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Impact of Hospital Volume on Outcomes of Endovascular Stenting for Adult Aortic Coarctation
Use of transcatheter endovascular stenting has been increasing in the treatment of coarctation of aorta (CoA). The present study was undertaken on adults with CoA who underwent stent placement from 2000 to 2011 to analyze the relation of hospital volumes to the outcomes of stenting in adults with CoA. It was a retrospective study based on Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2000 to 2011 and identified subjects using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure code of 747.10 (CoA).Comparative Effectiveness of Ranolazine Versus Traditional Therapies in Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris and Concomitant Diabetes Mellitus and Impact on Health Care Resource Utilization and Cardiac Interventions
Comparative studies evaluating traditional versus newer antianginal (AA) medications in chronic stable angina pectoris (CSA) on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and utilization are limited, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Claims data (2008 to 2012) were analyzed using a commercial database. Patients with CSA receiving a β blocker (BB), calcium channel blocker (CCB), long-acting nitrate (LAN), or ranolazine were identified and followed for 12 months after a change in AA therapy.Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events and Bleeding in Patients With Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel
The use of prasugrel in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been associated with decreased major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) compared with clopidogrel but with an increased risk of bleeding. However, it remains unclear if the risks of bleeding outweigh those of MACEs in patients on prasugrel treatment. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials comparing prasugrel with clopidogrel in patients with CAD. We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial databases from inception to November 25, 2014, and reviewed the reference lists of retrieved articles.Event Rates in Randomized Clinical Trials Evaluating Cardiovascular Interventions and Devices
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for evidence-based medicine. However, an accurate estimation of the event rate is crucial for their ability to test clinical hypotheses. Overestimation of event rates reduces the required sample size but can compromise the statistical power of the RCT. Little is known about the prevalence, extent, and impact of overestimation of event rates. The latest RCTs on 10 preselected topics in the field of cardiovascular interventions and devices were selected, and actual primary event rates in the control group were compared with their respective event rate estimations.Validation of the SYNTAX Revascularization Index to Quantify Reasonable Level of Incomplete Revascularization After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Incomplete revascularization is common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether a “reasonable” degree of incomplete revascularization is associated with a similar favorable long-term prognosis compared with complete revascularization remains unknown. We sought to quantify the proportion of coronary artery disease burden treated by PCI and evaluate its impact on outcomes using a new prognostic instrument—the Synergy Between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) Revascularization Index (SRI).Long-Term Outcomes After Coronary Stent Implantation in Patients Presenting With Versus Without Acute Myocardial Infarction (an Observation from Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study-Kyoto Registry Cohort-2)
It has not been adequately addressed yet how long the excess cardiovascular event risk persists after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with stable coronary artery disease. Of 10,470 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention either with sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) only or with bare-metal stent (BMS) only in the Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study-Kyoto Registry Cohort-2, 3,710 (SES: n = 820 and BMS: n = 2,890) and 6,760 patients (SES: n = 4,258 and BMS: n = 2,502) presented with AMI (AMI group) and without AMI (non-AMI group), respectively.Prevalence and Prediction of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Referred for Valvular Heart Surgery
Current guidelines recommend a coronary evaluation before valvular heart surgery (VHS). Diagnostic coronary angiography is recommended in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) and those with high pretest probability of CAD. In patients with low or intermediate pretest probability of CAD, the guidelines recommend coronary computed tomographic angiography. However, there are no tools available to objectively assess a patient’s risk for obstructive CAD before VHS. To address this deficit, 5,360 patients without histories of CAD who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography as part of preoperative evaluation for VHS were identified.Validation of the Appropriate Use Criteria for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease (from the COURAGE Trial)
Establishing the validity of appropriate use criteria (AUC) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of stable ischemic heart disease can support their adoption for quality improvement. We conducted a post hoc analysis of 2,287 Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation trial patients with stable ischemic heart disease randomized to PCI with optimal medical therapy (OMT) or OMT alone. Within appropriateness categories, we compared rates of death, myocardial infarction, revascularization subsequent to initial therapy, and angina-specific health status as determined by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire in patients randomized to PCI + OMT to those randomized to OMT alone.Meta-Analysis of Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Everolimus-Eluting Stents
