Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in women globally, cardiovascular care for women remains suboptimal, with poorer outcomes than for men. During the past two decades, there has been an incremental increase in research and publications on CVD in women, addressing sex-specific risk factors, symptoms, pathophysiology, treatment, prevention and identification of inequities in care. Nonetheless, once women have manifested CVD, they continue to have increasingly worse outcomes than men. An approach to addressing these global disparities has been the worldwide establishment of specialised centres providing cardiovascular care for women. These women's heart centres (WHCs) allow a comprehensive approach to the cardiovascular care of women across the lifespan. The purpose of this article is to define the need for and role of these specialised centres by outlining sex-specific gaps in CVD care, and to provide guidance on components within WHCs that may be considered when establishing such programmes.

OBJECTIVES:The aims were to compare the frequency with which male and female cardiologists experience sexism and to explore the types of sexism experienced in cardiology.METHODS:A validated questionnaire measuring experiences of sexism and sexual harassment was distributed online to 890 UK consultant cardiologists between March and May 2018. χ2 tests and pairwise comparisons with a Bonferroni correction for multiple analyses compared the experiences of male and female cardiologists.RESULTS:174 cardiologists completed the survey (24% female; 76% male). The survey showed that 61.9% of female cardiologists have experienced discrimination of any kind, mostly related to gender and parenting, compared with 19.7% of male cardiologists. 35.7% of female cardiologists experienced unwanted sexual comments, attention or advances from a superior or colleague, compared with 6.1% of male cardiologists. Sexual harassment affected the professional confidence of female cardiologists more than it affected the confidence of male cardiologists (42.9% vs 3.0%), including confidence with colleagues (38% vs 10.6%) and patients (23.9% vs 4.6%). 33.3% of female cardiologists felt that sexism hampered opportunities for professional advancement, compared with 2.3% of male cardiologists.CONCLUSION:Female cardiologists in the UK experience more sexism and sexual harassment than male cardiologists. Sexism impacts the career progression and professional confidence of female cardiologists more, including their confidence when working with patients and colleagues. Future research is urgently needed to test interventions against sexism in cardiology and to protect the welfare of female cardiologists at work.

Background Impella utilisation is increasing but reimbursement and usage patterns vary significantly around the world. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently approved the use of Impella for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in centres with specific expertise in the use of mechanical circulatory support and with specific arrangements for governance, audit and consent in place. Hypothesis: In the United Kingdom (UK), due to increased selection, Impel is used in higher-risk cases than in randomised controlled trials (RCT). Methods All patients undergoing Impella implants between 2008 - 2019 in the four highest volume UK Impella centres (St. Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital, London; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham; Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester) were included. Demographic, clinical, procedural and outcome data were extracted from electronic health records. Patients were stratified by the presence of cardiogenic shock at presentation. Pre-procedural characteristics and outcomes (30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality) were compared to the BCIS-1, PROTECT-2 and IABP-SHOCK2 trial cohorts respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of complications. Continuous data are presented as mean ± SD or median (IQR) depending on normality. Results Two-hundred and thirty-four patients were included. The indication was cardiogenic shock in 83 (35.5%) and high-risk PCI in 146 (62.4%); of the latter 58.9% had acute coronary syndromes and 41.1% were elective) and bailout in 2.1%. PCI was performed via femoral access in 55.6%. Patients undergoing high-risk PCI were older than those with cardiogenic shock (73.3 ± 10.8 years vs. 59.9 ± 14.0 years, p<0.001), as well as being more likely to have a history of previous myocardial infarction (52.1% vs. 26.3%, p<0.001), chronic kidney disease (24.7% vs. 13.9%, p=0.005) and peripheral vascular disease (17.1% vs. 6.3%, p=0.005). High-risk PCI patients in UKpella had a higher BCIS-Jeopardy Score, more left main disease and underwent more calcium modification but had a higher left ventricular ejection fraction than in RCTs. UKpella high-risk PCI 30-day and 1-year mortality was 16.4% and 30.7% respectively, significantly higher than in RCTs (Table 1). Cardiogenic shock patients in UKpella had a higher 30-day mortality than RCT patients (56.1% versus 40.5%, p = 0.034) but 1-year mortality was similar. Figure 1 demonstrates mortality over follow up. Major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium scale 3-5) occurred in around 20% of both shock and high-risk PCI cases. Femoral access for PCI was related to the risk of bleeding in high-risk PCI (odds ratio 2.65 [1.04-6.74], p=0.040) but not in cardiogenic shock. Vascular complications occurred more frequently in shock than high-risk cases (13.6% vs. 9.0%). Figure 2 shows the rates of implants, bleeding and vascular complications. Conclusions Patients selected for Impella in the UK are a group with a particularly adverse prognosis, in terms of baseline predictors of risk as well as higher short- and medium-term mortality than in RCTs. Bleeding and vascular complications occur in an important minority. Randomised clinical trials are required to define a population in whom the balance of benefit and risk is most favourable. Conflict of Interest None

