Clinical efficacy of endovascular revascularization combined with vacuum-assisted closure for the treatment of diabetic foot

BACKGROUND The diabetic foot is a common cause of disability and death,and comorbid foot infections usually lead to prolonged hospitalization,high healthcare costs,and a significant increase in amputation rates.And most diabetic foot trauma is complicated by lower extremity arteriopathy,which becomes an independent risk factor for major amputation in diabetic foot patients.AIM To establish the efficacy and safety of endovascular revascularization(ER)combined with vacuum-assisted closure(VAC)for the treatment of diabetic foot.METHODS Clinical data were collected from 40 patients with diabetic foot admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from April 2018 to April 2022.Diabetic foot lesions were graded according to Wagner’s classification,and blood flow to the lower extremity was evaluated using the ankle-brachial index test and computerized tomography angiography of the lower extremity arteries.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps were used to achieve glycemic control.Lower limb revascularization was facilitated by percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty(BA)or stenting.Wounds were cleaned by nibbling debridement.Wound granulation tissue growth was induced by VAC,and wound repair was performed by skin grafting or skin flap transplantation.RESULTS Of the 35 cases treated with lower limb revascularization,34 were successful with a revascularization success rate of 97%.Of these,6 cases underwent stenting after BA of the superficial femoral artery,and 1 received popliteal artery stent implantation.In the 25 cases treated with infrapopliteal artery revascularization,39 arteries were reconstructed,7 of which were treated by drug-coated BA and the remaining 32 with plain old BA.VAC was performed in 32 wounds.Twenty-four cases of skin grafting and 2 cases of skin flap transplantation were performed.Two patients underwent major amputations,whereas 17 had minor amputations,accounting for a success limb salvage rate of 95%.CONCLUSION ER in combination with VAC is a safe and effective treatment for diabetic foot that can significantly improve limb salvage rates.The use of VAC after ER simplifies and facilitates wound repair.

Analysis of the Effect of the Comprehensive Nursing Model on Patients with Moyamoya Disease Undergoing Intracranial and Extracranial Revascularization Surgery

Objective:To explore the effect of a comprehensive nursing model on patients with Moyamoya disease who underwent intracranial and extracranial revascularization surgery.Methods:110 cases were divided into control and observation groups with 55 cases each.The control group received routine perioperative care,and the observation group received perioperative care along with comprehensive nursing care.The two groups’disease cognition levels,anxiety,symptoms,daily living ability scores,and postoperative complication rates were compared.Results:The anxiety score and total postoperative complications of the observation group upon discharge were lower than that of the control group,and the disease cognition level and daily living ability upon discharge were higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Applying the comprehensive nursing model in conjunction with perioperative care for patients undergoing surgery can effectively improve their anxiety,strengthen activities of daily living,and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Effect of complete revascularization in acute coronary syndrome after 75 years old:insights from the BleeMACS registry

BACKGROUND The prognostic benefit of complete revascularization in elderly patients(aged over 75 years)with multi-vessel disease and acute coronary syndrome(ACS)is currently unclear.This study aimed to determine the long-term prognostic impact of complete revascularization in this population.METHODS We conducted this study using data obtained from the BleeMACS(Bleeding complications in a Multicenter registry of patients discharged after an Acute Coronary Syndrome)registry,which was carried out from 2003 to 2014.The objective was to categorize older patients diagnosed with ACS into two groups:those who underwent complete revascularization and those who did not.Propensity score matching and the Kaplan-Meier analysis were employed to examine differences in one-year clinical outcomes.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular event(MACE),which encompassed a combination of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction.RESULTS Out of 1263 patients evaluated,445 patients(35.2%)received complete revascularization.Patients who underwent complete revascularization had a higher prevalence of hypertension and prior percutaneous coronary intervention compared to those who did not.During the one-year follow-up period,complete revascularization was associated with a significantly decreased risk of MACE[13.7%vs.20.5%,hazard ratio(HR)=0.63,95%CI:0.45–0.88,P=0.007]and a lower risk of myocardial infarction(5.9%vs.9.9%,HR=0.55,95%CI:0.33–0.92,P=0.02).However,it was not linked to a lower risk of all-cause death(9.5%vs.13.5%,HR=0.68,95%CI:0.45–1.02,P=0.06).Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis.CONCLUSIONS Long-term clinical improvements were observed in ACS patients aged over 75 years with multi-vessel disease who achieved complete revascularization.Therefore,adhering to guidelines for complete revascularization should be recommended for elderly patients.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques in the era of hybrid coronary revascularization： additional benefits for the elderly patients？

Geriatric patients affected by stable multi-vessel coronary artery disease （CAD） are at the crossroad： they can live with the risks of acute coronary syndrome, malignant arrhythmias or heart failure, or they can undergo a rapid evaluation for myocardial revascularization.

