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Background The MGuard TM stent, which has a microscopic polymer mesh coating, is intended to reduce the distal embolization of fragments during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in saphenous vein grafts (SVG). This study evaluated the early and late clinical outcomes of patients undergoing PCI in SVG with MGuard TM stents vs. drug-eluting stents (DES). Methods Observational, retrospective study conducted at two tertiary centers, involving a cohort of patients with SVG lesions submitted to elective or emergency treatment with MGuard TM stents or DES. Results A total of 271 patients were included, of whom 220 were treated with DES. The MGuard TM group had a higher proportion of women (25.5% vs. 10.5%; p = 0.01), with a mean age of 65.0 ± 13.9 years vs. 69.0 ± 9.6 years ( p = 0.06). The DES group more frequently used distal protection filter (5.8% vs. 10.0%; p = 0.001). Angiographic success was attained in most cases (96.2% vs. 98.0%; p = 0.22). The MGuard TM group had lower rates of early major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than the DES group (1.9% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.01), due solely to the lower incidence of periprocedural infarction. However, the MACE rate at 1 year was higher in the MGuard TM group (14.3% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.01) at the expense of a higher rate of target lesion revascularization (7.1% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.048). Conclusions The use of the MGuard TM stent resulted in a reduction of events during hospitalization; however, in the long term the DES were superior in reducing major outcomes, mainly the need for target lesion revascularization.

Objectives To determine the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed at the same time of the peak concentration of rosuvastatin to reduce periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI). Background Prior studies suggest that a high dose of statin before PCI reduce periprocedural myocardial infarction. However, there is no information regarding the elective PCI performed at the time of the peak of statin concentration to reduce PMI. Methods From 2001 to 2013, at a single center in Brazil we enrolled 544 patients who underwent elective PCI and after exclusions for baseline biases in clinical and angiographic characteristics, yielding 528 patients, we prospectively randomly assigned them to either a high loading dose of Rosuvastatin before PCI (n = 264) or standard treatment (n = 264). After exclusions for biases in procedural characteristics a total of 487 patients underwent to end points analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence of MB fraction of creatine kinase (CK-MB) greater than three times the upper limit of normal. Results The primary end point occurred in 7.6% in the rosuvastatin and 4.8% in the control group (P = 0.200). There was a higher incidence in elevation of CK-MB than normal baseline in the rosuvastatin (67.1% vs 59.2%, P = 0.701). There was no difference in major adverse event (0% in the rosuvastatin group vs 0.8% in control).

Summary Part I - Diagnosis and risk stratification page 1 1. Introduction page 1 2. Diagnosis page 12.a. Diagnosis of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) page 1 2.a.1. Diagnosis in symptomatic patients page 12.b. Diagnosis of manifest CAD page 2 2.b.1. History, physical examination, differential diagnosis page 2

BackgroundThe radial artery access has evolved into a flexible approach in the last decade, showing similar or superior results when compared to the femoral approach. We assessed the incorporation of the radial artery access in a training center for interventional cardiologists and compared the results to those of the femoral artery access.MethodsObservational, single-center study, including consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2007 and 2011. The access route was chosen by the resident along with the interventionist responsible for PCI. We compared the composite endpoint of death, periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke or major bleeding between the two groups during hospitalization.ResultsAmong 5,545 patients undergoing PCI, 29.8% used the radial approach and 70.2 used the femoral approach. Mean age was 60.8±11.7years, 68.9% were males and 29% had acute coronary syndromes. There was an increase in the use of the radial approach until 2010 and stabilization in the subsequent year (11.8% in 2008, 26.2% in 2009, 45.1% in 2010 and 42.6% in 2011). Patients using the radial approach had a less complex clinical and angiographic profile. There were no differences in the composite endpoint (5% vs. 5.9%; P=0.18), death (0.1% vs. 0.8%; P=0.71), stroke (0.06% vs. 0.03%; P=0.53) or periprocedural MI (4.5% vs. 3.8%; P=0.27). However, there was a lower incidence of major bleeding events (0.4% vs. 1.3%; P

INTRODUÇÃO: A perfuração coronária na atualidade é complicação rara, mas potencialmente catastrófica. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a incidência, os preditores, o manejo e o prognóstico das perfurações coronárias na experiência de um serviço de cardiologia intervencionista com grande volume de intervenções coronárias percutâneas (ICPs). MÉTODOS: Comparamos as características clínicas, angiográficas e do procedimento e a evolução intra-hospitalar de pacientes que apresentaram ou não perfuração coronária. Análise univariada foi realizada para determinar os preditores dessa complicação. RESULTADOS: No período de dezembro de 2007 a janeiro de 2012, 5.585 pacientes consecutivos foram submetidos a ICP e 18 apresentaram perfuração coronária (0,32%), dos quais 55,5% eram do sexo feminino e 38,9% eram diabéticos. Nesse grupo, a artéria descendente anterior foi o vaso mais frequentemente tratado (61,1%), assim como a lesão do tipo C (61,1%), e as oclusões crônicas foram abordadas em 27,8% desses casos. A maioria das perfurações coronárias (11/18) apresentou menor complexidade de acordo com a classificação de Ellis modificada, enquanto as demais foram qualificadas como graus III (6/18) ou IV (1/18). O cateter-balão foi o dispositivo responsável pela perfuração em 61,1% dos casos. Realizou-se insuflação prolongada com cateter-balão e inativação da heparina com protamina em 72,2% e 88,9% dos casos, respectivamente. Apenas 1 paciente (5,6%) necessitou de abordagem cirúrgica de emergência em decorrência de tamponamento cardíaco. Não houve óbito associado à perfuração coronária. Na análise univariada, os preditores de perfuração coronária foram: sexo feminino (P = 0,03), doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (P = 0,006) e oclusão crônica (P < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Em nossa experiência, a perfuração coronária foi evento raro, controlada conservadoramente na maioria dos casos e com evolução hospitalar satisfatória.

