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For more than 50 years, carotid endarterectomy has been considered the gold standard therapy to prevent stroke in patients with carotid artery disease. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged in the last 15 years as minimally invasive alternative to surgery, especially in patients at high surgical risk. Recent randomized trials have challenged this concept reporting a relatively high incidence rate (4–6%) of post-CAS neurological adverse events. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current role of CAS in all-comers with advanced carotid disease, managed with mandatory proximal neuroprotection in a high-volume centre. From our database, the last 393 consecutive patients, from January 2011 to August 2013, undergoing CAS under proximal neuroprotection were analysed (mean age 72 ± 8 years). Indications included symptomatic stenoses ≥60% ( n = 87; 22%) and asymptomatic stenoses ≥80% ( n = 306; 78%). In an intention-to-treat approach, CAS success rate was 100%. The in-hospital all stroke/death rate was 1% (minor stroke 1%, major stroke 0%, and death 0%), and the rate of myocardial infarction was 0.3%. The minor stroke rate was 2.3% in symptomatic patients and 0.7% in asymptomatic patients. Carotid artery stenting performed in a high experience centre with the use of proximal embolic protection device is safe and has a low incidence rate of stroke.

Conduction disorders and permanent pacemaker implantation are common complications in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical significance of new bundle branch block in patients who underwent TAVI with the Medtronic CoreValve Revalving System (MCRS) or the Edwards SAPIEN valve (ESV). Data from 238 patients with no previous pacemaker implantation, left bundle branch block (LBBB) or right bundle branch block at baseline electrocardiography who underwent TAVI with either MCRS (n = 87) or ESV (n = 151) bioprostheses from 2007 to 2011 were analyzed. New-onset LBBB occurred in 26.5% patients (n = 63): 13.5% with the ESV (n = 20) and 50.0% with the MCRS (n = 43) (p = 0.001). Permanent pacemaker implantation was required in 12.7% of patients (n = 8) because of complete atrioventricular block (ESV n = 2, MCRS n = 4), LBBB and first degree atrioventricular block (MCRS n = 1) and new-onset LBBB associated with sinus bradycardia (MCRS n = 1). At discharge, LBBB persisted in 8.6% of ESV patients (n = 13) and 32.2% of MCRS patients (n = 28) (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the only predictor of LBBB was MCRS use (odds ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 17.4, p

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Se han descrito resultados alentadores en el seguimiento a largo plazo de registros no aleatorizados y de ensayos aleatorizados tras la intervencion coronaria percutanea con implantacion de stents liberadores de farmacos para el tratamiento de la estenosis de la coronaria principal izquierda no protegida. Sin embargo, la informacion sobre los resultados a muy largo plazo (> 5 anos) es limitada. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar los resultados a muy largo plazo (6 anos) tras la implantacion de stents liberadores de farmacos en la enfermedad coronaria de la principal izquierda. Metodos Se analizaron los resultados de todos los pacientes consecutivos con estenosis de la coronaria principal izquierda no protegida que se trato de manera electiva con la implantacion de stents liberadores de farmacos entre marzo de 2002 y mayo de 2005, segun la localizacion de la lesion de la coronaria principal izquierda (bifurcacion distal frente a ostium/cuerpo). Resultados Se incluyo en el estudio a 149 pacientes: 113 con una lesion de la bifurcacion distal y 36 con una lesion en ostium/cuerpo. La presencia de enfermedad de tres vasos fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de lesion distal que en el grupo de lesion en ostium/cuerpo (el 52,2 frente al 33,2%; p = 0,05). A los 6 anos de seguimiento, la tasa acumulada de eventos cardiacos adversos mayores fue del 41,6% (el 45,1 distal frente al 30,6% en ostium/cuerpo; p = 0,1), incluidos el 18,8% de muerte de cualquier tipo (el 22,1 distal frente al 8,3% en ostium/cuerpo; p = 0,08), el 3,4% de infarto de miocardio (el 3,5 distal frente al 2,8% en ostium/cuerpo; p = 1) y el 15,4% de revascularizacion de lesion diana (el 18,6 distal frente al 5,6% en ostium/cuerpo; p = 0,06). La variable combinada de muerte cardiaca e infarto de miocardio se produjo en el 10,7% de los casos (el 13,3 distal frente al 2,8% en ostium/cuerpo; p = 0,1), mientras que la tasa de trombosis definitiva/probable del stent fue del 1,4% (todos en el grupo distal). Conclusiones En un seguimiento clinico de 6 anos, la intervencion coronaria percutanea con implantacion de stents liberadores de farmacos para lesiones de la coronaria principal izquierda no protegida se asocio a unas tasas aceptables de muerte cardiaca, infarto de miocardio y trombosis de stent. Se confirmaron los resultados a largo plazo favorables en las lesiones de ostium/cuerpo en comparacion con las lesiones de la bifurcacion distal en el seguimiento clinico a largo plazo.

