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The optimal antiplatelet duration after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting is not completely understood. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antiplatelet duration strategies after PCI. The outcomes of interest were

The role of anticoagulation therapy among heart failure (HF) patients without atrial fibrillation (AF) has been controversial, including in stroke prevention. Hence we performed a network meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) studying the role of various anticoagulant medications in

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is the standard antithrombotic treatment. Strategies including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) after ACS have been studies in recent RCTs with the aim of further decreasing thrombotic events. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane

Background Complete heart block is a known complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), often requiring pacemaker implantation within 24 hours of the procedure. However, clinical markers for delayed progression to complete heart block after TAVR remain unclear. Objectives We examined electrocardiographic data that may correlate with delayed progression to complete heart block and need for pacemaker. Methods This is a single-center retrospective study of 608 patients who underwent TAVR between April 2008 and June 2017. We excluded 164 (27.0%) patients due to having a pacemaker before the procedure or expiring within 24 hours of the procedure (8, 1.3%). We excluded an additional 50 (8.2%) patients who received a pacemaker within 24 hours of the procedure. Electrocardiograms (EKGs) obtained after the procedure were compared to the preprocedural EKG to detect new changes. Results Left bundle branch block, intraventricular conduction delay, left anterior fascicular block, and right bundle branch block were the most commonly seen conduction abnormalities after TAVR (25.1%, 10.9%, 7.5%, and 3.6%, respectively). Both left bundle branch block (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-6.22]) and right bundle branch block (OR = 13.2 [95% CI: 4.18-41.70]) carried an increased risk of pacemaker implantation after TAVR. Additionally, ΔPR greater than 40 ms from baseline also carried an increased risk of pacemaker implantation (OR = 3.53 [95% CI: 1.49-8.37]). Conclusion Left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, and ΔPR greater than 40 ms were all associated with delayed progression to complete heart block and need for pacemaker implantation after TAVR.

The outcomes for patients transferred with cardiogenic shock and later treated with revascularization and Impella support have not previously been studied. To evaluate these outcomes, patients in cardiogenic shock were recruited from the catheter-based ventricular assist device registry, a prospective registry enrolling patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with hemodynamic support using Impella 2.5 or CP. Analysis was performed on subgroups of patients who were characterized as those directly admitted to a tertiary care hospital (direct), or those transferred from an outside hospital (transfer). Patients who were transferred with acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMICS) more often presented in shock were in shock longer than 24 hours, and were more likely to be on intra-aortic balloon pump but were less likely to sustain cardiac arrest. The number of pressors, EF, diseased, and treated vessels were similar between the 2 groups. Despite baseline differences, the mortality was similar in the transfer versus direct patients (47.0% vs 53.5% p = 0.19). In a multivariate model, the factors independently associated with 30-day mortality in AMICS treated with revascularization and Impella support were cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (p0.01), age (p0.01), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (p = 0.02). Whether the patient was transferred or directly admittedly with AMICS was not an independent predictor of death. In conclusion, these findings suggest that considerations should be given to transfer patients with AMICS to allow them to be treated in a contemporary manner.

Concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis occur in approximately 60-75% of patients referred for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Current guidelines support simultaneous surgical aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery with a class IIa recommendation, based on observational, non-randomized data. With the inception of TAVR, this strategy has been challenged, as observational studies have not shown significant outcome differences in patients with and without CAD treated with TAVR. Performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with aortic stenosis is safe, but the indication and timing remain controversial. Complete revascularization before TAVR with low residual Syntax score (

Importance\ud Same-day discharge (SDD) after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with lower costs and preferred by patients. However, to our knowledge, contemporary patterns of SDD after elective PCI with respect to the incidence, hospital variation, trends, costs, and safety outcomes in the United States are unknown.\ud \ud Objective\ud To examine (1) the incidence and trends in SDD; (2) hospital variation in SDD; (3) the association between SDD and readmissions for bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or mortality at 30, 90, and 365 days after PCI; and (4) hospital costs of SDD and its drivers.\ud \ud Design, Setting, and Participants\ud This observational cross-sectional cohort study included 672 470 patients enrolled in the nationally representative Premier Healthcare Database who underwent elective PCI from 493 hospitals between January 2006 and December 2015 with 1-year follow-up.\ud \ud Exposures\ud Same-day discharge, defined by identical dates of admission, PCI procedure, and discharge.\ud \ud Main Outcomes and Measures\ud Death, bleeding requiring a blood transfusion, AKI and AMI at 30, 90, or 365 days after PCI, and costs from hospitals’ perspective, inflated to 2016.\ud \ud Results\ud Among 672 470 elective PCIs, 221 997 patients (33.0%) were women, 30 711 (4.6%) were Hispanic, 51 961 (7.7%) were African American, and 491 823 (73.1%) were white. The adjusted rate of SDD was 3.5% (95% CI, 3.0%-4.0%), which increased from 0.4% in 2006 to 6.3% in 2015. We observed substantial hospital variation for SDD from 0% to 83% (median incidence rate ratio, 3.82; 95% CI, 3.48-4.23), implying an average (median) 382% likelihood of SDD at one vs another hospital. Among SDD (vs non-SDD) patients, there was no higher risk of death, bleeding, AKI, or AMI at 30, 90, or 365 days. Same-day discharge was associated with a large cost savings of $5128 per procedure (95% CI, $5006-$5248), driven by reduced supply and room and boarding costs. A shift from existing SDD practices to match top-decile SDD hospitals could annually save $129 million in this sample and $577 million if adopted throughout the United States. However, residual confounding may be present, limiting the precision of the cost estimates.\ud \ud Conclusions and Relevance\ud Over 2006 to 2015, SDD after elective PCI was infrequent, with substantial hospital variation. Given the safety and large savings of more than $5000 per PCI associated with SDD, greater and more consistent use of SDD could markedly increase the overall value of PCI care.

