David H. Roberts

Coronary artery bypass surgery versus percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (the Stent or Surgery trial): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Results of trials, comparing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), indicate that rates of death or myocardial infarction are similar with either treatment strategy. Management with PTCA is, however, associated with an increased requirement for subsequent, additional revascularisation. Coronary stents, used as an adjunct to PTCA, reduce restenosis and the need for repeat revascularisation. The aim of the Stent or Surgery (SoS) trial was to assess the effect of stent-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus CABG in the management of patients with multivessel disease. METHODS: In 53 centres in Europe and Canada, symptomatic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were randomised to CABG (n=500) or stent-assisted PCI (n=488). The primary outcome measure was a comparison of the rates of repeat revascularisation. Secondary outcomes included death or Q-wave myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality. Analysis was by intention to treat. FINDINGS: All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year and the results are expressed for the median follow-up of 2 years. 21% (n=101) of patients in the PCI group required additional revascularisation procedures compared with 6% (n=30) in the CABG group (hazard ratio 3.85, 95% CI 2.56-5.79, p<0.0001). The incidence of death or Q-wave myocardial infarction was similar in both groups (PCI 9% [n=46], CABG 10% [n=49]; hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.63-1.42, p=0.80). There were fewer deaths in the CABG group than in the PCI group (PCI 5% [n=22], CABG 2% [n=8]; hazard ratio 2.91, 95% CI 1.29-6.53, p=0.01). INTERPRETATION: The use of coronary stents has reduced the need for repeat revascularisation when compared with previous studies that used balloon angioplasty, though the rate remains significantly higher than in patients managed with CABG. The apparent reduction in mortality with CABG requires further investigation.BACKGROUND Results of trials, comparing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), indicate that rates of death or myocardial infarction are similar with either treatment strategy. Management with PTCA is, however, associated with an increased requirement for subsequent, additional revascularisation. Coronary stents, used as an adjunct to PTCA, reduce restenosis and the need for repeat revascularisation. The aim of the Stent or Surgery (SoS) trial was to assess the effect of stent-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus CABG in the management of patients with multivessel disease. METHODS In 53 centres in Europe and Canada, symptomatic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were randomised to CABG (n=500) or stent-assisted PCI (n=488). The primary outcome measure was a comparison of the rates of repeat revascularisation. Secondary outcomes included death or Q-wave myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality. Analysis was by intention to treat. FINDINGS All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year and the results are expressed for the median follow-up of 2 years. 21% (n=101) of patients in the PCI group required additional revascularisation procedures compared with 6% (n=30) in the CABG group (hazard ratio 3.85, 95% CI 2.56-5.79, p<0.0001). The incidence of death or Q-wave myocardial infarction was similar in both groups (PCI 9% [n=46], CABG 10% [n=49]; hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.63-1.42, p=0.80). There were fewer deaths in the CABG group than in the PCI group (PCI 5% [n=22], CABG 2% [n=8]; hazard ratio 2.91, 95% CI 1.29-6.53, p=0.01). INTERPRETATION The use of coronary stents has reduced the need for repeat revascularisation when compared with previous studies that used balloon angioplasty, though the rate remains significantly higher than in patients managed with CABG. The apparent reduction in mortality with CABG requires further investigation.

High defibrillation thresholds in transvenous biphasic implantable defibrillators: clinical predictors and prognostic implications.

SHUKLA, H.H., et al. : High Defibrillation Thresholds in Transvenous Biphasic Implantable Defibrillators: Clinical Predictors and Prognostic Implications. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics that distinguish patients with high DFTs and assess the prognostic implication. DFTs testing is a lengthy, potentially painful, and a hazardous process. Little information is available concerning the identification of patients with high DFT who undergo ICD surgery with transvenous leads and biphasic energy. This study analyzed 968 patients from two separate clinical studies who received a Medtronic cardioverter defibrillator from January 1995 through November 1999 and who had DFT testing measured by a binary search protocol. Compared to 865 patients with low defibrillation thresholds (<18 J), the 103 patients with high thresholds (≥18 J) had a lower LVEF (34 ± 16.7 vs 38.3 ± 16.2%, P = 0.01) , a worse NYHA functional class (23% Class I, 43% Class II, 29% Class III, 5% Class IV vs. 27% Class I, 55% Class II, 17% Class III, 1% Class IV, P < 0.0001), had bypass surgery less often (10.7 vs 27.5%,P < 0.0001), used amiodarone within the past 6 weeks(42.7 vs 27.2%, P = 0.002), and had a history of ventricular fibrillation more often(44.7 vs 33.1%, P = 0.02). Information concerning the number of shocks delivered was available in 345 (35%) patients; 23 were in the high DFT group and 322 were in the low DFT group. Twelve (52%) of the 23 patients in the high DFT arm received3.6 ± 2.7shocks (median 2.5) and 106 (33%) of the 322 patients with low DFT received4.9 ± 9.5shocks (median 2). After 6 months the mortality rate of patients with high thresholds was 11.7 vs 7.8% in patients with low thresholds(P = 0.118). Using a multivariate logistic regression model the significant predictors of death were older age, higher NYHA class, lower LVEF, amiodarone use, had a presenting arrhythmia of ventricular fibrillation and CHF but not initial high defibrillation thresholds. The study found that (1) 11% of patients have high DFTs, (2) clinical characteristics that identify high defibrillation thresholds are NYHA Class III, IV, low ejection fraction, no previous history of bypass surgery, prior amiodarone use preoperatively, and presenting with ventricular fibrillation, and (3) while high DFTs were associated with a more ill patient population, there was no difference in survival in a 6‐month follow‐up. Patients with a predicted low DFTs may be eligible for abbreviated ICD testing while high risk patients require formal testing. (PACE 2003; 26[Pt. I]:44–48)