We sought to identify patients at risk for premature discontinuation of thienopyridines and to develop a risk score for thienopyridine adherence after coronary stent implantation. Patients were prospectively included from December 2007 to March 2008. At 1-month follow-up, all patients were given the Morisky questionnaire and asked if they had stopped taking thienopyridines. Multivariate analysis identified predictors of thienopyridine discontinuation; points were assigned to each variable according to the odds ratios and the c-statistic of the score was calculated. Mean age of the 400 patients included was 61.0 ± 10.4 years; 66 patients (16.5%) stopped thienopyridines after 1 month. Reasons for discontinuation were cost (62%), lack of information (17%), and recommendation by another doctor to stop treatment (15%). Factors associated with discontinuation included unmarried status (odds ratio 2.48, p = 0.046), lack of private health insurance (odds ratio 4.68, p = 0.041), acute coronary syndrome (odds ratio 2.31, p = 0.004), nondiabetics (odds ratio 2.20, p = 0.041), and patients who earned2 times (odds ratio 8.23, p0.001) and 2 to 3 times (odds ratio 4.46, p = 0.021) the minimum wage. Total risk score was 0 to 14 points and was strongly associated with thienopyridine discontinuation. For total scores of 0 to 4, 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and ≥13, 0%, 7%, 20%, and 37% of patients, respectively, stopped thienopyridines (c-statistic 0.76, p0.0001). Risk score was also significantly associated with complete adherence as assessed by the Morisky questionnaire (c-statistic 0.74, p0.001). In conclusion, we have identified patients at risk for premature discontinuation of thienopyridines using variables obtained before stent implantation and developed a risk score that accurately predicts premature thienopyridine discontinuation.

Background Lately drug-eluting stents (DES) have dramatically reduced restenosis rates and need for repeat revascularization in a wide subset of lesion and patients. However, their benefit for the treatment of large vessels (>3.0 mm) has yet to be established. Objective We investigated whether DES are superior to bare metal stents (BMS) in terms of clinical outcomes for the treatment of large coronary vessels. Methods This study assessed the long-term outcomes (cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, and need for repeat intervention in the treated vessel) of patients treated with either a DES (Cypher and Taxus) or a BMS of ≥3.5 mm in diameter. A total of 250 consecutive patients who underwent DES implantation were clinically followed for 1 year and compared to 250 patients who were treated with BMS. Interventions in the setting of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and treatment of bypass grafts were excluded. Results Cypher was the DES deployed in 70.8% of cases. Most of the enrolled patients were men (78%) with single vessel disease (65.6%). The left anterior descending artery was the culprit vessel in 34.2% of cases. Bare metal stent and DES cohorts had equivalent interpolated reference vessel diameter (3.19 ± 0.3 mm for BMS vs 3.18 ± 0.2 for DES; P = .1). Lesion was significantly longer in the group treated with DES (13.4 ± 5.1 mm for BMS group vs 14.3 ± 3.5 for DES; P = .0018). After 1 year of clinical follow-up, 95.2% of patients treated with DES and 91.2% of the patients who received BMS were free of major events ( P = .2). A trend toward higher target-lesion revascularization was noticed in the group treated with BMS (4.8% vs 1.6%; P = .07). Conclusion Percutaneous treatment of large coronary vessels carries a low risk of clinical events irrespective of the type of stent used.

The ZoMaxx Coronary Stent System elutes the antiproliferative agent zotarolimus via a biocompatible phosphorylcholine polymer loaded onto a novel, thin, stainless steel stent platform containing an 0.0007-inch inner layer of tantalum that enhances fluoroscopic radiopacity. The objective of this single-arm prospective clinical trial was to assess the safety and performance of the ZoMaxx stent for the treatment of coronary artery stenosis. Forty consecutive patients with ischemic coronary occlusive disease due to single de novo obstructive lesions of native coronary arteries were treated with 3 x 18 mm ZoMaxx stents at the Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologie in Saõ Paulo, Brazil, between April and July 2005. Independent core laboratories analyzed quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound results immediately after stent implantation, and after 4 months. The lesion, procedure, and device-deployment success rates were all 100% (40 of 40). There were no major adverse cardiac events during the study. Follow-up quantitative coronary angiography at 4 months revealed in-stent and in-segment late lumen losses of 0.20 +/- 0.35 and 0.17 +/- 0.35 mm, respectively. Follow-up intravascular ultrasound at 4 months revealed 6.5 +/- 6.2% neointimal volume obstruction. There were no instances of late acquired stent incomplete apposition or stent thrombosis. In conclusion, the ZoMaxx Coronary Stent can be safely implanted for the treatment of de novo coronary artery stenosis. The inhibition of neointima formation as measured by follow-up angiography and IVUS after 4 months suggests therapeutic potential for the reduction of restenosis.

