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Resumo Fundamento Tem sido observado um grande avanço nas técnicas e nos dispositivos para a realização de intervenções coronárias percutâneas (ICP) em oclusões totais coronarianas crônicas (OTC), mas existem poucos dados da prática do mundo real em países em desenvolvimento. Objetivos Relatar as características clínicas e angiográficas, os aspectos dos procedimentos e os resultados clínicos da ICP de OTC em centros dedicados a esse procedimento no Brasil. Métodos Os pacientes incluídos foram submetidos à ICP de OTC em centros participantes do LATAM CTO Registry, um registro multicêntrico latino-americano dedicado à coleta prospectiva desses dados. Os critérios de inclusão foram procedimentos realizados no Brasil, idade acima de 18 anos e presença de OTC com tentativa de ICP. A definição de OTC foi lesão de 100% em uma artéria coronária epicárdica, conhecida ou estimada como tendo pelo menos 3 meses de evolução. Resultados Foram incluídos dados de 1.196 ICPs de OTC. Os procedimentos foram realizados principalmente para controle da angina (85%) e/ou tratamento de uma grande área isquêmica (24%). A taxa de sucesso técnico foi de 84% e foi alcançada com técnicas de fios anterógrados em 81%, dissecção/reentrada anterógrada em 9% e retrógrada em 10% dos procedimentos. Os eventos cardiovasculares adversos intra-hospitalares ocorreram em 2,3% dos casos, sendo a mortalidade de 0,75%. Conclusões As OTC podem ser tratadas no Brasil por intervenção coronária percutânea de forma efetiva e com baixas taxas de complicações. O desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico observado nessa área na última década reflete-se na prática clínica de centros brasileiros dedicados a essa técnica. Abstract Background Major advances have been seen in techniques and devices for performing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs), but there are limited real-world practice data from developing countries. Objectives To report clinical and angiographic characteristics, procedural aspects, and clinical outcomes of CTO PCI performed at dedicated centers in Brazil. Methods Included patients underwent CTO PCI at centers participating in the LATAM CTO Registry, a Latin American multicenter registry dedicated to prospective collection of these data. Inclusion criteria were procedures performed in Brazil, age 18 years or over, and presence of CTO with PCI attempt. CTO was defined as a 100% lesion in an epicardial coronary artery, known or estimated to have lasted at least 3 months. Results Data on 1196 CTO PCIs were included. Procedures were performed primarily for angina control (85%) and/or treatment of moderate/severe ischemia (24%). Technical success rate was 84%, being achieved with antegrade wire approaches in 81% of procedures, antegrade dissection and re-entry in 9%, and retrograde approaches in 10%. In-hospital adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 2.3% of cases, with a mortality rate of 0.75%. Conclusions CTOs can be treated effectively in Brazil by using PCI, with low complication rates. The scientific and technological development observed in this area in the past decade is reflected in the clinical practice of dedicated Brazilian centers.

Background Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) provides a non-invasive assessment of the coronary artery tree. Computed Tomography - adapted Leaman Score (CT-LeSc) has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiac events in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with a score greater than 5 (high). Purpose To investigate the relationship between CT-LeSc and the progression of CAD and to provide vessel- and segment-level CAD qualification and quantification at baseline and 7-year follow-up. Methods Patients with multivessel CAD and CCTA assessments at baseline and follow-up were included. The CT-LeSc analysis was performed in a paired fashion. The patient-level scores and the differences between each phase were assessed by 2 analysts in an independent core laboratory. Results This study analyzed 248 coronary segments from 17 patients with a mean follow-up interval of 7.5 ± 0.6 years. The mean CT-LeSc at baseline and follow-up were 14.6 ± 4.2 and 16.9 ± 1.5, respectively, with an absolute increase of 2.3 ± 1.8. The mean cumulative increase of new lesions was 0.2 ± 0.2 per year. Over time, 14.6% of the non-obstructive lesions became obstructive, and 15.0% of the non-calcified plaques became calcified. There were 29 new lesions found at follow-up, and out of these, 16 were obstructive and 19 were non-calcified. Conclusion In patients at high risk for cardiac events, as determined by CT-LeSc, there was an increase in CT-LeSc, obstructive lesions, and calcified plaques over the 7-year follow-up period. Most of the new lesions were obstructive and non-calcified. This is the first report showing long-term serial imaging CCTA changes in a high-risk population.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that prasugrel monotherapy following successful everolimus-eluting stent implantation is feasible and safe in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Background Recent studies have suggested that short dual-antiplatelet therapy strategies may provide an adequate balance between ischemic and bleeding risks. However, the complete omission of aspirin immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been tested so far. Methods The study was a multicenter, single-arm, open-label trial with a stopping rule based on the occurrence of definite stent thrombosis (if >3, trial enrollment would be terminated). Patients undergoing successful everolimus-eluting stent implantation for stable CAD with SYNTAX (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) scores Results From February 22, 2018, to May 7, 2019, 201 patients were enrolled. All patients underwent PCI for stable CAD. Overall, 98.5% of patients were adherent to prasugrel at 3-month follow-up. The primary ischemic and bleeding endpoints occurred in 1 patient (0.5%). No stent thrombosis events occurred. Conclusions Aspirin-free prasugrel monotherapy following successful everolimus-eluting stent implantation demonstrated feasibility and safety without any stent thrombosis in selected low-risk patients with stable CAD. These findings may help underpin larger randomized controlled studies to evaluate the aspirin-free strategy compared with traditional dual-antiplatelet therapy following PCI. (Acetyl Salicylic Elimination Trial: The ASET Pilot Study [ASET]; NCT03469856)

Introducao A COVID-19, descrita inicialmente no final de 2019 na China, pode, nas formas graves, cursar como pneumonia atipica e sindrome do desconforto respiratorio grave. Classificada em fevereiro de 2020 como pandemia pela Organizacao Mundial da Saude (OMS), tem determinado importantes repercussoes clinicas, sociais, politicas e economicas, deixando marcas, consequencias e aprendizados. A sociedade como um todo teve que se adaptar a uma nova realidade. Hospitais precisaram reescrever suas rotinas e procedimentos operacionais. A criacao de cuidados especiais para evitar [...]

Background Social isolation and marketing campaign to avoid “unnecessary” use of healthcare system to fight against COVID-19 pandemic might impact on the decision to seek medical care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic on trends in numbers of visits to emergency department, non-elective admissions, and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures for treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction, at a reference cardiology hospital. Methods Daily numbers of visits to emergency [...]

RESUMO As oclusoes coronarias cronicas sao diagnosticadas em cerca de 20% das coronariografias, mas a recanalizacao percutânea dessas lesoes e subindicada. Esses pacientes sao usualmente tratados com revascularizacao percutânea incompleta ou referenciados para cirurgia de revascularizacao miocardica. O constante avanco nos dispositivos de intervencao, associado a tecnicas inovadoras, propiciou importante incremento nas taxas de sucesso de recanalizacao, mesmo nos cenarios anatomicos mais complexos. As tecnicas de abordagem retrogada sao consideradas parte do conjunto de habilidades essenciais para um operador dedicado [...]

Background The association between smoking and better clinical outcomes in myocardial infarction patients undergoing fibrinolysis is known as the smoking paradox. The relation between smoking and clinical outcomes after primary angioplasty is controversial. The study aimed to assess the association between smoking and hospital mortality in patients admitted due to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction submitted to primary angioplasty. Methods A single-center registry including all patients submitted to primary angioplasty from January to July 2014. A comparative analysis was carried [...]

