was lower with hypothermia at 45 ± 15 days (3% vs. 14%, p < 0.05), with no mortality. Exploratory analysis of early anterior infarctions (0 to 4 h) found a reduction in IS/MaR of 33% (p < 0.05) and an absolute reduction of IS/left ventricular volume of 6.2% (p = 0.15).CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia induced by cold saline and endovascular cooling was feasible and safe, and it rapidly reduced core temperature with minor reperfusion delay. The primary end point of IS/MaR was not significantly reduced. Lower incidence of heart failure and a possible effect in patients with early anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions need confi

BackgroundThe clinical effect of routine intracoronary thrombus aspiration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate whether thrombus aspiration reduces mortality. MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial, with enrollment of patients from the national comprehensive Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and end points evaluated through national registries. A total of 7244 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to manual thrombus aspiration followed by PCI or to PCI only. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 30 days. ResultsNo patients were lost to follow-up. Death from any cause occurred in 2.8% of the patients in the thrombus-aspiration group (103 of 3621), as compared with 3.0% in the PCI-only group (110 of 3623) (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.22; P=0.63). The rates of hospitalization for recurrent myocardial infarction at 30 days were 0.5% and 0.9% in the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.34 to 1.07; P=0.09), and the rates of stent thrombosis were 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.02; P=0.06). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the rate of stroke or neurologic complications at the time of discharge (P=0.87). The results were consistent across all major prespecified subgroups, including subgroups defined according to thrombus burden and coronary flow before PCI. ConclusionsRoutine thrombus aspiration before PCI as compared with PCI alone did not reduce 30-day mortality among patients with STEMI. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01093404.)

BackgroundThe clinical effect of routine intracoronary thrombus aspiration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate whether thrombus aspiration reduces mortality. MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial, with enrollment of patients from the national comprehensive Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and end points evaluated through national registries. A total of 7244 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to manual thrombus aspiration followed by PCI or to PCI only. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 30 days. ResultsNo patients were lost to follow-up. Death from any cause occurred in 2.8% of the patients in the thrombus-aspiration group (103 of 3621), as compared with 3.0% in the PCI-only group (110 of 3623) (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.22; P=0.63). The rates of hospitalization for recurrent myocardial infarction at 30 days were 0.5% and 0.9% in the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.34 to 1.07; P=0.09), and the rates of stent thrombosis were 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.02; P=0.06). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the rate of stroke or neurologic complications at the time of discharge (P=0.87). The results were consistent across all major prespecified subgroups, including subgroups defined according to thrombus burden and coronary flow before PCI. ConclusionsRoutine thrombus aspiration before PCI as compared with PCI alone did not reduce 30-day mortality among patients with STEMI. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01093404.)

Background:The clinical effect of routine intracoronary thrombus aspiration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate whether thrombus aspiration reduces mortality. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial, with enrollment of patients from the national comprehensive Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and end points evaluated through national registries. A total of 7244 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to manual thrombus aspiration followed by PCI or to PCI only. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 30 days. ResultsNo patients were lost to follow-up. Death from any cause occurred in 2.8% of the patients in the thrombus-aspiration group (103 of 3621), as compared with 3.0% in the PCI-only group (110 of 3623) (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.22; P=0.63). The rates of hospitalization for recurrent myocardial infarction at 30 days were 0.5% and 0.9% in the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.34 to 1.07; P=0.09), and the rates of stent thrombosis were 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.02; P=0.06). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the rate of stroke or neurologic complications at the time of discharge (P=0.87). The results were consistent across all major prespecified subgroups, including subgroups defined according to thrombus burden and coronary flow before PCI. ConclusionsRoutine thrombus aspiration before PCI as compared with PCI alone did not reduce 30-day mortality among patients with STEMI. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01093404.)

