Marcin Demkow

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation preceded by routine prestenting with a bare metal stent

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) with routine prestenting with a bare metal stent (BMS). Background: PPVI is a relatively new method of treating patients with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD). Results of PPVI performed with routine prestenting have never been reported. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent PPVI for homograft dysfunction with prestenting with BMS were studied. The schedule of follow‐up assessment comprised clinical evaluation, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, transthoracic echocardiography, and chest X‐ray to screen for device integrity. Results: PPVI was performed with no serious complications in all patients (n = 10, mean age 26.8 ± 4.0 years, 60% males). In nine patients with significant pulmonary stenosis, peak right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) gradient was reduced from a mean of 80.6 ± 22.7 to 38.8 ± 10.4 mm Hg on the day following implantation (P = 0.001). At 1‐month and 6‐month follow‐ups, mean RVOT gradient was 34.0 ± 9.8 and 32.0 ± 12.2 mm Hg, respectively. In patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation, mean pulmonary regurgitation fraction decreased from 19% ± 6% to 2% ± 1% (P = 0.0008). Relief of RVOT obstruction and restoration of pulmonary valve competence were associated with significant decrease in right ventricular (RV) end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes (125.5 ± 48.6 to 109.2 ± 42.9 mL/m2; P = 0.002 and 68.4 ± 41.5 vs. 50.9 ± 40.6 mL/m2; P = 0.001) as well as improvement in RV ejection fraction (48.8% ± 13.1% to 57.6% ± 14.4%; P = 0.003) and New York Heart Association class (P = 0.003). All patients completed 6‐month follow‐up. No stent fractures were observed. Conclusions: PPVI with routine prestenting with BMS is a safe and effective method of treatment in patients with repaired CHD.

Comparison of Usefulness of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Guided by Angiography plus Computed Tomography Versus Angiography Alone Using Intravascular Ultrasound End Points

The aim of our study was to assess the impact of coronary computed tomographic angiographic (CTCA) guidance on outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study was a randomized single-center trial. Consecutive eligible patients with CTCA-detected significant coronary lesions who were scheduled for PCI were randomized to an angiographically guided versus an angiographically plus computed tomographically guided (ACTG) group. In the ACTG group the operator preliminarily planned PCI based on computed tomographic angiogram. The coprimary end points were minimal stent area and minimal reference lumen area assessed in all patients with intravascular ultrasound performed after achieving optimal angiographic results. Seventy-one patients (50 men, mean age 65 ± 8 years) were randomized. After invasive angiography, PCI of 32 lesions (30 patients) in the ACTG and in 32 lesions (30 patients) in the angiographically guided group was performed. A stented segment length was longer and nominal stent diameter tended to be larger in the ACTG group (23.8 ± 6.7 vs 19.5 ± 6.5 mm, p = 0.01; 3.27 ± 0.44 vs 3.09 ± 0.41 mm(2), p = 0.110). Minimal stent area tended to be larger (6.62 ± 2.01 vs 5.80 ± 2.02 mm(2), p = 0.100) and the smallest peri-stent reference lumen area was significantly larger in the ACTG group (6.76 ± 3.01 vs 5.0 ± 1.62 mm(2), p = 0.006) with a smaller plaque burden (50 ± 16% vs 58 ± 13%, p = 0.025). In conclusion, CTCA analysis before PCI significantly influences treatment strategy and results in better lesion coverage as defined by intravascular criteria.

Percutaneous edwards SAPIEN™ valve implantation for significant pulmonary regurgitation after previous surgical repair with a right ventricular outflow patch

Current indications for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) are limited to patients who had their outflow tracts repaired with the use of a “full” condui—homograft. Patients after a patch repair are believed to have an unfavorable anatomy for PPVI.