BACKGROUND Pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) is the initial rhythm in a third of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device use remains poorly understood in this population. METHODS We conducted an observational analysis of temporal trends in the utilization of MCS in VT/VF IHCA between January 2008 and December 2014 utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Using multivariable analysis, we assessed factors associated with MCS use and survival to discharge. RESULTS Among 151,628 hospitalizations with VT/VF IHCA, 14,981 (9.9%) received MCS. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was the most commonly used MCS (9.1%). From 2008 to 2014, there was significant increase in the utilization of MCS (8.7-11%; ptrend

Transradial artery access for percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with lower bleeding and vascular complications than transfemoral artery access, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes. A growing body of evidence supports adoption of transradial artery access to improve acute coronary syndrome–related outcomes, to improve healthcare quality, and to reduce cost. The purpose of this scientific statement is to propose and support a “radial-first” strategy in the United States for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This document also provides an update to previously published statements on transradial artery access technique and best practices, particularly as they relate to the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Background Previous studies comparing outcomes between culprit vessel only percutaneous coronary intervention (CV-PCI) versus multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) in patients with cardiogenic shock in the setting of acute myocardial infarction have shown conflicting results. This meta-analysis investigates the optimal approach for management of these patients considering recently published data. Methods Electronic databases including MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library were searched for all clinical studies published until May 1, 2018, which compared outcomes in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Studies comparing CV-PCI versus MV-PCI in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were screened for inclusion in final analysis. The primary end point was in-hospital/30 day mortality. Secondary endpoints included long term (>6 months) mortality, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, stroke, bleeding, and recurrent myocardial infarction. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% of confidence interval (CI) were computed and p values Results Patient who underwent CV-PCI had significantly lower short-term mortality (in-hospital or 30-day mortality) (OR: 0.73, CI: 0.61–0.87, p = 0.0005), and lower odds of severe renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (OR: 0.76, CI: 0.59‐0.98, p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in long-term mortality, stroke, bleeding, and recurrent myocardial infarction between two groups. Conclusion This meta-analysis showed lower short-term mortality and decreased odds of renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy with CV-PCI compared to MV-PCI. However, subgroup analysis including studies exclusively assessing STEMI patients revealed no statistically significant difference in outcomes. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long term results.

Advanced liver disease is a risk factor for cardiac surgery. However, liver dysfunction is not included in cardiac risk assessment models. We sought to identify trends in utilization, complications, and outcomes of patients with cirrhosis who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified patients with cirrhosis who underwent CABG from 2002 to 2014. Propensity-score matching was used to identify differences in in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications in cirrhosis and noncirrhosis patients. We identified a total of 698,799 CABG admissions of which 2,231 (0.3%) had cirrhosis (mean age 63.6 ± 9.6 years, 74% men, 63% white, mean Charlson co-morbidity index 3.3 ± 1.8). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 71% of patients. Mean length of stay was 13.7 ± 11.4 days and hospitalization cost $67,744.6 ± 58,320.4. One or more complications occurred in 44% of cases. After propensity-score matching, patients with cirrhosis had a higher rate of complications (43.9% vs 38.93%; p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (7.2% vs 4.07%; p < 0.001) than noncirrhosis patients. On multivariate analysis, cirrhosis and ascites were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.87; 95% confidence intervals 2.37 to 3.48) and postoperative complications (odds ratio 5.11; 95% confidence intervals 3.88 to 6.72). In conclusion, patients with cirrhosis constitute a small portion of patients who underwent CABG in the United States but have a higher rate of complications and in-hospital mortality compared with noncirrhosis patients. In-hospital mortality remains high for this subset of patients but has decreased in recent years.

Background: This study was designed to estimate the costs of index hospitalizations after cardiac arrest in the United States. Methods and Results: We used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2003–2012) to identify patients with cardiac arrest. Log transformation of inflation-adjusted cost was determined for care to patient outcomes. Overall, an estimated 1 387 396 patients were hospitalized after cardiac arrest. The mean age of the cohort was 66 years, 45% were women, and the majority were white. Inpatient procedures included coronary angiography (15%), percutaneous coronary intervention (7%), intra-aortic balloon pump (4.4%), therapeutic hypothermia (1.1%), and mechanical circulatory support (0.1%). The rates of therapeutic hypothermia increased from zero in 2003 to 2.7% in 2012 ( P P P P P Conclusions: In the period between 2003 and 2012, postcardiac arrest hospitalizations resulted in a steady rise in associated health care cost, likely related to increased length of stay, medical procedures, and systems of care. Although targeted cost containment for postarrest interventions may reduce the finance burden, there is an increasing need for funding research into prediction and prevention of cardiac arrest, which offers greater societal benefit.

