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Introduction and objectives The percutaneous mitral valve repair procedure (MitraClip) appears to reduce mitral annulus diameter in patients with functional mitral regurgitation, but the relationship between this and regurgitation severity has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mitral annulus remodeling on the reduction of mitral regurgitation in patients with functional etiology. Methods The study included all patients with functional mitral regurgitation treated with MitraClip at our hospital until January 2015. Echocardiogram (iE33 model, Philips) was performed in all patients immediately after device positioning. Changes in the mitral annulus correlated with mitral regurgitation severity, as assessed using the effective regurgitant orifice area. Results The study included 23 patients (age, 65 ± 14 years; 74% men; left ventricular ejection fraction, 31% ± 13%; systolic pulmonary artery pressure, 47 ± 10 mmHg). After the procedure, the regurgitant orifice area decreased by 0.30 cm2 ± 0.04 cm2 (P Conclusions In patients with functional mitral regurgitation, the MitraClip device produces an immediate reduction in the anteroposterior diameter. This remodeling may be related to the reduction in mitral regurgitation.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El procedimiento de reparacion mitral percutanea (MitraClip) parece reducir los diametros del anillo mitral de pacientes con etiologia funcional, pero no se ha demostrado la relacion con la intensidad de la regurgitacion. El objetivo es evaluar si el remodelado del anillo mitral tiene algun impacto en la reduccion de la regurgitacion mitral en pacientes con insuficiencia mitral funcional. Metodos Se incluyo a todos los pacientes con etiologia funcional tratados con MitraClip en el centro hasta enero de 2015. Se les realizo ecocardiograma inmediatamente despues de la colocacion del dispositivo (equipo iE33, Philips). Los cambios en el anillo mitral se correlacionaron con la intensidad de la regurgitacion mitral evaluada por el orificio regurgitante efectivo. Resultados Se incluyo a 23 pacientes (edad, 65 ± 14 anos; el 74% varones; fraccion de eyeccion del ventriculo izquierdo, 31 ± 13%; presion sistolica de la arterial pulmonar, 47 ± 10 mmHg). Tras el procedimiento, el orificio regurgitante disminuyo en 0,30 ± 0,04 cm2 (p Conclusiones El dispositivo MitraClip produce una inmediata reduccion del diametro anteroposterior en pacientes con insuficiencia mitral funcional. Este remodelado podria relacionarse con la reduccion de la regurgitacion mitral.

Objectives The study sought to compare the safety (resistance to damage) and efficacy (ability to cross the side branch) of polymer-coated and non–polymer-coated guidewires in the jailed wire technique used during the percutaneous treatment of bifurcation lesions. Background The jailed wire technique is a useful strategy in the treatment of bifurcation lesions by provisional stenting. However, these wires can be damaged or even be broken during their removal. Methods We performed a randomized study in patients with bifurcation lesions treated by provisional stenting. The jailed wire technique was mandatory, and the types of guidewires, polymer-coated (n = 115) and non–polymer-coated (n = 120), were randomized. After the procedures, the wires were evaluated by stereoscopic microscopy. The induced damage in the wires was classified as follows: no damage, mild, moderate, or severe. Results The clinical characteristics were similar between patients treated with polymer-coated or non–polymer-coated wires. Polymer-coated wires were significantly (p Conclusions Jailed wires during interventional procedures of bifurcation lesions commonly showed microscopic damage. Polymer-coated wires were more resistant to retrieval damage and were more efficient in crossing the side branch ostium than non–polymer-coated wires. (Jailed Wire Technique in the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcations Lesions With Stent: Stereoscopic Microscopy Study; NCT02516891)

Objectives To analyse the effect of the early coadministration of ivabradine and beta-blockers (intervention group) versus beta-blockers alone (control group) in patients hospitalised with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods A comparative, randomised study was performed to compare the treatment strategies of beta-blockers alone versus ivabradine and beta-blockers starting 24hours after hospital admission, for acute HF in patients with an left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) 70bpm. Results A total of 71 patients were examined, 33 in the intervention group and 38 in the control group. No differences were observed with respect to their baseline characteristics or standard treatment at discharge. HR at 28days (64.3±7.5 vs. 70.3±9.3bpm, p=0.01) and at 4months (60.6±7.5 vs. 67.8±8bpm, p=0.004) after discharge were significantly lower in the intervention group. Significant differences were found with respect to the EF and brain natriuretic peptide levels at 4months. No differences in clinical events (rehospitalisation/death) were reported at 4months. No severe side effects attributable to the early administration of ivabradine were observed. Conclusions The early coadministration of ivabradine and beta-blockers during hospital admission for acute HFrEF is feasible and safe, and it produces a significant decrease in HR at 28days and at 4months after hospital discharge. It also seemed to improve systolic function and functional and clinical parameters of HF patients at short-term.

