尾崎 行男

To assess the fate of incomplete stent apposition (ISA) after deployment of sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs). Thirty-two patients having intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided PCI with SESs underwent assessment of stent deployment with quantitative coronary angiography, IVUS, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) pre-procedure, post-procedure, and at 10 months follow-up. Incomplete stent apposition was defined as separation of a stent strut from the inner vessel wall by > 160 mu m. At follow-up, 4.67% of struts with ISA at deployment failed to heal and 7.59% which were well apposed did not develop neointimal hyperplasia even after 10 months. Lesion remodelling was responsible for the development of late ISA in only 0.37% of struts. Failure of adequate neointimal hyperplasia was quantitatively the most important mechanism responsible for persistent acute ISA, classified in previous studies, which relied only on follow-up OCT, as late ISA. Thrombus was visualized in 20.6% of struts with ISA at follow-up and in 2.0% of struts with a good apposition (P < 0.001). In patients with SESs, ISA can fail to heal and even complete apposition can be associated with no neointimal hyperplasia. Incomplete stent apposition without neointimal hyperplasia was significantly associated with the presence of OCT-detected thrombus at follow-up, and may constitute a potent substrate for late stent thrombosis.

Purpose: We prospectively investigated the prognostic value of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI). Background: PTX3 may be a useful marker for localized vascular inflammation and damage to the cardiovascular system. Recent studies have shown that plasma PTX3 is elevated in patients with UA/NSTEMI; however, its prognostic value in UA/NSTEMI remains unclear. Methods: PTX3, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and cardiac troponin I were measured on admission in 204 consecutive patients (mean age of 69 years; 144 males) hospitalized for UA/NSTEMI within 24 h (mean of 7.5 h) after the onset of chest symptoms. A cardiac event, which was defined as cardiac death, rehospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or rehospitalization for worsening heart failure, was monitored for 6 months after admission. Results: A total of 26 (13%) cardiac events occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. In a stepwise Cox regression analysis including 18 well-known clinical and biochemical predictors of ACS outcome, both PTX3 (relative risk 3.86 per 10-fold increment, P = 0.01) and NT-proBNP (relative risk 2.16 per 10-fold increment, P = 0.02), but not hsCRP, were independently associated with the 6-month cardiac event. The cardiac event rate was higher in patients with increased PTX3 (>= 3.1 ng/mL of median value) than those without (20% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.003). A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with increased PTX3 had a higher risk for cardiac events than those without (P = 0.002). Conclusion: PTX3 and NT-proBNP may be potent and independent predictors for 6-month cardiac events in patients hospitalized for UA/NSTEMI within 24 h after the onset. Measurement of plasma PTX3 may substantially improve the early risk strati. cation of patients with UA/NSTEMI. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel intravascular imaging modality, based on infrared light emission, that enables a high resolution arterial wall imaging, in the range of 10-20 microns. This feature of OCT allows the visualization of specific components of the atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the present Expert Review Document is to address the methodology, terminology and clinical applications of OCT for qualitative and quantitative assessment of coronary arteries and atherosclerosis.

The evolution of the oxidative metabolism of C-11 acetate parallels the recovery of left ventricular (LV) contraction following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study was designed to unravel, for the first time, the impact of the global washout rate (WR) of I-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) on the recovery of LV function following AMI, as evidenced from conventional echocardiography. Twenty consecutive patients (age: 58 +/- 13 years; 16 males and 4 females) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were enrolled and all of them underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). I-123-BMIPP cardiac scintigraphy was performed at 7 +/- 3 days after admission. The WR was calculated from the polar map and the regional BMIPP defect score was calculated using a 17 segment model. Echocardiography was performed within 24 h of admission and at 3 months to record the ejection fraction (EF), the wall motion score index (WMSI), the ratio of the mitral inflow velocity to the early diastolic velocity (E/E') and the myocardial performance index (MPI). The mean global WR of the BMIPP was 22.12 +/- 7.22%, and it was significantly correlated with the improvement of the WMSI (r = 0.61, P < 0.004). However, the relative changes of the EF, E/E' and MPI were not correlated with the WR. The BMIPP defect score (18 +/- 10) was significantly correlated with the WMSI on admission (r = 0.74, P = 0.0002), but the defect score was not correlated with the relative changes of any of the echocardiographic parameters. We proved that the WR of the BMIPP is a promising indicator of improvement of the LV wall motion (WMSI) following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and successful reperfusion.

Background: Myocardial fatty acid metabolic imaging with beta-methyl iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and perfusion imaging with tetrofosmin (TF) combined can predict post ischemic salvageable myocardium and persistent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. This study was designed for the first time to assess systolic, diastolic and global LV dysfunction considering BMIPP and TF mismatched defect score (MMDS), and comparing this approach with the conventional Doppler echocardiography. Methods: Thirty four patients with first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were enrolled, and all of them underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BMIPP and Tetrofosmin (TF) scans were performed at 7+/-3.5 days of admission. Echocardiography was performed within 24 h of admission, at an interval of 1 and 3 months. MMDS was compared with systolic: ejection fraction (EF), wall motion score index (WMSI), fractional shortening (FS); diastolic: mitral valve deceleration time (MVDT), E/E', left atrial volume index (LAVI); combined systolic and diastolic parameter: left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI). Results: A good correlation was observed between BMIPP and TF defect score (p<0.00001), and in 31 (91%) patients BMIPP defect score was higher than that of TF. The MMDS showed significant correlation with EF (r=-0.64, p=<0.00001), WMSI (r=0.61, p<0.0001), and FS(r=-0.65, p<0.00001), LAVI (r=-0.32, p<0.05), and LVMPI (r=0.37, p<0.02) during follow up echocardiography at 1 month. MVDT and E/E' did not correlate with MMDS. Conclusion: Perfusion-metabolism mismatched defect score was well correlated with the evolution of global left ventricular dysfunction following AMI evidenced from conventional Doppler echocardiography. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

