The impact of first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 2019 pandemic in Poland on characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized due to stable coronary artery disease

Background: An investigation of baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in patients with stable coronary disease after the first wave of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic may provide valuable data and is beneficial for public health strategy in upcoming years. Methods: A multi-institutional registry, including 10 cardiology departments, was searched for patients admitted from June 2020 to October 2020. The baseline characteristics (age, gender, symptoms, comorbidities), treatment (non-invasive, invasive, surgical), and hospitalization outcome (mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, composite endpoint — major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE]) were evaluated. The comparison was made to parameters presented by patients from the same timeframe in 2019 (June–October). Multivariable analysis was performed. Results: Number of hospitalized stable patients following lockdown was lower (2498 vs. 1903; p < 0.0001). They were younger (68.0 vs. 69.0; p < 0.019), more likely to present with hypertension (88.5% vs. 77.5%; p < 0.0001), diabetes (35.7% vs. 31.5%; p = 0.003), hyperlipidemia (67.9% vs. 55.4%; p < 0.0001), obesity (35.8% vs. 31.3%; p = 0.002), and more pronounced symptoms (Canadian Cardiovascular Society [CCS] III and CCS class IV angina: 30.4% vs. 26.5%; p = 0.005). They underwent percutaneous treatment more often (35.0% vs. 25.9%; p < 0.0001) and were less likely to be referred for surgery (3.7% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in hospitalization outcome. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV for heart failure was a risk factor for both mortality and MACCE in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 2019 pandemic affected the characteristics and hospitalization course of stable angina patients hospitalized following the first wave. The hospitalization outcome was similar in the analyzed time intervals. The higher prevalence of comorbidities raises concern regarding upcoming years

Short and long-term results of endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery off-pump bypass grafting in patients with left anterior descending artery stenosis

Background: To perform a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic atraumaticcoronary artery off-pump bypass grafting (EACAB) in a single center over a period of 11 years.Methods: Data was acquired from the hospital registry and patient medical records. In order to determine changes in clinical profile, patients were subdivided into three groups regarding year of surgery: 1998–2002 (group 1), 2003–2005 (group 2), 2006–2009 (group 3). In-hospital analysis up to 30 days and long-term observation were conducted.Results: The study cohort consisted of 714 patients (581 male). Procedural success accounted for 99%of all patients. No mortality was observed up to 30 days. Complications in the early period includedpleural effusion (7.6%), cardiac arrhythmias (3.6%), bleeding related revision (2.7%) and woundinfection (1.6%). Mean follow-up was 6 years (2132 ± 1313 days; median: 1918.5). Nineteen (2.7%)patients died, of which 52.6% (10 patients) were due to heart related conditions. Overall frequency ofmajor adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (MACCE) was 10.8% (77 patients). The Kaplan-Meyer analysis defined survival rate and event-free survival in long-term observation of 96.1% and85.3%, respectively. Ejection fraction (EF) < 50% was the only independent factor of mortality (OR:3.35). Regarding cumulative MACCE, older age (OR: 1.72), lower EF (OR: 3.03), the history of percutaneous coronary intervention (OR: 2.13) and higher New York Heart Association class (OR: 2.63)influenced the incidence rate.Conclusions: The presented short and very long-term results confirm that EACAB is an efficient alternative for patients requiring revascularization of the left anterior descending artery. The eliminationof cardiopulmonary bypass significantly reduces the number of complications

Safety and feasibility of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery early after drug eluting stent implantation due to acute coronary syndrome

Background: The evidence of performing minimally invasive coronary artery surgery early after drug eluting stent (DES) implantation due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is limited. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the safety and feasibility of this approach. Methods: This registry includes 115  (78% male) patients from 2013‒2018, who underwent non-LAD percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to ACS with contemporary DES implantation (39% diagnosed with myocardial infarction at baseline), followed by endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass (EACAB) surgery within 180 days, after temporary P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation. Primary composite endpoint of MACCE (Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events), defined as death, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular incident and repeat revascularization was evaluated in long- term follow-up. The follow-up was collected via telephone survey and with National Registry for Cardiac Surgery Procedures. Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time interval separating both procedures was 100.0 (62.0‒136.0) days. Median (IQR) follow-up duration was 1338.5 (753.0‒2093.0) days and was completed from all patients with regard to mortality. Eight patients (7%) died; 2 (1.7%) had a stroke; 6 (5.2%) suffered from MI and 12 (10.4%) required repeat revascularization. Overall, the incidence of MACCE was 20 (17.4%). Conclusions: EACAB is a safe and feasible method of LAD revascularization in patients who received DES for ACS within 180 days prior to surgery, despite early dual antiplatelet therapy discontinuation. The adverse event rate is low and acceptable

