Citations

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are commonly associated. Cotreatment with multiple antithrombotic agents can increase the risk of bleeding. We sought to evaluate patient‐centered outcomes in patients with AF on double therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to patients with standard triple therapy, [a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus dual antiplatelet therapy].MethodsWe performed a literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting outcomes of patients receiving double therapy with DOACs compared to triple therapy with VKAs in patients with AF undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patient‐centered outcomes were the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNB), all‐cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke.ResultsFour RCTs (9602 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Compared to VKAs, DOACs were associated with significantly lower ISTH major bleeding/ CRNB (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67‐0.82, P < .00001, I2 = 11%). There were no statistically significant differences in the efficacy outcomes, including myocardial infarction (RR: 0.99, 95% CI :0.79‐1.25, P = .96), stent thrombosis (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.6‐1.55, P = .89), ischemic stroke (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.5‐1.15, P = .19), all‐cause mortality (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.85‐1.31, P = .61), and MACE (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.91‐1.22, P = .97).ConclusionCompared with triple therapy with VKAS, double therapy with DOACs is associated with a reduced risk of bleeding and is as effective in patients with AF undergoing PCI.

Abstract This manuscript is the result of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society consensus conference on the surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from July 19 to 20, 2018. The group reviewed a series of questions of specific interest to surgeons taking care of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and for each, the available literature was reviewed. What follows are these reviews for each question followed by recommendations of the panel.

Abstract Background Cardiac implantable electronic device-related infective endocarditis (CIED-IE) comprises 10–57% of total CIED infections. Patients with definite CIED-IE who fulfill both major modified Duke criteria have not been well characterized. Methods Data from the Multicenter Electrophysiologic Device Infection Cohort, a prospective, multinational study of CIED infections were used to describe a subset of patients with CIED-IE who met both major Duke criteria for definite IE (bloodstream infection and intracardiac vegetations [VEG]). Results Of 433 patients with CIED infection, 144 (33.3%) had definite CIED-IE. The median age was 68 years and 77.1% were male. Twelve (8.3%) had past CIED infection. Seventy-seven patients (53.5%) had permanent pacemakers, 38 (26.4%) had implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and 29 (20.1%) had combination devices. The median time following the last device procedure was 550 days. CIED-IE was early in 60 patients (41.7%) and late in 84 (58.3%). Most patients presented with fever (77.8%) and sepsis (44.4%) with a median symptom duration of 7 days. On echocardiography, lead VEG was noted in 125 patients (86.8%) and valvular VEG in 54 patients (37.5%) with the tricuspid valve involved in 56.5%. On the basis of VEG location, there were 90 patients (62.5%) with isolated lead-associated IE (LAE), 19 patients (13.2%) with isolated valve-associated IE (VAE), and 35 patients (24.3%) with both (LVAE). All patients had positive blood cultures and 63/119 (52.9%) had positive lead cultures. The predominant organism in blood was Staphylococcus aureus (42.4%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (20.1%). CIED removal occurred in 131 patients (91%). There were 25 deaths during the index hospitalization and 34 total deaths (24.3%) by 6 months. Mortality correlated with age >75 (P = 0.023) and sepsis on presentation (P = 0.052). Infecting organism, site of VEG, and device removal did not impact the risk of death. Conclusion Definite CIED-IE is relatively common. The majority of patients tend to have late-onset infection and often present with sepsis. S. aureus is the dominant organism causing definite CIED-IE. Isolated LAE occurs in 63% of patients. Older age and sepsis on admission are associated with higher mortality. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Abstract Background There is a paucity of data regarding financial trends for procedural reimbursement in the field of cardiology. A comprehensive understanding of such trends is important as continued progress is made to advance agreeable reimbursement models in cardiology while maintaining quality of care. Purpose To evaluate monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for 10 commonly utilized cardiology procedures from 2000 to 2018. Methods Reimbursement data was extracted using The Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the 10 included Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in cardiology. The utilized CPT codes included each of the top two most frequently billed codes in the echocardiology, catheterization, pacemaker, electrophysiology, and device integrations divisions of our local cardiology department during the 2017 calendar year. All monetary data for each code was adjusted for inflation to 2018 US dollars (USD) utilizing changes to the United States consumer price index (CPI). If the code was redefined throughout the study period, the correct replacement code was utilized for each year as defined by the procedure. The R-squared and both the average annual and the total percentage change in reimbursement were calculated based on these adjusted trends for all included procedures. Results After adjusting for inflation, the average reimbursement for all procedures decreased by 38.2% from 2000 to 2018. The greatest mean decrease was observed in transthoracic echocardiogram (−64.4%). The only procedure with an increased adjusted reimbursement rate throughout the study period was biopsy of heart lining (+60.4%). From 2000 to 2018, the adjusted reimbursement rate for all included procedures decreased by an average of 2.8% each year, with an average R-squared value of 0.81, indicating a stable decline throughout the study period. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate trends in procedural Medicare reimbursement for cardiology. When adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for included procedures has steadily decreased from 2000 to 2018. Increased awareness and consideration of these trends will be important for policy-makers, hospitals, and surgeons in order to assure continued access to meaningful cardiology care both at the local and global level.