Data on long-term outcomes of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) are still scarce. In addition, the persistence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) after PMV is a complication for which mechanisms and prognostic implications are unclear. Our aims were (1) to report the long-term outcomes of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis treated with PMV; (2) to determine the risk factors for long-term poor outcomes; and (3) to analyze the prevalence and predictors of persistent PH. We prospectively enrolled 532 patients who underwent PMV from 1987 to 2011 at 2 hospitals. The following end points were assessed after PMV: all-cause mortality, mitral reintervention, a composite end point of all-cause mortality and mitral reintervention, and PH persistence. Survival status was available for 97% patients; the median follow-up was 10 years (interquartile range 4 to 18 years). Procedural success was achieved in 85% patients. During the follow-up, 21% patients died and 27% required mitral reintervention. Before PMV, 74% patients had PH that persisted after PMV in 45% of patients (p0.001). Unfavorable valve anatomy (Wilkins score8) and post-PMV mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality, mitral reintervention, and the composite end point. Post-PMV mean PAP was significantly correlated with a mitral valve area (MVA)2.5 cm(2) (p0.001); in addition, on the echocardiographic follow-up, MVA was an independent predictor of systolic PAP (p0.001). In conclusion, PMV represents an advantageous therapeutic option for patients with mitral stenosis in terms of long-term outcomes. Unfavorable valve anatomy and persistent PH were the most important predictors of long-term outcomes. The persistence of PH is associated with the MVA obtained after PMV.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El tratamiento de lesiones coronarias con armazon vascular bioabsorbible ha demostrado ser eficaz. Hay poca informacion sobre su uso en bifurcaciones. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la seguridad y la eficacia de esta plataforma en el tratamiento de bifurcaciones coronarias. Metodos Desde enero de 2012 hasta enero de 2015, se trato con plataforma bioabsorbible a 194 pacientes con 230 lesiones en bifurcaciones coronarias. Se analizo con tecnicas de imagen intracoronaria la geometria de 145 bifurcaciones (63%). El 78% de las lesiones se revaluaron angiograficamente (por tomografia computarizada, 138; por coronariografia, 41). Resultados La presentacion clinica mas habitual fue un sindrome coronario agudo (81%). El tipo de bifurcacion mas frecuente (34%) fue la 1,1,1. La estrategia simple fue de eleccion en 221 lesiones (96%). En 90 lesiones se posdilato la rama lateral a traves de las celdillas, y por tomografia de coherencia optica se observo fractura del dispositivo en 3 casos. Se obtuvo exito del procedimiento en todos los pacientes. En el primer mes se documento 1 trombosis subaguda y 1 muerte subita. El tiempo de seguimiento angiografico fue de 7,3 ± 1,6 meses y el del seguimiento clinico, 14 ± 6 meses. Se observaron 12 restenosis (5%). Durante el seguimiento, 2 pacientes (1%) tuvieron un infarto en otro territorio y otros 2 fallecieron (1%); los demas quedaron libres de sintomas. La tasa de trombosis fue del 1,3%. Conclusiones El tratamiento de lesiones en bifurcaciones coronarias con armazon vascular bioabsorbible provisional es seguro y eficaz. Al seguimiento, habia una tasa de eventos adversos baja.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique extensively used for visualizing the coronary circulation, where it assists clinical decision-making. Along with the new interventional procedures being introduced for pulmonary vascular disease, there is an increasing need for intravascular imaging of the pulmonary arteries. Additionally, measurements of the wall thickness of the pulmonary arteries of patients with various types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) may provide relevant diagnostic and prognostic information. The aim of this review is to summarize all the available evidence on the use of OCT for imaging the pulmonary bed and to describe a simple protocol for OCT image acquisition. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using electronic reference databases through February 2015 (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Knowledge, and references cited in other studies) and the search terms “optical coherence tomography,” “pulmonary hypertension,” and “pulmonary arteries.” Studies in which OCT was used to image the pulmonary vessels were considered for inclusion. We identified 14 studies reporting OCT imaging data from the pulmonary arteries. OCT was able to identify intravascular thrombi in patients with chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH), and an increase in vessel wall thickness was found in most patients with PH, compared with the controls. OCT has also been reported to be useful for the selection of balloon size in the setting of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for CTEPH. The main limitations include lack of standardization, little data on outcomes, cost, and the technical limitations involved in visualizing small-diameter (