Complete revascularization reduces adverse outcomes in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease

AIM To investigate the infuence of complete and incomplete revascularization （ICR） in patients with multivessel coro-nary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass or percutaneous coronary intervention.METHODS We searched PubMed using the keywords “complete revascularization”, “incomplete revascularization”, “cor-onary artery bypass”, and “percutaneous coronary intervention”. We selected randomized controlled studies （RCT） and observational studies only for review. The main outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction （MI） and repeat revascularization. We identified further studies by hand searching relevant publications and included those that met with the inclusion criteria in our fnal analysis and performed a systematic review.RESULTSTen studies were identified, including 13327 patients of whom, 8053 received complete revascularization and 5274 received ICR. Relative to ICR, CR was associated with lower mortality （RR： 0.755, 95%CI： 0.66 to 0.864, P = 0.765, I2 = 0.0%）, lower rates of MI （RR： 0.759, 95%CI： 0.615 to 0.937, P = 0.091, I2 = 45.1%）, lower rates of MACCE （RR： 0.731, 95%CI： 0.668 to 0.8, P = 0.453, I2 = 0.0%） and reduced rates of repeat coronary revascularization （RR： 0.691, 95%CI： 0.541 to 0.883, P = 0.0, I2 = 88.3%）.CONCLUSIONCR is associated with lower rates of adverse outcomes. CR can be used as a standard in the choice of any particular revascularization strategy.

Elevation of vascular endothelial growth factor production and its effect on revascularization and function of graft islets in diabetic rats

AIM: To determine whether the elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression produced by the transfected vascular endothelial cells (VECs) could stimulate angiogenesis of the graft islets and exert its effect on the graft function. METHODS: Thirty diabetic recipient rats were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group). In the control group,300 IEQ islets were transplanted in each rat under the capsule of the right kidney,which were considered as marginal grafts. In the VEC group,VEC together with the islets were transplanted in each rat. In the VEGF group,VEC transfected by pIRES2-EGFP/ VEGF165 plasmid and the islets were transplanted in each rat. Blood glucose and insulin levels were evaluated every other day after operation. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed 10 d after the transplantation. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histological features of the graft islets. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect insulin-6,VEGF and CD34 (MVD) expression in the graft islets. RESULTS: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the VEGF group restored to normal 3 d after transplantation. In contrast,diabetic rats receiving the same islets with or without normal VECs displayed moderate hyperglycemia and insulin,without a significant difference between these two groups. IVGTT showed that both the amplitude of blood glucose induction and the kinetics of blood glucose in the VEGF group restored to normal after transplantation. H&E and immunohistochemical staining showed the presence of a large amount of graft islets under the capsule of the kidney,which were positively stained with insulin-6 and VEGF antibodies in the VEGF group. In the cell masses,CD34-stained VECs were observed. The similar masses were also seen in the other two groups,but with a fewer positive cells stained with insulin-6 and CD34 antibodies. No VEGF-positive cells appeared in these groups. Microvessel density (MVD) was significantly higher in the VEGF group compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Elevated VEGF production by trans-fected vascular endothelial cells in the site of islet transplantation stimulates angiogenesis of the islet grafts. The accelerated islet revascularization in early stage could improve the outcome of islet transplantation,and enhance the graft survival.

