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Background: The use of the distal radial access for invasive coronary procedures has been rapidly adopted by the medical community, but with no evaluation of efficacy and safety outcomes of this approach. The objective was to evaluate the rate of radial artery occlusion involved in this technique, using Doppler ultrasound. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective study involving patients undergoing invasive diagnostic or therapeutic coronary procedures via distal radial access, with assessment of the radial artery patency by Doppler ultrasound. The primary outcome analyzed was the rate of radial artery occlusion. Results: Between July and December 2020, 51 patients underwent procedures via distal radial access, with assessment of the radial artery patency, out of a total of 603 patients seen during this period. Patients were aged 58±10.8 years, 68.6% were male, 26.9% had diabetes mellitus, and 68.6% were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. Diagnostic procedures were performed in 68.2% of sample, and 23.5% of patients had undergone a previous use of the ipsilateral proximal radial access. Doppler ultrasound was performed over a mean period of 24 hours, and no occlusion of the radial artery was observed, with mean time for sheath insertion of 1.9 minutes. There was no major vascular complication. In two patients, pain was observed at the access point; another two had a small subcutaneous hematoma, and, one patient, presented with moderate spasm. Conclusion: The use of distal radial access was associated with a low rate of hemorrhagic complications in the access route, and absence of occlusion of the radial artery by Doppler ultrasound assessment.

Background Ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention via radial access has become frequent in interventional cardiology services, with reduced bleeding rates, vascular complications and costs. There are few reports in the medical literature on radiological exposure rates (kerma area product − Kap, and incident air kerma − Iak) in these procedures, when they are performed via radial access. The objective of the study was to compare radiological variables in staged percutaneous coronary interventions with ad hoc interventions via radial access. [...]

Background The transition from ticagrelor to clopidogrel is not based on pharmacodynamic or clinical studies, but it is a common practice. The aim of the present study was to test, in an exploratory way, the transition to two different doses of clopidogrel at the time of hospital discharge in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention who were initially treated with ticagrelor. Methods Patients previously treated with ticagrelor were randomized to receive a loading dose of 300 mg clopidogrel at hospital discharge, or 75 mg without the loading dose. The primary endpoint was the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events or bleeding at 30 days. Results Of 348 selected patients, 132 were enrolled and completed the study. The incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 30 days was similar between the groups, resulting in a rate of cardiac and cerebrovascular events of 6.1% vs. 9.1% (RR: 0.787; 95% CI: 0.361-1.715; p = 0.74). Conclusions The transition to clopidogrel with a dose of 75 mg at discharge, without a loading dose, appears to be a possible strategy. Studies with greater statistical power are needed to confirm these findings.

RESUMO Introducao A valvula aortica transcateter de segunda geracao Lotus™ foi desenhada para proporcionar ao intervencionista o controle completo de sua liberacao durante o procedimento. O presente estudo apresenta a experiencia inicial e os desfechos hospitalares de pacientes tratados com essa protese no Brasil. Metodos Registro observacional, retrospectivo, que incluiu pacientes com estenose aortica grave sintomaticos, considerados de alto risco cirurgico, tratados em sete centros. Resultados Receberam o dispositivo 31 pacientes, sendo 61,3% do sexo feminino, com idade de 82,9 ± 6,9 anos e escore STS de 6,5 ± 4,1%. A area valvar aortica foi de 0,73 ± 0,18 cm2 e o gradiente medio de 51,7 ± 13,9 mmHg. Todos os procedimentos foram realizados pela via transfemoral, e a pre‐dilatacao foi necessaria em 65% dos casos. A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 96,7%. Nao houve complicacao vascular com necessidade de intervencao cirurgica e nem casos de acidente vascular cerebral. O gradiente medio apos o procedimento foi de 10,5 ± 5,8 mmHg e nao foram observadas regurgitacoes aorticas de graus moderado/importante. A taxa de implante de marca‐passo definitivo foi de 38,7%, e a permanencia hospitalar de 8,5 ± 4,8 dias. Conclusoes Na experiencia inicial com o implante da valvula aortica Lotus™, os resultados hospitalares demostraram a seguranca e a eficacia do dispositivo, alem de ausencia de regurgitacao aortica relevante.