Objectives We aimed to explore angiographic patterns and in‐hospital outcomes of patients with concomitant coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) and myocardial infarction (MI). Background Patients with COVID‐19 may experience MI during the course of the viral infection. However, this association is currently poorly understood. Methods This is a multicenter prospective study of consecutive patients with concomitant COVID‐19 and MI who underwent coronary angiography. Quantitative and qualitative coronary angiography were analyzed by two observers in an independent core lab. Results A total of 152 patients were included, of whom 142 (93.4%) had COVID‐19 diagnosis confirmation. The median time between symptom onset and hospital admission was 5 (1–10) days. A total of 83 (54.6%) patients presented with ST‐elevation MI. The median angiographic Syntax score was 16 (9.0–25.3) and 69.0% had multi‐vessel disease. At least one complex lesion was found in 73.0% of patients, 51.3% had a thrombus containing lesion, and 57.9% had myocardial blush grades 0/1. The overall in‐hospital mortality was 23.7%. ST‐segment elevation MI presentation and baseline myocardial blush grades 0 or 1 were independently associated with a higher risk of death (HR 2.75, 95%CI 1.30–5.80 and HR 3.73, 95%CI 1.61–8.61, respectively). Conclusions Patients who have a MI in the context of ongoing COVID‐19 mostly present complex coronary morphologies, implying a background of prior atherosclerotic disease superimposed on a thrombotic milieu. The in‐hospital prognosis is poor with a markedly high mortality, prompting further investigation to better clarify this newly described condition.

Metabolic syndrome is a primary driver of vascular inflammation, plaque development, and atherosclerotic disease. The Computed Tomography-adapted Leaman Score (CT-LeSc) has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiac events in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients but has never been studied for broader applicability. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with similar systemic inflammatory processes as CAD, and its presence as assessed by Computed Tomography Liver and Spleen Attenuation (CT-LSA) may impact on the extension of the CT-LeSc. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the CT-LeSc and NAFLD and to characterize and compare the inflammatory processes of each disease state. This was an exploratory study in which patients with known multivessel CAD who were scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were included. CT-LeSc were graded on pre-existing criteria by two independent CoreLab analysts. CT-LSA parameters analyzed included the liver absolute attenuation value, liver and spleen attenuation difference and liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio and were scored by two independent CoreLab analysts as well. Inflammatory mediator analysis included routine laboratory draws for a variety of known signal molecules. The overall liver absolute attenuation value did not correlate significantly with the CT-LeSc, but the subgroup 50 to 65 HU showed moderately negative correlation (R = − 0.629; p = 0.008). The overall liver and spleen attenuation difference did not correlate significantly with the CT-LeSc, but the subgroup 1 to 18 HU showed moderately positive correlation (R = 0.513; p = 0.017). The overall and subgroup liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio did not correlate with the CT-LeSc. The eosinophil and leukocyte ratio showed weakly negative correlation with the overall CT-LeSc (R = − 0.4602; p = 0.008), and VCAM-1 showed moderately negative correlation with CT-LeSc

Background Percutaneous intervention for obstructive lesions of the unprotected left main coronary artery is complex. Choosing the vascular access can be decisive to a successful procedure. The objective of the present study was to describe the characteristics and hospital outcomes of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease and compare the radial and femoral access approaches. Methods Clinical and angiographic data, access routes and hospital outcomes of patients that have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention of the unprotected left [...]

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is being progressively used to stratify the cardiovascular risk in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Computed Tomography - adapted Leaman Score (CT-LeSc) has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiac events in CAD patients with score >5 (high

Objectives To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America. Background CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region. Methods An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis. Results We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 ± 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9% CONCLUSIONS: CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.

BACKGROUND The determination of the ischemic status of a coronary artery by wireless physiologic assessment derived from angiography has been validated and approved in the US. However, the use ofplain angiography quantitative variables does not add much to thephysiology data since it has low correlation with fractional flowreserve (FFR) and predicts clinical outcomes poorly. Recently, a grayscale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) derived physiology method(IVUSFR) was developed and showed a good correlation with invasiveFFR by combining the geometric advantages of IVUS with physiology.The aim of this study is to assess the coefficient of correlation (R) ofinvasive FFR compared to IVUSFR and quantitative flow ratio (QFR).METHODS Stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with intermediate lesions (i.e. 40?80% of diameter stenosis) were assessed by angiography and IVUS. QFR was derived from the angiography images, andIVUSFR was derived from quantitative IVUS data using computationalfluid dynamics. Coefficient of correlation (R) was used in this report.RESULTS Twenty-four patients with 34 lesions were included in theanalysis. The IVUSFR, invasive FFR, Vessel QFR fixed flow (vQFRf),and Vessel QFR contrast flow (vQFRc) values varied from 0.52 to 1.00,0.71 to 0.99, 0.55 to 1.00, and 0.34 to 1.00, respectively. The coefficient of correlation (R) of FFR vs. IVUSFR was 0.79; FFR vs. vQFRf was0.72; FFR vs. vQFRc was 0.65 (Figure).CONCLUSION Compared to invasive FFR, IVUSFR and vQFRf showed asimilar coefficient of correlation and were better than vQFR contrast flow Fil: Kajita, Alexandre. Medstart; Estados Unidos Fil: Bezerra, Cristiano Guedes. Universidade Federal da Bahia; Brasil Fil: Ozaki, Yuichi. Medstart; Estados Unidos Fil: Dan, Kazuhiro. Medstart; Estados Unidos Fil: Melaku, Gebremedhin D.. Medstart; Estados Unidos Fil: Pinton, Fabio A.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Falcão, Breno A. A.. Hospital of Messejana; Brasil Fil: Mariani, José. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Bulant, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. National Laboratory For Scientific Computing; Brasil Fil: Maso Talou, Gonzalo Daniel. National Laboratory For Scientific Computing; Brasil Fil: Esteves, Antonio. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Blanco, Pablo Javier. National Laboratory For Scientific Computing; Brasil Fil: Waksman, Ron. Medstart; Estados Unidos Fil: Garcia Garcia, Hector M.. Medstart; Estados Unidos Fil: Lemons, Pedro Alves. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil

Background: Comparison between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using stents and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) remains controversial. Objective: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of PCI using Stents versus CABG in randomized controlled trials. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized trials comparing PCI using Stents versus CABG for multi-vessel and unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). 15 trials were found and their results were pooled. Differences between trials were considered significant if p < 0.05. Results: In the pooled data (n = 12,781), 30 days mortality and stroke were lower with PCI (1% versus 1.7%, p = 0.01 and 0.6% versus 1.7% p < 0.0001); There was no difference in one and two year mortality (3.3% versus 3.7%, p = 0.25; 6.3% versus 6.0%, p = 0.5). Long term mortality favored CABG (10.6% versus 9.4%, p = 0.04), particularly in trials of DES era (10.1% versus 8.5%, p = 0.01). In diabetics (n = 3,274) long term mortality favored CABG (13.7% versus 10.3%; p < 0.0001). In six trials of LMCAD (n = 4,700) there was no difference in 30 day mortality (0.6%versus 1.1%, p = 0.15), one year mortality (3% versus 3.7%, p = 0.18), and long term mortality (8.1% versus 8.1%) between PCI and CABG; the incidence of stroke was lower with PCI (0.3% versus 1.5%; p < 0.001). Diabetes and a high SYNTAX score were the subgroups that influenced more adversely the results of PCI. Conclusion: Compared with CABG, PCI using Stents showed lower 30 days mortality, higher late mortality and lower incidence of stroke. Diabetes and a high SYNTAX were the subgroups that influenced more adversely the results of PCI. Resumo Fundamento: A comparação entre a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) utilizando stents e cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) permanece controversa. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática com metanálise da ICP utilizando stents vs. CRM em estudos clínicos randomizados. Métodos: Foram pesquisadas bases de dados eletrônicas para identificar estudos randomizados comparando a ICP com stents vs. CRM em multiarteriais e lesão de tronco de coronária esquerda desprotegida (LTCED). Foram encontrados quinze estudos, e seus resultados foram agrupados. As diferenças entre os estudos foram consideradas significativas com valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Nos dados agrupados (n = 12.781), a mortalidade em 30 dias e o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) tiveram menor incidência com a ICP (1% versus 1,7%, p = 0,01; 0,6% versus 1,7%, p < 0,0001); não houve diferença na mortalidade em um e dois anos (3,3% versus 3,7%, p = 0,25; 6,3% versus 6,0%, p = 0,5). A mortalidade em longo prazo favoreceu a CRM (10,6% versus 9,4%, p = 0,04), particularmente nos estudos realizados na era do stent farmacológico (SF) (10,1% versus 8,5%, p = 0,01). Nos diabéticos (n = 3.274), a mortalidade em longo prazo favoreceu a CRM (13,7% versus 10,3%; p < 0,0001). Em seis estudos de LTCED (n = 4.700) não houve diferença na mortalidade em 30 dias (0,6% versus 1,1%, p = 0,15), mortalidade em um ano (3% versus 3,7%, p = 0,18) e mortalidade em longo prazo (8,1% versus 8,1%) entre ICP e CRM; a incidência de AVC foi menor com a ICP (0,3% versus 1,5%; p < 0,001). Diabetes e um escore SYNTAX elevado foram os subgrupos que influenciaram de maneira mais adversa os resultados da ICP. Conclusão: Comparada à CRM, a ICP com stent apresentou menor mortalidade em 30 dias, maior mortalidade tardia e menor incidência de AVC. Diabetes e escore SYNTAX elevado foram os subgrupos que influenciaram de maneira mais adversa os resultados da ICP.