Redo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Revascularization Techniques

Objective To analyze the short-term outcomes of redo coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) using on-pump and off-pump CABG techniques. Methods From January 2003 to August 2013, non-randomized 80 patients were treated with redo CABG in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital. Among these patients, 40 underwent on-pump CABG technique(redo-ONCAB group) and 40 underwent off-pump CABG technique(redo-OPCAB group). Furthermore, transmyocardial laser revascularization was performed in high-risk patients who were not suitable to conventional grafting. Clinical data of the two groups were recorded and analyzed including operation time, coronary grafts, incomplete revascularization, postoperative ventilation, perioperative stroke, and low output syndrome, etc. Results There were no significantly differences in age, gender distribution, incidences of hypertension, stroke, and other clinical characteristics between redo-OPCAB group and redo-ONCAB group(all P>0.05), except for incidences of renal dysfunction and pulmonary disease(all P<0.05). The number of grafting vessels in the redo-ONCAB and redo-OPCAB groups was 2.1 ± 0.74 and 1.4 ±0.52 respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups(P=0.0243). Compared with the redo-ONCAB group, there was shorter operation time(P=0.0045), postoperative ventilation(P=0.0211) and intensive care unit stay(P=0.0400), as well as fewer use of platelet(P=0.0338) and blood transfusion(P=0.0034) in the redo-OPCAB group. The incidence of incomplete revascularization(P=0.0253) and the use of transmyocardial laser revascularization(P=0.0052) were higher in the redo-OPCAB group than those in the redo-ONCAB group(all P<0.05). However, no significant differences were showed for the incidence of the use of intra aortic balloon pump and continuous renal replacement therapy, perioperative stroke, low output syndrome, and in-hospital mortality between the two groups(all P>0.05). Conclusion Redo CABG is the safety and efficacy surgical procedure, and redo-OPCAB technique with better outcomes is commended especially in high-risk patients.

Penile revascularization--contemporary update

Contemporary therapies for erectile dysfunction are generally targeted towards older men and universally engage pharmacological and/ or device related treatment options. Penile revascularization, using microvascular arterial bypass surgical techniques, is a non-pharmacological, non-device-related, and reconstructive surgical strategy for men with erectile dysfunction that was first described by Dr Vaclav Michal in 1973.

Impact of gout on in-hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome-related hospitalizations and revascularizations: Insights from the national inpatient sample

BACKGROUND Previous studies have established a role of gout in predicting risk and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, large-scale data on the impact of gout on inpatient outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related hospitalizations and post-revascularization is inadequate. AIM To evaluate the impact of gout on in-hospital outcomes of ACS hospitalizations, subsequent healthcare burden and predictors of post-revascularization inpatient mortality. METHODS We used the national inpatient sample (2010-2014) to identify the ACS and goutrelated hospitalizations, relevant comorbidities, revascularization and postrevascularization outcomes using the ICD-9 CM codes. A multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the predictors of post-revascularization in-hospital mortality. RESULTS We identified 3144744 ACS-related hospitalizations, of which 105198 (3.35%) also had gout. The ACS-gout cohort were more often older white males with a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Coronary artery bypass grafting was required more often in the ACS-gout cohort. Post-revascularization complications including cardiac (3.2% vs 2.9%), respiratory (3.5% vs 2.9%), and hemorrhage (3.1% vs 2.7%) were higher whereas all-cause mortality was lower (2.2% vs 3.0%) in the ACSgout cohort (P < 0.001). An older age (OR 15.63, CI: 5.51-44.39), non-elective admissions (OR 2.00, CI: 1.44-2.79), lower household income (OR 1.44, CI: 1.17- 1.78), and comorbid conditions predicted higher mortality in ACS-gout cohort undergoing revascularization (P < 0.001). Odds of post-revascularization inhospital mortality were lower in Hispanics (OR 0.45, CI: 0.31-0.67) and Asians (OR 0.65, CI: 0.45-0.94) as compared to white (P < 0.001). However, postoperative complications significantly raised mortality odds. Mean length of stay, transfer to other facilities, and hospital charges were higher in the ACS-gout cohort. CONCLUSION Although gout was not independently associated with an increased risk of postrevascularization in-hospital mortality in ACS, it did increase postrevascularization complications.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus optimal medical therapy alone：effectiveness of incomplete revascularization in high risk patients

