Lesion Specific PCI

Selection of coronary stents
Colombo A, et al.
J Am Coll Cardiol 2002;40:1021-33
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12354423 
In clinical practice, the operator must decide which stent is most appropriate for the patient. This article focuses on the features of stent design that make a specific stent more or less suitable for a particular type of lesion or anatomy: the "average" coronary lesion, the lesion situated on a curve, the ostial lesion, the bifurcational lesion, the lesion located at the left main stem, the calcified lesion, the chronic total occlusion, the small vessel, the saphenous vein graft, acute or threatened vessel closure, and special situations such as coronary aneurysms and perforations.
Full Text PDF


Lesion morphology                                 Archive 2000-2001

No-reflow phenomenon and lesion morphology in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Tanaka A, et al. 

Circulation
2002;105:2148-52.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11994247

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/full/105/18/2148

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/abstract/105/18/2148
Large vessels with lipid pool-like image are at high risk for no reflow after primary intervention for AMI. Also, plaque content may play a role in damage to the microcirculation after primary intervention for AMI.

Revisiting the culprit lesion in non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Results from the VANQWISH trial angiographic core laboratory 
Kerensky RA, et al. 

J Am Coll Cardiol
2002;39:1456-63.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11985907
 
Coronary angiography early after NQWMI frequently identifies severe obstructive CAD, but a single identifiable culprit lesion was identified in <50% of patients. Multiple culprit lesions were seen in 14% of patients. An angiographic culprit lesion could not be identified in more than one-third of patients undergoing coronary angiography as part of an invasive strategy.


Long lesions                                            Archive 2000-2001

A randomized comparison of the value of additional stenting after optimal balloon angioplasty for long coronary lesions: final results of the additional value of NIR stents for treatment of long coronary lesions (ADVANCE) study 
Serruys
PW, et al. 
J Am Coll Cardiol
2002;39:393-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11823075
A strategy of provisional stenting for long coronary lesions led to bailout stenting in one-third of patients, with a threefold increase in peri-procedural infarction. Additional stenting yielded a lower angiographic restenosis rate, but no reduction in MACE at nine months


Small Vessels                                          Archive 2000-2001

ACC 2002 Meeting Coverage

Does Heparin Coating Help In Small Vessel Stenting? Results of the COAST Trial M. Haude

Comparative analysis of stent placement versus balloon angioplasty in small coronary arteries with long narrowings (the Intracoronary Stenting or Angioplasty for Restenosis Reduction in Small Arteries [ISAR-SMART] Trial)
Hausleiter J, et al.
Am J Cardiol 2002;89:58-60
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=11779524 

Stenting very small coronary narrowings (< 2 mm) using the biocompatible phosphorylcholine-coated coronary stent
Grenadier E, et al. 
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:303-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11870932
This initial clinical experience indicates that the implantation of 2.0 mm stents coated with phosphorylcholine appears to be safe and efficacious in the treatment of complex coronary lesions and is associated with low target vessel revascularization rate in spite of the very small vessel diameter

Stenting vs. balloon angioplasty with provisional stenting for the treatment of vessels with small reference diameter
Lemos PA, et al. 
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:309-14.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11870933
Treatment of small vessels with balloon dilatation and provisional stenting or with primary stenting yielded similar late outcomes. Operators' choice of treatment strategy was based on particular angiographic characteristics

Comparison of stenting with balloon angioplasty for lesions of small coronary vessels in patients with diabetes mellitus
Mehilli J, et al. 
Am J Med
2002;112:13-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11812401
Patients with diabetes who undergo percutaneous coronary interventions for lesions in small vessels have an especially high risk of restenosis that does not appear to be attenuated by stenting.

Clinical Benefit of Small Vessel Stenting: One-year Follow-up of the SISCA Trial 
Moer R, et al. 

Scand Cardiovasc J
2002;36:86-90.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=12028870
At 6 months the clinical outcome was significantly better in the stent group as compared with the PTCA group, with an event-free survival in 90.5 and 76.1% (p = 0.016), respectively. Angioplasty in small coronary arteries is associated with a favorable clinical outcome after 1 year. The clinical benefit of elective stenting using the HepamedŽ-coated beStent is maintained beyond 6 months, without any tendency towards late events. Thus, elective stenting should be considered as an option when treating small coronary arteries
(Free Full text available)

Natural history of small and medium-sized side branches after coronary stent implantation 
Poerner TC, et al. 

Am Heart J
2002;143:627-35.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11923799

http://www.mosby.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=abs&id=a120411&target=
Acute SBO after stenting occurred in 21.2% of cases and had a benign course. Most acutely occluded side branches underwent late spontaneous reperfusion. A baseline side branch diameter >1.4 mm predicted a preserved antegrade flow immediately after stent implantation, as well as during follow-up.


