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In this review, recent key publications related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are summarized and placed into context of contemporary practice. Landmark trials examining vascular access in ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the management of multivessel disease, acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest are discussed. An update in pharmacology for ACS provides updates in major trials relating to P2Y12 inhibitor initiation, deescalation, and use in special populations. Additional updates in the use of lipid-lowering agents and adjunctive medications in ACS are reviewed. Finally, cardiac pathology related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the care of patients with ACS, is summarized.

Distal trans-radial access (dTRA) is a novel technique of arterial cannulation in coronary interventions. The comparative efficacy of dTRA and conventional trans-radial access (TRA) in attenuating peri-procedural complications is unknown.Embase and PubMed/MEDLINE were searched from their inception until June 25, 2022, for randomized clinical trials. Outcomes included were radial artery occlusion (RAO), radial artery spasm, hemostasis time, access time, unsuccessful cannulation, crossover rate, and early discharge after trans-radial stenting of coronary arteries (EASY) type I-III hematomas. Statistical analysis was conducted using the random effects model to derive risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).A total of 6 randomized clinical trials comprising 3240 patients were included. Subjects were predominantly male (73%) and had a mean age of 66 years. The dTRA group had a lower risk of RAO [RR 0.43 (95% CI, 0.26-0.69); P = 0.0005; I 2 = 0%] and had a shorter hemostasis time [MD -22.85 min (95% CI, -39.06 to -6.65); P = 0.006; I 2 = 99%]. The dTRA group had a higher crossover rate [RR 3.04 (95% CI, 1.88-4.91); P = 0.00001; I 2 = 56%] and a longer access time [MD 0.68 min (95% CI, 0.17-1.18); P = 0.009; I 2 = 99%]. The TRA group had a lower rate of unsuccessful cannulation [RR 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70-0.95); P = 0.01; I 2 = 92%]. There was no significant difference between the groups for radial artery spasm and EASY type I-III hematomas.dTRA is a safe alternative to conventional TRA for coronary interventions with a lower risk of RAO. Future trials are required to further compare both approaches.

Percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) are frequently utilized in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) to provide hemodynamic support in patients with complex cardiovascular disease and/or multiple comorbidities who are poor candidates for surgical revascularization. Using the National Inpatient Sample we identified pVAD-assisted PCI (excluding intra-aortic balloon pump) in patients without cardiogenic shock from January 2008 to December 2018. We evaluated the trends in patient and procedural characteristics, and complication rates across the 11-year study period. A total of 26,661 pVAD-PCI was performed. From 2008 to 2018 there has was a 27-fold increase in the number of pVAD-PCIs performed annually. There has also been an increase in the proportion of procedures performed in small to medium sized hospitals. The use of atherectomy, image-guided PCI, FFR/iFR, drug-eluting stents, and multi-vessel intervention has significantly increased. Patients undergoing pVAD-PCI had a higher burden of comorbidities, without a significant difference in mortality over time. There were decreased rates of acute stroke and blood transfusions over time, while vascular complications and acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis remained mostly unchanged. In conclusion, the use of pVAD for HR-PCI has increased significantly, along with adjunctive PCI techniques such as atherectomy, intravascular imaging, and physiologic lesion assessment. With increasing use of this device, there appeared to be lower rates of peri-procedural stroke, and blood transfusions. Despite a higher burden of comorbidities, adjusted mortality remained stable over time.

Objective To determine the rate and clinical outcomes of post-TAVR VSD. Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and established procedure for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication of TAVR. The rate of post-TAVR VSD and patient outcomes are not well known. Methods A retrospective record review of VSD cases occurring after all TAVRs performed between January 2012 and September 2020 at one urban US tertiary hospital. VSD rate and early- and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Computed tomography images taken before TAVR and transthoracic echocardiograms done before and after each procedure were analyzed. Results Of the 1908 patients who underwent TAVR in the study period, 7 patients (0.37%) had post-procedure VSD. The average patient age was 77 ± 11 years with average society of thoracic surgeons short-term risk score of 6%. All 7 implanted valves were balloon-expandable. Of the 7 TAVR procedures, 5 were performed on a native tricuspid valve, 1 was performed on a native bicuspid valve, and 1 was done as a "valve-in-valve" procedure on a prior surgical bioprosthetic valve. All VSDs were small and restrictive in nature. Right heart failure in a patient with preexisting right ventricular dysfunction occurred in 1 (13%) patient who died. The remaining 6 patients (86%) were discharged. All 6 patients (86%) were alive and stable at 1 year follow-up, reporting improvement in symptoms (NYHA class I-II), with no evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. Conclusion VSD is a rare complication of TAVR. Hemodynamic and clinical sequelae in majority of the patients in this study did not result in mortality. Proper imaging techniques and appropriate pre-procedure planning are needed to decrease the incidence of VSD formation post-TAVR.