Polymer coatings on drug-eluting stents (DES) serve as a vehicle for delivery of antirestenotic drugs. Whether they influence outcomes for contemporary DES is unknown. The evolution of polymer coatings for zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES). provides a natural experiment that facilitates such analysis. The Resolute ZES (R-ZES) uses the same antirestenotic drug as the Endeavor ZES (E-ZES) but has a more biocompatible polymer with enhanced drug release kinetics. However, there are limited data on the real-world comparative efficacy of R-ZES and the preceding E-ZES. Thus, we analyzed 17,643 patients who received either E-ZES or R-ZES from 2008 to 2014 from the British Columbia Cardiac Registry. A total of 9,869 patients (56%) received E-ZES and 7,774 patients (44%) received R-ZES. Compared with E-ZES, R-ZES was associated with lower 2-year mortality (4.1% vs 6.4%, p <0.001) and 2-year target vessel revascularization (TVR; 6.8% vs 10.7%, p <0.001). R-ZES use was an independent predictor of lower mortality rate and TVR. This was confirmed in propensity-matched analyses for 2-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.71, p <0.001) and 2-year TVR (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.98, p = 0.032). Instrumental variable analyses demonstrated R-ZES to be associated with lower 2-year mortality (Delta = -2.2%, 95% CI -4.3% to -0.2%, p = 0.032) and 2-year TVR (Delta = -3.3% to 95% CI -6.1% to -0.7%, p = 0.015). Acknowledging the limitations of observational analyses, this study has shown that R-ZES was associated with lower long-term TVR and mortality. These data are reassuring for the newer R-ZES and demonstrate how polymer coatings may influence the clinical performance of DES with wider implications for future DES development and design. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

AIMSThe inability to optimise stent expansion fully whilst simultaneously preventing distal embolisation during ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a clinical conundrum. We aimed to describe a newly devised angiographic strategy of "forward" and "back" aspiration that leads to more complete thrombus removal and prevention of distal embolisation, to allow high-pressure post-dilatation of the implanted stent to be performed.METHODS AND RESULTSForward aspiration was conducted with a conventional aspiration thrombectomy catheter, with bail-out aspiration thrombectomy for angiographically persistent thrombus utilising the larger bore 6 Fr (0.056") guide catheter extension system (GuideLiner; Vascular Solutions, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Back aspiration was undertaken with a deeply intubated GuideLiner or guide catheter with a vacuum induced within, extending to the inflated angioplasty balloon, to allow for proximal embolic protection during balloon deflation during all stages of the PCI procedure, including high-pressure post-dilatation of the stent to the visually estimated reference vessel diameter (RVD). Over a six-month period 30 consecutive cases were undertaken during working hours. Bail-out GuideLiner-assisted aspiration thrombectomy was performed in 9/30 cases because of inadequate thrombus removal with a conventional aspiration thrombectomy catheter. Back aspiration was performed in all cases. In 27/30 cases high-pressure post-dilatation of the stent was performed. The mean maximum post-dilatation balloon size and mean proximal reference vessel diameter did not significantly differ (3.60±0.41 mm vs. 3.65±0.45 mm, p=0.68). In all cases, implantation +/- post-dilatation of the stent to the visually estimated RVD was achievable without any deterioration in TIMI blood flow or myocardial blush grade.CONCLUSIONSThe strategy of forward and back aspiration to facilitate stent implantation and high-pressure post-dilatation during STEMI appears to be safe and effective. Randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this newly devised angiographic strategy.

