806 Scout post-PCI instantaneous wave-free ratio as a driver of functional complete

Aims Physiology assessment by means of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) is non-inferior to fractional flow reserve for the assessment of intermediate coronary lesions that are candidates to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, in pivotal trials assessing iFR, tandem coronary lesions (i.e. two serial lesions located in the same coronary artery) were excluded. In addition, the role of iFR after PCI as a way to optimize its success is poorly understood, particularly in the context of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel disease and tandem stenoses. We describe an illustrative case of post-PCI iFR in a STEMI patient with multivessel disease that led to a significant change in the revascularization strategy. Methods A 71-year old man presented with infero-lateral STEMI and received PCI with 1 drug-eluting stent (DES) 2.25 × 18 mm on the distal right coronary artery. The left coronary artery presented a 30–40% stenosis of the proximal left circumflex (LCX) and a 90% bifurcation stenosis of the mid portion of the same artery. PCI of the distal lesion was performed with implantation of 1 DES 3.0 × 22 with flaring of the stent at the level of the side branch and proximal optimization technique. Post-PCI iFR of the LCX was performed to assess the success of the procedure, with a value of 0.74. To understand the relative contribution of the two tandem stenoses, a pullback of the iFR wire was performed, which showed an unexpectedly small jump of the pressure when the wire was between the two lesions (0.80). Results As such, the significant contribution of the proximal lesion was unravelled, which led to implantation of a second DES 4.0 × 26 mm, partially overlapping with the previously implanted DES. Post-PCI iFR confirmed the complete success of the procedure (1.00). Conclusions In the context of complete revascularization for STEMI presenting with non-infarct related artery tandem stenoses, post-PCI physiology contributes to unravel the relative contribution of low-grade angiographic stenoses corresponding to functionally significant atherosclerosis left untreated. This case example illustrates the emerging procedural value of post-PCI iFR in achieving the goal of complete functional revascularization.

Discordant resting and hyperaemic coronary physiology among unselected patients referred for coronary angiography: a single centre experience

Background Physiological assessment of intermediate coronary artery lesions to guide therapy is well established. Recently, the use of non-hyperaemic pressure ratios (NHPRs) has been suggested as a reliable alternative to hyperaemic assessment, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR). However certain patient / lesion subsets, including proximal lesion location, young patient age and assessment of non-LAD vessels, have been associated with discordance of resting and hyperaemic measurements which has led to some confusion over their interpretation and integration into routine clinical practice. Purpose To evaluate the frequency of discordant resting and hyperaemic measurements among patients undergoing assessment of intermediate coronary artery stenoses, and to identify common lesion-specific features within patients with discordant data. Methods From our coronary physiology database, we identified consecutive lesions which had been assessed between October 2020 and March 2021 with both resting (resting full-cycle ratio; RFR) and hyperaemic (wire-based FFR with peripheral adenosine) indices. Positive RFR defined as <0.89 (negative RFR >0.93, grey zone RFR 0.89–0.93). Positive FFR defined as <0.80 (negative FFR ≥0.80). Concordance between measurements was assessed: Group 1 (RFR -ve, FFR +ve: positive discordance); Group 2 (RFR -ve, FFR -ve: normal concordance), Group 3 (RFR +ve, FFR +ve: abnormal concordance) and Group 4 (RFR +ve, FFR -ve: negative discordance). Results 100 lesions were identified as being assessed with both RFR and FFR, in 83 patients (67% male), mean age 67 (±12) years, vessel assessed; LAD 66, RCA 19, LCx 13, LMCA 1 and radial graft 1; with 45 being proximal lesions. 30 RFR measurements were in the grey zone. Of the remaining 70 lesions, 55 results (79%) were concordant (Group 2 = 31, Group 3 = 24), with 15 results (21%) being discordant (Group 1 = 3, Group 4 = 12). Negative predictive value (NPV) of RFR (for FFR <0.80) was 91%, when grey zone RFR measurements were excluded. Discordance was not related to age (69 vs 68 years, p=0.75), lesion location (proximal lesion with discordance (6/15) vs proximal lesion with concordance (27/55), p=0.91, figure 1) or non-LAD vessel (non-LAD with discordance (9/15) vs non-LAD lesion with concordance (20/55), p=0.77, figure 2). Conclusion Overall within our patient group, there appeared to be a good association of RFR to FFR. In particular, RFR had a high NPV for an FFR <0.80. The clinical relevance of discordant measurements requires further investigation. However, our data suggest that a positive RFR (<0.89) measurement may not always correlate with a significant FFR measurement (<0.80), and the mechanism for this is unclear. Consequently, caution should be applied when including these measures in every day practice, in particular within patients with a positive RFR measurement. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Results of treatment of myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation using early and delayed coronary interventions in different age groups