Background The second-generation Lotus TM transcatheter aortic valve was designed to provide the interventional cardiologist with complete control of its release during the procedure. This study presents the initial experience and in-hospital outcomes of patients treated with this prosthesis in Brazil. Methods This observational and retrospective study included patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis considered at high surgical risk, treated in seven centers. Results The device was used in 31 patients, 61.3% female, aged 82.9 ± 6.9 years, and with STS score of 6.5 ± 4.1%. The aortic valve area was 0.73 ± 0.18 cm 2 and the mean gradient was 51.7 ± 13.9 mmHg. All procedures were performed by the transfemoral access route, and pre-dilation was necessary in 65% of cases. The success rate of the procedure was 96.7%. There were no vascular complications requiring surgical intervention nor cases of stroke. The mean gradient after the procedure was 10.5 ± 5.8 mmHg; no cases of moderate to severe aortic regurgitation were observed. The rate of permanent pacemaker implantation was 38.7%, and mean in-hospital length of stay was 8.5 ± 4.8 days. Conclusions In the initial experience with the use of the Lotus TM aortic valve, in-hospital results demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the device; no cases of significant aortic regurgitation were observed.

Background The knowledge of risk factors related to vascular access complications in patients undergoing early invasive strategy allows the adoption of methods to minimize them. Methods We performed a subanalysis of the ARISE study, aiming to identify predictors of vascular complications in patients randomized to the radial or femoral techniques with the use of vascular closure device (VCD). Results A total of 240 patients with a mean age of 63.0 ± 10.7 years were included, with 30.8% of diabetics. Except for a higher prevalence of women in the radial group, there were no clinical differences between the groups. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 86.7% of the cases. The rate of vascular complications after 30 days was 13.3% in the radial group, due to hematoma > 5 cm (6.7%) and asymptomatic artery occlusion (5.8%), and 12.5% in femoral group, due to hematoma > 5 cm, without significant difference. The following were identified as risk factors for vascular access complications: body mass index (BMI), previous stroke, longer duration of the procedure, and VCD failure. At the stratified analysis, female gender and high or very high-risk CRUSADE score were predictors of complications only for the femoral group. In the multivariate model, the factors that remained significant were BMI and VCD failure. Conclusions The radial and femoral techniques, with the use of VCD, shared variables that were predictors of complications. Risk factors, such as female gender and high-risk CRUSADE score, were attenuated by the use of the radial technique.

Background Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty is the treatment of choice for rheumatic mitral stenosis with favorable anatomy, for its ability to prevent complications inherent to a surgical procedure, while maintaining effectiveness. It is necessary to promote comparisons between the results obtained by the procedure performed at referral centers with high patient inflow and at institutions with lower volume and fewer patients, which represents the main objective of this study. Methods Thirty-one consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty were analyzed from September 2006 to January 2015. Immediate procedural success and late event-free survival rates were evaluated, defined as cardiovascular death or need for a new mitral valve intervention. Results The mean age was 40.9 ± 14.2 years, with a predominance of females (96.8%). The mean Wilkins and Block score was 8.1 ± 1.2. All procedures were performed using the Inoue technique, with an immediate success rate of 90.3%. At mean follow-up of 6.8 ± 2.5 years, seven events (22.6%) were observed: two cardiovascular deaths, four surgeries for mitral valve replacement, and one mitral commissurotomy. Conclusions In a hospital with intermediate procedure volume, the results of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty in the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis with favorable anatomy were comparable to those achieved by high-volume centers.