Mechanical circulatory support devices are increasingly used for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. These devices provide different levels of univentricular and biventricular support, have different mechanisms of actions, and provide different physiologic effects. Institutions require expert teams to safely implant and manage these devices. This article reviews the mechanism of action, physiologic effects, and data as they relate to the utilization of these devices.

A 65-year-old female was transferred with myocardial infarction, three-vessel coronary artery disease, cardiogenic shock and an intraaortic balloon pump. Given persistent shock, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was upgraded using a left ventricular hemodynamic support device (Impella CP). The patient was monitored in the catheterization laboratory and serial hemodynamic measures were obtained. Initial hemodynamics showed relative improvement; however, serial assessments demonstrated worsening hemodynamics secondary to right ventricular failure, ultimately requiring a right ventricular hemodynamic support device. The case highlights the rapid changes that can occur with mechanical circulatory support devices and demonstrates the importance of obtaining serial hemodynamics in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Background Percutaneous ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are increasingly used for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) in hospitals throughout the United States. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample from October 2015 to December 2017, we identified hospital admissions that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and non-elective Impella or ECMO placement for AMI-CS using ICD-10 codes. Propensity-score matching was performed to compare both groups for primary and secondary outcomes. Results We identified 6290 admissions for AMI-CS who underwent PCI and were treated with Impella (n = 5730, 91%) or ECMO (n = 560, 9%) from October 2015 to December 2017. After propensity-match analysis, the ECMO cohort had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (43.3% vs 26.7%, OR: 2.10, p = 0.021). The incidence of acute respiratory failure and vascular complications were significantly lower in the Impella cohort. We observed a shorter duration of hospital stay and lower hospital costs in the Impella cohort compared to those who received ECMO. Conclusions In AMI-CS, the use of Impella was associated with better clinical outcomes, fewer complications, shorter length of hospital stay and lower hospital cost compared to those undergoing ECMO placement.

Patients ≥75 years old presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have complex coronary anatomy in part due to prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), calcific and valvular disease. Using the National Readmission Database from January 2016 to November 2017, we identified hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction in patients ≥75 years old and divided them based on a history of CABG. We evaluated in-hospital outcomes, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission and predictors of PCI in cohorts. Out of a total of 296,062 patients ≥75 years old presenting with an AMI, 42,147 (14%) had history of previous CABG. Most presented with a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, and those with previous CABG had higher burden of co-morbidities and were more commonly man. The in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in those with previous CABG (6.7% vs 8.8%, adjusted odds ratio, 0.88, 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 0.94). Medical therapy was more common in those with previous CABG and 30-day readmission rates were seen more frequently in those with prior CABG. Predictors of not undergoing PCI included previous PCI, female, older ager groups, heart failure, dementia, malignancy, and higher number of co-morbidities. In conclusion, in patients ≥75 years old with AMI the presence of prior CABG was associated with lower odds of in-hospital and 30-day mortality, as well as lower complications rates, and a decreased use of invasive strategies (PCI, CABG, and MCS). However, 30-day MACE readmission was higher in those with previous CABG.

Patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) on anticoagulation (AC) for stroke prevention are at an increased risk of bleeding. A common clinical dilemma is deciding when to safely restart AC following a bleed. Although studies have shown better outcomes with re-initiation of AC after hemostasis, there are clinical barriers to restarting AC. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a safe and efficacious alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate AC following major bleeding. We aimed to evaluate the rate of stroke prevention strategies instituted at time of discharge in patients with AF on AC who had been hospitalized for a bleeding event. We retrospectively identified patients with AF on AC admitted for bleeding between January 2016 and August 2019. The type of AC, form of bleeding, and CHA2DS2VASc were collected. Stroke prevention strategies upon discharge and at 3 months were noted. One hundred seventy-four patients with AF on AC were hospitalized with a bleeding event, of which 10.9% died. Among patients who survived, AC was restarted in 45.2% of patients, 9.7% were referred for LAAO, and 45.1% were discharged without stroke prevention strategy. At 3 months, 32.6% of patients still had no documented stroke prophylaxis. Those referred for LAAO had, on average, higher CHA2DS2VASc (5 ± 1 vs 4 ± 1, p = 0.007). A significant number of patients with AF hospitalized for bleeding were discharged with no plan for stroke prophylaxis. Despite its safety and efficacy, LAAO appears to be an underutilized alternative in AF patients with high bleeding risk.

