OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) cohort. BACKGROUND:There is limited data on the clinical characteristics, revascularisation strategies and outcomes of patients presenting with a NSTEMI and a CTO. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of a six-centre percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) registry in the UK between January 2015 and December 2020 was performed. Patients with a NSTEMI with and without a CTO were compared for baseline characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS:There were 17,355 NSTEMI patients in total of whom 1813 patients had a CTO (10.4 %). Patients with a CTO were more likely to be older (CTO: 67.8 (±11.5) years vs. no CTO: 67.2 (±12) years, p = 0.04), male (CTO: 81.1 % vs.71.9 %, p < 0.0001) with a greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. All-cause mortality at 30 days: HR 2.63, 95 % CI 1.42-4.84, p = 0.002 and at 1 year: HR: 1.87, 95 % CI 1.25-2.81, p = 0.003 was higher in the CTO cohort. CTO patients who underwent revascularisation were younger (Revascularisation 66.4 [±11.7] years vs. no revascularisation 68.4 [±11.4] years, p = 0.001). Patients with failed CTO revascularisation had lower survival (HR 0.21, 95 % CI 0.10-0.42, p < 0.0001). The mean time to revascularisation was 13.4 days. There was variation in attempt at CTO revascularisation between the 6 centres for (16 % to 100 %) with success rates ranging from 65 to 100 %. CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, the presence of a CTO in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI was associated with worse in-hospital and long-term outcomes.

60 Table 1Basic characteristics and vascular risk factors in two groupsCharacteristics Closure group (n=38) MM group (n=40) P value Median age 45 54 0.001 Age range 21-65 23-79 Highest age group 30-39 (n=12) & 50-59 (n=12) 50-59 (n=14) Males 23 (61%) 25 (62%) 0.43 Females 15 (39%) 15 (38%) Diabetes 2 (5%) 8 (20%) 0.02 Hypertension 6 (15%) 18 (45%) 0.002 Current smokers 6 (15%) 5 (12.5%) 0.41 Ex-smokers 4 (11%) 4 (10%) 0.46 Hyperlipidaemia 13 (34%) 23 (57%) 0.018 60 Figure 1PFO MDTs outcome closure group 48% (n=38), Medical Management group 51% (n=40) and one patients is waiting to be reviewed to decide about the closure[Figure omitted. See PDF] 60 Figure 2RoPE score is used to identify the patients whose PFOs are likely to be pathogenic rather than incidental. The score involves multiple variables based on vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, prior history of stroke or TIA and smoking history as well as patientsage and stroke features (cortical and non cortical infarcts)[Figure omitted. See PDF]ConclusionPFO closures at NUH were deemed to be safe day case procedures with no pressure placed on either the TOE or GA services by performing cases under LA and using ICE during the COVID-19 pandemic. A robust and evidence-based practice was followed to choose the suitable patients for the procedure in structured MDT meetings ensuring equitable access for all surrounding hospitals.Conflict of InterestNone

AIMS:Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a poor prognosis. Surgical repair is the mainstay of treatment, although percutaneous closure is increasingly undertaken.METHODS AND RESUTS:Patients treated with surgical or percutaneous repair of PIVSD (2010-2021) were identified at 16 UK centres. Case note review was undertaken. The primary outcome was long-term mortality. Patient groups were allocated based upon initial management (percutaneous or surgical). Three-hundred sixty-two patients received 416 procedures (131 percutaneous, 231 surgery). 16.1% of percutaneous patients subsequently had surgery. 7.8% of surgical patients subsequently had percutaneous treatment. Times from AMI to treatment were similar [percutaneous 9 (6-14) vs. surgical 9 (4-22) days, P = 0.18]. Surgical patients were more likely to have cardiogenic shock (62.8% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.044). Percutaneous patients were substantially older [72 (64-77) vs. 67 (61-73) years, P < 0.001] and more likely to be discussed in a heart team setting. There was no difference in long-term mortality between patients (61.1% vs. 53.7%, P = 0.17). In-hospital mortality was lower in the surgical group (55.0% vs. 44.2%, P = 0.048) with no difference in mortality after hospital discharge (P = 0.65). Cardiogenic shock [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.97 (95% confidence interval 1.37-2.84), P < 0.001), percutaneous approach [aHR 1.44 (1.01-2.05), P = 0.042], and number of vessels with coronary artery disease [aHR 1.22 (1.01-1.47), P = 0.043] were independently associated with long-term mortality.CONCLUSION:Surgical and percutaneous repair are viable options for management of PIVSD. There was no difference in post-discharge long-term mortality between patients, although in-hospital mortality was lower for surgery.