Introduction and objectives Encouraging results at long-term follow-up have been reported from non-randomized registries and randomized trials following percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main stenosis. However, information on very long-term (>5-year) outcomes is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the very long-term outcomes (6-years) following drug-eluting stent implantation for left main disease. Methods All consecutive patients with unprotected left main stenosis electively treated with drug-eluting stent implantation, between March 2002 and May 2005, were analyzed according to the location of the left main lesion (distal bifurcation vs ostial/body). Results The study included 149 patients: 113 with distal bifurcation and 36 with ostial/body lesion. Triple-vessel disease was significantly higher in the distal than in the ostial/body group (52.2% vs 33.2%, P =.05). At 6-years of follow-up, the cumulative major adverse cardiovascular event rate was 41.6% (45.1% distal vs 30.6% ostial/body, P =0.1), including 18.8% any death (22.1% distal vs 8.3% ostial/body, P =.08), 3.4% myocardial infarction (3.5% distal vs 2.8% ostial/body, P =1), and 15.4% target lesion revascularization (18.6% distal vs 5.6% ostial/body, P =.06). The composite of cardiac death and myocardial infarction was 10.7% (13.3% distal vs 2.8% ostial/body, P =.1) while the definite/probable stent thrombosis rate was 1.4% (all in the distal group). Conclusions At 6-year clinical follow-up, percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main disease was associated with acceptable rates of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. Favorable long-term outcomes in ostial/body lesions compared to distal bifurcation lesions were confirmed at long-term clinical follow-up.

A 78-year-old man presented with effort dyspnea and angina due to severe aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease. He underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with drug-eluting stents on the left main coronary artery and left anterior descending artery followed by

Background— Few data are available regarding the optimal revascularization strategy for unprotected distal left main coronary artery (UDLM) in-stent restenosis (ISR). Methods and Results— Between April 2002 and December 2008, UDLM-ISR following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation occurred in 92 of 474 patients (19.4%). Of these, 8 (8.7%) who underwent a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were excluded, and the remaining 84 (91.3%) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (43 plain old balloon angioplasty [POBA] and 41 DES) were analyzed to assess the feasibility of PCI for UDLM-ISR. The overall cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and major adverse cardiac events during the follow-up period (median, 24 months) occurred in 4, 2, and 31 patients, respectively. Repeat target lesion revascularization (TLR) occurred in 28 patients. The incidence of repeat TLR was higher following PCI with POBA than with DES (hazard ratio [HR], 2.79; 95% CI, 1.23–6.34; P =0.014). On Cox regression analysis, the independent predictors of repeat TLR were treatment with POBA (HR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.41–7.69; P =0.006) and EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) >6 (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.02–6.28; P =0.045). More complex lesions requiring a 2-stent strategy were associated with a higher occurrence of TLR for restenosis of the left circumflex coronary artery ostium (LCX-ISR) (HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.59–3.97; P =0.001) as well as repeat TLR for recurrent LCX-ISR (HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 0.97–19.20; P =0.05) compared to a 1-stent strategy. No cardiac death at 2 years occurred in patients with LCX-ISR. Conclusions— UDLM restenosis is better treated with DES than with POBA. The rate of recurrent ISR following repeat PCI was high, whereas the rates of MI and death were relatively low. Complex lesions requiring a 2-stent strategy had a higher recurrence rate at the ostial LCX but without an associated increased risk of MI and death.