Objectives To evaluate whether a preoperative diagnosis of atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with perioperative stroke in noncardiac surgery and their outcomes. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting United States hospitals. Participants Adults patients (≥18 years old) who underwent major noncardiac surgery from 2010 to 2015 were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Readmission Database. Interventions Preoperative diagnosis of ASD or patent foramen ovale. Measurements and Main Results Among the 19,659,161 hospitalizations for major noncardiac surgery analyzed, 12,248 (0.06%) had a preoperative diagnosis of ASD/PFO. Perioperative ischemic stroke occurred in 723 (5.9%) of patients with ASD/PFO and 373,291 (0.02%) of those without ASD/PFO (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 16.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9-20.0). Amongst the different types of noncardiac surgeries, obstetric, endocrine, and skin and burn surgery were associated with higher risk of stroke in patients with pre-existing ASD/PFO. Moreover, patients with ASD/PFO also had an increased in-hospital mortality (aOR, 4.6, 95% CI: 3.6-6.0), 30-day readmission (aOR, 1.2, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38), and 30-day stroke (aOR, 7.2, 95% CI: 3.1-16.6). After adjusting for atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke remained significantly high in the ASD/PFO group (aOR: 23.7, 95%CI 19.4-28.9), as well as in-hospital mortality (aOR: 5.6, 95% CI 4.1-7.7), 30-day readmission (aOR: 1.19, 95%CI 1.0-1.4), and 30-day stroke (aOR: 9.3, 95% CI 3.7-23.6). Conclusions Among adult patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery, pre-existing ASD/PFO is associated with increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke, in-hospital mortality, 30-day stroke, and 30-day readmission after surgery.

INTRODUCTION Intravascular imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has shown to improve outcomes in randomized controlled trials. However, there are little real-world data about intravascular imaging utilization during PCI and its outcomes in the United States. METHODS We conducted an observational analysis on the use of intravascular imaging (Intravascular Ultrasound or Optical Coherence Tomography)-guided PCI in 2,425,036 patients undergoing PCI between January 2010 and December 2014 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Utilizing propensity score matching, 83,988 matched pairs were identified. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included cardiogenic shock and acute kidney injury. RESULTS Among the 2,425,036 patients, 161,808 (6.7%) underwent imaging-guided PCI. Use of imaging-guidance increased from 6% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2014 (Ptrend < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality was significantly different between imaging-guided PCI and angiography-guided PCI [1.0% vs. 1.5%; adjusted OR: 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54-0.83, P < 0.001]. The rates of cardiogenic shock (2.5% vs. 3.1%; adjusted OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.66-0.93; P = 0.005) were significantly lower in imaging-guided PCI group and acute kidney injury rates (7.0% vs. 7.1%; adjusted OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.89-1.12; P = 0.919) were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Imaging-guided PCI is associated with lower in-hospital mortality. Yet, a small proportion of patients undergoing PCI have imaging-guidance.

We aim to report on the efficacy and safety of large bore venous access (LBVA) preclosure with Perclose™ (Abbott Vascular Devices) suture-mediated device use following transcatheter edge-to-edge (TEER) and replacement (TMVR).Patients requiring TEER and TMVR require LBVA. Clinical outcome data on the use of suture-mediated devices for LBVA site closure are limited.Between 2012 and 2019, 354 consecutive high-risk patients with mitral valvular heart disease underwent TEER (n = 287) with MitraClip and TMVR (n = 67) with Edwards Sapien Valves. Patients had LBVA with 24 or 16 French sheaths. All patients underwent preclosure of LBVA except for one that underwent manual hemostasis.There were no closure device failures. None of the cases required surgical repair of the access site following venous preclosure. Two cases had large hematomas (6 cm) following Perclose in each group. Six cases had small hematomas (6 cm and2 cm) with three in each group. There was one major bleeding using Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definition (retroperitoneal bleed from arterial puncture) unrelated to the venous closure. Transfusion related to vascular access complication was required in five cases. There were two immediate acute deep venous thromboses postprocedure; one of which occurred after preclosure. There were no arteriovenous malformations, pseudoaneurysms, or access site infections reported following Perclose.In this large sample size analysis, Proglide preclosure technique is a feasible and safe alternative approach to achieving hemostasis after removal of LBVA sheaths in patients undergoing TEER and TMVR. Randomized trials are needed to compare the different modalities of hemostasis.

Patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) are at high risk for impaired antiplatelet activity secondary to malabsorption, systemic hypoperfusion, hypothermia, need for mechanical ventilation, and high use of analgesics. The use of antiplatelet therapy in these high-risk patients is not well studied.Using the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative database, we analyzed patients who presented with AMI-CS at 60 hospitals from March 2018 to December 2020. All patients were treated using a standard shock protocol. Herein, the patterns of antiplatelet use are described.A total of 204 patients were included in the analysis, of which 174 (85.3%) presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The majority (84.3%) received antiplatelet therapy before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); of those who received antiplatelets, 77.9% received aspirin, 55.2% received an oral P2Y12 inhibitor, and 19.2% received intravenous (IV) antiplatelet therapy. Ticagrelor was the most common P2Y12 inhibitor administered (41.9%), followed by clopidogrel (12.2%) and prasugrel (1.2%). Only 18.6% of oral antiplatelet agents were crushed. Baseline characteristics of patients who received IV vs non-IV antiplatelet agents were similar. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 0 flow was present in 69.6% of patients before PCI and aspiration thrombectomy was performed in 24.5% of patients. The presence of STEMI, cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hypothermia, vasopressor use, elevated lactate levels, or number of vessels treated did not influence the use of IV antiplatelet agents.The use of crushed and IV antiplatelet agents in AMI-CS is low. Further studies are needed in this high-risk population to assess whether more potent antiplatelet inhibition will improve outcomes.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are increasingly used for hemodynamic support in cardiogenic shock or high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions. Vascular complications remain a major source of morbidity and mortality despite technological advances with percutaneous techniques. Little is known about the rates and predictors of vascular complications with large-bore access MCS in the contemporary era.The study cohort was derived from National Inpatient Sample using data from 2015 to 2019 for cardiac hospitalizations with the use of: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) Impella, and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The rates of vascular complications and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.Of 221,700 hospitalizations with MCS use, the majority had only IABP (68%). The rates of vascular complications were greatest with ECMO (15.8%) when compared with IABP (3.0%) and Impella (5.6%). Among patients with vascular complications, in-hospital mortality was higher with ECMO (56.3%) when compared with IABP (26.2%) and Impella (33.8%). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was the strongest predictor of vascular complications, with 10 times higher odds when present (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.96, p 0.001). In risk-adjusted models, when compared with IABP, the use of Impella (aOR: 1.73, p 0.001), ECMO (aOR: 5.35, p 0.001), or a combination of MCS devices (aOR: 3.47, p 0.001) was associated with higher odds of vascular complications.In contemporary practice, the use of MCS is associated with significant vascular complications and in-hospital mortality. Predictors of vascular complications include larger arteriotomy size, female gender, and peripheral arterial disease. Vascular access management remains essential to prevent major complications.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Differentiating the etiologic factors driving CS has epidemiological significance and aids in optimization of therapeutic strategies, prognostication, and resource utilization. The aim herein is to investigate the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of CS in those with ischemic and nonischemic CS etiologies. Using International Classification of Diseases codes, we queried the national inpatient sample for CS hospitalization from 2007 to 2018 and divided the study sample into cohorts of ischemic (I-CS) and nonischemic cardiogenic shock (NI-CS). We then compared the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality between these 2 cohorts. Two groups of secondary outcomes (clinical and procedural) were also assessed between the 2 cohorts. CS was present in 557,860 hospitalizations; 84% of these were I-CS and 15.8% NI-CS. Patients with I-CS were older, more commonly males, with more risk factors for coronary artery disease (P0.05). NI-CS had higher prevalence of preexisting systolic heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with I-CS (32.2% vs. 29.5%, adjusted odds ratio 1.10, P0.001). Frequencies of acute ischemic stroke, mechanical ventilation, ventricular arrhythmias, and vascular complications were higher in I-CS versus NI-CS, while acute kidney injury and acute liver failure were more common in NI-CS (P0.05). The use of mechanical circulatory support devices was higher in the I-CS group. In conclusion, patients with I-CS comprise the vast majority of CS and are associated with higher mortality and higher resource utilization. Conversely, patients with NI-CS appear to have higher survival but with a higher prevalence of end-organ dysfunction.

Background: Women have a higher rate of adverse events after mitral valve surgery. We sought to evaluate whether outcomes after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair intervention by sex have similar trends to mitral valve surgery. Methods: The primary outcome was 1-year major adverse events defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and any bleeding in the overall study cohort. Patients who underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation with the MitraClip system in the Society of Thoracic Surgery/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy registry were evaluated. Linked administrative claims from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were used to evaluate 1-year clinical outcomes. Associations between sex and outcomes were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model for in-hospital outcomes and Cox model for 1-year outcomes. Results: From November 2013 to March 2017, 5295 patients, 47.6% (n=2523) of whom were female, underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair. Females were less likely to have >1 clip implanted ( P Conclusions: No difference in composite outcome of all-cause mortality, stroke, and any bleeding was observed between females and males. Adjusted 1-year all-cause mortality was lower in females compared with males.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) are definitive and bridging therapies in patients with aortic stenosis. Data on utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in this population is scarce. This study sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the use of Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) in patients undergoing TAVR or BAV at a tertiary-care center. Methods We reviewed all TAVRs and BAVs that required Impella from 2012 and 2020. Patient demographics, procedural outcomes, complications, and 30-day mortality were analyzed. Results A total of 1,965 TAVR and 715 BAV cases were performed in the study period. 30 TAVR and 94 BAV cases required an Impella. 65% of these cases were due to cardiogenic shock (CS) (100% of TAVR and 55% of BAV). 31% were performed in female patients. Transfemoral access was utilized in 98% of cases. Impella CP was used in 98% of cases, other types of MCS were used in 8.7% of cases. 32.2% of cases required MCS for more than 24 hours. In the TAVR population the indication for MCS was 46.6% profound hypotension post valve deployment requiring vasopressors, 16.6% cardiac arrest, 10% sustained ventricular arrhythmia, 10% cardiac tamponade [Office1] and 10% coronary occlusion. In the BAV group the indication was 44% high-risk PCI and 56% CS. The 30-day mortality in TAVR was 40% and 28% in BAV; from the BAV group in CS the mortality was 45%. VARC-2 vascular complications and bleeding complications were observed in 4.8% and 1.5%, respectively. 0.7% of the total cohort required conversion to open-heart surgery. Conclusions Impella support is required in a minority of TAVR or BAV cases. In those who require MCS with Impella for either BAV or TAVR, the total mortality remains high especially in those experiencing CS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The number of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) has increased over the years and it is important to identify the etiologies for hospital admission, as well as the costs, length of stay and in-hospital complications in this patient group. Using the National Readmission Database from 2010 to 2015, we identified patients with a history of LVAD placement using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code V43.21. We aimed to identify the etiologies for hospital admission, patient characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes. We identified a total of 15,996 patients with an LVAD, the mean age was 58 years and 76% were males. The most common cause of hospital readmission after LVAD was heart failure (HF, 13%), followed by gastrointestinal (GI) bleed (11.8%), device complication (11.5%), and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (4.2%). The median length of stay was 6 days (3-11 days) and the median hospital costs was $12,723 USD. The in-hospital mortality was 3.9%, blood transfusion was required in 26.8% of patients, 20.5% had acute kidney injury, 2.8% required hemodialysis, and 6.2% of patients underwent heart transplantation. Interestingly, the most common cause of readmission was the same as the diagnosis for the preceding admission. One in every four LVAD patients experiences a readmission within 30 days of a prior admission, most commonly due to HF and GI bleeding. Interventions to reduce HF readmissions, such as speed optimization, may be one means of improving LVAD outcomes and resource utilization.

