INTRODUCTION: Effect on left ventricular (LV) contractility of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with implantation of bare-metal stents in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) of coronary arteries (CA) has not been completely studied. Aim of this study was to assess effect of PCI with implantation of bare-metal stents ("L+", Relisys, U) on LV ejection fraction (EF) and to investigate clinical and angiographical factors capable to affect restoration of LVEF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included in this study 154 patients after successful implantation of bare-metal stents in CTO of main epicardial CA. For assessment of LV function we performed echocardiographical examination before and in 6 months after PCI. RESULTS: Significant increase of LV EF (from 50.4 +/- 10.7 to 56.1+/-11.3%, p<0.0001), decreases of LV end diastolic (from 86.2+/-17.9 to 80,8+/-18,1 ml/m2, p<0.001) and end systolic (from 41.4+/-14.9 t 34.7+/-13.8 ml/m2 (p<0,001) volumes took place after implantation of stents. Multivariate analysis showed that initial LVEF <50%, duration of occlusion <2 months and absence of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of improvement of LVEF. CONCLUSION: Implantation of bare-metal stents in patients with CTO CA affects positively LVEF during first 6 months after PCI especially in patients with lowered LVEF, in patients without diabetes mellitus, and duration of occlusion less or equal 2 months.
INTRODUCTION: Effect on left ventricular (LV) contractility of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with implantation of bare-metal stents in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) of coronary arteries (CA) has not been completely studied. Aim of this study was to assess effect of PCI with implantation of bare-metal stents ("L+", Relisys, U) on LV ejection fraction (EF) and to investigate clinical and angiographical factors capable to affect restoration of LVEF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included in this study 154 patients after successful implantation of bare-metal stents in CTO of main epicardial CA. For assessment of LV function we performed echocardiographical examination before and in 6 months after PCI. RESULTS: Significant increase of LV EF (from 50.4 +/- 10.7 to 56.1+/-11.3%, p<0.0001), decreases of LV end diastolic (from 86.2+/-17.9 to 80,8+/-18,1 ml/m2, p<0.001) and end systolic (from 41.4+/-14.9 t 34.7+/-13.8 ml/m2 (p<0,001) volumes took place after implantation of stents. Multivariate analysis showed that initial LVEF <50%, duration of occlusion <2 months and absence of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of improvement of LVEF. CONCLUSION: Implantation of bare-metal stents in patients with CTO CA affects positively LVEF during first 6 months after PCI especially in patients with lowered LVEF, in patients without diabetes mellitus, and duration of occlusion less or equal 2 months.