The transradial technique has become standard of care for coronary angiography and intervention. In the field of diagnostic coronary angiography, studies have compared single and dual catheter approaches, yet there is paucity of literature comparing all 3 commonly used strategies for transradial coronary angiography, Judkins (JU) dual catheters or single Tiger (T) or Jacky (JA) catheters. We aimed to assess the procedural performance of 3 commonly used catheter strategies. We conducted a single-center, randomized trial with 1:1:1 group allocation (T, JA, and JU as initial strategy) with patients undergoing elective right transradial coronary angiography performed by experienced operators. Primary endpoints included procedure time, contrast volume, and fluoroscopy time. A total of 99 patients were randomized: 33 were enrolled in the T-study group, 33 in the JA group, and 33 in the JU group. Median contrast volume utilization was significantly lower in the T group relative to the other groups ([T: 40 mL {35 to 50 mL}, JA: 50 mL {40 to 59 mL}, JU: 55 mL {45 to 60 mL}, p = 0.04]). The Tiger group was noted to have significantly lower times total procedural time (T: 9.2 minute [6.92 to 11.3 minute], JA: 11.92 minute [8.2 to 17.57 minute], JU: 12.8 minute [10.3 to 15.58 minute], p = 0.003). However, there was no difference in fluoroscopy time (T: 2.8 minute [2.17 to 5.6 minute], JA: 4.35 minute [2.7 to 7.43 minute], JU: 4.3 minute [3.1 to 7.1 minute], p = 0.08).

Background:The utility of complete revascularization has been well defined in young patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the clinical benefit in elderly patients remains unclear with current literature has yielded conflicting results. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of complete versus culprit-only coronary revascularization with mortality in elderly patients with multivessel CAD. Methods:A literature search was conducted for studies reporting on outcomes after complete versus culprit-only revascularization in elderly patients with multivessel CAD presenting with ACS. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The main secondary endpoint was cardiovascular (CV) mortality. The search included the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The search was not restricted to time or publication status. Results:14 studies with 11,994 elderly patients (7,236 with culprit-only, 4,758 with complete revascularization) met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up duration was 29.0 months (range 12-56 months), mean age was 79.5 years old, 56.9% of patients were men, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 54.3%. Patients who underwent complete revascularization had significantly lower all-cause and CV mortality compared to culprit-only revascularization (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.40-2.18; p < 0.001; OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.14-2.68; p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis demonstrated this association to be statistically significant for studies with cohorts presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and mixed cohorts that included NSTEMI and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. However, there was no significant difference in risk of all-cause mortality with complete versus culprit-only revascularization in studies of only STEMI patients (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.61-1.72; p = 0.92). Conclusion:Complete coronary revascularization is associated with lower risk of all-cause and CV mortality in elderly patients with multivessel CAD presenting with NSTEMI. However, there does not appear to be a difference in outcomes in patients presenting with STEMI.

Background: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Increased education and utilization of BLS by first responders have had a significant impact, but certain populations remain high risk, such as African Americans. Raising awareness among at-risk populations may lead to more bystander CPR performed, improving mortality rates. The influence of celebrity deaths and illnesses is an important driver of public awareness. Therefore, the cardiac arrests of both Bronny James and Damar Hamlin may have influenced cardiac arrest awareness. Methods: Google Trends data was pulled for the following search terms from 8/21/2022-8/14/2023: Cardiac arrest (disease), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (topic), Basic Life Support (topic), Myocardial Infarction (disease), Defibrillation (topic) and Automatic External Defibrillator (topic). The average relative search volume (RSV) for each search term was taken for a three-week period encompassing the week of and two weeks following the cardiac arrests of Damar Hamlin and Lebron James Jr., respectively. We used one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-tests to compare the average values of Damar Hamlin's and LeBron James Jr.'s incidents with their respective 12-month averages. Results: RSV was significantly higher surrounding Hamlin's cardiac arrest compared to James Jr.'s for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automatic External Defibrillator. RSV for Basic Life Support was increased in LeBron James Jr.'s time compared to the 12-month average and Damar Hamlin's incident. Compared to the 12month average, Cardiac arrest, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Defibrillation, and Automatic External Defibrillator during Hamlin's incident. Myocardial infarction RSV was higher during James Jr.'s incident compared to baseline. Over the long term, the search terms showed a significant increase after Damar Hamlin's incident when compared to before. RSV was significantly higher surrounding Hamlin's cardiac arrest compared to James Jr.'s for "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation" (23.56 vs. 22.0, p <0.00) and "Automatic External Defibrillator" (19.59 vs. 19.4, p < 0.00). RSV for "Basic Life Support" was increased in LeBron James Jr.'s time compared to the 12-month average and Damar Hamlin's incident (80.9 vs. 66.88, p = 0.04). Compared to the 12-month average, "Cardiac arrest," "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation," "Defibrillation," and "Automatic External Defibrillator" during Hamlin's incident showed significant increases. "Myocardial infarction" RSV was higher during James Jr.'s incident compared to baseline (55 vs. 46.6, p = 0.026). Over the long term, the search terms showed a significant increase after Damar Hamlin's incident when compared to before (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Increases in the search terms for Hamlin's cardiac arrest compared to James Jr.'s cardiac arrest were associated with seeing the event live and increasing cardiac arrest awareness. Hamlins Cardiac Arrest also showed a significant increase in search terms over the long term. The increase in searches for "Basic Life Support" during James Jr.'s cardiac arrest indicates increased awareness. Also, the increase in myocardial infarction searches during both incidents could show confusion between cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction.