Objectives This study aims to report a “real-world” experience of in hospital complications and clinical outcome of a large cohort of consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) support, from a tertiary care center over a 12-year period. Background The incidence of vascular complications in patients treated with PCI and IABP is expected to be higher due to simultaneous puncture of femoral arteries, larger IABP sheath size, and longer duration of IABP therapy. Methods A total of 360 consecutive patients (mean age of 65.9 ± 11.2 years; 80.6% male) who required an IABP support during percutaneous PCI were classified into 3 groups: Urgent: 133 patients (36.9%) admitted with acute coronary syndrome in whom IABP therapy was started before urgent PCI; Emergent: 56 patients (15.6%) in whom emergent IABP insertion was required to manage hypotension during PCI; and Elective: 171 patients (47.5%) with stable angina pectoris in whom IABP was inserted before elective PCI. Overall bleeding was defined according to the newest the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) definition criteria. Results BARC bleeding occurred in 68 patients (19%), with the highest incidence noted in the Urgent group (31.1%), in comparison with the Emergent (26.8%) and Elective (7%) groups, p Conclusions Bleeding related to the IABP access site was significantly higher in the Urgent group and accounted for more than two-thirds of overall access site–related bleeding. IABP treatment duration and renal impairment were independent predictors of overall bleeding.

Aims Reoperation for bioprosthetic heart valve failure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-risk patients. Transcatheter valve-in-valve (VIV) implantation may offer a less invasive alternative. The aim of this study was to report our initial experience with transcatheter VIV implantation to treat degenerated tissue valves. Methods and results VIV implantation with the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve (THV; Edwards Lifesciences Inc, Irvine, CA, USA) was performed in 18 high-risk patients (STS 8.2±5.2%; logistic EuroSCORE 37.4±20.8%) with symptomatic bioprosthetic failure (17 aortic, one mitral). Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) definitions were applied for endpoint adjudication. Transfemoral access was the preferred vascular approach (16 patients, with the mitral VIV delivered anterogradely through the femoral vein; one transaxillary and one transapical). The majority (83%) of procedures were performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. Device success was achieved in all but one patient who had a final transaortic gradient ≥20mmHg. Acute kidney injury occurred in three patients (Stage 3 in 1), life-threatening or major bleeding in four patients, while major vascular complications occurred in one patient. Permanent pacemaker implantation was required in two patients. There were no deaths or neurological events at 30-day follow-up. At a median follow-up of 11 months (interquartile range 6-16), the mortality rate was 5.6% and all patients were in NYHA class II or lower. Conclusions Transcatheter implantation of the Edwards THV within a degenerated aortic bioprosthesis, performed predominantly via the transfemoral route, is feasible and associated with good periprocedural and clinical outcomes in high-risk surgical patients.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to aorto-ostial (AO) lesions is technically demanding and associated with high revascularization rates. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes after bare metal stent (BMS) compared to drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation after PCI to AO lesions. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of all consecutive patients who underwent PCI to AO lesions at 2 centers. Angiographic and clinical outcomes in 230 patients with DES from September 2000 to December 2009 were compared to a historical control group of 116 patients with BMS. Comparison of the baseline demographics showed more diabetics (32% vs 16%, p = 0.001), lower ejection fractions (52.3 ± 9.7% vs 55.0 ± 11.5%, p = 0.022), longer stents (17.55 ± 7.76 vs 14.37 ± 5.60 mm, p