INTRODUCTION Treatment of adult congenital heart disease patients who require advanced therapies remains challenging due to high perioperative and wait-list mortality and limited donors. Patients palliated with Fontan are at the highest risk of early mortality due to multiorgan involvement and few centers able to safely transplant them. We sought to evaluate the early outcomes of heart transplants in these adult Fontan patients. METHODS Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we identified all adults aged at least 18 years old who underwent heart transplantation across U.S. hospitals from 2004 to 2014. We then identified those with specific ICD-9 codes to include tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and common ventricle. Multivariate regression models were created to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 93 Fontan patients underwent heart transplant during the study time (0.5% of all heart transplants). Compared to non-Fontan heart transplantations, Fontan patients were younger, with a higher incidence of liver disease and coagulopathy. Fontan patients receiving heart transplant had higher mortality during transplant hospitalization compared to non-Fontan patients (26.3% vs 5.3% OR, 18.10, CI, 5.06-65.0 P

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures have increased exponentially since FDA approval in 2011. Older patients who underwent aortic valve replacement, either TAVI or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), have elevated risk. Using the National Readmission Database, we included patients ≥80 years who underwent either TAVI or SAVR from 2011 to 2015. In-hospital outcomes of TAVI versus SAVR were compared using propensity-matched analysis to reduce the confounding effect of between-group imbalances. We identified a total of 30,590 TAVI and 54,204 SAVR procedures performed during the study period. The propensity score-matching algorithm yielded 19,713 patients in each group. The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in TAVI compared with SAVR (3.4% vs 6.8%, p0.001). Similarly, the 30-day readmission rate (15.2% vs 18.1% p = 0.001), in-hospital complications, mean length of stay (7 vs 12 days, p0.001), and hospital cost (US$ 60,534 vs US$ 67,426) were significantly lower for TAVI patients. There was a significant increase in the use of TAVI (26 cased per month in 2011 to 1,237/month in 2015) and a decrease in SAVR (1,409/month in 2011 to 859/month in 2015) during the study period. In-patient mortality significantly decreased for patients who underwent TAVI (4.4% in 2011 to 2.5% in 2015) and did not significantly change for patients who underwent SAVR (5.0% in 2011 to 4.7% in 2015). Overall, the number of SAVR procedures remained two thirds higher than TAVI. In conclusion, in octo- and nonagenarians, TAVI is an effective and safer alternative to SAVR as it is associated with lower in-hospital mortality, lower major in-hospital complications, lower 30-day readmission rate, and hospital costs. Despite this, SAVR remained the most common approach in octogenarians, although the trends in this data set, suggest a shift in practice patterns for this cohort.

INTRODUCTION Transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased morbidity compared with endovascular TAVR. We sought to compare the differences in clinical outcomes between endovascular and transapical TAVR approaches utilizing a propensity score model. METHODS Patients undergoing TAVR (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 35.05 and 35.06) between January 2011 and November 2014 were identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database, and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed comparing transapical versus endovascular approach. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality and 30-day all-cause readmission. We also evaluated trends in use of TAVR over the years. RESULTS We identified 28,302 endovascular TAVR and 7967 transapical TAVR performed during the study period. The propensity score-matching algorithm yielded 7879 well-matched patients in each group. The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in endovascular TAVR compared with transapical TAVR (1.7% vs 6.7%; OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.17- 0.35; P < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate was lower in endovascular TAVR (14.4% vs 16.8%; OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98; P = 0.036). Use of TAVR increased from 585 (74% endovascular TAVR) in 2011 to 16,801 in 2014 (82.8% endovascular TAVR). CONCLUSIONS Endovascular TAVR is associated with significantly lower in-patient mortality and lower readmission rate when compared with transapical TAVR. Heart failure remains the most common cause for readmission after TAVR regardless of approach.