ResumenIntroduccion y objetivos Con frecuencia se producen alteraciones en la conduccion tras el implante de una protesis CoreValve. Se pretende analizar que cambios se producen en la conduccion cardiaca de pacientes con estenosis aortica tratados con este tipo de protesis. Metodos Desde abril de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2013, se selecciono a 181 pacientes con estenosis aortica grave tratados con esta protesis y estudiados mediante electrocardiograma. Se estudio a un subgrupo de 137 pacientes consecutivos (75,7%) mediante electrocardiogramas intracavitarios antes y tras implante protesico. El objetivo principal del estudio es la necesidad de marcapasos definitivo en las primeras 72 h tras el implante protesico. Se analizaron numerosas variables para predecir esta eventualidad. Resultados Tras el implante, los intervalos PR y QRS se incrementaron de 173 ± 47 a 190 ± 52 ms (p

Conduction disturbances often occur after CoreValve transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The aim was to analyze which cardiac conduction changes occur in patients with aortic stenosis treated with this type of prosthesis.A total of 181 patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with this prosthesis and studied by electrocardiography between April 2008 and December 2013 were selected. A subgroup of 137 (75.7%) consecutive patients was studied by intracardiac electrocardiogram before and after prosthesis implantation. The primary endpoint of the study was the need for a permanent pacemaker within 72 hours after prosthesis implantation. Numerous variables to predict this possibility were analyzed.Following implantation, PR and QRS intervals were increased from 173±47 ms to 190±52ms (P.01) and from 98±22ms to 129±24 ms (P.01), whereas the A-H and H-V intervals were prolonged from 95±39ms to 108±41ms (P.01) and from 54±10ms to 66±23ms (P.01). A total of 89 (49%) patients had new-onset left bundle-branch block, and 33 (25%) required a pacemaker within the first 72hours. The independent predictors for a pacemaker were baseline right bundle-branch block and prosthetic depth. Intracardiac intervals had no predictive value. In addition, 13 patients required a pacemaker after 72 hours.CoreValve prosthesis implantation has a high incidence of conduction disturbance, with left bundle-branch block being the most common. A total of 25% of patients required a permanent pacemaker. The need for a pacemaker was related to baseline right bundle-branch block and prosthetic depth.

Introduction and objectives The use of the jailed guidewire technique is highly useful when treating bifurcation lesions by provisional stenting. However, at the time of withdrawal, the guidewire can suffer damage and even fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate structural damage in both polymer-coated and nonpolymer-coated jailed guidewires. Methods Between January 2011 and December 2012, an observational study was conducted using stereoscopic microscopy to evaluate 135 jailed guidewires (45 nonpolymer-coated and 90 polymer-coated) previously used in the percutaneous treatment of bifurcation lesions. Damage after withdrawal was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Results Age and sex distributions were similar in both groups of patients treated with polymer-coated and nonpolymer-coated guidewires. However, operators selected polymer-coated guidewires more frequently when treating more complex bifurcations and in diabetic patients. Some type of microscopic damage was observed in 25 of the guidewires analyzed (18%). Paradoxically, damage was more common in nonpolymer-coated guidewires (53.0% vs 1.1%; P Conclusions Coronary guidewires that are jailed during the treatment of bifurcations using provisional stenting often suffer nonsevere microscopic damage. Although polymer-coated guidewires were used in more complex bifurcation lesions, paradoxically, they were damaged less frequently.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La tecnica de la guia encarcelada resulta de gran utilidad en el tratamiento de lesiones bifurcadas mediante la tecnica de stent condicional. Sin embargo, esta guia puede sufrir dano e incluso fracturarse en el momento de la retirada. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la aparicion de dano estructural en las guias encarceladas, tanto polimericas como no polimericas. Metodos Entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2012 se realizo un estudio observacional en el que se evaluaron mediante microscopia estereoscopica 135 guias (45 no polimericas y 90 polimericas) utilizadas previamente en el tratamiento percutaneo de bifurcaciones y que resultaron encarceladas. El dano tras la extraccion se valoro como leve, moderado o grave. Resultados Las distribuciones de edad y sexo fueron similares en los dos grupos de pacientes tratados con guias polimericas y no polimericas. Sin embargo, los operadores seleccionaron las guias polimericas con mas frecuencia en bifurcaciones mas complejas y en pacientes diabeticos. Se observo algun tipo de dano microscopico en 25 de las guias analizadas (18%). Paradojicamente, estas alteraciones fueron mas frecuentes en el grupo de guias no polimericas (el 53,0 frente al 1,1%; p Conclusiones Las guias coronarias que se encarcelan durante el tratamiento de las bifurcaciones con stent condicional presentan a menudo dano microscopico no grave. Aunque las guias polimericas se utilizaron en bifurcaciones mas complejas, paradojicamente se danaron con menos frecuencia.