Aims: There are limited data on coronary obstruction following transcatheter valve-in-valve (ViV) implantation inside failed aortic bioprostheses. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of coronary obstruction in transcatheter ViV procedures. Methods and results: A total of 1612 aortic procedures from the Valve-in-Valve International Data (VIVID) Registry were evaluated. Data were subject to centralized blinded corelab computed tomography (CT) analysis in a subset of patients. The virtual transcatheter valve to coronary ostium distance (VTC) was determined. A total of 37 patients (2.3%) had clinically evident coronary obstruction. Baseline clinical characteristics in the coronary obstruction patients were similar to controls. Coronary obstruction was more common in stented bioprostheses with externally mounted leaflets or stentless bioprostheses than in stented with internally mounted leaflets bioprostheses (6.1% vs. 3.7% vs. 0.8%, respectively; P

Fibrinolytic therapy is still used in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when the primary percutaneous coronary intervention cannot be provided in a timely fashion. Management strategies and outcomes in transferred fibrinolytic-treated STEMI patients have not been well assessed in real-world settings. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2008 to 2012, we identified 18 814 patients with STEMI who received fibrinolytic therapy and were transferred to a different facility within 24 hours. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding requiring transfusion, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), length of stay, and cost. The patients were divided into 3 groups: those who received medical therapy alone (n = 853; 4.5%), those who underwent coronary artery angiography without revascularization (n = 2573; 13.7%), and those who underwent coronary artery angiography with revascularization (n = 15 388; 81.8%). Rates of in-hospital mortality among the groups were 20% vs 6.6% vs 2.1%, respectively (P < 0.001); ICH was 8.5% vs 1.1% vs 0.6%, respectively (P < 0.001); and gastrointestinal bleeding was 1.1% vs 0.4% vs 0.4%, respectively (P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified increasing age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and ICH as the independent predictors of not performing coronary artery angiography and/or revascularization in patients with STEMI initially treated with fibrinolytic therapy. The majority of STEMI patients transferred after receiving fibrinolytic therapy undergo coronary angiography. However, notable numbers of patients do not receive revascularization, especially patients with cardiogenic shock and following a cardiac arrest.

Background The Trial of Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy with PCI versus PCI alone in patients with STEMI (TOTAL trial) refuted the salutary effect of routine aspiration thrombectomy (AT) in PPCI for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objectives We performed an updated meta-analysis to assess clinical outcomes with AT prior to PPCI compared with conventional PPCI alone including the additional trial data. Methods and Results Clinical trials (n = 20) that randomized patients (n = 21,281) with STEMI between Routine AT (n = 10,619) and PPCI (n = 10,662) were pooled. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between the 2 groups (RR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.78–1.01, P = 0.08). Stratifying by follow up at 1-month (RR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.69–1.10, P = 0.25), up to 6 months (RR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.74–1.13, P = 0.39 and beyond 6 months (RR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.74–1.05, P = 0.16) yielded similar results. There was a statistically significant increase risk of stoke rate in the AT arm (RR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.01–2.25, P = 0.04). The 2 groups were similar with regards to target vessel revascularization (0.94, 95%CI: 0.83–1.06, P = 0.28) recurrent MI (RR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.80–1.16, P = 0.68, MACE events (RR: 0.91 95%CI: 0.81–1.02, P = 0.11), early (0.59, 95%CI: 0.23–1.50, P = 0.27) and late (RR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.69–1.18, P = 0.47) stent thrombosis and net clinical benefit (RR 0.99, 95%CI: 0.91–1.07, P = 0.76). Conclusion Routine AT prior to PPCI in STEMI is associated with higher risk of stroke. There is no statistical difference in clinical outcome parameters of mortality, major adverse cardiac events, target vessel revascularization, stent thrombosis, and net clinical benefit between AT and PCI alone. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:503–513)

Objectives To compare the utilization and outcomes in patients who had percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) versus percutaneous ventricular assist devices (PVADs) such as Impella and TandemHeart and identify a sub-group of patient population who may derive the most benefit from the use of PVADs over IABP. Background Despite the lack of clear benefit, the use of PVADs has increased substantially in the last decade when compared to IABP. Methods We performed a cross sectional study including using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Procedures performed with hemodynamic support were identified through appropriate ICD-9-CM codes. Results We identified 18,094 PCIs performed with hemodynamic support. IABP was the most commonly utilized hemodynamic support device (93%, n = 16, 803) whereas 6% (n = 1069) were performed with PVADs and 1% (n = 222) utilized both IABP and PVAD. Patients in the PVAD group were older in age and had greater burden of co-morbidities whereas IABP group had higher percentage of patients with cardiac arrest. On multivariable analysis, the use of PVAD was a significant predictor of reduced mortality (OR 0.55, 0.36–0.83, P = 0.004). This was particularly evident in sub-group of patients without acute MI or cardiogenic shock. The propensity score matched analysis also showed a significantly lower mortality (9.9% vs 15.1%; OR 0.62, 0.55–0.71, P

Background High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) supported by percutaneous left ventricular assist devices offers a treatment option for patients with severe symptoms, complex and extensive coronary artery disease, and multiple comorbidities. The extrapolation from clinical trial to real-world practice has inherent uncertainties. We compared the characteristics, procedures, and outcomes of high-risk PCI supported by a microaxial pump (Impella 2.5) in a multicenter registry versus the randomized PROTECT II trial (NCT00562016). Methods The USpella registry is an observational multicenter voluntary registry of Impella technology. A total of 637 patients treated between June 2007 and September 2013 were included. Of them, 339 patients would have met enrollment criteria for the PROTECT II trial. These were compared with 216 patients treated in the Impella arm of PROTECT II. Results Compared to the clinical trial, registry patients were older (70 ± 11.5 vs 67.5 ± 11.0 years); more likely to have chronic kidney disease (30% vs 22.7%), prior myocardial infarction (69.3% vs 56.5%), or prior bypass surgery (39.4% vs. 30.2%); and had similar prevalence of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and prior stroke. Registry patients had more extensive coronary artery disease (2.2 vs 1.8 diseased vessels) and had a similar Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality. At hospital discharge, registry patients experienced a similar reduction in New York Heart Association class III to IV symptoms compared to trial patients. Registry patients had a trend toward lower in-hospital mortality (2.7% vs 4.6, P = .27). Conclusions USpella provides a real-world and contemporary estimation of the type of procedures and outcomes of high-risk patients undergoing PCI supported by Impella 2.5. Despite the higher risk of registry patients, clinical outcomes appeared to be favorable and consistent compared with the randomized trial.