Bifurcations                                            Archive 2000-2001

TCT 2002 Meeting Coverage

The Role of Drug-Eluting Stents in Bifurcation Lesions
Two small clinical studies show that the use of a sirolimus-eluting stent for the treatment of bifurcation lesions is safe and yields relatively low rates of restenosis; however, incomplete ostial coverage has been identified with higher rates of side branch restenosis.

A stepwise strategy for the stent treatment of bifurcated coronary lesions 
Pan M, et al. 
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:50-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11793495
Patients with coronary stenosis at major bifurcations may be treated following an unitary stepwise approach. In the first step, balloon angioplasty of the side branch followed by stenting of the parent vessel; in the second, balloon redilation of the side-branch origin across the metallic structure of the stent; in the third, stenting of the side-branch origin. Progression through each phase was triggered by the failure of one procedure to achieve a <50% residual stenosis at the side branch: this attitude may avoid side-branch stent implantation in most patients, providing good immediate and long-term results.

Stenting of bifurcation lesions using the Bestent: a prospective dual- center study 
Gobeil F, et al. 
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:427-33.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11948886
This study shows that using a simple strategy of provisional T-stenting of the side branch in the majority of cases, the Bestent can be used for treating bifurcation lesions with a high rate of success and an acceptable rate of TVR at 6-month follow-up

Sequential vs. kissing balloon angioplasty for stenting of bifurcation coronary lesions 
Brueck M, et al. 
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:461-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11948892
Using sequential balloon angioplasty, permanent or transient side-branch compromise rate (TIMI flow < 3) was significantly higher than after kissing balloon technique (33% vs. 0%, respectively; P = 0.003). Major clinical events in-hospital or at 6-month follow-up, however, showed no significant differences. Kissing balloon angioplasty reduces the rate of transient side-branch occlusion compared to sequential PTCA but does not improve immediate or long-term outcome compared to sequential PTCA for stenting of bifurcation lesions


Ostial lesions
                                         Archive 2000-2001

Outcome of treatment of aorto-ostial lesions involving the right coronary artery or a saphenous vein graft with a polytetrafluoroethylene- covered stent 
Toutouzas K, et al. 
Am J Cardiol
2002;90:63-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=12088784


Calcified lesions

Selection of coronary stents
Colombo A, et al.
J Am Coll Cardiol 2002;40:1021-33
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12354423 
In clinical practice, the operator must decide which stent is most appropriate for the patient. This article focuses on the features of stent design that make a specific stent more or less suitable for a particular type of lesion or anatomy: the "average" coronary lesion, the lesion situated on a curve, the ostial lesion, the bifurcational lesion, the lesion located at the left main stem, the calcified lesion, the chronic total occlusion, the small vessel, the saphenous vein graft, acute or threatened vessel closure, and special situations such as coronary aneurysms and perforations.
Full Text PDF

Cutting and stenting in a heavily calcified left anterior descending artery lesion
Meerkin D, et al.
J Invasive Cardiol 2002;14:547-51
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12205357 
The significance of heavily calcified proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis in a 57-year-old man was assessed physiologically using a Doppler flow wire. Intravascular ultrasound guidance allowed for adequate dilatation with a cutting balloon and optimization of stent deployment. The cutting balloon offers an effective alternative in this challenging scenario.


Total Occlusions                    Archive 2000-2001

TCT 2002 Meeting Coverage

Chronic Total Occlusions -- New Approaches, New Hopes
Typically referred for CABG surgery, patients with CTOs may now be able to undergo transcatheter treatment with new devices designed to enhance operator skill in crossing these complex lesions.

Fate of collateral circulation after successful coronary angioplasty of total occlusion assessed by coronary angiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography 
Ha JW, et al. 
J Am Soc Echocardiogr
2002;15:389-95.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=12019421

http://www.mosby.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=abs&id=a115185&target=
Successful PTCA with stenting of a totally occluded coronary artery leads to a disappearance of collateral vessels by coronary angiography in most of the patients. However, although angiographically not visible, coronary collateral circulation may persist even 24 hours after successful PTCA of a totally occluded artery demonstrated by MCE.


Left Main    Archive 2000-2001

Long-term (three-year) outcomes after stenting of unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis in patients with normal left ventricular function
Park SJ, et al.
Am J Cardiol 2003;91:12-6
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12505564
The cumulative probabilities free from major adverse cardiac events were 81.9 +/- 2.4%, 78.4 +/- 2.6%, and 77.7 +/- 2.7%, respectively, at 1, 2, and 3 years. Combined coronary artery disease and postprocedural minimal luminal diameter were the significant predictors of major adverse cardiac events. Thus, the long-term prognosis of patients after stenting of unprotected LMCA stenosis was favorable in selected patients with normal left ventricular function. 

Editorial
Safety and efficacy of unprotected left main coronary artery stenting
 
Nageh T, et al. 

