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Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an incredibly destructive disease when it occurs in a young patient. Thus, the investigation of the disease presentation and treatment options seem to be particularly important in young patients with AMI.The study objective was to investigate the differences between young and older patients diag-nosed with AMI in terms of clinical characteristics and treatment strategies.The patient data comes from the National Registry of Procedures of Invasive Cardiology (ORPKI). Between 2014 and 2017, data of more than 230 000 patients with a diagnosis of AMI were collected in that registry. Young patients were defined as under 40 years old.Young patients with AMI (n = 3208, 1.3%) compared with older patients with AMI were more often men (86.3% vs. 65.8%; P0.001) with higher body weight (mean 85.9 vs. 79.7 kg; P0.001). Typical risk factors of coronary heart disease were less frequent in younger patients than in older patients. However, in the under-40 group, there was a significantly higher number of current smokers (37.5% vs. 23.0%; P0.001). Young patients with AMI were more often diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; 62.0% vs. 50.0%; P0.001). Moreover, they had more frequently non-significant ste-nosis in coronary arteries diagnosed (14.4% vs. 6.8%; P0.001). The left anterior descending artery was more frequently an infarct-related artery in young patients (51.3% vs. 36.3%; P0.001). Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds were more commonly implanted in young patients with AMI than in the older ones (5.6% vs. 0.9%; P0.001). The relative number of AMI in the young patients increased from 1.20% in 2014 to 1.43% in 2017.Smoking is the most common risk factor in young adults. The relative number of AMI in young patients is growing.

Introduction There are conflicting data on the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on time of intervention. Concerns have been postulated regarding equally effective in-hospital outcomes for STEMI patients treated with PCI during normal working hours as compared to group treated off-hours. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes in “real-world” patients with STEMI treated with PCI during off-hours and regular hours of work. Methods To avoid possible bias related to the non-randomized design, a propensity score was calculated to compare off- and on-hours groups. The study group consisted of 37, 469 matched pairs in STEMI treated with PCI and stent implantation between 2014 and 2018 during regular hours (weekdays 7:00 AM to 16:59 PM) and off-hours (weekdays between 17:00 PM and 06:59AM, weekends, and holidays) in 151 tertiary invasive cardiology centers in Poland (the ORPKI Polish National Registry). Results No differences were reported between both groups in baseline characteristics after the propensity score match (PSM). There were no differences in time from pain to first contact (p=0.2) and door to balloon time between both groups (p=0.7). After PSM higher radiation dose was observed in off-hours group (1055.18 (±1006.52) vs. 1081.59 (±1003.25)[mGy]; p=0.001). However, there was no difference in total amount of contrast (on-hours vs. off-hours: 175.69 (±74.71) vs. 176.48 (±74.41)[ml]; p=0.1, respectively). Similar rate of periprocedural complications was observed between both groups of patients, includind stroke, access-site-related bleeding, allergic reaction and coronary artery perforation. However, procedures performed during off-hours were associated with higher incidence of periprocedural death (1.17% (439) vs. 1.49% (559); p=0.001) and periprocedural cardiac arrest (1.76% (658) vs.1.97% (740); p=0.001) as compared to PCI conducted within normal working hours. Conclusions Percutaneous coronary intervention in STEMI performed durgin off-hours might be associated with higher rate of periprocedural mortality and higher radiation dose as compared to procedures conducted during regular working hours. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Introduction Several methods for measuring fibrinolytic capacity in plasma have been developed yielding frequently inconsistent results. We investigated which factors determine fibrinolytic capacity in three plasma-based assays. Material and methods In 80 apparently healthy controls (aged 43 ± 10 years, 50 women [62.5%]) we evaluated fibrinolysis using three assays: (1) by Pieters et al. (CLT2018), (2) by Lisman et al. (CLT), and (3) by Carter et al. (Lys50). Coagulation factors and fibrinolytic proteins, including histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) and γ′-fibrinogen, were determined. Regression models were performed to identify determinants of lysis times. Results Positive correlations were observed between CLT2018 and both CLT (r = 0.73) and Lys50 (r = 0.61), as well as between CLT and Lys50 (r = 0.46, all p < 0.001). The main determinants of both CLT2018 and CLT were plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), followed by thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and α2-antiplasmin. Histidine-rich glycoprotein was a predictor of the longest-normal CLT2018 alone (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06). α2-Antiplasmin and fibrinogen levels, followed by PAI-1 and TAFI determined Lys50. After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, C-reactive protein (CRP) was an independent predictor of the top quartiles of the three lysis times. Conclusions We showed that apart from PAI-1, TAFI, and α2-antiplasmin, several other factors, in particular CRP, can affect the results of global fibrinolysis tests used in research. Our findings may help understand why the choice of a specific fibrinolysis assay can affect the presence and/or magnitude of intergroup differences in fibrinolytic capacity in a given disease state

Introduction Prevention of peri- and postprocedural complications is still a challenge in carotid artery stenting (CAS). Aim To assess immediate and long-term safety and effectiveness of CAS using the Roadsaver double-nitinol-layer-micromesh stent. Material and methods Since 2014, 298 CAS procedures in 287 non-consecutive patients (203 men, mean age 70.5 ±8.6 years, 100% symptomatic/high risk lesions) have been performed using the Roadsaver stent and proximal (40%) or distal (60%) neuroprotection system. Clinical and neurological examinations as well as duplex ultrasound were completed before CAS, before discharge, at 1, 6 and 12 months, then annually. Results All CAS procedures were successful. Carotid stenosis was reduced from 84.9 ±9.9% to 11.0 ±9.4% (p < 000.1). In hospital, 1 ipsilateral periprocedural major (0.3%) and 3 minor (1.34%) ischemic strokes occurred, 2 (0.7%) patients died due to a cerebral hemorrhage on day 9 and 21. Three (1.0%) additional ipsilateral minor strokes within 30 consecutive days occurred. Thus, 30-day complications were observed in 9 (3.0%) patients. Two minor strokes were associated with in-stent thrombosis (0.7%). The 4-year follow-up showed 82% overall survival (95% CI: 69–91%) with no significant difference between asymptomatic (77%) and symptomatic patients (97%; p = 0.076). The stroke-free survival was 89% (95% CI: 77–95%), 84% asymptomatic vs. 98% symptomatic (p = 0.187). Seven (2.3%) patients developed > 50% in-stent restenosis. Conclusions Carotid artery stenting using the Roadsaver stent for symptomatic patients and high risk lesions showed to be safe and effective, with a low complication rate and acceptable in-stent restenosis risk in 4-year follow-up.