症例は68歳, 男性. 2008年8月ころより下腿浮腫, 2009年4月に入り浮腫増強, 発熱, 労作時息切れを認め, 同月下旬, 当院内科初診. 著明な心嚢水および両側胸水を認め, 同日精査加療目的で入院. 入院後, 胸腔・心嚢穿刺そのほか, 各種精査行うも原因不明. 採血にて抗核抗体1,280倍, 抗DNA抗体300倍など, 膠原病を示唆する所見を認めたが, 臨床的には非典型的であった. 診断的治療目的で抗生物質, 次いで, 抗結核薬を投与するも奏効せず, 感染性漿膜炎は否定的と考えた. 各種検査結果と臨床経過より, 稀な疾患ではあるが高齢発症ループスの可能性が高いと考え, ステロイド投与を開始したところ, 徐々に症状改善し, 心嚢水, 胸水とも減少を認めた. 各種精査を行っても原因のはっきりしない漿膜炎にたびたび遭遇するが, その中に本疾患が潜在している可能性があると考えられる.

Aim: We have shown that aggressive lipid lowering by pitavastatin and atorvastatin results in marked regression of atherosclerotic coronary lesions after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to address the association of lipid levels after statin therapy with regression of atherosclerotic coronary lesions and major cardiovascular events in patients after ACS. Methods: JAPAN-ACS is a prospective, randomized open-label study performed at 33 centers in Japan. Patients with ACS undergoing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned to receive either 4 mg/day pitavastatin or 20 mg/day atorvastatin within 72 hours after PCI. IVUS image was obtained in 251 patients, including 73 diabetic patients. Lipid profiles at the end of the study were divided into quartiles and the association with the percent change in non-culprit coronary plaque volume (PV) was assessed in total and diabetic patients. We also studied whether baseline and follow-up levels of HDL-cholesterol are associated with restenosis after PCI. Results: Decreasing LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, apolipoprotein B quartiles were associated with a progressively smaller plaque burden in total and diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, further reduction of these parameters was associated with a significantly greater reduction in PV. We also found that patients with lower HDL-cholesterol had a significantly higher incidence of target lesion revascularization. Conclusions: Early intensive statin therapy in patients after ACS results in remarkable regression of coronary PV. Diabetic patients can have a benefit with more intensive therapy to achieve a lower target level in Japanese.

Aim: To demonstrate the clinical benefit of inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption, we evaluated the effects of ezetimibe on surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis, lipid and glucose metabolism, and markers of obesity and inflammation. Methods: A total of 120 patients with dyslipidemia (46 men; mean age 66.5 years), who had not achieved the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) goal recommended by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guideline despite diet and exercise or any statin therapy, were enrolled and additionally treated with ezetimibe (10 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Results: Compared to the baseline, LDLC was reduced by 19.2% (p < 0.001) after ezetimibe monotherapy and by 24.7% (p < 0.001) after co-administration with ezetimibe and any statin. Ezetimibe therapy decreased cholesterol absorption markers and increased a cholesterol synthesis marker. Treatment with ezetimibe reduced the fasting serum insulin level (p < 0.05) and HbA1c (p < 0.05), increased serum adiponectin (p < 0.01), and showed a significant decrease of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP, p < 0.01). No adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusion: Thus, cholesterol absorption inhibition by ezetimibe is an important therapeutic strategy since LDL-C and cholesterol absorption markers had a positive correlation. Ezetimibe not only reduced the serum LDL-C level but also improved glucose metabolism as well as obesity and inflammation markers. These findings support the benefit of ezetimibe as a new option for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

CT angiography is commonly used for exclusion of coronary artery disease and demonstration of the extent of coronary vascular involvement. It has been recently proposed that definition of vessel wall characteristics at the site of luminal stenosis may serve as a useful prognostic tool. Presence of positively remodeled plaques with low attenuation portends a greater risk for development of acute coronary events. Although not recommended currently as a population-based strategy, CT angiographic examination may help identify very high-risk asymptomatic subjects. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

I-123-beta-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin (TF) mismatch designated as stunned myocardium having both systolic and diastolic components. The degree of mismatch might reflect subsequent functional improvement, and this study was designed to unravel the impact of mismatched defect score (MMDS) on recovery of both systolic and diastolic function following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Forty patients with recent AMI were recruited, and all of them underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. Echocardiography and BMIPP and TF cardiac scintigraphy were performed on 7 +/- A 3 days of admission. Follow up echocardiography was performed after 3 months. MMDS were compared with the systolic [ejection fraction (EF) and wall motion score index (WMSI)] and diastolic [peak velocity of early diastolic filling of mitral inflow/peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus(E/E') and left atrial volume index(LAVI)] parameters. BMIPP defect score was significantly higher than the TF defect score and there was a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.90, P < 0.00001). Thirty-two (80%) patients showed mismatched defect and rest 8(20%) showed matched defect. Of 32 patients 24(75%), 22(69%), 19(59%), and 20(62.5%) showed improved EF, WMSI, E/E' and LAVI respectively. Conversely out of 8 only 2(25%), 1(12.5%), and 2(25%) patients showed improvement of EF, WMSI and LAVI, respectively. E/E' was not improved in patients with matched defect. MMDS were significantly correlated with the improvement of EF (r = -0.46, P = 0.002), WMSI (r = 0.41, P = 0.007), E/E' (r = 0.56, P < 0.0002), and LAVI (r = 0.44, P = 0.004). Mismatched defect score could predict the approximate amount of viable dysfunctional myocardium, and the degree of mismatch showed a significant correlation with the improvement of both systolic and diastolic function.