Circulation
2002;105:e85.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11940562

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/full/105/14/e85

Acute stent recoil in the left main coronary artery treated with additional stenting
Battikh K, et al.

J Invasive Cardiol
2003;15:39-42
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12499528

Case report on acute stent recoil occurring after stenting of an ostial left main coronary artery lesion. The marked recoil after high-pressure balloon inflation confirmed that the radial force of the first stent was unable to ensure vessel patency. The addition of a second stent provided the necessary support to achieve a good final result. 

Percutaneous reperfusion of left main coronary disease complicated by acute myocardial infarction 
Neri R, et al. 

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;56:31-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11979530
A percutaneous mechanical intervention strategy in patients with left main disease complicated by AMI is feasible and effective, and patients discharged alive have a good mid-term prognosis.

Images in cardiovascular medicine
Left main rapamycin-coated stent: invasive versus noninvasive angiographic follow-up

Nieman K, et al. 
Circulation
2002;105:e130-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11994262

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/full/105/18/e130

Emergency stenting of the unprotected left main coronary artery 
Ramondo A, et al. 

Ital Heart J
2002;3:72-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11899596
Report of a case of successful stenting of the unprotected left main coronary artery as a salvage procedure in a patient with tight ostial left main coronary artery stenosis who had cardiac arrest following diagnostic coronary angiography

Obliteration of a left main coronary artery aneurysm with a PTFE-coated stent 
Strozzi M, et al. 

J Invasive Cardiol
2002;14:280-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11983953
The successful percutaneous obliteration of a left main coronary artery aneurysm using a covered stent (JOMED) is described. The immediate angiographic result was excellent and the early post-procedural period was uneventful. Six-month follow-up angiography revealed no changes.


Thrombus containing lesions   Archive 2000-2001

AHA 2002 Meeting Coverage

X-TRACT: Thrombus extraction device cuts incidence of large MI
with slides / A device to remove thrombus during percutaneous coronary intervention in saphenous vein grafts and native coronary arteries with thrombus appears to reduce the incidence of large MI and the composite of death and large MI at 30 days.

TCT 2002 Meeting Coverage

X-TRACT: X-Sizer Cuts and Vacuums Thrombus G. W. Stone

X-TRACT: X-Sizer for Treatment of Thrombus and Atherosclerosis in Coronary Interventions Trial
The use of a device that combines cutting and vacuum capabilities is safe as an adjunct to percutaneous intervention and reduces the incidence of large MI at 30 days.

TCT 2002 Expert Presentations

XTRACT Trial G. W. Stone  

Full text journal article Aug 2002
Removal of Thrombus by Catheter Aspiration Prior to Stenting
Experts in the field review a case and share their opinion on how to manage the patient.

Intracoronary thrombectomy with the X-sizer catheter system improves epicardial flow and accelerates ST-segment resolution in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a prospective, randomized, controlled study 
Beran G, et al. 

Circulation
2002;105:2355-60.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=12021220

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/full/105/20/2355

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/abstract/105/20/2355
 
In ACS with suspected thrombus, pretreatment with the X-sizer catheter system improves epicardial flow and accelerates ST-segment resolution compared with conventional PCI alone.

Thrombectomy with rescue percutaneous thrombectomy catheter: our initial experience
Bahuleyan CG, et al.

J Invasive Cardiol
2003;15:36-8
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12499527 
Rescue Percutaneous Thrombectomy Catheter has been successfully used in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. The present case illustrates that the Rescue Percutaneous Thrombectomy Catheter can be used for removing thrombus even one month after acute myocardial infarction.

Percutaneous transluminal therapeutic ultrasound for high-risk thrombus- containing lesions in native coronary arteries 
Brosh D, et al. 

Catheter Cardiovasc
Interv
2002;55:43-49.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=11793494
 
Ultrasound thrombolysis is a feasible procedure that offers a safe and probably effective adjuvant device solution for the treatment of high-risk, thrombus-containing lesions in the native coronary arteries

Angiographic outcome after intracoronary X-Sizer helical atherectomy and thrombectomy: first use in humans 
Kwok OH, et al. 

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:133-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11835634
The angiographic analysis of the first cohort of human subjects suggests that X-Sizer helical atherectomy is a feasible method of removing occlusive tissue or thrombus in coronary artery disease with a low angiographic complication rate. A large-scale randomized phase II clinical trial is underway to determine the ultimate safety and efficacy of this device in thrombo-occlusive native coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts.

Editorial
Thrombo-atherectomy: hope for pesky thrombus-containing lesions? 
Carter AJ, et al. 

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:140-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11835635

Direct Use of the X-SIZER Catheter System in the Treatment of Acute Thrombotic Coronary Occlusion 
Palmer ND, et al. 