Venous thromboembolism is associated with formation of denser fibrin clots resistant to lysis. We investigated whether prothrombotic plasma clot properties are associated with the severity of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We enrolled 126 normotensive acute PE patients (aged 58 ± 14 years) and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma fibrin clot permeability (Ks), clot lysis time (CLT), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) were evaluated on admission. PE patients compared to controls had 370% higher citH3 levels, 41% higher ETP, 16.5% reduced Ks, and 25.6% prolonged CLT. Patients with intermediate-high (n = 29) and intermediate-low (n = 77) PE mortality risk had reduced Ks and prolonged CLT, increased PAI-1 and ETP as compared to low-risk PE (n = 20) patients. Prolonged CLT was predicted by PAI-1 and citH3, while low Ks by C-reactive protein. During a 12-month follow-up 9 (7.1%) patients who had 24% higher ETP, 45% higher citH3 levels, and 18% prolonged CLT at baseline died. High ETP combined with elevated citH3 levels and prolonged CLT was associated with eightfold increased risk of PE-related death. Prothrombotic fibrin clot properties and enhanced neutrophil extracellular traps formation are associated with higher early mortality risk in acute PE patients, which suggests a prognostic role of these biomarkers.

The aim of the presented study was to assess the relationship between air pollution expressed as particulate air matters less than 10 μm (PM10) and acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). In this observational study, we selected regions with low pollution according to PM10 (non-polluted) and with the highest pollution (polluted). The occurrence of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients with ACSs was matched according to the location. The current study included 7678 patients in polluted areas and 4327 patients from non-polluted regions. Analysing the period from January to December 2017, the number of patients undergoing angioplasty in monitored catheterization laboratories and the mean daily concentration of PM10 in all selected cities were calculated for each day. The annual average concentration of PM10 amounts to 50.95 μg/m3 in polluted and 26.62 μg/m3 in non-polluted cities (P 10 pollution levels was related with the increased frequency of PCIs in patients with ACSs in polluted (P P 10 concentration by every 1 μg/m3 causes 0.22 additional ACS angioplasties per week. In polluted regions, the same increase in PM10 concentration causes 0.18 additional ACS angioplasties per week. In non-winter weeks, the mean number of ACS PCIs expressed in promiles was lower than in winter weeks in polluted (P = 0.03) and non-polluted cities (P = 0.02). The study shows that the increase in air pollution expressed as PM10 concentration and winter time influences the frequency of ACS-related PCIs.

Peripheral venous blood sample may be used to obtain acid‑ base balance parameters (PVA‑BP) measured in rapid point‑of‑care test (POCT) analyzers on admission to an emergency department (ED). Thus, lactates, anion gap (AG), and base excess (BE) may be early prognostic markers in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).We aimed to confirm the relationship between PVA‑BP on admission and the outcome in patients with MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).This was a retrospective, observational analysis of MI patients admitted primarily to an ED and secondly transferred to PCI department.A total of 336 patients (41.1% ST‑elevated MI, 58.9% non-ST‑elevated MI) were divided according to their lactate level, that is, G1 group with lactate below or equal to 2.0 mmol/l (n = 207) and G2 group with lactate above2.0 mmol/l (n = 129). G2 patients had higher values of AG (mean, [SD], 9.6 [4.3] vs 6.8 [3.2] mEq/l; P0.001) and lower BE (median [interquartile range], -0.7 [-3.9 to 0.8] vs 1.0 [-0.2 to 2.4] mEq/l; P0.001). In‑hospital nonsurvivors had higher values of lactates (4.0 [2.0-8.7] vs 1.7 [1.3-2.4] mmol/l; P0.001), AG (10.5 [4.6] vs 7.7 [3.8] mEq/l; P0.001), and lower BE (-4.8 [-10.6 to -1.8] vs 1.5 [-0.8 to 2.3] mEq/l; P0.001) than the survivors. Lactates, AG, and BE correlated with Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (r = 0.361, P0.001; r = 0.158, P = 0.004; r = -0.383, P0.001, respectively). Only BE independently predicted both 30- and 365‑day mortality in the whole group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.95; P = 0.01 and HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99; P = 0.04, respectively) as well as in‑hospital mortality among patients without infarct‑related out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.97; P = 0.03).In the patients admitted to the ED with MI treated with PCI the evaluation of PVA‑BP in POCT analyzers may be a reliable tool for early risk stratification.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Existen pocos estudios que comparen los accesos por la radial izquierda (ARI) y por la radial derecha en intervenciones coronarias percutaneas (ICP) en poblacion general y practicadas por cirujanos con diferentes grados de experiencia en intervencionismo. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es comparar la seguridad y el beneficio clinico con cada acceso en pacientes no seleccionados con sindrome coronario agudo (SCA) y angina estable (AE). Metodos Para evitar los posibles sesgos de un estudio no aleatorizado, se uso la puntuacion de propension para comparar ambos accesos radiales. Se recogieron datos de 18.716 pares con AE y 46.241 con SCA sometidos a ICP con implante de stent entre 2014 y 2017, en 151 centros terciarios con cardiologia intervencionista en Polonia (registro nacional de Polonia [ORPKI]). Resultados No se encontraron diferencias en cuanto a mortalidad y complicaciones periprocedimiento en AE. El ARI se asocio con mayores dosis de radiacion independientemente de la presentacion clinica (AE, 1.067,0 ± 947,10 frente a 1.007,4 ± 983,5 mGy; p = 0,001; SCA, 1.212,7 ± 1.005,5 frente a 1.053,5 ± 1.029,7 mGy; p = 0,001). En los pacientes con SCA, el ARI se asocio con mayor cantidad de contraste (174,2 ± 75,4 frente a 167,2 ± 72,1 ml; p = 0,001). Ademas, en los pacientes con SCA y ARI, las complicaciones periprocedimiento como diseccion coronaria (el 0,16 frente al 0,09%; p = 0,008), fenomeno de no reflow (el 0,65 frente al 0,49%; p = 0,005) y hemorragia en el sitio de puncion (el 0,09 frente al 0,05%; p = 0,04) resultaron mas frecuentes. No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad entre los 2 grupos (p = 0,90). Conclusiones Los resultados que se presentan podrian estar en relacion con una menor experiencia en el ARI. Ambos accesos son seguros en los pacientes con AE, pero el ARI se asocio con una mayor frecuencia de complicaciones periprocedimiento de ICP en el SCA.