I-123-beta-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin (TF) mismatch designated as stunned myocardium having both systolic and diastolic components. The degree of mismatch might reflect subsequent functional improvement, and this study was designed to unravel the impact of mismatched defect score (MMDS) on recovery of both systolic and diastolic function following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Forty patients with recent AMI were recruited, and all of them underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. Echocardiography and BMIPP and TF cardiac scintigraphy were performed on 7 +/- A 3 days of admission. Follow up echocardiography was performed after 3 months. MMDS were compared with the systolic [ejection fraction (EF) and wall motion score index (WMSI)] and diastolic [peak velocity of early diastolic filling of mitral inflow/peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus(E/E') and left atrial volume index(LAVI)] parameters. BMIPP defect score was significantly higher than the TF defect score and there was a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.90, P < 0.00001). Thirty-two (80%) patients showed mismatched defect and rest 8(20%) showed matched defect. Of 32 patients 24(75%), 22(69%), 19(59%), and 20(62.5%) showed improved EF, WMSI, E/E' and LAVI respectively. Conversely out of 8 only 2(25%), 1(12.5%), and 2(25%) patients showed improvement of EF, WMSI and LAVI, respectively. E/E' was not improved in patients with matched defect. MMDS were significantly correlated with the improvement of EF (r = -0.46, P = 0.002), WMSI (r = 0.41, P = 0.007), E/E' (r = 0.56, P < 0.0002), and LAVI (r = 0.44, P = 0.004). Mismatched defect score could predict the approximate amount of viable dysfunctional myocardium, and the degree of mismatch showed a significant correlation with the improvement of both systolic and diastolic function.

Fatty acid oxidation is the most efficient mode of myocardial energy production which requires a large amount of oxygen. Thus, alteration of fatty acid oxidation is considered to be a sensitive marker of ischaemia and myocardial damage. I-123-BMIPP (I-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid) is a newly-investigated single-photon branching free fatty acid radiopharmaceutical with slow metabolism; thus, it is well-suited for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Assessment of fatty acid metabolism by radionuclide techniques has a potential role for the early detection of myocardial ischaemia and the assessment of the severity of ischaemic heart disease. Although stable patients with a healed myocardial infarction may have a relatively good prognosis, risk stratification in the predischarge period should be valuable for deciding upon appropriate management. In this respect, the presence of discordant BMIPP uptake relative to Tl-201 perfusion appears to be the best predictor of future cardiac events among all other cardiovascular imaging modalities. Since discordant BMIPP uptake correlates well with redistribution on stress Tl-201 imaging and perfusion-metabolism mismatch on positron emission tomography, it is considered that such BMIPP and Tl-201 discordance may identify a high-risk subgroup among patients with acute myocardial infarction. A BMIPP scan may reflect prior severe ischaemia after recovery of perfusion, the so-called "ischaemic memory". Gated BMIPP SPECT has been recently introduced for simultaneous assessment of myocardial metabolism and ventricular function. Such a new technique seems to be valuable for a better understanding of the pathophysiological state of heart failure and cardiomyopathy.

Fatty acid oxidation is the most efficient mode of myocardial energy production which requires a large amount of oxygen. Thus, alteration of fatty acid oxidation is considered to be a sensitive marker of ischaemia and myocardial damage. I-123-BMIPP (I-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid) is a newly-investigated single-photon branching free fatty acid radiopharmaceutical with slow metabolism; thus, it is well-suited for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Assessment of fatty acid metabolism by radionuclide techniques has a potential role for the early detection of myocardial ischaemia and the assessment of the severity of ischaemic heart disease. Although stable patients with a healed myocardial infarction may have a relatively good prognosis, risk stratification in the predischarge period should be valuable for deciding upon appropriate management. In this respect, the presence of discordant BMIPP uptake relative to Tl-201 perfusion appears to be the best predictor of future cardiac events among all other cardiovascular imaging modalities. Since discordant BMIPP uptake correlates well with redistribution on stress Tl-201 imaging and perfusion-metabolism mismatch on positron emission tomography, it is considered that such BMIPP and Tl-201 discordance may identify a high-risk subgroup among patients with acute myocardial infarction. A BMIPP scan may reflect prior severe ischaemia after recovery of perfusion, the so-called "ischaemic memory". Gated BMIPP SPECT has been recently introduced for simultaneous assessment of myocardial metabolism and ventricular function. Such a new technique seems to be valuable for a better understanding of the pathophysiological state of heart failure and cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the regressive effects of aggressive lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin on coronary plaque volume (PV) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are generalized for other statins in multicenter setting. Background: A previous single-center study reported beneficial regressive effects of atorvastatin in patients with ACS on PV of the nonculprit site by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluation. The effect of statins other than atorvastatin on PV has not been evaluated in the setting of ACS. Methods: The JAPAN-ACS (Japan Assessment of Pitavastatin and Atorvastatin in Acute Coronary Syndrome) study was a prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel group study with blind end point evaluation conducted at 33 centers in Japan. A total of 307 patients with ACS undergoing IVUS-guided percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized, and 252 patients had evaluable IVUS examinations at baseline and 8 to 12 months' follow-up. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 4 mg/day of pitavastatin or 20 mg/day of atorvastatin. The primary end point was the percentage change in nonculprit coronary PV. Results: The mean percentage change in PV was -16.9 ± 13.9% and -18.1 ± 14.2% (p = 0.5) in the pitavastatin and atorvastatin groups, respectively, which was associated with negative vessel remodeling. The upper limit of 95% confidence interval of the mean difference in percentage change in PV between the 2 groups (1.11%, 95% confidence interval: -2.27 to 4.48) did not exceed the pre-defined noninferiority margin of 5%. Conclusions: The administration of pitavastatin or atorvastatin in patients with ACS equivalently resulted in significant regression of coronary PV (Japan Assessment of Pitavastatin and Atorvastatin in Acute Coronary Syndrome; NCT00242944). © 2009 American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Objectives In a computed tomographic (CT) angiography study, we identified the characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions that were associated with subsequent development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Background The CT characteristics of culprit lesions in ACS include positive vessel remodeling (PR) and low-attenuation plaques (LAP). These 2 features have been observed in the lesions that have already resulted in ACS, but their prospective relation to ACS has not been previously described. Methods In 1,059 patients who underwent CT angiography, atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed for the presence of 2 features: PR and LAP. The remodeling index, and plaque and LAP areas and volumes were calculated. The plaque characteristics of lesions resulting in ACS during the follow-up of 27 +/- 10 months were evaluated. Results Of the 45 patients showing plaques with both PR and LAP (2-feature positive plaques), ACS developed in 10 (22.2%), compared with 1 (3.7%) of the 27 patients with plaques displaying either feature (1-feature positive plaques). In only 4 (0.5%) of the 820 patients with neither PR nor LAP (2-feature negative plaques) did ACS develop. None of the 167 patients with normal angiograms had acute coronary events (p < 0.001). ACS was independently predicted by PR and/or LAP (hazard ratio: 22.8, 95% confidence interval: 6.9 to 75.2, p < 0.001). Among 2- or 1-feature positive segments, those resulting in ACS demonstrated significantly larger remodeling index (126.7 +/- 3.9% vs. 113.4 +/- 1.6%, p = 0.003), plaque volume (134.9 +/- 14.1 mm(3) vs. 57.8 +/- 5.7 mm(3), p < 0.001), LAP volume (20.4 +/- 3.4 mm(3) vs. 1.1 +/- 1.4 mm(3), p < 0.001), and percent LAP/total plaque area (21.4 +/- 3.7 mm(2) vs. 7.7 +/- 1.5 mm(2), p = 0.001) compared with segments not resulting in ACS. Conclusions The patients demonstrating positively remodeled coronary segments with low-attenuation plaques on CT angiography were at a higher risk of ACS developing over time when compared with patients having lesions without these characteristics. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2009; 54: 49-57) (C) 2009 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of cystatin C relative to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation modified for Japan has not been investigated in acute heart failure patients with normal to moderately impaired renal function. More accurate detection of mild renal impairment might improve the risk stratification of heart failure patients, especially patients with normal to moderately impaired renal function. METHODS: Cystatin C and creatinine levels were measured on admission in 328 consecutive patients hospitalized for worsening chronic heart failure with a GFR estimated by MDRD equation modified for Japan >= 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2). RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 915 days, there were 52 (16%) cardiac deaths. In stepwise Cox regression analyses including cystatin C and GFR estimated by MDRD equation modified for Japan (either as continuous variables or as variables categorized into quartiles), cystatin C (P <.0001), but not GFR estimated by MDRD equation modified for Japan, was independently associated with cardiac mortality. Adjusted relative risk according to the quartiles of these markers and Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that the cystatin C was a better marker to separate low-risk from high-risk patients. Furthermore, receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses of these markers revealed that cystatin C showed a higher precision in predicting cardiac mortality. CONCLUSION: Measurements of cystatin C might improve early risk stratification compared with GFR estimated by MDRD equation modified for Japan in acute heart failure patients with normal to moderately impaired renal function. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (C) The American Journal of Medicine (2009) 122, 566-573

