Search Results (1,257)

With the advancement of interventional coronary procedures, drug-coated balloons have become an increasingly common alternative to drug-eluting stents in the treatment of various lesions. This paradigm shift stems from several advantages that DCBs entail, including a reduction in stent length burden, the possibility of late vessel positive remodeling, and the preservation of bifurcation anatomy. Conversely, several studies compared the efficacy of DCB treatment to stents or POBA in various scenarios. In this review, we will discuss the areas in which a DCB can be of paramount importance. We will begin by examining the role of DCBs in in-stent restenosis, for which the current practice guidelines do not clearly state the role of this technology, as opposed to the previous ones, in which it was mentioned as a first-line armamentarium. We will then discuss the indications and advantages of using DCBs in de novo lesions, concerning both small and large vessels, with growing emphasis on diffuse lesions. Lastly, we will address the current data on the use of DCBs in special scenarios such as the treatment of chronic total occlusion and left main and bifurcation lesions, without forgetting the primordial role of drug-eluting stents in all these lesions. Full article

Background: While early risk stratification in STEMI is essential, the threat of cardiogenic shock (CS) persists after revascularization due to reperfusion injury and evolving instability. However, risk prediction in later phases—after revascularization—is less explored, despite its importance in guiding intensive care decisions. This study evaluates machine learning (ML) models for dynamic risk assessment in interventional cardiology and cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) phases, where timely detection of deterioration can guide treatment escalation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and procedural data from 158 patients diagnosed with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock, treated between 2019 and 2022 at the Cardiology Department of the University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania. Machine learning models—Random Forest (RF), and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA)—were developed and tested specifically for the interventional cardiology and CICU phases. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score. Results: In the interventional phase, RF and QDA achieved the highest accuracy, both reaching 87.50%. In the CICU, RF and QDA demonstrate the best performance, reaching ACCs of 0.843. QDA maintained consistent performance across phases. Relevant predictors included reperfusion strategy, TIMI flow before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), Killip class, creatinine, and Creatine Kinase Index (CKI)—all parameters routinely assessed in STEMI patients. These models effectively identified patients at risk for post-reperfusion complications and hemodynamic decline, supporting decisions regarding extended monitoring and ICU-level care. Conclusions: Predictive models implemented in advanced STEMI phases can contribute to dynamic, phase-specific risk reassessment and optimize CICU resource allocation. These findings support the integration of ML-based tools into post-PCI workflows, enabling earlier detection of clinical decline and more efficient deployment of intensive care resources. When combined with earlier-stage models, the inclusion of interventional and CICU phases forms a dynamic, end-to-end risk assessment framework. With further refinement, this system could be implemented as a mobile application to support clinical decisions throughout the STEMI care continuum. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Angio-Seal™ VIP vascular closure device (VCD) in achieving hemostasis following percutaneous transhepatic portal venous interventions. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 20 patients (mean age: 52.85 ± 16.18 years; 80% male) who underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal vein interventions followed by tract closure with the Angio-Seal™ device between January 2016 and September 2024. Procedural data, pre- and post-procedural hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and complications were analyzed. Technical success was defined as the successful deployment of the device with immediate hemostasis and no evidence of bleeding on post-procedural imaging. Results: Technical success, as defined in this study, was achieved in all 20 procedures (100%). The mean hemoglobin level declined from 11.91 ± 2.01 g/dL to 11.09 ± 2.19 g/dL (p < 0.001), and the mean hematocrit level decreased from 36.18 ± 6.03% to 32.98 ± 5.80% (p = 0.001). A hemoglobin drop ≥2 g/dL occurred in two patients (10%) and a hematocrit drop ≥4% in six patients (30%); none were associated with imaging or clinical evidence of hemorrhage. No major complications were observed. Minor complications, including localized pain managed with analgesics, occurred in five patients (25%). Follow-up imaging confirmed the absence of hemoperitoneum or device-related failure. Conclusions: Angio-Seal™ is a technically feasible, safe, and effective option for tract closure following percutaneous transhepatic portal vein access. This single-device approach may offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional embolization techniques. However, more extensive prospective studies are required to validate these findings. Full article