BACKGROUND Adequate thromboprophylaxis reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by half in hospitalized patients. A single scoring system is recommended to improve thromboprophylaxis. OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of implementing a computerized system to prevent VTE in inpatients with pulmonary diseases and identified predictors of the overuse and underuse of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We compared the use of thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin in all patients hospitalized for pulmonary disorders in a tertiary hospital in Krakow, Poland, in 2014 and 2017, before and after introducing a computerized thromboprophylaxis system. Using the Caprini risk assessment, the overuse and underuse of thromboprophylaxis were defined as the use in patients with

Introduction: Constant technological progress in the field of carotid stenting translates into improved short- and long-term results of endovascular treatment. The introduction of a new generation, self-expanding, open-cell stent has provided a new treatment option in endovascular management of carotid stenosis. Aim: To evaluate 30-day and 1-year clinical outcomes of non-consecutive patients with high risk of carotid endarterectomy, who underwent 5F cylinder-tapered MER™ open-cell carotid stent implantation. Material and methods: It was a single-arm, prospective study conducted in four experienced catheterisation centres. The use of embolic protection devices was mandatory. The primary endpoint was stroke in 30-day follow-up. The secondary endpoints were 30- day and 1-year cumulative incidence of death, stroke and myocardial infarction, 1-year target vessel revascularisation, procedural success (residual stenosis ≤ 30%), restenosis rate (%DS ≥ 50%), and Serious Adverse Device Effect (SADE) rate in 1-year follow-up. Results: In total 100 patients were recruited for the study, with the majority being males (n = 61). The mean age was 68.3 ±8.2 years, and most of the patients were asymptomatic (n = 56). In 55 (55%) patients direct stenting was performed, with the use of proximal protection devices in 19 (19%) patients. Mean internal carotid artery/common carotid artery stenosis before and after stent implantation was 81.98 ±9.15% and 12.52 ±8.70%, respectively (p < 0.001). Procedural success was achieved in all cases. One ischaemic stroke was observed at 30 days (1%, primary endpoint). At 1-year follow-up two myocardial infarctions and three deaths occurred with no additional stroke. Conclusions: The OCEANUS study indicated the safety and efficacy of the MER™ stent during 30-day and 1-year follow-up in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The majority of patients were event-free. However, larger cohort studies are needed to evaluate MER™ stents in detail.

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). With a growing number of PCIs in complex lesions, the problem of CAP becomes even more important nowadays. Data on CAP rates in Poland are lacking. Presented study is an analysis of 344,517 consecutive patients treated with PCI between 2014 and 2017. Data were gathered from the Polish National PCI Registry (ORPKI). During 4 years of data collection CAP was observed in 595 (0.17%) cases. Patients diagnosed with CAP were older (69 years Q1:63; Q3:78 vs 66 years Q1:60; Q3:75; p0.001), more often female (44% vs 32%; p0.001), with arterial hypertension (77% vs 71%; p = 0.002), and chronic kidney disease (8.9% vs 5.4%; p0.001). In the CAP group, a higher rate of PCIs within chronic total occlusions (8.7% vs 2.3%; p0.001) and saphenous vein graft lesions (2.7% vs 1.3%; p = 0.002), as well as rotational atherectomy procedures (2.2% vs 0.4%; p0.001) was observed. Patients with CAP had higher rate of no-reflow phenomenon (5.5% vs 0.5%; p0.001) and greater periprocedural mortality (4.2% vs 0.5%; p0.001). In conclusion, our study confirms that CAP is more common during complex PCI procedures in high-risk patients. CAP occurrence is associated with worse immediate outcomes including increased periprocedural mortality.

Venous ulcers are the most severe manifestation of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). We have previously demonstrated that formation of compact fibrin clots resistant to lysis is observed in patients following deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) who developed PTS. The current study investigated whether unfavourable fibrin clot properties can predict post-thrombotic venous ulcers. In a cohort study on 186 consecutive patients following DVT, we determined plasma fibrin clot characteristics, including clot permeability and lysability, inflammatory markers, thrombin generation, fibrinolysis proteins at 3 months since the index event. Occurrence of PTS and venous ulcers was recorded during follow-up (median, 53; range 24 to 76 months). Fifty-seven DVT patients (30.6%) developed PTS, including 12 subjects (6.45%) with a venous ulcer (4 individuals with recurrent ulcers). Patients who developed ulcers compared with the remainder had at enrolment 13.0% lower clot permeability (Ks), 17.4% longer clot lysis time (CLT), 13.1% longer lag phase of clot formation, and 5.0% higher maximum absorbance, with no difference in fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and thrombin generation. The baseline prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype (Ks ≤ 6.5 × 10−9 cm2 and CLT > 100 min) was associated with a higher risk of ulcers [hazard ratio (HR), 5.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–21.5]. A multivariate model adjusted for age, sex, and fibrinogen showed that independent predictors of the ulcer occurrence were body mass index (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.30–1.86), CLT (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.04–2.05), and α2-antiplasmin (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90–0.99). This study suggests that formation of denser fibrin clots with impaired fibrinolysis predisposes to post-thrombotic venous ulcers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11239-019-01914-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Large amounts of clot-bound lipoproteins were reported in proteomic analysis of plasma clot but their impact on fibrin clot properties is unknown. We investigated a contribution of lipid profile and apolipoproteins (apo) to the prothrombotic plasma fibrin clot phenotype in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).In 138 patients with isolated severe AS, we determined serum apoA-I, A-II, B, C-II, C-III, E, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Plasma fibrin clot permeability (Ks), maximal absorbance (MaxAbsAfter adjustment for confounding factors, including statin use, only low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apoB levels were inversely associated with Ks. Triglycerides, apoC-II, and C-III were associated with MaxAbsApolipoproteins and OxLDL contribute to prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype in severe AS. Moreover, apolipoproteins better than serum lipids predicted hypofibrinolysis, which provides additional argument for a role of elevated lipoproteins in the prothrombotic state.

