BACKGROUND:Adequate endothelization after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is essential to reduce thrombotic risk. Adequate strut coverage (ASC) is defined as ≥40 μm on optical coherence tomography, but its functional significance remains uncertain. Coronary angioscopy can assess neointimal function by detecting thrombus and plaque color. This study evaluated functionally adequate endothelization and contributing factors after DES implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS:Post hoc analyses of the COLLABORATION 1 and 2 studies were performed using serial optical coherence tomography and coronary angioscopy 1 and 12 months after DES implantation. Four DES types were examined: durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP-EES); sirolimus-eluting stent (SES); polymer-free biolimus-coated stent (PF-BCS); and dual-therapy sirolimus-eluting stent (DTS). PF-BCS and DTS were classified as "ingenious" DES, and DP-EES and SES were classified as "fundamental." The correlation between the percentage of struts with ≥40 μm coverage (%ASC) and functional neointima (i.e., no thrombus and white plaque) was assessed. Among 150 patients (177 lesions), thrombus and yellow plaque were inversely correlated with %ASC at 12 months. Cut-off values of %ASC were 67% for thrombus prevention and 90% for plaque stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the use of ingenious DES, prasugrel therapy, and hypertension as independent predictors of chronic adequate endothelization. CONCLUSIONS:Functional protection against thrombus requires %ASC ≥67%, and plaque stabilization requires ≥90%. The use of ingenious DESs and prasugrel contributes to improved chronic adequate endothelization.
Precise navigation of a guidewire tip to a target within the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a coronary artery—controlled from 140 cm away—requires “3D wiring,” a technique involving wire manipulation based on 3D imaging. Hypothesizing that 3D wiring enables the standardization of wiring techniques for chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention, we have established a 3D wiring method utilizing fluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). As a first step to visualize guidewire movement within CTO lesions, we collaborated with Terumo Corporation to develop the Navifocus WR in 2012, a CTO-specific IVUS featuring a small diameter and a short tip. Observing guidewire movement during CTO PCI using this IVUS provided the insights necessary to understand how the shaft and tip must be visualized to facilitate effective 3D wiring. We first established angiography-guided 3D wiring using “3D imaging rules” in 2014. Subsequently, to achieve real-time IVUS-guided 3D wiring, we devised the tip detection (TD) method in 2017 and developed the AnteOwl WR IVUS (Terumo Corporation)—a short-tip, pullback-compatible catheter—in 2019, establishing a strategic approach for TD-intra-plaque tracking. Contrary to the traditional view that IVUS guidance is limited to intra-plaque tracking, our 2021 findings show that re-entry is routinely feasible through TD-guided perpendicular puncture (TD-ADR: Antegrade Dissection and Re-entry). This evolution elevated the TD method into a more robust technique for wire crossing. This review aims to systematically organize the theory of 3D wiring and disseminate this knowledge to the global community.
Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Kanshas drug-coated balloon (DCB) with paclitaxel for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and/or proximal popliteal artery (PA) over a 3-year period. Results A prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial enrolled 121 patients with symptomatic lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). At 3 years, the primary patency rate was 63.4%, and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) was 83.2%. Sustained improvements were observed in Rutherford classification, ankle brachial index (ABI), and walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ) scores. No device- or procedure-related deaths or major amputations occurred. Conclusions The Kanshas DCB showed favorable safety and effectiveness for treating atherosclerotic lesions in the SFA and/or proximal PA over 3 years. Trail registration Registration ID: UMIN000034122. Registration Date: September 13, 2018. Registration site URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-openbin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000038612&type=summary&language=J . Graphical Abstract
The optimal surgical approach and extent of lymph node dissection for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) can-cer remains uncertain. We conduct a nationwide multicenter prospective study in patients with resectable cT2-T4 adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma with the tumor epicenter located within 2 cm of the EGJ. Patients undergo subtotal or lower esophagectomy with dissection of all regional lymph nodes. Of 1,065 patients screened, 371 are enrolled before surgery. Final analysis shows that proximal perigastric and suprapancreatic nodes exhibit a high therapeutic efficacy index (TEI), strongly supporting their dissec-tion for improved long-term survival. TEIs in middle and lower para-esophageal stations are higher when esophageal involvement exceeds 3 and 2 cm, respectively. Conversely, all other stations, including distal perigastric and paraaortic nodes, have low TEIs, indicating minimal survival impact. Thus, mediastinal node dissection should be tailored to esophageal involvement length. This study is registered at UMIN Clin-ical Trials Registry (UMIN000013205).
In April 2023, the Japan Society of Hepatology published its official guidelines on liver rehabilitation for chronic liver disease. In this article, we summarize the current evidence on the role of liver rehabilitation in slowing the progression of chronic liver disease, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, we outline the following: (1) the definition of liver rehabilitation and its target population; (2) exercise therapy in liver rehabilitation according to disease state; (3) considerations for patients with complications; (4) nutritional therapy in liver rehabilitation; and (5) potential economic benefits. Liver rehabilitation represents a novel therapeutic approach for patients with chronic liver disease, and this guidance aims to promote high-quality clinical research and strengthen the evidence base for its application.
