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We present the case of a 26 year-old man who presented to hospital with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) at a rate of 170bpm after exercising on a treadmill. Multimodality imaging with transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) demonstrated two causes for ventricular tachycardia; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) arising from the left coronary sinus, with a potentially malignant interarterial course. Both conditions can be associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). We discuss the management dilemmas in this unique patient.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a novel pimecrolimus-eluting stent in a porcine coronary model and in a phase I clinical trial. Background Rapamycin- and paclitaxel-eluting stents reduce the need for repeat intervention by limiting neointimal hyperplasia but might cause delayed healing, pre-disposing patients to late stent thrombosis. Because inflammation plays a key role in restenosis, pimecrolimus, an anti-inflammatory drug, might reduce restenosis without adversely affecting re-endothelialization. Methods We evaluated a novel polymeric pimecrolimus-eluting stent covered with a thin parylene C diffusion barrier in a porcine coronary model and in a phase I human clinical trial. The clinical study was a prospective, nonrandomized, first-in-human hypothesis-generating study that enrolled 15 patients who had a single de novo native coronary stenosis. Results At 28 days and 3 months in the porcine model, histopathologic indicators predicted safety and biocompatibility when stents coated with polymer only, drug only, and 2 drug-polymer formulations were compared with bare-metal stents (BMS). In the phase I clinical trial, 15 patients had successful implantation of pimecrolimus-eluting stents. By 6 months, no patient suffered death, myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis. However, the angiographic restenosis (61%), mean late loss (1.44 mm), and repeat target lesion revascularization (53%) were significantly higher than historical BMS controls. Whereas the primary end point was percent volume obstruction, restenosis was so severe that operators performed intravascular ultrasound examination in only 6 patients. Conclusions Pimecrolimus-eluting stents induced an exaggerated neointimal hyperplasia at 6 months in comparison with historical controls.

Objectives This study assessed the effect of pharmacogenetics on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. Background Variability in clopidogrel response might be influenced by polymorphisms in genes coding for drug metabolism enzymes (cytochrome P450 [CYP] family), transport proteins (P-glycoprotein) and/or target proteins for the drug (adenosine diphosphate–receptor P2Y12). Methods Sixty patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention in the randomized PRINC (Plavix Response in Coronary Intervention) trial had platelet function measured using the VerifyNow P2Y12 analyzer after a 600-mg or split 1,200-mg loading dose and after a 75- or 150-mg daily maintenance dosage. Polymerase chain reaction–based genotyping evaluated polymorphisms in the CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, ABCB1, P2Y12, and CES genes. Results CYP2C19*1*1 carriers had greater platelet inhibition 2 h after a 600-mg dose (median: 23%, range: 0% to 66%), compared with platelet inhibition in CYP2C19*2 or *4 carriers (10%, 0% to 56%, p = 0.029) and CYP2C19*17 carriers (9%, 0% to 98%, p = 0.026). CYP2C19*2 or *4 carriers had greater platelet inhibition with the higher loading dose than with the lower dose at 4 h (37%, 8% to 87% vs. 14%, 0% to 22%, p = 0.002) and responded better with the higher maintenance dose regimen (51%, 15% to 86% vs. 14%, 0% to 67%, p = 0.042). Conclusions Carriers of the CYP2C19*2 and *4 alleles showed reduced platelet inhibition after a clopidogrel 600-mg loading dose but responded to higher loading and maintenance dose regimens. Genotyping for the relevant gene polymorphisms may help to individualize and optimize clopidogrel treatment. (Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12606000129583)

Objectives This study evaluated the antiplatelet effect of a higher loading and maintenance dose regimen of clopidogrel and a possible drug interaction with verapamil. Background Clopidogrel loading doses above 600 mg have not resulted in more rapid or complete platelet inhibition. Higher maintenance dosages may be more effective than 75 mg/day. Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken in 60 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. All patients received clopidogrel 600 mg at the start of the procedure. Using a 2 × 2 design, patients were allocated to clopidogrel 600 mg given 2 h later or matching placebo, and to verapamil 5 mg intra-arterial or placebo. Platelet function was measured using the VerifyNow P2Y12 analyzer (Accumetrics Ltd., San Diego, California) at 2, 4, and 7 h. Patients were further randomized to receive a clopidogrel 75 or 150 mg once daily, with platelet function assessed after 1 week. Results Two hours after the second dose of clopidogrel or placebo, platelet inhibition was 42 ± 27% with clopidogrel, compared with 24 ± 22% with placebo (p = 0.0006). By 5 h after the second dose, platelet inhibition was 49 ± 30% with clopidogrel, compared with 29 ± 22% with placebo (p = 0.01). No drug interaction was seen with verapamil. A clopidogrel maintenance dosage of 150 mg daily for 1 week resulted in greater platelet inhibition than 75 mg daily (50 ± 28% vs. 29 ± 19%, p = 0.01). Conclusions In an unselected population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention a clopidogrel 1,200-mg loading dose, given as two 600-mg doses 2 h apart, results in more rapid and complete platelet inhibition than a single 600-mg dose. A maintenance dosage of 150 mg daily produces greater platelet inhibition than 75 mg daily. (The PRINC trial; ACTRN12606000129583)

The Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES; Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, CA) has been found to provide event-free clinical outcomes to 2 years for the treatment of symptomatic CAD by suppressing neointimal proliferation of the target lesion. The clinical outcomes of patients treated with the Endeavor ZES were evaluated at 4 years after implantation. One hundred consecutive patients with symptomatic ischemic heart disease due to de novo stenotic lesions of native coronary arteries were treated with the Endeavor ZES at 8 centers according to a standardized procedure. At 4 years, 3 patients were lost to follow-up analysis. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; defined as death, myocardial infarction, emergent cardiac surgery, or repeat revascularization of the target lesion) was 2% at 4 months, 2% at 1 year, 3% at 2 years, 6.1% at 3 years, and 7.2% at 4 years. The difference in these rates was due to 4 deaths caused by cancer (metastatic melanoma, metastatic adenocarcinoma, small-cell cancer of the bladder, and lung carcinoma). From 2-4 years, there was an additional reported case of target lesion revascularization (TLR). A single case of stent thrombosis occurred at 10 days after the index procedure but no cases occurred thereafter. The treatment of patients with symptomatic CAD due to de novo lesions in native coronary arteries with the Endeavor ZES has sustained clinical benefits to 4 years, with very low rates of MACE and TLR.

The Kona Medical Surround Sound™ System is a non-invasive device for renal denervation that delivers externally focused ultrasound to the renal nerves using Doppler-based image guidance to track and correct for renal artery motion during the procedure. Aims: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of

Background Recently, a novel nonfluoroscopic 3-dimensional electromechanical mapping technique was introduced in the clinical arena. Although initial in vitro and in vivo studies suggested the reliability of the system in volumetric and hemodynamic evaluation of the left ventricle, no validation in human beings has been performed. Methods A nonfluoroscopic electromechanical mapping (NOGA, Biosense-Webster) procedure was performed in 44 patients. All patients received a contrast left ventriculogram during the same session. Volumetric (end-diastolic [EDV] and end-systolic volumes [ESV]) and hemodynamic (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] and stroke volume) parameters of both systems were compared. Results Two uncomplicated pericardial effusions occurred with the first-generation mapping catheters. No procedural complications were noted with the new-generation mapping catheters. Significant correlations were found between mapping-derived and ventriculography-based measurements for both ESV (r = 0.67, P < .001) and LVEF (r = 0.78, P < .001). Absolute volumes, however, were only comparable for ESV (46.6 ± 25.3 mL vs 48.8 ± 37.0 mL, respectively; P = .13) but differed greatly for LVEF (35% ± 13% vs 65% ± 19%, respectively; P < .001), EDV (69.1 ± 28.6 mL vs 125.9 ± 53.4 mL, respectively; P < .001) and stroke volume (22.4 ± 9.9 mL vs 77.1 ± 33.7 respirations; P < .001). Moreover, Bland-Altman analysis showed the clinical noninterchangeability between these techniques for the measurement of hemodynamic parameters. Conclusion Measurement of hemodynamic parameters with nonfluoroscopic mapping of the left ventricle is feasible and safe. The system provides data that strongly correlate but that are in clinical disagreement with angiographic data. Therefore the interchangeability of these techniques may be questioned. (Am Heart J 2000;140:596-602.)

OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify periprocedural quantitative coronary angiographic (QCA) variables that have predictive value on long-term angiographic results and to construct multivariate models using these variables for postprocedural prognosis. BACKGROUND Coronary stent implantation has reduced the restenosis rate significantly as compared with balloon angioplasty in short de novo lesions in coronary arteries >3 mm in size. Although the postprocedural minimal luminal diameter (MLD) is known to have significant bearing on long-term angiographic results, no practically useful model exists for prediction of angiographic outcome based on the periprocedural QCA variables. METHODS The QCA data from patients who underwent Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation for short ( 3 mm and completed six months of angiographic follow-up in the four prospective clinical trials (BENESTENT I, BENESTENT II pilot, BENESTENT II and MUSIC) were pooled. Multiple models were constructed using multivariate analysis. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to identify the model of best fit, and this model was used to construct a reference chart for prediction of angiographic outcome on the basis of periprocedural QCA variables. RESULTS Univariate analysis performed using QCA variables revealed that vessel size, MLD before and after the procedure, reference area before and after the procedure, minimal luminal cross-sectional area before and after the procedure, diameter stenosis after the procedure, area of plaque after the procedure and area stenosis after the procedure were significant predictors of angiographic outcome. Using multivariate analysis, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the model containing percent diameter stenosis after the procedure and vessel size best fit the data. A reference chart was then developed to calculate the expected restenosis rate. CONCLUSIONS Restenosis rate after stent implantation for short lesions can be predicted using the variables percent diameter stenosis after the procedure and vessel size. This meta-analysis indicates that the concept of “the bigger the better” holds true for coronary stent implantation. Applicability of the model beyond short lesions should be tested.

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of morphologic characteristics and location of plaque in remodeling of atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Consecutive intravascular ultrasound studies performed in native coronary arteries before an intervention were included in the study. Total vessel, lumen and plaque + media areas were measured at target lesion, and distal and proximal references. Remodeling index was calculated as target total vessel area/proximal reference total vessel area, and categorized into 3 groups based on relative total vessel-area ratio: (1) >1.1 (group A, adequate remodeling); (2) 0.9 to 1.1 (group B, failure of compensatory enlargement); and (3)

Background:Home based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidenced based intervention that provides further choice of CR interventions for patients after a cardiac event. Te Hononga O Tamaki Me Hoturoa is a kaupapa Maori non-government organisation that has been delivering home based CR for the past six years. Methods: Patients are referred from the Middlemore Hospital CR team following ACS, coronary intervention or valvular surgery and the nurse led team provide a structured level of home based CR based on the Heart Guide Aotearoa program within a whanau ora/holistic model. This includes access to experienced cardiac nurses, community health worker support and health psychologists review. Data is collected in a local data base and in the Anzac-QI system. Results: Between 1/1/13 and 1/1/14, 206 patients were referred, and 182 patients had full referral data available for analysis. The majority were male (53%), median age 66 years (IQR 57-76) and ethnicity was non-European/others 44%, Maori 25%, Pacific 19%, Indian 10%, and Asian 2%. 38% had type 2 diabetes, median HbA1c 7.5 (IQR 6.5-8.9), median BMI was 28.1 (IQR 25-32.7). and 19% were current smokers, 156 (83%)were able to be contacted and participated in the program. There was no statistical demographic difference between engaged and non-engaged patients. Conclusion: The program continues to provide a viable alternative for patients wanting a structured and in home approach to secondary prevention following a cardiac event. More work is needed to increase referrals, simplify data collection and to add a focus on outcome measures.

Background:Medicationand lifestyleadherence following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can significantly improve outcomes but is influenced by patient, system and environmental factors. The EARLY PREVENT study is investigating using electronic linkage to pharmaceutical dispensing records as the electronic core of a personalised program to support appropriate medication and lifestyle adherence. The aim of this sub-study was to better understand our ACS population and the potential barriers to adherence as background to the development of a postdischarge adherence intervention program. Methods: We identified all NZ residents (1/8/07 to 18/5/09),who resided inCountiesManukaudistrictHealth Board at the time of their ACS admission. The cohort was divided into four groups by ethnicity and then patients were randomlyselected toapproach for interview toassess predictors of medication adherence. Results: 188 patients consented to be interviewed (Maori 27%, Pacific 20%, Indian 26%,& Euro/other 27%). Compared to other ethnicities, Europeans are approximately 10 years older (p< 0.0001),more likely retired (p< 0.0001), less likely to have diabetes (p 0.006) or experience barriers around access to a telephone (p< 0.0001), internet (p= 0.05), transport (p= 0.0003), funding prescriptions (p= 0.004), taking pills as prescribed (p= 0.03), reporting cultural fit with GP (p= 0.0004), and understanding need for lifelong statins (p= 0.005). Conclusion:Culturally and language appropriate interventions to assess for barriers to adherence and to develop solutions should be a feature of proactive ACS discharge planning and would be relatively simple to instigate.

Results: There were 115 interventional procedures performed on SVG with a mean follow up 27± 18 months. The use of DP was strongly associated with a reduction in post-procedure troponin rise (15.9± 5.6 versus 47.8± 5.0%, p< 0.01). High extent score, use of covered stents and long stent length were all associated with increased troponin levels post procedure. MACE Event free survival p-Value Extent score 55.7% 25.6% 0.02 Diabetes 34.6% 10.0%