BackgroundGeriatric patients with multivessel coronary artery disease （CAD） are a challenging group to treat; these cases elicit dis-cussion within heart teams regarding the actual benefit of undertaking major surgery on these patients and often lead to abandon the surgical option. Percutaneous procedures represent an important option, but coronary anatomy may be unfavorable. Off-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB） provides good quality graft on left anterior descending （LAD） without exposing the patient to cardiopulmonary bypass, and might be the ideal choice in patients with multiple comorbidities, not eligible to percutaneous or on-pump procedures. The objective of this study was to compare survival during a mid-term follow-up in high-risk patients with no percutaneous alternative, either treated with OPCAB or discharged in medical therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated from June 2008 to June 2013, 83 high-risk patients with multivessel CAD were included： 42 were treated with incomplete off-pump revascularization using left internal mammary artery （LIMA） on LAD; 41 were discharged in optimal medical therapy （OMT）, having refused surgery. Follow-up ended in March 2015, with a telephonic interview. Primary endpoint was survival from all-cause mortality; secondary endpoints were survival from cardiac-related mortality and freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac events （MACEs）.ResultsDuring follow up, 11 deaths in OPCAB group and 27 deaths in OMT group occurred. Death was due to cardiac factors in 6 and 15 patients, respectively. MACEs were observed in 6 patients in OPCAB group and in 4 patients in OMT group. With regards to survival from all-cause mortality, patients who underwent OPCAB survived more than those dis-charged in OMT （Log Rank ＆lt; 0.001）, and OMT group carries a propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio of 3.862 （P ＆lt; 0.001）. With regards to survival from cardiac-related events, patients who underwent OPCAB survived more than those discharged in OMT （Log Rank = 0.002）, and OMT group carries a propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio of 3.663 （P = 0.010）. There is no statistically significant difference concerning freedom from MACEs （Log Rank = 0.273）.ConclusionsFor high-risk patients with multivessel CAD, not eligible to on-pump complete revascularization surgery or percutaneous procedures, incomplete revascularization with OPCAB LIMA-on-LAD offers benefits in survival when compared to OMT alone.

Diabetes mellitus, revascularization and outcomes in elderly patients with myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock

Background The prognostic role of diabetes mellitus(DM)in elderly patients with myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock(MI-CS)remains controversial.Little information exists about the impact of intensive cardiac care unit(ICCU)and revascularization on outcomes of elderly patients with MI-CS.We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of DM according to age in patients with MI-CS,and to analyze the impact ICCU management and revascularization on in-hospital mortality in MI-CS patients at older ages.Methods Discharge episodes with diagnosis of CS associated with MI were selected from the Spanish National Health System’s Basic Data Set.Centers were classified according to their availability of ICCU.Main outcome measured was in-hospital mortality.Results A total of 23,590 episodes of MI-CS were identified,of whom 12,447(52.8%)were in patients aged≥75 years.The impact of DM on in-hospital mortality was different among age subgroups.While in younger patients,DM was associated to a higher mortality risk(0.52 vs.0.47,OR=1.12,95%CI:1.06–1.18,χ^2<0.001),this association became non-significant in older patients(0.76 vs.0.81,χ^2=0.09).Adjusted mortality rate of MI-CS aged≥75 years was lower in patients admitted to hospitals with ICCU(adjusted mortality rate:74.2%vs.77.7%,P<0.001)and in patients undergoing revascularization(74.9%vs.77.3%,P<0.001).Conclusions Prognostic impact of DM in patients with MI-CS was different according to age,with a significantly lower impact at older ages.The availability of ICCU and revascularization were associated with better outcomes in these complex patients.

Sequential vs simultaneous revascularization in patients undergoing liver transplantation:A meta-analysis

AIM: We undertook this meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between revascularization and outcomes after liver transplantation.METHODS: A literature search was performed using MeSH and key words. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Jadad Score and the NewcastleOttawa Scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the χ 2and I 2 tests. The risk of publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test, and the risk of bias was assessed using a domain-based assessment tool.A sensitivity analysis was conducted by reanalyzing the data using different statistical approaches.RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 467 patients were included. Ischemic-type biliary lesions were significantly reduced in the simultaneous revascularization group compared with the sequential revascularization group(OR = 4.97, 95%CI: 2.45-10.07; P < 0.00001),and intensive care unit(ICU) days were decreased(MD = 2.00, 95%CI: 0.55-3.45; P = 0.007) in the simultaneous revascularization group. Although warm ischemia time was prolonged in simultaneous revascularization group(MD =-25.84, 95%CI:-29.28-22.40; P < 0.00001), there were no significant differences in other outcomes between sequential and simultaneous revascularization groups. Assessment of the risk of bias showed that the methods of random sequence generation and blinding might have been a source of bias. The sensitivity analysis strengthened the reliability of the results of this meta-analysis.CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that simultaneous revascularization in liver transplantation may reduce the incidence of ischemic-type biliary lesions and length of stay of patients in the ICU.

