Vitamin K2 serves an important role in cardiovascular health through regulation of calcium homeostasis. Its effects on the cardiovascular system are mediated through activation of the anti-calcific protein known as matrix Gla protein. In its inactive form, this protein is associated with various markers of cardiovascular disease including increased arterial stiffness, vascular and valvular calcification, insulin resistance and heart failure indices which ultimately increase cardiovascular mortality. Supplementation of vitamin K2 has been strongly associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes through its modification of systemic calcification and arterial stiffness. Although its direct effects on delaying the progression of vascular and valvular calcification is currently the subject of multiple randomised clinical trials, prior reports suggest potential improved survival among cardiac patients with vitamin K2 supplementation. Strengthened by its affordability and Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA)-proven safety, vitamin K2 supplementation is a viable and promising option to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Objective
Determining the outcomes of transcatheter coil embolization (TCE) for several coronary artery lesions.
Background
TCE has been used as a treatment modality for various lesions in the coronary circulation. However, data on the efficacy and safety of TCE to treat coronary artery fistula (CAF), left internal mammary artery (LIMA) side‐branch, coronary artery perforation (CAP), coronary artery aneurysm (CAA), and coronary artery pseudoaneurysm (CAPA) are limited.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, descriptive analysis of all TCE devices in coronary lesions at our center from 2007 to 2019. Forty‐one studied lesions included 25 CAF, 7 LIMA side‐branch, 5 CAP, 2 CAA, and 2 CAPA. Short‐ and 1‐year mortality and hospital readmission were reported, in addition to coil‐related complications and procedural success.
Results
The utilization rate of TCE in coronary artery lesions at our center was found to be 33.8 per 100,000 percutaneous coronary intervention procedures over 12 years. Successful angiographic closure was achieved in 37 out of 41 (87.8%) cases (88, 100, 60, 100, and 100% of CAF, LIMA side‐branch, CAP, CAA, and CAPA, respectively). No adverse events were directly related to TCE among the LIMA, CAA, and CAPA cases, and only one patient with CAF required reintervention at 3 months due to coil migration.
Conclusions
Coil embolization in our institution was safe and effective in treating different coronary circulation abnormalities with a 87.8% overall success rate. Further study on the use of vascular plug devices in cases such as CAF or LIMA side‐branch would be beneficial to understand the treatment options better.
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