Background:Guidelines recommend that in suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD), a clinical (non-invasive) evaluation should be performed before coronary angiography.Objective:We assessed the efficacy of patient selection for coronary angiography in suspected stable CAD.Methods:We prospectively selected consecutive patients without known CAD, referred to a high-volume tertiary center. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, symptoms and non-invasive test results were correlated to the presence of obstructive CAD. We estimated the CAD probability based on available clinical data and the incremental diagnostic value of previous non-invasive tests.Results:A total of 830 patients were included; median age was 61 years, 49.3% were males, 81% had hypertension and 35.5% were diabetics. Non-invasive tests were performed in 64.8% of the patients. At coronary angiography, 23.8% of the patients had obstructive CAD. The independent predictors for obstructive CAD were: male gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.95; confidence interval [CI] 95%, 2.70 - 5.77), age (OR for 5 years increment, 1.15; CI 95%, 1.06 - 1.26), diabetes (OR, 2.01; CI 95%, 1.40 - 2.90), dyslipidemia (OR, 2.02; CI 95%, 1.32 - 3.07), typical angina (OR, 2.92; CI 95%, 1.77 - 4.83) and previous non-invasive test (OR 1.54; CI 95% 1.05 - 2.27).Conclusions:In this study, less than a quarter of the patients referred for coronary angiography with suspected CAD had the diagnosis confirmed. A better clinical and non-invasive assessment is necessary, to improve the efficacy of patient selection for coronary angiography. ResumoFundamento:Diretrizes recomendam que na suspeita de doença arterial coronariana (DAC) estável, uma avaliação clínica (não-invasiva) deve ser realizada antes da realização da coronariografia.Objetivo:Avaliar a eficácia da seleção de pacientes à coronariografia invasiva na suspeita de DAC estável.Métodos:Prospectivamente, selecionamos pacientes sem diagnóstico prévio de DAC referenciados a um centro terciário de grande volume. Características demográficas, fatores de risco, sintomatologia e resultados de exames não-invasivos foram correlacionados com a presença de DAC obstrutiva. Estimamos a probabilidade de DAC com base nos dados clínicos disponíveis e no valor incremental diagnóstico dos exames não-invasivos.Resultados:Um total de 830 pacientes foi incluído, mediana de idade de 61 anos, 49,3% homens, 81% hipertensos e 35,5% de diabéticos. Exames não-invasivos foram realizados em 64,8% dos pacientes. Na coronariografia, 23,8% dos pacientes tinham DAC obstrutiva. Os preditores independentes para DAC obstrutiva foram: sexo masculino (odds ratio [OR], 3,95; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%, 2,70 – 5,77), idade (OR por incremento de 5 anos, 1,15; IC 95%, 1,06 – 1,26), diabetes (OR, 2,01; IC 95%, 1,40 – 2,90), dislipidemia (OR, 2,02; IC 95%, 1,32 – 3,07), angina típica (OR, 2,92; IC 95%, 1,77 – 4,83) e teste não-invasivo prévio (OR 1,54; IC 95% 1,05 – 2,27).Conclusão:Nesse estudo, menos de um quarto dos pacientes referenciados a um centro terciário para a realização de coronariografia por suspeita de DAC estável teve o diagnóstico confirmado. Uma melhor avaliação clínica e maior acesso a exames não-invasivos são necessários para aumentar a eficácia da seleção de pacientes para coronariografia invasiva.

We report the outcomes of patients who had in-stent restenosis (IRS) that was treated with intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT) or sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation. The benefit of IVBT for treating ISR is well documented. SES implantation decreases first-time ISR and, in preliminary reports, has been used to treat ISR. Fifty consecutive patients who had ISR were treated; the first 25 patients underwent SES implantation and the next 25 patients were treated with IVBT using a beta-Cath System (a 40-mm strontium-90/yttrium-90 source). Quantitative angiographic and intravascular ultrasound follow-up were performed at 5.2 +/- 1.1 and 12.1 +/- 1.2 months; clinical follow-up was performed at 15 months. SES deployment and IVBT were successful in all patients. At 12-month follow-up, 8 patients who underwent IVBT had angiographic recurrence (4 in the stent and 4 at the stent edge); only 1 patient who underwent SES implantation developed recurrent ISR. At 12 months, in-stent late luminal loss was similar between the SES and IVBT groups (0.35 +/- 0.45 vs 0.34 +/- 0.46 mm, p = 0.9); however, in-stent net luminal gain was higher in the SES group than in the IVBT group (1.32 +/- 0.13 vs 0.57 +/- 0.19 mm, p

). The patients were followed up to determine the rate of major cardiac events (MCE) in 2 years, the need for revascularization of the target lesion, and to identify the clinical, angiographic, and ultrasound predictors of events. Results Seventy-five (43%) patients had MLA ≥ 4.0 mm 2 and were clinically treated; 98 (57%) patients had MLA < 4.0 mm 2 and ; P < 0.001)). The clinical impact of the decision was favorable, and no difference was observed in regard to the occurrence of major cardiac events: (group 1: 5 (7%) vs group 2: 14 (15%); P = 0.09). The need for revasculari- zation of the target lesion also did not differ (group 1: 3 (4%) vs group 2: 11 (12%); P = 0.07). The predictive variables for MCE were diabetes, functional class III (FC III) angina before hospitali- zation, and MLA assessed on ultrasound. Conclusion This strategy for deciding on appropriate treatment guarantees low rates of MCE in both groups in the 24-month follow-up, with reduced revascularization rates. The predictive variables of major cardiac events were as follows: diabetes mellitus, FC III angina, and MLA on intravascular ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE:To verify the influence of moderate- or high-pressure balloon inflation during primary coronary stent implantation for acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: After successful coronary stent implantation, 82 patients were divided into 2 groups according to the last balloon inflation pressure: group 1 (superscript three12 to superscript three16 to 20 atm), each with 41 cases. All patients underwent late coronary angiography. RESULTS: In group 1, the mean stent deployment pressure was 13.58±0.92 atm, and in the group 2 it was 18.15±1.66 atm. Stents implanted with moderate pressures (superscript three12 to superscript three16 atm) did not cause a measurable improvement in late outcome, either in the late loss, its index, and the net gain, or in clinical and angiographic restenosis rates.

PURPOSE: The authors analyzed the 30-day and 6-month outcomes of 1,126 consecutive patients who underwent coronary stent implantation in 1996 and 1997. METHODS: The 30-day results and 6-month angiographic follow-up were analyzed in patients treated with coronary stents in 1996 and 1997. All patients underwent coronary stenting with high-pressure implantation (>12 atm) and antiplatelet drug regimen (aspirin plus ticlopidine). RESULTS: During the study period, 1,390 coronary stents were implanted in 1,200 vessels of 1,126 patients; 477 patients were treated in the year 1996 and 649 in 1997. The number of percutaneous procedures performed using stents increased significantly in 1997 compared to 1996 (64 % vs 48%, p=0.0001). The 30-day results were similar in both years; the success and stent thrombosis rates were equal (97% and 0.8%, respectively). The occurrence of new Q wave MI (1.3% vs 1.1%, 1996 vs 1997, p=NS), emergency coronary bypass surgery (1% vs 0.6%, 1996 vs 1997, p=NS) and 30-day death rates (0.2% vs 0.5%, 1996 vs 1997, p=NS) were similar. The 6-month restenosis rate was 25% in 1996 and 27% in 1997 (p= NS); the target vessel revascularization rate was 15% in 1996 and 16% in 1997 (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronary stenting showed a high success rate and a low incidence of 30-day occurrence of new major coronary events in both periods, despite the greater angiographic complexity of the patients treated with in 1997. These adverse variables did not have a negative influence at the 6-month clinical and angiographic follow-up, with similar rates of restenosis and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization rates.