While the atherosclerotic plaque volume can be manually quantified in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) it is impractical for clinical routine use. Several anatomical scores have been developed as surrogates for overall atherosclerotic burden in coronary CTA and even proven to be highly predictive for future adverse events. However, they have not been validated against the gold standard for atherosclerotic burden, intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS). In the present study we have compared several coronary CTA scores with the coronary IVUS.A total of 62 patients with diagnosed coronary disease scheduled for percutaneous intervention were prospectively enrolled. For all patients, coronary CTA and multivessel IVUS were obtained. Calcium score and 6 previously reported scores were calculated from coronary CTA imaging and compared to average IVUS-derived percent atheroma volume (PAV). On average, 3.8 ± 0.7 vessels, comprising 123.8 ± 31.3 mm in length, were imaged with IVUS per patient. All but one previously described scoring systems showed a significant association with IVUS-derived PAV. Among them, the SSS score demonstrated the strongest correlation with IVUS-PAV (r = 0.61, p0.001) and the greatest area under the ROC curve (C-statistic = 0.87), to predict a high PAV.Most frequently used coronary CTA scores have a good correlation with global coronary atherosclerotic burden measured by multivessel IVUS derived atheroma volume. Among them, the SSS score shows the best performance being a good non-invasive alternative to IVUS for global coronary atherosclerotic burden assessment.

Computed Tomography - adapted Leaman Score(CT-LeSc) has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular(CV) events in coronary artery disease(CAD) patients. However, the association between CT-LeSc CAD progression assessment and inflammatory markers or white blood cells ratios(WBCRs)

Computed tomography (CT) angiography has been progressively used to assess patients’ cardiovascular (CV) risk. CT-adapted Leaman score (CT-LeSc), when >5 (high), is an independent predictive factor for CV events. However, the relationship between CT-LeSc and white blood cells ratios (WBCR) and

Background: The choice between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized studies comparing drug-eluting stents (DES) and CABG in multivessel disease or obstruction of the left main coronary artery. Method: Electronic databases were searched systematically to evaluate results of randomized trials comparing PCI with DES versus CABG in multivessel disease and obstruction of the left main coronary artery. Ten studies were identified. Results: In the aggregated results (n = 9268), mortality at 30 days and incidence of stroke favored PCI (0.8% versus 1.5%, p = 0.005; 0.4% versus 1.5%, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was no difference in mortality at 1 year (3.4% versus 3.5%, p = 0.50). The late mortality favored CABG (10.1% versus 8.5%, p = 0.01). In patients with diabetes derived from four studies (n = 3830), late mortality favored CABG (12.5% versus 9.7%, p < 0.0001). In six studies of left main coronary artery obstruction (n = 4700), the incidence of stroke favored PCI (0.3% versus 1.5%, p < 0.001) and there was no difference in mortality at 30 days (0.8% versus 1.3%, p = 0.15), mortality at 1 year, or late mortality (8.1% versus 8.1%). The subgroups with high SYNTAX score and diabetes were those influencing most strongly and adversely the PCI results. Conclusion: When compared with PCI, CABG was superior in regards to late mortality and inferior in regards to 30-day mortality and incidence of stroke. Diabetes and SYNTAX score strongly impacted the results. Resumo Fundamento: A escolha entre intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) e cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) continua controversa. Objetivo: Realizar uma meta-análise dos estudos randomizados que compararam stents farmacológicos (SF) a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) em multiarteriais ou obstrução de tronco de coronária esquerda. Método: Bases de dados eletrônicas foram pesquisadas sistematicamente com objetivo de avaliar resultados de estudos aleatorizados que compararam ICP com uso de SF a CRM em multiarteriais e obstrução de tronco de coronária esquerda. Dez estudos foram identificados. Resultados: Na agregação de resultados (n = 9268) a mortalidade em 30 dias e a incidência de acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) favoreceram a ICP (0,8% versus 1,5%, p = 0,005; 0,4% versus 1,5%, p < 0,0001). Não houve diferença na mortalidade em um ano (3,4% versus 3,5%. p = 0,50). A /mortalidade tardia favoreceu a CRM (10,1% versus 8,5%, p = 0,01). Em diabéticos de quatro estudos (n = 3830); a mortalidade tardia favoreceu a CRM (12,5% versus 9,7% p < 0,0001). Em seis estudos de obstrução de tronco (n = 4700) a incidência de AVE favoreceu a ICP (0,3% versus 1,5%; p < 0,001); não houve diferença na mortalidade em 30 dias (0,8% versus 1,3%. p = 0,15), na mortalidade em um ano nem na mortalidade tardia (8,1% versus 8,1%). Escore de SYNTAX elevado e diabete foram os subgrupos que influenciaram mais fortemente de forma adversa os resultados da ICP. Conclusão: CRM foi superior a ICP na mortalidade tardia e inferior na mortalidade em 30 dias e na incidência de AVE. Diabete e escore de SYNTAX impactaram fortemente nos resultados.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a novel computational algorithm based on three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging in estimating fractional flow reserve (IVUSFR ), compared to gold-standard invasive measurements (FFRINVAS ). BACKGROUND IVUS provides accurate anatomical evaluation of the lumen and vessel wall and has been validated as a useful tool to guide percutaneous coronary intervention. However, IVUS poorly represents the functional status (i.e., flow-related information) of the imaged vessel. METHODS Patients with known or suspected stable coronary disease scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization underwent FFRINVAS measurement and IVUS imaging in the same procedure to evaluate intermediate lesions. A processing methodology was applied on IVUS to generate a computational mesh condensing the geometric characteristics of the vessel. Computation of IVUSFR was obtained from patient-level morphological definition of arterial districts and from territory-specific boundary conditions. FFRINVAS measurements were dichotomized at the 0.80 threshold to define hemodynamically significant lesions. RESULTS A total of 24 patients with 34 vessels were analyzed. IVUSFR significantly correlated (r = 0.79; P < 0.001) and showed good agreement with FFRINVAS , with a mean difference of -0.008 ± 0.067 (P = 0.47). IVUSFR presented an overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 91%, 89%, 92%, 80%, and 96%, respectively, to detect significant stenosis. CONCLUSION The computational processing of IVUSFR is a new method that allows the evaluation of the functional significance of coronary stenosis in an accurate way, enriching the anatomical information of grayscale IVUS.