Background Left ventricle diastolic dysfunction is attracting increasing attention of one of the etiologies of chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results The study sample included 560 patients with CHF who were hospitalized during the 5-year period. They were classified into 2 groups according to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): reduced group (LVEF<50%, n=431). or preserved group (LVEF >= 50%, n=129). The degree of cardiac symptoms did not differ between the 2 groups; however, no difference was found between the 2 groups in the mortality rate (P=0.898), and readmission rates (P=0.674). The results of a multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model to identify predictors of the prognosis of heart failure revealed no difference in prognosis according to the presence/absence of decreased LVEF, whereas renal dysfunction and anemia were identified as significant prognostic determinants. Also, in the reduced group, the administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACE-I) and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers reduced mortality. In the preserved group, ACE-I and/or ARB administration reduced mortality, whereas beta-blockers did not. Conclusion In the present Study, the likelihood of LVEF influencing prognosis was considered to be low, with the contribution of non-cardiac factors such as renal function and anemia concluded to be greater. (Circ J 2009; 73: 92-99)

Patients admitted to the hospital with heart failure (HF) include those with new-onset of acute HF and those with acute exacerbation of chronic HF (CHF). In therapy for new-onset acute HF associated with acute myocardial infarction, therapy to inhibit left ventricular (LV) remodeling in the convalescent phase is required in addition to that needed to overcome the acute phase. Hitherto, CHF therapy was aimed at improving LV contractability, whereas more recently the aim has shifted to resting the heart. Most patients with HF should be routinely managed with a combination of 3 types of drugs: a diuretic an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and/or an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a β-blocker. The administration of β-blockers is of particular importance. For HF unresponsive to medical therapy, non-pharmacological therapies are considered. When a HF patient fails to respond to all available therapies, heart transplantation becomes necessary. Of the 1,000 HF patients admitted to our hospital, two cases received heart transplants. 11 cases were indicated for heart transplantation but died before registration. It should be remembered that although in Japan the possibility of receiving a heart transplant is very low, it is by no means entirely impossible.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), which responsible for the biosynthesis of postaglandin (PG) D(2), has been fond to be present in the atherosclerotic plaque of the human coronary artery and also to be detectable in human serum. This multicenter cooperative Study was designed to establish the diagnostic value of measuring, scrum L-PGDS for coronary artery disease. The study included 1013 Consecutive patients suspected of having stable coronary artery disease who Underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. Peripheral blood was collected prior to angiography. The serum level Of L-PGDS. as determined by a sandwich ELISA, was 58.1 +/- 2.2, 62.0 +/- 1.8 and 80.6 +/- 2.6 mu g/dl for patients with no stenotic lesion (N, n = 241). single-vessel coronary artery disease (S, n = 351). and multi-vessel coronary artery disease ( M, n = 421). respectively (N vs. S; P < 0.001. S vs. M: P < 0.01, N vs. M: P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the most powerful independent predictor of the coronary severity score (Gensini Score) was the L-PGDS level (R = 0.55. P < 0.0001). The serum L-PGDS level is suitable to evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease. The measurement Of serum L-PGDS can be a strategy for screening of stable coronary artery disease prior to coronary angiography. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction generally occurs early in the course of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We evaluated the prognostic value of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and echocardiographic LV dysfunction evaluated shortly after SAH. We prospectively enrolled 47 SAH patients (62 +/- 14 years, mean +/- SD) who were admitted to the neurosurgical care unit of our institute. Neurological status was rated on the day of admission. Twelve-lead ECG and 2-dimensional echocardiography were recorded 2 +/- 1 day after onset of SAH. ECG abnormalities (pathological Q-wave, ST-segment deviation, T-wave inversion, and QT prolongation) were evaluated and the incidences of global (LV ejection fraction < 50%) and segmental (regional wall motion abnormality [RWMA]) LV dysfunction were measured. During a follow-up period of 44 +/- 23 days, 17 (36%) patients died. ECG abnormalities, LV ejection fraction < 50%, and RWMA were observed in 62%, 11%, and 28% of patients, respectively. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that neurological status, rate-corrected QT interval, LV ejection fraction, and RWMA were significant predictors of death. After adjustment for these significant clinical variables, and age and sex, independent predictors of mortality were neurological status and RWMA. RWMA may provide significant prognostic information in patients with SAH.