Introduction: Coronary angiography (CA) is one of our most common invasive techniques in medicine today and is used to investigate coronary anatomy and pathology. The method is crucial and lifesaving in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes and so far not interchangeable to any other modality. The skills of performing a CA are compulsory for the general cardiologist according to present international guidelines but the methods for achieving these skills are not well defined. CA is a relatively safe procedure but complications occur, particularly during training. Simulators are proposed to be safe alternatives to achieve necessary skills but the methods for their use are not described. The aim of this thesis was to demonstrate that simulator training improve CA skills in real life. To be able to recommend simulators for skills acquisition, transferability from virtual reality to real life catheterization lab must be demonstrated, i.e. transfer validity. Methods and results: Study I. The aim was to explore factors related to proficiency in CA and to construct learning curves to describe the improvement in CA skills over time. Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) was used to track experts and novel operators in CA and to compare their performances. Fluoroscopy time turned out to be the only solid marker for proficiency demonstrating a learning curve in the beginners group who reached expert level after 150 CAs. Complications were more frequent during training and were associated to fluoroscopy time. Study II. The concept of simulator constructs validity, i.e. to demonstrate that the simulator can measure the differences it is supposed to measure was explored in study II. Twenty- four participants with three different levels of proficiency in CA performed five consecutive virtual reality CAs each in the simulator. Three different levels of skills in the simulator were demonstrated that corresponded to their proficiency level. Beginners had a fourf

Introduction: Coronary angiography (CA) is one of our most common invasive techniques in medicine today and is used to investigate coronary anatomy and pathology. The method is crucial and lifesaving in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes and so far not interchangeable to any other modality. The skills of performing a CA are compulsory for the general cardiologist according to present international guidelines but the methods for achieving these skills are not well defined. CA is a relatively safe procedure but complications occur, particularly during training. Simulators are proposed to be safe alternatives to achieve necessary skills but the methods for their use are not described. The aim of this thesis was to demonstrate that simulator training improve CA skills in real life. To be able to recommend simulators for skills acquisition, transferability from virtual reality to real life catheterization lab must be demonstrated, i.e. transfer validity. Methods and results: Study I. The aim was to explore factors related to proficiency in CA and to construct learning curves to describe the improvement in CA skills over time. Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) was used to track experts and novel operators in CA and to compare their performances. Fluoroscopy time turned out to be the only solid marker for proficiency demonstrating a learning curve in the beginners group who reached expert level after 150 CAs. Complications were more frequent during training and were associated to fluoroscopy time. Study II. The concept of simulator constructs validity, i.e. to demonstrate that the simulator can measure the differences it is supposed to measure was explored in study II. Twenty- four participants with three different levels of proficiency in CA performed five consecutive virtual reality CAs each in the simulator. Three different levels of skills in the simulator were demonstrated that corresponded to their proficiency level. Beginners had a fourf

Introduction: Coronary angiography (CA) is one of our most common invasive techniques in medicine today and is used to investigate coronary anatomy and pathology. The method is crucial and lifesaving in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes and so far not interchangeable to any other modality. The skills of performing a CA are compulsory for the general cardiologist according to present international guidelines but the methods for achieving these skills are not well defined. CA is a relatively safe procedure but complications occur, particularly during training. Simulators are proposed to be safe alternatives to achieve necessary skills but the methods for their use are not described. The aim of this thesis was to demonstrate that simulator training improve CA skills in real life. To be able to recommend simulators for skills acquisition, transferability from virtual reality to real life catheterization lab must be demonstrated, i.e. transfer validity. Methods and results: Study I. The aim was to explore factors related to proficiency in CA and to construct learning curves to describe the improvement in CA skills over time. Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) was used to track experts and novel operators in CA and to compare their performances. Fluoroscopy time turned out to be the only solid marker for proficiency demonstrating a learning curve in the beginners group who reached expert level after 150 CAs. Complications were more frequent during training and were associated to fluoroscopy time. Study II. The concept of simulator constructs validity, i.e. to demonstrate that the simulator can measure the differences it is supposed to measure was explored in study II. Twenty- four participants with three different levels of proficiency in CA performed five consecutive virtual reality CAs each in the simulator. Three different levels of skills in the simulator were demonstrated that corresponded to their proficiency level. Beginners had a fourf

