Modelling of hemodynamics in bifurcation lesions of coronary arteries before and after myocardial revascularization

Modelling of patient-specific hemodynamics for a clinical case of severe coronary artery disease with the bifurcation stenosis was carried out with allowance for standard angiographic data obtained before and after successfully performed myocardial revascularization by stenting of two arteries. Based on a non-Newtonian fluid model and an original algorithm for fluid dynamics computation operated with a limited amount of initial data, key characteristics of blood flow were determined to analyse the features of coronary disease and the consequences of its treatment. The results of hemodynamic modelling near bifurcation sites are presented with an emphasis on physical, physiological and clinical phenomena to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The main limitations and ways to minimize them are the subjects of discussion as well. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 2)’.

Is the Prevalence of Coronary Artery Anomalies Different in Countries with Small Populations? – A Retrospective Study in Northern Cyprus

Background: Although the prevalence of coronary artery anomalies (CAA) is due to accidental and rare discoveries, it varies between different countries or geographies. CAA are rare congenital disorders having various clinical definitions. Its prevalence varies in angiographic and autopsy series in adult populations and is approximately 1% in average. While the incidence ranges from 0.2% to 5.64% in coronary angiographic (CAG) studies, it is around 0.3% in autopsy series. We aimed to estimate the frequency of CAA in our patient population. Methods: The coronary angiographic data of 4099 consecutive adult patients, who underwent CAG between January 2019 and December 2020, were analyzed and retrospectively studied. Results: The mean age of the total patients who underwent CAG was 61.59 ± 13.67 years (range, 18-98 years). CAA were found in 76 patients (1.85% incidence), origin and course anomaly in 62 patients (81.6%), and coronary artery termination anomaly in 14 patients (18.4%). Separate exits of the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva (LSV) were the most common anomalies (36.84%). Coronary artery fistulas were seen in 14 (18.42%) patients. Abnormal origin of left circumflex artery (LCX) from the right coronary artery (RCA) or right sinus valsalva (RSV) was seen in 13 (17.11%) patients. Outflow anomalies from the contralateral coronary sinus were detected in 10 (13.16%) patients. Conclusion: The incidence and pattern of CAA in our patient population showed similarity with previous studies. Physicians should be aware of CAA that may be associated with potentially serious cardiac incidents, because recognition of these CAA is important for the decision of treatment procedures.

Coronary Artery Fistulae in Adult: Two Decades of Experience in Clinical Presentation, Angiographic Feature, and Management

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) in adults is a rare but significant coronary artery anomaly. Main data on that rare disease were mostly obtained from case reports and small studies. In presented study, we share our two-decade experience on the clinical and angiographic characteristics of CAF.The data were collected retrospectively by analyzing the angiographic data between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019. Demographic data, clinical data, laboratory, and cardiac catheterization reports were reviewed.CAFs were found in 40 patients (0.06%). There were 22 male (55%) patients. The mean age was 61.2 years. Twenty-nine patients (72.5%) had small, 4 patients (10%) had medium, and 7 patients (17.5%) had large CAFs. The majority of study population had solitary CAF (n = 31, 77.5%). The pulmonary artery is the major side of fistula drainage (n = 20, 50%). The study population was divided into two groups as follow: group 1—small CAFs 29 (72.5%), group 2—medium and large CAF (MLCAF) 11 (27.5%). Patients with MLCAFs had more atrial fibrillation, abnormal coronary morphology, and multiple fistulae. In patients with hemodynamically significant CAFs, 7 (17.5%) patients had surgical ligation and 3 (7.5%) patients had transcutaneous closure. Three patients died during mean follow-up period of 5 years.The incidence and the pattern of CAFs in our study were similar to previous studies. Clinical course of small fistulae was benign. Symptomatic MLCAFs need to be treated by transcatheter or surgical way and should be individualized per patient.

Selection of optimal endarterectomy technique in the left anterior descending artery for diffuse coronary atherosclerosis

Aim. To determine the optimal method for performing coronary artery endarterectomy (СE) based on immediate and long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in combination with open or closed CE in the left anterior descending artery (LAD).Material and methods. This retrospective study included 103 patients who underwent CABG in combination with closed CE and 204 after open CE in the LAD during the period from 2003 to 2016. In both groups, the patient age was comparable (65 years [56; 69] vs 67 years [58; 72] (p=0,263)). There were more men (88,3% vs 81,4% (p=0,421). The mean follow-up period was 94 months [38; 180]. Long-term outcomes were assessed in 86,4% (n=89) and 83,8% (n=171) of patients from the closed and open CE groups, respectively (p=0,141). Angiographic data were studied in 75,3% and 67,3% of patients, respectively (p=0,441).Results. In the closed and open CE groups, in-hospital mortality was 4,8% and 1,5% (p=0,0012), incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction — 11,6% vs 2,5%, (p<0,001), survival rate after 7,8 years — 81,3±5,1% and 84,4±3,2% (p=0,342), respectively. The patency of arterial shunts was significantly higher in the open CE group — 93,1% vs 80,6% (p=0,004). At the same time, the patency of venous shunts in the long-term period between the groups was comparable — 70,1% vs 73,7% (p=0,314).Conclusion. Open CE in combination with CABG provides better immediate outcomes compared to closed CE. Long-term survival and freedom from angina between the groups were comparable. In the long-term period, the patency of internal thoracic artery after open CE is better than after the closed technique. Open CE is a safe and effective method to achieve complete myocardial revascularization in patients with severe diffuse LAD atherosclerosis.

