The retroesophageal right subclavian artery (arteria lusoria) is one of the anatomical abnormalities encountered by interventional cardiologists who perform right transradial procedures. We report on 11 patients with arteria lusoria in whom 14 right transradial coronary angiography or angioplasty procedures were attempted among a series of 3,730 consecutive right transradial attempts. This abnormality can be easily detected by angiographic visualization, in the anteroposterior projection, of the angle of the catheter when it engages the ascending aorta, and by manual angiography at the ostium of the right subclavian artery. In such a case, catheterization of the ascending aorta may be difficult or even impossible (7.1%). Selective catheterization of both coronary arteries is more difficult, takes longer, and requires more catheters. The Judkins catheters are recommended, although they are seldom used for the left coronary artery via the right radial approach, for both arteries. All catheter exchanges should be performed on long guidewires.

Background The management of atrial fibrillation and/or flutter (AF) patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has evolved significantly. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society AF guidelines, last updated in 2020, seek to aid physicians in balancing both bleeding and thrombotic risks. Methods A tertiary academic centre registry of patients with AF who had PCI was examined for the antithrombotic therapy at discharge in 4 time periods (cohort 2010–2011; cohort 2014–2015; cohort 2017; cohort 2019). Discharge prescription patterns were compared among the cohorts, using the χ 2 test. In addition, antithrombotic management in cohorts 2017 and 2019 were compared to guideline-expected therapy, using the χ 2 test. Results A total of 576 AF patients undergoing PCI were included. Clinical and procedural characteristics were similar among cohorts, except for an increase in drug-eluting stent use in the most recent cohort (94% vs 99%; P = 0.04). The rate of oral anticoagulation increased over time (75% vs 89%; P < 0.01), driven primarily by an increase in direct oral anticoagulants prescription (63% vs 84%; P < 0.01). In contrast to previous cohorts, there was no significant difference between the observed and the guideline-expected anticoagulation rate in cohort 2019 (89% vs 94%; P = 0.23). Conclusions A combination of expert guidance and educational initiatives in the past decade contributed to dramatic changes in the management of patients with AF undergoing PCI.

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Background:The advent of TAVR changed the practice for treating patients with severe aortic stenosis. Heart-Teams improved their decision-making process to refer patients to the best and safest treatment. Evidence allowed centers to increase funding and TAVR volume and extend indications to different risk category of patients. This study evaluates the outcomes of intermediaterisk patients treated for severe aortic stenosis in an academic center. Methods:Between 2012 and 2019, 812 patients with aortic stenosis underwent TAVR or SAVR. A propensity score-matching analytic strategy was used to balance groups and adjust for time periods. Outcomes were recorded according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Guidelines; primary outcome being 30-day mortality and secondary outcomes being perioperative course and complications. Results:No difference in mortality was seen but complications differed: more postoperative transient ischemic attacks, permanent pacemaker implantations and perivalvular leaks in the transcatheter group, while more acute kidney injuries, atrial fibrillation, delirium, postoperative infections and bleeding, tamponade and need for reoperation in the surgical group as well as longer hospital length-of-stay. However, over the years, morbidities/mortality decreased for all patients treated for aortic stenosis. Conclusions:Data showed an improvement in morbidities/mortality for intermediate risk patients treated with SAVR or TAVR. Increased funding allowed for higher TAVR volume by increasing access to this technology. Also, the difference in complications could impact healthcare cost. By incorporating important metrics such as length-of-stay, readmission rates and complications into decision-making, the Heart-Team can improve clinical outcomes, healthcare economics and resource utilization.