JACC. Cardiovascular interventions
Audio Summaries

Drug-Coated Balloon-Based Angioplasty for Chronic Total Occlusions: The PICCOLETO X Study

Jul 27, 2026

The PICCOLETO X study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) revascularization strategies in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs). The results indicated that DCB-based approaches, whether used alone or in combination with stents, resulted in favorable one-year clinical outcomes without significant differences in target vessel failure rates between the two treatment strategies. This suggests that DCB strategies may be a viable alternative to traditional stenting in CTO cases.

A Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention for Invasively Confirmed ANOCA: The SAMCRO Randomized Trial

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether a multidomain lifestyle intervention could improve health status and quality of life in patients with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA). The SAMCRO randomized trial found that patients receiving the intervention, which included exercise training, dietary counseling, and psychological support, experienced significantly greater improvements in their Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores compared to those receiving standard therapy alone. These findings suggest that integrating lifestyle changes can enhance patient-reported outcomes in this population.

Trends and Outcomes of Antithrombotic Strategies for Valve-in-Valve TAVR: The STS/ACC TVT Registry

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the trends, variability, and clinical outcomes of antithrombotic strategies used after valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States, as the optimal approach remains unclear. Their analysis of data from the STS/ACC TVT Registry revealed a significant decline in dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) use and an increase in single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), with no significant differences in all-cause mortality, stroke, or bleeding outcomes among the different strategies. The findings highlight the need for randomized trials to establish evidence-based guidelines for antithrombotic management in this patient population.

Impact of Aortic Annulus Size on Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement: The PARTNER 3 Trial

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate how aortic annulus size affects outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in the PARTNER 3 trial. Their analysis found that five-year clinical outcomes, including rates of death, stroke, and rehospitalization, were similar for both TAVR and SAVR regardless of annular size, indicating that annulus size does not significantly influence the effectiveness of either treatment modality.

Timing of Bleeding and Ischemic Events in High-Bleeding Risk Patients Treated With 1-Month DAPT

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the timing of bleeding and ischemic events in high bleeding risk patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while on 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). They found that both major bleeding and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were most frequent within the first 30 days post-PCI, but MACE rates significantly surpassed bleeding rates after this initial period, indicating a need for dynamic treatment strategies in this patient population.

SGLT2 Inhibitor on Infarct Size and LV Remodeling by CMR in Patients With AMI

Jul 27, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy on myocardial injury and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The findings indicated that SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly reduce infarct size or improve LV remodeling at the 6-month follow-up compared to the control group. Thus, the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this context may not confer the anticipated cardioprotective benefits.

Retrograde CTO PCI via Epicardial Collaterals: Techniques, Tools, and Risk Mitigation

Jul 27, 2026

This review addresses the challenges and techniques associated with retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) via epicardial collaterals, particularly when septal collaterals are not viable. The authors aim to provide interventionalists with practical guidance on the latest devices and methods to enhance safety and efficacy, while also discussing strategies for risk mitigation during these complex procedures.

Clopidogrel vs Aspirin According to Diabetes Mellitus: A Prespecified Analysis of the SMART-CHOICE 3 Trial

Jul 16, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel versus aspirin monotherapy in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Their analysis of the SMART-CHOICE 3 trial found that clopidogrel significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events compared to aspirin in DM patients, without increasing bleeding risk. Additionally, the study indicated no significant interaction between the presence of DM and the effectiveness of the antiplatelet therapies regarding these outcomes.

SCAI/ASE/HRS/SIR/SVS Expert Consensus Statement on Enhanced Radiation Protection: Time for Mandatory and Urgent Action

Jul 14, 2026

The authors aim to address the significant occupational hazards faced by healthcare professionals in fluoroscopic laboratories due to prolonged exposure to iodizing radiation and the inadequacy of current protective measures. They advocate for the mandatory implementation of enhanced radiation protection devices (ERPDs) and outline the ethical and legal responsibilities of various stakeholders to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. The consensus statement emphasizes the need for updated regulations, training, and ongoing research to optimize radiation safety practices in the field.

Abbreviated DAPT Regimens Across the Entire Spectrum of Bleeding Risk According to the PRECISE-HBR Score

Jul 13, 2026

The study investigates the utility of the PRECISE-HBR score as a risk stratification tool for determining the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing coronary stenting, particularly those at high bleeding risk. The findings suggest that patients with a very high bleeding risk (PRECISE-HBR score ≥27) benefit significantly from a 1-month DAPT regimen, experiencing reduced bleeding without an increase in ischemic events compared to a 3-month regimen. This highlights the importance of personalized DAPT duration based on bleeding risk assessment.