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly increased mortality worldwide. However, only part of the excess mortality is related directly to the infection. Local healthcare accessibility, time to reach medical care and patients’ reluctance to seek medical aid strongly affected the treatment results in many fields. The current report aims to analyze mortality and morbidity in patients who suffered from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to investigate the factors that may have a significant impact on their baseline characteristics and outcome. Multiple reports were evaluated. Most of them point to reluctance and longer time to reach medical care, longer pre-hospital delay, lower overall number of ACS admissions, greater percentage of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and complications. Younger and less ill patients were more likely to suffer from ACS than in the pre-pandemic period. They presented with more prominent biomarker elevation. Further, the number of invasive procedures dropped significantly, which was most prominent in the field of surgical revascularization. Consequently, a higher number of adverse events and greater mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic were noted, which was valid for both patients with and without coronavirus infection. In summary, the pandemic had a great impact on overall populational mortality and morbidity, which was greatly pronounced in patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly in ACS cases. They differed in baseline characteristics, underwent different treatment and their outcome was worse as compared with the period prior to the pandemic

Long-term echocardiographic evaluation of asymptomatic patients undergoing minimally invasive valve repair for severe primary mitral regurgitation

Background: Asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) may not be candidates for surgery according to clinical guidelines. Aims: We aimed to determine whether asymptomatic patients with severe primary MR benefit from minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Methods: This prospective registry study assessed consecutive asymptomatic patients who underwent mitral valve repair using right minithoracotomy. Left ventricular ejection fraction, end‑diastolic and end‑‑systolic volumes, end‑diastolic and end‑systolic diameters, as well as left atrial (LA) area and volume were measured. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Results: The study included 114 patients, of whom 16 (14%) were lost to follow‑up (except the endpoint of death). No deaths were reported during follow‑up. A comparison of median echocardiographic parameters at baseline and 24 months revealed significant reverse remodeling: left ventricular ejection fraction, 68% vs 60% (P < 0.001); end‑diastolic volume, 165 cm3 vs 107.5 cm3 (P < 0.001); end‑systolic volume, 51 cm3 vs 43.5 cm3 (P = 0.02), end‑diastolic diameter, 58 mm vs 49 mm (P < 0.001); end‑systolic diameter, 35 mm vs 30 mm (P < 0.001); LA area, 26 cm2 vs 18 cm2 (P < 0.001); and LA volume, 96 cm3 vs 49.5 cm3(P < 0.001). There were 9 MACCEs (9.2%): 2 reoperations (2%), 1 hospitalization for heart failure (1%), and 6 cases of new‑onset atrial fibrillation (6.1%). Conclusions: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair is safe and effective in asymptomatic patients with severe primary MR. It should be recommended regardless of ventricular and atrial dimensions

Incidence and course of acute coronary syndrome cases following first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: The collateral damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic influences cardiovascular disease patients, mainly acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases. Additionally, lockdown has caused treatment-related concerns and reluctance, factors that can delay treatment. AIM: To analyse the incidence and course of ACS patients following the first COVID-19 wave. METHODS: The report represents a multi-institutional registry of 10 interventional cardiology departments. ACS patient data were gathered from June to October 2020, the period following the first lockdown in Poland (March 30–May 31, 2020), and compared with the corresponding 2019 timeframe. RESULTS: Patients (2801 and 2620) hospitalized for ACS in 2019 and 2020 (June–October), represent 52.8% and 57.9% of coronary artery disease admissions, respectively. In 2020 vs. 2019, more cases of arterial hypertension (80.2% vs. 71.5%; P <0.001), diabetes (32.7% vs. 28.2%; P <0.001), hyperlipidaemia (53.2% vs. 49.8%; P = 0.01) and smoking history (29.5% vs. 25.8%; P = 0.003) were detected. Median troponin and cholesterol values, as well as glycemia were higher in 2020. Patients were more likely to undergo percutaneous treatment (91.2% vs. 87.5%; P <0.001) and less often referred for surgery (3.7% vs. 4.9%; P = 0.03). No differences in deaths, repeat myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or composite endpoint (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE]) were noted. However, suffering from ACS in 2020 (June–October) was a risk factor for mortality based on a multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic affects ACS patient profile, course of treatment, and increases risk for mortality