Background A 38 year old man presented for HIV testing following his male partner’s diagnosis. Examination revealed systolic and decrescendo diastolic heart murmurs, palpable thrill, bounding pulses, and positive Corrigan’s sign. He had not tested previously for HIV or syphilis and had been in a monogamous relationship for 8 years. We describe this man who was asymptomatic – from both HIV and aortic valve disease – with incidental diagnosis of severe syphilitic aortitis following partner notification for HIV. Results HIV antibody test was positive with baseline viral load 239505 copies/ml and CD4 count 103 cell/μL (8%). Syphilis serology was positive with rapid plasma reagin (RPR) 1:4. CXR was unremarkable. ECG was consistent with left ventricular hypertrophy with strain. Echo revealed severe mixed aortic valve disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, good LV systolic function and normal aortic arch appearance. He commenced prednisolone 60 mg OD for 5d, 72 hr before starting three weekly doses of 2.4 MU benzathine penicillin. He was admitted for 48 hr for cardiac monitoring at the start of treatment – which proceeded with no complication. Multidisciplinary involvement with GU physicians, cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons was instigated from the start with aortic valve ± root replacement planned imminently. Discussion Resurgence of syphilis in the UK was reported in the late 1990s with an ongoing epidemic since, mainly involving MSM. Cardiovascular syphilis typically occurs 15–30 years following primary infection with Treponema pallidum, with complications in 10% of cases. Could this man be amongst the first cases to develop tertiary syphilis in this latest epidemic?

Mortality post-PCI occurs more frequently in patients receiving a blood transfusion. The mechanism responsible for this is unclear. We examined the time course between PCI and death in patients dying within 30 days of PCI, comparing transfused and non-transfused patients. Of 32,580 patients

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being used to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis who are either deemed to be inoperable or at prohibitive surgical risk [(1)][1]. Both operator experience and devices have evolved over time, as have the indications for valve

Esophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a severe life-threatening disorder. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed due to the wide variety of presenting symptoms. This case report details an unusual presentation of Boerhaave's syndrome in a 48-year-old man mimicking an acute anterior myocardial infarction. We present the history, clinical, angiographic, and computed tomographic (CT) findings, as well as the subsequent management and clinical outcome. We demonstrate the rare angiographic finding of right heart hypermobility, which was strongly suggestive of a non-cardiac diagnosis in a patient with ST segment elevation and cardiovascular compromise

Myocardial rupture is an uncommon and life threatening event which may occur in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. In this case report we describe a rare instance of a patient presenting with signs of ventricular rupture as a late presentation of myocardial infarction. The findings of cardiac computed tomography are demonstrated as well as intra-operative images. Despite its very high attendant mortality risk, our patient's life was saved by the earlier development of Dressler's syndrome, an intense inflammatory process in the pericardium, resulting in dense adhesions, which effectively tamponaded the leak from the ventricular free wall rupture and prevented extravasation.

AIMSCoronary perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. However there has been little data on perforation in the current era despite significant changes in PCI practice. We set out to identify incidence, risk factors and management strategies of coronary perforation in the current era.METHODS AND RESULTSWe performed a retrospective analysis of the Manchester Heart Centre PCI database from June 2004 to May 2008. Detailed analysis of all cases of suspected perforation was undertaken by case note and angiographic review. Demographic data was collected regarding all patients undergoing intervention. A total of 12,729 coronary lesions were treated in 7,903 patients over four years, during which drug-eluting stent (DES) uptake was 77%. The incidence of perforation was 0.56% (44/12,729). Perforation was associated with an inpatient mortality of 15.9% (7/44). Factors associated with perforation were female sex (p=0.003), increasing age (p<0.01), coronary calcification (p=0.003), use of a cutting balloon (p<0.001) or atheroablation (p<0.001), and treatment of a chronic total occlusion (p<0.01). Factors associated with death after perforation were non-elective procedure (p=0.036) and pericardial drain insertion (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSDespite treatment of more complex disease, the incidence of coronary perforation has not increased. Major perforations (Ellis class III) are associated with a high rate of emergency coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and death. Endovascular treatments allow sealing of the perforation in most cases and deaths occur primarily as a result of cardiogenic shock due to occlusion of the culprit artery. Patient risk factors associated with perforation should be considered when planning or performing PCI.