BACKGROUND Post-pulmonary embolism (PE) syndrome occurs in up to 50% of PE patients. The pathophysiology of this syndrome is obscure. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether enhanced oxidative stress and prothrombotic state may be involved in post-PE syndrome. METHODS We studied 101 normotensive noncancer PE patients (aged 56.5 ± 13.9 years) on admission, after 5-7 days and after a 3-month anticoagulation, mostly with rivaroxaban. A marker of oxidative stress, 8-isoprostane, endogenous thrombin potential, fibrinolysis proteins, clot lysis time (CLT) and fibrin clot permeability (Ks ), along with PE biomarkers, were determined. RESULTS Patients who developed the post-PE syndrome (n = 31, 30.7%) had at baseline 77.6% higher N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide and 46.8% higher growth differentiation factor 15, along with 14.1% longer CLT associated with 34.4% higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 as compared to subjects without post-PE syndrome (all P

Background The impact of acute total occlusion (TO) of the culprit artery in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is not fully established. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic phenotype and outcome of NSTEMI patients with TO (NSTEMITO) compared to NSTEMI patients without TO (NSTEMINTO) and those with ST-segment elevation and TO (STEMITO). Methods Demographic, clinical and procedure-related data of patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2014 and 2017 from the Polish National Registry were analysed. Results We evaluated 131,729 patients: NSTEMINTO (n = 65,206), NSTEMITO (n = 16,209) and STEMITO (n = 50,314). The NSTEMITO group had intermediate results compared to the NSTEMINTO and STEMITO groups regarding mean age (68.78 ± 11.39 vs 65.98 ± 11.61 vs 64.86 ± 12.04 (years), p NTO, NSTEMITO and STEMITO, respectively. However, we noticed that the NSTEMITO group had the longest time from pain to first medical contact (median 4.0 vs 5.0 vs 2.0 (hours), p Conclusions The NSTEMITO group clearly differed from the NSTEMINTO group. NSTEMITO appears to be an intermediate condition between NSTEMINTO and STEMITO, although NSTEMITO patients have the longest time delay to and the worst result of PCI, which can be explained by the location of the culprit lesion in the LCx.

The beneficial outcome of the radial (RA) over femoral approach (FA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been widely demonstrated. However, most of the studies excluded patients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock (CS).We sought to evaluate periprocedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with RA and FA in patients with STEMI complicated by CS using data from the Polish National PCI Registry (ORPKI).A total of 3,565 consecutive patients with STEMI and CS treated with emergent PCI and stent implantation were included. Data was collected prospectively between 2014 and 2018 from 151 tertiary primary-PCI centers in Poland. To avoid possible selection bias, a propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create 945 matched pairs treated via RA or FA.No differences were reported in baseline characteristics, clinical presentation and delays in treatment between RA and FA after the PSM. Similar radiation doses and the total amount of contrast were used in both groups. A similar rate of periprocedural complications was observed in both RA and FA. However, RA was associated with reduced periprocedural mortality (9.4% (89) vs. 18.6% (176); P=0.001) and lower incidence of cardiac arrest (9.7% (92) vs. 16.1% (152); P=0.001). In multivariable analysis, FA was the strongest independent predictor for increased periprocedural mortality (OR 2.087, 95% CI 1.629-2.674; P=0.001).The radial approach was associated with lower periprocedural mortality compared with FA in patients with STEMI complicated by CS. RA seems to be a valuable option in technically feasible situations.

INTRODUCTION The beneficial outcome of the radial (RA) over femoral approach (FA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been widely demonstrated. However, most of the studies excluded patients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock (CS). OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate periprocedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with RA and FA in patients with STEMI complicated by CS using data from the Polish National PCI Registry (ORPKI). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 3,565 consecutive patients with STEMI and CS treated with emergent PCI and stent implantation were included. Data was collected prospectively between 2014 and 2018 from 151 tertiary primary-PCI centers in Poland. To avoid possible selection bias, a propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create 945 matched pairs treated via RA or FA. RESULTS No differences were reported in baseline characteristics, clinical presentation and delays in treatment between RA and FA after the PSM. Similar radiation doses and the total amount of contrast were used in both groups. A similar rate of periprocedural complications was observed in both RA and FA. However, RA was associated with reduced periprocedural mortality (9.4% (89) vs. 18.6% (176); P=0.001) and lower incidence of cardiac arrest (9.7% (92) vs. 16.1% (152); P=0.001). In multivariable analysis, FA was the strongest independent predictor for increased periprocedural mortality (OR 2.087, 95% CI 1.629-2.674; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS The radial approach was associated with lower periprocedural mortality compared with FA in patients with STEMI complicated by CS. RA seems to be a valuable option in technically feasible situations.

BackgroundThe impact of acute total occlusion (TO) of culprit artery in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is not fully established. We aimed to evaluate clinical and angiographic phenotype and outcome of NSTEMI patients with TO (NSTEMITO) compared to NSTEMI patients without TO (NSTEMINTO) and those with ST-segment elevation and TO (STEMITO).MethodsDemographic, clinical and procedure-related data of patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed in acute myocardial infarction between 2014 and 2017 from the Polish National Registry were analysed.Results We evaluated 131,729 patients: NSTEMINTO (n=65,206), NSTEMITO (n=16,209) and STEMITO (n=50,314). NSTEMITO group had intermediate results compared to NSTEMINTO and STEMITO regarding: mean age (68.78±11.39 vs 65.98±11.61 vs 64.86±12.04 (years), pNTO, NSTEMITO and STEMITO, respectively. However, in NSTEMITO we noticed: the longest time from pain to first medical contact (median 4.0 vs 5.0 vs 2.0 (hours), pConclusionsNSTEMITO clearly differs from NSTEMINTO. It appears as an intermediate condition between NSTEMINTO and STEMITO, although NSTEMITO patients have the longest time delay to and the worst result of PCI which can be explained by the location of the culprit lesion in LCx.