Background Recently, the MOZART study demonstrated that using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for guiding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the volume of contrast used in the procedure. The authors assessed the incidence of late adverse cardiovascular events in these patients. Methods Patients at risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) or volume overload were randomized to angiography-guided versus IVUS-guided PCI, and followed-up for a 1-year period. Results Eighty-three patients were included in the angiography-guided (n = 42) or IVUS-guided (n = 41) groups, of whom 77.1% were diabetics and 44.6% had creatinine clearance 2 . Clinical and angiographic characteristics did not differ between the groups. Most had type B2/C lesions (89.8%) and a median of two stents were used (interquartile range: 1.0-2.0 stents). The duration of IVUS-guided PCI was 14 minutes longer than the angiography-guided PCI group ( p = 0.006). However, the groups did not differ regarding fluoroscopy time or mean image acquisitions per procedure. CIN occurred in 19.0% vs. 7.3% ( p = 0.26). During the 1-year follow-up, 12% of patients had a major cardiovascular event, with two deaths (one in each group), and no differences were found between groups. Conclusions The contrast reduction strategy with IVUS-guided PCI in patients at risk for CIN or volume overload was shown to be safe in the short and long term.

RESUMO Introducao Recentemente, o estudo MOZART demonstrou que a utilizacao do ultrassom intracoronario (USIC) para guiar a intervencao coronariana percutânea (ICP) diminui o volume de contraste utilizado no procedimento. Avaliamos a incidencia de eventos adversos cardiovasculares tardios desses pacientes. Metodos Pacientes com risco para nefropatia induzida por contraste (NIC) ou para sobrecarga de volume, e com indicacao de ICP, foram randomizados para procedimento guiado pela angiografia ou USIC, e acompanhados por um periodo de 1 ano. Resultados Incluidos 83 pacientes nos grupos ICP guiado por angiografia (n = 42) ou USIC (n = 41), sendo que 77,1% eram diabeticos e 44,6% tinham clearance de creatinina 2 . As caracteristicas clinicas e angiograficas nao mostraram diferencas entre os grupos. A maioria tinha lesoes tipo B2/C (89,8%) e uma mediana de dois stents foram usados (intervalo interquartil: 1,0‐2,0 stents). O tempo de procedimento da ICP guiada por USIC foi 14 minutos maior do que no grupo guiado por angiografia ( p = 0,006). No entanto, os grupos nao diferiram em relacao ao tempo de fluoroscopia ou a media de aquisicoes de imagem por procedimento. A NIC ocorreu em 19,0% vs. 7,3% ( p = 0,26). No periodo de seguimento de 1 ano, 12% dos pacientes apresentaram algum evento cardiovascular maior, sendo dois obitos (um para cada grupo), e nao houve diferencas entre os grupos. Conclusoes A estrategia de reducao de contraste com a ICP guiada pelo ultrassom intravascular, em pacientes com risco para NIC ou sobrecarga de volume, mostrou‐se segura a curto e longo prazos.

Background Accurate aortic valve annulus sizing has critical importance for the planning of percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. Although there is a recommendation to perform the measurement during systole, little is known about the importance of the differences between systolic and diastolic dimensions of the annulus. Methods Consecutive patients referred for TAVI were evaluated with computed tomography for valve annulus sizing during systole and diastole. Area, circumference, minimum and maximum diameters, and their mean derived diameters were obtained in both phases of the cardiac cycle. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to evaluate the differences between the measures. Results The analysis included 41 patients with severe aortic stenosis. Mean area, circumference, and diameters were slightly greater in systole. However, in 35% of patients, diastolic dimensions were greater. These differences, although statistically significant, were small (the greatest difference of 0.6 mm in mean diameter). Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between systolic and diastolic measurements on all parameters evaluated. Conclusions Small differences were observed in the systolic and diastolic dimensions of the aortic valve annulus with computed tomography scan, which, although statistically significant, probably do not impact the selection of prosthesis or the procedure outcome.

ResumoIntroduçãoA medida acurada do tamanho do anel valvar aórtico tem importância fundamental para o planejamento do implante percutâneo de prótese valvar aórtica transcateter (TAVI) em pacientes com estenose valvar aórtica grave. Embora haja recomendação de se realizar a medida na sístole, pouco se sabe sobre a importância das diferenças entre as dimensões sistólica e diastólica do anel.MétodosPacientes consecutivos referidos para TAVI foram avaliados com tomografia computadorizada para medida do anel valvar na sístole e na diástole. Área, circunferência, diâmetros máximo e mínimo, e seus diâmetros médios derivados foram obtidos em ambas as fases do ciclo cardíaco. Gráficos de Bland‐Altman foram construídos para se avaliarem as diferenças entre as medidas.ResultadosForam incluídos na análise 41 pacientes com estenose aórtica grave. As médias da área, circunferência e diâmetros médios foram discretamente maiores na sístole. No entanto, em 35% dos pacientes, as dimensões diastólicas foram maiores. Essas diferenças, embora estatisticamente significantes, foram pequenas (a maior diferença de 0,6mm no diâmetro médio). Gráficos de Bland‐Altman revelaram bons níveis de concordância entre as medidas sistólicas e diastólicas em todos os parâmetros avaliados.ConclusõesObservamos pequenas diferenças nas dimensões sistólicas e diastólicas no anel valvar aórtico à tomografia computadorizada, as quais, embora estatisticamente significantes, provavelmente não impactam na seleção da prótese e nem no resultado do procedimento.AbstractBackgroundAccurate aortic valve annulus sizing has critical importance for the planning of percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. Although there is a recommendation to perform the measurement during systole, little is known about the importance of the differences between systolic and diastolic dimensions of the annulus.MethodsConsecutive patients referred for TAVI were evaluated with computed tomography for valve annulus sizing during systole and diastole. Area, circumference, minimum and maximum diameters, and their mean derived diameters were obtained in both phases of the cardiac cycle. Bland‐Altman plots were constructed to evaluate the differences between the measures.ResultsThe analysis included 41 patients with severe aortic stenosis. Mean area, circumference, and diameters were slightly greater in systole. However, in 35% of patients, diastolic dimensions were greater. These differences, although statistically significant, were small (the greatest difference of 0.6mm in mean diameter). Bland‐Altman plots showed good agreement between systolic and diastolic measurements on all parameters evaluated.ConclusionsSmall differences were observed in the systolic and diastolic dimensions of the aortic valve annulus with computed tomography scan, which, although statistically significant, probably do not impact the selection of prosthesis or the procedure outcome.

ResumoIntroduçãoA aterectomia rotacional com incorporação de novas estratégias ablativas tem sido proposta para o preparo de lesões extremamente calcificadas. Entretanto, pouco se conhece a respeito da adoção dessas novas estratégias na prática contemporânea e sobre a evolução tardia dos pacientes submetidos a esse tratamento. Objetivamos avaliar os aspectos técnicos da aterectomia e a evolução tardia dos pacientes quanto à ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (ECAM).MétodosEstudo retrospectivo e unicêntrico, incluindo todos os pacientes submetidos à aterectomia rotacional como parte do tratamento de lesões coronárias com calcificação extrema ou falha de dilatação em procedimento prévio, no período de julho de 2012 a novembro de 2014. Foram definidos como ECAM: óbito, infarto agudo do miocárdio com onda Q ou nova revascularização do vaso‐alvo.ResultadosForam submetidos à aterectomia 29 pacientes com idade média de 69,5 ± 7,6 anos. A média da relação oliva/vaso foi de 0,54 ± 0,07; a velocidade de rotação inicial adotada foi de 161.000 ± 13.928 e a taxa de utilização de cutting balloon pós‐aterectomia foi de 45,1%. Sucesso angiográfico foi obtido em todos os procedimentos. Na evolução tardia, a mediana de tempo de seguimento foi de 13,2 meses (intervalo interquartil: 4,0 a 17,4 meses). Foram registrados um óbito por causa não cardíaca e duas novas revascularizações do vaso‐alvo. A média do tempo de sobrevivência livre de ECAM foi de 29,7 ± 2,1 meses.ConclusõesA aterectomia rotacional contemporânea incorporou estratégias menos agressivas de ablação, com elevada taxa de sucesso imediato e baixa ocorrência de ECAM na evolução tardia.AbstractBackgroundRotational atherectomy with new ablative strategies have been proposed for the treatment of extremely calcified lesions prior to stent implantation. Nevertheless, few data are available about the adoption of these new strategies in contemporary practice and about late outcomes of patients undergoing this therapy.MethodsFrom July 2012 to November 2014, a retrospective single center registry was conducted, including all patients undergoing rotational atherectomy as part of the treatment of coronary arteries with heavy calcification or previous failed dilation. We evaluated technical aspects of atherectomy and late outcomes of patients for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as death, Q‐wave myocardial infarction or repeat target vessel revascularization.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients with a mean age of 69.5 ± 7.6 years, underwent atherectomy. The average burr‐to‐artery ratio was 0.54 ± 0.07, the initial rotational speed was 161.000 ± 13.928 and the rate of cutting balloon utilization after atherectomy was 45.1%. Angiographic success was achieved in all procedures. The median follow‐up time was 13.2 months (IQ: 4.0‐17.4) and there were three events: 1 death of non‐cardiac cause and 2 new target vessel revascularizations. The mean MACE‐free survival time was 29.7 ± 2.1 months.ConclusionsContemporary rotational atherectomy incorporates less aggressive strategies of ablation with high rates of acute success and low occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events during late follow‐up.