Introduction Cardiovascular disease has one of the highest mortality rates and continues to grow. Therefore, it is important for the medical community to get involved in widespread patient education efforts. As technology has steadily advanced, YouTube (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, United States) has become a popular source for patients to gather medical information. In this study, we aim to assess the quality of YouTube videos pertaining to coronary artery disease. Methods We searched the following key terms on June 20, 2023, using the view count filter: coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease treatment, cardiac catheterization, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The top twenty videos for each keyword were recorded. After videos that were over 20 minutes, non-English, procedural videos without words, and duplicates were excluded, forty-five videos remained. Each video was assessed by three viewers using the DISCERN criteria (http://www.discern.org.uk). Numerical data was averaged into composite scores. Two-sided t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to compare mean ratings between groups. A Spearman correlation was done to compare each of the following terms to one another: overall quality of videos, total likes a video received, and total views. Results The mean ratings for coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease treatment, cardiac catheterization, and CABG were 2.30, 2.60, 2.05, and 2.92, respectively, with an overall mean of 2.42. The means between coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease treatment were significantly different (p adj = 0.01). The overall rating for videos with board-certified physicians was significantly higher than those without a boardcertified physician (p < 0.001). There was a low correlation between likes and overall ratings (0.03) and views and overall ratings (-0.068). Conclusion The videos on coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease treatment, cardiac catheterization, and CABG had poor overall quality based on DISCERN criteria. The overall ratings from videos with board physicians are higher than those from non-physicians, suggesting that physicians should be encouraged to create content about important medical conditions. There was also a low correlation between the overall quality of a video and the likes and views, respectively, indicating a disconnect between what the public values and the actual value of a video.

Dyslipidemia is a leading contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There has been a significant improvement in the treatment of dyslipidemia in the past 10 years with the development of new pharmacotherapies. The intent of this review is help enhance clinicians understanding of non-statin lipid lowering therapies in accordance with the 2022 American College of Cardiology Expert Consensus Clinical Decision Pathway on the Role of Non-statin Therapies for LDL-Cholesterol Lowering. We also present a single-center experience implementing a systematic inpatient protocol for lipid lowering therapy for secondary prevention of ASCVD.

BACKGROUND:The beneficial role of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) in coronary artery disease is well established. However, there is limited data describing the effects of DAPT in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD). The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare clinical outcomes associated with DAPT versus single anti-platelet therapy (SAPT) in patients with symptomatic PAD. METHODS:We performed a literature search for studies assessing the risk of adverse cardiovascular and limb events in cohorts receiving either DAPT or SAPT. The primary endpoint was all cause mortality. The secondary endpoints included graft failure, amputation, total bleeding, severe bleeding and fatal bleeding. The search included the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search was not restricted to time or publication status. RESULTS:A total of 11 studies with 54,331 participants (24,449 on SAPT and 29,882 on DAPT) were included. Patients with PAD treated with SAPT had higher all-cause mortality compared to patients treated with DAPT (OR 1.37, 95 % CI 1.09-1.74; p < 0.01). There was no difference in risk of graft failure or amputation between patients treated with SAPT or DAPT (OR 0.9, 95 % CI 0.77-1.06; p = 0.19; OR 1.11, 95 % CI 0.88-1.41; p = 0.37). Patients treated with SAPT had lower total bleeds compared to patients treated with DAPT (OR 0.53, 95 % CI 0.36-0.77; p < 0.01). However, For SAPT plus AC vs SAPT, a total of 8 studies with 17,100 participants (3447 with SAPT plus AC and 8619 with only SAPT) were included. Patients on SAPT plus AC did not have a statistically significant difference in risk for all-cause mortality, (OR 0.91, 95 % CI 0.67-1.24; p = 0.56). SAPT plus AC had significantly lower risk of MI (OR 0.82, 95 % CI 0.69-0.97; p = 0.02), amputation (OR 0.72, 95 % CI 0.53-0.97; p = 0.03), and graft failure (OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.48-0.93; p = 0.02). There was no significant different in risk of fatal bleeding be-tween the two groups (OR 1.60, 95 % CI 0.76-3.35; p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS:In patients with symptomatic PAD, a strategy of DAPT may confer a mortality benefit when compared to SAPT without significantly increasing the risk of serious bleeding events.