Background Prothrombotic fibrin clot properties are associated with higher early mortality risk in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients. It is unknown whether different types of PE are associated with particular clot characteristics. Methods We assessed 126 normotensive, noncancer acute PE patients (median age: 59 [48–70] years; 52.4% males), who were categorized into central versus peripheral PE with or without concomitant deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Plasma fibrin clot permeability (K s), clot lysis time (CLT), thrombin generation, platelet-derived markers, and fibrinolytic parameters were measured on admission. Plasma fibrin clot morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Patients with central PE (n = 76; 60.3%) compared with peripheral PE (n = 50; 39.7%) had 17.8% higher K s and 14.3% shortened CLT (both p Conclusion Our findings suggest that looser fibrin networks composed of thicker fibers with increased susceptibility to lysis characterize patients with central PE, suggesting that fibrin clot phenotype affects the size of thrombi occluding the pulmonary arteries, highlighting the role of fibrin structures in thrombus formation and stability.

It has been suggested that the time of admission during the day and night may influence the clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).The aim of this study was to assess the impact of day- and night‑time admissions on the clinical outcomes of patients with AMI undergoing PCI.This retrospective cohort study was based on the data on PCIs performed in Poland from January 2014 to December 2017, prospectively collected in the National Registry of Invasive Cardiology Procedures (ORPKI). Day hours were defined as the time interval between 7:00 am and 10:59 pm. The study endpoints included the all‑cause in‑hospital mortality rate and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) at 30‑day,12‑month, and 36‑month follow‑up.A total of 2919 patients were included in the study (2462 [84.3%] treated during the day hours). ST‑segment elevation myocardial infarction (1993 [68.3%]) was the main indication for PCI. We demonstrated that the 30‑day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients treated during the night hours than during the day hours (P = 0.01). Night hours were also among the independent predictors of increased 30‑day mortality (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.16; P = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in in‑hospital, 12‑month, and 36‑month mortality rates between patients treated during the night and day hours. There were no significant differences in the MACCE rates at the follow‑up timepoints.Primary PCI for AMI is associated with increased 30‑day mortality among patients treated during the night hours compared with those managed during the day hours.

Background: The presence of psoriasis is currently considered by the European Society of Cardiology cardiovascular prevention guidelines of 2016 as one possible cardiovascular risk factor. Patients with psoriasis and concomitant coronary artery disease treated by means of percutaneous coronary interven­tion (PCI) are a fairly large subgroup of patients that have been usually omitted in mainstream research. The aim herein, was to identify the incidence of psoriasis, baseline characteristics and periprocedural outcome with a special focus on procedural complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedures. Methods: All consecutive patients who had either coronary angiography or coronary angiography with immediate PCI in Poland in 2014 and 2015 were included. Patients were assigned to two groups based on previous diagnosis: with psoriasis and without psoriasis. Clinical outcome was defined as any periprocedural death. Results: There were 405,078 patients included in this analysis. Psoriasis (moderate or severe) was di­agnosed in 1507 (0.4%) of them. Psoriasis was an independent predictor of allergic reaction occurrence (odds ratio [OR] 6.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–25.22; p = 0.014). After propensity score adjustment, psoriasis remained a significant predictor of allergic reaction (OR 5, 95% CI 1.2–20.7; p = 0.0245). There were no differences in rates of periprocedural deaths in patients with or without psoriasis (death: 0.95% vs. 0.62%, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Severe or moderate psoriasis is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of allergic reaction during percutaneous coronary procedures. There were no differences in periprocedural mortal­ity and complications in patients with versus those without psoriasis.

Aortic stenosis (AS) has been associated with impaired fibrinolysis and increased oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate whether oxidative stress could alter fibrin clot properties in AS. We studied 173 non-diabetic patients, aged 51&ndash, 79 years, with isolated AS. We measured plasma protein carbonylation (PC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), along with plasma clot permeability (Ks), thrombin generation, and fibrinolytic efficiency, which were evaluated by two assays: clot lysis time (CLT) and lysis time (Lys50). Coagulation factors and fibrinolytic proteins were also determined. Plasma PC showed an association with AS severity, reflected by the aortic valve area and the mean and maximum aortic gradients. Plasma PC was positively correlated with CLT, Lys50, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue factor (TF) antigens. TBARS were positively correlated with maximum aortic gradient, Lys50, and TF antigen. Regression analysis showed that PC predicted prolonged CLT (&gt, 104 min, odds ratio (OR) 6.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.58&ndash, 17.83, p &lt, 0.001) and Lys50 (&gt, 565 s, OR 5.83, 95% CI 2.23&ndash, 15.21, p &lt, 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that mean aortic gradient, PC, &alpha, 2-antiplasmin, PAI-1, and triglycerides were predictors of prolonged CLT, while PC, &alpha, 2-antiplasmin, and fibrinogen were predictors of Lys50. Our findings suggest that elevated oxidative stress contributes to impaired fibrinolysis in AS and is associated with AS severity.