Introduction: A direct head-to-head comparison between potent P2Y12 inhibitors: prasugrel versus ticagrelor is still lacking. Purpose: In this single-center study, we sought to address the efficacy and safety of these two third-generation antiplatelet drugs, after about a decade of practical use. Methods: A retrospective observational study included all patients who were admitted with acute coronary syndrome between January 2010 and December 2019 and were discharged with aspirin and either prasugrel or ticagrelor after percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were divided into two groups based on the dual antiplatelet drugs prescribed. Primary endpoint: A composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, recurrent coronary syndrome, or ischemic stroke at one year. Secondary endpoint: Significant bleeding according to the BARC classification (types 3, 4, or 5). Results: During this period, 746 patients met the inclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was reached in 70 patients (9.4%): 24 patients (8.0%) in the group treated with ticagrelor and 46 patients (10.3%) in the group treated with prasugrel (p-value = 0.303). In terms of safety events, significant bleeding was not statistically different between the ticagrelor and prasugrel groups: 13 (2.9%) vs. 9 (3%), respectively (p-value = 0.9). More patients discontinued their treatment before the end of the year among those treated with ticagrelor compared to those treated with prasugrel. [16.7% vs. 9.6%, p-value = 0.003). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the occurrence of recurrent cardiac events, stroke, or cardiovascular death, nor significant bleeding among ACS patients treated either with prasugrel or ticagrelor. Full article

Background: Diabetic patients tend to have complex coronary artery disease (CAD). Understanding their procedural risk may help to guide treatment strategies. SYNTAX and the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Jeopardy Score (BCIS-JS) have been used to define complex CAD, but their use has not been compared in diabetic patients. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients who underwent complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and were deemed unsuitable for surgical revascularization. Both SYNTAX and BCIS-JS were calculated by experienced operators who were blinded to patient’s outcome. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 12 months. Results: Of 452 patients included in the study, diabetes was present in 35% patients. There was a modest relationship between BCIS-JS and SYNTAX score (Spearman r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and this relationship was even weaker in patients with diabetes (Spearman r = 0.32, p < 0.001). The primary endpoint was comparable in the non-diabetic group, irrespective of the score system (SYNTAX or BCIS-JS) used to define complex CAD. In contrast, there was a differential prognostic outcome in the diabetic group, whereby the primary endpoint was more frequently reported in diabetic patients with high versus low SYNTAX scores [HR 4.96, 95% CI (1.44–17.03), p = 0.011] but not when BCIS-JS was used. Conclusions: There was a modest relationship between BCIS-JS and SYNTAX score. Unlike BCIS-JS, the SYNTAX score identified those who are at increased risk of death among diabetic patients. Both scoring systems did not effectively differentiate mortality risk in non-diabetic patients. Future research is needed to confirm this study’s findings. Full article