Interventional cardiology and coronary stent insertion have an increasing role in the optimal management of left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis. Assessing the extent of obstructive disease of the LMCA by angiography alone can be challenging. However, in contrast to the two-dimensional, shadow graphic nature of coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an accurate tomographic technique for assessing both the coronary lumen and the vessel wall characteristics. Consequently, it is a particularly useful technique in imaging the LMCA before, during and after intervention. The European Bifurcation Club (EBC) recommends the use of IVUS during most LMCA interventions. The purpose of this consensus document is to review the available IVUS data on LMCA disease evaluation and treatment. It is a practical guide to show "how and when" to use the imaging modality. It is hoped that a standardisation of the practical approach to imaging may allow consolidation of learning and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

The European Bifurcation Club (EBC) was initiated in 2004 to support a continuous overview of the field of coronary artery bifurcation interventions and aims to facilitate a scientific discussion and an exchange of ideas on the management of bifurcation disease. The EBC hosts an annual, two-day compact meeting, dedicated to bifurcations, which brings together physicians, pathologists, engineers, biologists, physicists, mathematicians, epidemiologists and statisticians for detailed discussions. Every meeting is finalised with a consensus statement that reflects the unique opportunity of combining the opinion of interventional cardiologists with the opinion of a large variety of other scientists on bifurcation management. A series of consensus sessions dedicated to specific topics, to strengthen the consensus debates and focus the discussions, was introduced at this year's meeting. The sessions comprise an intensive overview of the present literature, a pro and con debate and a voting system, to guide the consensus-building process. The present document represents the summary of the up-to-date EBC consensus and recommendations from the 12th annual EBC meeting in 2016 in Rotterdam.

The 2017 European Bifurcation Club (EBC) meeting was held in Porto (Portugal) and allowed a multidisciplinary international faculty to review and discuss the latest data collected in the field of coronary bifurcation interventions. In particular, the topic of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on left main coronary artery (LM) disease was highlighted as a contemporary priority. Herein, we summarise the key LM anatomy features, the diagnostic modalities and available data that are relevant for a patient's procedural management. Since the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing PCI on LM disease may depend on both PCI team organisation and PCI performance, the optimal catheterisation laboratory set-up and the rationales for device and technique selection are critically reviewed. The best lesion preparation modalities, the different DES implantation technique choices and the strategies to be considered during PCI on unprotected LM for optimal PCI results are reviewed step by step.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of incomplete revascularisation (ICR) on long-term outcomes following chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background ICR is associated with worse post-PCI outcomes. Methods We included consecutive patients undergoing CTO PCI at 4 centres (07/2011 to 01/2017). Baseline SYNTAX score (bSS: low [≤22], intermediate [23–32], high [≥33]), residual SYNTAX score (rSS: 0–4, 4.5–8,>8), and SYNTAX Revascularisation Index (SRI: 100×(bSS-rSS)/bSS: 100%, 50%–99%, Results We included 686 patients (low bSS: n=437; intermediate bSS: n=187; high bSS: n=62). Mean bSS was 14.0±4.7 vs 26.0±2.6 vs 39.7±6.0 (p 8 (HR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.85 to 4.86, p Conclusions Even a mild degree of ICR is associated with worse long-term outcomes following CTO PCI.

The possibility of strut fractures after bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) treatment is a new problem associated with the use of this novel technology. There is little in vivo information regarding the effects of lateral dilation on BVS. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of lateral balloon dilation after bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation in the treatment of bifurcation lesions. From January 2012 to February 2015, 49 patients with bifurcation lesions who had been treated with BVS required balloon dilation of the side branch (SB). Optical coherence tomographic studies were performed in each of these patients. In 3 patients (6%), the optical coherence tomographic results met the criteria for rupture. Prolonged inflation using a noncompliant balloon with a diameter within the expansion limits of the device resolved the complication in all patients. The clinical course was favorable in all patients, and there were no inhospital deaths or myocardial infarctions. At 14 ± 8 months of follow-up, 2 patients with integrity of the BVS presented target lesion revascularization (4%). Another patient (2%) suffered a probable stent thrombosis 11 months after the procedure (myocardial infarction and death at home). The patients with the BVS rupture at the index procedure had a favorable clinical outcome, and the 6-month computed tomographic scan revealed maintenance of the initial good results. In conclusion, minor BVS rupture after 2.5-mm lateral balloon dilation may occur but is infrequent (6%). Prolonged balloon inflation of the main vessel may partially restore the geometry of the BVS.