Introduction and objectives There is a paucity of data comparing the left radial approach (LRA) and right radial approach (RRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in all-comers populations and performed by operators with different experience levels. Thus, we sought to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of the RRA and LRA during PCI in “real-world” patients with either stable angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods To overcome the possible impact of the nonrandomized design, a propensity score was calculated to compare the 2 radial approaches. The study group comprised 18 716 matched pairs with stable angina and 46 241 with ACS treated with PCI and stent implantation between 2014 and 2017 in 151 tertiary invasive cardiology centers in Poland (the ORPKI Polish National Registry). Results The rates of death and periprocedural complications were similar for the RRA and LRA in stable angina patients. A higher radiation dose was observed with PCI via the LRA in both clinical presentations (stable angina: 1067.0 ± 947.1 mGy vs 1007.4 ± 983.5 mGy, P = .001; ACS: 1212.7 ± 1005.5 mGy vs 1053.5 ± 1029.7 mGy, P = .001). More contrast was used in LRA procedures but only in ACS patients (174.2 ± 75.4 mL vs 167.2 ± 72.1 mL, P = .001). Furthermore, periprocedural complications such as coronary artery dissection (0.16% vs 0.09%, P = .008), no-reflow phenomenon (0.65% vs 0.49%, P = .005), and puncture site bleeding (0.09% vs 0.05%, P = .04) were more frequently observed with the LRA in ACS patients. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups (P = .90). Conclusions Our finding of poorer outcomes with the LRA may be related to lower operator experience with this approach. While both the LRA and RRA are safe in the setting of stable angina, the LRA was associated with a higher rate of periprocedural complications during PCI in ACS patients.

Background: Faster formation of dense and poorly lyzable fibrin networks have been reported in patients at risk of thromboembolism, including cancer patients. We sought to investigate whether chemotherapy affects plasma fibrin clot properties and their determinants in lung cancer patients. Methods: In this observational study we enrolled 83 consecutive patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer. Plasma fibrin clot permeability (K s ), turbidimetric analysis of clot formation, clot lysis time (CLT), microparticle-associated tissue factor (MP-TF) activity, and thrombin generation parameters were investigated at enrolment and 3–4 months after standard chemotherapy. Results: Lung cancer patients after 4 (range, 4–5) cycles of chemotherapy had 35.6% higher D-dimer, 22.1% lower MP-TF activity, and unaltered fibrinogen compared with baseline. Chemotherapy resulted also in 7.5% increased K s , 8.6% prolonged lag phase, and 5.4% shortened CLT, while thrombin generation was unchanged. Chemotherapy-related differences in clot structure were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images. Fibrin clot properties after chemotherapy did not differ among histological types of lung cancer, cancer stages or chemotherapy regimens. Interestingly, never smoking (n=13, 16%) was associated with looser post-treatment fibrin structure as reflected by 12.3% higher K s . Multiple linear regression showed that more advanced cancer stage, higher peak thrombin generation, and higher white blood cell count determined post-treatment change in K s , while active smoking was associated with change in CLT. Conclusions: Three-month chemotherapy in lung cancer patients improves clot properties despite unaffected thrombin generation, suggesting that anticancer treatment might quickly produce antithrombotic actions.

Conflicting data exist regarding the associations between on-site surgical backup and outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Thus, we sought to assess the impact of such a backup on periprocedural outcomes of primary PCI using data from the Polish National Registry of PCI. From 2014 to 2016 data on 66,707 patients presenting with STEMI undergoing primary PCI from 154 centers were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of on-site surgical backup. Of 66,707 patients, 15,040 (22.6%) patients were treated in 28 centers with on-site surgical backup. On-site surgical backup was associated with a higher center PCI annual volume (662.4 ± 301.8 vs 1098.7 ± 483.5; p0.001), but a lower operator PCI annual volume (226.7 ± 126.0 vs 207.8 ± 96.6; p0.001). The periprocedural mortality (1.60% vs 1.09%; p0.001) was lower in patients from centers with on-site cardiac surgery and both on-site surgical backup (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.618 [0.517; 0.738]; p0.001) and the mean number of PCIs by operator per year (odds ratio per 10 [95% confidence interval], 0.990 [0.984; 0.996]; p = 0.001] were independent predictors of periprocedural death. In conclusion, results of our study suggest that periprocedural mortality in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI is lower in centers than without on-site cardiac surgical backup. Whether this effect on mortality is attributable to such backup itself and/or whether surgical backup is a marker of overall better medical care and adherence to professional guidelines, this needs clarification in further studies.

Data on the clinical outcomes comparing synthetic fluorocarbon polymer polytetrafluoroethylene- (PTFE, GraftMaster) and polyurethane- (Papyrus) covered stents (CSs) to seal coronary artery perforations (CAPs) are limited. We aimed to evaluate 30-day and 1-year clinical outcomes after PCI complicated by CAP and treated with CS. We assessed 106 consecutive patients with successful CAP sealing (122 CSs): GraftMaster (51 patients, 57 CSs) or Papyrus CS (55 patients, 65 CSs). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularisation (TLR), and myocardial infarction (MI). The mean age of subjects was 69 ± 9.6 years (53.8% males). No significant differences were identified between the GraftMaster and Papyrus groups at the 30-day follow-up for MACE, cardiac death, MI and stent thrombosis (ST), while significantly lower rate of TLR and TVR (p = 0.02) were confirmed in the Papyrus group. At one year, differences remained similar between stents for MACE, a trend towards a lower rate of TLR (p = 0.07), MI (p = 0.08), and ST (p = 0.08), and higher for cardiac death (p = 0.07) was observed in the Papyrus group. This real-life registry of CAP illustrated that the use of Papyrus CS is associated with lower rates of TLR and TVR at 30-day follow-up in comparison to the GraftMaster CSs and no significant differences between both assessed CS at one year of follow-up.

Family history of stroke increases stroke risk, however mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We investigated whether family history of stroke is related to increased prevalence of stroke risk factors, unhealthy behaviors and self-reported stroke symptoms in middle-aged adults.In a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2018 to January 2021 in 100 primary care facilities in Poland we evaluated adults aged 40-65 years (n = 2207, women 57.4%, median age 55 years) for stroke risk factors, healthy behaviors, family history of stroke, self-reported stroke symptoms and stroke knowledge using structured questionnaires. Patients were categorized based on family history of stroke defined as ≥1 first-degree relative with documented stroke.Family history of stroke was reported by 571 (25.9%) individuals who were older (median age 56 vs. 54 years, p = 0.00001) and after adjustment for age more frequently suffered from hypertension (61.5% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.024) and prior transient ischemic attack (2.1% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.019), but not other risk factors. However, they were less obese (34.5% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.03). Women, but not men, with family history of stroke (n = 339, 26.8%) had greater prevalence of atrial fibrillation (7.4% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.037). Family history of stroke was associated with higher prevalence of any self-reported stroke symptom (32.9% vs. 23.2%, p 0.00001), but not with unhealthy dietary behaviors or low level of knowledge about stroke.Family history of stroke is associated with greater prevalence of certain risk factors and self-reported stroke symptoms, which indicates the need for closer surveillance of middle-aged individuals at risk.

