BACKGROUND:Data on the differential impact of interventions on subsequent myocardial infarction (MI) type are limited. OBJECTIVES:This post-hoc analysis was done to evaluate the 30-day rate of subsequent MI by type (ie, type 1 and 2) among patients enrolled in the MINT (Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion; NCT02981407) trial. METHODS:Subdistribution HRs and cumulative incidences of subsequent MI types were computed using Fine-Gray subdistribution models that accounted for the competing risk of death and other MI types, if applicable. Effect modification of treatment strategy by index MI type was tested using log-binomial regression models. RESULTS:Among 3,504 MINT trial patients, 275 (7.8%) had a 30-day subsequent MI, of which 118 (43%) were type 2 MI, 79 (28%) were uncertain MI type, 40 (15%) were type 4 MI, and 38 (14%) were type 1 MI. The rate of subsequent type 2 MI in patients randomized to the restrictive vs liberal transfusion was 3.5% (n = 61) vs 3.2% (n = 57) (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.74-1.53) as compared with a subsequent type 1 MI rate of 1.3% (n = 23) vs 0.9% (n = 15) (HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.80-2.94). CONCLUSIONS:Among patients with MI and anemia, subsequent MI occurred within 30 days in 7.8% of patients, with type 2 MI occurring 3 times more often than type 1 MI. A differential effect of the restrictive vs liberal transfusion strategy on the type of subsequent MI (eg, type 1 vs type 2) was not observed.

Importance The decision to transfuse a patient with myocardial infarction (MI) and anemia at a higher vs lower hemoglobin threshold must consider the potential benefit of reduced risk of 30-day death or MI and the potential risk of heart failure. Objectives To estimate bayesian posterior risk differences and posterior probabilities that a liberal vs restrictive transfusion strategy is associated with reduced risk of 30-day death or MI and whether the probabilities exceed predefined thresholds. Design, Setting, and Participants The Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion (MINT) trial recruited adults from April 26, 2017, to April 14, 2023, who were hospitalized with MI and anemia at 144 sites in 6 countries. Statistical analysis was performed from July 31, 2024, to February 18, 2026. Intervention The MINT trial randomized participants to a restrictive (transfuse if hemoglobin is <7 to 8 g/dL) or liberal (maintain hemoglobin at >10 g/dL) transfusion strategy. Main Outcomes and Measures Bayesian posterior risk differences were estimated for 30-day death or MI and for heart failure using 3 prior beliefs regarding the treatment strategies: noninformative, liberal strategy superiority, or restrictive strategy superiority. Results The mean (SD) age of the 3504 participants was 72.1 (11.6) years and 1911 (54.5%) were men. Compared with the restrictive strategy, the risk of 30-day death or MI with the liberal strategy was 1.4% (95% credible interval, −0.8% to 3.5%) to 2.4% (95% credible interval, 0.3%-4.6%) lower, depending on prior beliefs. The probability that the liberal strategy was associated with a lower risk of 30-day death or MI ranged from 89.1% to 98.8%, and the probability that a liberal strategy was associated with at least 1 less death or MI per 100 treated was between 62.7% and 90.4%. Conversely, the risk of heart failure with the liberal strategy was 0.2% (95% credible interval, −1.6% to 1.2%) to 0.6% (95% credible interval, −2.0% to 0.8%) higher compared with the restrictive strategy, depending on prior beliefs. The probability that the liberal strategy was associated with a higher risk of heart failure ranged from 60.6% to 80.0%, and the probability that a liberal strategy was associated with at least 1 more heart failure event per 100 treated was between 13.3% and 29.3%. Conclusions and Relevance This post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial of patients with MI and anemia suggests that a liberal transfusion strategy was associated with a lower risk of 30-day death or MI, outweighing the increased risk of heart failure. Consistent with guideline recommendations and according to patients’ values and clinician risk assessment, a liberal transfusion strategy may be reasonable. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02981407