Background Restenosis still occurs, even with the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES), and the precise mechanisms and the impact of stent fracture on restensosis have not yet been elucidated. Methods and Results Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided SES implantation was performed in 184 lesions in 151 patients with stable and unstable angina. Serial (pre-, post- and follow-up) quantitative coronary angiography analysis was obtained in 169 lesions in 138 patients (angiographic follow-up rate: 91%) and 12-month clinical follow-up was done in all patients. Restenosis occurred in 13 (7.7%) of 169 lesions. Stent fracture occurred in 4 (2.4%) of 169 lesions at follow-up. Of the 13 restenotic lesions, 8 had intimal hyperplasia, 4 had stent fracture, and 1 had late stent thrombosis at 7 months. Although multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that minimal lumen area (min-LA) post (p=0.027), total stent length (p=0.003) and diabetes (p=0.032) were significant independent predictors of restenosis, univariate analysis showed that stent fracture was more common in the restenosis than in the non-restenosis groups (p=0.001). Conclusions Although min-LA post by IVUS, total stent length by QCA and diabetes are independent predictors for angiographic restenosis, stent fracture occurred in 4 lesions (2.4%) and all of them resulted in restenosis (31% of the restenosis). The impact of stent fracture and its potential role in the development of restenosis deserves further study.

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of noninvasive assessment of the characteristics of disrupted atherosclerotic plaques, the authors interrogated the culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) by multislice computed tomography (CT). Background Disrupted atherosclerotic plaques responsible for ACS histopathologically demonstrate large lipid cores and positive vascular remodeling. It is expected that plaques vulnerable to rupture should bear similar imaging signatures by CT. Methods Either 0.5-mm X 16-slice or 64-slice CT was performed in 38 patients with ACS and compared with 33 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) before percutaneous coronary intervention. The coronary plaques in ACS and SAP were evaluated for the CT plaque characteristics, including vessel remodeling, consistency of noncalcified plaque (NCP < 30 HU or 30 HU < NCP < 150 HU), and spotty or large calcification. Results In the CT profile of culprit ACS and SAP lesions, the frequency of 30 HU < NCP < 150 HU (100% vs. 100%, p NS) was not different, and large calcification (22% vs. 55%, p = 0.004) was significantly more frequent in the stable lesions. Positive remodeling (87% vs. 12%, p < 0.0001), NCP < 30 HU (79% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001), and spotty calcification (63% vs. 21%, p = 0.0005) were significantly more frequent in the ACS lesions. Presence of all 3 (i.e., positive remodeling, NCP < 30 HU, and spotty calcification) showed a high positive predictive value, and absence of all 3 showed a high negative predictive value for the culprit plaques associated with ACS. Conclusions The CT characteristics of plaques associated with ACS include positive vascular remodeling, low plaque density, and spotty calcification. It is logical to presume that plaques vulnerable to rupture harbor similar characteristics. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;50:319-26) (c) 2007 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Stent thrombosis has been shown to be a devastating complication after coronary stenting, although it occurs rarely. From June 2004 to July 2006, stent thrombosis occurred in 5 of 999 patients (0.5%) who underwent sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation. One patient died and 3 patients developed myocardial infarction. All of these patients had several risk factors for stent thrombosis, such as diabetes, renal failure, type C lesions, stent underexpansion and incomplete lesion coverage, whereas premature discontinuation of ticlopidine was seen in only 1 patient. In conclusion, particular attention is needed when SES are implanted in patients at high risk of stent thrombosis.

Background Prolongation of the action potential duration (APD) is observed in ventricular myocytes isolated from the failing heart. The rapid component (I-Kr) and the slow component (I-Ks) of the delayed-rectifier potassium current (I-K) are major determinants of the APD, but less information is available on the genomic modulation of I-K in the remodeled human heart. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between IK transcripts and QT interval in surface electrocardiogram in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results Total RNA was extracted from right ventricle endomyocardial biopsy samples in 21 CHF patients (age: 53 +/- 4 years, mean +/- SEM). The KCNH2 and KCNQ1 levels did not differ' significantly between controls (New York Heart Association (NYHA) I, n = 10) and CHF patients (NYHA II or III, n = 11), whereas the KCNE1 level was significantly higher in CHF patients than in controls (relative mRNA levels normalized to GAPDH expression: 6.16 +/- 0.31 vs 7.70 +/- 0.46, p < 0.05). The KCNE1/KCNQ1 ratio was higher in CHF patients than in controls (0.92 +/- 0.02 vs 1.06 +/- 0.05, p < 0.05) and the KCNE1-KCNQ1 ratio was positively correlated with QT interval (r=0.70, p < 0.05). Increasing the KCNE1 concentration caused a shift in activation voltage and slowed the activation kinetics of the KCNE1 - KCNQ1 currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Prolongation of the APD and decrease in IKs with increasing the amount of KCNE1 concentration were well predicted in a computer simulation. Conclusions In mild-to-moderate CHF patients, the relative abundance of KCNE1 compared to KCNQ1 genes, at least in part, might contribute to the preferential prolongation of QT interval through reducing the net outward current during the plateau of the action potential.