Background Rotational atherectomy with new ablative strategies have been proposed for the treatment of extremely calcified lesions prior to stent implantation. Nevertheless, few data are available about the adoption of these new strategies in contemporary practice and about late outcomes of patients undergoing this therapy. Methods From July 2012 to November 2014, a retrospective single center registry was conducted, including all patients undergoing rotational atherectomy as part of the treatment of coronary arteries with heavy calcification or previous failed dilation. We evaluated technical aspects of atherectomy and late outcomes of patients for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as death, Q-wave myocardial infarction or repeat target vessel revascularization. Results Twenty-nine patients with a mean age of 69.5 ± 7.6 years, underwent atherectomy. The average burr-to-artery ratio was 0.54 ± 0.07, the initial rotational speed was 161.000 ± 13.928 and the rate of cutting balloon utilization after atherectomy was 45.1%. Angiographic success was achieved in all procedures. The median follow-up time was 13.2 months (IQ: 4.0-17.4) and there were three events: 1 death of non- cardiac cause and 2 new target vessel revascularizations. The mean MACE-free survival time was 29.7 ± 2.1 months. Conclusions Contemporary rotational atherectomy incorporates less aggressive strategies of ablation with high rates of acute success and low occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events during late follow-up.

IntroductionWe evaluated the safety and efficacy of protamine administration, guided by activated clotting time, for the immediate femoral arterial sheath removal in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with unfractionated heparin in order to propose an algorithm for clinical practice.MethodsProspective study with consecutive patients with stable angina or low-to-moderate risk acute coronary syndrome. We compared patients with an early removal of the arterial sheath to those whose sheath removal was based on a standard protocol.ResultsThe early removal group (n = 149) had lower access manipulation time than the conventional group (58.3 ± 21.4 minutes vs. 355.0 ± 62.9 minutes; p < 0.01), mainly due to a reduced time to sheath removal (42.3 ± 21.1 minutes vs. 338.6 ± 61.5 minutes; p < 0.01), with no impact on the duration of femoral compression (16.0 ± 3.6 minutes vs. 16.4 ± 5.1 minutes; p = 0.49). There was no stent thrombosis during hospitalization and no significant differences in the incidence of major vascular or bleeding events. The incidence of other bleeding events leading to a prolonged in-hospital length of stay was lower in the early removal group (1.3% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.05). Conclusions: The selective use of an approach for immediate femoral sheath removal, based on activated clotting time guidance and protamine administration, is a safe and effective option in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention by femoral access.RESUMERemoção Precoce do Introdutor Arterial Após Intervenção Coronária Percutânea por Via Femoral: Estudo de Segurança e EficáciaIntroduçãoAvaliamos a seguranga e eficácia do uso depro-tamina, guiada pelo tempo de coagulação ativado, para a remoção imediata do introdutor arterial femoral em pacientes submetidos á intervenção coronária percutaâea com heparina não fracionada, com o objetivo de propor um algoritmo para a prática clínica.MétodosEstudo prospectivo, com pacientes consecutivos, com angina estável ou com síndrome coronariana aguda de baixo ou moderado risco. Comparamos os pacientes com a retirada precoce do introdutor arterial áqueles nos quais o introdutor foi retirado de acordo como protocolo convencional. A decisão pela remoção precoce ou convencional do introdutor foi deixada a criterio do operador.ResultadosO grupo de remoção precoce (n = 149) apresentou menor tempo de manuseio do sítio de punção que o grupo de remoção convencional (58,3 ± 21,4 minutos vs. 355 ± 62,9 minutos; p < 0,01), principalmente devido á redução do tempo até a retirada do introdutor (42,3 ± 21,1 minutos vs. 338,6 ± 61,5 minutos; p < 0,01), sem impacto sobre a duração da compressao femoral (16,0 ± 3,6 minutos vs. 16,4 ± 5,1 minutos; p = 0,49). Não houve trombose hospitalar de stent e nem diferenga significativa na incidênciade eventos vasculares ou hemorrágicos. A incidência de outras hemorragias, que levaram á hospitalização prolongada, foi menor no grupo de remoção precoce (1,3% vs. 5,1%; p = 0,05).ConclusõesO uso seletivo de uma abordagem para a remoção imediata do introdutor femoral guiada pelo tempo de coagulação ativado e a administração de protamina são seguros e eficazes em pacientes submetidos á intervenção coronária percutânea pela via femoral.

Objectives: To utilize telemedicine as a foundation platform for creating population-based STEMI networks. Background: Disparate acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management occurs in developed and developing countries on account of differences in infrastructure resources. As a result, developed countries utilize primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and second- and third-generation thrombolytic therapy, in contrast to developing countries, which primarily rely on earlier-generation thrombolytic therapy and basic medical management. Reducing the vast gap in AMI care between developed and developing countries is an abysmally slow process. Methods: Remote access, telemedicine IT platforms, expert EKG interpretation, teleconsultation, and a strict quality assurance process are incorporated into a population-based AMI network. Results: Lumen Americas Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN) is an applied hub-and-spoke strategy, which creates a telemedicine-based STEMI management network across large populations. Primary PCI with targeted door-to-balloon times is the preferred strategy for the hub sites. Telemedicine-guided accurate EKG interpretation and teleconsultation are applied at the spoke sites. An integrated IT platform is used to navigate an effective prehospital triage system. The pilot phase has created 100 LATIN sites in Brazil and Colombia. Conclusion: Telemedicine provides an attractive strategy to reduce the gaps that presently exist in managing AMI in developed and developing countries. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:155–166)

Spontaneous coronary dissection is a rare entity and, therefore, its etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment are not yet established. It affects mainly young women without the classic cardiovascular risk factors, commonly during the pregnancy-childbirth cycle. Several factors influence the treatment strategy, such as clinical presentation, hemodynamic status, topography, number of affected arteries, and distal coronary flow. As in the reported case, in stable patients with well-defined dissections and mainly when the coronary flow has been re-established, one can choose a conservative approach, due to the high incidence of spontaneous resolution and low incidence of long-term adverse events.

RESUMO A disseccao coronaria espontânea e uma entidade rara e, por conseguinte, de etiologia, fisiopatologia e tratamento ainda nao estabelecidos. Acomete, em geral, mulheres jovens, sem os classicos fatores de risco cardiovascular, comumente ao longo do ciclo gravidico‐puerperal. Varios fatores influenciam na estrategia de tratamento, como quadro clinico, status hemodinâmico, topografia da disseccao, numero de arterias afetadas e fluxo coronario distal. Como no caso relatado, em pacientes estaveis, com disseccoes bem delimitadas e, sobremodo, quando o fluxo coronario e reestabelecido, pode‐se optar por uma abordagem conservadora, em razao da alta incidencia de resolucao espontânea e da baixa incidencia de eventos adversos a longo prazo.