Objectives To analyze the feasibility and safety of direct bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation without previous balloon dilation. Background Lesion preparation through predilation is recommended before BVS implantation. There is no information on the routine use of direct BVS implantation. Methods and Results One hundred fifty-three patients with a total of 200 coronary lesions, were treated with BVS. A baseline intravascular ultrasound study (IVUS) was performed in 171 lesions (86%), and after BVS implantation, the quality of scaffolding was assessed with an additional IVUS (83, 41%) or optical coherence tomography (77, 38%). Elective predilation was conducted in 50 lesions. In 150 lesions, direct BVS implantation was attempted. In 129 lesions (86%), the BVS was implanted successfully, and in the remaining 21 (14%), direct implantation failed. In these cases, the scaffolds were retrieved and successfully implanted after balloon angioplasty. Longer and C-type lesions, and a larger plaque burden, were associated with failure to directly cross the lesion. Balloon postdilation was needed in 34% of the lesions. Ten patients (6.6%) had a periprocedural myocardial infarction. One patient (0.6%) died 60 days after BVS implantation due to thrombosis of the scaffold. At follow-up, target lesion revascularisation was needed in eight patients (5%). After 12 ± 3 months, the remaining patients were symptom-free. Conclusions Direct BVS implantation is safe and feasible in most soft coronary plaques. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La regurgitacion mitral sintomatica tiene un pronostico desfavorable sin tratamiento quirurgico. Sin embargo, segun el registro europeo de enfermedad cardiaca valvular, no se intervino al 49% de los pacientes en esa situacion. El tratamiento percutaneo de la regurgitacion mitral con MitraClip® se ha demostrado seguro y eficaz anadido al tratamiento medico en este perfil de pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia inicial con MitraClip® en Espana. Metodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluye a todos los pacientes tratados desde noviembre 2011 hasta julio 2013 por los cuatro hospitales espanoles con mayor numero de implantes. Resultados Se trato a 62 pacientes (el 77,4% varones), principalmente con regurgitacion mitral funcional restrictiva (85,4%), de gravedad grado III (37%) o IV (63%), fraccion de eyeccion media del 36 ± 14% y clase funcional de la New York Heart Association III (37%) o IV (63%). En el 98% de los pacientes, se implanto con exito el dispositivo. Al ano, el 81,2% tenia regurgitacion mitral ≤ 2 y el 90,9% en clase funcional de la New York Heart Association ≤ II . Hubo un solo caso de mortalidad periprocedimiento (sepsis 20 dias despues del implante) y otros 3 fallecimientos en el seguimiento (media, 9,1 meses). Fue necesario implantar un nuevo dispositivo por dehiscencia parcial del previo a 2 pacientes y se sometio a trasplante cardiaco a otros 2. Conclusiones El tratamiento con MitraClip® en Espana se ha dirigido principalmente a pacientes con insuficiencia mitral funcional, disfuncion ventricular sistolica significativa y elevado riesgo quirurgico, y se perfila como una opcion segura de tratamiento con capacidad de reducir la regurgitacion mitral y mejorar la capacidad funcional.

Objectives The study sought to investigate the long-term outcomes and predictors of adverse events of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for in-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO). Background IS-CTO PCI has traditionally been associated with suboptimal success rates. Methods We performed a multicenter registry of consecutive patients undergoing CTO PCI at 3 specialized centers. Patients were divided in IS-CTO and de novo CTO. The primary endpoint (major adverse cardiac events [MACE]) was a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization (TVR) on follow-up. Independent predictors of MACE were sought with Cox regression. Results We included 899 patients (n = 111 IS-CTO, n = 788 de novo CTO). Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were balanced between the 2 groups. Overall mean J-CTO (Japanese-Chronic Total Occlusion) score was 1.88 ± 1.24 and mean PROGRESS-CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention-CTO) score was 1.04 ± 0.88. Antegrade wire escalation was used in 59.0% of IS-CTO and 48.1% of de novo CTO patients (p = 0.08). Procedural success was achieved in 86.5% in both groups (p = 0.99). After a median follow-up of 471 (interquartile range: 354 to 872) days, MACE were observed in 20.8% versus 13.9% in IS-CTO versus de novo CTO (p = 0.07), driven by TVR (16.7% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.03). IS-CTO was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.18 to 3.95; p = 0.01), together with prior surgical revascularization and renal function, CTO PCI indicated for acute coronary syndrome, number of diseased vessels, and PROGRESS-CTO score. Conclusions Procedural success was high and similar in patients with IS-CTO, as compared with de novo CTO. However, IS-CTO was independently associated with MACE (driven by TVR) on follow-up.

AIMS The aim of the present study was to compare the midterm clinical outcomes of patients undergoing successful chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to the crossing technique used, in a large multicentre registry. METHODS AND RESULTS We compiled a multicentre registry of consecutive patients undergoing successful CTO PCI. Patients were divided into three groups: true-to-true (TTT) approach, modern dissection/re-entry (DR) techniques (CrossBoss/Stingray, reverse CART), and old DR techniques (LAST, STAR, CART). Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularisation). We included 924 patients (TTT, n=571; modern DR, n=258; old DR, n=95). Patients in both DR groups had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, angiographic and procedural complexity. The 12-month MACE rate was higher in old DR (22.1%) than in modern DR (8.9%) and TTT (9.1%, p