It is unclear whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF). We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 502 non-anticoagulated AF patients (median age, 66 (60&ndash, 73) years, median CHA2DS2-VASc score, 3.0 (2.0&ndash, 4.0)) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &ge, 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), clot permeability (Ks), and clot lysis time (CLT), among others, were determined. Patients with stage 4 CKD (n = 87, 17.3%) had higher ETP and prolonged CLT compared with those with stage 3 CKD. In patients with stages 3 to 4 CKD (n = 180, 35.9%) N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide predicted low Ks (the lowest quartile, odds ratio [OR] per 100 pg/mL: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01&ndash, 1.06) and prolonged CLT (the top quartile, OR per 100 pg/mL: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02&ndash, 1.08), but not high ETP. In the whole cohort, after adjustment for CHA2DS2-VASc score, stage 4 CKD, but not stage 3 CKD, predicted high ETP (OR: 9.06, 95% CI: 4.44&minus, 18.46) and prolonged CLT (OR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.76&ndash, 7.28), but not low Ks. compared to the reference eGFR category. This study is the first to demonstrate the prothrombotic and antifibrinolytic alterations in AF patients with stage 4 CKD, but not stage 3 CKD irrespective of clinical stroke risk factors.

Denser fibrin networks which are relatively resistant to lysis can predispose to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), a blood protein displaying antifibrinolytic properties, is present in fibrin clots. We investigated whether HRG may affect the risk of PTS in relation to alterations to fibrin characteristics. In venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients, we evaluated plasma HRG levels, plasma clot permeability, maximum absorbance, clot lysis time and maximum rate of increase in D-dimer levels released from clots after 3 months of the index event. We excluded patients with cancer and severe comorbidities. After 2 years of follow-up, 48 patients who developed PTS had 18.6% higher HRG at baseline. Baseline HRG positively correlated with clot lysis time, maximum absorbance, and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) activity but was inversely correlated with plasma clot permeability and maximum rate of increase in D-dimer levels released from clots. On multivariate regression model adjusted for age, fibrinogen and glucose, independent predictors of PTS were recurrent VTE, baseline HRG level, and TAFI activity. VTE recurred in 45 patients, including 30 patients with PTS, and this event showed no association with elevated HRG. Our findings suggest that increased HRG levels might contribute to the development of PTS, in part through prothrombotic fibrin clot properties.

BackgroundWith the emerging interest in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), there is a need to define an even broader group of patients with the syndrome of myocardial ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). There are limited data on the clinical characteristics and prognoses of such patients who present with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and undergo urgent coronary angiography that reveals no significant lesions. The aim of this observational study was to compare patients with ACS INOCA and those with ACS with obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) both within unadjusted cohorts and with propensity score matched controls.Methods and resultsThis observational study was based on the data from the Polish National Registry of Invasive Cardiology Procedures. Of 9744 patients included, 7624 had OCAD and 2120 had ACS INOCA. In unadjusted cohorts, the overall survival and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: death, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure hospitalization) until 36 months were higher in patients with ACS OCAD. Following propensity matching, higher win ratios of death (p = 0.02), additional revascularizations by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (pConclusionsThe prognosis of patients with ACS INOCA was more favorable than that of patients with ACS OCAD; however, the differences diminished after adjustments for the initial clinical profiles. An ACS incident should not be judged as trivial even when cardiac markers remain stable and no significant lesions are found on angiography.