ResumoIntroduçãoO objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de acurácia, precisão, correlação e concordância entre as medidas realizadas por um software de angiografia coronária quantitativa (QCA) online de calibração automática.MétodosEstudo piloto que analisou imagens angiográficas de dez pacientes com um software de QCA online nas calibrações automáticas Auto ISO (calibração automática do isocentro) e Auto TOD (Table‐to‐Object Distance). Foi realizada a medida do calibre do cateter pelos dois métodos, e o diâmetro de referência foi computado. Essas medidas foram comparadas com a medida do diâmetro do cateter quanto à acurácia, precisão e concordância.ResultadosO diâmetro médio real dos cateteres era de 1,75 ± 0,32mm (variando entre 1,33 e 2,67mm). A aferição dos cateteres pela QCA TOD e pela QCA ISO resultou em diâmetros médios de 1,78 ± 0,37mm e 1,88 ± 0,38mm, respectivamente. A acurácia/precisão da QCA TOD e da QCA ISO foi 0,03mm/0,21mm e 0,12mm/0,20mm, respectivamente. As medidas da QCA TOD e da QCA ISO estiveram entre os limites de concordância em 96,3 e 94,7% dos casos, respectivamente. As medidas da QCA TOD e da QCA ISO correlacionaram‐se significativamente (rs = 0,93; p < 0,01). No entanto, apesar da pequena diferença entre os métodos (0,10 ± 0,10mm), as medidas da QCA ISO foram estatisticamente maiores que aquelas obtidas com a QCA TOD (p < 0,01).ConclusõesA QCA online com calibração automática apresentou boa acurácia, precisão e correlação, podendo representar uma ferramenta promissora no laboratório de hemodinâmica.AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of accuracy, precision, correlation, and agreement between the measurements performed by online Quantitative Coronary Angiography (QCA) software with automatic calibration.MethodsPilot study that analyzed angiographic images of ten patients through online QCA software using Auto ISO (automatic calibration isocenter) and Auto TOD (Table‐to‐Object Distance) automatic calibration. Catheter size was measured by both methods and the reference diameter was computed. These measurements were compared with the measurement of catheter diameter regarding accuracy, precision, and agreement.ResultsThe actual average of the catheter diameter was 1.75 ± 0.32mm (range 1.33 to 2.67mm). The measurement of catheters by TOD QCA and ISO QCA resulted in mean diameters of 1.78 ± 0.37mm and 1.88 ± 0.38mm, respectively. The accuracy/precision of the TOD QCA and the ISO QCA was 0.03mm/0.21 mm and 0.12mm/0.20mm, respectively. The TOD QCA and ISO QCA measures were among the limits of agreement in 96.3 and 94.7% of cases, respectively, and were significantly correlated (rs = 0.93, p < 0.01). However, despite the small difference between the methods (0.10 ± 0.10mm), the ISO QCA measures were significantly higher than those obtained by the TOD QCA (p < 0.01).ConclusionsOnline QCA with automatic calibration has good accuracy, precision, and correlation, which may represent a promising tool in the catheterization laboratory.

INTRODUÇÃO: A evolução tardia de pacientes submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea em enxertos de veia safena (ICP-Saf) é pouco discutida na literatura, havendo, inclusive, controvérsias sobre a influência da localização da estenose (em posição aorto-ostial ou no corpo do enxerto). MÉTODOS: Registro unicêntrico, que incluiu pacientes submetidos à ICP-Saf, entre os anos de 2006 e 2011. A lesão aorto-ostial foi definida como aquela localizada nos primeiros 8 mm do enxerto; as lesões de corpo foram as localizadas nas porções remanescentes. Foram excluídas as intervenções que abordaram somente a anastomose distal ou o leito coronário nativo. Foram avaliadas as taxas de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM), óbito, infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) ou revascularização do vaso-alvo (RVA) entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 195 pacientes, sendo 69 no Grupo Óstio e 126 no Grupo Corpo. A média de idade da população total foi de 69,6 ± 10,2 anos, 41% dela era diabética, e 65,1% apresentaram síndromes coronárias agudas, sendo a maioria tratada com stents convencionais (82,5%). Não houve diferença entre os grupos na maioria das características estudadas. No seguimento tardio, a taxa de RVA (50,8% vs. 22%; P = 0,03) foi maior no Grupo Óstio. As taxas de ECAM (67,7% vs. 63,3%; P = 0,33), morte (31,7% vs. 35,6%; P = 0,95) e IAM (55% vs. 42%; P = 0,64) foram semelhantes entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Essa população compôs um subgrupo de risco elevado, com alta mortalidade tardia, independentemente da localização da lesão no enxerto. Em pacientes tratados predominantemente com stents não farmacológicos, lesões aorto-ostiais apresentaram maior taxa de reintervenção em relação às lesões de corpo. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the late clinical outcomes of patients undergoing saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention (SVG-PCI), and there are controversies regarding the role of lesion location (aorto-ostial or graft body). METHODS: Single-center registry including patients undergoing SVG-PCI between 2006 and 2011. Aorto-ostial lesion was defined as a lesion within the first 8 mm of the graft; graft body lesion was defined as a lesion located in the remaining portions of the graft. Interventions approaching only the distal anastomosis or the native coronary bed were excluded. We evaluated the rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) between the groups. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five patients were evaluated, 69 in the Aorto-Ostial Group and 126 in the Graft Body Group. Mean age was 69.6 ± 10.2 years, 41% were diabetic, 65.1% had acute coronary syndromes and most of them were treated with bare metal stents (82.5%). There was no statistical difference between groups for most of the characteristics evaluated. In the late follow-up, the TVR rate (50.8% vs. 22%; P = 0.03) was greater in the Aorto-Ostial Group. The MACE rate (67.7% vs. 63.3%; P = 0.33), death (31.7% vs. 35.6%; P = 0.95) and MI (55% vs. 42%; P = 0.64) were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This population included a high-risk subgroup, with high late mortality rates, regardless of the location of the lesion in the graft. In patients treated predominantly by bare-metal stents, aorto-ostial lesions had a higher reintervention rate when compared to graft body lesions.

Background Little is known about the late clinical outcomes of patients undergoing saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention (SVG-PCI), and there are controversies regarding the role of lesion location (aorto-ostial or graft body). Methods Single-center registry including patients undergoing SVG-PCI between 2006 and 2011. Aorto-ostial lesion was defined as a lesion within the first 8 mm of the graft; graft body lesion was defined as a lesion located in the remaining portions of the graft. Interventions approaching only the distal anastomosis or the native coronary bed were excluded. We evaluated the rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) between the groups. Results One hundred and ninety-five patients were evaluated, 69 in the Aorto-Ostial Group and 126 in the Graft Body Group. Mean age was 69.6 ± 10.2 years, 41% were diabetic, 65.1% had acute coronary syndromes and most of them were treated with bare metal stents (82.5%). There was no statistical difference between groups for most of the characteristics evaluated. In the late follow-up, the TVR rate (50.8% vs. 22%; P = 0.03) was greater in the Aorto-Ostial Group. The MACE rate (67.7% vs. 63.3%; P = 0.33), death (31.7% vs. 35.6%; P = 0.95) and MI (55% vs. 42%; P = 0.64) were similar between the two groups. Conclusions This population included a high-risk subgroup, with high late mortality rates, regardless of the location of the lesion in the graft. In patients treated predominantly by baremetal stents, aorto-ostial lesions had a higher reintervention rate when compared to graft body lesions.

Background The aim of this study is to present a new methodology for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries and plaque morphology using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Methods The methodology is summarized in six stages: 1) pre-processing of the initial raw images, 2) rough estimation of the lumen and outer vessel wall borders and approximation of the vessel’s centerline, 3) manual adaptation of plaque parameters, 4) accurate extraction of the luminal centerline, 5) detection of the lumen - outer vessel wall borders and calcium plaque region, and 6) finally 3D surface construction. Results The methodology was compared to the estimations of a recently presented Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) plaque characterization method. The correlation coefficients for calcium volume, surface area, length and angle vessel were 0.79, 0.86, 0.95 and 0.88, respectively. Additionally, when comparing the inner and outer vessel wall volumes of the reconstructed arteries produced by IVUS and CTA the observed correlation was 0.87 and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions The results indicated that the proposed methodology is fast and accurate and thus it is likely in the future to have applications in research and clinical arena.