Introduction: Peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after cardiac surgery is a significant yet often under-recognised complication, sometimes necessitating urgent coronary angiography (PMI-rCA). This meta-analysis evaluates its prevalence, angiographic findings, management strategies, and associated mortality. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from nine studies comprising 104,445 post-cardiac surgery patients were analysed. Among them, those undergoing PMI-rCA were categorised by treatment strategy: conservative management, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or reperform surgery. A network meta-analysis compared mortality risks across these groups, with findings visualised using forest plots, network diagrams, and SUCRA rankings. Results: PMI-rCA was performed in 1205 patients (2%). Of these, 34.3% had no significant angiographic abnormalities, 53.7% exhibited graft failure, and 10.4% had native vessel ischemia. Management strategies included conservative treatment (55.5%), PCI (23.5%), and reperforming surgery (21%). Network meta-analysis indicated that conservative management was associated with the lowest mortality risk, followed by PCI, while reperforming surgery had the highest risk. Discussion: These findings highlight the complexity of PMI diagnosis and treatment. The high proportion of patients without significant angiographic abnormalities raises concerns about potential overuse of invasive procedures. Meanwhile, PCI appears to be a more favourable interventional strategy than reperforming surgery in terms of mortality outcomes. Conclusions: PMI requiring coronary angiography is uncommon but clinically significant, with a 16% mortality rate. A tailored, risk-based approach is essential to optimise management, balancing conservative therapy, PCI, and reperforming surgery based on individual patient profiles. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and outcomes of ultramini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UM-PNL) in preschool-aged children with kidney stones. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 711 renal units of 676 paediatric patients aged 0–6 years who underwent UM-PNL between April 2014 and July 2024. The children’s demographic data, stone characteristics, operative details and postoperative outcomes were analysed. The procedure was performed using a 9.5 Fr sheath and a 7.5 Fr nephroscope, with laser lithotripsy applied. Postoperative follow-up included imaging and a clinical assessment of complications. Results: The mean patient age was 34.2 months (range: 5–72 months). Haematuria (36.8%) and urinary tract infections (24.5%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The mean stone size was 16.2 mm, and the stone-free rate was 89.2% after the first session, increasing to 96.4% with additional interventions. The mean operative time was 38 min. No major complications were observed; 8.4% of cases had Clavien grade 3b complications, most of which were managed conservatively. Blood transfusion was required in 2.6% of the cases. Conclusions: UM-PNL is a safe and effective treatment method for kidney stones in preschool-aged children, characterized by high stone-free rates and a low risk of complications. With proper patient selection and experienced surgical teams, UM-PNL can be considered a first-line option in paediatric stone management. Full article

High bleeding risk (HBR) is a challenge in patients with complex coronary lesions undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study investigates HBR in a wide and comprehensive cohort of patients undergoing left main (LM) PCI and reports in-hospital and follow-up outcomes. The analysis was performed on data from the DELTA (Drug Eluting Stent for Left Main Coronary Artery) 2 Registry, which included patients who underwent LM PCI at 19 centres worldwide. The patients were defined to be at HBR if ≥1 major criterion or ≥2 minor criteria from the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) were met. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) at median follow-up. A total of 1531 patients were included, and the rate of HBR was 65.8%. Besides the different clinical characteristics embedded in the ARC definition, HBR patients had higher prevalence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at presentation (49.2% vs. 26.8%, p < 0.001) and experienced higher in-hospital mortality (1.8% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.029) and MI (5.0% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.009). The median follow-up was 473 days. The rate of the primary endpoint was more than three times higher in HBR patients (20.8% vs. 6.1%; HR 3.3; 95%CI: 2.2–4.8) and driven by all-cause death at multivariate regression analysis. Conversely, no significant difference in target lesion revascularization and probable or defined stent thrombosis was reported. HBR patients undergoing LM PCI experienced higher rates of all-cause death at follow-up; similar outcomes were also reported in-hospital. Full article

Background: The inflammatory response is critically important in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), novel inflammatory biomarkers, have been linked to the determination of outcomes in various diseases. The aim of the current study was to examine the relation of the SII and SIRI with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in elderly subjects with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods: All patients diagnosed with STEMI between November 2020 and September 2024 were screened, and patients aged over 70 were retrospectively analyzed in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups according to CI-AKI development. The SII and SIRI were calculated based on the peripheral blood counts. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the SII and SIRI in predicting CI-AKI. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression models were employed to investigate the associations between inflammatory indices and the incidence of CI-AKI in elderly patients with STEMI. Results: A total of 263 participants were included (mean age 77.67 ± 6.20, 56% women). Both the SII and SIRI were higher in the CI-AKI group than in the non-CI-AKI group (3252 ± 2257, 1097 ± 991 p < 0.001 for SII; 12.1 ± 4.54, 4.86 ± 2.42 p < 0.006 for SIRI). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the SII and SIRI showed the highest area under curve (AUC) compared with other inflammatory parameters. The AUC of the SII and SIRI were 0.903 and 0.867 (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the SII and SIRI were found as independent predictors of CI-AKI. Conclusions: The SII and SIRI were found to be important markers for predicting post-procedural CI-AKI in elderly patients with STEMI. Full article