Both myocardial infarction (MI) and anemia have deleterious effects on health-related quality of life (QOL). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion may improve QOL after MI by relieving symptoms and/or increasing functional capacity. To evaluate whether a liberal transfusion strategy compared with a more restrictive transfusion strategy affects QOL in patients with MI and anemia. This analysis of QOL as a prespecified secondary outcome of the Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion (MINT) trial, a randomized clinical trial comparing a liberal vs restrictive RBC transfusion strategy, included participants from 144 sites across 6 countries. Hospitalized adults with acute MI and anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] less than 10 g/dL). The MINT trial randomized 3504 patients, and this analysis included those who had QOL data collected and those who died before the 30-day follow-up period. Data were collected from April 2017 to April 2023, and data were analyzed from February 2024 to January 2025. The MINT trial randomized patients to a restrictive (Hb of 7 to 8 g/dL) or a liberal (Hb of less than 10 g/dL) RBC transfusion strategy. QOL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L 30 days after randomization. Of 2844 included patients, 1551 (54.5%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 71.9 (11.5) years. A total of 2525 (88.8%; 1254 [49.7%] in the restrictive group and 1271 [50.3%] in the liberal group) had QOL data, and 319 (11.2%) died before 30-day follow-up. Overall, there were no differences in mean or median scores for any EQ-5D-5L QOL outcome between assigned transfusion strategies at 30 days postrandomization. Although a higher percentage of patients in the liberal compared with the restrictive transfusion group reported no problems compared with any problem in usual activities (506 of 1268 [39.9%] vs 473 of 1247 [37.9%]), mobility (474 of 1270 [37.3%] vs 460 of 1254 [36.7%]), and self-care (858 of 1271 [67.5%] vs 803 of 1254 [64.0%]) domains, none of these differences were statistically significant. Adjusted mixed-effects linear regressions showed no association between assigned transfusion strategy and mean differences in any QOL outcome. Adjusted regressions in several prespecified subgroups showed an association between a liberal transfusion strategy and better QOL scores in domains related to functional capacity, but the effects were only statistically significant in patients with a history of heart failure (Health Today rating: β, 2.06 [95% CI, −0.23 to 4.35] vs −1.44 [95% CI, −3.81 to 0.92]; P = .04). This secondary analysis of the MINT trial found that in patients with MI and anemia, a liberal transfusion strategy compared with a restrictive transfusion strategy did not affect QOL outcomes 30 days after randomization. This suggests that higher Hb levels maintained with RBC transfusion may not offer significant benefits to QOL overall in patients with MI and anemia. Additional studies may be useful for further examining and validating transfusion’s effect on QOL in patients with MI and heart failure. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02981407