Coronary angiography in the very old: impact of diabetes on long-term revascularization and mortality

Background Diabetes is often associated with coronary artery disease,leading to adverse clinical outcomes.Real-world data is limited regarding the impact of diabetes in very old patients undergoing coronary angiography on the risk for late or repeated coronary revascularization and mortality.Methods Retrospective analysis of 1,353 consecutive patients>80 years who were admitted to the cardiac unit and further underwent coronary angiography.Subsequent revascularization procedures and all-cause mortality were recorded over a median fbllow-up of 47 months and their relation to diabetic status and presentation with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)was studied.Results Diabetes was present in 31%of the patients undergoing coronary angiography,and was associated with higher rates of obesity,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,chronic kidney disease and female gender.ACS was the presenting diagnosis in 71%of the patients and was associated with worse survival(1-year mortality 20%in ACS vs.6.2%in non-ACS patients,P<0.0001).Increase in long-term mortality rates was seen in diabetic subjects compared to non-diabetic subjects presenting with ACS(log-rank P=0.005),but not in the non-ACS setting(P=0」99).In a multivariable model,additionally adjusting for acuity of presentation,the presence of diabetes was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.60(95%confidence interval:12-2.28),P=0.011,for the need of late or repeat coronary revascularization and 1.48(1.26-1.74),P<0.0001 for all-cause mortality,during long-term follow-up.Conclusions In very old patients undergoing coronary angiography,presentation with ACS was associated with worse survival.Diabetes was an independent predictor of late or repeated revascularization and long-term mortality.

Hybrid coronary revascularization vs. percutaneous coronary interventions for multivessel coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE Hybrid coronary revascularization(HCR)combines a minimally invasive surgical approach to the left anterior descending(LAD)artery with percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for non-LAD diseased coronary arteries.It is associated with shorter hospital lengths of stay and recovery times than conventional coronary artery bypass surgery,but there is little information comparing it to isolated PCI for multivessel disease.Our objective is to compare long-term outcomes of HCR and PCI for patients with multivessel disease.METHODS This cohort study used data from New York’s cardiac surgery and PCI registries in 2010−2016 to examine mortality and repeat revascularization rates for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent HCR and PCI.Cox proportional hazards methods were used to reduce selection bias.Patients were followed for a median of four years.RESULTS There was a total of 335 HCR patients(1.2%)and 25,557 PCI patients(98.8%)after exclusions.There was no difference in 6-year risk adjusted survival between HCR and PCI patients 83.17%vs.81.65%,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)=0.90(95%CI:0.67−1.20).However,HCR patients were more likely to be free from repeat revascularization in the LAD artery(91.13%vs.83.59%,aHR=0.51(95%CI:0.34−0.77)).CONCLUSIONS For patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease,HCR is rarely performed.There are no differences in mortality rates after four years,but HCR is associated with lower repeat revascularization rates in the LAD artery,presumably due to better longevity in left arterial mammary grafts.

Avoiding revascularization strategy versus revascularization with drug-coated balloon for the treatment of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy,safety and treatment costs of superficial femoral artery revascularization(SFA)with drug-coated balloon(DCB)versus avoiding revascularization strategy for the treatment of symptomatic SFA disease.Methods:This retrospective single-center study reviewed 96 patients(113 limbs)with severe stenosis and occlusive SFA disease.All patients underwent either DCB(Group 1:n=55 limbs)or nonrevascularization(Group2:n=58 limbs)between March 2015 and June 2019.The improvement of Rutherford class,walking impairment questionnaire score(WIQ),target limb reintervention,perioperative major adverse events,the catheterization laboratory cost and length of hospital stay were compared.The limb salvage and survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association between factors and the improvement of Rutherford category at 12 months.Results:The median follow-up time of Groups 1 and 2 was 17 and 33 months,respectively.At 12 months,the Rutherford category significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.001),with no significant difference(79.7%vs.64.3%,P=0.074).Furthermore,multivariate analysis showed that the selected therapeutic method was not an influential factor for the improvement of Rutherford class at 12 months.The WIQ overall score as well as three subscales scores(distance,speed and stair-climbing),the survival rate,limb salvage rate and the length of stay between the two groups were comparable.The perioperative adverse events rate and catheterization laboratory cost in Group 2 was significantly lower compared to Group 1[(34253.69±28172.87)yuan vs.(56936.76±41278.36)yuan,P=0.001].Conclusions:This study suggests that avoiding superficial femoral artery revascularization strategy has favorable efficacy and safety outcomes compared to combining revascularization with DCB in selected patients.