INTRODUÇÃO: Suportes vasculares bioabsorvíveis (SVB) têm sido desenvolvidos como forma de fornecer sustentação à parede do vaso enquanto ocorre o processo de cicatrização, após a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP), sendo absorvido posteriormente. Pelo fato da plataforma ser de material polimérico, existe preocupação em relação à retração aguda do dispositivo. Avaliamos aqui a retração aguda do SVB com a de dois diferentes stents farmacológicos metálicos. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 50 pacientes com lesões não complexas. Dentre esses pacientes, 25 foram tratados com SVB e comparados a outros 25 pacientes tratados com stent de cromo-cobalto eluidor de everolimus (EES; n = 12) ou stent de aço inoxidável eluidor de biolimus (BES; n = 13). A retração aguda foi definida como a diferença entre o diâmetro médio do balão durante a pressão máxima de inflação (X) e o diâmetro médio do stent após o esvaziamento do balão (Y). A porcentagem de retração aguda foi definida como (X - Y)/X. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa em relação às características clínicas e angiográficas basais. O ganho luminal agudo foi menor com o SVB comparado ao EES e ao BES (1,51 ± 0,41 mm vs. 1,76 ± 0,28 mm vs. 1,9 ± 0,42 mm; P = 0,02). A retração aguda foi de 0,21 ± 0,13 mm vs. 0,15 ± 0,08 mm vs. 0,14 ± 0,08 mm (P = 0,21), e o porcentual de retração aguda foi de 7,0 ± 4,6% vs. 5,0 ± 2,2% vs. 5,7 ± 4,1% (P = 0,16). CONCLUSÕES: O SVB demonstrou ter retração aguda ligeiramente maior, embora não significativa, que os stents metálicos farmacológicos de segunda geração. BACKGROUND: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have been developed to provide support to the vessel wall during the healing process after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), being reabsorbed afterwards. Because the scaffold is made of polymeric material, there is a concern regarding the acute recoil of the device. We compared the BVS acute recoil with that of two different metallic drug-eluting stents. METHODS: Fifty patients with non-complex lesions were included. Twenty-five of these patients were treated with a BVS who were compared to 25 patients treated with a cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stent (EES, n = 12) or a stainless steel biolimus-eluting stent (BES, n = 13). Acute recoil was defined as the difference between the mean diameter of the balloon during maximum inflation pressure (X) and the mean diameter of the stent immediately after balloon deflation (Y). The percentage of acute recoil was defined as (X-Y)/X. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. Acute luminal gain was lower with BVS compared to EES and BES (1.51 ± 0.41 mm vs. 1.76 ± 0.28 mm vs. 1.9 ± 0.42 mm, P = 0.02). Acute recoil was 0.21 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.15 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.14 ± 0.08 mm (P = 0.21) and the percentage of acute recoil was 7.0 ± 4.6% vs. 5.0 ± 2.2% vs. 5.7 ± 4.1% (P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: BVS presented a slightly higher, although not significant, acute recoil than the two second-generation metallic drug-eluting stents.

INTRODUÇÃO: A revascularização percutânea de diabéticos é frequente e a utilização de stents farmacológicos (SF) é desejável, pois estes reduzem a reestenose e a necessidade de nova revascularização. O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar os resultados clínicos de longo prazo entre diabéticos tratados com e sem SF. MÉTODOS: Analisou-se uma coorte consecutiva de diabéticos submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2012, em hospital terciário da rede pública. Esses pacientes foram acompanhados prospectivamente. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 939 diabéticos, sendo 359 (38,3%) tratados com SF e 580 (61,7%) tratados com stents não farmacológicos (SNF). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (ECAM) em 12,6 ± 3,4 meses foi maior no grupo SNF (9,5% vs. 14,8%; risco relativo - RR = 1,56; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC 95% 1,07-2,27; P = 0,02), assim como o óbito (2,8% vs. 6,7%; RR = 2,41; IC 95% 1,22-4,77; P < 0,01) e a revascularização do vaso alvo (3,9% vs. 7,2%; RR = 1,85; IC 95% 1,03-3,35; P = 0,04). Não foram observadas diferenças na incidência de infarto do miocárdio (1,7% vs. 0,5%; RR = 0,30; IC 95% 0,07-1,23; P = 0,08) ou acidente vascular encefálico (1,1% vs. 0,2%; RR = 0,15; IC 95% 0,01-1,37; P = 0,07). A análise multivariada revelou que a doença renal crônica (RR = 2,05; IC 95% 1,40-2,98; P < 0,01) e a síndrome coronária aguda (RR = 2,08; IC 95% 1,42-3,02; P < 0,01) foram os únicos preditores independentes de ECAM. CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes diabéticos não selecionados, a evolução clínica tardia foi pior para os tratados com SNF. Após o ajuste das variáveis de confusão, o uso de SF não se mostrou preditor independente da redução de ECAM. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous revascularization in diabetic is frequent and the use of drug-eluting stents (DES) is desirable, reducing restenosis and the need for repeat revascularization. The objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of diabetic patients treated with and without DES. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 01/2009 and 12/2012 in a public tertiary hospital was prospectively followed-up. RESULTS: Nine hundred and thirty-nine diabetic patients (38.3%) treated with DES and 580 (61.7%) treated with bare metal stents (BMS) were evaluated. The rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 12.6 ± 3.4 months was greater in the BMS group (9.5% vs. 14.8%; RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.07-2.27; P = 0.02), as well as death (2.8% vs. 6.7%; RR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.22-4.77; P < 0.01), and target vessel revascularization (3.9% vs. 7.2%; RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.03-3.35; P = 0.04). There were no differences in the incidence of myocardial infarction (1.7% vs. 0.5%; RR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.07-1.23; P = 0.08) or stroke (1.1% vs. 0.2%; RR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.01-1.37; P = 0.07). Multivariate analysis indicated that chronic kidney disease (RR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.40-2.98; P < 0.01) and acute coronary syndrome (RR, 2.08; 95% CI 1.42-3.02; P < 0.01) were the only independent predictors of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In non-selected diabetic patients the long-term clinical outcome was worse for patients treated with BMS. After adjusting for confounding variables, the use of DES was not an independent predictor of reduced MACE.