Fundamento: A tecnica radial reduz a prevalencia de complicacoes vasculares, sangramento grave e mortalidade quando cotejada a tecnica femoral. Entretanto, esta ainda predomina como via de acesso preferencial para a efetivacao de procedimentos coronarios invasivos, requerendo a adocao de estrategias capazes de minimizar intercorrencias. Objetivos: Comparar a sobrevida livre de eventos cardiovasculares adversos graves aos 12 meses de pacientes submetidos a estrategia intervencionista precoce pelo acesso radial ou femoral com dispositivo de oclusao vascular. Metodos: Estudo randomizado de nao inferioridade envolvendo 240 pacientes com sindrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnivel do segmento ST. A funcao de sobrevivencia livre de morte, infarto agudo do miocardio ou acidente vascular encefalico foi estimada pelo modelo de Kaplan-Meier e comparada utilizando-se o teste de log rank. Resultados: A taxa de complicacoes vasculares no sitio de puncao arterial aos 30 dias foi de 12,5% no grupo Angio-Seal e de 13,3% no grupo radial (p = 1,000). A incidencia de sangramento grave ou transfusao sanguinea aos 12 meses tambem nao diferiu entre os grupos (2,5% versus 1,7%, p = 1,000). Nao se observou diferenca quanto a curva de sobrevida livre de eventos cardiovasculares adversos graves (90,8% versus 94,2%, p = 0,328). Conclusoes: Nao houve distincao entre as tecnicas na sobrevida livre de eventos cardiovasculares adversos graves aos 12 meses de seguimento. Ensaios clinicos com maior poder estatistico sao necessarios para a validacao desses achados.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a well-established therapy in patients with severe aortic stenosis. There has been a progressive improvement in device technology associated with increased experience of the interventionists, resulting in safer procedures with better outcomes. The first second-generation device approved in Brazil, Lotus™ Valve System (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, USA), incorporates several of these new characteristics. This report describes the first two cases, both successfully performed in the country, carried out under local anesthesia and conscious sedation.

RESUMO A via radial e amplamente utilizada para a realizacao de cateterismo cardiaco e angioplastia, com vantagens como a diminuicao do risco de sangramento e de complicacoes vasculares. O presente caso relata uma complicacao rara durante o cateterismo cardiaco por via radial: a avulsao de tecido endotelial da arteria radial pelo cateter e sua embolizacao para a arteria descendente anterior, a qual foi resolvida pela aspiracao manual do fragmento embolizado. Tal complicacao pode ter relacao com as caracteristicas anatomicas especificas da arteria radial do paciente.

Introdução: Os mecanismos e preditores de insucesso da técnica radial em centros que priorizam essa via não estão bem caracterizados, sendo tal caracterização o objetivo principal desta análise. Métodos: Foram incluídos 6.808 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a procedimentos coronários invasivos pelo acesso radial por operadores com taxa anual de utilização da via superior a 90%. Para a identificação dos fatores associados ao insucesso da técnica, foram ajustados modelos de regressão logística simples e múltipla. Resultados: A taxa de insucesso da técnica radial foi de 1,7%. Complicações vasculares ocorreram em 5% da amostra, com predomínio de oclusão arterial assintomática e hematomas subcutâneos. Os preditores de insucesso foram sexo feminino (OR = 1,87; IC 95% 1,29-2,71; p = 0,01), idade > 70 anos (OR = 1,78; IC 95% 1,06-2,98; p = 0,03) e presença de insuficiência arterial periférica crônica (OR = 5,71; IC 95% 2,40-13,54; p < 0,01). Conclusões: Em um centro caracterizado por alto volume de procedimentos realizados pelo acesso radial, a taxa de insucesso foi < 2%, sendo as variáveis associadas à falência da técnica sexo feminino, idade avançada e insuficiência arterial periférica. Background: The mechanisms and predictors of failure of the transradial approach in centers dedicated to this technique are not well characterized and were the main objective of this analysis. Methods: 6,808 consecutive patients undergoing transradial coronary procedures by operators with utilization rate greater than 90% were included. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of failed transradial approach. Results Transradial failure rate was 1.7%. Vascular complications were observed in 5% of the sample, with a prevalence of asymptomatic arterial occlusion and subcutaneous hematomas. Predictors of failure were female gender (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.29-2.71; p = 0.01), age > 70 years (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.06-2.98; p = 0.03) and presence of chronic peripheral arterial disease (OR = 5.71; 95% CI: 2.40-13.54; p < 0.01). Conclusions In a high-volume radial center, the failure rate was < 2% and variables associated with failure of the technique were female gender, advanced age and peripheral arterial disease.