Telemedicine is an innovative tool in the setting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), because it addresses the greatest challenge-delivering optimal reperfusion therapies in a timely manner. Telemedicine targets delays related to geography, distance, and stated prehospital systems of care. Integration of telemedicine into prehospital STEMI management has been shown to yield cost-effective improvements in patient care. Despite socioeconomic constraints, a standard prehospital network based on telemedicine is globally feasible. This article proposes 2 models that enable the use of telemedicine in the STEMI management protocol.

BACKGROUND: Fractionalflow reserve (FFR) and intravascular ultra-sound (IVUS) imaging, respectively, are considered as the ?goldstandard? for functional and anatomical assessments of angiographicintermediate stenoses. Associating both in a single method couldoptimize diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. Fil: Bezerra, Cristiano. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Pinton, Fábio A.. InCor; Brasil Fil: Falcão, Breno. InCor; Brasil Fil: Mariani, José. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Bulant, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. LNCC; Brasil Fil: Talou, Gonzalo. LNCC; Brasil Fil: Filh Esteves, Antonio Esteves. Hospital Sirio Libanes; Brasil Fil: Blanco, Pablo. LNCC; Brasil Fil: Lemos, Pedro A.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil

BACKGROUND: Non-cardiac atherosclerotic imaging, including carotid ultrasound, has been proposed as an indirect way to estimate coronary risk. The authors hypothesize that the isolated assessment of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) could predict the atherosclerotic burden in the remainder of the coronary tree. METHODS: The study included patients with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease with an indication for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), without significant LMCA stenosis. During PCI, LMCA and three-vessel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination was performed and the lumen area, external elastic membrane area, plaque area, and plaque burden were measured. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included with mean age of 56 ± 8.9 years, 71% male, and 41% diabetics. Although none of the patients had LMCA stenosis by angiography or IVUS, evidence of atherosclerosis was observed with a plaque area of 8.4 ± 2.7 mm2 and plaque burden of 33.5 ± 8.9%. A significant correlation between the LMCA and the rest of the coronary arteries was observed for all IVUS parameters: lumen area (r = 0.5), external elastic membrane area (r = 0.7); plaque area (r = 0.6), and plaque burden (r = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the coronary atherosclerotic burden could be estimated from the isolated assessment of the LMCA by IVUS. Such an association is relevant for the development of future coronary risk scores, as a surrogate marker of the global coronary tree atherosclerotic burden.

INTRODUCAO: A doenca arterial coronaria (DAC) e sabidamente difusa, podendo acometer multiplos segmentos arteriais. No entanto, quando se analisa a angiografia coronaria, e comum a concomitância, em um mesmo paciente, da presenca de lesao em um segmento e da ausencia de obstrucao em outros. Por se tratar de um luminograma, a angiografia apresenta limitacoes para o diagnostico da DAC. Neste estudo utilizou-se o ultrassom intracoronario com histologia virtual (USIC-HV) para avaliar a presenca e a composicao de placas ateroscleroticas em segmentos angiograficamente normais e com lesoes em pacientes com DAC estabelecida. METODOS: No total, 17 pacientes com DAC obstrutiva encaminhados para realizacao de angioplastia foram submetidos a USIC-HV dos tres grandes vasos epicardicos. Apos analise minuciosa da angiografia, foram selecionados 32 segmentos angiograficamente normais, os quais foram comparados a outros 19 segmentos coronarios com estenose luminal > 70%. RESULTADOS: A carga de placa media em segmentos sem lesao angiografica foi de 47,3 ± 15,1%, enquanto em segmentos com estenose angiografica foi de 76,2 ± 8,8% (P < 0,01). A composicao da placa diferiu entre os segmentos. Placas nos segmentos angiograficamente normais apresentavam maior componente fibrolipidico (17 ± 11% vs. 11,4 ± 12%; P = 0,045) e menor componente necrotico (13,1 ± 13% vs. 20,2 ± 12%; P = 0,03). CONCLUSOES: Nesta analise piloto, em pequeno grupo de pacientes portadores de DAC, observou-se que segmentos angiograficamente normais frequentemente apresentam placa aterosclerotica. A composicao da placa em segmentos angiograficamente normais, entretanto, diferiu daquela em segmentos com lesao, sugerindo a coexistencia de estagios distintos do processo aterosclerotico em um mesmo paciente.

Current guidelines recommend the supplementary assessment of intermediate coronary artery disease (CAD) lesions by fractional flow reserve or gray scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in order to predict the actual significance of the stenosis. Recently, the advances of computational fluid dynamics

INTRODUÇÃO: Pouco se conhece sobre a comparação entre métodos de avaliação da placa aterosclerótica coronária, como a tomografia computadorizada com múltiplos detectores (TCMD) e o ultrassom intravascular com técnica de histologia virtual (HV). MÉTODO: Foram analisados prospectivamente os vasos coronários principais de 21 pacientes à TCMD e à HV. Cada vaso analisado foi dividido em subsegmentos de 4 mm (unidades básicas para a análise). Os subsegmentos foram pareados conforme sua localização axial. Os limites da luz e do vaso foram traçados à HV e à TCMD com o auxílio de programas específicos. A contribuição porcentual de cada componente da placa à HV e a razão necrose:cálcio foram quantificadas. A placa à TCMD foi avaliada por sua densidade radiológica em unidades Hounsfield (UH). RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 641 subsegmentos, obtidos de 70 vasos. A contribuição porcentual dos componentes à HV foi: fibroso = 64%; fibrolipídico = 20%; núcleo necrótico = 11%; cálcio denso = 5%; e razão necrose:cálcio = 5,1. A atenuação da placa à TCMD variou de 44 UH a 440 UH. Para a análise, as placas foram divididas em três grupos de tamanhos semelhantes, conforme a densidade da placa à TCMD (1º tercil: 44-128 UH, 2º tercil: 129-178 UH, e 3º tercil: 178-440 UH). Houve correlação inversa entre a razão necrose/cálcio à HV e densidade da placa à TCMD (1º tercil: 4,1, 2º tercil: 2,9, e 3º tercil: 2,3; P < 0,01) e relação direta entre o porcentual de cálcio denso à HV e a densidade da placa à TCMD (1º tercil: 1,5%, 2º tercil: 2,5%, e 3º tercil: 3,8%; P < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: A densidade da placa aterosclerótica avaliada pela TCMD em tomógrafo de 64 colunas de detectores associa-se significativamente com a composição da placa à HV. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the comparative results of coronary plaque assessment by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) against the novel intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH). METHOD: Threevessel IVUS-VH and MDCT were prospectively obtained from 21 patients. Each vessel was divided into 4-mm subsegments, which were used as the basic unit for analysis. The 4-mm subsegments were matched by their axial location. Lumen and outer vessel boundaries for IVUS-VH and for MDCT were traced by specific automatic softwares. The percent contribution of each IVUS-VH plaque tissue type and the ratio of necrotic tissue to calcium were quantified. The MDCT plaque was evaluated through its average density in Hounsfield units (HU). RESULTS: A total of 641 matched subsegments were computed from 70 vessels. Overall, the average IVUS-VH tissue composition was: fibrous = 64%; fibrofatty = 20%; necrotic tissue = 11%; dense calcium = 5%; and calcium/necrosis ratio = 5.1. MDCT average plaque attenuation ranged from 44 to 440 HU and was divided into three groups of similar size (1st tertile: 44-128 HU; 2nd tertile: 129-178 HU; 3rd tertile: 178-440 HU). There was an inverse correlation between IVUS-VH necrotic/ dense calcium ratio and MDCT plaque density (1st tertile: 4.1, 2nd tertile: 2.9, 3rd tertile: 2.3; P < 0.01) and a direct relationship between percent IVUS-VH dense calcium and MDCT plaque density (1st tertile: 1.5%, 2nd tertile: 2.5%, 3rd tertile: 3.8%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Atherosclerotic plaque density evaluated by 64-MDCT significantly associates with plaque composition assessed by IVUS-VH.