Importance:Both myocardial infarction (MI) and anemia have deleterious effects on health-related quality of life (QOL). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion may improve QOL after MI by relieving symptoms and/or increasing functional capacity. Objective:To evaluate whether a liberal transfusion strategy compared with a more restrictive transfusion strategy affects QOL in patients with MI and anemia. Design, Setting, and Participants:This analysis of QOL as a prespecified secondary outcome of the Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion (MINT) trial, a randomized clinical trial comparing a liberal vs restrictive RBC transfusion strategy, included participants from 144 sites across 6 countries. Hospitalized adults with acute MI and anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] less than 10 g/dL). The MINT trial randomized 3504 patients, and this analysis included those who had QOL data collected and those who died before the 30-day follow-up period. Data were collected from April 2017 to April 2023, and data were analyzed from February 2024 to January 2025. Interventions:The MINT trial randomized patients to a restrictive (Hb of 7 to 8 g/dL) or a liberal (Hb of less than 10 g/dL) RBC transfusion strategy. Main Outcomes and Measures:QOL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L 30 days after randomization. Results:Of 2844 included patients, 1551 (54.5%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 71.9 (11.5) years. A total of 2525 (88.8%; 1254 [49.7%] in the restrictive group and 1271 [50.3%] in the liberal group) had QOL data, and 319 (11.2%) died before 30-day follow-up. Overall, there were no differences in mean or median scores for any EQ-5D-5L QOL outcome between assigned transfusion strategies at 30 days postrandomization. Although a higher percentage of patients in the liberal compared with the restrictive transfusion group reported no problems compared with any problem in usual activities (506 of 1268 [39.9%] vs 473 of 1247 [37.9%]), mobility (474 of 1270 [37.3%] vs 460 of 1254 [36.7%]), and self-care (858 of 1271 [67.5%] vs 803 of 1254 [64.0%]) domains, none of these differences were statistically significant. Adjusted mixed-effects linear regressions showed no association between assigned transfusion strategy and mean differences in any QOL outcome. Adjusted regressions in several prespecified subgroups showed an association between a liberal transfusion strategy and better QOL scores in domains related to functional capacity, but the effects were only statistically significant in patients with a history of heart failure (Health Today rating: β, 2.06 [95% CI, -0.23 to 4.35] vs -1.44 [95% CI, -3.81 to 0.92]; P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance:This secondary analysis of the MINT trial found that in patients with MI and anemia, a liberal transfusion strategy compared with a restrictive transfusion strategy did not affect QOL outcomes 30 days after randomization. This suggests that higher Hb levels maintained with RBC transfusion may not offer significant benefits to QOL overall in patients with MI and anemia. Additional studies may be useful for further examining and validating transfusion's effect on QOL in patients with MI and heart failure. Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02981407.

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and fibrinolysis have proved to be major discoveries regarding treatment of ST -segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The threshold at which PPCI becomes less favourable than fibrinolysis remains unclear and controversial. Trials have studied the impact of delayed reperfusion in relation to symptom onset, but to our knowledge, none have focused on the outcome of patients past the expected 120 -minute window regarding first medical contact (FMC) in the concomitant era of PPCI and fibrinolysis. Methods: STEMI patients who presented to a single PPCI-capable hospital, in the period from 2016 to 2020, and were treated with PPCI within 120 -240 minutes after FMC, and those who received fibrinolysis, were included. Outcomes of patients treated with delayed PPCI were compared to those of patients treated with fibrinolysis. The primary endpoint was a net adverse clinical event composite of all- cause mortality, myocardial re-infarction, ischemia-driven target- vessel revascularization, disabling stroke, and major bleeding at discharge. Results: Inclusion criteria were met for 536 STEMI patients, 429 treated with PPCI and 107 treated with fibrinolysis. The primary endpoint (net adverse clinical events) was not significantly different between the 2 groups (2.8% vs 3.7%, P = 0.61). However, intracranial hemorrhage (0% vs 2.8%, P = 0.008) and bleeding (BARC 3 or 5) (0.9% vs 3.7%, P = 0.048) significantly favoured the PPCI group. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that delayed PPCI may be a safer approach than fibrinolysis in patients with an FMC-to-balloon time of > 120 minutes, owing to reduction in the risk of intracranial and severe bleeding. These retrospective observations should be validated in larger randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: The MINT trial (Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion) raised concern for harm from a restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and anemia. Type 1 and type 2 MI are distinct pathophysiologic entities that may respond differently to blood transfusion. This analysis sought to determine whether the effects of transfusion varied among patients with a type 1 or a type 2 MI and anemia. The authors hypothesized that the liberal transfusion strategy would be of greater benefit in type 2 than in type 1 MI. METHODS: The authors compared rates of death or MI at 30 days in patients with type 1 (n=1460) and type 2 (n=1955) MI and anemia who were randomly allocated to a restrictive (threshold, 7-8 g/dL) or a liberal (threshold, 10 g/dL) transfusion strategy. RESULTS: The primary outcome of death or MI was observed in 16% of type 1 MI and 15.4% of type 2 MI patients. The rate of death or MI was higher in patients with type 1 MI randomized to a restrictive (18.2%) versus liberal (13.8%) transfusion strategy (relative risk [RR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.04-1.67]) with no difference observed between the restrictive (15.8%) and liberal (15.1%) transfusion strategies in patients with type 2 MI (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.85-1.29]). The test for a differential effect of transfusion strategy by MI type was not statistically significant (P-interaction = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: The concern for harm with a restrictive transfusion strategy in patients with acute MI and anemia raised in the MINT primary outcome manuscript may be more apparent in patients with type 1 than type 2 MI.