AIMS To determine whether an intervention-guided strategy is superior to optimal medical therapy (OMT) for treating non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in the elderly. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients (≥80 years, chest pain, ischaemic ECG, and elevated troponin) were randomised 1:1 to an invasive strategy plus OMT versus OMT alone. The combined primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial re-infarction at 1 year. We enrolled 251 patients (n=125 invasive vs. n=126 conservative) from May 2014 to September 2018. Almost half were female. The trial was terminated prematurely due to slow recruitment. A Kaplan-Meier estimate of event-free survival revealed no difference in the primary combined endpoint (invasive 18.5% [23/124] vs. conservative 22.2% [28/126]; p=0.39) or in all-cause mortality alone (invasive 10.5% [13/124] vs. conservative 11.1% [14/126]; p=0.88). There was less angina at 3 months (p<0.001) in the intervention arm. Non-fatal reinfarction (invasive 9.7% [12/124] vs. conservative 14.3% [18/126]; p=0.22) and unplanned revascularisation (invasive 1.6% [2/124] vs. conservative 6.4% [8/126]; p=0.10) were non-significantly more frequent after OMT alone. CONCLUSIONS The trial was underpowered to provide a definitive conclusion regarding the primary endpoint. An intervention-guided strategy did, however, result in less angina, reinfarction and unplanned revascularisation but did not improve survival.

Background Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a rare connective tissue disease, triggered by the leak of serous fluid into the interstitial spaces, characterized by a hallmark of oedema and effusions in confined spaces. The limiting factor in CLS management appears to be its diagnosis rather than treatment, which is usually to contain the disease progression rather than a cure. Case summary We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with recurrent life-threatening presentations of pericardial effusions, pleural effusions, and generalized swelling of face and extremities. The only notable past medical history was of Type 1 diabetes. Numerous investigations did not lead to specific disease accounting for pericardial effusions and pleural effusions. Eventually, the diagnosis of CLS was made based on hypovolaemic shock, hypoalbuminaemia, and haemoconcentration without the presence of albuminuria. She was managed with steroids to reduce system inflammation and later with immunoglobulins and tumour necrosis factor to contain the disease process. Since her diagnosis and subsequent appropriate management, she has not had further admissions with cardiac tamponade 16 months of follow-up. Discussion The diagnosis of CLS is difficult to make unless there is a high degree of suspicion and until other causes have been ruled out. It remains a challenging condition to manage as the treatment options are limited and patients recurrently present with emergencies until the correct diagnosis is made and the optimal treatment is provided.

OBJECTIVES:Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) has historically been associated with higher event rates during follow-up. The hybrid algorithm and contemporary wiring and dissection re-entry (DR) techniques can potentially improve long-term outcomes after CTO-PCI. This study assessed the long-term clinical outcomes of the hybrid CTO practice, when applied by operators with varying experience levels.METHODS:We examined the 1-year clinical events after hospital discharge of the RECHARGE population, according to technical outcome and final technique. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate. Centers that provided ≥90% complete 12-month follow-up were included.RESULTS:Follow-up data of 1067 out of 1165 patients (92%) were provided by 13 centers. Mean follow-up duration was 362.8 ± 0.9 days. One-year MACE-free survival rate was 91.3% (974/1067). MACE included death (1.9%; n = 20), myocardial infarction (1.4%; n = 15), target-vessel failure (5.9%; n = 63), and target-vessel revascularization (TVR) (5.5%; n = 59). Non-TVR was performed in 6.7% (n = 71). MACE was significantly in favor of successful CTO-PCI (8.0% vs 13%; P=.04), even after adjusting for baseline differences (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.98; P=.04). Other events, including individual MACE components, were comparable with respect to technical outcome and final technique (DR vs non-DR techniques).CONCLUSIONS:The use of the hybrid algorithm with contemporary techniques by moderate to highly experienced operators for CTO-PCI is safe and associated with a low 1-year event rate. Successful procedures are associated with a better MACE rate. DR techniques can be used as first-line strategies alongside intimal wiring techniques without compromising clinical outcomes.