There is little evidence on the optimal strategy for bifurcation lesions in the context of a coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). This study compared the procedural and mid-term outcomes of patients with bifurcation lesions in CTO treated with provisional stenting vs 2-stent techniques in a multicenter registry.Between January 2012 and June 2016, 922 CTO were recanalized at the 4 participating centers. Of these, 238 (25.8%) with a bifurcation lesion (side branch ≥ 2mm located proximally, distally, or within the occluded segment) were treated by a simple approach (n=201) or complex strategy (n=37). Propensity score matching was performed to account for selection bias between the 2 groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) consisted of a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization.Angiographic and procedural success were similar in the simple and complex groups (94.5% vs 97.3%; P=.48 and 85.6% vs 81.1%; P=.49). However, contrast volume, radiation dose, and fluoroscopy time were lower with the simple approach. At follow-up (25 months), the MACE rate was 8% in the simple and 10.8% in the complex group (P=.58). There was a trend toward a lower MACE-free survival in the complex group (80.1% vs 69.8%; P=.08). After propensity analysis, there were no differences between the groups regarding immediate and follow-up results.Bifurcation lesions in CTO can be approached similarly to regular bifurcation lesions, for which provisional stenting is considered the technique of choice. After propensity score matching, there were no differences in procedural or mid-term clinical outcomes between the simple and complex strategies.

Mitral regurgitation is a common valvular heart disease and its prevalence is expected to increase with population ageing. In the recent years we have witnessed the evolution of several transcatheter devices to correct mitral regurgitation in patients at high-risk for surgery. Most of the evidence of the safety and efficacy of this new therapy comes from MitraClip studies. However, new alternatives have emerged with promising results. The aim of this position paper is to review the current evidence regarding patient selection, expected results and timing for transcatheter mitral valve interventions from the perspective of three European interventional societies. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Comparar la incidencia en 3 anos de eventos mayores en pacientes con lesiones de bifurcacion tratados con implante condicional de stents liberadores de sirolimus frente a stents liberadores de everolimus. Metodos Se llevo a cabo un analisis combinado de dos ensayos prospectivos y aleatorizados de metodologia similar (SEAside y CORpal). En dichos ensayos, se asigno aleatoriamente a 443 pacientes con lesiones de bifurcacion a tratamiento con stents liberadores de sirolimus o everolimus. El seguimiento clinico se amplio a 3 anos para evaluar los eventos adversos cardiovasculares mayores (muerte o infarto agudo de miocardio o revascularizacion de vaso diana). Resultados A los 3 anos, la supervivencia libre de eventos adversos cardiovasculares mayores fue del 93,2 y el 91,3% en los grupos de stents liberadores de everolimus y sirolimus respectivamente (p = 0,16). El analisis exploratorio de referencia para los eventos tardios (aparecidos despues de los primeros 12 meses) mostro una frecuencia de eventos adversos cardiovasculares mayores significativamente inferior en el grupo de stents liberadores de everolimus: el 1,4 frente al 5,4% en el grupo de stents liberadores de sirolimus (p = 0,02). Conclusiones El implante de stents liberadores de sirolimus o everolimus en lesiones de bifurcacion se asocia a unas tasas bajas de eventos adversos mayores a los 3 anos de seguimiento. Los resultados de un subanalisis de los eventos que se produjeron despues del primer ano indican una tasa de eventos con los stents liberadores de everolimus inferior que con los liberadores de sirolimus, lo cual indica que esta justificado realizar estudios exploratorios del beneficio clinico a largo plazo obtenido con los stents liberadores de farmacos de ultima generacion.

The European Bifurcation Club (EBC) is an independent, non-political and informal "think tank" of scientists with a particular interest in clinical, technical and fundamental aspects of the management of coronary artery bifurcation disease. Bifurcations account for 15-20% of all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and remain one of the most challenging lesions in interventional cardiology in terms of procedural success rate as well as long-term cardiac events. The optimal management is, despite a fast growing scientific literature, still the subject of considerable debate, one of the main concerns being the potential increased risk of late stent thrombosis associated with treatment complexity. The EBC was initiated in 2004 and aims to facilitate an exchange of ideas on management of bifurcation disease. The EBC hosts an annual, compact meeting dedicated to bifurcations which brings together physicians, engineers, biologists, physicists, epidemiologists and statisticians for detailed discussions. Every meeting is finalised with a consensus statement which reflects the unique opportunity of combining the opinion of interventional cardiologists with the opinion of a large variety of other scientists on bifurcation management. This year the EBC celebrates its 10-year anniversary. This consensus document represents the summary of the consensus from the last ten years of the annual EBC meetings.