Background: The optimal hemoglobin threshold to guide red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and anemia is uncertain. Objective: To estimate the efficacy of 4 individual hemoglobin thresholds (<10 g/dL [<100 g/L], <9 g/dL [<90 g/L], <8 g/dL [<80 g/L], and <7 g/dL [<70 g/L]) to guide transfusion in patients with acute MI and anemia. Design: Prespecified secondary analysis of the MINT (Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion) trial using target trial emulation methods. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02981407) Setting: 144 clinical sites in 6 countries. Participants: 3492 MINT trial participants with acute MI and a hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL. Intervention: Four transfusion strategies to maintain patients' hemoglobin concentrations at or above thresholds of 10, 9, 8, or 7 g/dL. Protocol exceptions were permitted for specified adverse clinical events. Measurements: Data from the MINT trial were leveraged to emulate 4 transfusion strategies and estimate per protocol effects on the composite outcome of 30-day death or recurrent MI (death/MI) and 30-day death using inverse probability weighting. Results: The 30-day risk for death/MI was 14.8% (95% CI, 11.8% to 18.4%) for a <10-g/dL strategy, 15.1% (CI, 11.7% to 18.2%) for a <9-g/dL strategy, 15.9% (CI, 12.4% to 19.0%) for a <8-g/dL strategy, and 18.3% (CI, 14.6% to 22.0%) for a <7-g/dL strategy. Absolute risk differences and risk ratios relative to the <10-g/dL strategy for 30-day death/MI increased as thresholds decreased, although 95% CIs were wide. Findings were similar and imprecise for 30-day death. Limitation: Unmeasured confounding may have persisted despite adjustment. Conclusion: The 30-day risks for death/MI and death among patients with acute MI and anemia seem to increase progressively with lower hemoglobin concentration thresholds for transfusion. However, the imprecision around estimates from this target trial analysis precludes definitive conclusions about individual hemoglobin thresholds. Primary Funding Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Background:In patients with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and new-onset antero-apical wall motion abnormalities (WMAs), whether the rate of prophylaxis against left ventricular thrombus and outcomes differ between men and women is unknown. Methods:A multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients with STEMI and new-onset antero-apical WMAs treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention was conducted. Patients with an established indication of oral anticoagulation (OAC) were excluded. The rates of triple therapy (double antiplatelet therapy + OAC) at discharge were compared for women vs men. The rates of net adverse clinical events, a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke or transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism or Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 bleeding at 6 months were compared across sex using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results:A total of 1664 patients were included in the primary analysis, of whom 402 (24.2%) were women and 1262 (75.8%) were men. A total of 138 women (34.3%) and 489 men (38.7%) received a triple therapy prescription at discharge (P = 0.11). At 6 months, 33 women (8.2%) and 96 men (7.6%) experienced a net adverse clinical event (adjusted odds ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval 0.49-1.37). No difference occurred in the risk of bleeding events and ischemic events between men and women, when these were analyzed separately. Conclusions:The rates of OAC prescription for left ventricular thrombus prophylaxis and clinical outcomes at 6 months were similar in women and men following anterior STEMI with new-onset antero-apical WMAs.