he performance of different imaging modalities in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement is essential for patient selection, in order to guide the procedure, and to detect and quantify acute and chronic complications of this new intervention. Proper sizing of the aortic valve annu-lus is one of the most important steps to accurately select prosthesis size and prevent paravalvular aortic regurgitation. In this issue of the

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose de stent é a oclusão súbita de uma artéria tratada com stent em decorrência da formação de trombos. Nosso objetivo foi identificar variáveis associadas à trombose definitiva de stent (TS) em stents não-farmacológicos e avaliar a evolução dos pacientes que apresentaram esse evento. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados pacientes tratados consecutivamente entre dezembro de 2007 e agosto de 2012. Aqueles com TS foram comparados ao grupo sem TS quanto às características clínicas e angiográficas, e evoluções inicial e tardia. RESULTADOS: De um total de 6.495 intervenções coronárias percutâneas (ICPs), foram observados 36 (0,55%) casos de TS, sendo em 18 (50%) precoce, em 14 (38,9%) tardia e em 4 (11,1%) muito tardia. Pacientes com TS mostraram ser mais jovens, com maior prevalência de insuficiência renal crônica e síndrome coronária aguda. TS ocorrereu mais frequentemente em lesões de bifurcação (11% vs. 4%; P = 0,03) ou lesões com presença de trombo visível à angiografia (55,5% vs. 2,8%; P < 0,01). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a ICP de emergência, sendo observados, na fase intra-hospitalar, infarto do miocárdio (IM) e óbito em 33,3% e 16,6%, respectivamente. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 30,2 ± 16,3 meses e a descontinuação precoce da terapia antiplaquetária dupla foi verificada em 6 dos 36 casos de TS (16,7%). Na evolução tardia observou-se revascularização do vaso-alvo em 33,3%, IM em 20% e nenhum óbito adicional. CONCLUSÕES: A TS mostrou ser evento com elevada mortalidade hospitalar e alta morbidade tardia. A ocorrência desse evento foi associada a características clínicas e angiográficas de maior complexidade e a menor aderência à terapêutica antiagregante dupla. BACKGROUND: Stent thrombosis is the sudden occlusion of a stented coronary artery due to thrombus formation. Our objective was to identify variables associated to definite stent thrombosis (ST) and assess the outcomes of patients treated with bare-metal stents. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated between December 2007 and August 2012 were analyzed. Those with ST were compared to those without ST as to clinical and angiographic characteristics, and early and late outcomes. RESULTS: Of a total of 6,495 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), 36 cases of ST (0.55%) were observed, of which 18 were early (50%), 14 (38.9%) late and 4 (11.1%) very late ST. Patients with ST were younger, with a greater prevalence of chronic renal failure and acute coronary syndromes. ST was more frequent in bifurcation lesions (11% vs. 4%; P = 0.03) or lesions with visible thrombus at angiography (55.5% vs. 2.8%; P < 0.01). All patients were submitted to emergency PCI, and in the in-hospital phase, myocardial infarction (MI) and death were observed in 33.3% and 16.6%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 30.2 ± 16.3 months and early discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy was observed in 6 of the 36 cases (16.7%). In the late follow-up target vessel revascularization was observed in 33.3%, MI in 20% and no additional deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS: ST proved to be an event with high in-hospital mortality and late morbidity. The occurrence of this event was associated to more complex clinical and angiographic characteristics and lower compliance with dual antiplatelet therapy.