Correspondencia: George Cesar Ximenes Meireles • Rua Sena Madureira, 1265/102, Vila Clementino, CEP 04021-051, Sao Paulo, SP – Brasil E-mail: gcxm@cardiol.br, george.ximenes@terra.com.br Artigo recebido em 17/09/12, revisado em 21/12/12, aceito em 08/01/13. Palavras-chave Arterias Coronarias, Disseccao, Angioplastia Coronaria com Balao, Stents. Introducao A disseccao acidental do tronco da arteria coronaria esquerda (TCE) e uma das complicacoes mais temidas pelo cardiologista intervencionista, cuja ocorrencia pode ter consequencia grave se nao diagnosticada e tratada prontamente com a revascularizacao miocardica. A incidencia da disseccao ocasionada pelo cateter e menor que 0,1%, elevando-se para 1,05% em pacientes com lesao obstrutiva do TCE1-4. A realizacao de intervencao percutânea imediata com implante de stent parece ser a medida apropriada para tratamento de disseccao acidental do TCE de moderada/ grande extensao, como demonstrado no presente caso.

FUNDAMENTO: Conhecer fatores de risco e manifestações clínicas da doença arterial coronariana (DAC) permite-nos intervir de maneira mais eficaz junto a uma determinada população. OBJETIVO: Identificar perfis clínicos e angiográficos dos pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco, atendidos em um hospital terciário e tratados por meio de intervenções coronarianas percutâneas (ICP). MÉTODOS: Casuística de 1.282 pacientes submetidos a 1.410 cateterismos cardíacos, selecionados de mar/2007-mai/2008 em um banco de dados de um hospital geral para diagnóstico de doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Fatores de risco, indicação do exame, detalhes técnicos da ICP e desfechos intra-hospitalares foram prospectivamente coletados. RESULTADOS: Foram 688 (54,0%) pacientes do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 65,4 ± 10,9 anos, sendo 20,0% acima dos 75 anos. O quadro clínico confirmado com mais frequência foi o de síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SST) (38,7%). A DAC multiarterial ocorreu em 46,4%, foi indicada ICP em 464 pacientes, sendo tratadas 547 lesões-alvo (tipo B2 ou C, em 86,0%), sendo destas, 14,0% tratadas com stent farmacológico. Dentre os IAM com SST, ICP primária foi realizada em 19,0% dos pacientes, sendo que, destes, 77,0% foram transferidos dos hospitais de origem tardiamente (ICP tardia) e não receberam trombolítico prévio, e 4,0% realizaram ICP de resgate. Foi obtido sucesso angiográfico em 94,2% das ICPs. Aconteceu óbito em 5,6% dos pacientes, tendo estes uma média de idade de 75,2 ± 10,2 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos predomínio de idosos (estando 20,1% > 75 anos) e do sexo masculino. Dos fatores de risco para DAC, os mais frequentes foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica e dislipidemia. Ocorreu predomínio da SCA. A idade > 75 anos, DAC multiarterial e a insuficiência renal crônica foram os preditores de óbito intra-hospitalar. BACKGROUND: Knowing the risk factors and clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) allows us to intervene more effectively with a particular population. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and angiographic profiles of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, treated at a tertiary hospital and treated by percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). METHODS: The study of 1,282 patients who underwent 1,410 cardiac catheterizations, selected from March/2007 to May/2008 from a database in a general hospital for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factors, indication for examination, technical details of PCI and in-hospital outcomes were prospectively collected. RESULTS: There were 688 (54.0%) males, mean age 65.4 ± 10.9 years and 20.0% above 75 years age. The most frequent clinical condition was acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST-segment elevation (STS) (38.7%). The multi artery CAD occurred in 46.4%, PCI was indicated in 464 patients, 547 target lesions were treated (type B2 or C, 86.0%), and of these, 14.0% treated with drug eluting stents. Among those with AMI with STS, primary PCI was performed in 19.0% of the patients, from these, 77.0% were transferred from the origin hospitals late (late PCI) and had not received prior thrombolytic, and 4.0% had PCI rescue. Angiographic success was achieved in 94.2% of PCIs. Death occurred in 5.6% of patients, with average age of 75.2 ± 10.2 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of elderly (20.1% being > 75 years) and male was observed. From the risk factors for CAD, the most common were systemic hypertension and dyslipidemia. There was a predominance of ACS. Age > 75 years old, multiarterial CAD and chronic renal failure were predictors of in-hospital deaths. FUNDAMENTO: Conocer factores de riesgo y manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) nos permite intervenir de manera más eficaz en una determinada población. OBJETIVO: Identificar perfiles clínicos y angiográficos de los pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco, atendidos en un hospital terciario y tratados por medio de intervenciones coronarias percutáneas (ICP). MÉTODOS: Casuística de 1.282 pacientes sometidos a 1.410 cateterismos cardíacos, seleccionados de mar/2007-may/2008 en un banco de datos de un hospital general para diagnóstico de enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Factores de riesgo, indicación del examen, detalles técnicos de la ICP y desenlaces intrahospitalarios fueron prospectivamente colectados. RESULTADOS: Fueron 688 (54,0%) pacientes del sexo masculino, con media de edad de 65,4 ± 10,9 años, siendo 20,0% encima de los 75 años. El cuadro clínico confirmado con más frecuencia fue el de síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) sin supradesnivel del segmento ST (SST) (38,7%). La EAC multiarterial ocurrió en 46,4%, fue indicada ICP en 464 pacientes, siendo tratadas 547 lesiones-blanco (tipo B2 o C, en 86,0%), siendo de éstas, 14,0% tratadas con stent farmacológico. Entre los IAM con SST, ICP primaria fue realizada en 19,0% de los pacientes, siendo que, de éstos, 77,0% fueron transferidos de los hospitales de origen tardíamente (ICP tardía) y no recibieron trombolítico previo, y 4,0% realizaron ICP de rescate. Fue obtenido éxito angiográfico en 94,2% de las ICPs. Sucedió óbito en 5,6% de los pacientes, teniendo éstos una media de edad de 75,2 ± 10,2 años. CONCLUSIÓN: Observamos predominio de añosos (siendo 20,1% > 75 años) y del sexo masculino. De los factores de riesgo para EAC, los más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial sistémica y dislipidemia. Ocurrió predominio de la SCA. La edad > 75 años, EAC multiarterial y la insuficiencia renal crónica fueron los predictores de óbito intrahospitalario.