REtrospective Multicenter INdian Study of Derivo Embolization Device (REMIND): Periprocedural Safety

Purpose: The treatment of aneurysms with characteristics such as complex morphology, fusiform, blister-like, wide neck, or large size has been revolutionized with the introduction of flow diverters. Though flow diverters have several advantages over coiling, they also have certain important disadvantages such as the lack of immediate protection against rupture, the risk of ischemic stroke, the need for antiplatelet therapy, and long latency for complete effect. The Derivo Embolization Device (DED) is a second-generation self-expanding device that is claimed to be less thrombogenic than conventional devices. We retrospectively evaluated the periprocedural safety and risks associated with the Derivo Embolization Device across 5 centers in India.Materials and Methods: This is a multicentric, retrospective, observational study of DED, conducted at 5 high volume endovascular therapy centers in India from May 2018 to June 2020. Periprocedural demographic, clinical, and angiographic data were collected from a retrospective review of patient charts.Results: A total of 96 patients, including 56 (58.3%) females, aged between 16–80 years (60±12.7 years) harboring 106 aneurysms were studied. Seven (7.3%) were noted to harbor multiple aneurysms: 6 had 3 aneurysms each, while 1 patient had 5 aneurysms. The following aneurysm characteristics were noted: average size, 9.8±8.2 mm; average neck size, 6.9±8.5 mm; wide-necked (>4mm), 63 (59.4%); giant (>25mm), 8 (7.5%); and anterior circulation location, 98 (92.5%). Eighteen (17%) of these were ruptured. Additional balloon angioplasty was performed in 5 (5.2%) patients. Intraprocedural problems were encountered in 3 (3.1%), of which only 1 had clinical implications, the device fish-mouthing with stent thrombosis resulting in a malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction. The modified Rankin scale at 3 months was worse in 1 patient.Conclusion: DED is a newer generation flow diverter stent with a low periprocedural complication rate.

Cardiovascular Manifestations of COVID-19: Insights into a Single-Center Experience

Background Since December 2019, an emerging outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of the present report is to describe a population with elevated levels of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and report on their management during the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods In this retrospective cohort, we collected data from all patients with hs-cTnT levels of >50 ng/mL admitted to Fribourg Hospital between February 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020. The primary diagnosis for troponin elevation was recorded. Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, and coronary angiographic data were analyzed for signs of myocardial ischemia, infarction, or other cardiomyopathies. In-hospital follow-up was performed for deaths from all causes and for cardiac deaths. Propensity score matching was used in a subgroup analysis to match COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients (n = 21 per group). Results Overall, 215 patients with high hs-cTnT levels were enrolled. The median age was 75 [65–83] years and 30% were women. 21 patients (10%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Of these, acute myocardial injury related to COVID-19 was the most commonly described cardiovascular manifestation during the pandemic peak. Median troponin values were not different between COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients (94 vs. 137, p = 0.14). The number of cardiological examinations was globally low (echocardiography 51% and coronary angiography 52%) in the context of the pandemic. Patients in the COVID-19 group underwent significantly less echocardiographic examinations (19 vs. 55%, p ≤ 0.01) and coronary angiographies (5 vs. 58%, p ≤ 0.01) than non-COVID-19 patients. Overall mortality in patient with COVID-19 and elevated troponins was very high, as 38% of patients died during hospitalization including 14% for cardiac death. This trend was confirmed in the propensity score–matched analysis. Conclusion Interpretation of troponins during the COVID-19 pandemic was complicated due to the low number of cardiovascular investigations in this context. Follow-up of patients with COVID-19 and cardiovascular events is important to assess their prognosis and to improve their care.

The value of long-term angiographic follow-up following Pipeline embolization of intracranial aneurysms

BackgroundFlow diversion of intracranial aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is commonly performed, but the value of long-term angiographic follow-up has not been rigorously evaluated. Here we examine the prevalence of actionable findings of aneurysm recurrence and development of in-stent stenosis in a cohort of patients that underwent long-term angiographic follow-up at multiple time points.MethodsAngiographic data from eligible patients were retrospectively assessed for aneurysm occlusion, in-stent stenosis, and aneurysm regrowth or recurrence. Patients were included in this study if they underwent angiographic imaging at 6 months post-treatment and at least one later time point.Results100% (132/132) of aneurysms occluded at 6 months remained occluded at final follow-up. 85.7% (6/7), 56.3% (27/48), and 25% (6/24) of aneurysms with entry remnant, subtotal filling, and total filling, respectively, at 6 months were completely occluded at final follow-up. 98.7% (147/149) of PED constructs that demonstrated no stenosis at 6 months demonstrated no stenosis at final angiography, while 44.4% (8/18) of PED constructs demonstrating in-stent stenosis at 6 months had resolution of stenosis on final angiography.ConclusionsAmong patients who undergo treatment of intracranial aneurysms with PED, the value of long-term angiography in patients demonstrating complete aneurysm occlusion and no in-stent stenosis on 6 month post-treatment angiography is low.

