Zero-contrast imaging for the assessment of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in candidates with renal dysfunction.

Background: Candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are currently evaluated using computed tomography angiography and invasive cardiac catheterization as an essential part of case selection and pre-procedure interventional planning. However, both imaging methods utilize iodinated agents, which may cause contrast-induced nephropathy, particularly in patients with baseline renal dysfunction. This study aimed to describe a zero-contrast imaging protocol for pre-TAVI evaluation in patients with advanced renal impairment.

Quantitative coronary three-dimensional geometry and its association with atherosclerotic disease burden and composition.

Background: Isolate features of the coronary anatomy have been associated with the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease. Computational methods have been described to allow precise quantification of the complex three-dimensional (3D) coronary geometry. The present study tested whether quantitative parameters that describe the spatial 3D coronary geometry is associated with the extension and composition of the underlying coronary artery disease (CAD).

Inflammatory Phenotype by OCT Coronary Imaging: Specific Features Among De Novo Lesions, In-Stent Neointima, and In-Stent Neo-Atherosclerosis.

Background: Coronary stenosis can be caused de novo atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, and in-stent neoatherosclerosis, three entities that develop from a diverse pathophysiological milieu.

Objective: This study aims to investigate, using optical coherence tomography (OCT), whether or not coronary lesions related to these processes differ in their local inflammatory profile.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosed or suspected coronary lesions who had undergone OCT imaging for clinical reasons.

Safety and effectiveness of introducing a robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention program in a tertiary center: a prospective study.

Background: Robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a novel technology that permits remote operation of interventional devices. However, little is known about the safety and effectiveness of introducing a robotic PCI program in a hospital already experienced in traditional coronary angioplasty.

Methods: Prospective single-arm survey to assess the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted PCI in comparison to pre-defined performance goals.

Improvement of renal function after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is commonly found in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and has marked impact in their prognosis. It has been shown however that TAVR may improve renal function by alleviating the hemodynamic barrier imposed by AS. Nevertheless, the predictors of and clinical consequences of renal function improvement are not well established.

Use of robotic assistance to reduce proximity and air-sharing during percutaneous cardiovascular intervention.

Traditional percutaneous cardiovascular interventions require close physical proximity between the patients and the healthcare team, posing occupational hazards that range from radiation exposure to interpersonal air contamination. Prospective single-arm pilot study (n = 10) to investigate robotic-assisted intervention as a strategy to reduce proximity during the procedure. Primary end point: composite of angiographic success, intervention performed with the team positioned >2 meters from the patient for ≥50% procedure duration, and absence of in-hospital death or acute target lesion occlusion.

Morphology and phenotype characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque in patients with acute coronary syndrome: contemporary optical coherence tomography findings.

Background: Contemporary optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are still subject of controversy. We sought to use OCT to evaluate plaque morphology and phenotype classification in patients with ACS.

Methods: Using optical coherence tomography, culprit lesions were morphologically classified as plaque rupture, plaque erosion, calcified nodule, thin-cap fibroatheroma, thick-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) or fibrotic, fibrocalcific or fibrolipidic plaque.

Robotic-assisted intervention strategy to minimize air exposure during the procedure: a case report of myocardial infarction and COVID-19.

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is traditionally a manual procedure executed by one or more operators positioned at a close distance from the patient. The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed severe restrictions to such an interventional environment. The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted mainly through expelled respiratory particles, which are known to travel approximately 3-6 feet away from infected persons.

Assessment of long-term mortality in patients with complex coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous intervention: comparison of multiple anatomical and clinical prognostic risk scores.

Aims: Three-vessel and left main coronary artery disease (CAD) have important prognostic implications. Consequently, numerous risk scores have been developed to stratify patients with complex CAD. The aim of the present study was to compare the predictive performance of six risk scores for occurrence of fouryear all-cause mortality.

Peri-infarct zone characterized by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is directly associated with the inflammatory activity during acute phase myocardial infarction.

Enhanced systemic inflammatory activity (SIA) during myocardial infarction (MI) and the extent of the peri-infarct zone characterized by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRi) are both associated with increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The present study investigated the existence of association between these two phenomena in 98 patients (55 ± 10 years) with ST segment elevation MI. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were measured on admission (D1) and on the fifth day post-MI (D5).

Safety and efficacy of biolimus-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer: insights from EINSTEIN (Evaluation of Next-generation drug-eluting STEnt IN patients with coronary artery disease) Registry.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, or acute myocardial infarct, or target vessel revascularization) at one year in "real world" patients.

Methods: The EINSTEIN registry is an observational, prospective, single center study that consecutively included 103 patients (152 lesions) treated with the BiomatrixTM stent, a biolimus A9-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer.

Results: The mean age was 65.

Transcatheter bioprosthesis implantation for the treatment of aortic stenosis: three-year experience.

Background: Transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis implantation is a new treatment modality for patients with aortic stenosis who are inoperable or at high surgical risk.

Objective: To report the three-year experience with transcatheter CoreValve® bioprosthesis implantation.

Methods: From January 2008 to January 2011, 35 patients with aortic stenosis (33) or aortic valve bioprosthesis dysfunction (two) at high surgical risk underwent transcatheter CoreValve® bioprosthesis implantation.

Percutaneous aortic valve replacement for the treatment of aortic stenosis: early experience in Brazil.

Background: Percutaneous aortic valve replacement for the treatment of aortic stenosis is an available and efficient alternative for patients at high surgical risk, especially those with advanced age and comorbidities.

Objective: The authors report the first experience made in our midst with the use of the CoreValve endoprosthesis.

Methods: In January 2008, two patients underwent percutaneous aortic valve replacement due to symptomatic aortic stenosis.