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Edwards Sapien THV (ESV), compared with the Sapien XT THV (SXT) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California). Background The SXT has been recently commercialized in Europe, but there are no studies analyzing the efficacy and safety of SXT, compared with ESV. Methods All consecutive patients (n = 120) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation in our center via the transfemoral approach with either ESV (n = 66) or SXT (n = 54). Valve Academic Research Consortium endpoints were used. Results Mean age was 80 ± 8 years, and mean Logistic-European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 24.9 ± 17.0. The ilio-femoral artery minimal lumen diameter was smaller in patients treated with the SXT (7.27 ± 1.09 mm vs. 7.94 ± 1.08 mm, p = 0.002). Device success was high in both groups (96.3% vs. 92.4%, p = 0.45). Major vascular events were 3-fold lower in the SXT group (11.1% vs. 33.3%, relative risk: 0.40, 95% confidence interval: 0.28 to 0.57; p = 0.004). Life-threatening and major bleeding events were not significantly different between groups (18.5% vs. 27.3% and 35.2% vs. 40.9%, respectively). The SXT group had a lower 30-day Valve Academic Research Consortium combined safety endpoint (20.4% vs. 45.5%; relative risk: 0.44, 95% confidence interval: 0.24 to 0.80; p = 0.004). The 30-day mortality was 1.7% (n = 2). At 30 days, mean transaortic gradient was approximately 10 mm Hg in both groups and the aortic regurgitation was mild-to-moderate in 70.2% of SXT and 76.3% of ESV. Conclusions The new SXT valve has the same short-term performance as the ESV but seems to be associated with a lower risk of major vascular complications and thus has a broader clinical application.

In the field of interventional cardiology, transcatheter aortic valve implantation is the newest and most exciting development of recent years. With a growing evidence base for both prognostic and symptomatic benefit, more and more interventionalists are keen to learn the procedure. However, the concomitant risk associated with a technically challenging procedure in a high-risk patient population is significant, and complications can arise suddenly and often unexpectedly. It is essential that new, and even established, operators are meticulously aware of the potential for complications, are able to identify them at an early stage, and manage them quickly and effectively. We have significant experience with transcatheter aortic valve implantation, through the implantation of 260 devices, which brings first-hand experience of most major complications. This article provides insight into the potential for complications, offering advice on effective treatment, recognition, and ultimately, prevention. It also suggests a number of procedural and technical modifications, which might improve outcomes in the future.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, predictors, management, and clinical outcomes in patients with grade III coronary perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention. Background Grade III coronary perforation is a rare but recognized complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. Methods From 24,465 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from May 1993 to December 2009, 56 patients had grade III coronary perforation. Results Most lesions were complex: 44.6% type B2, 51.8% type C, and 28.6% chronic total occlusions, and within a small vessel (≤2.5 mm) in 32.1%. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were administered in 17.9% of patients. The device causing perforation was intracoronary balloon in 50%: 53.6% compliant, 46.4% noncompliant; intracoronary guidewire in 17.9%; rotablation in 3.6%; and directional atherectomy in 3.6%. Following perforation, immediate treatment and success rates, respectively, were prolonged balloon inflation 58.9%, 54.5%; covered stent implantation 46.4%, 84.6%; coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and surgical repair 16.0%, 44.4%; and coil embolization 1.8%, 100%. Multiple methods were required in 39.3%. During the procedure (n = 56), 19.6% required cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 3.6% died. In-hospital (n = 54), 3.7% required CABG, 14.8% died. The combined procedural and in-hospital myocardial infarction rate was 42.9%, and major adverse cardiac event rate was 55.4%. At clinical follow-up (n = 46) (median: 38.1 months, range 7.6 to 122.8), 4.3% had a myocardial infarction, 4.3% required CABG, and 15.2% died. The target lesion revascularization rate was 13%, with target vessel revascularization in 19.6%, and major adverse cardiac events in 41.3%. Conclusions Grade III coronary perforation is associated with complex lesions and high acute and long-term major adverse cardiac event rates.

Objectives Our aim was to assess clinical outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) performed with the 2 commercially available valves with 3 delivery approaches selected in a stepwise fashion. Background Limited data exist on the results of a comprehensive TAVI program using different valves with transfemoral, transapical, and transaxillary approaches for treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Methods We report 30-day and 6-month outcomes of high-risk patients consecutively treated in a single center with either the Medtronic-CoreValve (MCV) (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) or Edwards-SAPIEN valve (ESV) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) delivered via the transfemoral or transaxillary approaches and ESV via the transapical approach. Results A total of 137 patients underwent TAVI: 107 via transfemoral (46 MCV and 61 ESV), 15 via transaxillary (12 MCV and 3 ESV), and 15 via transapical approach. After the transfemoral approach, the procedural success rate was 93.5%, and major vascular complication rate was 20.6%. No intra-procedural deaths occurred. The procedural success rates of transapical and transaxillary approaches were 86.6% and 93.3%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.9% in transfemoral group and 13.3% in transapical, and no deaths occurred after transaxillary access. Cumulative death rate at 6 months was 12.2% in transfemoral, 26.6% in transapical, and 18.2% in transaxillary groups. At multivariable analysis, logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, body surface area, and history of cerebrovascular disease were significantly associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Conclusions Routine TAVI using both MCV and ESV with a selection of approaches is feasible and allows treatment of a wide range of patients with good overall procedural success rates and 30-day and 6-month outcomes.