INTRODUÇÃO: A perfuração coronária na atualidade é complicação rara, mas potencialmente catastrófica. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a incidência, os preditores, o manejo e o prognóstico das perfurações coronárias na experiência de um serviço de cardiologia intervencionista com grande volume de intervenções coronárias percutâneas (ICPs). MÉTODOS: Comparamos as características clínicas, angiográficas e do procedimento e a evolução intra-hospitalar de pacientes que apresentaram ou não perfuração coronária. Análise univariada foi realizada para determinar os preditores dessa complicação. RESULTADOS: No período de dezembro de 2007 a janeiro de 2012, 5.585 pacientes consecutivos foram submetidos a ICP e 18 apresentaram perfuração coronária (0,32%), dos quais 55,5% eram do sexo feminino e 38,9% eram diabéticos. Nesse grupo, a artéria descendente anterior foi o vaso mais frequentemente tratado (61,1%), assim como a lesão do tipo C (61,1%), e as oclusões crônicas foram abordadas em 27,8% desses casos. A maioria das perfurações coronárias (11/18) apresentou menor complexidade de acordo com a classificação de Ellis modificada, enquanto as demais foram qualificadas como graus III (6/18) ou IV (1/18). O cateter-balão foi o dispositivo responsável pela perfuração em 61,1% dos casos. Realizou-se insuflação prolongada com cateter-balão e inativação da heparina com protamina em 72,2% e 88,9% dos casos, respectivamente. Apenas 1 paciente (5,6%) necessitou de abordagem cirúrgica de emergência em decorrência de tamponamento cardíaco. Não houve óbito associado à perfuração coronária. Na análise univariada, os preditores de perfuração coronária foram: sexo feminino (P = 0,03), doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (P = 0,006) e oclusão crônica (P < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Em nossa experiência, a perfuração coronária foi evento raro, controlada conservadoramente na maioria dos casos e com evolução hospitalar satisfatória. BACKGROUND: Coronary perforation is currently a rare, but potentially catastrophic complication. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence, predictors, management and prognosis of coronary perforations at a hospital with a large number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). METHODS: Clinical, angiographic, procedural and in-hospital outcomes of patients with or without coronary perforations were compared. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of this complication. RESULTS: From December 2007 to January 2012, 5,585 consecutive patients were submitted to PCI and 18 had coronary perforation (0.32%), of whom 55.5% were female and 38.9% were diabetic. In this group, the left anterior descending artery was the most frequently treated vessel (61.1%) as well as type C lesion (61.1%) and chronic occlusions were approached in 27.8% of these cases. Most of the coronary perforations (11/18) had a lower complexity according to the modified Ellis classification, whereas the remaining perforations were classified as grades III (6/18) or IV (1/18). The balloon-catheter device was responsible for perforation in 61.1% of the cases. Prolonged inflation with a balloon-catheter and heparin reversal with protamine was performed in 72.2% and 88.9% of the cases, respectively. Only 1 patient (5.6%) required an emergency surgery due to cardiac tamponade. There were no deaths associated with coronary perforation. According to the univariate analysis, coronary perforation predictors were: female gender (P = 0.03), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.006) and chronic occlusion (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, coronary perforation was a rare event, which was managed conservatively in most of the cases and was associated with a good in-hospital outcome.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os perfis clínico/angiográfico e relacionados ao procedimento de pacientes com angina instável atendidos em um hospital terciário e tratados por meio de intervenções coronarianas percutâneas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de uma casuística consecutiva de 1.413 pacientes, selecionados a partir de um banco de dados informatizado e revascularizados percutaneamente no triênio 2002-2004. Não houve critérios de inclusão/exclusão. RESULTADOS: Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (74%) e hipercolesterolemia (65%) foram os fatores de risco clássicos para doença coronariana mais observados. Antecedentes de infarto do miocárdio e cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica foram respectivamente observados em 28% e 24% dos casos. Os subgrupos mais comumente tratados foram o IIB (48%) e IIIB (28%). O clopidogrel foi prescrito a 51% dos pacientes, enquanto os inibidores IIb IIIa foram utilizados em 7%. Doença coronariana multiarterial na cinecoronariografia diagnóstica ocorreu em 42% dos casos. Lesões-alvo tipo B2 ou C foram tratadas em 64%, das quais 94% situavam-se em vasos naturais. Lesões reestenóticas foram dilatadas em 5% dos pacientes. Todas as intervenções foram realizadas utilizando os stents coronarianos, a maioria dos quais (67%) do tipo convencional. CONCLUSÕES: 1) os subgrupos IIB e IIIB foram os mais comumente tratados (76%); 2) o clopidogrel foi o antitrombótico mais prescrito (51%); 3) a coronariopatia multiarterial foi observada em 42% dos casos, com predomínio de lesões-alvo complexas e situadas em vasos naturais; 4) a técnica de dilatação predominante foi o implante dos stents coronarianos. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and angiographic profiles of patients with unstable angina seen at a tertiary hospital and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Study of a consecutive series of 1413 patients, selected from a computerized database, who underwent percutaneous revascularization in the three-year period of 2002-2004. There were no inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Systemic arterial hypertension (74%) and hypercholesterolemia (65%) were the classical risk factors for coronary disease most frequently observed. Coronary artery bypass grafting and history of myocardial infarction were found in 24% and 28% of the cases, respectively. The subgroups most commonly treated were the IIB (48%) and IIIB (28%). Clopidogrel was prescribed for 51% of the patients and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, for 7%. Multivessel disease evidenced by coronary angiography was detected in 42% of the cases. Type B2 or C lesions were treated in 64%, 94% of which in native vessels. Restenotic lesions were dilated in 5% of the patients. All interventions were performed using coronary stents, the majority of which (67%) were standard bare-metal stents. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Subgroups IIB and IIIB were the most frequently treated (76%); 2) Clopidogrel was the most prescribed antithrombotic agent (51%); 3) Multivessel coronary artery disease was found in 42% of the cases, most of which were complex target lesions located in native vessels; 4) Coronary stent implantation was the chief dilation technique used.

This pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an intensified oral sirolimus regimen (15-mg loading dose 24 hr before PCI, followed by a daily dose of 5 mg for 4 weeks) in 15 patients subjected to elective bare metal coronary stent implantation for de novo lesions. Mean patient age was 59 ± 9; 73% were male, and 13% were diabetic patients. The reference diameter was 3.04 ± 0.38 mm, and the lesion length was 14 ± 2 mm. Angiographic and volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analyses were performed in all patients at 6.0 ± 0.2 months. Two patients (13%) met the definition of in-segment binary restenosis; in-stent and in-segment angiographic late loss was 0.61 ± 0.31 mm and 0.67 ± 0.45 mm, respectively, and the percent neointimal volume was 28.5 ± 15.8%. At adjacent reference segments, there was neither significant plaque increase nor constrictive vascular remodeling. At 24-month follow-up no deaths, myocardial infarctions, or target lesion revascularizations were detected. Mean sirolimus blood level was 13 ± 7 ng/ml. No correlations were found between drug levels and late loss (r = 0.15, P = 0.59) or IVUS percent neointimal volume (r = 0.23, P = 0.47). Side effects were frequent (80%), leading to dose reductions in four and drug discontinuation in one patient. The results of this pilot study suggest that an intensified 5-mg oral sirolimus regimen resulted in no relevant improvements in the angiographic and IVUS parameters of restenosis after stent implantation in de novo lesions when compared with historic controls. Considering the efficacy/safety balance, our results do not encourage further trials evaluating the current protocol for the prevention of in-stent restenosis. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

To the Editor: Mehilli et al1 reported that abciximab did not reduce death or myocardial infarction after percutaneous intervention in diabetics pretreated with a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel, but that it reduced restenosis in the subgroup treated with bare-metal stents (BMS). We previously reported that abciximab was not associated with a reduction of in-stent intimal hyperplasia measured by intravascular ultrasound in patients with diabetes treated with BMS. In-stent volume obstruction, a surrogate for in-stent restenosis, did not differ between patients with diabetes treated with or without abciximab.2 In an attempt to reconcile these data, we found that some aspects of the ISAR-SWEET study need to be clarified. First, the analysis of restenosis was done on a per-lesion basis rather than on a per-patient basis. The statistical tests used assumed that lesions within the same patient are independent for restenosis. We learned from Kastrati et al,3 however, that there is an interlesion dependence of restenosis in patients who undergo multilesion intervention (the probability of restenosis for a lesion being higher when a companion lesion has also developed restenosis). Hence, it follows that the correlation among lesions within patients had to be considered and an alternative statistical model that takes into account the correlations applied (eg, linear mixed-effect models). Second, the angiographic results were presented for the groups …