The aim of the study was to assess the treatment results in patients with anterior STEMI using primary PCI in different patient age groups, including those at late hospitalization, taking into account the initial mortality risk (MR). The study included 804 patients with anterior STEMI, aged 28 to 91 years, who were admitted to N. V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine in the period from 2008 to 2017: 583 of them had the primary PCI performed either within the first 12 hours from the disease onset (311 patients) or at late hospitalization: after 12–72 hours (272 patients); and 221 patients treated without PCI. The distribution of patients by age: under 65 years old, 65–75 years old, and over 75 years old was 340, 139, and 104 in the PCI group, and 126, 47, and 48 in the group without PCI, respectively. In 26 death cases after PCI and in 39 of died without interventions, the state of the coronary bed, the affected area, and the immediate cause of death were determined. We have found that in the absence of reperfusion therapy (RT) in STEMI, the initially high baseline MR assessed by TIMI Risk Score corresponds to high mortality. It affects people of predominantly elderly and, especially, senile age, who more often have a proximal lesion of the main coronary arteries, which causes an extensive area of infarction with the development of fatal complications. The use of primary PCIs, including those at late hospitalization, prevents the progression of acute heart failure, the formation of LV aneurysms, and reduces the deaths rate. In different periods of time, the mortality rate with the use of primary PCI, including the delayed ones, fluctuates; it can rise with a significantly increasing number of the hospitalized at senile age. An increase in mortality is associated with complications, including those arising during procedures in severe multivessel coronary artery disease, which is more common in this patient population. Achieving angiographic success even in the absence of ECG signs of reperfusion can significantly reduce mortality in all age groups. High MR is an optimal indication for using delayed procedures. An urgent use of primary PCIs, including those at late hospitalization, allows the optimization of the STEMI treatment, and the achievement of the maximum reduction in mortality.

Angioplasty of Flow‐Limiting Stenosis Reduces Aortic and Brachial Blood Pressure in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Background Arterial hypertension affects cardiovascular outcome in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We hypothesized that angioplasty of peripheral arterial stenoses decreases aortic (aBP) and brachial blood pressure (bBP). Methods and Results In an index cohort (n=30), we simultaneously measured aBP, bBP, augmentation index (AIx), and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and after angioplasty of the iliac and femoropopliteal arteries; diagnostic angiography served as a control. In an all‐comer registry cohort (n=381), we prospectively measured bBP in patients scheduled for angioplasty of the iliac, femoral, and crural arteries or diagnostic angiography. Systolic aBP decreased after iliac (Δ−25 mmHg; 95% CI, −30 to −20; P <0.0001) and femoropopliteal angioplasty (Δ−12 mmHg; 95% CI, −17 to −5; P <0.0001) as compared with diagnostic angiography. Diastolic aBP decreased after iliac (Δ−9 mmHg; 95% CI, −13 to −1; P =0.01) but not femoropopliteal angioplasty. In parallel, AIx significantly dropped, whereas PWV remained stable. In the registry cohort, systolic bBP decreased after angioplasty of the iliac (Δ−17 mmHg; 95% CI, −31 to −8; P =0.0005) and femoropopliteal arteries (Δ−10 mmHg; 95% CI, −23 to −1; P =0.04) but not the crural arteries, as compared with diagnostic angiography. Diastolic bBP decreased after iliac (Δ−10 mmHg; 95% CI, −17 to −2; P =0.01) and femoropopliteal angioplasty (Δ−9 mmHg; 95% CI, −15 to −1; P =0.04). Multivariate analysis identified baseline systolic bBP and site of lesion as determinants of systolic bBP drop after endovascular treatment. Conclusions Angioplasty of flow‐limiting stenoses in patients with peripheral artery disease lowers aortic and brachial blood pressure with more pronounced effects at more proximal lesion sites and elevated baseline systolic blood pressure. These data indicate a role of endovascular treatment to acutely optimize blood pressure in patients with peripheral artery disease. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02728479.