Introduction Radial approach (RA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with reduced mortality and access site complications. The routine use of the RA in patients should be strongly considered, keeping in mind the learning curve associated with the technique. However, promotion of RA may interfere with the equally important goal of maintaining proficiency in the femoral approach (FA), which is essential in a variety of procedures as well as when RA fails. There is possible risk of higher rate of complications in PCI with FA performed by operators mainly using radial artery as access site. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate impact of experience and proficiency with RA for clinical outcomes on PCI via FA in “real-world” patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods A total of 539 invasive cardiologists performing PCI in 151 invasive cardiology centers on the Polish territory between 2014 and 2017 were included in study analysis. Proficiency threshold has been set at >400 procedures during four consecutive years per individual operator. They were categorized to quartiles according to total volume of radial artery utilization during all PCIs. Procedures performed on patients with Killip-Kimball class IV on admission to catheterisation laboratory were excluded from analysis. Results The most of the operators performed >75% of all procedures via radial artery (326 (60.5%)), 112 (20.8%) used RA in 50–75% of cases, 67 (12.4%) in 25–50% of all PCIs and only 34 (6.3%) invasive cardiologist were using RA in less than 25% of all procedures. Mortality during PCI via FA was higher in group of invasive cardiologist with >75% of all procedures performed with radial access (>75% vs. 50–75% vs. 25–50% vs. 75% vs. 50–75% vs. 25–50% vs. Conclusions Higher experience in radial access might be linked to worse outcome in PCI via FA in ACS settings. Femoral artery is important vascular approach and should not be abandoned while learning procedures with radial artery utilization. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Introduction The use of the radial approach (RA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has gradually increased. Several studies demonstrated that radial artery is associated with significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events for both coronary angiography and PCI in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it is still unclear if the side of RA has influence on clinical outcomes in an all-comer population in ACS settings. Purpose We sought to evaluate safety, feasibility, and clinical outcomes of right radial approach (RRA) compared to left radial approach (LRA) during PCI in “real-world” patients with ACS. Methods A total of 234,087 consecutive patients with ACS treated with PCI and stent implantation via radial approach between 2014 and 2017 in 151 invasive cardiology centers on the Polish territory. Data was based on the ORPKI Polish National Registry. Patients treated with RRA and LRA were compared using a propensity score analysis to avoid possible selection bias. The analysis was done in an “as-treated” manner. Results Procedure was conducted using RRA and LRA in 180,378 (77.1%) and 53,709 (22.9%) patients, respectively. After propensity score matching higher total amount of contrast (174.28 (±75.56) vs. 166.95 (±70.57) [ml]; P=0.001) and radiation doses were reported in PCI with left radial artery utilization (1210.21 (±1003.53) vs. 1054.07 (±1024.17) [mGy]; p=0.001). No differences were observed between RRA and LRA in rate of periprocedural adverse events such as myocardial infarction (0.08% vs. 0.08%; p=0.9) stroke (0.02% vs. 0.01%; p=0.1), no-reflow phenomenon (0.64%vs. 0.56%; p=0.1) and death (0.25% vs. 0.24%; p=0.7). A trend towards a lower rate of access-site-related bleeding during PCI was observed in RRA group (0.08% vs. 0.05%; p=0.066). Coronary artery perforation (0.21% vs. 0.16%; p=0.05) and cardiac arrest (0.56% vs 0.42%; p=0.01) were reported more often during PCI conducted with LRA. Conclusions Both radial approaches seems to be equally effective in the setting of PCI in ACS. However, utilization of left radial artery was associated with trend toward increased risk of access-site bleeding and higher rate of periprocedural complications as compared to RRA. Higher amount of contrast and radiation doses used in LRA procedures might be equivalent of generally lower experience with this access site. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Background According to epidemiological studies, increased air pollution has negative impact on the cardiovascular system. However, the extent of the air pollution's impact on the frequency of the occurrence of specific subtypes of coronary artery diseases (CAD) has not yet been established with absolute certainty. Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between increased air pollution expressed as particulate air matter (PM10) concentrations and the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Methods Based on the data published by the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, we selected six cities (six catheter laboratories [cath labs]) with low pollution according to PM10 (“non-polluted”) and five cities (six cath labs) with the highest pollution (“polluted”). These locations served as a basis for the determination of 24/7 cath labs and the frequency of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients (PCIs) with subsequent types of CAD with special outlook on the ACSs. The current study accounted 10,239 patients in the polluted area and 5,648 patients from the non-polluted region treated with PCI and included patients with stable angina and ACSs. Analysing the period of 365 days, the number of patients undergoing angioplasty in monitored cath labs and the mean daily concentration of PM10 in all selected cities were calculated for each day. In order to better visualise air pollution trends and the frequency of performing PCI in patients with ACS, we have created new time intervals for weeks. Additionally, due to the difference in pollution levels, the analysed period was divided into winter (13 weeks) and non-winter weeks (39 weeks). Results The annual average concentration of PM10 amounts to 50.95 μg/m3 in polluted cities and 26.62 μg/m3 in non-polluted ones, which was significantly different (p Figure 1. Biplot chart according to the extent of pollution expressed as PM10 and sample size for selected Cathlabs. Conclusions The study shows that the increase in air pollution expressed as PM10 concentration and winter time influences the frequency of ACS related PCIs.

The aim of the presented study was to assess the relationship between air pollution expressed as particulate air matters less than 10 μm (PM10) and acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). In this observational study, we selected regions with low pollution according to PM10 (non-polluted) and with the highest pollution (polluted). The occurrence of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients with ACSs was matched according to the location. The current study included 7678 patients in polluted areas and 4327 patients from non-polluted regions. Analysing the period from January to December 2017, the number of patients undergoing angioplasty in monitored catheterization laboratories and the mean daily concentration of PM10 in all selected cities were calculated for each day. The annual average concentration of PM10 amounts to 50.95 μg/m3 in polluted and 26.62 μg/m3 in non-polluted cities (P

Introduction Fibrin clot structure differs between healthy individuals and those following thromboembolic events. Dense and poorly lysable fibrin clots have also been reported in peripheral artery disease. We studied fibrin clot properties and its determinants in individuals with a history of acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) of unknown cause. Materials and methods In this case-control study, we enrolled 43 patients who experienced ALI of unknown cause, and two age-and sex-matched reference groups: (1) patients with cryptogenic non-lacunar stroke (n = 43) and (2) individuals without any history of thromboembolism (n = 43, control group). Plasma fibrin clot properties, along with thrombin generation and fibrinolysis markers were assessed following ≥3 months of anticoagulation. Results Compared with the control group, the ALI group exhibited more compact plasma fibrin clots (13.4% lower permeability [Ks], p = .001), decreased formed clot lysis (12.5% lower D-Drate, p = .001) and unaltered clot lysis potential, along with enhanced thrombin generation potential (49% higher peak thrombin concentration, p Conclusions Patients who experienced ALI of unknown cause display a prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype, including increased clot density and hypofibrinolysis associated with higher thrombin generation, which might suggest potential benefits from prolonged anticoagulation in this disease.

We sought to evaluate the impact of experience and proficiency with radial approach (RA) on clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed via femoral approach (FA) in the &ldquo, real-world&rdquo, national registry. A total of 539 invasive cardiologists performing PCIs in 151 invasive cardiology centers in Poland between 2014 and 2017 were included. Proficiency threshold was set at &gt, 300 PCIs during four consecutive years per individual operator. The majority of operators performed &gt, 75% of all PCIs via RA (449 (65.4%)), 143 (20.8%) in 50&ndash, 75% of cases, 62 (9.0%) in 25&ndash, 50% and only 33 (4.8%) invasive cardiologists were using RA in &lt, 25% of all PCIs. Operators with the highest proficiency in RA were associated with increased risk of periprocedural death, stroke and bleeding complications at access site during angiography via FA. Similarly, higher prevalence of periprocedural mortality during PCI with FA was observed in most experienced radial operators as compared to other groups. The detrimental effect of FA utilization by the most experienced radial operators was observed in both stable angina and acute coronary syndromes. Higher experience and utilization of RA might be linked to worse outcomes of PCIs performed via femoral artery in both stable and acute settings.