The incidence of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) after anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been well established in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and potent dual antiplatelet therapy. The objective of this study is to establish the contemporary incidence of LVT in this population, to identify their risk factors, and to examine their association with clinical outcomes. A multicenter retrospective cohort study including AMI patients with new-onset antero-apical wall motion abnormalities treated with pPCI between 2009 and 2017 was conducted. The primary outcome was LVT during the index hospitalization. Predictors of LVT were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Net adverse clinical events (NACE), a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke or transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism or BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding at 6 months were compared between the LVT and no LVT groups. Among the 2136 patients included, 83 (3.9

BACKGROUND:Selecting the appropriate antithrombotic regimen for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or have had medically managed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains complex. This multi-centre observational study evaluated patterns of antithrombotic therapies utilized among Canadian patients with AF post-PCI or ACS. METHODS AND RESULTS:By retrospective chart audit, 611 non-valvular AF patients [median (interquartile range) age 76 (69-83) years, CHADS2 score 2 (1-3)] who underwent PCI or had medically managed ACS between August 2018 and December 2020 were identified by 68 cardiologists across eight provinces in Canada. Overall, triple antithrombotic therapy [TAT: combined oral anticoagulation (OAC) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)] was the most common initial antithrombotic strategy, with use in 53.8 % of patients, followed by dual pathway therapy (32.7 % received OAC and a P2Y12 inhibitor, and 4.1 % received OAC and aspirin) and DAPT (9.3 %). Median duration of TAT was 30 (7, 30) days. Compared to the previous CONNECT AF + PCI-I program, there was an increased use of dual pathway therapy relative to TAT over time (P-value <.0001). DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants) represented 90.3 % of all OACs used overall, with apixaban being the most utilized (50.5 %). Proton pump inhibitors were used in 57.0 % of all patients, and 70.1 % of patients on ASA. Planned antithrombotic therapies at 1 year were: 76.2 % OAC monotherapy, 8.3 % OAC + ASA, 7.9 % OAC + P2Y12 inhibitor, 4.3 % DAPT, 1.3 % ASA alone, and <1 % triple therapy. CONCLUSION:In accordance with recent Canadian Cardiovascular Society guideline recommendations, we observed an increased use of dual pathway therapy relative to TAT over time in both AF patients post-PCI (elective and emergent) and in those with medically managed ACS. Additionally, DOACs have become the prevailing form of anticoagulation across all antithrombotic regimens. Our findings suggest that Canadian physicians are integrating evidence-based approaches to optimally manage the bleeding and thrombotic risks of AF patients post-PCI and/or ACS.

The use of conduction system pacing is increasing as it allows a close to normal left ventricular stimulation with the use of a single lead implanted in the His or left bundle branch (LBB) area. A chronic perforation with protrusion into the left ventricle was found several months after implantation, with peripheral embolisation. Safe retrieval was possible, despite debris attached to the lead distal tip, with the use of a cerebral embolic protection device.

•It is unknown, whether there are sex-differences in the use of LVT prophylaxis in the setting of anterior STEMI.•Rate of oral anticoagulation prescription for left ventricular prophylaxis were similar in women and men in this population.•Additionally, clinical outcomes at 6 months were similar in women and men in this population.

Patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are at risk of developing delayed high-degree atrioventricular block. Management of new-onset LBBB post-TAVI remains controversial. In the Comparison of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy Versus Electrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB After TAVI (COME-TAVI) trial, consenting patients with new-onset LBBB that persists on day 2 after TAVI, meeting exclusion/inclusion criteria, are randomized to an electrophysiological study (EPS)-guided approach or 30-day electrocardiographic monitoring. In the EPS-guided approach, patients with a His to ventricle (HV) interval ≥ 65 ms undergo permanent pacemaker implantation. Patients randomized to noninvasive monitoring receive a wearable continuous electrocardiographic recording and transmitting device for 30 days. Follow-up will be performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint is a composite outcome designed to capture net clinical benefit. The endpoint incorporates major consequences of both strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVI, as follows: (i) sudden cardiac death; (ii) syncope; (iii) atrioventricular conduction disorder requiring a pacemaker (for a class I or IIa indication); and (iv) complications related to the pacemaker or EPS. The trial incorporates a Bayesian design with a noninformative prior, outcome-adaptive randomization (initially 1:1), and 2 prespecified interim analyses once 25% and 50% of the anticipated number of primary endpoints are reached. The trial is event-driven, with an anticipated upper limit of 452 patients required to reach 77 primary outcome events over 12 months of follow-up. In summary, the aim of this Bayesian multicentre randomized trial is to compare 2 management strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVI—an EPS-guided approach vs noninvasive 30-day monitoring. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