Objectives Atorvastatin administered at least 7 days before the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the rate of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI). It is unknown whether a single, high (80 mg) loading dose of atorvastatin may reduce the rate of periprocedural MI. Background Periprocedural MI is a prognostically important complication of PCI. Methods The day before the elective PCI, 668 statin-naive patients were randomly assigned to atorvastatin 80 mg (atorvastatin group; n = 338) or no statin treatment (control group; n = 330). Creatine kinase-myocardial isoenzyme (CK-MB) (upper limit of normal [ULN] 3.5 ng/ml) and cardiac troponin I (ULN 0.10 ng/ml) were assessed before and 6 and 12 h after the intervention. Periprocedural MI was defined as a CK-MB elevation >3× ULN alone or associated with chest pain or ST-segment or T-wave abnormalities. Results The incidence of a periprocedural MI was 9.5% in the atorvastatin group and 15.8% in the control group (odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.35 to 0.89; p = 0.014). Median CK-MB peak after PCI was 2.10 ng/ml (interquartile range 1.00 to 12.50 ng/ml) in the atorvastatin group and 3.20 ng/ml (interquartile range 1.37 to 16.07 ng/ml) in the control group (p = 0.014). The incidence of cardiac troponin I elevation >3× ULN was 26.6% in the atorvastatin group and 39.1% in the control group (odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.40 to 0.78; p Conclusions A single, high (80 mg) loading (within 24 h) dose of atorvastatin reduces the incidence of periprocedural MI in elective PCI.

OBJECTIVES: Computed tomography (CT) is an increasingly utilized method for the evaluation of patient suitability for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to analyse the role of CT in the choice of prosthesis and the prevention of residual aortic regurgitation (RAR). METHODS: From November 2007 to September 2010, 115 patients (median age 81 years, inter-quantile range (IQR) 76–85; median ejection fraction 55%, IQR 45–60; median logistic EuroSCORE 19.7, IQR 11.0–32.1) undergoing TAVI were evaluated with a pre-procedural CT. An aortic complex was evaluated with multi-planar reconstructions, and we defined significant early RAR as RAR ≥ 2, and prosthesis/annulus mismatch (PAM) as the ratio between prosthesis size and mean annular size. All analyses were conducted for the whole sample and then separately for the two types of prosthesis implanted. RESULTS: An Edwards-SAPIEN ® prosthesis was implanted in 62 patients (54.7%), and a Medtronic CoreValve ® in 52 (45.2%). Aortic annulus minimum and maximum diameters were 22.6 ± 2.1 and 26.0 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The aortic annulus diameter and the length of the free edge of the aortic cusps were linearly related to a 1:1 ratio (P< 0.0001). Significant RAR (34 patients, 30%) appeared directly related to the annulus diameters (particularly maximum and medium diameters, P= 0.0003 and P= 0.0010, respectively) and cusp length (P= 0.0007) but inversely correlated with PAM (P= 0.0006). Prosthesis/annulus oversizing was associated with a reduction in RAR, with a cut-off of 7% as the limit below which RAR increases; moreover, we observed different cut-off values for the Edwards and CoreValve prostheses, although statistical significance was not reached for the CoreValve (respectively, 2% with P< 0.0001, 11% with P= 0.16). No association was found between PAM and possible PAM-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: CT evaluation prior to TAVI showed that RAR was directly correlated with aortic root dimensions (particularly maximum and medium annulus diameters and cusp lengths) and inversely correlated with PAM. Oversizing the prosthesis by at least 7% reduces the risk of RAR. CT is an essential and invaluable tool in the assessment of patients undergoing TAVI.