Resumen El avance en el intervencionismo en las cardiopatias congenitas ha sido tan importante en los ultimos 30 anos que permite hoy dia su sistematizacion. En el primer articulo tratamos de las obstrucciones a la salida de ambos ventriculos. En esta segunda parte analizaremos el cierre percutaneo de defectos cardiacos. Entre los cortocircuitos izquierda-derecha, el cierre percutaneo de comunicacion interauricular, interventricular y ductus persistente suponen en la actualidad un excelente arsenal terapeutico para estas patologias. Las fistulas arteriovenosas centrales y las sistemico-pulmonares pueden tambien ser cerradas percutaneamente con dispositivos vasculares. Entre los cortocircuitos derecha-izquierda el cierre percutaneo de foramen oval y de fenestraciones posquirurgicas tambien supone un enfoque terapeutico muy util. Por ultimo, la terapia celular en cardiopatias con disfuncion ventricular severa en la infancia comienza a perfilarse como un tratamiento muy esperanzador.

Objectives The goal of this study was to assess the immediate and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in an unprotected distal left main coronary artery (UDLM). Background PCI for UDLM-ISR can be complex. Limited information is available on procedural and clinical outcomes. Methods Between May 2002 and February 2011, UDLM-ISR after drug-eluting stent implantation was observed in 79 of 1,102 patients (7%). Seventy-five were treated by repeat PCI using a simple approach (balloon/in-stent implantation) or a complex strategy (additional stent/double-stenting technique). A diagnosis of mild or severe restenosis was considered depending on the number of bifurcation segments affected (1 vs. >1). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, and myocardial infarction. Results ISR treatment was performed using a simple approach in 44 (58%) patients, and using a complex strategy in 31 (42%). After 46 ± 26 months, the MACE rate was 22%. Patients treated with a simple approach had a lower incidence of MACE at follow-up compared with patients treated with a complex strategy, regardless of the restenosis extent (mild restenosis: 93% vs. 67%, p Conclusions PCI for UDLM-ISR is safe and feasible, with a high rate of procedural success and an acceptable long-term MACE rate. A simple strategy, when applicable, appears to be a good treatment option, associated with a lower event rate at follow-up.

Aims Limited data exist on the treatment and outcomes of patients with chronic total occlusions due to in-stent restenosis (CTO-ISR). We sought to evaluate results and clinical outcomes in percutaneous interventions over CTO-ISR. Methods and results We conducted a registry in 16 centres involving consecutive patients undergoing attempted percutaneous intervention over CTO-ISR. A total of 233 patients were included, 192 (82.4%) with a successful acute result. The success rate was significantly lower in patients with: lesion in the circumflex artery, ostial lesions, J score >3 and no femoral access. The presence of tandem lesions (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.68; p=0.01) was identified as an independent predictor for outcome. After a median follow-up of 20 months, cardiac death in the successful vs. failed groups was 3% and 8.3%, respectively (p=0.09). Independent predictors for mortality were previous CABG (HR 8, 95% CI: 1.3-50; p=0.02) and multivessel disease (HR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.3; p=0.01). In the successful group, TLR was 15%, re-occlusion 6% and definite/probable stent thrombosis 1.8%. Conclusions Percutaneous treatment of CTO due to ISR in contemporary practice shows a high success rate, resulting in good long-term results. The angiographic and procedural predictors identified may contribute to improving procedural outcome through better patient selection.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of aorto-ostial coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) can be a particularly challenging lesion subset due to, among other factors, the lack of antegrade support, proximal cap ambiguity, and unclear vessel course. The aim of this study was to analyze the

The aims of this study were to analyze the feasibility and efficacy of the jailed pressure wire technique for bifurcation lesions treated by provisional stenting and to assess the physiological side branch (SB) result using instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR). Between June 2017 and December 2018

Objectives To compare strut coverage patterns between everolimus-eluting stent (EES) and first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) at more than 12 months after successful implantation, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Background No sufficient OCT data has been reported comparing late strut coverage patterns between EES and first-generation DES. The favorable late results after EES implantation could be related to lower rates of uncovered and malapposed struts. Methods A total of 66 DES (21 EES, 23 SES, and 22 PES) that were implanted at least 1 year in advance in 40 patients and met good late angiographic results were evaluated by OCT. The percentage of uncovered and malapposed struts, calculated as the ratio of uncovered or malapposed struts to total struts in all cross-sectional images per stent, was compared among the three groups. Results A total of 35,061 struts were analyzed: 11,967 from EES, 11,855 from SES, and 11m239 from PES. The average tissue coverage thickness of the struts per stent was greater in EES than in SES and PES (109 ± 40 µm vs. 72 ± 27 µm and 83 ± 26 µm, respectively; P = 0.001). The percentage of uncovered struts (1.9 ± 4.1% in EES vs. 11.6 ± 12.7% in SES, P = 0.01 and vs. 7.1 ± 5.2% in PES, P