Risk or Beneficial Factors Associated with Unplanned Revascularization Risk Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Large Single-Center Data

Objective To analyze factors associated with unplanned revascularization(UR) risk in patients with coronary artery disease(CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods A total of 10,640 cases with CAD who underwent PCI were analyzed. Multivariate COX regressions and competing risk regressions were applied.Results The patients who underwent UR following PCI in 30 days, 1, and 2 years accounted for 0.3%,6.5%, and 8.7%, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the number of target lesions [hazard ratio(HR) = 2.320;95% confidence interval(CI): 1.643–3.277;P < 0.001], time of procedure(HR = 1.006;95%CI: 1.001–1.010;P = 0.014), body mass index(HR = 1.104;95% CI: 1.006–1.210;P = 0.036), incomplete revascularization(ICR)(HR = 2.476;95% CI: 1.030–5.952;P = 0.043), and age(HR = 1.037;95% CI:1.000–1.075;P = 0.048) were determined as independent risk factors of 30-day UR. Factors, including low-molecular-weight heparin or fondaparinux(HR = 0.618;95% CI: 0.531–0.719;P < 0.001), secondgeneration durable polymer drug-eluting stent(HR = 0.713;95% CI: 0.624–0.814;P < 0.001), left anterior descending artery involvement(HR = 0.654;95% CI: 0.530–0.807;P < 0.001), and age(HR = 0.992;95%CI: 0.985–0.998;P = 0.014), were independently associated with decreased two-year UR risk. While,Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score(HR =1.024;95% CI: 1.014–1.033;P < 0.001) and ICR(HR = 1.549;95% CI: 1.290–1.860;P < 0.001) were negatively associated with two-year UR risk.Conclusion Specific factors were positively or negatively associated with short-and medium-long-term UR following PCI.

Total Arterial Revascularization with Internal Mammary Artery or Radial Artery π Graft Configuration

Summary： To investigate the clinical use of π graft in total arterial revascularization and its outcomes, a retrospective analysis of 23 patients out of 1000 patients undergoing total arterial coronary bypass surgery with a π graft between September 1994 and December 2004 was performed. In the selected patients for the management of triple vessel disease with middle diagonal/intermediate ramus disease such that a skip with the left internal mammary artery （LIMA） or radial artery （RA）, the main stem of π graft, to the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） will not work and the right internal mammary artery （RIMA） or right gastroepiploic artery （RGEA） cannot pick up the diagonal/intermediate ramus, hence the LAD and diagonal/intermediate ramus were grafted with a mini Y graft using the distal segment of LIMA, RIMA, RA or RGEA, together with the bilateral internal mammary artery （BIMA） or LIMA-RA T graft to compose π graft. Twenty-three patients （18 males, 5 females） underwent the π graft procedure. There were no deaths or episodes of myocardial infarction, stroke, and deep sternal wound infection. One patient required reopening for controlling bleeding. Until the end of 2004, during a mean follow-up of 81.0±28.4 months, no angina needing re intervention or operative therapy or coronary related death occurred. In conclusion, in patients with specific coronary artery anatomy/stenosis, the BIMA （sometimes LIMA with RA or RGEA） π graft can be successfully performed for total arterial revascularization with good midterm outcomes.