The use of iodinated contrast media is contraindicated in some patients due to serious life-threatening adverse events. In such cases, there are reports that gadolinium (gadobutrol), which is commonly employed in magnetic resonance imaging, may be used as contrast media for coronary angiography. We report two cases with a history of severe allergy to iodinated contrast agent who underwent coronary angiography with gadolinium. The procedures were well tolerated, the amount of contrast media did not exceed 0.3-0.4 ml/kg and the images obtained were of acceptable quality for diagnostic purposes.

BackgroundInvasive coronary procedures are common in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Data on the actual role and possible limitations of the radial approach in this subgroup of patients are sparse. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of radial access in patients surgically revascularized and who underwent subsequent invasive diagnostic or therapeutic coronary procedures, comparing it to the femoral access.MethodsBetween May 2008 and November 2014, 959 procedures were included; 539 performed by radial access and 420 by femoral access. All operators were familiar with both vascular accesses, and the final decision on the route to be used was left to the operators discretion.ResultsThe failure rate was 6.1% vs. 0.5% (p < 0.0001), favoring the femoral approach. Major adverse cardiac events (0.4% vs. 0.7%) and vascular complications (1.5% vs. 1.9%) rates were low, with no difference between groups. The choice of the radial approach resulted in greater fluoroscopy time and crossover rate between access routes, especially in diagnostic procedures.ConclusionsThe radial approach was a safe and effective option for invasive coronary procedures in post- coronary artery bypass graft patients, especially for therapeutic procedures.

Background The current decline observed in mortality rate among patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction can be attributed not only to the increased use of reperfusion strategies, but also to a change in the demographic profile of this population, notably the reduction in mean age. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the period from April 2010 to December 2014. The primary objective was the characterization of the most prevalent risk factors, the angiographic nature of the lesions, the technical aspects of the procedure, and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients aged ≤ 45 years, comparing them to those aged > 45 years. Results Among 489 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 54 were ≤ 45 years, and 435 were > 45 years. Young patients exhibited a higher prevalence of smoking and obesity, while patients > 45 years were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and previous myocardial infarction. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention in young patients was associated with the use of fewer guide catheters, shorter fluoroscopy time, and higher percentage of direct stent implantation. Young patients exhibited good in-hospital outcomes, with lower rate of adverse cardiac events (3.7% vs. 9.2%; p = 0.30). Conclusions Patients aged ≤ 45 years accounted for approximately 10% of cases of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction and exhibited high prevalence of modifiable risk factors.