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the utilization of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and its comparative effectiveness against systemic thrombolysis in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Background Contemporary real world data regarding utilization and outcomes comparing systemic thrombolysis with CDT for PE is sparse. Methods We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2012 using the ICD-9-CM diagnosis code 415.11, 415.13, and 415.19 for acute PE. We used propensity score analysis to compare outcomes between systemic thrombolysis and CDT. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcome was combined in-hospital mortality and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Results Out of 110,731 patients hospitalized with PE, we identified 1,521 patients treated with thrombolysis, of which 1,169 patients received systemic thrombolysis and 352 patients received CDT. After propensity-matched comparison, primary and secondary outcomes were significantly lower in the CDT group compared to systemic thrombolysis (21.81% vs. 13.36%, OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.85, P value = 0.007) and (22.89% vs. 13.36%, OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.80, P value = 0.003), respectively. The median length of stay [7 days, interquartile range (IQR) (5–9 days) vs. 7 days, IQR (5–10 days), P = 0.17] was not significant between the two groups. The CDT group had higher cost of hospitalization [$17,218, IQR ($12,272–$23,906) vs. $23,799, IQR ($17,892–$35,338), P

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Optimal anticoagulation is needed to prevent ischemic complications during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). The efficacy and safety of new anticoagulants to support PCI in different clinical scenarios have been evaluated in large clinical trials. This review summarizes the major issues and current practices for anticoagulation during PCI. RECENT FINDINGS It is known that thrombotic events during PCI correlate with poor prognosis. However, the prognostic impact of bleeding is similar or even worse compared with ischemic complications. Therefore, the use of more predictable anticoagulants and safe practices in the catheterization laboratory to balance ischemia and bleeding is an important goal. Mindful of this notion, new anticoagulants with a safer profile, such as bivalirudin, have become popular to avoid bleeding. However, this paradigm shift has resulted in increased rates of acute stent thrombosis after primary PCI. SUMMARY Individual factors associated with increased bleeding risk should be considered in the choice of anticoagulants during PCI. It is now known that the higher bleeding risk observed with heparin-based regimens can be attributed to excessive doses or concomitant use of glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitors. In addition to the right anticoagulant choice, operators can avoid bleeding by implementing transradial access and ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopic-guided vascular access.

Introduction Both transfemoral (TF) and transapical (TA) routes are utilized for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) using Edwards SAPIEN & SAPIEN XT valves. We intended to perform a meta-analysis comparing the complication rates between these two approaches in studies published before and after the standardized Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) definitions. Methods We performed a comprehensive electronic database search for studies published until January 2014 comparing TF and TA approaches using the Edwards SAPIEN/SAPIEN XT aortic valve. Studies were analyzed based on the following endpoints: 1-year mortality, 30-day mortality, stroke, new pacemaker implantation, bleeding, and acute kidney injury. Results Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients undergoing TA TAVR had a significantly higher logistic EuroSCORE (24.6 ± 12.9 vs. 21.3 ± 12.0; P

Transradial catheterization and percutaneous coronary interventions have multiple advantages, including reduced bleeding risk, reduced length of stay and costs, and increased patient comfort. Transradial catheterization and interventions requires the acquisition of various additional skill sets including radial arterial puncture, the ability to navigate the upper extremity vasculature, and understanding catheter selection and coronary engagement technique. Although standard femoral catheter shapes perform adequately from the left or right radial approach for coronary angiography, for percutaneous coronary intervention guide catheter support is critical. This article summarizes some practical learning points pertaining to navigating the upper extremity vasculature, and understanding catheter selection and coronary engagement technique.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently encountered among patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry–Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network (NCDR-ACTION) reported CKD (defined as estimated creatinine clearance [CrCl]

Objective We investigated the long-term safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes associated with transaortic (TAO) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States. Background We previously reported the technical feasibility and short-term safety of TAO TAVR. Compared to transapical (TAP) access, the TAO approach was associated with shorter median intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and more favorable technical learning curve. However, outcomes data beyond 30 days were lacking and the longer-term clinical consequences of this strategy were unknown. Methods Mortality outcomes at 1 year (and longer) of 44 consecutive patients who underwent TAO TAVR in our institution were compared with that of 76 consecutive patients who underwent TAP TAVR at our site. Risk-adjusted analysis was performed in propensity-matched patients (25 from each group) to account for baseline differences. Results TAO TAVR was associated with a trend towards lower all-cause mortality at 1 year compared to TAP TAVR (18% vs. 34%, P=0.09 in the overall sample; 12% vs. 40%, P = 0.05 in the matched cohort). The higher probability of survival with TAO TAVR persisted after a median follow-up period of 23 months (hazard ratio [HR]=1.96, P = 0.06 in the overall sample; HR = 3.4, P = 0.01 in the matched cohort). Cardiovascular mortality at 1 year was lower with TAO TAVR (2% vs. 22%, P = 0.01 in the overall sample; 4% vs. 28%, P = 0.05 in the matched cohort). ICU LOS (shorter in the TAO group) and implantation of second prosthetic valve (higher incidence in the TAP group) were independent predictors of long-term mortality. Conclusion The outcomes associated with TAO TAVR compare favorably with TAP TAVR. Our results appear to corroborate the long-term safety and efficacy of the TAO approach in TAVR patients with inadequate iliofemoral access. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The use of percutaneous aortic balloon balvotomy (PABV) in high surgical risk patients has resurged because of development of less invasive endovascular therapies. We compared outcomes of concomitant PABV and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with PABV alone during same hospitalization using nation's largest hospitalization database. We identified patients and determined time trends using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, procedure code for valvulotomy from Nationwide Inpatient Sample database 1998 to 2010. Only patients >60 years with aortic stenosis were included. Primary outcome included in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included procedural complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospitalization. Total 2,127 PABV procedures were identified, with 247 in PABV + PCI group and 1,880 in the PABV group. Utilization rate of concomitant PABV + PCI during same hospitalization increased by 225% from 5.1% in 1998 to 1999 to 16.6% in 2009 to 2010 (p