Key Points Opioid therapy has served as the cornerstone for pain relief in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) for several decades. Women with ACS are less likely to receive opioids for early pain relief than their male counterparts despite similar pain levels. Early opioid administration was associated with similar short‐term outcomes in men and women.

Coronary angiography remains the gold standard post-transplant screening test for cardiac allograft vasculopathy. This procedure has traditionally been performed via femoral approach. Data on safety and efficacy of radial approach in cardiac transplant patients remains scarce. Single center retrospective study including all cardiac transplant patients who underwent coronary angiography via transradial approach (TRA) or transfemoral approach (TFA). Safety and efficacy outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Primary end points included major bleeding, vascular complications, crossover to femoral approach, contrast use and radiation exposure. A total of 201 patients were included. 96 patients (47.8 %) underwent angiography via TRA. At baseline, no significant differences with regards to age, gender, or traditional risk factors such as HTN, DM, hyperlipidemia were noted between the 2 groups. Most patients underwent intravascular ultrasound (n = 179, 89%) with no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (TRA: 90.6% vs TFA: 87.6%, P = 0.5). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in radiation exposure, amount of contrast use and fluoroscopy time between the 2 groups. Although there were trends toward increased bleeding among TFA group, these were not statistically significant and were mostly driven by access site hematomas. Use of TRA increased over time and Conversion from TRA to TFA was low (n = 4, 4.2%). Coronary angiography via the radial approach in cardiac transplant recipients is feasible, safe and is associated with low a risk of bleeding with no significant increase in radiation exposure when compared to the traditional femoral approach.

Patient undergoing PCI can have distal embolization and microvascular obstruction despite normalization of epicardial blood flow. Aspiration thrombectomy has been studied previously to reduce infarct size, but prior methods of aspiration thrombectomy were associated with increased risk of stroke and is currently recommended as a bailout strategy. Penumbra CAT RX has been recently approved for aspiration thrombectomy, we evaluated the catheter's use in an academic cardiac catheterization lab. Patients undergoing cardiac catherization at an academic medical center who had deployment of the Penumbra CAT RX from 2017 through 2020 were included in the case series. TIMI flow pre and post procedure were determined by individual operator. Endpoints included 30-day cardiovascular death and post-procedural stroke. The Penumbra CAT RX catheter was used in a total of 34 patients, with 71% STEMI, 23% NSTEMI, 3% UA, and 3% new onset heart failure. TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 88% of cases. There were no cases of 30-day cardiovascular death or post procedural stroke. Aspiration thrombectomy continues to have clinical benefit in modern cardiac catherization laboratories with use in select cases. The Penumbra CAT RX appears to be safe and highly effective at thrombus removal in the acute setting without increased stroke risk as seen with manual aspiration thrombectomy.

Key Points Guidance of mechanical circulatory support by an SOP may help improve patient selection for MCS. Sharing strategies that Improve patient selection for the various MCS strategies can help improve survival and reduce the risk of device associated complications. Randomized trials comparing different treatment strategies in patients presenting with AMI and CS are needed to clear the answer.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Think Tank is a collaborative venture that brings together interventional cardiologists, administrative partners, and select members of the cardiovascular industry community annually for high-level field-wide discussions. The 2021 Think Tank was organized into four parallel sessions reflective of the field of interventional cardiology: (a) coronary intervention, (b) endovascular medicine, (c) structural heart disease, and (d) congenital heart disease. Each session was moderated by a senior content expert and co-moderated by a member of SCAI's Emerging Leader Mentorship program. This document presents the proceedings to the wider cardiovascular community in order to enhance participation in this discussion, create additional dialog from a broader base, and thereby aid SCAI, the industry community and external stakeholders in developing specific action items to move these areas forward.