Evaluation of revascularization after total arch replacement in common carotid artery occlusion

Occlusion of the common carotid artery(CCA) is rare. CCA occlusion(CCAO) can present as drowsiness and right hemiplegia related to emboli after total arch replacement. Although we selected a follow-up at first because color duplex sonography showed retrograde flow from the left external carotid artery to the internal carotid artery, this patient had epilepsy and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) acquired quantitative results of actual brain perfusion and showed insufficient collateral blood flow. To improve brain perfusion, we performed a bypass of the left subclavian artery to left CCA bypass. Postoperatively, the patient did not have epilepsy and drowsiness. Also, right hemiplegia improved enough for him to walk with support. SPECT showed increased left cerebral flow(the asymmetry ratio was 71% to 81%). Evaluation of the carotid artery with color duplex sonography alone was insufficient when CCAO showed retrograde or collateral flow. We should have performed quantitative evaluation with SPECT at the same time.

Long-term outcomes of high-risk elderly male patients with multivessel coronary disease： optimal medical therapy versus revascularization

Background Many studies have indicated that medical therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention have similar effects in terms of the long-term prognosis of patients with stable coronary artery disease. This study investigated the effects of optimal medical therapy （OMT） and revascularization-plus-OMT in elderly patients with high-risk angina. Methods In this prospective non-randomized study, 241 consecutive high-risk elderly male patients （65-92 years of age） with angiographically confirmed multivessel disease were enrolled in the registry from January 2004 to April 2005. Of these, 98 patients underwent OMT and 143 underwent revascularization therapy plus OMT. Results After 6.5 years of follow-up, we found that the rate of long-term cardiac mortality was significantly higher in patients who under- went OMT than in those who underwent revascularization （6.5-year unadjusted mortality rate, 14.3% for OMT vs. 7.0% for revascularization patients; log-rank P = 0.04）. However, the overall risks of major adverse cardiac cerebrovascular events （MACCE） were similar among all patients （6.5-year unadjusted mortality rate, 29.6% for OMT vs. 27.3% for revascularization patients; log-rank P = 0.67）. Conclusions OMT was associated with an increase in cardiac death but a similar 6.5-year risk of MACCE compared with revascularization in high-risk elderly male patients with coronary multivessel disease.

Evaluation of the Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Myocardial Infarction after Revascularization with Intravenous Real-time Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography

In order to evaluate the left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction after revascularization with intravenous real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography （RT-MCE）, intravenous RT-MCE was performed on 20 patients with myocardial infarction before coronary revascularization. Follow-up echocardiography was performed 3 months after coronary revascularization. Segmental wall motion was assessed using 18-segment LV model and classified as normal, hypokinesis, akinesis and dyskinesis. Myocardial perfusion was assessed by visual interpretation and divided into 3 conditions： homogeneous opacification=l; partial or reduced opaciflcation or subendocardial contrast defect=2; constrast defect=3. Myocardial perfusion score index （MPSI） was calculated by dividing the total sum of contrast score by the total number of segments with abnormal wall motion. Twenty patients were classified into 2 groups according to the MPSI： MPSI≤I.5 as good myocardial perfusion, MPSI〉1.5 as poor myocardial perfusion. To assess the left ventricular remodeling, the following comparisons were carried out： （1） Comparisons of left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） and left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV） before and 3 months after revascularization in two groups;（2） Comparisons of LVEF, LVESV and LVEDV pre-revascularization between two groups and comparisons of these 3 months post-revascularization between two groups; （3） Comparisons of the differences in LVEF, LVESV and LVEDV between 3 months post-and pre-revascularization （ALVEF, ALVESV and ALVEDV） between two groups; （4） The linear regression analysis between ALVEF, ALVESV, ALVEDV and MPSI. The results showed that the LVEF obtained 3 months after revascularization in patients with MPSI〉1.5 was obviously lower than that in those with MPSI〈1.5. The LVEDV obtained 3 months post-revascularization in patients with MPSI〉1.5 was obviously larger than that in those with MPSI≤1.5 （P=0.002 and 0.04）. The differences in ALVEF and ALVEDV between patients with MPSI〉I.5 and those with MPSI≤1.5 were significant （P=0.002 and 0.001, respectively）. Linear regression analysis revealed that MPSI had a negative correlation with ALVEF and a positive correlation with ALVESV, ALVEDV （P=0.004, 0.008, and 0.016, respectively）. It was concluded that RT-MCE could accurately evaluate the left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction after revascularization.