The superiority of everolimus-eluting stents (EES) over sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) for long-term clinical outcomes has not been yet firmly established. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EES directly with SES using the longest available follow-up data. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane database, and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs comparing outcomes between EES and SES and identified 13,434 randomly assigned patients from 14 RCTs.Effect of Race on Outcomes (Stroke and Death) in Patients >65 Years With Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with stroke and death. We sought to determine whether there are any racial differences in the outcomes of death and stroke in patients with AF. We used Medicare administrative data from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011, to identify 517,941 patients with newly diagnosed AF. Of these, 452,986 patients (87%) were non-Hispanic white, 36,425 (7%) were black, and 28,530 (6%) were Hispanic. The association between race and outcomes of death and stroke were measured using Cox proportional hazard models.Trends of Hospitalizations in the United States from 2000 to 2012 of Patients >60 Years With Aortic Valve Disease
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease and, in particular, aortic stenosis. This has been driven in part by the development of innovative therapeutic options and by an aging patient population. We hypothesized an increase in the number of hospitalizations and the economic burden associated with aortic valve disease (AVD). Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2012, AVD-related hospitalizations were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, code 424.1, as the principal discharge diagnosis.Balancing the Risk of Bleeding and Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (from the AVIATOR Registry)
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at elevated risk for bleeding and thromboembolic ischemic events. Currently, guidelines on antithrombotic treatment for these patients are based on weak consensus. We describe patterns and determinants of antithrombotic prescriptions in this population. The Antithrombotic Strategy Variability in Atrial Fibrillation and Obstructive Coronary Disease Revascularized with PCI Registry was an international observational study of 859 consecutive patients with AF who underwent PCI from 2009 to 2011.Comparative Effectiveness of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators Versus Standard Implantable Defibrillators in Medicare Patients
Previous analyses have shown that there is lower mortality with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) but demonstrated mixed results in patients without LBBB. We evaluated the comparative effectiveness of CRT-D versus standard implantable defibrillators (ICDs) separately in patients with LBBB and right bundle branch block (RBBB) using Medicare claims data. Medicare records from CRT-D and ICD recipients from 2002 to 2009 that were followed up for up to 48 months were analyzed.Management and Long-Term Prognosis of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
The optimal management and short- and long-term prognoses of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) remain not well defined. The aim of this observational multicenter study was to assess long-term clinical outcomes in patients with SCAD. In-hospital and long-term outcomes were assessed in 134 patients with documented SCAD, as well as the clinical impact and predictors of a conservative rather than a revascularization strategy of treatment. The mean age was 52 ± 11, years and 81% of patients were female.Reliability, Agreement, and Presentation of a Reference Standard for Assessing Implanted Heart Valve Sizes by Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography
The implanted prosthetic heart valve (PHV) size is vital for the evaluation of suspected PHV dysfunction and in case of reoperation or valve-in-valve transcatheter approaches. The labeled size is not always known, and discrepancies exist between manufacturers' labeled sizes and true sizes. Reproducible methods for noninvasive PHV size assessment are lacking. We determined the reliability and agreement of PHV size measurements using multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and provide reference values of MDCT measurements compared with manufacturer specifications.Impact on Left Ventricular Function and Remodeling and on 1-Year Outcome in Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Conflicting results have been reported about the prognostic impact of left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of LBBB after TAVI on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling and on 1-year outcomes. Of 101 TAVI patients, 9 were excluded. All complications were evaluated according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definition. Of 92 patients, 34 developed LBBB without more advanced myocardial damage or inflammation biomarkers in comparison with patients without LBBB.Meta-Analysis of the Impact on Mortality of Noninfarct-Related Artery Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion in Patients Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Several observational studies have compared clinical outcome in patients with a co-existing noninfarct-related artery chronic total occlusion (n-IRA CTO) versus those without, suggesting increased all-cause mortality. The goal of this study was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of the presence of an n-IRA CTO on short- and long-term mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Studies published from January 1980 to January 2014 that compared the incidence of all-cause mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with co-existing n-IRA CTO versus those without were identified using an electronic search and reviewed using meta-analytical techniques.Comparison of Five-Year Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Triple-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease (from the Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-2)