FUNDAMENTOS: Pacientes de muito baixo peso tratados com intervenção coronária percutânea têm maior risco de complicações durante a internação. Até o momento, não existem estudos para avaliar o efeito a longo prazo do baixo peso após angioplastia coronária na população brasileira. MÉTODO: Um total de 3.687 pacientes foi separado em dois grupos, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal (IMC), calculado como peso (em quilogramas) dividido pela altura (em metros) ao quadrado: grupo baixo peso (IMC < 20 kg/m²; 125 pacientes) e grupo não-baixo peso (IMC > 20 kg/m², 3.562 pacientes). A mortalidade intrahospitalar foi avaliada prospectivamente durante a internação inicial. Após a alta, a ocorrência de óbito foi acessada por meio da revisão dos registros hospitalares e contato telefônico. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com IMC < 20 kg/m² apresentavam peso, altura e IMC médios de 49,4 ± 7,1 kg, 1,62 ± 0,10 m, e 18,7 ± 1,1 kg/m², respectivamente. O peso, a altura e o IMC de pacientes com IMC > 20 kg/m² foram de 74,4 ± 13,8 kg, 1,64 ± 0,09 m, e 27,3 ± 4,3 kg/m², respectivamente (p < 0,01 para todas as características). Pacientes do grupo baixo peso apresentaram mortalidade significativamente maior que pacientes com IMC > 20 kg/m² após 2,5 anos da angioplastia (19,4% vs. 6,9%, respectivamente; hazard ratio [HR]: 2,51, intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%]: 1,61-3,91; p < 0,01). Após o ajuste multivariado para a presença de outros fatores de risco, a presença de IMC < 20 kg/m² persistiu como fator independente associado a aumento da mortalidade (HR: 2,04; IC 95%: 1,28-3,25; p < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: O muito baixo peso ponderal, indicado pelo IMC < 20 kg/m², é um fator de risco independente para a ocorrência de óbito precoce e tardio nos primeiros 2,5 anos após intervenção coronária percutânea. Pela facilidade de sua identificação, a pesquisa do muito baixo peso pode ser amplamente utilizada como ferramenta prognóstica para pacientes tratados com angioplastia no dia-a-dia. BACKGROUND: Patients with very low weight treated with percutaneous coronary intervention have a greater risk of complications during hospitalization. So far, there have been no studies to evaluate the long-term effect of low weight after coronary angioplasty in the Brazilian population. METHODS: A total of 3,687 patients were divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the height in metres squared: low-weight group (BMI < 20 kg/m²; 125 patients), and non-low-weight group (BMI > 20 kg/m²; 3,562 patients). The in-hospital mortality was evaluated prospectively during first admission. After discharge, death occurrence was assessed by reviewing hospital records and through telephone contact. RESULTS: Patients with BMI < 20 kg/m² presented weight, height, and BMI averages of 49.4 ± 7.1 kg, 1.62 ± 0.10 m, and 18.7 ± 1.1 kg/m², respectively. The weight, height and BMI of patients with BMI > 20 kg/m² was 74.4 ± 13.8 kg, 1.64 ± 0.09 m, and 27.3 ± 4.3 kg/m², respectively (p < 0.01 for all characteristics). Patients from the low-weight group showed significantly higher mortality than patients with BMI > 20 kg/m² 2.5 years after angioplasty (19.4% vs. 6.9%, respectively; hazard ratio [HR]: 2.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.61-3.91; p < 0.01). After multivariate adjustment for other risk factors, the presence of BMI < 20 kg/m² persisted as an independent factor associated to increased mortality (HR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.28-3.25; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The very low ponderal weight, indicated by a body mass index < 20 kg/m², is an independent risk factor for early and late death in the first 2.5 years after percutaneous intervention. Due to its easy identification, very low weight can be widely used as a predictive tool for patients routinely treated with angioplasty.

Background: Vascular remodeling, the dynamic dimensional change in face of stress, can assume different directions as well as magnitudes in atherosclerotic disease. Classical measurements rely on reference to segments at a distance, risking inappropriate comparison between dislike vessel portions. Objective: to explore a new method for quantifying vessel remodeling, based on the comparison between a given target segment and its inferred normal dimensions. Methods: Geometric parameters and plaque composition were determined in 67 patients using three-vessel intravascular ultrasound with virtual histology (IVUS-VH). Coronary vessel remodeling at cross-section (n = 27.639) and lesion (n = 618) levels was assessed using classical metrics and a novel analytic algorithm based on the fractional vessel remodeling index (FVRI), which quantifies the total change in arterial wall dimensions related to the estimated normal dimension of the vessel. A prediction model was built to estimate the normal dimension of the vessel for calculation of FVRI. Results: According to the new algorithm, “Ectatic” remodeling pattern was least common, “Complete compensatory” remodeling was present in approximately half of the instances, and “Negative” and “Incomplete compensatory” remodeling types were detected in the remaining. Compared to a traditional diagnostic scheme, FVRI-based classification seemed to better discriminate plaque composition by IVUS-VH. Conclusions: Quantitative assessment of coronary remodeling using target segment dimensions offers a promising approach to evaluate the vessel response to plaque growth/regression., Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Background: The use of aortic counterpulsation therapy in advanced heart failure is controversial. Objectives: To evaluate the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and its impact on 30-day mortality in patients with heart failure. Methods: Historical prospective, unicentric study to evaluate all patients treated with IABP betwen August/2008 and July/2013, included in an institutional registry named TBRIDGE (The Brazilian Registry of Intra-aortic balloon pump in Decompensated heart failure - Global Evaluation). We analyzed changes in oxygen central venous saturation (ScvO2), arterial lactate, and use of vasoactive drugs at 48 hours after IABP insertion. The 30-day mortality was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and diferences in subgroups were evaluated by the Log-rank test. Results: A total of 223 patients (mean age 49 ± 14 years) were included. Mean left ventricle ejection fraction was 24 ± 10%, and 30% of patients had Chagas disease. Compared with pre-IABP insertion, we observed an increase in ScvO2 (50.5% vs. 65.5%, p < 0.001) and use of nitroprusside (33.6% vs. 47.5%, p < 0.001), and a decrease in lactate levels (31.4 vs. 16.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and use of vasopressors (36.3% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.003) after IABP insertion. Thirty-day survival was 69%, with lower mortality in Chagas disease patients compared without the disease (p = 0.008). Conclusion: After 48 hours of use, IABP promoted changes in the use of vasoactive drugs, improved tissue perfusion. Chagas etiology was associated with lower 30-day mortality. Aortic counterpulsation therapy is an effective method of circulatory support for patients waiting for heart transplantation.

Em pacientes com insuficiência coronariana aguda e choque cardiogênico, a mortalidade é alta. O dispositivo mais utilizado para suporte hemodinâmico é o balão intra-aórtico que, no entanto, pode ser insuficiente em pacientes com choque cardiogênico refratário. Relato de caso com dois dias de dor precordial opressiva e intensa, irradiada para membro superior esquerdo. ECG com supradesnivelamento anterior. Realizado angioplastia e implante de stent na artéria descendente anterior. Evolução com choque cardiogênico refratário ao uso de drogas vasoativas e balão intra-aórtico. Foram realizadas medidas hemodinâmicas e decidiu-se pela colocação do Impella® 2,5 por via percutânea para assistência circulatória. Mortality is high in patients with acute coronary failure and cardiogenic shock. The most commonly used device for hemodynamic support is the intra-aortic balloon, which, however, may be insufficient in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. This is a case report of a patient complaining of two days of intense and oppressive chest pain, radiating to the left arm. The ECG showed ST elevation. The patient was submitted to angioplasty and stent implant in the anterior descending artery and developed cardiogenic shock refractory to vasoactive drugs and intra-aortic balloon. Hemodynamic measures were carried out and we chose to use an Impella 2.5 device, by percutaneous route, for circulatory support.