Background The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) has been used in a wide range of critically ill patients. It is not indicated for routine care of heart failure (HF), but its role in cardiogenic shock (CS) has not been clarified. Methods and Results We conducted a retrospective cohort study with the use of the National Inpatient Sample and identified a total of 9,431,944 adult patients admitted from 2004 to 2014 with the primary diagnosis of HF (n = 8,516,528) or who developed CS (n = 915,416) during the index hospitalization. Overall, patients with PAC had increased hospital costs, length of stay, and mechanical circulatory support use. In patients with HF, PAC use was associated with higher mortality (9.9% vs 3.3%, OR 3.96; P < .001) but the excess of mortality declined over time. In those with CS, PAC was associated with lower mortality (35.1% vs 39.2%, OR 0.91; P < .001) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (14.9% vs 18.3%, OR 0.77; P < .001); this paradox persisted after propensity score matching. Conclusions The use of PAC in CS has decreased from 2004 to 2014, although its use is now associated with improved outcomes, which may reflect better selection of patients or better use of the information to guide therapies. Our data provide reassurance that PAC use in this population is an appropriate strategy.

We aimed to determine the causes and predictors for 30-day re-admission following a hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the United States.This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the National Re-admission Database. We included adult patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of DKA, from 2010 to 2014. Our primary objective was to determine the frequency and causes for 30-day re-admission after an index hospitalization for DKA. We also performed multivariate regression analyses using covariates from the index admission to identify predictors for 30-day re-admissions.Among 479,590 admissions for DKA, 58,961 (12.3%) were re-admitted within 30 days. Recurrent DKA represented 40.8% of all-cause re-admissions. In multivariate analysis, end-stage renal disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00 to 2.27; P.001), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 2.42 to 2.58; P.001), discharge against medical advice (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.86 to 2.09; P.001), and drug use (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.71 to 1.86; P.001) were the most significant predictors for 30-day re-admission. About 50% of patients were re-admitted within 2 weeks after discharge.In the U.S., about one in every eight patients with DKA is re-admitted within 30 days, with 40.8% representing recurrent DKA episodes. Patients with end-stage renal disease, high comorbidity burden, drug use, and/or leaving against medical advice represented the highest risk group for re-admissions. Future studies with interventions focusing on high-risk population are critically needed.AKI = acute kidney injury; BMI = body mass index; CCI = Charlson Comorbidity Index; CI = confidence interval; DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; DM1 = type 1 diabetes mellitus; DM2 = type 2 diabetes mellitus; ESRD = end-stage renal disease; ICD-9-CM = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification; IQR = interquartile range; LOS = length of stay; NRD = National Re-admission Database; OR = odds ratio.

Background Increasing vasopressor dose is associated with increasing mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS). It is unknown whether the use of vasopressors is independently harmful or if their use is secondary to decreasing intrinsic cardiac power output (CPO). Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices enhance CPO. We sought to evaluate the independent impact of increasing vasopressor dose on survival in the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI). Methods The NCSI is a single arm prospective trial evaluating outcomes associated with the use of MCS using Impella in patients with AMICS. Early initiation of MCS placement before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and rapid de-escalation of vasopressors guided by systematic use of invasive hemodynamic measures led to 70% in-hospital survival for the first 300 patients enrolled from July 2016 to December 2019 in 57 U.S. sites. Results Hemodynamic measures were obtained immediately after MCS and PCI. Survival curves were constructed based on CPO and use of vasopressors. For patients with CPO ≤0.6 W, survival was 77.3%, 45.0%, and 35.3% when 0, 1, or ≥ 2 vasopressors were used (p = 0.02). Similarly, for patients with CPO >0.6 W survival was 81.7%, 72.6%, and 56.8%, respectively (p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increasing vasopressor requirements were independently associated with increasing mortality (p = 0.02). Conclusion Increasing vasopressor requirement is associated with increased mortality in AMICS independent of underlying CPO. Methods to decrease the need for vasopressors may enhance survival in AMICS.

Despite advances in cardiovascular care, managing cardiogenic shock caused by structural heart disease is challenging. Patients with cardiogenic shock are critically ill upon presentation and require early disease recognition and rapid escalation of care. Temporary mechanical circulatory support provides a higher level of care than current medical therapies such as vasopressors and inotropes. This review article focuses on the role of hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical circulatory support, and device selection in patients who present with cardiogenic shock due to structural heart disease. Early initiation of appropriate mechanical circulatory support may reduce morbidity and mortality.

