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Medicine is to heal from the inside

Recent Evidence about Coronary Stent Technology

Introduction
Coronary Heart Disease is still leading cause of death in developed nations, and also causing lot of morbidity and long term complications such as heart failure, impaired daily activity, etc. Because of that, cardiovascular disease is one of the major concern of the modern medicine. Many technology and knowledge have been developed recently about cardiovascular.
Heart Disease


One of the technology is coronary stenting procedure. A coronary stent is a tube placed in the coronary arteries that supply the heart, to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease. It is used in a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This technique and device is developed in order to substitute the invasive procedure (surgery).

Since its invention coronary stent has been widely used in treatment of myocard ischemia, and extended to be used in other vascular problems such as peripheral artery ischemia, and carotid stenting. One of the innovation of the stent technology is the drug-eluting stent (DES). DES is a stent that contain the drug that can block cell proliferation. This prevents fibrosis that, together with clots (thrombus), could otherwise block the stented artery, a process called restenosis.

Drug-eluting stents in current clinical use were approved by the FDA after clinical trials showed they were statistically superior to bare-metal stents (BMS) for the treatment of native coronary artery narrowings, having lower rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (usually defined as a composite clinical endpoint of death myocardial infarction repeat intervention because of restenosis).


Recent Evidence
On March 4 2011, scientist published their study in Journal of American College of Cardiology. The present study suggests that neoatherosclerosis or the new thickening of vessel walls occurs in both Bare Metal Stent and DES, however, for DES implants, it is observed more frequently and at an earlier time point (median 420 days) as compared with BMS (median 2,160 days). This is an interesting data since previous evidence showed that DES is superior than Bare Metal Stent.

For stent-related deaths, in-stent neoatherosclerosis incidence was similar for BMS and DES (18% vs. 20%). However, for nonstent-related death, the incidence of neoatherosclerosis was more frequent for DES than BMS (42% vs. 20%). Moreover, neoatherosclerosis in DES shows unstable characteristics by 2 years after implant, whereas similar features in BMS occur at relatively later times (average implant duration 6 years). These observations raise the question whether neoatherosclerosis seen within DES as well as BMS at follow-up may in part be responsible for some late thrombotic events. The implications of current findings may be of practical importance as the usage of DES implants continues to increase worldwide. The occurrence of uncovered struts complicated by a dysfunctional endothelium remains the primary cause of stent thrombosis in DES; nevertheless, the present study adds another risk factor, namely, in-stent plaque rupture, although a rare event.

Stenting Procedure

Possible Mechanism
Although the underlying processes responsible for the development of neoatherosclerosis after stent implantation are likely multifactorial, we hypothesize that it may involve the inability to maintain a fully functional endothelialized luminal surface within the stented segment. The endothelium normally provides an efficient barrier against the excessive uptake of circulating lipid, and that may no longer be true in the in-stent regions of DES and BMS.

In the present study, BMS exhibited greater trends for neoatherosclerotic changes occurring in the more proximal than distal lesions relative to DES, thus indicating divergent mechanisms by which neoatherosclerosis attributed to DES may be more related to incompetent and incomplete endothelialization as opposed to shear stress for BMS. These findings in the BMS may be more akin to the development of atherosclerosis in native coronary arteries, and is most prominent in the proximal regions of the coronary arteries.

Recently, chronic endoplasmic reticular stress in endothelial cells at athero-susceptible sites with arterial flow disturbances has been linked to inflammation. Shear-induced changes in endothelial phenotype (collectively known as mechanotransduction) may promote the expression of transmembrane proteins, like integrins and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, which further allow inflammatory cell attachment and migration to subendothelial spaces. Changes in endothelial cell permeability could presumably allow greater amounts of lipoproteins to enter the subendothelial space, with an affinity for matrix proteins, in particular proteoglycans that promote their retention.

The relatively faster development of neoatherosclerosis in DES than in BMS is probably related to drug effects, which are also responsible for incomplete endothelialization. Previous animal studies of DES suggest that the regenerating endothelial lining could be incompetent, and therefore may result in endothelial cells activation, which leads to monocyte adherence with subsequent subendothelial migration. Incomplete (delayed) endothelial regrowth and recovery observed with DES that may contribute to atherogenesis is characterized by poor cell-to-cell contacts identified by decreased expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and antithrombotic mediators such as thrombomodulin.

Experimental evidence suggests that neoatherosclerosis within stents can be associated with delayed arterial healing compounded by lethal injury to smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. In humans, the pathology studies have reported neoatherosclerotic change occurring in vein graft and in native coronary arteries with foam cell infiltration after BMS implant. Previous clinical studies have also suggested endothelial dysfunction after DES implantation by showing impaired vasomotor function in the adjacent segment of stents, although the precise mechanism for the endothelial dysfunction in the stented segment in humans remains unknown.