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms in Small Peripheral Vessel Segments—Efficacy and Intermediate Follow-Up Results of Flow Diversion With the Silk Vista Baby Low-Profile Flow Diverter

Background and Purpose: Low-profile flow diverter stents (FDS) quite recently amended peripheral segments as targets for hemodynamic aneurysm treatment; however, reports on outcomes, especially later than 3 months, are scarce. This study therefore reports our experience with the novel silk vista baby (SVB) FDS and respective outcomes after 8 and 11 months with special respect to specific adverse events.Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients (mean age, 53 years) harboring 47 aneurysms treated with the SVB between June 2018 and December 2019 were included in our study. Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data were collected. Follow-ups were performed on average after 3, 8, and 11 months, respectively. Treatment effect was assessed using the O'Kelly Marotta (OKM) grading system.Results: Overall, angiographic follow-ups were available for 41 patients/45 aneurysms. Occlusion or significant reduction in aneurysmal perfusion (OKM: D1, B1–B3 and A2–A3) was observed in 98% of all aneurysms after 8 months. Only 2% of the treated aneurysms remained morphologically unaltered and without an apparent change in perfusion (OKM A1). Adverse events in the early post-interventional course occurred in seven patients; out of them, mRS-relevant morbidity at 90 days related to FDS treatment was observable in two patients. One death occurred in the context of severe SAH related to an acutely ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the vertebral artery.Conclusion: The SVB achieves sufficient occlusion rates of intracranial aneurysms originating from peripheral segments, which are comparable to prior established conventional FDS with acceptably low complication rates. However, alteration of a hemodynamic equilibrium in distal localizations requires special attention to prevent ischemic events.

Pipeline embolization of proximal middle cerebral artery aneurysms: A multicenter cohort study

Background and purpose Flow diversion of aneurysms located in the M1 segment and middle cerebral artery bifurcation with Pipeline embolization device is sometimes performed, but further study is needed to support its regular use in aneurysm treatment. Here, we report measures of safety and efficacy for Pipeline embolization in the proximal middle cerebral artery in a multi-center cohort. Materials and methods Clinical and angiographic data of eligible patients were retrospectively obtained from participating centers and assessed for key clinical and angiographic outcomes. Additional details were extracted for patients with complications. Results In our multi-center cohort, complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 71% (17/24) of treated aneurysms. There were no deaths or disabling strokes, but non-disabling ischemic strokes occurred in 8% (2/24) of patients. For aneurysms in the M1 segment, complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 75% (12/16) of aneurysms, aneurysm volume reduction was observed in 100% (16/16) of aneurysms, and non-disabling ischemic strokes occurred in 13% (2/16) of patients. For aneurysms at the middle cerebral artery bifurcation, complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 63% (5/8) of aneurysms, aneurysm volume reduction occurred in 88% (7/8) of aneurysms, and ischemic or hemorrhagic complications occurred in 0% (0/8) of patients. Conclusion Pipeline embolization of cerebral aneurysms in the M1 segment and middle cerebral artery bifurcation demonstrated a 71% rate of complete aneurysm occlusion. There were no deaths or disabling strokes, but there was an 8% rate of non-disabling ischemic strokes.

Pipeline embolization of distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms

Background and purpose Flow diversion is commonly used to treat intracranial aneurysms in various regions of the cerebral vasculature, but is only approved for use in the internal carotid arteries. Treatment of distal PICA aneurysms with PED is sometimes performed but has not been well studied. Here, we report our experience with flow diversion of distal PICA aneurysms with PED. Materials and methods Clinical and angiographic data of eligible patients was retrospectively obtained and assessed for key demographic characteristics and clinical and angiographic outcomes. Principal outcomes included rates of aneurysm occlusion, ischemic or hemorrhagic complication, technical complication, and in-stent stenosis. Results Three female and 2 male patients underwent placement of PED in the PICA for treatment of 5 distal PICA aneurysms. Clinical and angiographic follow-up was obtained for all patients. Complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 100% (5/5) of treated aneurysms at 6 month and longest angiographic follow-up. While there were no ischemic or device-related complications, delayed hemorrhagic complications occurred in 20% (1/5) of patients. Conclusion Pipeline embolization of distal PICA aneurysms can be performed in select patients. Further study is necessary in larger cohorts to better define clinical scenarios in which flow diversion in the distal PICA should be considered.