J Invasive Cardiol
2002;14:420-2.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=12082198
This case report suggests that the X-SIZER device has potential as an adjunct to PTCA and stenting in reducing the risk associated with thrombotic occlusion. In addition, its limited ability to cross severe stenoses or reduce lesion severity suggests that the X-SIZER should not be regarded as an atherectomy device. 

Rheolytic thrombectomy with Angiojet in thrombus-containing lesions 
Singh M, et al. 

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;56:1-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11979522
High procedural success can be achieved with the AngioJet thrombectomy device in lesions containing thrombus. It is effective in both native coronary arteries and vein graft interventions. However, the long-term outcome of patients with vein graft intervention was worse.


Vein Grafts Archive 2000-2001

TCT 2002 Expert Presentations 
DEBATE: Does SAFER Establish Distal Protection as the Standard of Care?

PCR 2002 Meeting Coverage

Preliminary Results of RECOVERS Trial A. Colombo

Summaries of important articles from major peer-reviewed journals

Distal Protection During PCI of Saphenous Vein Aorto-Coronary Bypass Grafts D. S. Baim   Circulation. 2002;105:1285  

Randomized trial of a distal embolic protection device during percutaneous intervention of saphenous vein aorto-coronary bypass grafts (SAFER Trial)
Baim DS, et al. 
Circulation
2002;105:1285-90.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11901037

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/full/105/11/1285

http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/abstract/105/11/1285
Use of this distal protection device during stenting of stenotic venous grafts was associated with a highly significant reduction in major adverse events compared with stenting over a conventional angioplasty guidewire. This demonstrates the importance of distal embolization in causing major adverse cardiac events and the value of embolic protection devices in preventing such complications

Lack of Benefit From Intravenous Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibition as Adjunctive Treatment for Percutaneous Interventions of Aortocoronary Bypass Grafts: A Pooled Analysis of Five Randomized Clinical Trials    
Marco Roffi et al
Circulation 2002;106 3063-3067
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/106/24/3063?etoc
Intravenous platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition does not improve outcomes after PCI of bypass grafts. In the absence of mechanical emboli protection, this procedure is associated with high incidence of death and nonfatal ischemic events.

Evaluation of a balloon occlusion and aspiration system for protection from distal embolization during stenting in saphenous vein grafts 
Grube E, et al. 
Am J Cardiol
2002;89:941-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11950432
GuardWire distal balloon occlusion and aspiration system is an effective and safe method for protecting distal microcirculation from the adverse consequences of embolization during mechanical intervention of degenerated SVGs.

Transient occlusion of an Angioguard protection system by massive embolization during angioplasty of a degenerated aortocoronary saphenous vein graft 
Kindel M, et al. 
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:501-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11948899
Distal embolization is the most important complication of balloon dilatation of degenerated saphenous vein grafts. This report describes a case of massive embolization associated with transient occlusion in which larger distal embolization and myocardial infarction were avoided despite transient but complete occlusion of a filter protection system (Angioguard).

Percutaneous intervention for atherosclerotic disease in saphenous vein grafts 
Mulvihill NT, et al. 
Int J Cardiol
2002;83:103-10.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=12007681
The immediate and long term results of percutaneous intervention for SVGs is reviewed. Therapeutic considerations as well as novel technical advances are overviewed

Coronary angiographic morphology in unstable angina: comparative observations of culprit lesions in saphenous vein grafts versus native coronary arteries 
Preston LM, et al. 
J Invasive Cardiol
2002;14:81-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11818643
In UA, culprit lesions of SVGs assessed angiographically demonstrate morphology consistent with ulcerated plaque and thrombus more frequently than lesions in NCAs, but total occlusions are more common in NCAs. Angiographically-evident active thrombotic and ulcerated lesions underlie acute ischemic syndromes more frequently in SVGs than in native vessels

Intravascular gamma radiation for in-stent restenosis in saphenous-vein bypass grafts 
Waksman R, et al. 
N Engl J Med
2002;346:1194-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11961147

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/346/16/1194

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/346/16/1194
The results of our study support the use of gamma-radiation therapy for the treatment of in-stent restenosis in patients with bypass grafts.


Internal mammary artery graft      Archive 2001

An unusual case of left internal mammary artery ostial disease: clarifying role of intravascular ultrasound
Tantibhedhyangkul W, et al.
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv
2002;55:369-72.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&dopt=r&uid=11870944

Case report of a suspected stenosis involving the origin of the left internal mammary artery that conventional angiography failed to demonstrate convincingly. Intravascular ultrasound illustrated a severe stenosis and the patient underwent successful stenting of the left internal mammary artery origin. The intravascular ultrasound finding of a dissection flap, just distal to the left internal mammary artery origin, suggests that local trauma to the vessel from prior catheterization procedures may have been responsible for the progressive narrowing at the left internal mammary artery ostium