Background Endovascular renal denervation reduces blood pressure in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, but its efficacy in patients with true resistant hypertension has not been shown. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of endovascular ultrasound renal denervation in patients with hypertension resistant to three or more antihypertensive medications. Methods In a randomised, international, multicentre, single-blind, sham-controlled trial done at 28 tertiary centres in the USA and 25 in Europe, we included patients aged 18-75 years with office blood pressure of at least 140/90 mm Hg despite three or more antihypertensive medications including a diuretic. Eligible patients were switched to a once daily, fixed-dose, single-pill combination of a calcium channel blocker, an angiotensin receptor blocker, and a thiazide diuretic. After 4 weeks of standardised therapy, patients with daytime ambulatory blood pressure of at least 135/85 mm Hg were randomly assigned (1:1) by computer (stratified by centres) to ultrasound renal denervation or a sham procedure. Patients and outcome assessors were masked to randomisation. Addition of antihypertensive medications was allowed if specified blood pressure thresholds were exceeded. The primary endpoint was the change in daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure at 2 months in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was also assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02649426. Findings Between March 11, 2016, and March 13, 2020, 989 participants were enrolled and 136 were randomly assigned to renal denervation (n=69) or a sham procedure (n=67). Full adherence to the combination medications at 2 months among patients with urine samples was similar in both groups (42 [82%] of 51 in the renal denervation group vs 47 [82%] of 57 in the sham procedure group; p=0.99). Renal denervation reduced daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure more than the sham procedure (-8.0 mm Hg [IQR -16.4 to 0.0] vs -3.0 mm Hg [-10.3 to 1.8]; median between-group difference -4.5 mm Hg [95% CI -8.5 to -0.3]; adjusted p=0.022); the median between-group difference was -5.8 mm Hg (95% CI -9.7 to -1.6; adjusted p=0.0051) among patients with complete ambulatory blood pressure data. There were no differences in safety outcomes between the two groups. Interpretation Compared with a sham procedure, ultrasound renal denervation reduced blood pressure at 2 months in patients with hypertension resistant to a standardised triple combination pill. If the blood pressure lowering effect and safety of renal denervation are maintained in the long term, renal denervation might be an alternative to the addition of further antihypertensive medications in patients with resistant hypertension.

Key Points Approximately 30% of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have complex aortic and/or iliofemoral anatomy. In patients with complex vascular anatomy undergoing TAVR, patients undergoing transcarotid (TC) TAVR had lower rates of major vascular complications and no difference in all‐cause death, stroke, major bleeding, access failure, and hospital length of stay compared with transfemoral (TF) TAVR despite worse baseline risk profile. Further adequately powered randomized studies examining the optimal access site in all‐comers undergoing TAVR and the optimal alternative access site in TAVR patients with complex PAD are warranted in this era of contemporary devices to optimize patient outcomes further.

Key Points Valve‐in‐valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an attractive alternative to conventional redo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for patients with structural valve degeneration (SVD). VIV TAVR is associated with a nearly twofold lower odds of early mortality compared with redo‐SAVR in patients with SVD. Adequately powered randomized studies examining the optimal intervention in patients with SVD specifically of lower surgical risk, are warranted to guide clinical decision‐making.

Key Points Approximately 10% of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with over 85% receiving pre‐TAVR PCI and the remaining undergoing PCI either at the time of or following TAVR. In patients undergoing TAVR and PCI, adverse events were higher in patients on warfarin and lower in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, higher body mass index, or those taking a statin. No significant difference in rates of MACCE, mortality, or stroke at follow‐up were noted between patients who received PCI prior to TAVR and those who received PCI on day of or following TAVR in both the matched and unmatched populations.

Key Points Given increasing performance of left‐sided structural heart interventions, transseptal puncture following prior patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure can be challenging. The biodegradable BioSTAR, an attractive alternative to permanent PFO closure devices, demonstrated comparable long‐term closure rates compared to the Amplatzer PFO device. Long‐term peri‐device left‐to‐right shunt and nitinol strut protrusion with the BioSTAR must be taken into account in design of future PFO devices with biodegradable capabilities.

The society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions (SCAI) think tank is a collaborative venture that brings together interventional cardiologists, administrative partners, and select members of the cardiovascular industry community for high-level field-wide discussions. The 2020 think tank was organized into four parallel sessions reflective of the field of interventional cardiology: (a) coronary intervention, (b) endovascular medicine, (c) structural heart disease, and (d) congenital heart disease (CHD). Each session was moderated by a senior content expert and co-moderated by a member of SCAI's emerging leader mentorship program. This document presents the proceedings to the wider cardiovascular community in order to enhance participation in this discussion, create additional dialogue from a broader base, and thereby aid SCAI and the industry community in developing specific action items to move these areas forward.