Investigator Publishes New Report on Heart Disorders and Diseases

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have found that PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) does not improve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or heart failure outcomes for most patients with stable ischemic cardiomyopathy (SICM). The study aimed to identify specific subgroups of SICM patients who might benefit from PCI. A cohort of 200 patients was randomly selected and analyzed for correlations between variables and change in LVEF.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that PCI does not improve LVEF or heart failure outcomes for most patients with SICM.
  • Specific subgroups of SICM patients may have a LVEF and clinical benefit from PCI.
  • Variables such as target vessel subtending 20% of the LV, hibernation+ischemia scar, timely pre- and post-PCI echos, and no intercurrent treatment influencing change in LVEF were assessed for correlation with change in LVEF.
  • Mean age of the patients was 69±10 years, with 76% being male, 52% having diabetes, and baseline LVEF of 35±11%.
  • Post-PCI LVEF was 39±11%, with a median follow-up of 35 months.
  • Variables such as medication usage, presence of an ICD, baseline LVEF 35%, prior CABG, and scar were independently correlated with improvement in LVEF.
  • Patients with none of these factors had an improvement in LVEF of 5.5±7.4%.
  • Post-PCI LVEF and change in LVEF were independently correlated with reduced risk of clinical events.

Statistics:

  • 1702 consecutive SICM patients were treated between 2009-2023.
  • 200 patients were randomly selected for screening to meet final inclusion criteria.
  • Mean age of the patients was 69±10 years.
  • 76% of the patients were male.
  • 52% of the patients had diabetes.
  • Baseline LVEF of 35±11% was obtained a median 9 days before PCI.
  • Post-PCI LVEF of 39±11% was obtained at a median 132 days.
  • Median follow-up was 35 months.

Sources:

  • "Predicting LVEF after PCI and Its Effect on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Stable Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and LVEF 50." The American Journal of Cardiology, 2025.
  • Cleveland Clinic. The Heart, Thoracic and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Contact: Stephen G. Ellis.