According to this recent Excel analysis, mortality seems to rise when the SYNTAX II score is not taken into account when defining the revascularization strategy. The difference does not reach statistical significance and further studies are required, but the message is clear: the left main coronary artery is not the only thing that matters; other…
EuroPCR 2019 | MeRes-1: Bioresorbable Scaffolds Return with Renewed Strength
A small number of highly selected patients presents good outcomes with new bioresorbable scaffold MeRes, but much more evidence is necessary to bring back the concept. The MeRes-1 study tested the newest generation of the Meril Life Sciences bioresorbable scaffold, a device featuring thinner struts compared with Absorb (from 150 µm in Absorb to only…
EuroPCR 2019 | Stent Firehawk Continues to Show Good Results at 2 Years vs. Xience
This device, an abluminal groove-filled biodegradable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent manufactured in China, showed very similar efficacy and safety to the “gold standard” everolimus eluting Xience at 2-year follow up, according to the TARGET outcomes, presented yesterday at the EuroPCR 2019 and simultaneously published in J Am Coll Cardiol Intv. The device, which is manufactured in China…
EuroPCR 2019 | BASKET-SMALL 2: Drug-Coated Balloons vs. DES in Small Vessels
This angiographic substudy supports the safety of drug-coated balloons in small vessels. Despite better angiographic outcomes, there were eight cases of stent thrombosis among drug-eluting stent (DES) patients, while there was none with drug-coated balloons. In patients with small vessels, using a drug-coated balloon appears safe and comparable to DES, with favorable angiographic outcomes at…
EuroPCR 2019 | Intravascular Imaging Almost Indispensable for Planning an Angioplasty
Cost and time are the two main enemies of intravascular imaging, but lack of expertise may also play a role. A new European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) expert consensus statement released at EuroPCR 2019 argues that there is a need for more use of intracoronary imaging in settings of acute coronary syndromes and…
EuroPCR 2019 | REVELATION: Drug Coated Balloons in ST Elevation MI
Drug coated balloons in the context of ST elevation acute myocardial infarction seem safe and feasible under certain circumstances. This single center study is the kickoff to keep studying the possibility of “leaving nothing behind” after primary PCI. This small randomized study revives drug coated balloons to be used particularly instead of stents in young…
EuroPCR 2019 | BIO-RESORT and SCAAR Registry: Ultrathin Struts Also in Small Vessels pequeños
Data from randomized studies are also supported by the SCAAR registry, in which ultrathin-strut stents show real-world advantages. Patients with small vessels who received ultrathin-strut stents are less likely to undergo revascularization at 3 years than those who received first-generation thin-strut devices, according to the BIO-RESORT trial, presented during the first day of the annual…