Rapid right ventricular pacing (RRVP) at rates above 200 beats/minute is used to suppress cardiac output during balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) patients. A risk of inducing myocardial ischemia with RRVP remains, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Alternatively, a transient cardiac arrest can be achieved with administration of adenosine.The primary endpoint was successful valvuloplasty defined by complete balloon inflation and deflation across aortic valve during the transient asystole induced by adenosine. Secondary endpoints were defined as the failure of adenosine to induce asystole, the incidence of ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) during balloon inflation or deflation, and balloon displacement.From November 2010 to January 2011, twenty consecutive patients who underwent TAVI were included. A balloon for valvuloplasty was positioned across the aortic valve. A low-dose (24 mg, n = 10) or high-dose (36 mg, n = 10) bolus of adenosine was administrated. A single bolus of adenosine-induced atrioventricular (AV) block (mean duration, 18.6 ± 6.6 seconds) followed by cardiac asystole in 16 patients (80%) (low-dose, n = 9). A successful BAV was achieved in 12 patients (60%) (low-dose, n = 8). Adenosine induced only bradycardia in 4 patients (20%) (low-dose, n = 1). A burst of VEB during BAV occurred in all patients. Balloon displacement occurred in 6 patients (37.5%).BAV after administration of adenosine is feasible, safe, and may represent an option for high-risk TAVI patients in whom RRVP might not be well tolerated. The occurrence of ventricular ectopic contractions triggered by balloon inflation and deflations accounts for balloon displacement and crossover to RRVP.

This study aims to report a "real-world" experience of in hospital complications and clinical outcome of a large cohort of consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) support, from a tertiary care center over a 12-year period.The incidence of vascular complications in patients treated with PCI and IABP is expected to be higher due to simultaneous puncture of femoral arteries, larger IABP sheath size, and longer duration of IABP therapy.A total of 360 consecutive patients (mean age of 65.9 ± 11.2 years; 80.6% male) who required an IABP support during percutaneous PCI were classified into 3 groups: Urgent: 133 patients (36.9%) admitted with acute coronary syndrome in whom IABP therapy was started before urgent PCI; Emergent: 56 patients (15.6%) in whom emergent IABP insertion was required to manage hypotension during PCI; and Elective: 171 patients (47.5%) with stable angina pectoris in whom IABP was inserted before elective PCI. Overall bleeding was defined according to the newest the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) definition criteria.BARC bleeding occurred in 68 patients (19%), with the highest incidence noted in the Urgent group (31.1%), in comparison with the Emergent (26.8%) and Elective (7%) groups, p0.0001. Bleeding related to the IABP access site was 7.5%, which accounted for 82% of any access site-related bleeding. It was significantly higher in the Urgent group (12.8%) compared with the Elective (4.1%) and Emergent (5.4%) groups. At multivariate analysis, IABP treatment duration and renal impairment were the only independent predictors of BARC bleeding.Bleeding related to the IABP access site was significantly higher in the Urgent group and accounted for more than two-thirds of overall access site-related bleeding. IABP treatment duration and renal impairment were independent predictors of overall bleeding.