Background: In recent decades, the adoption of minimally invasive (non-endoscopic) cervical techniques has grown significantly. Advancements in surgical instrumentation have broadened the spectrum of available percutaneous interventions, thus providing viable alternative treatment options for patients with prolonged, conservative treatment-resistant ailments due to contained cervical disc herniation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous (non-endoscopic) cervical techniques. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases up to July 2024, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes measured included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and MacNab scores, assessing pain relief and functional recovery. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, with statistical analyses conducted in R software (version 4.3.1). Results: Out of 847 records, 21 studies (covering 1580 patients) were included in the final analysis. Five different percutaneous minimally invasive cervical procedures were incorporated into this review: nucleoplasty (n = 973), discectomy (n = 311), a combination of nucleoplasty and discectomy (n = 98), annuloplasty (n = 33), and pulsed radiofrequency (n = 17). The mean patient age was 49.5, with a gender distribution of 47.7% male and 52.3% female. A meta-analysis of six studies on cervical nucleoplasty (400 patients) demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −4.68 (95% CI: −8.77; −0.59, p = 0.032). However, a high heterogeneity (I² = 98.8%, Q = 407.31, p < 0.001) was observed, indicating significant variability across studies. The reoperation rate among patients was 3.4%, with discitis and device-related complications being the most frequently reported adverse events. Conclusions: Minimally invasive percutaneous cervical interventions provide effective pain relief and functional improvement for patients with cervical disc herniation, as evidenced by reductions in VAS scores and positive MacNab outcomes. The choice of the most appropriate technique should be based on individual clinical scenarios, surgeon expertise, and patient preferences, as no single method demonstrates clear superiority according to clinical outcomes or complication rates. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hepatolithiasis (HL), or intrahepatic bile duct stone disease, shows regional variation and is a rare condition in Western countries. While cases from East Asia are often linked to chronic biliary infections and brown pigment stones, Western HL more frequently involves cholesterol or black pigment stones, typically in the context of prior cholecystectomy, biliary interventions, or congenital anomalies. The disease is generally associated with significant morbidity, including recurrent cholangitis, biliary strictures, and risk of cholangiocarcinoma. This study aimed to characterize HL disease in an Italian case series. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1450 patients with biliary stone disease treated between 2010 and 2024. HL was diagnosed in 14 patients (0.96%). Clinical records, imaging (ultrasound, CT, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography—MRCP, cholangiography), bile cultures, and stone composition (categorized as cholesterol, brown pigment, black pigment, or mixed using FTIR/XRD) were analyzed. Results: Among the 14 patients (mean age: 60.1 years; 64.3% female), 71.4% presented with recurrent cholangitis, while 28.6% were asymptomatic. Stones were left-sided in 57.1%, right-sided in 21.4%, and bilateral in 21.4%. Stone composition was cholesterol/mixed in 50%, brown pigment in 35.7%, and black pigment in 14.3%. Risk factors for bile stasis were present in 71.4% of cases. Bile cultures (available in nine cases) were positive in 77.8%. MRCP was highly effective for diagnosis. Hepatectomy achieved complete resolution in 35.7% of patients with unilobar disease; endoscopic/percutaneous therapy had a 44.4% recurrence rate. Interestingly, no cholangiocarcinoma was observed over a median follow-up of 4.8 years. Conclusions: Western HL is a rare, heterogeneous disease with distinct features. Cholesterol-predominant, infection-negative cases suggest a metabolic or surgical etiology. Hepatectomy offers durable outcomes in unilobar disease. Advanced imaging (MRCP, cholangioscopy) and personalized strategies are key to effective management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the potential benefits, intravascular imaging for guiding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains underutilized. Recent trials have provided new data, prompting a need for updated insights. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of intravascular imaging-guided PCI versus angiography-guided PCI, thereby evaluating the relative effectiveness of these two guidance strategies in improving patient outcomes. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were systematically searched from inception till 25 November 2024. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing intravascular imaging with coronary angiography in patients undergoing complex PCI were included. Statistical analysis was conducted using a random effects model to calculate pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In this meta-analysis of 21 studies involving 18,043 patients, intravascular image-guided PCI significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 24%, cardiac mortality by 63%, MACE by 35%, target vessel myocardial infarction by 32%, stent thrombosis by 42%, target vessel revascularization by 45%, target lesion revascularization by 34% and myocardial infarction by 22% compared to angiography-guided PCI. There was no significant difference in bleeding events. Conclusions: Intravascular imaging significantly reduces cardiac events, all-cause mortality and revascularization rates in PCI patients. These findings support its broader adoption and potential updates to clinical guidelines. Full article