In the search for an alternative vascular access for coronary procedures that would be associated with lower bleeding risk, less vascular complications, and improved patient comfort, Campeau and Kiemeneij pioneered transradial access for coronary angiography and interventions [(1)][1]. Subsequent

ObjectiveWe aimed to analyse the incidence of prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM) and elevated gradients after aortic valve in valve (ViV), and to evaluate predictors and associations with clinical outcomes of this adverse event.MethodsA total of 910 aortic ViV patients were investigated. Elevated residual gradients were defined as ≥20 mm Hg. PPM was identified based on the indexed effective orifice area (EOA), measured by echocardiography, and patient body mass index (BMI). Moderate and severe PPM (cases) were defined by European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) criteria and compared with patients without PPM (controls).ResultsModerate or greater PPM was found in 61% of the patients, and severe in 24.6%. Elevated residual gradients were found in 27.9%. Independent risk factors for the occurrence of lower indexed EOA and therefore severe PPM were higher gradients of the failed bioprosthesis at baseline (unstandardised beta −0.023; 95% CI −0.032 to –0.014; PConclusionsSevere PPM and elevated gradients after aortic ViV are very common but were not associated with short-term survival and clinical outcomes. The long-term effect of poor post-ViV haemodynamics on clinical outcomes requires further evaluation.

The strategy of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has led to major outcome improvements in this patient population, and within this strategy, early reperfusion remains a critical component for improved survival. Although outcomes after percutaneous revascularization have improved, disparities in cardiovascular care remain an important challenge, particularly in large metropolitan areas in the United States. The Miami-Dade County STEMI Network is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS)–led program established in 2007 with the goal to improve quality of care for patients with STEMI by reducing time from 911 contact to reperfusion. South Florida has a unique patient population with diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, highest proportion of older adults as compared with other states, and with women outnumbering men at older ages.1 A probability-sampled, household-based survey in Miami-Dade County found that non-Hispanic whites constitute only 9.4% of the population with the majority being blacks, Hispanic, or Haitian blacks (non-English speaking ≈37.8%).1 In this population, 53% of the residents had high school equivalent (or less) degree as formal education, and 34.5% were below the US poverty threshold.1 Furthermore, one quarter of all households had at least 1 member who was uninsured at some point, and 3 of 5 households had at least 1 member who used Medicare for coverage. Although potentially significant component of disparities is related to patients’ clinical characteristics and socioeconomic factors, these vulnerable groups are at increased risk for suboptimal care, particularly for patients with cardiovascular disease. In a random sample from South Florida, one quarter of all households had at least 1 member who had a heart attack or acute cardiovascular illness within 5 years of the study.1 Within Miami-Dade County and South East Florida, the presence of 6 EMS response systems with different directors and administrative staff, the …

INTRODUCTION Transfemoral access (TFA) is widely used for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The influence of operator age, gender, experience, and procedural volume on performance of femoral arterial access has not been studied. METHODS A survey instrument was developed and distributed via e-mail from professional societies to interventional cardiologists worldwide from March to December 2016. RESULTS A total of 988 physicians from 88 countries responded to the survey. TFA is the preferred approach for patients with cardiogenic shock, left main or bifurcation PCI, and procedures with mechanical circulatory support. Older (

Cardiogenic shock is a high-acuity, potentially complex, and hemodynamically diverse state of end-organ hypoperfusion that is frequently associated with multisystem organ failure. Despite improving survival in recent years, patient morbidity and mortality remain high, and there are few evidence-based therapeutic interventions known to clearly improve patient outcomes. This scientific statement on cardiogenic shock summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, causes, and outcomes of cardiogenic shock; reviews contemporary best medical, surgical, mechanical circulatory support, and palliative care practices; advocates for the development of regionalized systems of care; and outlines future research priorities.

Objective Examining the efficacy and outcomes of intracoronary (IC) instillation of adenosine using a novel perforated balloon technique (PBT) to combat no-reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Background Occurrence of no-reflow during PCI is a serious adverse prognostic event and inability to re-establish better flow is associated with poor outcomes. Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used to treat this situation. This series describes the use of PBT for IC adenosine administration and its effects on outcomes during real world interventional practice. Methods Subjects comprised of 24 patients with ACS (out of a total of 1,634 patients undergoing PCI between January 2016 and June 2017) in whom we used PBT for IC administration of adenosine to treat coronary no-reflow. Results PBT for IC adenosine instillation was used in 24 (1.5%) of 1,634 patients undergoing PCI. TIMI grade III flow was established in 21 patients (87.5%). In two patients (8.3%) TIMI grade II flow was established and in one patient (4.2%) we were unsuccessful. Conclusion We demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a novel strategy for adenosine instillation in the distal coronary bed, the PBT. This technique enables rapid and cost-effective treatment of no-reflow phenomenon during PCI for ACS.