Abstract Background Peripheral arterial disease is a marker of aggressive atherosclerosis. The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a simple and non-invasive tool to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients with PAD are at increased risk for ischemic strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. Purpose To evaluate the association of abnormal ABI and poorly compressible vessels with ischemic stroke in a large patient cohort. Methods We analyzed lower extremity vascular studies of all patients with ABI measurements at a tertiary care hospital between January 1996 and August 2018. PAD is defined as ABI<1.0, and poorly or non-compressible (PC/NC) arteries as ABI>1.4 while ABI between 1.0–1.4 is normal. Association of these ABIs with new ischemic stroke events post ABI measurement were analyzed after adjusting for high risk confounders such as atrial fibrillation. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional regression with 95% confidence intervals. Results In total, 38,016 unique patients (mean age 66.1±14.8 years, female 42.3%) were included. Abnormal ABI was found to be more prevalent among elderly male patients compared to patients with normal ABI. In contrast to non-PAD patients, both PAD and PC/NC patients as defined by ABI had a statistically significant risk of ischemic stroke, with PAD conferring the greatest risk compared to PC/NC vessels. The data is summarized in Table 1. Table 1 Unadjusted HR p-value Adjusted HR p-value PAD vs. No PAD 2.77 (2.62, 2.92) <0.001 2.10 (1.98, 2.22) <0.001 PC/NC vs. No PAD 2.11 (1.95, 2.28) <0.001 1.38 (1.26, 1.51) <0.001 PAD vs. PC/NC 1.37 (1.28, 1.46) <0.001 1.37 (1.28, 1.48) <0.001 Adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios with p-values. HR adjusted for age, sex, atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, chronic heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. PAD = Peripheral artery disease and PC/NC = poorly compressible/non-compressible. Conclusion This study adds to the growing body of evidence that PAD and poorly-compressible vessels are independently associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Given the associated risk of cerebrovascular disease, clinicians should aggressively treat to minimize risk factors in those with abnormal ABIs.

Abstract Introduction Lower extremity physiologic studies are an important non-invasive diagnostic tool in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD and atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Purpose To evaluate the association between PAD and new-onset AF and the risk of stroke. Methods We performed a study of all patients without AF undergoing ankle-brachial index (ABI) for any indication between January 1996 to June 2018. The ABI cut-off were as follows: abnormal ABI (0–0.99), normal ABI (1.00–1.39) and poor vessel compressibility (PC) (1.40+). Demographic, comorbidity, and outcome variables were extracted using the electronic medical record. Results Overall, 34,441 patients (mean age 66.8±14.3, 57.3% male, 88.2% white) were included in the study with a median follow-up of 7.2 years (interquartile range, 3.0–12.9 years). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed increased risk of new-onset AF for male sex, older age, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease stage III or greater, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer (all p<0.0001). After adjustment, ABI results were significantly associated with new-onset AF, particularly poorly-compressible vessels (adjusted HR: 1.42 (1.30–1.55), p<0.0001) compared to abnormal ABI (adjusted HR: 1.12 (1.05–1.20), p=0.0012). Patients with atrial fibrillation were more likely to experience ischemic stroke (39.2% versus 16.1%, p<0.0001). Conclusion Abnormalities in ABI results, particularly poorly-compressible vessels, are independently associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation in a large ambulatory cohort. While the mechanism cannot be assessed, common inflammatory mechanisms and increased vascular stiffness may play an important role. Identification of AF in these at-risk patients may improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Abstract Background Based on previously published data, routine myocardial perfusion imaging in diabetics is not recommended. Selecting patients with diabetes and high risk cardiovascular features could be important to improve the yield of physiologic assessment of the coronary arteries disease and subsequently patient outcome. Purpose We posed the question whether nuclear stress testing has a better yield by selecting diabetic individuals with known vascular disease. Methods We analyzed records for 15,392 diabetics from 1996 to 2009 with and without vascular disease. Vascular disease is defined as carotid vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or peripheral arterial disease. There was 2457 myocardial perfusion studies performed within 2 years of the vascular evaluation. We studied the results of these stress testing in each group and evaluated for the presence of myocardial ischemia. Multivariate Cox proportional regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals after adjusting for age, gender. Results Of those who underwent myocardial perfusion studies 1819 were diabetic with vascular disease group A (mean age 67.8, 70.5% female) and 638 were diabetic without vascular disease group B (mean age 64.5 years, 67.1% female). There was at least one reversible defect suggest myocardial ischemia in 225 and 758 studies in group A and B respectively. Comparing outcome based on the presence of myocardial ischemia in group A without vascular disease, those with vascular disease did have an increased risk of myocardial infarction (adjusted HR: 1.630, 95% CI: 1.281–2.074) and death (adjusted HR: 1.646, 95% CI: 1.413–1.918). Conclusion Myocardial perfusion imaging is a reasonable test in patients with diabetes and vascular disease. The presence of myocardial ischemia is more common and is associated with worse cardiovascular outcome. Acknowledgement/Funding None

AbstractPatients with atrial fibrillation often undergo repeat catheter ablation for the recurrence of tachyarrhythmia. If the pulmonary veins were isolated in prior procedure, the operator should focus on substrate homogenization with identification and ablation of only arrhythmogenic areas.