Antithrombotic therapy - predictor of early and long-term bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Introduction Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) – aspirin and clopidogrel – is recommended after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without an evidence base. The main aim of the study was to estimate the impact of antithrombotic therapy on early and late bleeding. Moreover, we assessed the impact of patients’ characteristics on early bleeding and the influence of bleeding on prognosis. Material and methods Between 2009 and 2011, 83 consecutive TAVI patients, age 81.1 ±7.2 years, were included. Bleeding complications were defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) scale. The median follow-up was 12 ±15.5 months (range: 1 to 23) and included 68 (81.9%) patients. Results Early bleeding occurred in 51 (61.4%) patients. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) pre-TAVI (p = 0.001) and VKA + clopidogrel early post-TAVI (p = 0.04) were the safest therapies; in comparison to the safest one, peri-procedural DAPT (p = 0.002; p = 0.05) or triple anticoagulant therapy (TAT) (p = 0.003, p = 0.05) increased the risk for early bleeding. Predictors for early bleeding were: clopidogrel pre-TAVI (OR: 4.43, 95% CI: 1.02–19.24, p = 0.04), preceding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (10.08, OR: 95% CI: 1.12–90.56, p = 0.04), anemia (OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 1.32–12.15, p = 0.01), age > 85 years (OR: 5.96, 95% CI: 1.47–24.13, p = 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74–0.99, p = 0.04). Late bleeding occurred in 35 patients (51.4%) on combined therapy, and none on VKA or clopidogrel monotherapy (p = 0.04). Bleeding complications did not worsen the survival. Conclusions This study seems to suggest that advanced age, BMI, and a history of anemia increased the risk for early bleeding after TAVI. Clopidogrel pre-TAVI should be avoided; therefore, time of preceding PCI should take into account discontinuation of clopidogrel in the pre-TAVI period. Vitamin K antagonists with clopidogrel seems to be the safest therapy in the early post-TAVI period, similarly as VKA/clopidogrel monotherapy in long-term prophylaxis.

Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography for Prediction of Procedural and Intermediate Outcome of Bypass Grafting to Left Anterior Descending Artery Occlusion With Failed Visualization on Conventional Angiography

Conventional coronary angiography (CCA) has considerable limitations regarding visualization of distal vessel segments in chronic total occlusion. We assessed the ability of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) to predict the success of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to the chronically occluded left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) incompletely visualized on CCA. Thirty symptomatic patients rejected for CABG on the basis of the CCA findings underwent preoperative CCTA before intended transmyocardial laser revascularization. The LAD was explored operatively in all patients, and CABG to the LAD was attempted if the distal vessel was suitable for anastomosis. The procedural outcome of CABG and the 6-month patency of the left internal mammary artery graft at follow-up CCTA were defined as the primary and secondary end point, respectively. The primary and secondary end points were achieved in 80% and 77% of patients, respectively. We found a significant correlation between the intraoperative and computed tomographic measurement of distal LAD diameter (R = 0.428, p = 0.037). On multivariate analysis, the maximum diameter of the distal LAD by CCTA (odds ratio 8.16, p = 0.043) was the only independent correlate of procedural success of CABG. A cutoff value of 1.5 mm for the mean distal LAD diameter predicted left internal mammary artery graft patency with 100% specificity and 83% sensitivity. Successful CABG resulted in significant improvements in angina class and left ventricular function in LAD segments at 6 months of follow-up. In conclusion, CCTA predicted both the procedural and the intermediate outcome of CABG to chronic LAD occlusion with failed visualization on CCA.

Risk factors for bleeding complications in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)

BACKGROUND The risk of bleedings in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients increases due to age and concomitant diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of bleedings, their influence on early prognosis of TAVI patients and utility of the TIMI and GUSTO scales in the evaluation of bleeding and in prediction of blood transfusion. METHODS This was a single center study of in-hospital bleedings in 56 consecutive TAVI patients. Bleedings were classified according to the GUSTO and TIMI scales. HASBLEDs scale risk factors, diabetes mellitus, female sex, the route of bioprosthesis implantation and inhospital antithrombotic treatment were analyzed. Statistical analysis consisted of c2, Fishers exact, Wilcoxon tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Serious bleedings occurred in 35 (62.5%) patients. There was no significant correlation with HASBLED score. History of anemia was a significant predictor of bleeding in GUSTO (p = 0.0013) and TIMI (p = 0.048) scales. No bleedings in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKA) pre- and VKA plus clopidogrel post intervention were observed. Patients with bleedings according to the GUSTO scale more often required blood tranfusion than in TIMI scale (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS History of anemia is the strongest predictor of serious bleedings. VKA before and VKA with clopidogrel after TAVI are safer than dual antiplatelet or triple therapy. The TIMI and GUSTO scales can adequately classify bleeding after TAVI, however the GUSTO better predicts transfusions.

Long term exercise capacity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated with percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation

In hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) improves functional capacity in the short term. However, long term functional capacity is unknown.

Repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty for patients with mitral valve restenosis

Objectives: To determine immediate and long‐term clinical outcome, as well prognostic factors in patients who underwent repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV). Background: Repeat PMBV may be a method of treatment for symptomatic patients with restenosis after successful initial PMBV, but data regarding its long term safety and efficacy are scarce. Methods: The study group consisted of 67 patients (mean age 52.1 ± 10.5 years). All PMBV procedures were performed using the Inoue balloon system. Results: Repeat PMBV resulted in significant increase in MVA from 1.17 ± 0.16 cm2 to 1.63 ± 0.22 cm2 (P < 0.001). Good immediate result (MVA ≥1.5 cm2, mitral regurgitation ≤2) was obtained in 52 (77.6%) patients and was not predicted by any analyzed factors. During follow‐up (mean time 4.9 ± 2.9 years) six patients died, nine underwent mitral valve replacement, four—third PMBV, and four developed heart failure. The 3‐, 5‐, and 8‐year good functional results (survival free of mitral valve replacement, third PMBV or heart failure ≥ NYHA III) by Kaplan–Meier estimates were 89.3, 75.6, and 52.6%, respectively. These results were significantly superior in patients with good immediate results and echo score <7. In the entire population multivariate Cox regression analysis identified echo score <7 and absence of prior surgical commissurotomy as the independent predictors of event‐free survival. Conclusions: Repeat PMBV is safe and provides good immediate results in patients with restenosis after successful first procedure. Long‐term results of repeat PMBV are satisfactory and related mainly to the echo score and quality of the procedure.

Clustering of admission hyperglycemia, impaired renal function and anemia and its impact on in-hospital outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE To examine the incidence and inter-relationships between admission hyperglycemia, anemia and impaired renal function and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary PCI. METHODS The study group comprised 1880 patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI, enrolled in a prospective registry. RESULTS The primary endpoint of in-hospital death occurred in 88 (4.7%) patients. Hyperglycemia (glucose >11.1mmol/L) was present in 352(18.7%), anemia (hematocrit <36% women, <39% men) in 396(21.1%), and increased serum creatinine (> or =1.2mg/dL women, > or =1.3mg/dL men) in 423(22.5%) patients. 1026(54.6%) subjects had none of the triad risk factors. Two overlapping conditions were observed in 207(11%) and 3 in 40(2.1%) patients. Compared to the expected distribution, an increased prevalence was observed in patients with zero, two or three risk factors, and decreased prevalence was present in patients with one risk factor (p<0.001). In multivariable model including important baseline risk factors and the whole triad risk factors, hyperglycemia, anemia, and increased serum creatinine were independently associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio (HR); 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.67; 1.56-4.55, and 2.03; 1.19-3.46, and 1.72;1.01-2.93, respectively). Adjusted HR (95% CI) for the incidence of the primary outcome associated with 1, 2 and 3 examined risk factors as compared to 0 of the risk factors was 2.7(1.4-5.4), 5.4(2.6-8.3) and 8.3(3.0-23.2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Hyperglycemia, anemia, and impaired renal function are independently of each other related to in-hospital death in patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI. The triad risk factors cluster and accumulation of these risk factors is related to stepwise, additive increase of risk of in-hospital mortality.

Computed tomography angiography for prediction of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: Proof of concept

BACKGROUND Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). There are scant data on the application of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for prediction of postoperative AF. METHODS A total of 102 patients (77 male, mean age: 64±10 years) with pre-procedural CCTA undergoing isolated CABG were enrolled. Clinical risk factors were collected. Qualitative and quantitative CCTA analysis of the atria, pulmonary veins (PV), and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) along the left atrium (LA) was performed to determine the predictors for postoperative AF. The primary endpoint was defined as any in-hospital AF requiring treatment. RESULTS Postoperative AF occurred in 24% of patients. Patients with AF had higher body mass index (29.7±4.8kg/m(2) vs 27.3±3.9kg/m(2), p=0.013), larger right atrial area (25.4±5.3cm(2) vs 22.3±6.4cm(2), p=0.035), LA systolic volume (114.7±32.8ml vs 96.8±30.4ml, p=0.015), LA EAT volume (5.6±3ml vs 4±2.5ml, p=0.009), and right superior PV ostium area (3.8±1.3cm(2) vs 3±1cm(2), p=0.021) compared to non-AF patients. By multivariable analysis, only LA EAT volume [odds ratio (OR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.44, p=0.036] and right superior PV ostium area (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.06-2.50, p=0.026) were independent predictors of AF. The optimal cut-offs for LA EAT volume and right superior PV ostium were >3.4ml and >4.1cm(2), respectively (max. sensitivity: 83%, max. specificity: 86%). CONCLUSIONS Increased LA EAT and right superior PV ostial size are independently associated with AF after CABG. CCTA might be used as a noninvasive prediction tool for AF in patients undergoing CABG.