Rationale: Cell dose and concentration play crucial roles in phenotypic responses to cell-based therapy for heart failure. Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of 2 doses of allogeneic bone marrow–derived human mesenchymal stem cells identically delivered in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results: Thirty patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy received in a blinded manner either 20 million (n=15) or 100 million (n=15) allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells via transendocardial injection (0.5 cc per injection × 10 injections per patient). Patients were followed for 12 months for safety and efficacy end points. There were no treatment-emergent serious adverse events at 30 days or treatment-related serious adverse events at 12 months. The Major Adverse Cardiac Event rate was 20.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9% to 50.0%) in 20 million and 13.3% (95% CI, 3.5% to 43.6%) in 100 million ( P =0.58). Worsening heart failure rehospitalization was 20.0% (95% CI, 6.9% to 50.0%) in 20 million and 7.1% (95% CI, 1.0% to 40.9%) in 100 million ( P =0.27). Whereas scar size reduced to a similar degree in both groups: 20 million by −6.4 g (interquartile range, −13.5 to −3.4 g; P =0.001) and 100 million by −6.1 g (interquartile range, −8.1 to −4.6 g; P =0.0002), the ejection fraction improved only with 100 million by 3.7 U (interquartile range, 1.1 to 6.1; P =0.04). New York Heart Association class improved at 12 months in 35.7% (95% CI, 12.7% to 64.9%) in 20 million and 42.9% (95% CI, 17.7% to 71.1%) in 100 million. Importantly, proBNP (pro-brain natriuretic peptide) increased at 12 months in 20 million by 0.32 log pg/mL (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.62; P =0.039), but not in 100 million (−0.07 log pg/mL; 95% CI, −0.36 to 0.23; P =0.65; between group P =0.07). Conclusions: Although both cell doses reduced scar size, only the 100 million dose increased ejection fraction. This study highlights the crucial role of cell dose in the responses to cell therapy. Determining optimal dose and delivery is essential to advance the field, decipher mechanism(s) of action and enhance planning of pivotal Phase III trials. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02013674.

The aim of this study was to examine the current practice and use of transfemoral approach (TFA) for coronary angiography and intervention.Wide variability exists in TFA techniques for coronary procedures.The authors developed a survey instrument that was distributed via e-mail lists from professional societies to interventional cardiologists from 88 countries between March and December 2016.Of 987 operators, 18% were femoralists, 38% radialists, 42% both, and 2% neither. Access using femoral pulse palpation alone was preferred by 60% of operators, fluoroscopy guidance by 11%, and a combination of palpation, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound by 27%. Only 11% used micropuncture in90% of their cases. Performing femoral angiography immediately after access was preferred by 23% and at the end of the procedure by 47%, and not done at all by 31% of operators. Hemostasis by manual compression was preferred by 50%, collagen plug vascular closure device by 31%, and suture-based vascular closure device by 11% of operators. Judkins left and right catheters were preferred for diagnostic angiography of the left (99%) and right (94%) coronary arteries. Extra backup curves (XB or EBU) were most commonly preferred for percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending (80%) and left circumflex (80%), whereas the Judkins right catheter was preferred for percutaneous coronary intervention of the right coronary artery (86%).There is significant variability in preferences for femoral access technique. Even though recommended best practices advocate for fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance, most operators use palpation alone. Femoral angiography is also not consistently used despite guideline recommendations. The lack of adoption of imaging guidance for vascular access deserves further investigation.

Innovations in interventional cardiology historically predate those in neuro-intervention. As such, studying trends in interventional cardiology can be useful in exploring avenues to optimise neuro-interventional techniques. One such cardiology innovation has been the steady conversion of arterial puncture sites from transfemoral access (TFA) to transradial access (TRA), a paradigm shift supported by safety benefits for patients. While neuro-intervention has unique anatomical challenges, the access itself is identical. As such, examining the extensive cardiology literature on the radial approach has the potential to offer valuable lessons for the neuro-interventionalist audience who may be unfamiliar with this body of work. Therefore, we present here a report, particularly for neuro-interventionalists, regarding the best practices for TRA by reviewing the relevant cardiology literature. We focused our review on the data most relevant to our audience, namely that surrounding the access itself. By reviewing the cardiology literature on metrics such as safety profiles, cost and patient satisfaction differences between TFA and TRA, as well as examining the technical nuances of the procedure and post-procedural care, we hope to give physicians treating complex cerebrovascular disease a broader data-driven understanding of TRA.

Aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with an increased risk of mortality. In severe cases, abrupt hemodynamic changes may occur with a sudden increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure that results in frank pulmonary edema, hypoxia, and cardiogenic shock. Here, the case is reported of a patient who developed severe AR immediately after valve deployment that led to severe hemodynamic compromise. The procedural techniques necessary for the immediate management of severe transvalvular and paravalvular AR are described.