Comparison of Partial and Complete Caries Excavation in Permanent Teeth: An 18 Months Follow-up

Objective: To compare performance and survival of composite restorations in primary teeth using partial caries removal (PCR) versus complete caries removal (CCR). Methodology: In this trial, 70 permanent molars having deep caries lesions were selected and divided equally into CCR and PCR groups. The study duration was Jan-2018 to Jan-2020. In CCR group, complete dentin removal was done and confirmed by applying dentin detector dye for 10 seconds. In PCR group, visual & tactile criteria were followed for dentin removal. After dentin removal all cavities were filled using RMGIC cement resin. Follow-up was done at 06, 12 and 18 months. Results: Mean age in CCR group was 23.4+5.5 years and 25.6+4.9 years in PCR group. Male patients were 19 and 17 in CCR and PCR groups respectively (p= 0.59). Regarding lesion type, 25 patients in CCR were having occlusal and 5 having Occluso-proximal lesion. In PCR group, 27 teeth were diagnosed with occlusal lesion and 3 with occluso-proximal lesion (p=0.44). At 18 months’ follow-up, success rate was 100% in CCR group and 93.3% in PCR group (p=0.49). Pulp exposure occurred in 23.3% procedures in CCR group and none in PCR group. Conclusion: Partial caries removal has nearly similar success rates as that of complete caries removal and is associated with significantly less pulp exposure rate as compared to CCR. Keywords: Deep carious lesions, Partial caries removal, Complete caries removal, Randomized clinical trial

Rotatripsy: synergistic effects of complementary technologies: a case report

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to calcified coronary lesions (CCLs) remains one of the most complex procedures. Latest modality to modify calcium, intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), has shown good safety and efficacy in preliminary research. However, it may be associated with acute complications, and as standalone therapy, is not sufficient for all CCLs. Case summary Eighty-two-year-old man, known case of coronary artery disease and multiple comorbidities, presented with worsening angina of 1 month duration. Coronary angiography revealed heavily calcified triple vessel disease with critical distal left main (LM) involvement. Owing to high surgical risk, he was offered intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided PCI with intra-aortic balloon support. While the diffuse, circumferential calcified lesions in LM and left anterior descending (LAD) artery were modified with rotablation (RA) followed by IVL with 3.5 and 3.0 mm balloons; ostial-proximal lesion in left circumflex (LCX) artery was treated with 3.0 mm IVL balloon as a standalone therapy. During second cycle of shockwave therapy in LCX, the 3.0 mm IVL balloon ruptured with type C dissection extending upto LM ostium which required emergent LM bifurcation stenting. We had a good angiographic result which was confirmed with IVUS. Discussion ntravascular lithotripsy and RA are complementary technologies in treating CCLs. Rotablation with a relatively small-sized burr is safe and can favourably modify superficial calcium which helps in smooth delivery of IVL balloon and ensures safe shockwave therapy, if required. Unselected upfront use of IVL without intravascular imaging may be associated with complications as described in this case.

Simultaneous revascularization of the occluded internal carotid artery using the Solitaire as a workhorse wire during acute ischemic stroke intervention

Introduction Tandem lesions involving a large vessel occlusion intracranially with concomitant cervical carotid critical stenosis or occlusion are a common presentation of acute ischemic stroke. These lesions are both challenging and time-consuming but can be extremely beneficial for patients when successful. We present a technique utilizing the pusher wire of the stent retriever used for intracranial thrombectomy as the workhorse wire for carotid intervention using a monorail system to perform cervical carotid angioplasty. Methods We reviewed four successive patients who presented with a tandem occlusion and underwent thrombectomy and simultaneous carotid artery intervention using this technique. Results All four patients had radiographically successful intracranial thrombectomy and cervical carotid revascularization. Time from groin puncture to intracranial stent retriever deployment was 63 min on average. Then, using the pusher wire as a monorail workhorse, time from stent retriever deployment to carotid angioplasty was on average 6 min. Discussion This technique allows for cervical carotid revascularization to begin during the recommended 5-min wait time after stent retriever deployment, allowing for rapid near-simultaneous revascularization across both lesions. This technique has been reported briefly in the past for management of a cervical dissection. There is continued debate regarding the management of tandem occlusions, as to which lesion should be managed first. Conclusion As the management paradigms of tandem occlusions continue to evolve, this technique may improve outcomes by expediting endovascular intervention. Using the stent retriever wire provides a method of expediting the management of the proximal lesion after addressing the more distal intracranial occlusion first.