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito prognóstico das alterações de quatro marcadores de lesão miocárdica (CKMB atividade/massa e troponinas T e I) pós- stent em relação à ocorrência de morte, infarto e novos procedimentos de revascularização em um ano e determinar a incidência e as variáveis preditoras de suas elevações. MÉTODOS: Em 199 pacientes tratados por stents em artérias naturais foram mensurados os quatro marcadores em três períodos: pré-procedimento, 6-8h e 14-18h pós-stent. Curvas de sobrevivência e a regressão logística de Cox determinaram o impacto prognóstico das alterações na ocorrência de eventos cardíacos em um ano. RESULTADOS: A incidência das alterações dos 4 marcadores pós-stent é relativamente freqüente (6,1% a 32,8%), associa-se à maior complexidade das lesões tratadas (longas e angulações >45º) e ao desenvolvimento de intercorrências durante o procedimento (oclusão de ramos secundários, presença de angina e alterações eletrocardiográficas). A sobrevivência livre de infarto e nova revascularização foi significativamente menor somente nos pacientes com elevação da CKMB atividade pós-procedimento em comparação àqueles sem esta alteração (60% x 85,08%, p=0,025). Influenciaram a sobrevivência livre de eventos o diabetes mellitus (OR: 2,27, p=0,0256), pré-dilatação com balão (OR: 3,16, p=0,0082) e elevação da CKMB atividade pós-procedimento (OR: 3,64, p=0,0162). CONCLUSÃO: A recomendação da monitoração sistemática da CKMB atividade pós-stent coronário baseia-se na compreensão do seu comportamento clínico e laboratorial, nos resultados dos estudos que relacionam a elevação de seus níveis pós-procedimento à pior evolução tardia e ao baixo custo do exame. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic effect of the changes in the levels of 4 biochemical markers of myocardial damage (CK-MB activity/mass and troponins T and I) after stent implantation in regard to the occurrence of death, infarction, and new myocardial revascularization procedures in a one-year period. The study also aimed at determining the incidence of their elevations and the existence of predictive variables. METHODS: Those 4 markers were measured in 199 patients treated with stent implantation in native arteries in the following 3 periods: before the procedure, 6-8 hours after the procedure, and 14-18 hours after the procedure. Survival curves and Cox logistic regression were used to determine the prognostic impact of the changes on the occurrence of cardiac events in one year. RESULTS: Changes in the levels of the 4 markers after stent implantation are relatively frequent (6.1% to 32.8%), are associated with the degree of complexity of the lesions treated (long lesions and angulations > 45º) and with the development of problems during the procedure (occlusion of the secondary branches, presence of angina, and electrocardiographic changes). The infarction-free survival rate and the need for a new revascularization were significantly lower only in the patients with an elevation in the CK-MB activity after the procedure as compared with those in patients without that alteration (60% x 85.08%; P=0.025). The following variables influenced the event-free survival rate: diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.27; P=0.0256), balloon predilation (OR: 3.16; P=0.0082), and an elevation in the CK-MB activity after the procedure (OR: 3.64; P=0.0162). CONCLUSION: Systematic monitoring of CK-MB activity after coronary stenting is justified due to its clinical and laboratory behavior reported in studies relating its elevation after the procedure to a worse late outcome, and due to its low cost.

Background— In diabetic patients in the Evaluation of Platelet IIb/IIIa Inhibitor for Stenting (EPISTENT) trial, abciximab reduced target vessel revascularization by ≈50% compared with placebo. Whether this is a result of a lower restenosis rate caused by inhibition of intimal hyperplasia remains to be defined. Methods and Results— The purpose of this study was to determine whether abciximab at the time of stent implantation would reduce in-stent intimal hyperplasia measured by intravascular ultrasound at 6-month follow-up in type 2 diabetics. Ninety-six diabetic patients (96 lesions) who underwent elective stent implantation for a de novo lesion in a native coronary artery were randomly assigned to receive abciximab or no abciximab. In-stent intimal hyperplasia volume, expressed as percentage of stent volume, did not differ between groups: 41.3±21.0% for those treated with abciximab versus 40.5±18.3% for those treated without abciximab ( P =0.9). There were also no significant differences in angiographic minimal luminal diameter at follow-up (1.74±0.69 versus 1.66±0.63 mm; P =0.5), late loss (1.03±0.63 versus 1.07±0.58 mm; P =0.7), restenosis rate (17.8% versus 22.9%; P =0.5), or cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events at 12 months (19.1% versus 20.4%; P =0.9). Conclusions— Six-month intravascular ultrasound volumetric analysis showed that abciximab, at the time of coronary stent implantation, was not associated with a reduction of in-stent intimal hyperplasia in diabetic patients.

Drug-resistant arterial hypertension is defined as the high blood bressure pressure that remains uncontrolled, despite treatment with at least three drugs at the maximum tolerated doses. These patients have a 50% higher chance of developing adverse events when compared to those with controlled blood pressure. Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone II system is the physiopathological basis of this condition; the connection between these two systems is formed by the network of sympathetic fibres located in the adventitia of renal arteries. These nerves can be targeted by the application of radiofrequency (RF) energy, released by catheters positioned in the lumen of renal arteries, an approach that has attracted considerable interest over the past two years.

iabetes mellitus is a known factor that influences coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery effectiveness. Selecting the most appropriate intervention, whether surgical or percutaneous, is es-sential to provide the best care for patients with mul-tivessel coronary disease. Since the mid-1990s, with the publication of the BARI trial results, diabetes has become an important variable to be considered in the decision-making of clinicians, interventional physicians, and cardiac surgeons. Recently, wehave witnessed a

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the in-hospital results, in progressively elderly patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the first 24 hours of AMI. METHODS: The patients were divided into three different age groups (60/69, 70/79, and > or = 80 years) and were treated from 7/95 until 12/99. The primary success rate and the occurrence of major clinical events were analyzed at the end of the in-hospital phase. Coronary stent implantation and abciximab use were employed at the intervencionist discretion. RESULTS: We analyzed 201 patients with age ranging from 60 to 93 years, who underwent primary PCI. Patients with ages above 70 were more often female (p=.015). Those with ages above 80 were treated later with PCI (p=.054), and all of them presented with total occlusion of the infarct-related artery. Coronary stents were implanted in 30% of the patients. Procedural success was lower in > or = 80 year old patients (p=.022), and the death rate was higher in > or = 70 years olds (p=.019). Reinfarction and coronary bypass surgery were uncommon events. A trend occurred toward a higher combined incidence of major in-hospital events according to increased age (p=.064). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients ( > or = 70 years) presented with adverse clinical and angiographic profiles and patients > or = 80 years of age obtained reduced TIMI 3 flow success rates after primary PTCA, and those > or = 70 years had a higher death rate.