Introduction: Coronary angiography (CA) is one of our most common invasive techniques in medicine today and is used to investigate coronary anatomy and pathology. The method is crucial and lifesaving in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes and so far not interchangeable to any other modality. The skills of performing a CA are compulsory for the general cardiologist according to present international guidelines but the methods for achieving these skills are not well defined. CA is a relatively safe procedure but complications occur, particularly during training. Simulators are proposed to be safe alternatives to achieve necessary skills but the methods for their use are not described. The aim of this thesis was to demonstrate that simulator training improve CA skills in real life. To be able to recommend simulators for skills acquisition, transferability from virtual reality to real life catheterization lab must be demonstrated, i.e. transfer validity. Methods and results: Study I. The aim was to explore factors related to proficiency in CA and to construct learning curves to describe the improvement in CA skills over time. Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) was used to track experts and novel operators in CA and to compare their performances. Fluoroscopy time turned out to be the only solid marker for proficiency demonstrating a learning curve in the beginners group who reached expert level after 150 CAs. Complications were more frequent during training and were associated to fluoroscopy time. Study II. The concept of simulator constructs validity, i.e. to demonstrate that the simulator can measure the differences it is supposed to measure was explored in study II. Twenty- four participants with three different levels of proficiency in CA performed five consecutive virtual reality CAs each in the simulator. Three different levels of skills in the simulator were demonstrated that corresponded to their proficiency level. Beginners had a fourf

Background The clinical effect of routine intracoronary thrombus aspiration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate whether thrombus aspiration reduces mortality. Methods We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial, with enrollment of patients from the national comprehensive Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and end points evaluated through national registries. A total of 7244 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to manual thrombus aspiration followed by PCI or to PCI only. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Results No patients were lost to follow-up. Death from any cause occurred in 2.8% of the patients in the thrombus-aspiration group (103 of 3621), as compared with 3.0% in the PCI-only group (110 of 3623) (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.22; P=0.63). The rates of hospitalization for recurrent myocardial infarction at 30 days were 0.5% and 0.9% in the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.34 to 1.07; P=0.09), and the rates of stent thrombosis were 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.02; P=0.06). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the rate of stroke or neurologic complications at the time of discharge (P=0.87). The results were consistent across all major prespecified subgroups, including subgroups defined according to thrombus burden and coronary flow before PCI. Conclusions Routine thrombus aspiration before PCI as compared with PCI alone did not reduce 30-day mortality among patients with STEMI. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01093404 .).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess learning curves for coronary angiography using registry data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR). Background: ACC and ESC guidelines for cardiologists in training recommend 200300 coronary angiographies as primary operator. Whether this is safe or sufficient to reach an adequate proficiency level is not known. The development of learning curves and factors that can determine progress is not yet clearly stated. Methods: We extracted data from SCAAR 20052009 and identified 20 novel and 21 expert operators in coronary angiography during this observation period. Metrics possibly influenced by proficiency level were compared between the two groups. Learning curves were then identified with the expert's performance as reference defined as interquartile range (IQR). Results: Data from a total of 24,000 coronary angiographies were examined. Beginners used similar volumes of contrast but had longer fluoroscopy time compared with experts. Fluoroscopy time appeared to be a metric that demonstrated a clear learning curve and beginners reached experts IQR in 50 % (median) of the procedures after similar to 140 coronary angiographies. The risk of complications was independently associated with fluoroscopy time. Conclusions: Fluoroscopy time seems to be the best metric to determine coronary angiography performance level and might therefore be a good proficiency measure during training. On the basis of our results we recommend the trainee to perform at least 150 coronary angiographies during supervision before proceeding with unsupervised procedures. It is not clear if the suggested number of procedures will result in decreased number of complications but the data suggests that fluoroscopy time might be a surrogate marker for complications.