New approaches for the assessment of vessel sizes in quantitative (cardio-)vascular X-ray analysis

This paper presents new approaches for the assessment of the arterial and reference diameters in (cardio-)vascular X-ray images, designed to overcome the problems experienced in conventional quantitative coronary and vascular angiography approaches. In single or “straight” vessel segments, the arterial and reference diameter directions were made independent of each other in order to be able to measure the minimal lumen diameter (MLD) more accurately, especially in curved vessel segments. For ostial segments, an extension of this approach was used, to allow measurement of ostial lesions in sidebranches more proximal than using conventional methods. Furthermore, two new bifurcation approaches were developed. The validation study shows that the straight segment approach results in significant smaller MLDs (on average 0.032 mm) and the ostial approach achieves on average an increase in %DS of 3.8% and an increase in lesion length of 0.59 mm due to loosening the directional constraint. The validation of our new bifurcation approaches in phantom data as well as clinical data shows only small differences between pre- and post-intervention measurements of the reference diameters outside the bifurcation core (errors smaller than 0.06 mm) and the bifurcation core area (errors smaller than 1.4% for phantom data). In summary, these new approaches have led to further improvements in the quantitative analyses of (cardio-)vascular X-ray angiographies

Dedicated bifurcation analysis: basic principles

Over the last several years significant interest has arisen in bifurcation stenting, in particular stimulated by the European Bifurcation Club. Traditional straight vessel analysis by QCA does not satisfy the requirements for such complex morphologies anymore. To come up with practical solutions, we have developed two models, a Y-shape and a T-shape model, suitable for bifurcation QCA analysis depending on the specific anatomy of the coronary bifurcation. The principles of these models are described in this paper, as well as the results of validation studies carried out on clinical materials. It can be concluded that the accuracy, precision and applicability of these new bifurcation analyses are conform the general guidelines that have been set many years ago for conventional QCA-analyses

Confronting system barriers for ST- elevation MI in low and middle income countries with a focus on India

© 2017 Our previous research found seven specific factors that cause system delays in ST-elevation Myocardial infarction management in developing countries. These delays, in conjunction with a lack of organized STEMI systems of care, result in inefficient processes to treat AMI in developing countries. In our present opinion paper, we have specifically explored the three most pertinent causes that afflict the seven specific factors responsible for system delays. In doing so, we incorporated a unique strategy of global STEMI expertise. With this methodology, the recommendations were provided by expert Indian cardiologist and final guidelines were drafted after comprehensive discussions by the entire group of submitting authors. We expect these recommendations to be utilitarian in improving STEMI care in developing countries

The Disrupt CAD II Study

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for modification of severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) was demonstrated in the Disrupt CAD I study (Disrupt Coronary Artery Disease). We next sought to confirm the safety and effectiveness of IVL for these lesions. METHODS: The Disrupt CAD II study was a prospective multicenter, single-arm post-approval study conducted at 15 hospitals in 9 countries. Patients with severe CAC with a clinical indication for revascularization underwent vessel preparation for stent implantation with IVL. The primary end point was in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization). An optical coherence tomography substudy was performed to evaluate the mechanism of action of IVL, quantifying CAC characteristics and calcium plaque fracture. Independent core laboratories adjudicated angiography and optical coherence tomography, and an independent clinical events committee adjudicated major adverse cardiac events. RESULTS: Between May 2018 and March 2019, 120 patients were enrolled. Severe CAC was present in 94.2% of lesions. Successful delivery and use of the IVL catheter was achieved in all patients. The post-IVL angiographic acute luminal gain was 0.83±0.47 mm, and residual stenosis was 32.7±10.4%, which further decreased to 7.8±7.1% after drug-eluting stent implantation. The primary end point occurred in 5.8% of patients, consisting of 7 non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions. There was no procedural abrupt closure, slow or no reflow, or perforations. In 47 patients with post-percutaneous coronary intervention optical coherence tomography, calcium fracture was identified in 78.7% of lesions with 3.4±2.6 fractures per lesion, measuring 5.5±5.0 mm in length. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe CAC who require coronary revascularization, IVL was safely performed with high procedural success and minimal complications and resulted in substantial calcific plaque fracture in most lesions. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03328949

Predictive value of the QFR in detecting vulnerable plaques in non-flow limiting lesions: a combined analysis of the PROSPECT and IBIS-4 study

“This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-020-01805-9”

Classification of coronary artery bifurcation lesions and treatments: Time for a consensus!

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of coronary bifurcation lesions remains a subject of debate. Many studies have been published in this setting. They are often small scale and display methodological flaws and other shortcomings such as inaccurate designation of lesions, heterogeneity, and inadequate description of techniques implemented. Methods: The aim is to propose a consensus established by the European Bifurcation Club (EBC), on the definition and classification of bifurcation lesions and treatments implemented with the purpose of allowing comparisons between techniques in various anatomical and clinical settings. Results: A bifurcation lesion is a coronary artery narrowing occurring adjacent to, and/or involving, the origin of a significant side branch. The simple lesion classification proposed by Medina has been adopted. To analyze the outcomes of different techniques by intention to treat, it is necessary to clearly define which vessel is the distal main branch and which is (are) the side branche(s) and give each branch a distinct name. Each segment of the bifurcation has been named following the same pattern as the Medina classification. The classification of the techniques (MADS: Main, Across, Distal, Side) is based on the manner in which the first stent has been implanted. A visual presentation of PCI techniques and devices used should allow the development of a software describing quickly and accurately the procedure performed. Conclusion: The EBC proposes a new classification of bifurcation lesions and their treatments to permit accurate comparisons of well described techniques in homogeneous lesion groups. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc

A positioning pillow to improve lumbar puncture success rate in paediatric haematology-oncology patients: a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lumbar punctures (LPs) are common in children with cancer. Although pain management during the lumbar puncture has been well standardized, dealing with stress and anxiety is not well addressed yet. Our objective was to evaluate the potential improvement of the LP success rate using a positioning pillow, to ensure maximum lumbar flexion, and allow paravertebral muscles to relax, in children who are awake, with either conscious sedation or no sedation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Children aged 2–18 years undergoing LP were randomly assigned to a positioning pillow or no intervention. The primary outcome was the rate of success, i.e. achieving the LP (sampling or injection) at the first attempt, without bleeding (RBC < 50/mm³). The secondary outcomes included: the child's pain, assessed by a self-administered visual analogical scales (VAS) for children over 6 years of age; the parents' and caregivers' perception of the child's pain; the satisfaction of the children, the parents, the caregivers and the physician. The child's cooperation and the occurrence of post-LP syndrome were also evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>124 children (62 in each group) were included. The LP pillow tended to increase the success rate of LPs (67% vs. 57%, p = 0.23), and decreased the post-LP syndromes (15% vs. 24%, p = 0.17) but the differences were not statistically significant. In children over 6-year of age (n = 72), the rate of success was significantly higher in the pillow group (58.5% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.031), with a tendency to feel less pain (median VAS 25 vs. 15 mm, p = 0.39) and being more satisfied (84.4% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.34).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall results do not demonstrate a benefit in using this pillow for lumbar punctures. This study results also suggest a benefit in the sub group of children over 6-year of age; this result needs confirmation.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov (number NCT00775112).</p