Clinical and angiographic data were analysed in 244 pts submitted to a successful primary PTCA within 24 hrs of acute MI to determine predictors of early recovery in LV function. All pts had a LV angiogram before PTCA and at hospital discharge (HD – mean = 10 days). The end points were: analysis of arterial patency rate at HD and its relation to ejection fraction (EF) recovery and in pts with sustained arterial patency (SAP), which ones exhibit a greater increase in EF. P values l 0.05 were submitted to multivariate analysis (risk adjustment). Variable % Pre EF HD EF GAIN P Arterial Patency 91 43 ± 9 49 ± 8 + 6.1 ± 4% 0.001* Reocclusion 9 45 ± 8 41 ± 10 -3.4 ± 5% ONLY PTS WITH SAP: Anterior MI 52 41 ± 7 47 ± 9 + 6.3 ± 4% 0.02 Inferior MI 48 49 ± 9 52 ± 10 + 3.1 ± 2% Ischemia time l 4 hrs 42 44 ± 8 53 ± 9 + 9.4 ± 5% 0.001* Ischemia time g 4 hrs 58 44 ± 9 49 ± 5 + 5.1 ± 2% Multivessel disease 52 42 ± 9 50 ± 7 + 8.1 ± 4% 0.02 Single vessel disease 48 44 ± 10 48 ± 9 + 3.9 ± 3% Baseline EF l 40% 43 33 ± 9 42 ± 8 + 9.6 ± 5% 0.001* Baseline EF g 40% 57 51 ± 9 54 ± 5 + 3.2 ± 1% Conclusions Pts with SAP*and anterior Ml, multivessel disease, baseline EF l 40%*and early reperfusion*are likely to benefit most from primary PTCA in acute myocardial infarction (*independent variables).

BACKGROUND The SYNTAX score was developed as an angiographic tool to grade the complexity of coronary artery disease in patients with three-vessel and/or left main disease. We evaluated its role in predicting clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in non-selected patients, treated in the daily clinical practice of a reference center. METHODS Analysis of patients undergoing PCI from March to September 2009 and followed-up for up to 12 months. Patients were divided in tertiles according to the SYNTAX score. The primary endpoint included major adverse cardiac events (MACE) – death, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction and target-vessel revascularization. The ability of the SYNTAX score in predicting MACE was assessed by the ROC (Receiver Operator Characteristic) curve. RESULTS Two hundred and thirty-four patients with a mean SYNTAX score of 11.6 ± 6.2 points were included. Tertile I had a SYNTAX score ≤ 9 (average 5.9); tertile II, > 9 and ≤ 13 (average 10.8); and tertile III, > 13 (average 18.3). In the clinical follow-up of 7.2 ± 4.9 months, the incidence of MACE was greater in tertile III when compared to tertiles I and II (2.5% vs. 6.4% vs. 14.1%; P = 0.0075). The ROC curve showed an area under the curve of 0.667 (P = 0.012) indicating a moderate ability to anticipate the occurrence of MACE in this population. CONCLUSIONS The SYNTAX score proved to be useful in predicting the occurrence of MACE after PCI in real world patients.

T he performance of different imaging modalities in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement is essential for patient selection, in order to guide the procedure, and to detect and quantify acute and chronic complications of this new intervention. Proper sizing of the aortic valve annulus is one of the most important steps to accurately select prosthesis size and prevent paravalvular aortic regurgitation. In this issue of the Brazilian Journal of Invasive Cardiology (RBCI), Magalhaes, Waksman, and Pichard, from the MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Washington, DC, United States), discuss in their editorial the impact of aortic regurgitation on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, the evidence of this association, and the methodological limitations that can attenuate the establishment of a direct causal association. They comment the article by Lluberas et al., from Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia (Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil), which assessed the incidence, clinical impact, and predictors of paravalvular regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the largest national series of this procedure. They recall the importance of preventive measures, such as selecting the most appropriate size and type of prosthesis for each patient, and the contribution that multimodal imaging analysis has brought to aortic annulus measurement. They mention that a fourth dimension, i.e., time, was added to annulus evaluation, as variability in the size of this structure has been observed in the different phases of the cardiac cycle.

required a small increase in core temperature to 33.6*0.15”C. Meperidine and buspirone did not cause respiratory depression or other complications. Patients with shivering were younger (54 * 10 years vs. 59 * 12 years. p=O.O4), and received a higher total bolus dose of meperidine than those without shivering (156 f 66mg vs. 120 f 66mg, p=O.Ol). Mean patient weight and body surface area were similar in bath groups and no other demographic, clinical or hemodynamlc predictors of shivering were identified. Conclusion: Our results indicate that combination treatment with surface warming, buspirone and meperidine is safe and effective in patients with AMI, and provides a novel method for counteracting thermoregulatory defenses to systemic hypothermia during endovascular cooling. SES to control bare stents (CS), 462 pts (44%) had single vessel LAD treatment. In this cohort, reference vessel size was 2.74mm and lesion length was 14.0 mm. Results: Clinical (@ 9 months) and angiographic (@ 8 months) outcomes were compared in the SES and CS LAD subgroups (see table). Conclusions: The SIRIUS LAD substudy indicates striking improvement after SES in all clinical and angiographic efficacy parameters compared with CS. These SES results are equivalent to those reported after LIMA surgery, and thus, SES should be considered the new standard of care for stngle vessel LAD therapy.