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is associated with high mortality. Patients ≥75 years old represent an increasing proportion of those who present with AMICS and are at high risk for adverse outcomes.The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative includes patients with AMICS treated using a standard shock protocol with early invasive hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated the outcomes of patients based on their age group, dividing them into75 and ≥75 years old.We included 300 consecutive patients: 238 were75 years old (79.3%) and 62 patients ≥75 years old. There were significant differences in survival; patients75 years old had a 75.6% survival, while those ≥75 years old had a 50% survival (adjusted OR: 10.4, P = 0.001). SCAI shock classification impacted survival as well; those75 years old with class C or D shock had a survival of 84%, compared with 57% in those ≥75 years old. Patients ≥75 years old requiring 1 or 2 vasopressors had significantly lower survival rates (36% and 25%, respectively) when compared with patients75 years old (76.7% with 1 and 60.5% with1 vasopressor).Age is inversely proportional to survival; patients75 years old have high rates of survival if treated using best practices with invasive hemodynamic monitoring, early MCS, and PCI. However, using a standardized protocol can improve survival in the elderly; therefore, age on its own should not be a reason to withhold PCI or MCS use.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of race, ethnicity, and sex on in-hospital outcomes using data from the National Inpatient Sample.Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a major cause of mortality following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Early revascularization reduces mortality in such patients. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are increasingly used to hemodynamically support patients during revascularization. Little is known about racial, ethnic, and sex disparities in patients with STEMI and CS.The National Inpatient Sample was queried from January 2006 to September 2015 for hospitalizations with STEMI and CS. The associations between sex, race, ethnicity, and outcomes were examined using complex-samples multivariate logistic or generalized linear model regressions.Of 159,339 patients with STEMI and CS, 57,839 (36.3%) were women. In-hospital mortality was higher for all women (range 40% to 45.4%) compared with men (range 30.4% to 34.7%). Women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 1.16; p 0.001) as well as Black (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.34; p = 0.011) and Hispanic (aOR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.33; p = 0.003) men had higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared with White men, with Hispanic women having the highest odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.70; p 0.001). Women were older (age: 69.8 years vs. 63.2 years), had more comorbidities, and underwent fewer invasive cardiac procedures, including revascularization, right heart catheterization, and MCS.There are significant racial, ethnic, and sex differences in procedural utilization and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI and CS. Women are less likely to undergo invasive cardiac procedures, including revascularization and MCS. Women as well as Black and Hispanic patients have a higher likelihood of death compared with White men.

Based on the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient database in the United States, this study sought to evaluate real-world outcomes after bariatric surgery among patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES We applied the cardiovascular angiography and interventions (SCAI) shock staging system to patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) who were enrolled in the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative (NCSI). BACKGROUND The SCAI shock staging system provides a framework for evaluation of patients with CS based on clinical and hemodynamic parameters, but has not been validated in patients with AMI-CS managed with a contemporary treatment algorithm that incorporates early use of Impella. METHODS Consecutive patients enrolled in NCSI were identified, all of whom were managed with invasive hemodynamic guidance and supported with Impella. Patients were retrospectively categorized into appropriate SCAI shock stages, and outcomes were assessed accordingly. RESULTS A total of 300 patients were included in the analysis; 182 patients (61%) presented in Stage C shock, 25 (8%) in Stage D, and 93 (31%) in Stage E. Survival to hospital discharge was 76, 76, and 58%, respectively (p = .006). Survival was

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and septal myectomy (SM) are therapeutic interventions for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) who remain symptomatic despite medical treatment. Outcomes for both interventions in age groups ≤65 versus65 years are scarce. We queried the National Readmission Database for adult patients undergoing either SM or ASA between 2010 and 2015 for HC. Patients were divided into 2 age-groups (≤65-years and65-years). We aimed to compare the in-hospital mortality, complication rates, and resource utilization for each procedure between the 2 age-groups. We identified 4,358 patients with HC who underwent intervention, of which 2,113 were treated with SM and 2,245 with ASA. In-hospital mortality was 6-times higher in patients ≤65 years old who underwent SM compared with ASA (1.5% vs 0.3% odds ratio 6.2; p = 0.04); and 4-times higher in patients65 years treated with SM compared with ASA (6.7% vs 1.7% odds ratio 4.29; p = 0.04). Blood transfusion rates and stroke were higher in patients undergoing SM, regardless of their age-group. Length of hospital stay was lower in the ASA group (3 days vs 6 days for both age groups, p0.001) as well as median hospital costs (≤65 years old: $15,474 vs $31.531; and65 years old: $16,672 vs $36,042, p0.001). In conclusion, patients with HC treated with ASA had significantly lower in-hospital mortality, complications rates, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs compared with patients undergoing SM at any age.