Studies evaluating long-term (≥5 years) outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug-eluting stents compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with triple-vessel coronary artery disease (TVD) are still limited. We identified 2,978 patients with TVD (PCI: n = 1,824, CABG: n = 1,154) of 15,939 patients with first coronary revascularization enrolled in the Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-2. The primary outcome measure in the present analysis was a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke.Development and Validation of a Pre-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Risk Model of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury With an Integer Scoring System
Previous models for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) include procedure-related variables in addition to pre-procedural variables. We sought to develop a risk model for CI-AKI based on pre-procedural variables and compare its predictability with a conventional risk model and also to develop an integer score system based on selected variables. A total of 5,936 consecutive PCIs registered in the Japanese Cardiovascular Database were analyzed (derivation cohort, n = 3,957; validation cohort, n = 1,979).Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Cardiac Mortality in Early Versus Late Stent Thrombosis (from Pooled PROTECT Trials)
Studies have indicated varying mortality risks with timing of stent thrombosis (ST), but few have been adequately powered with prospective late follow-up. PROTECT randomized 8,709 subjects to either Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting or Cypher sirolimus-eluting stents. PROTECT Continued Access enrolled 1,018 patients treated with Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting stents. Subjects completed at least 4 and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. ARC-defined definite and probable ST events were stratified by time from index procedure: early (≤30 days), late (>30 and ≤360 days), and very late (>360 days).Meta-Analysis of the Relation of Body Mass Index to All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality and Hospitalization in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Clinical studies have indicated the existence of an “obesity paradox” in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), that is, reduced mortality in patients who have elevated body mass index (BMI) scores compared with normal-weight reference groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality and hospitalization in patients with chronic HF though a systematic review and meta-analysis of published research. PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central, Scopus, web of science and Embase were searched for studies reporting rates of total mortality, cardiac mortality, and risk for hospitalization in patients with HF in various BMI categories (<20 kg/m2 [low], 20 to 24.9 kg/m2 [normal reference], 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 [overweight], 30 to 34.9 [obese], and ≥35 kg/m2 [severely obese]).Outcomes After Nonemergent Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Arrhythmias
Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is recommended for rhythm control in patients with atrial arrhythmia; yet, ECV use and outcomes in contemporary practice are unknown. We reviewed all nonemergent ECVs for atrial arrhythmias at a tertiary care center (2010 to 2013), stratifying patients by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) use before ECV and comparing demographics, history, vitals, and laboratory studies. Outcomes included postprocedural success and complications and repeat cardioversion, rehospitalization, and death within 30 days.Comparison of Inhospital Mortality, Length of Hospitalization, Costs, and Vascular Complications of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Guided by Ultrasound Versus Angiography
Despite the valuable role of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), its impact on clinical outcomes remains debatable. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of PCIs guided by IVUS versus angiography in the contemporary era on inhospital outcomes in an unrestricted large, nationwide patient population. Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2008 to 2011. Hierarchical mixed-effects logistic regression models were used for categorical dependent variables like inhospital mortality, and hierarchical mixed-effects linear regression models were used for continuous dependent variables like length of hospital stay and cost of hospitalization.Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Interventions for Chronic Total Occlusions
Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) has been associated with clinical benefit. There are no randomized controlled trials on long-term clinical outcomes after CTO PCI, limiting the available evidence to observational cohort studies. We sought to perform a weighted meta-analysis of the long-term outcomes of successful versus failed CTO PCI. A total of 25 studies, published from 1990 to 2014, with 28,486 patients (29,315 CTO PCI procedures) were included.Programming Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy Zones to High Ranges to Prevent Delivery of Inappropriate Device Therapies in Patients With Primary Prevention: Results from the RISSY-ICD (Reduction of Inappropriate ShockS bY InCreaseD zones) trial
Inappropriate shock is a frequently seen clinical problem despite advanced technologies used in modern implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) devices. Our aim was to investigate whether simply raising the ICD detection zones can decrease inappropriate therapies while still providing appropriate therapy. We randomized 223 patients with primary prevention to either the conventional programming group with 3 zones as VT1 (167 to 182 beats/min) with discriminators, VT2 (182 to 200 beats/min) with discriminators, and ventricular fibrillation (>200 beats/min) (n = 100) or the high-zone programming group with 3 zones as VT1 (171 to 200 beats/min) with discriminators, VT2 (200 to 230 beats/min) with discriminators, and ventricular fibrillation (>230 beats/min; n = 101).