Twelve tips for facilitating Millennials’ learning

Background: The current, so-called “Millennial” generation of learners is frequently characterized as having deep understanding of, and appreciation for, technology and social connectedness. This generation of learners has also been molded by a unique set of cultural influences that are essential for medical educators to consider in all aspects of their teaching, including curriculum design, student assessment, and interactions between faculty and learners. Aim: The following tips outline an approach to facilitating learning of our current generation of medical trainees. Method: The method is based on the available literature and the authors’ experiences with Millennial Learners in medical training. Results: The 12 tips provide detailed approaches and specific strategies for understanding and engaging Millennial Learners and enhancing their learning. Conclusion: With an increased understanding of the characteristics of the current generation of medical trainees, faculty will be better able to facilitate learning and optimize interactions with Millennial Learners.

Longitudinal pedagogy: a successful response to the fragmentation of the third-year medical student clerkship experience.

A longitudinal clerkship was designed at Harvard Medical School (HMS) in 2004–2005 to emphasize continuity, empathy, learner-centeredness, and patient-centered care. In 2005–2006, the curriculum was piloted with eight students who voluntarily enrolled in the third-year curriculum, which focused on longitudinal mentorship and feedback, interdisciplinary care, integration of clinical and basic science, and humanism in patient care. Eighteen traditional curriculum (TC) students at HMS who were comparable at baseline served as a comparison group. SHELF exams and OSCE performance, monthly and end-of-year surveys, and focus groups provided comparisons between pilot and TC students on their performance, perceptions, attitudes, and satisfaction. Pilot students performed as well as or better than their peers in standardized measures of clinical aptitude. They demonstrated statistically significant greater preservation of patient-centered attitudes compared with declining values for TC students. Pilot students rated the atmosphere of learning, effective integration of basic and clinical sciences, mentorship, feedback, clerkship satisfaction, and end-of-year patient-care preparedness significantly higher than TC students. The authors conclude that implementation of a longitudinal third-year curriculum, with only modest alterations in existing clinical training frameworks, is feasible and effective in meeting its stated goals. “Exposing” the hidden curriculum through specific longitudinal activities may prevent degradation of student attitudes about patient-centered care. Minimizing the disjointed nature of clinical training during a critical time in students’ training by providing a cohesive longitudinal curriculum in parallel to clinical clerkships, led by faculty with consistent contact with students, can have positive effects on both professional performance and satisfaction.

Derivation of a needs based capitation formula for allocating prescribing budgets to health authorities and primary care groups in England: regression analysis.

Abstract Objective: To develop a weighted capitation formula for setting target allocations for prescribing expenditures for health authorities and primary care groups in England. Design: Regression analysis relating prescribing costs to the demographic, morbidity, and mortality composition of practice lists. Setting: 8500 general practices in England. Subjects: Data from the 1991 census were attributed to practice lists on the basis of the place of residence of the practice population. Main outcome measures: Variation in age, sex, and temporary resident originated prescribing units (ASTRO(97)-PUs) adjusted net ingredient cost of general practices in England for 1997–8 modelled for the impact of health and social needs after controlling for differences in supply. Results: A needs gradient based on the four variables: permanent sickness, percentage of dependants in no carer households, percentage of students, and percentage of births on practice lists. These, together with supply characteristics, explained 41% of variation in prescribing costs per ASTRO(97)-PU adjusted capita across practices. The latter alone explained about 35% of variation in total costs per head across practices Conclusions: The model has good statistical specification and contains intuitively plausible needs drivers of prescribing expenditure. Together with adjustments made for differences in ASTRO(97)-PUs the model is capable of explaining 62% (35%+0.65% (41%)) of variation in prescribing expenditure at practice level. The results of the study have formed the basis for setting target budgets for 1999–2000 allocations for prescribing expenditure for health authorities and primary care groups.

Day case transradial coronary angioplasty : A four-year single-center experience

We examined the safety and feasibility of elective outpatient transradial coronary angioplasty (PCI). Four hundred and forty two patients underwent procedures over a 4‐year period. Over 95% had an excellent angiographic result and 85% were discharged the same day. Radial access was successful in 417 (94%) patients. There were no major vascular complications. One patient died of a subacute stent thrombosis. Outpatient transradial PCI is safe and feasible for the majority of elective PCI cases.

Standalone balloon aortic valvuloplasty: Indications and outcomes from the UK in the transcatheter valve era

We sought to characterize UK‐wide balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) experience in the TAVI era.

CoreValve transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the subclavian artery: comparison with the transfemoral approach.

To the Editor: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a promising alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with severe aortic stenosis considered to be at high operative risk. TAVI is most commonly performed via the femoral artery. However, the large-

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in the human left ventricle: effect of ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and left ventricular function

We investigated the effect of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism and left ventricular (LV) function on ACE gene expression in tru‐cut LV myocardial biopsies from 50 consecutive patients (II: 18, ID: 18, DD: 14; 40 males) with ischaemic heart disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Molecular Genetics of the Renin-Angiotensin System: Implications for Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main effector hormone of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and hypertension, appear to be related to Ang II production. The generation of Ang II involves angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in circulating and tissue RASs, as well as non-ACE pathways. ACE and other components of the RAS show natural mutations. In this review, we discuss the molecular genetics of the human RAS in relation to cardiovascular disease, including the clinical effects of known ACE molecular variants and possible pharmacological treatment strategies.