Background Despite improvements in acute care and survival after non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) hospitalization, early readmissions remain common, and have significant clinical and financial impact. Objectives Determine the predictors and etiologies of 30-day readmissions in NSTE-ACS. Method The study cohort was derived from the National Readmission Database 2014 identifying patients with a primary diagnosis of NSTE-ACS using ICD9 code. Results We identified a total of 300,269 patients admitted with NSTE-ACS; 13.4% were readmitted within 30-day. The most common cause of readmission was heart failure (HF) (15.6%), followed by a recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) (10%). Predictors of increased readmissions were age ≥ 75 years (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.30-1.39), female gender (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09-1.16), a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) >3 (OR 2.11, 95% CI: 2.04-2.18), ESRD (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.89-2.14), CKD (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.51-1.64), length of stay ≥5 days (OR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.46-1.56) and adverse events during the index admission such as AKI (OR:1.31, 95% CI: 1.25-1.36), major bleeding (OR:1.20, 95% CI: 1.12-1.24); whereas admission to a teaching hospital (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95) and PCI (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.67-0.72) were associated with less likelihood of 30-day readmission. Conclusion Readmission rate at 30-days is high among NSTE-ACS patients and the most common readmission etiologies are HF and recurrent MI. A CCI more than 3 and ESRD were the most significant predictors for readmission; patients undergoing PCI had less odds of readmission.

Background Patients undergoing percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS)-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) represent a high-risk group vulnerable to complications and readmissions. Hypothesis Thirty-day readmissions after pMCS-assisted PCI are common among patients with comorbidities and account for a significant amount of healthcare spending. Methods Patients undergoing PCI and pMCS (Impella, TandemHeart, or intra-aortic balloon pump) for any indication between January 1, 2012, and November 30, 2014, were selected from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were identified using appropriate ICD-9-CM codes. Clinical risk factors and complications were analyzed for association with 30-day readmission. Results Our analysis included 29 247 patients, of which 4535 (15.5%) were readmitted within 30 days. On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years, female sex, hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart failure, prior implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, liver disease, end-stage renal disease, and length of stay ≥5 days during index hospitalization were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Cardiac etiologies accounted for ~60% of readmissions, of which systolic or diastolic heart failure (22%), stable coronary artery disease (11.1%), acute coronary syndromes (8.9%), and nonspecific chest pain (4.0%) were the most common causes. In noncardiac causes, sepsis/septic shock (4.6%), hypotension/syncope (3.2%), gastrointestinal bleed (3.1%), and acute kidney injury (2.6%) were among the most common causes of 30-day readmissions. Mean length of stay and cost of readmissions was 4 days and $16 191, respectively. Conclusions Thirty-day readmissions after pMCS-assisted PCI are common and are predominantly associated with increased burden of comorbidities. Reducing readmissions for common cardiac etiologies could save substantial healthcare costs.

Previous reports have described non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy related to a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, very few case reports describe Sjögren disease as a contributing factor to cardiomyopathy. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with a history of Sjögren disease who presented with cardiogenic shock. Laboratory testing and cardiac MRI revealing apical septal late gadolinium enhancement were consistent with an autoimmune aetiology. After ruling out ischaemic, infectious and other possible causes, the patient’s clinical presentation was thought to be related to underlying Sjögren disease. She was treated with intravenous steroids and evidence-based heart failure therapy, but she eventually died after having declined heart transplantation. Given the rarity of Sjögren disease, no diagnostic criteria or standard treatment has been established for cardiomyopathy related to this disease. Diagnosis should be considered in patients who show evidence of autoimmune processes after other possible causes are ruled out.

We read with interest the letters from Drs. Rao and Thiele and Khan and colleagues concerning our paper ([1][1]). Though randomized control trials (RCTs) are the gold standard of evidence-based medicine, simply dismissing the results of a well-conducted, prospective, single-arm study is unfair. In

Objectives This study sought to compare outcomes of patients enrolled in the NCSI (National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative) trial who were treated using a revascularization strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of multivessel PCI (MV-PCI) versus culprit-vessel PCI (CV-PCI). Background In patients with multivessel disease who present with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS), intervening on the nonculprit vessel is controversial. There are conflicting published reports and lack of evidence, particularly in patients treated with early mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Methods From July 2016 to December 2019, patients who presented with AMICS to 57 participating hospitals were included in this analysis. All patients were treated using a standard shock protocol emphasizing early MCS, revascularization, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) were analyzed according to whether CV-PCI or MV-PCI was undertaken during the index procedure. Results Of 198 patients with MVCAD, 126 underwent MV-PCI (64%) and 72 underwent CV-PCI (36%). Demographics between the cohorts were similar with respect to age, sex, history of diabetes, prior PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting, and prior history of myocardial infarction. Patients who underwent MV-PCI had a trend toward more severe impairment of cardiac output and worse lactate clearance on presentation, and cardiac performance was significantly worse at 12 h. However, 24 h from PCI, the hemometabolic derangements were similar. Survival and rates of acute kidney injury were not significantly different between groups (69.8% MV-PCI vs. 65.3% CV-PCI; p = 0.51; and 29.9% vs. 34.2%; p = 0.64, respectively). Conclusions In patients with MVCAD presenting with AMICS treated with early MCS, revascularization of nonculprit lesions was associated with similar hospital survival and acute kidney injury when compared with culprit-only PCI. Selective nonculprit PCI can be safety performed in AMICS in patients supported with mechanical circulatory support.