Objectives. The objective is to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) vs triple therapy (TT) with DAPT + oral anticoagulant (OAC) in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and with new-onset anterior/apical wall-motion abnormalities (WMAs) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background. Patients with STEMI and new-onset anterior/apical WMA may benefit from the addition of OAC to prevent left ventricular thrombus and cardioembolic events. Methods. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with a concomitant indication for OAC were excluded. Patients discharged on TT were compared with patients discharged on DAPT using adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting. The primary endpoint was the net adverse clinical event (NACE) rate at 6 months (composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal MI, stroke, or transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism or type 3 or 5 Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] bleeding). Results. A total of 1666 patients were included, among which 627 were treated with TT and 1039 were treated with DAPT. A NACE occurred in 55 patients (6.03 per 100 patient-years) in the TT group and in 74 patients (7.18 per 100 patient-years) in the DAPT group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-1.32). Adjusted risk of the individual components of the primary endpoint, ischemic events, and bleeding events were similar between both groups (P >.05 for all). Conclusions. The addition of OAC to DAPT in anterior STEMI patients with new-onset WMA treated with PCI was not associated with a significant reduction in NACE

BACKGROUND:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important predictor of neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) and adverse clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). LABR-312, a novel intravenous formulation of liposomal alendronate, has been shown in animal models to decrease NIH at vascular injury sites and around stent struts. The aim of the Biorest Liposomal Alendronate Administration for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Drug-Eluting Stent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention trial was to assess the safety, effectiveness, and dose response of LABR-312 administered intravenously at the time of PCI withDES in reducing NIH as measured by optical coherence tomography postprocedure in patients with DM. METHODS:Patients with DM were randomized to a bolus infusion of LABR-312 vs placebo at the time of PCI. Dose escalation of LABR-312 in the study arm was given: 0.01 mg, 0.03 mg, and 0.08 mg. The primary endpoint was the in-stent %NIH volume at 9 months as measured by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS:From September 2016 to December 2017, 271 patients with DM undergoing PCI were enrolled; 136 patients were randomized to LABR-312 infusion and 135 patients were randomized to placebo. At 9-month follow-up, no difference was seen in the primary endpoint of %NIH between LABR-312 and placebo (13.3% ± 9.2 vs 14.6% ± 8.5, P = .35). No differences were present with the varying LABR-312 doses. Clinical outcomes at 9 months were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS:Among patients with DM undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stents, a bolus of LABR-312 injected systematically at the time of intervention did not result in a lower rate in-stent %NIH volume at 9-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND:In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), selecting an antithrombotic regimen requires balancing risks of ischemic cardiac events, stroke, and bleeding. METHODS:We studied 467 patients with AF undergoing PCI in the time period from December 2015 to July 2018 identified via a chart audit by 47 Canadian cardiologists in the CONNECT AF+PCI (the Coordinated National Network to Engage Interventional Cardiologists in the Antithrombotic Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) study, to determine patterns of initial antithrombotic therapy selection. RESULTS:The median (25th, 75th percentile) CHADS2 score was 2 (1, 3), and PCI was performed in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in 62.1%. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) was the initial treatment in 62.7%, dual-pathway therapy in 25.7%, and dual antiplatelet therapy in 11.6%, with a temporal increase in use of dual-pathway therapy during the course of the study; median intended TAT duration was 1 (1, 3) month. Compared with patients selected for TAT, patients selected for dual-pathway therapy were less likely to have prior myocardial infarction (35.8% vs 25.8%, P = 0.045) and prior PCI (33.8% vs 23.3%, P = 0.03), and they received shorter total length of stents (38 [23, 56] vs 30 [20, 46] mm, P = 0.03). Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy had a higher prevalence of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (13.0% vs 23.3%, P = 0.01). There was no difference in prevalence of anemia (21.5% vs 25.8%, P = 0.30). Use of dual-pathway therapy was similar among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with stable disease (24.1% vs 28.2%, P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS:Approximately one-quarter of AF patients undergoing PCI are treated with dual-pathway therapy in Canadian practice, with its use increasing during the studied period. Patients selected for dual-pathway therapy have less-complex coronary disease history and intervention.