We report the case of a 44-year-old pregnant woman who was diagnosed with symptomatic severe mitral stenosis that did not respond to optimal medical therapy and balloon valvuloplasty. After a multidisciplinary team discussion on the timing and risks of interventions and postoperative optimization of peripartum anticoagulation, the patient underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The outcome was excellent for the mother and the infant. This case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing unusual cases.

ObjectivesThis study sought to create a contemporary scoring tool to predict technical outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from patients treated by hybrid operators with differing experience levels.BackgroundCurrent scoring systems need regular updating to cope with the positive evolutions regarding materials, techniques, and outcomes, while at the same time being applicable for a broad range of operators.MethodsClinical and angiographic characteristics from 880 CTO‐PCIs included in the REgistry of CrossBoss and Hybrid procedures in FrAnce, the NetheRlands, BelGium and UnitEd Kingdom (RECHARGE) were analyzed by using a derivation and validation set (2:1 ratio). Variables significantly associated with technical failure in the multivariable analysis were incorporated in the score. Subsequently, the discriminatory capacity was assessed and the validation set was used to compare with the J‐CTO score and PROGRESS scores.ResultsTechnical success in the derivation and validation sets was 83% and 85%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified six parameters associated with technical failure: blunt stump (beta coefficient (b) = 1.014); calcification (b = 0.908); tortuosity ≥45° (b = 0.964); lesion length 20 mm (b = 0.556); diseased distal landing zone (b = 0.794), and previous bypass graft on CTO vessel (b = 0.833). Score variables remained significant after bootstrapping. The RECHARGE score showed better discriminatory capacity in both sets (area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) = 0.783 and 0.711), compared to the J‐CTO (AUC = 0.676) and PROGRESS (AUC = 0.608) scores.ConclusionsThe RECHARGE score is a novel, easy‐to‐use tool for assessing the risk for technical failure in hybrid CTO‐PCI and has the potential to perform well for a broad community of operators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background— Development of the CrossBoss and Stingray devices for antegrade dissection and reentry (ADR) of chronic total occlusions has improved historically suboptimal outcomes. However, the outcomes, safety, and failure modes of the technique have to be studied in a larger patient cohort. This preplanned substudy of the RECHARGE registry (Registry of CrossBoss and Hybrid Procedures in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and United Kingdom) aims to evaluate the value and use of ADR and determine its future position in contemporary chronic total occlusion intervention. Methods and Results— Patients were selected if an ADR strategy was applied. Outcomes, safety, and failure modes of the technique were assessed. The ADR technique was used in 23% (n=292/1253) of the RECHARGE registry and was mainly applied for complex lesions (Japanese chronic total occlusion score=2.7±1.1). ADR was the primary strategy in 30% (n=88/292), of which 67% were successful. Bail-out ADR strategies were successful in 63% (n=133/210). The Controlled ADR (ie, combined CrossBoss-Stingray) subtype was applied most frequently (32%; n=93/292) and successfully (81%; n=75/93). Overall per-lesion success rate was 78% (n=229/292), after use of additional bail-out strategies. The inability to reach the distal target zone (n=48/100) or to reenter (n=43/100) most commonly led to failure. ADR-associated major events occurred in 3.4% (n=10/292). Conclusions— Although mostly applied as a bail-out strategy for complex lesions, the frequency, outcomes, and low complication rate of the ADR technique and its subtypes confirm the benefit and value of the technique in hybrid chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention, especially when antegrade wiring or retrograde approaches are not feasible. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02075372.