Background While stent restenosis and late thrombosis still occur even with drug-eluting-stents (DES), there remains a need to explore other strategies for preventing restenosis. Methods and Results Five hundred and twenty-one patients were randomized: 260 to cutting-balloon angioplasty (CBA) before bare-metal stent (CBA-BMS) and 261 to balloon-angioplasty (BA) before BMS (BA-BMS). Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided procedures were performed in 279 (54%) patients and angiographic guidance was used in the remainder. Minimal lumen diameter was significantly greater in CBA-BMS than BA-BMS (2.65 +/- 0.40 mm vs 2.52 +/- 0.4 mm, p < 0.01) and % diameter stenosis (%DS)-post was less in CBA-BMS than BA-BMS (14.0 +/- 5.9% vs 16.3 +/- 6.8%, p < 0.01). %DS-follow-up was subsequently less in CBA-BMS than BA-BMS (32.4 +/- 15.1% vs 35.4 +/- 15.3%, p < 0.05) associated with lower rates of restenosis in CBA-BMS than BA-BMS (11.8% vs 19.6%, p < 0.05) and less target lesion revascularization (TLR) in CBA-BMS than BA-BMS (9.6% vs 15.3%, p < 0.05). Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the device used before stenting and IVUS use (IVUS-CBA-BMS: 137 patients; Angio-CBA-BMS: 123; IVUS-BA-BMS: 142; and Angio-BA-BMS: 119). At follow-up IVUS-CBA-BMS had a significantly lower restenosis rate (6.6%) than Angio-CBA-BMS (17.9%), IVUS-BA-BMS (19.8%) and Angio-BA-BMS (18.2%, p < 0.05). Conclusions Restenosis and TLR were significantly lower in CBA-BMS than BA-BMS. This favorable outcome was achieved because of the lower restenosis rate conferred by the IVUS-guided-CBA-BMS strategy (6.6%). The restenosis rates obtained with this strategy were comparable to those achieved with DES.

Background: Recent lipid-lowering trials have reported that statin therapy may retard progression or stimulate regression of human coronary plaque. In the present study volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analyses were performed to investigate the effect of pitavastatin, a newly developed statin, on regression of human coronary plaque. Methods and Results: Eighty-two patients matched for age and gender from 870 consecutive patients undergoing IVUS guided percutaneous coronary intervention were retrospectively assigned to either lipid-lowering therapy (n=41 pitavastatin 2 mg/day) or control group (n=41 diet only). Serial volumetric IVUS analyses of a matched left main coronary arterial site were performed. A significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level of 33.2% (p&lt 0.001) was observed in the pitavastatin group. Plaque volume index (PVI) was significantly reduced in the pitavastatin group (10.6±9.4% decrease) compared with the control group (8.1±14.0% increase, p&lt 0.001). There were positive correlations between the percent change in the PVI and follow-up LDL-C level (r=0.500, p&lt 0.001) and the percent change in LDL-C level (r=0.479, p&lt 0.001). Conclusion: Lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin induced significant coronary plaque regression, associated with a significant reduction in the LDL-C level. The percent change in the PVI showed a significant positive correlation with the percent change in LDL-C level.

Background Many trials have shown that 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. One method of decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular events could be to reduce the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and a recent study found that atorvastatin can cause coronary plaque to regress. To generalize this finding, using conventional HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors at many Japanese centers, randomized trials of pitavastatin and atorvastatin will be conducted with patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods and Results Patients with ACS who have undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention under intravascular ultrasound guidance will be studied. They will be randomly allocated to pitavastatin or atorvastatin groups and followed up for 8-12 months. The primary endpoint will be the percent change in coronary plaque volume, and secondary endpoints will include absolute changes in coronary plaque volume, serum lipid levels and inflammatory markers. The safety profile will also be evaluated. Conclusions This study will examine the ability of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to regress coronary plaque in Japanese patients with ACS and the findings should help to improve the prognosis of such patients and clarify the involved mechanisms.

Background Although angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) have been found to reduce the coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden in animal models, it is unknown whether ARB have a similar effect on human coronary arteries. Methods and Results Serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) studies of the left main (LM) coronary artery were performed in 64 patients at baseline and after 7-month follow-up. All patients were divided into 2 groups (ARB group: 23 patients; non-ARB group: 41 patients). Three-dimensional volumetric analysis was done throughout the LM coronary artery, and the volume index (VI; volume/length) was calculated for the vessel (VVI), lumen (LVI), and plaque (PVI). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in baseline clinical characteristics, including age, gender, blood pressure levels, serum cholesterol levels, the presence of diabetes and smoking status. At baseline VVI, LVI and PVI were similar between the groups. In the non-ARB group, VVI, LVI, and PVI did not change between baseline and follow-up. In the ARB group, PVI significantly decreased during follow-up (9.9 +/- 3.1 mm(2) VS 9.1 +/- 2.7 mm(2), p < 0.01), whereas VVI and LVI were unaffected. Conclusions This preliminary IVUS study suggests that ARB could cause regression of coronary atherosclerosis in humans.

A 54-year-old man with unstable angina presented with severe stenosis of the middle segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary stent implantation and serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed. IVUS detected a non-culprit coronary plaque with a large lipid-rich pool in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Atorvastatin 10 mg/day was given to reduce his cholesterol level for 2 years after the stent implantation. This patient had no cardiac events, and the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level reduced from 171 to 88 mg/d/at follow-up. Two-year follow-up IVUS examination revealed the reduction of plaque burden associated with regression of the lipid-rich pool size. This case may indicate that statin could contribute to the regression of lipid-rich plaque and to the stability of coronary plaque.