BACKGROUND:Although acetylsalicylic acid is the most commonly used antithrombotic agent for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, residual atherothrombotic risk has prompted a guideline recommendation for the addition of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or dual pathway inhibition (DPI) in high vascular risk patients. Accordingly, the CONNECT CVD quality enhancement initiative provides a contemporary "snapshot" of the clinical features and antithrombotic management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients in Canada.METHODS:Canadian cardiologists (49 cardiologists from six provinces) undertook a retrospective chart audit of 10 ASCVD patients in their outpatient practice who met the Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategy-like criteria from May 2018 to April 2019.RESULTS:Of the 492 (two cardiologists provided 11 patients) enroled, average age was 70 years, 25% were female, 39% had diabetes and 20% had atrial fibrillation. Prior revascularisation was common (percutaneous coronary artery intervention 61%, coronary artery bypass graft 39%), with 31% having multivessel disease. A total of 47% of patients had a Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health bleeding score of ≥11 (~2.8% risk of serious bleeding at 2 years). Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) alone was most commonly used (62%), while 22% were on DAPT alone. In total, 22% were on oral anticoagulation (OAC), with 16% being on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant alone, 5% on DPI and 1% received triple therapy.CONCLUSIONS:In contemporary Canadian clinical practice of stable ASCVD patients, a large number of patients receive antithrombotic therapy other than SAPT. Further efforts are required to guide the appropriate selection of patients in whom more potent antithrombotic therapies may safely reduce residual risk.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a technically challenging procedure. In failed cases, plaque modification strategy (also known as "investment procedure"), defined as the intentional dilation of the subintimal space through the CTO segment, can be applied. The typical dilation device used in this strategy is a regular angioplasty balloon (either semi- or noncompliant). Performing this technique with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) may facilitate a staged procedure by promoting a better vessel healing. Herein, we present three cases of failed CTO PCI, managed with DCB plaque modification, and their follow-up staged procedure.

BACKGROUND:There has been an exponential increase in the demand for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our goal was to examine trends in TAVR capacity and wait-times across Canada. METHODS:All TAVR cases were identified from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2017. Wait-time was defined as the duration in days from the initial referral to the TAVR procedure. TAVR capacity was defined as the number of TAVR procedures per million population/province/fiscal year. We performed multivariable multilevel Cox proportional hazards modelling of the time to TAVR as the dependant variable and the effect of provinces as random effects. We quantified the variation in wait-times among provinces using the median hazard ratio. RESULTS:We identified a total of 4906 TAVR procedures across 9 provinces. Despite a year over year increase in overall capacity, there was a greater than 3-fold difference in capacity between provinces. Crude median wait-times increased over time in all provinces, with marked variation from 71.5 days in Newfoundland to 190.5 and 203 days in Manitoba and Alberta, respectively. This suggests increasing demand outpaced the growth in capacity. We found a median hazard ratio of 1.62, indicating that in half of the possible pairwise comparisons, the time to TAVR for identical patients was at least 62% longer between different provinces. CONCLUSION:We found substantial geographic inequity in TAVR access. This calls for policy makers, clinicians, and administrators across Canada to address this inequity through revaluation of provincial funding mechanisms, as well as implementation of efficient care pathways.