Objective: To investigate the predictors of moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR≥2+) after CoreValve implantation and evaluate the feasibility and safety of postdilatation in reducing the degree of AR. Background: Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an alternative treatment for high surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, post-implantation paravalvular AR remains a complication. Methods: From July 2008 to July 2010, we enrolled 79 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent CoreValve implantation. Results: On univariable analysis, the predictors of AR≥2+ immediately after CoreValve implantation were: larger annulus size, low implantation, prosthesis mismatch, chronic renal insufficiency, a history of heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. On multivariable analysis, the independent predictors of AR≥2+ were: larger annulus diameter (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.25–2.55; P = 0.002), low implantation (OR 3.67, 95%CI 1.01–13.35, P = 0.05), and peripheral vascular disease (OR 3.54, 95%CI 1.19–10.56, P = 0.02). Post-CoreValve implantation, AR ≥ 2 was seen in 40.5% (32/79). Twenty-one patients underwent postdilatation with improvement in AR grade in the majority (17/21). Of the four patients who did not respond to postdilatation, two underwent valve-in-valve implantation. In one patient, the valve was pulled more proximally by the snare technique. The remaining 10 patients were treated conservatively. Conclusion: The appropriate strategy for treating patients with AR≥2+ depends on the causes and severity of AR post-TAVI. This study suggests that we should carefully select the size of CoreValve prosthesis to prevent prosthesis mismatch, especially when implanted in larger annulus sizes. For valves implanted in the appropriate position, postdilatation appears effective in reducing the degree of AR. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Previous data showed that recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTO) with the subintimal tracking and reentry (STAR) technique is feasible. However, this technique is challenging and requires skilled operators to be performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate procedural and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing a contrast-guided STAR procedure.All consecutive patients (n=121) with coronary CTO treated with the contrast-guided STAR technique in three Italian centers were included in this study, after failure of conventional CTO approaches.The right coronary artery was involved in 76.8%, with blunt morphology in 62.8%. Angiographic and procedural success rates were 82.6% and 64.4%, respectively, with a 69.4% rate of complete recanalization. Stent implantation was performed in 81.8% of cases, using drug-eluting stents in 94.4%. Procedural complications occurred in 7.4% of cases. During follow-up no episodes of myocardial infarction were observed, but one cardiac death (0.8%). No definite or probable stent thrombosis was reported. The overall rate of target lesion revascularization was 21.4%.This study demonstrated that the contrast-guided STAR technique appears to be a feasible and relatively safe procedure when performed as rescue technique after failure of conventional CTO approaches. However, this procedure is limited by a high rate of target lesion revascularization and a second procedure may be necessary to obtain a definitive result.

Poor long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) have been reported. However, limited data are available evaluating the use of modern techniques in this group. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and long-term outcomes of PCI in SVG CTO with the routine use of embolic protection devices and drug-eluting stents. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of all consecutive patients undergoing PCI to SVG CTO from May 2002 to July 2009 at 2 centers. The indication for PCI was the presence of angina or silent ischemia with evidence of inducible ischemia after functional testing in the territory supplied by the SVG, despite optimal medical therapy. We identified 34 patients with SVG CTO. Of the 34 patients, 23 (68%) underwent successful SVG recanalization with stent implantation. An embolic protection device was used in 78% and 95% of stents implanted were drug-eluting stents. No in-hospital major adverse cardiac events occurred in the successful PCI group; one myocardial infarction occurred in the unsuccessful group. At follow-up (median 18.0 months, interquartile range 10.4 to 48.3), 1 case of myocardial infarction had occurred in the successful group. The in-stent restenosis rate was 68% (n = 13), of which 77% were focal, with target vessel revascularization in 61%. In conclusion, despite the relatively low procedural success rates, the clinical outcomes after successful PCI to SVG CTO with modern techniques were favorable. The repeat revascularization rates were high; however, graft patency was achievable in most after reintervention.

Atorvastatin administered at least 7 days before the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the rate of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI). It is unknown whether a single, high (80 mg) loading dose of atorvastatin may reduce the rate of periprocedural MI.Periprocedural MI is a prognostically important complication of PCI.The day before the elective PCI, 668 statin-naive patients were randomly assigned to atorvastatin 80 mg (atorvastatin group; n = 338) or no statin treatment (control group; n = 330). Creatine kinase-myocardial isoenzyme (CK-MB) (upper limit of normal [ULN] 3.5 ng/ml) and cardiac troponin I (ULN 0.10 ng/ml) were assessed before and 6 and 12 h after the intervention. Periprocedural MI was defined as a CK-MB elevation3x ULN alone or associated with chest pain or ST-segment or T-wave abnormalities.The incidence of a periprocedural MI was 9.5% in the atorvastatin group and 15.8% in the control group (odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.35 to 0.89; p = 0.014). Median CK-MB peak after PCI was 2.10 ng/ml (interquartile range 1.00 to 12.50 ng/ml) in the atorvastatin group and 3.20 ng/ml (interquartile range 1.37 to 16.07 ng/ml) in the control group (p = 0.014). The incidence of cardiac troponin I elevation3x ULN was 26.6% in the atorvastatin group and 39.1% in the control group (odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.40 to 0.78; p0.001).A single, high (80 mg) loading (within 24 h) dose of atorvastatin reduces the incidence of periprocedural MI in elective PCI.