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy to traditional drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in various coronary artery lesion scenarios, aiming to minimize complications associated with permanent metallic scaffolds, such as chronic inflammation, delayed vessel healing, and stent thrombosis. This review systematically evaluates the current clinical evidence supporting the use of DCBs across diverse anatomical and clinical contexts, including small-vessel disease, in-stent restenosis, bifurcation lesions, diffuse coronary lesions, acute coronary syndromes, and chronic total occlusions, as well as in special patient populations such as individuals with diabetes mellitus or at high bleeding risk. The literature analysis incorporated recent randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and real-world registries, highlighting the clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and specific advantages of DCB angioplasty. The findings consistently demonstrated non-inferior clinical outcomes of DCBs compared to DESs across multiple lesion types, with particular benefits observed in special populations, including reduced restenosis rates and comparable major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Nevertheless, clinical data gaps remain, emphasizing the need for larger, longer-term randomized trials to refine patient selection and procedural techniques. In conclusion, DCB angioplasty represents a viable and effective alternative to conventional stenting, particularly advantageous in complex lesions and specific patient subsets, pending further definitive evidence. Full article

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, there are limited reports regarding the association between PAD and bleeding events. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether PAD is independently associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events, in addition to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), in patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We included 1391 patients with AMI who underwent PCI and divided them into the PAD group (n = 210) and the non-PAD group (n = 1181). The primary endpoint was total bleeding events, defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3/5. The secondary endpoint was MACE, defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure. Results: The median follow-up duration was 653 days. Total bleeding events were more frequently observed in the PAD group than in the non-PAD group (24.8% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). The multivariate Cox hazard analysis confirmed that PAD was significantly associated with total bleeding events (HR 1.509; 95% CI 1.056–2.156, p = 0.024) as well as MACEs (HR 2.152; 95% CI 1.510–3.066, p < 0.001) after controlling for confounding factors. Conclusions: PAD was independently associated with a higher risk of major bleeding and cardiovascular events in patients with AMI undergoing PCI. These findings suggest that PAD should be recognized as a critical factor in risk stratification for AMI and may affect individualized bleeding risk management strategies in patients with AMI. Full article

Background/Objectives: The arterial switch operation (ASO) has been performed in the neonatal period as an anatomical correction for d-transposition of the great arteries since the 1980s. As the population of adult congenital heart disease patients grows, it is essential for healthcare providers across various disciplines to comprehend the complexities of these patients. We report on outcomes up to the third decade after ASO. Methods: All patients who underwent ASO from May 1985 to December 2020 were included, and a retrospective chart review with follow-up until December 2021 was conducted. Additionally, vital status verification (90.3% complete) was performed through the national health insurance. Survival analysis and competing risk analysis were performed to determine outcomes in the third decade after ASO. Results: One-hundred-ninety-five patients (72.3% male; median age at surgery 6 days; median weight at surgery 3.4 kg) underwent ASO from May 1985 to December 2020. Patients with a prenatal diagnosis showed a lower rate of preoperative cardiac decompensation (p = 0.017). Early in-hospital mortality was 8.7%, and no early in-hospital deaths occurred in the study era from 2006 to 2020. Four late deaths occurred, and the Kaplan–Meier estimated survival of the 178 hospital survivors was 98.3% ± 1.2% at 10 years, 96.8% ± 1.9% at 20 years and 92.4% ± 4.7 at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) reoperation after ASO was 1.3% at 10 years, 3.4% at 20 years and 11.3% at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reoperation after ASO was 7.2% at 10 years and 17.5% at 20 and 30 years. Conclusions: Overall long-term survival of the hospital survivors is good. The reoperation rate on the LVOT is favorable. Percutaneous interventions, if feasible after the Lecompte maneuver, might pose an option to delay the more common reoperations on the RVOT, though further studies are needed to determine their long-term impact. Full article