Efficacy of Proximal Resin Infiltration on Caries Inhibition: Results from a 3-Year Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study reports 3-y outcomes of a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Resin infiltration’s capacity to arrest caries lesion progression in noncavitated proximal lesions is affirmed. Forty-two consented young adults, blinded to tooth surface allocation, were treated with resin infiltration on 1 randomly selected surface and concurrently experienced a mock infiltration procedure on another. Both treatments were provided as an adjunct to the currently accepted standard-of-care regimen (periodic prophylaxis and serial fluoride varnish applications) appropriate for the management of high caries risk. Challenging periods of low oral hygiene compliance were expected. The primary outcome measure was 3-y radiographic lesion progression. Blinded investigators evaluated each study surface for lesion progression with a series of images obtained at intervals over the 3-y course of study. Proportions of progressing lesions were compared with McNemar’s test. Twenty-nine noncavitated lesion pairs in permanent posterior teeth demonstrating caries penetrating into inner enamel or outer dentin were included in the analyses. No adverse events were reported. Radiographic progression was recorded in 4 of 29 infiltrated lesions (14%) and 14 of 29 control lesions (48%, P < .003). Adjunct resin infiltration demonstrated a high 3-y efficacy of 71% (relative risk reduction). The prevented fraction was 86% for infiltration versus 52% for controls. Resin infiltration was 100% successful in arresting caries progression in inner enamel lesions (E2) and 64% in outer dentin lesions (D1). Supplementary microinvasive resin infiltration is significantly more efficacious in reducing proximal lesion progression than management by standard noninvasive therapy alone. Long-term results may shed light on whether this represents the arrest or delay of the caries disease process (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01584024).

Functional assessment of tandem coronary artery stenosis by intracoronary optical coherence tomography-derived virtual fractional flow reserve: a case series

Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR)—which may be calculated using fluid dynamics—demonstrated an excellent correlation with the wire-based FFR. However, the applicability of the OCT-derived FFR in the assessment of tandem lesions is currently unclear. Case summary We present two cases of tandem lesions in the mid segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery which could have assessed accurately by OCT-derived FFR. The first patient underwent wire-based FFR at the far distal site of LAD, showed a value of 0.66. The OCT-derived FFR was calculated, yielding a value of 0.64. In the absence of stenosis at the proximal lesion, the OCT-derived FFR was calculated as 0.79, which was as same as the wire-based FFR obtained after stenting to the proximal lesion. Thus, additional stenting was performed at the distal lesion. The second patient underwent wire-based FFR at the far distal site of LAD, showed a value of 0.76 which was as same vale as OCT-derived FFR. Considering the absence of stenosis in the proximal lesion, the OCT-derived FFR was estimated as 0.88. After coronary stenting in the proximal lesion, the wire-based FFR yielded a value of 0.90. Therefore, additional intervention to the distal lesion was deferred. Discussion The described reports are the first two cases which performed physiological assessment using OCT in tandem lesions. The OCT-derived FFR might be able to estimate the wire-based FFR and the severity of each individual lesion in patients with tandem lesions.

Missile Injury of the Sciatic Nerve: Observational Study Supporting Early Exploration and Direct Suture With Flexed Knee

Missile injuries of the sciatic nerve are frequently encountered in modern violent conflicts. Gunshot and fragment wounds may cause large nerve defects, for which management is challenging. The great size of the sciatic nerve, in both diameter and length, explains the poor results of nerve repair using autografts or allografts. To address this issue, we used a simple technique consisting of a direct suture of the sciatic nerve combined with knee flexion for 6 weeks. Despite a published series showing that this procedure gives better results than sciatic nerve grafting, it remains unknown or underutilized. The purpose of this cases study is to highlight the efficiency of direct sciatic nerve coaptation with knee flexed through three cases with missile injuries at various levels. At the follow-up of two years, all patients were pain free with a protective sensory in the sole and M3+ or M4 gastrocnemius muscles, regardless of the injury level. Recovery was also satisfying in the fibular portion, except for the very proximal lesion. No significant knee stiffness was noticed, including in a case suffering from an associated distal femur fracture. Key points to enhance functional recovery are early nerve repair (as soon as definitive bone fixation and stable soft-tissue coverage are achieved) and careful patient selection.