In Simple Words, the Atherosclerosis occurs both BMS and DES, but with different mechanism. DES contain the anti-proliferative drugs, it will cause the endothelial dysfunction, because cell proliferation and growth is important in vessel repair of the mechanical injury cause by the stent itself. Blood flow in stent artery is causing mechanical shearing stress to the vessel thus needs to be repair by our body mechanism. But the anti-proliferative drugs inhibits the process causing prolong inflammation thus further promotes the lipid deposition in vessel walls. As the result, vessel wall become narrow.

Clinical Relevance
Eventhough the pathological studies showed that DES maybe more harmful than BMS, or less beneficial. But based on large scale follow up DES and BMS patient, there is no difference in mortality risk.

This result of study can't be apply yet, but can be considered for us, to evaluate more about Stent procedure choosing the best one for the sack of someone's life.
dr. google

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Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure Patient

Introduction
Heart failure is the inability of the heart to perfuse metabolizing tissues adequately. The most common cause of this is myocardial failure, which can be caused by a wide variety of disease states.

Our body depends on the heart's pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body's cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally. With heart failure, the weakened heart can't supply the cells with enough blood. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult.
heart failure
adopted from http://www.covenantheartinstitute.com/default

Heart failure is a serious condition, and usually there's no cure. But many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with medications and healthy lifestyle changes. It's also helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition.

Epidemiology
Most patients have heart failure at their older age. And leads to frequent of hospitalization in people older than 65. About 5 million people in USA are affected by heart failure and about 500,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. What is of more concern is that more than 50% of patients seek re-admission within 6 months after treatment and the average duration of hospital stay is 6 days.

The common causes of heart failure include heart attacks and other forms of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath (typically worse when lying flat, which is called universally agreed definition and challenges in definitive diagnosis. Treatment orthopnea), coughing, chronic venous congestion, ankle swelling, and exercise intolerance. Heart failure is often undiagnosed due to a lack of a commonly consists of lifestyle measures (such as decreased salt intake) and medications, and sometimes devices or even surgery.

Until recently, lifestyle changes, medication and, sometimes, heart surgery were the only treatment options. Patients with severe symptoms, however, received little, if any, relief from such approaches. To make matters worse, up to 40 percent of patients with CHF also have an arrhythmia that further reduces the heart’s ability to beat properly.

Cardiac Resynchronization Device
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an innovative new therapy
that can relieve CHF symptoms by improving the coordination of
the heart’s contractions.CRT builds on the technology used in pacemakers and implantable cardioverter devices. CRT devices also can protect the patient from slow and fast heart rhythms.

The concept behind CRT is quite simple. Resynchronization restores the normal coordinated pumping action of the ventricles by overcoming the delay in electrical conduction caused by bundle branch block. This is accomplished by means of a special type of cardiac device. These powerful, “built-in” devices have enormous potential to improve the quality of life and probably survival for patients with heart failure.

Pacemakers are typically used to prevent symptoms due to an excessively
slow heartbeat. The pacemaker continuously monitors the heartbeat
and, when necessary, delivers tiny, imperceptible electrical signals to
stimulate the heartbeat. Most pacemakers have two electrode wires,
or leads, one in the right atrium and one in the right ventricle. This
ensures the pacemaker will maintain the normal coordinated pumping
relationship between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.

The wires that carry the electrical signals connect to an electrical pulse
generator placed under the skin in the upper chest. In addition to the
two leads (right atrium and right ventricle) used by a common pacemaker,
the CRT device has a third lead that is positioned in a vein on the surface of the left ventricle.
dual chamber cardiac resynchronization device
adopted from http://www.medicalproductguide.com/

This allows the CRT device to simultaneously stimulate the left and right ventricles and restore a coordinated, or “synchronous,” squeezing pattern. This is sometimes referred to as “bi-ventricular pacing” because both ventricles are electrically stimulated (paced) at the same time. This reduces the electrical delay and results in a more coordinated and effective heart beat.

Outcome of CRT
Canadian researchers report that an implantable device called a resynchronization therapy-defibrillator helps keep the left side of the heart pumping properly, extending the life of heart failure patients. Cardiac-resynchronization therapy, or CRT-D, also reduces heart failure symptoms, such as edema (swelling) and shortness of breath, as well as hospitalizations for some patients with moderate to severe heart failure, the scientists added.

People who are receiving good medical therapy and resynchronization therapy as well, are shown to stay out of the hospital and live longer than none. The report is published in the Nov. 14 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Cardiac-resynchronization therapy alone or together with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has previously been shown to reduce mortality and hospitalizations in patients with moderate to severe heart failure.