An anomalous single coronary artery is a rare finding, which occurs with a frequency reported to be between 0.024% and 0.066%. In this case report we discuss the presentation and percutaneous treatment of ongoing myocardial ischemia in a patient with previously undiagnosed isolated single coronary artery of Lipton type R-I, which is the rarest of the coronary anomalies and occurs with a frequency of <0.0008%.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using a 6.5 Fr sheathless guide catheter as a default system in transradial (TRA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: TRA PCI has been shown to reduce mortality rates through a reduction in access site related bleeding complications compared with procedures performed though a femoral approach. Complications associated with the TRA route increase with the size of sheath used. These complications may be reduced by the use of a sheathless guide catheter system (Asahi Intecc, Japan) that is 1–2 Fr sizes smaller in diameter than the corresponding introducer sheath. Methods: We performed PCI in 100 consecutive cases using 6.5 Fr sheathless guides to determine the procedural success, rates of symptomatic radial spasm and radial occlusion. Results: Procedural success using the 6.5 Fr sheathless guide catheter system was 100% with no cases requiring conversion to a conventional guide and catheter system. There were no procedural complications recorded associated with the use of the catheter. Adjunctive devices used in this cohort included IVUS, stent delivery catheters, distal protection devices, and simple thrombectomy catheters. The rate of radial spasm was 5% and the rate of radial occlusion at 2 months was 2%. Conclusion: Use of the 6.5 Fr sheathless guide catheter system, which has an outer diameter <5 Fr sheath, as the default system in routine PCI is feasible with a high rate of procedural success via the radial artery. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

1. Patients presenting with ACS are at high risk of subsequent events and if ischaemic sounding chest pain is associated with either a raised troponin, dynamic ECG changes or other high risk features, inpatient coronary angiography should be arranged within 72 hours. 2. Patients with either ongoing chest pain and ECG changes despite medical treatment, ventricular arrythmias, or cardiogenic shock / haemodynamic compromise require emergency coronary angiography. 3. For patients with suspected ACS but no high risk features (Table 4) a non invasive test for myocardial ischaemia prior to discharge is recommended 4. In patients with renal impairment (creatinine .220) and chronically elevated troponin in whom an acute coronary syndrome is suspected additional cardiac markers such as CK or CK-MB as well as consecutive troponin measurements on admission and 12 hours are helpful to identify whether the patient sustained acute cardiac damage.

AIMS:The Terumo Heartrail catheter (Terumo Corp., Tokyo, Japan) allows extra deep catheter intubation of coronary vessels and has been shown to be useful in CTO lesions. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of using the Heartrail II catheter as a distal stent delivery system in PCI following failure of conventional techniques.METHODS AND RESULTS:We prospectively identified cases performed over a 15-month period in which a Heartrail catheter was used to facilitate stent delivery following failure of conventional techniques. Stent delivery using the Heartrail catheter was performed in 35 cases and was successful in 31 cases. Success rates of 100% in grafts, 95% in RCA, 80% in LAD and 60% in circumflex cases were recorded respectively. Successful stent delivery was associated with intubation depth, with 29/29 succeeding when the intubation depth was > 2 cm and failure in 4/5 cases when the intubation depth <or= 2 cm. There were no complications related to deep intubation of the catheter.CONCLUSIONS:Use of the Heartrail catheter is safe and highly effective for aiding stent delivery across proximal obstructions in both left and right coronary systems. The small number of unsuccessful cases were related to inability of the catheter to traverse stenotic proximal obstructions within 2 cm of the RCA and LCA origins.

Congenital coronary artery fistula can present later in life. We describe a case in a 56 year old, who was managed percutaneously with coil embolization leading to complete closure of the fistula, which was confirmed by follow-up angiography at 6 months.