BACKGROUND The hybrid algorithm for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was developed to improve procedural outcomes. Large, prospective studies validating the algorithm in a broad multicenter setting with operators of different experience levels are lacking.OBJECTIVES The RECHARGE (REgistry of Crossboss and Hybrid procedures in FrAnce, the NetheRlands, BelGium and UnitEd Kingdom) registry aims to report achievable results using the hybrid algorithm.METHODS Between January 2014 and October 2015, consecutive patients undergoing hybrid CTO-PCI were prospectively enrolled in 17 centers. Procedural techniques, outcomes, and in-hospital complications were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 1,253 CTO-PCIs were performed in 1,177 patients, of which 86% were men. Mean age was 66 +/- 11 years. The average Japanese CTO score was 2.0 +/- 1.0, and was higher in the failure group (2.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 1.9 +/- 1.0; p < 0.001). Overall procedure success was 86% and major in-hospital complications occurred in 2.6%. Antegrade wire escalation was the preferred primary strategy in 77%, followed by retrograde (17%) and antegrade dissection re-entry strategies (7%). Primary strategies were successful in 60%. Consecutive strategies were applied in 34% and were successful in 74%. Antegrade dissection re-entry and retrograde strategies were the most common bailout strategies and were successful in 67% and 62%, respectively. Median procedure and fluoroscopy time were 90 (interquartile range [ IQR]: 60 to 120) min and 35 (IQR: 21 to 55) min, contrast volume was 250 (IQR: 180 to 340) ml, and radiation doses (air kerma and dose area product) were 1.6 (IQR: 1.0 to 2.7) Gy and 98 (IQR: 57 to 168) Gy.cm(2), respectively.CONCLUSIONS High procedure and patient success rates, combined with a low event rate and improved procedural characteristics, support further use of the hybrid algorithm for a broad community of appropriately trained CTO operators. (C) 2016 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

We report two cases of severe mitral stenosis where percutaneous mitral commisurotomy was performed within pregnancy. The first case involves an emergency procedure for a new diagnosis of severe mitral stenosis in a woman presenting with pulmonary oedema at 27 weeks’ gestation. The second case is of a woman known to have mitral stenosis who underwent a semi-elective procedure for deterioration in symptoms. This procedure is not commonly performed in the United Kingdom because of low incidence of rheumatic heart disease. In addition, percutaneous mitral commisurotomy during pregnancy is rarely performed in the United Kingdom because of the improved healthcare system where majority of the women with moderate to severe mitral stenosis (even asymptomatic) will undergo planned interventions (percutaneous mitral commisurotomy or mitral valve surgery) before contemplating pregnancy. These cases highlight both the acute and chronic presentations of mitral stenosis and the impact pregnancy has on this condition. In addition, these cases show the importance of retaining skills in performing percutaneous mitral commisurotomy within our United Kingdom cardiologists.

PURPOSE:Declining inspiratory muscle function and structure and systemic low-level inflammation and oxidative stress may contribute to morbidity and mortality during normal ageing. Therefore, we examined the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in older adults on inspiratory muscle function and structure and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and reexamined the reported positive effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance, spirometry, exercise performance, physical activity levels (PAL), and quality of life (QoL). METHODS:Thirty-four healthy older adults (68 ± 3 yr) with normal spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, and physical fitness were divided equally into a pressure-threshold IMT or sham-hypoxic placebo group. Before and after an 8-wk intervention, measurements were taken for dynamic inspiratory muscle function and inspiratory muscle endurance using a weighted plunger pressure-threshold loading device; diaphragm thickness by using B-mode ultrasonography; plasma cytokine concentrations by using immunoassays; DNA damage levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by using comet assays; spirometry, maximal mouth pressures, and exercise performance by using a 6-min walk test; PAL by using a questionnaire and accelerometry; and QoL using a questionnaire. RESULTS:Compared with placebo, IMT increased maximal inspiratory pressure (+34% ± 43%, P = 0.008), diaphragm thickness at residual volume (+38% ± 39%, P = 0.03), and peak inspiratory flow (+35% ± 42%, P = 0.049) but did not change other spirometry measures, plasma cytokine concentrations, DNA damage levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, dynamic inspiratory muscle function, inspiratory muscle endurance, exercise performance, PAL, or QoL. CONCLUSION:These novel data indicate that in healthy older adults, IMT elicits some positive changes in inspiratory muscle function and structure but neither attenuates systemic inflammation and oxidative stress nor improves exercise performance, PAL, or QoL.