Combined medical therapy and device therapy for patients with mild, moderate and severe heart failure can substantially improve survival and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. The cumulative benefits offered to heart failure patients by evidence-based medication and device-based therapies are truly remarkable.

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Percutaneus Coronary Disease vs Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Severe Coronary Artery Disease

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has risen world consent about it. Since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to WHO data, it's estimated about 17.5 millions people die from CVD annually.

Coronary artery disese causing severe morbidity and poor quality of life since limitation of activities, pain, long-term care. There are many modalities in treatment for coronary artery disease, such as PCI and CABG. Both of them aims at improving coronary blood flow and prevention of recurrent heart attack.

Coronary-artery bypass grafting has became the standard of care for symptomatic patients with coronary artery disease since its introduction in 1968. Recent advances and innovation in coronary surgery e.g., off-pump CABG, smaller incisions, enhanced myocardial preservation, use of arterial conduits, and improved postoperative care have reduced morbidity, mortality, and rates of graft occlusion.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was introduced in 1977. This approach has been developed in technology, has made it possible to treat increasingly complex lesions and patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease, risk factors for coronary artery disease, coexisting conditions, or anatomical risk factors.
PCI procedure
adopted from http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Health/2007/7-10-04-Angioplasty.htm

Several trials has been done to compare efficacy of bare-stents PCI with CABG in patients with multivessel disease. The results showed similar survival rates but higher re-intervention rates among patients with bare-metal stents at 5 years duration. Some researchs have shown a significant long-term survival advantage with surgical approach.

New technique PCI, with drug-eluting, using anti cell-proliferation agents such as Taxus, has been developed. Randomized trials comparing drug-eluting stents with bare-metal stents have shown significant reductions in the
rate of repeat intervention, with similar rates of death and myocardial infarction. These data is used as a base line for expanding PCI usage in patients with complex coronary anatomical features, though most randomized trials such patients.
According to current guidelines, CABG remains the treatment of choice for patients with severe coronary artery disease, including those with left main coronary artery disease and those with three-vessel disease.

Since, widely used of PCI in severe case of Coronary artery disease with lack of evidence. There is needed to do systematic comparison between PCI and CABG. The results of the trials perhaps can be used as basic for choosing proper treatment for the patients. Or The Right Treatment for The Right Patients

Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial, researchers assessed the optimal revascularization strategy for patients with
previously untreated three-vessel or left main coronary artery disease and defined the populations of patients for whom only one revascularization
method will be effective.
CABG procedure
adopted from http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/cs/pat/cardiac/cabg.html

Summary of trials
The SYNTAX trial was designed as a noninferiority trial with the primary endpoint of death, stroke myocardial infarction (MI), or repeat evascularization at 12 months. The study planned to evaluate the outcome of the subgroup of patients with three-vessel or left main separately if the overall trial demonstrated noninferiority.

The study showed that PCI is associated with higher re-intervention procedures rates compare with CABG group. However, the rates of death and heart attack were not different between two group. While stroke is higher in CABG group compare with PCI.

Although this is not an expected result, further analysis showed that the extent of disease was an important factor, as those with the most complex coronary disease did better with CABG, while those with an intermediate or low scores showed similar outcomes between the groups.

Take Home Message
With the recent 5 year follow up study after procedures, the result showed that LM Stenting is still showing equivalent in mortality, the results may shift balance more toward to PCI. But, CABG is associated with lower re-intervention procedures compare with PCI..

By the way, in subgroup analysis PCI-with drug-eluting showed significant efficacy in patient with Left-Main Artery disease or same outcome with CABG. There will be endless debate on this issue, but PCI will be preferred and most utilized therapy for unprotected left-main lesions in the future. Meanwhile, the treatment decisions should be individualized and clinically relevant, with careful informed consent before making a choice.
Endless Debate
adopted from http://evolution.berkeley.edu

The higher stroke rate in CABG is also an important concern for patients undergoing CABG and should impact patient selection. Importantly, the two groups showed no difference in death, cardiac death, or MI. But the SYNTAX has limitation due to its only 1 year follow up, compare the others research such MAIN-COMPARE trial about 5 year follow up.
But, from this data, we can keep in our mind that patient selection and the extent of the disease, patient preference, complications of the procedures are important factor in determining treatment choice.

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Dual Inhibiton: New Strategy for Lowering Cholesterol

Intro
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has risen world consent about it. Since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to WHO data, it's estimated about 17.5 millions people die from CVD annually.

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Stem Cells May Improve Heart Bypass Results

Is That True?
On Nov 17th 2008, German Researchers publish their result of their studies.
They said that Patients who received bone marrow stem cell transplants during coronary bypass surgery (CABG) experienced "excellent long-term safety and survival


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