Objectives To compare outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to angiography (ANGIO) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background The results of a recent randomized controlled trial reported unfavorable effects of routine measurement of FFR, thereby questioning its validity in improving clinical outcomes. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January, 2000 through December, 2016 and studies comparing FFR and ANGIO guided PCI were included. Clinical endpoints assessed during hospitalization and at follow-up (>9 months) included: myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and all-cause mortality. Additional endpoints included number of PCIs performed, procedure cost, procedure time, contrast volume, and fluoroscopy time. Results A total of 51,350 patients (age 65 years, 73% male) were included from 11 studies. The use of FFR was associated with significantly lower likelihood of MI during hospitalization (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.75, P = 0.0003) and at follow-up (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.70, P = 0.00001). Similarly, FFR-PCI was associated with lower in-hospital MACE (OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.70, P = 0.0001) and follow-up MACE (OR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.86, P = 0.004). In-hospital TLR was lower in the FFR-PCI group (OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.97, P = 0.04), but not at follow-up (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.37, P = 0.46). There was no difference of in-hospital (OR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.09, P = 0.09) or follow-up all-cause mortality (OR 0.84, 95%CI: 0.59 to 1.20, P = 0.34). FFR-PCI was associated with significantly less PCI (OR 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.15, P = 0.00001) with lower procedure cost (Mean Difference −4.27, 95% CI: −6.61 to −1.92, P = 0.0004). However, no difference in procedure time (Mean Difference 0.79, 95% CI: −2.41 to 3.99, P = 0.63), contrast use (Mean Difference −8.28, 95% CI: −24.25 to 7.68, P = 0.31) or fluoroscopy time (Mean Difference 0.38, 95% CI: −2.54 to 3.31, P = 0.80) was observed. Conclusions FFR-PCI as compared to ANGIO-PCI is associated with lower in-hospital and follow-up MI and MACE rates. Although, in-hospital TLR was lower in the FFR-PCI group, this benefit was not present after 9 months. FFR-PCI group was also associated with less PCI and lower procedure costs with no effect on procedure time, contrast volume or fluoroscopy time.

Contemporary cardiac intensive care units (CICU) have evolved into intensive care units for patients with a primary cardiovascular diagnosis.1,2 In response to this changing clinical environment, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific statement advocating for organizational, staffing, and educational evolution in CICUs.3 The AHA statement also provided a roadmap for the future of acute cardiovascular care delivery, which included (1) CICU care delivery in advanced units with unit-based physician staffing (historically referred to as closed units), (2) dedicated cardiac intensivist training, and (3) a descriptive 3-tiered CICU categorization.3 Herein, we describe the current organizational structures, professional staffing, and medical and technological resources available in CICUs in the United States. A 16-question cross-sectional web-based survey (Methods in the Data Supplement; Qualtrics platform; Provo, UT) was first emailed to 542 Mission: Lifeline hospital coordinators with a request for the survey to be completed with help from the hospital’s CICU medical director or unit manager between October 2015 and April 2016. The survey was subsequently emailed to 1389 Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get with the Guidelines CICU directors between May and November 2016. To preclude duplicate responses from hospitals present on both contact lists, all responding Mission: Lifeline hospitals were removed from the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get with the Guidelines contact list before circulation. The study was approved by the Duke Institutional Review Board. A description of study programs, registries, and statistical methods is provided in the Methods in the Data Supplement. A total of 612 sites (31.7% response rate) completed the survey, including 138 Mission: Lifeline and 474 Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network-Get with the Guidelines sites. CICU organization, staffing, and resource characteristics stratified by hospital type are presented in Table …

Background Interventional radiology and cardiology procedures contribute significantly to the collective dose of radiation exposure from medical interventions. Recent and dedicated studies comparing directly these procedures in term of patient radiation exposure are lacking. Our aim was to compare radiation exposure among different interventional procedures performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Methods The RODEO study (NCT: 02972736) is an international observational retrospective multicenter study enrolling all patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional procedures performed by different interventional operators (i.e. radiologists, interventional cardiologists or electrophysiologists) in 6 centers, without exclusion criteria. The primary end-point of the study was the comparison of dose area product (DAP) among interventional cardiology, electrophysiology or interventional radiology procedures. Results A total of 17,711 procedures were included in the study: 13,522 interventional cardiology, 2352 electrophysiology and 1864 interventional radiology procedures. The highest DAP values were observed for interventional radiology procedures (74Gy∗cm 2 [Interquartile range 27–178Gy∗cm 2 ]), followed by interventional cardiology (40Gy∗cm 2 [22–78Gy∗cm 2 ]) and electrophysiology procedures (13Gy∗cm 2 [4–44Gy∗cm 2 ], p 2 [51–260Gy∗cm 2 ]) whereas the lowest DAP values in pacemaker insertion (11Gy∗cm 2 [4–28Gy∗cm 2 ]). Conclusion In this large multicenter study, the highest radiation exposure was observed in procedures performed by interventional radiologists. However, among specific procedures, structural or valvular cardiac procedures were associated with the highest radiation exposure.

Background— The relationship between operator or institutional volume and outcomes among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is unclear. Methods and Results— Cross-sectional study based on the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2005 to 2009. Subjects were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9 th Revision, Clinical Modification procedure code, 36.06 and 36.07. Annual operator and institutional volumes were calculated using unique identification numbers and then divided into quartiles. Three-level hierarchical multivariate mixed models were created. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality and peri-procedural complications. A total of 457 498 PCIs were identified representing a total of 2 243 209 PCIs performed in the United States during the study period. In-hospital, all-cause mortality was 1.08%, and the overall complication rate was 7.10%. The primary and secondary outcomes of procedures performed by operators in 4 th [annual procedural volume; primary and secondary outcomes] [>100; 0.59% and 5.51%], 3 rd [45–100; 0.87% and 6.40%], and 2 nd quartile [16–44; 1.15% and 7.75%] were significantly less ( P st quartile [≤15; 1.68% and 10.91%]. Spline analysis also showed significant operator and institutional volume outcome relationship. Similarly operators in the higher quartiles witnessed a significant reduction in length of hospital stay and cost of hospitalization ( P Conclusions— Overall in-hospital mortality after PCI was low. An increase in operator and institutional volume of PCI was found to be associated with a decrease in adverse outcomes, length of hospital stay, and cost of hospitalization.