Objectives. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) on early and late outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods. A series of 100 consecutive patients (September 2004 to November 2005) with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary stenting using SES(≤ 24 hr)was compared with 100 consecutive patients (September 2003 to August 2004) treated with bare metal stent (BMS). The frequency of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and stent thrombosis, and status of ticlopidine administration were assessed at 270 days. Results. The rates of premature discontinuation of ticlopidine (SES group &lt 3 months: 11%, BMS group &lt 1 month: 11%, p = NS)and stent thrombosis (SES group: 1%, BMS group: 0%, p = NS)were similar in the two groups. At follow-up, restenosis rate and target vessel revascularization rate were lower in the SES group(4% vs 19%, p&lt 0.001 and 4% vs 10%, p = 0.149, respectively). Furthermore, the occurrence of MACE at 270 days was significantly less frequent in the SES group compared with the BMS.

This study enrolled 302 patients with angina or ischemic heart disease, in which elective stent placement could be performed, at 25 medical centers in Japan between April 1998 and July 2000. Patients were divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups, and subsequently assigned to either a plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) or a stent group by an envelope method. The subjects were assigned to stent (148 subjects) and POBA (154) groups. Acute gain in the stent group was better than that in the POBA group (1.08 mm vs. 0.84 mm). In contrast, there were no differences in late loss between the two groups. Binary restenosis in coronary angioplasty after 6 months in the stent group was 30.8%, significantly lower than that in the POBA group (43.5%). Major adverse cardiac events and TLR were not significantly different between the two groups. Restenosis in diabetes mellitus: In patients with diabetes mellitus, the rate of restenosis was significantly lower in the stent group compared to the POBA group (23.7% vs. 55.3%). We concluded that MULTI-LINK stents for small vessels (>3.0 mm) have better outcomes of 6 month restenosis rate rather than that of POBA, and especially in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Background: Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is proposed as an early biomarker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but its prognostic value is unclear in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We evaluated the prognostic value of the H-FABP concentration relative to cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in the early hours of ACS. Methods: Serum concentrations of H-FABP and cTnT were measured on admission in 328 consecutive patients hospitalized for ACS within 6 h after the onset of chest pain [AMI, 241 (73.5%) patients; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 154 (47.0%) patients; and emergent coronary angiography within 24 h after admission, 287 (87.5%) patients]. Cardiac events, which were defined as cardiac death or subsequent nonfatal AMI, were monitored for 6 months after admission. Results: During the 6-month follow-up period, there were 25 cardiac events, including 15 cardiac deaths and 10 subsequent nonfatal AMIs. Stepwise multivariate analyses including clinical, electrocardiographic, and biochemical variables revealed that increased H-FABP (above the median of 9.8 mu g/L), but not increased cTnT (above the median of 0.02 mu g/L), was independently associated with cardiac events in all patients [relative risk (RR) = 8.96; P = 0.0004], the subgroup of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (RR = 11.3; P = 0.02), and the subgroup of patients with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (RR = 8.31; P = 0.007). The area under the ROC curve was higher for H-FABP than for cTnT (0.711 vs 0.578; P = 0.08), suggesting that H-FABP concentrations have a greater predictive capacity for cardiac events than cTnT. Conclusion: Serum H-FABP is a potential independent predictor of cardiac events within 6 months of patient admission and may provide prognostic information superior to cTnT in the early hours of ACS. (c) 2005 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

A 67-year-old man with exertional angina presented with a large pseudoaneurysm of the right coronary artery at eight months after balloon angioplasty. Intravascular ultrasound revealed a large saccular pseudoaneurysm of 10.9 × 5.7 mm diameter at the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. Complete closure of the coronary pseudoaneurysm was successfully obtained using a coronary stent graft consisting of a thin flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane placed between two stents using a unique sandwich technique. Follow-up angiography and intravascular ultrasound revealed no significant restenosis in the PTFE stent graft segment. PTFE coronary stent graft implantation is a feasible, safe and useful method to treat a large coronary pseudoaneurysm after coronary intervention.

Coronary stents were developed to overcome the two main limitations of balloon angioplasty, acute occlusion and long term restenosis. Coronary stents can tack back intimal flaps and seal the dissected vessel wall and thereby treat acute or threatened vessel closure after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty. Following successful balloon angioplasty stents can prevent late vessel remodeling (chronic vessel recoil) by mechanically enforcing the vessel wall and resetting the vessel size resulting in a low incidence of restenosis. All currently available stents are composed of metal and the long-term effects of their implantation in the coronary arteries are still not clear. Because of the metallic surface they are also thrombogenic, therefore rigorous antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy is theoretically required. Furthermore, they have an imperfect compromise between scaffolding properties and flexibility, resulting in an unfavourable interaction between stents and unstable or thrombus laded plaque. Finally, they still induce substantial intimal hyperplasia which may result in restenosis. Future stent can be made less thrombogenic by modifying the metallic surface, or coating it with an antithrombotic agent or a membrane eluting an antithrombotic drug. The unfavourable interaction with the unstable plaque and the thrombus burden can be overcome by covering the stent with a biological conduit such as a vein, or a biodegradable material which can be endogenous such as fibrin or exogenous such as a polymer. Finally the problem of persisting induction of intimal hyperplasia may be overcome with the use of either a radioactive stent or a stent eluting an antiproliferative drug.

Background Debate exists regarding the relationship between angiographic and intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) measurements of minimal luminal cross-sectional area after coronary intervention. We investigated this and the factors that may influence it by using ICUS and quantitative angiography. Methods and Results Patients who underwent successful balloon angioplasty (n=100) or directional atherectomy (n=50) were examined by using ICUS and quantitative angiography (edge-detection [ED] and videodensitometry [VID]) before and after intervention. Luminal damage postintervention was qualitatively graded into three categories based on angiographic results (smooth lumen, haziness, or dissection). Correlation of minimal luminal cross-sectional area measurements by ICUS and ED was .59 before and .47 after balloon angioplasty. Correlation between ICUS and VID was .50 before and .63 after balloon angioplasty. Postintervention, the difference between ICUS and VID was less than the difference between ICUS and ED (P<.01). Additionally, the correlation was .74 between ICUS and ED measurements and .78 between ICUS and VID measurements in the smooth lumen group, .46 and .63, respectively, in the presence of haziness, and .26 and .46, respectively, in lesions with dissection. Similar results were obtained after directional atherectomy: the agreement between ICUS and quantitative angiography deteriorated according to the degree of Vessel damage, but less so with VID than ED. Conclusions Complex morphological changes induced by intervention may contribute to discordance between the two quantitative imaging techniques. In the absence of ICUS, VID may be a complementary technique to ED in lesions with complex morphology after balloon angioplasty and directional atherectomy.

Intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) frequently reveals stent underexpansion despite a satisfactory angiographic result by visual assessment. Whether on-line quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) alone can guide optimal stent deployment is still unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of quantitative coronary angiography in the evaluation of optimal stent expansion, confirmed with a new on-line system of 3-D reconstruction of ICUS. The results obtained with 3-D ICUS were compared with the measurements achieved with QCA analyses in 49 patients (70 stents: 31 Palmaz-Schatz, 22 Wallstent, 7 Cordis, 6 Micro-stent, 2 Gianturco-Roubin, 2 Multi-Link). Following delivery of the stent, high pressure intrastent balloon inflation (14.2 ± 3.3 atmospheres) was performed in all 70 stents. Optimal stent implantation by QCA was defined as minimal lumen diameter post-stenting ≥ 90% of the reference diameter preintervention. Percent diameter stenosis (% DS) post-stenting was defined as minimal lumen diameter divided by the reference diameter post-stenting. The on-line 3-D ICUS reconstructions and measurements were performed processing the images on-line in the catheterization laboratory with an automated contour detection algorithm based on acoustic quantification. ICUS criteria for optimal stent expansion were defined as: 1) complete apposition of stent struts to vessel wall; 2) minimal stent lumen cross-sectional area ≥ 80% of the average lumen area of the proximal and distal reference segments; 3) symmetry index (minimum divided by maximum lumen diameter) > 0.7. Ninety-seven percent of the deployed stents met the QCA criteria. Whilst 3-D ICUS documented complete stent apposition to the vessel wall in all cases and a symmetric expansion in 65 of 70 lesions (93%), the stent minimal lumen area was ≥ 80% only in 30 out of 70 stents (43%). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity at 10% residual diameter stenosis provided by QCA for optimal stent expansion compared to 3-D ICUS criteria were 86 and 45%, respectively. In conclusion 3-D ICUS criteria of adequate stent expansion were achieved only in 43% of patients despite the application of aggressive strategies of stent deployment leading to optimal results with quantitative angiography. Ten percent residual diameter stenosis provided by QCA may be an acceptable alternative for optimal stent deployment in clinical practice. The clinical benefit of an ICUS guided approach of stent deployment and of a lower cost strategy using on-line QCA guidance should be compared in large prospective randomized studies.

Coronary balloon angioplasty is now well accepted as an effective therapy for patients with significant coronary artery stenosis. However, a number of deficiencies, including short-term complications, long-term restenosis, and limited application to complex morphologic lesions, restrict the widespread use of this technique. The precise lesion measurement provided by quantitative coronary angiography and intracoronary ultrasonography is a prerequisite for the optimization of balloon dilation or stent implantation. The short-term outcome may be improved by stent implantation, as this can prevent acute closure by acting as a scaffold for the disrupted vessel wall. The indications for percutaneous revascularization have been extended to chronic total occlusion by using a special guidewire, a laser wire and a coronary stent. Local drug delivery techniques to distribute agents to target revascularization sites may play a role in reducing the restenosis rate. Although the limitations of balloon angioplasty have led to the introduction of new devices, it remains to be seen whether these new devices can demonstrate, in a scientific manner, their safety, feasibility and superiority over conventional balloon angioplasty. Percutaneous coronary revascularization therapy may be an acceptable alternative to coronary bypass surgery in the future. However, to confirm this, a large multicenter randomized study is necessary to compare new percutaneous coronary interventional devices with bypass surgery. Additionally, further studies are required to demonstrate the most effective device for treating specific lesions in each individual patient.

Objectives. This study sought to prospectively evaluate the performance of a laser guide wire in crossing chronic total coronary occlusions in patients with a failed previous mechanical guide wire attempt. Background. Despite continued refinement of mechanical hardware available for coronary angioplasty, restoration and maintenance of blood flow through a chronically occluded coronary artery remains a true challenge. Methods. Fifty patients with a chronic total coronary occlusion and a previous failed attempt at recanalization using mechanical guide wires were included. A mechanical attempt to cross the occlusion was repeated. In case of failure, an additional attempt was made with the laser guide wire. Results. The median age of occlusion was 22 weeks (range 5 to 200), and the occlusion length was 23 ± 11 mm (mean ± SD). A repeat mechanical attempt was successful in six cases (12%). Dissection occurred in five other cases, and device crossover was not attempted. Thus, in 39 patients an attempt was made with the laser guide wire, with successful recanalization in 23 (59%). Thereby the overall success rate increased from 12% to 58% (29 of 50 patients). The amount of contrast medium used was 515 ± 154 ml, fluoroscopy time was 99 ± 43 min, and total procedure time was 2 h 48 min (±55 min). Procedural success was achieved in 26 cases and clinical success (procedural success without in hospital events) in 24. In-hospital events were two non-Q wave myocardial infarctions related to subacute reocclusion. In one patient, a balloon dilation after laser guide wire perforation resulted in tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis. After a successful procedure, the angina class decreased from 2.9 ± 0.2 to 1.4 ± 0.7 at 3 months of clinical follow-up. Six-month angiographic follow-up was completed in all 24 eligible patients and showed vessel patency in 20 (80%). Conclusions. The use of the laser guide wire for recanalization of chronic total coronary occlusions refractory to treatment with mechanical guide wires is feasible and relatively safe and was successful in 59% of cases. This device must thus be considered a valuable addition to the interventional armamentarium and accordingly will be evaluated in a randomized clinical trial.