These increased risk consecutive patient data (1) indicate safety and efficacy of routine MN-EPS use in achieving endovascular reconstruction across all-comer CS lesion subsets, and (2) are consistent with MN-EPS protection against cerebral events extending throughout the stent healing period.

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SummaryBackgroundSignificant atherosclerotic stenosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) origin is common (5–10% at ≥60 years). Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) enables high-resolution (120 μm) plaque imaging, and IVUS-elucidated features of the coronary plaque were recently shown to be associated with its symptomatic rupture/thrombosis risk. Safety of the significant carotid plaque IVUS imaging in a large unselected population is unknown.Material/MethodsWe prospectively evaluated the safety of embolic protection device (EPD)-assisted vs. unprotected ICA-IVUS in a series of consecutive subjects with ≥50% ICA stenosis referred for carotid artery stenting (CAS), including 104 asymptomatic (aS) and 187 symptomatic (S) subjects (age 47–83 y, 187 men). EPD use was optional for IVUS, but mandatory for CAS.ResultsEvaluation was performed of 107 ICAs (36.8%) without EPD and 184 with EPD. Lesions imaged under EPD were overall more severe (peak-systolic velocity 2.97±0.08 vs. 2.20±0.08m/s, end-diastolic velocity 1.0±0.04 vs. 0.7±0.03 m/s, stenosis severity of 85.7±0.5% vs. 77.7±0.6% by catheter angiography; mean ±SEM; p<0.01 for all comparisons) and more frequently S (50.0% vs. 34.6%, p=0.01). No ICA perforation or dissection, and no major stroke or death occurred. There was no IVUS-triggered cerebral embolization. In the procedures of (i) unprotected IVUS and no CAS, (ii) unprotected IVUS followed by CAS (filters – 39, flow reversal/blockade – 3), (iii) EPD-protected (filters – 135, flow reversal/blockade – 48) IVUS+CAS, TIA occurred in 1.5% vs. 4.8% vs. 2.7%, respectively, and minor stroke in 0% vs. 2.4% vs. 2.1%, respectively. EPD intolerance (on-filter ICA spasm or flow reversal/blockade intolerance) occurred in 9/225 (4.0%). IVUS increased the procedure duration by 7.27±0.19 min.ConclusionsCarotid IVUS is safe and, for the less severe lesions in particular, it may not require mandatory EPD use. High-risk lesions can be safely evaluated with IVUS under flow reversal/blockade.

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The common use of stents, including antiproliferative drug-eluting stents, has been a major breakthrough in invasive cardiology. Nowadays, a change in the clinical presentation of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is observed. The typical clinical characteristics now include advanced age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and multilevel atherosclerosis. Age, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are the main predictors of coronary artery calcifications. Severe coronary artery calcifications are the main factor limiting the efficacy of PCI. Successful stent implantation is challenging in the presence of calcifications, because it is difficult to achieve full stent expansion and proper stent apposition. Therefore, it is necessary to adequately prepare the lesion before stent implantation. This document presents the technique of rotational atherectomy (rotablation) as well as indications for and contraindications to the procedure, along with its possible complications and their prevention. Training in rotablation for operators as well as reimbursement policy for the procedure in Poland are also discussed.

(Cardiol J 2019; 26, 1: 77-86)

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This study established long-term durability of stent-assisted PTA of symptomatic SA/IA disease and identified risk factors for restenosis and long-term MACCE. Patients at increased risk might benefit from targeted, intensified prevention measures.