Introduction Despite known associations between obesity and cardiovascular disease, the relationship between obesity as reflected by body mass index (BMI) and angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) is not fully understood. Moreover, this relationship has not been adequately defined in black patients, a group demonstrated to have lower rates of angiographic CAD despite higher rates of CAD risk factors, cardiovascular events, and CAD-related mortality. Methods Using an angiography database from an academic hospital, we studied patients undergoing first-time, nonemergent coronary angiography. From this cohort, we selected those without previous CAD diagnosis and with complete anthropomorphic measures and outcome data. Using models that controlled for patient demographics and CAD risk factors, we compared rates of angiographic CAD for blacks and whites by BMI. Results Black patients had higher rates of CAD risk factors, including obesity and morbid obesity. Nevertheless, black patients were less likely to have a significant stenosis than white patients. Morbid obesity was associated with significantly less CAD in both race groups. Controlling for black-white differences in BMI and the prevalence of morbid obesity did not change the odds ratio for CAD among black patients. Conclusions Racial differences in BMI and prevalence of morbid obesity do not contribute to black-white differences in CAD detected during elective angiography. The paradoxical association of morbid obesity with a lower burden of atherosclerosis may be attributed in part to the limitations of noninvasive screening in the morbidly obese and subsequent referral of patients without disease for angiography.

Objectives This study sought to determine the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with different methods of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR)—transfemoral (TF), transapical (TA), and transaortic (TAo) catheter-based valve replacement and conventional surgical approaches. Background The relative incidences of AF associated with the various access routes for AVR have not been well characterized. Methods In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we evaluated a total of 231 consecutive patients who underwent AVR for degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) between March 2010 and September 2012. Patients with a history of paroxysmal, persistent, or chronic AF, with bicuspid aortic valves, and patients who died within 48 h after AVR were excluded. A total of 123 patients (53% of total group) qualified for inclusion. Data on documented episodes of new-onset AF, along with all clinical, echocardiographic, procedural, and 30-day follow-up data, were collated. Results AF occurred in 52 patients (42.3%). AF incidence varied according to the procedural method. AF occurred in 60% of patients who underwent surgical AVR (SAVR), in 53% after TA-TAVR, in 33% after TAo-TAVR cases, and 14% after TF-TAVR. The episodes occurred at a median time interval of 53 (25th to 75th percentile, 41 to 87) h after completion of the procedure. Procedures without pericardiotomy had an 82% risk reduction of AF compared with those with pericardiotomy (adjusted odds ratio: 0.18; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.59). Conclusions AF was a common complication of AVR with a cumulative incidence of >40% in elderly patients with degenerative AS who underwent either SAVR or TAVR. AF was most common with SAVR and least common with TF-TAVR. Procedures without pericardiotomy were associated with a lower incidence of AF.

Transradial catheterization is associated with lower complication rates; however limited information is available regarding techniques to overcome unusual complications. We present a case of a 58-year-old male with suspected non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction who underwent transradial coronary angiography complicated by guidewire embolization into the radial artery and subsequent access loss. Successful retrieval of the embolized guidewire was achieved by re-accessing the same radial artery and the use of a 2 mm gooseneck microsnare. This technique was safe and prevented the need for surgical intervention or femoral access for retrieval, which are commonly described in the literature and can result in additional complications. V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transfemoral access (TFA) is widely used for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The influence of operator experience and PCI volume on adherence to transfemoral access best practices has not been studied. This international survey aimed to examine the influence of

As per the current scenario, role of Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) is controversial in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. All the randomized clinical trials comparing outcomes of TAVI with surgery till date, have excluded patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Some of the observational studies have reported outcomes of TAVI in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis patients who are not surgical candidate. The recent advances in TAVI and its expansion into intermediate groups, which includes younger age groups sparks a debate on the efficacy and safety of TAVI in Bicsuspid aortic valve (BAV). The purpose of the present article is to review the available literature regarding the feasibility, safety and outcomes of TAVI in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis.

Purpose Right heart failure following left ventricular assist device implantation is one of the major challenges in patients suffering from advanced heart failure. There is still no ideal right-sided support system available. Here we describe the implantation of a stent valve at the inferior cavoatrial junction to protect liver and kidney during right heart failure. Methods The Medtronic Evolut Pro was delivered via the right jugular vein . Valves were placed in the inferior cavoatrial junction and pressures measured above and below the valve. After initiating biventricular heart failure in a porcine model, a cut down technique was used to access the right IJ. Using fluoroscopy , we then implanted the Evolut Pro valve through the right IJ in 3 animals. Results Pressure measurements using a pigtail catheter were then taken above and below the stent valve to assess the effectiveness of stent valve in reducing pressure in the abdominal inferior vena cava . We successfully implanted a stent-valve using endovascular technique in the inferior cavoatrial junction. Pressures above and below the stent-valve were markedly different as shown during random Pressure measurements (Delta P > 5 mmHG) when the upper body part of the animal was elevated. Conclusion Implantation of a stent-valve may prevent or slow the progression of multi-system organ failure that often accompanies right heart failure after LVAD implantation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of this technique though additional study is warranted.

Global data on use of evidence-based medical (EBM) therapies following myocardial infarction (MI) are rare. Therefore, we investigated regional differences in EBM therapy use and its association with CV death in patients >1 year post MI. The TIGRIS prospective global registry ([NCT01866904][1])