The first experiences with distal radial access (DRA) have revealed significant benefits compared against the transradial approach (TRA), showing reduced bleeding events and better puncture site occlusion rate. Even the spectrum of diseases treated with DRA has grown, and now includes chronic total occlusion (CTO) though 7Fr inductors, such as Terumo’s Glidesheath Slender. The aim...
Preparation Before Elective Coronary Angiography: Is Prolonged Fasting the Only Option?
When scheduling a coronary angiography, patients are usually instructed to fast for at least 8 hours (no oral intake after dinner). However, this strategy can lead to negative effects such as discomfort, irritability, dehydration, and even hypoglycemia in some cases. Previous studies have not shown significant differences in gastric complications between patients fasting only 2 hours before...
Relationship of Radial Wall Strain with Functional and Morphological Assessment of Coronary Artery Lesions
Radial wall strain (RWS) has been recently linked with plaque vulnerability and has been identified as a predictor of lesion progression and clinical outcomes. However, RWS should be assessed together with physiological indices and plaque characteristics. The aim of this post hoc analysis of the CCTA-FFR registry was to look into the link between RWS...
Use of Intravascular Lithotripsy vs. Rotational Atherectomy for Severely Calcified Coronary Lesions
Severely calcified coronary stenosis poses a significant challenge for coronary angioplasty procedures. Modifying plaque before stenting is crucial to a successful intervention, since it will prevent the sub expansion associated to worse clinical outcomes at followup. The tools employed to assess complex lesions include specialized balloons such as cutting, scoring, or high pressure balloons, as...
Long-term Results of Coronary Bifurcation Lesion Treatment in Diabetic Patients
The effects of diabetes on patients with coronary artery disease are well-known, and their outcomes after angioplasty are less favorable, with a higher rate of restenosis, recurrent acute myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis. Despite advances in drug-eluting stents and procedural techniques, the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions in diabetic patients shows less positive clinical outcomes...
Outcomes of the Use of Drug Coated Balloons in the Treatment of De Novo Coronary Lesions
Drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty offers a novel strategy for treating coronary artery disease. Studies assessing this strategy have shown clinical outcomes comparable to drug-eluting stents’ (DES) in patients with in-stent restenosis and de novo disease in small vessels. However, evidence for the use of DCB in large coronary vessels is limited. This observational, retrospective study DCB...
Revascularization vs. Deferral of Physiologically Significant Lesions in the Left Main Coronary Artery
Most randomized studies on decision-making in coronary artery disease revascularization exclude left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD), as did the ISCHEMIA Study. On the other hand, the benefits of functionally assessing lesions, proven in studies such as FAME, emphasize the importance of this tool in guiding revascularization decisions. However, there is still little understanding of...
Impella in High Risk Coronary Angioplasty before TAVR
The population is aging, which is closely related with the presence of aortic stenosis. This condition, as we know, is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) approximately in 50% of cases. In high risk surgical patients, this calls for procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). PCI with ventricular...
Long-Term Results from the BEST Study: Drug-Eluting Stents vs. Bypass Surgery in Diabetic Patients with Multiple Vessel Disease
The impact of diabetes on the development of cardiovascular disease is widely known, with a strong association with extensive and diffuse coronary artery disease. Decision-making regarding how to revascularize patients with multi-vessel disease is a complex process. In this context, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been recommended over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) based on...
Complex Coronary Angioplasty in Elderly Patients: Problem or Solution?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in elderly adults (individuals aged 75 years or older). In turn, coronary heart disease is one of the main causes of morbidity in this population. In addition to anatomical complexities, there are other factors that may complicate its management, such as polypharmacy, frailty, and procedure-related risks. All of...