Resumen El avance en el intervencionismo en las cardiopatias congenitas ha sido tan importante en los ultimos 30 anos que permite hoy dia su sistematizacion. El objetivo de este articulo es el de intentar dicha sistematizacion. En esta primera parte abordaremos las obstrucciones al tracto de salida de ambos ventriculos. De entre las obstrucciones al tracto de salida de ventriculo izquierdo, la coartacion de aorta es la mas frecuente y el implante de stent para su reparacion constituye hoy dia el tratamiento de eleccion. En la estenosis supraaortica el tratamiento actual es quirurgico, pero en algunos casos particulares el tratamiento puede ser percutaneo mediante el implante de stent. La valvuloplastia percutanea para la estenosis aortica congenita tambien resulta una opcion terapeutica actual de valor. Igualmente, en casos seleccionados de estenosis subaortica de membrana la rotura de la membrana con balon resulta una opcion atractiva. Entre las obstrucciones al tracto de salida del ventriculo derecho, la estenosis valvular pulmonar puede ser tratada mediante valvuloplastia percutanea, siendo en la actualidad el tratamiento de eleccion. En los ultimos anos se ha introducido el implante de valvula pulmonar percutanea (Melody), aunque de momento su indicacion queda reservada a los homoinjertos degenerados. El implante de stents para las estenosis de ramas pulmonares tambien se ha consolidado como el tratamiento ideal para esta patologia congenita o posquirurgica.

Introduccion y objetivos Diferentes estudios han mostrado mejoria funcional en pacientes con miocardiopatia dilatada no isquemica tratada con terapia celular. Sin embargo, los factores que influyen en la respuesta no son bien conocidos. El presente estudio investiga los cambios funcionales y los factores que influyen en la mejora de la fraccion de eyeccion a los 6 meses en 27 pacientes con miocardiopatia dilatada tratados con terapia celular intracoronaria. Metodos Los pacientes recibieron una infusion intracoronaria de celulas mononucleares autologas de la medula osea (media de celulas infundidas, 10,2±2,9 × 108). En todos se efectuo analisis funcional y citometria de flujo de las celulas infundidas. Resultados La ganancia en fraccion de eyeccion observada a los 6 meses oscilo entre el ?9 y el 34% (media, 9%). Estos cambios formaron dos grupos de pacientes: 21 (78%) que mostraron una mejora significativa (ganancia media, 14±7%), frente a 6 (22%) que no mostraron respuesta (ganancia media, ?5±3%). Los respondedores eran mas jovenes (50±12 frente a 62±9 anos; p

Different studies have shown improvement in patients with idiopathic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy treated with cell-therapy. However, factors influencing responsiveness are not well known. This trial investigates functional changes and factors influencing the 6-month gain in ejection fraction in 27 patients with dilated cardiomiopathy treated with intracoronary cell-therapy.Patients received intracoronary infusion of autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells (mean infused, 10.2 [2.9]×10(8)). Flow cytometry and functional analyses of the cells were also performed.The 6-month angiographic gain in ejection fraction ranged from -9% to 34% (mean, 9%). These changes were distinguished into 2 groups: 21 patients (78%) with a significant improvement at the 6-month evaluation (mean gain, 14 [7]%), and 6 patients who had no response (mean gain, -5 [3]%). The responders were younger as compared to the nonresponders (50 [12] years vs 62 [9] years; P.04). There was an inverse correlation (r=-0.41; P.003) between the gain in ejection fraction and the high density lipoprotein level, suggesting higher functional gain with low high density lipoprotein levels. The 24 h migratory capability of the infused cells was significantly reduced in the responders' group (5.4 [1.7]×10(8) vs 8.1 [2.3]×10(8); P.009 for vascular endothelial growth factor and 5.8 [1.7]×10(8) vs 8.4 [2.9]×10(8); P.002 for stromal cell-derived factor-1).Younger patients with dilated cardiomiopathy and lower plasma high density lipoprotein levels gain greater benefit from intracoronary cell-therapy. Functional improvement also seems to be enhanced by a lower migratory capacity of the infused cells.

Background There are few data regarding the procedural and follow-up outcomes of different antegrade dissection/re-entry (ADR) techniques for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We compiled a multicenter registry of consecutive patients undergoing ADR-based CTO PCI at four high-volume specialized institutions. Patients were divided according to the specific ADR technique used: subintimal tracking and re-entry (STAR), limited antegrade subintimal tracking (LAST), or device-based with the CrossBoss/Stingray system (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction and target-vessel revascularization) on follow-up were the main outcome of this study. Independent predictors of MACE were sought with Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 223 patients were included (STAR n = 39, LAST n = 68, CrossBoss/Stingray n = 116). Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. Technical and procedural success was lower with STAR (59% and 59%), as compared with LAST (96% and 96%) and CrossBoss/Stingray (89% and 87%; pÂ