Association of Preprocedural SYNTAX Score With Outcomes in Impella-Assisted High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background

Patients with complex coronary artery disease, as defined by high SYNTAX scores, undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have poorer outcomes when compared with patients with lower SYNTAX I scores. This study aimed to assess if mechanical circulatory support using Impella mitigates the effect of the SYNTAX I score on outcomes after high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HRPCI).

Methods

Using data from the PROTECT III study, patients undergoing Impella-assisted HRPCI between March 2017 and March 2020 were divided into 3 cohorts based on SYNTAX I score—low (≤22), intermediate (23-32), and high (≥33). Procedural and clinical outcomes out to 90 days were compared between groups. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of SYNTAX I score on major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 90 days.

Results

A total of 850 subjects with core laboratory–adjudicated SYNTAX I scores were identified (low: n = 310; intermediate: n = 256; high: n = 284). Patients with high SYNTAX I scores were older than those with low or intermediate SYNTAX I scores (72.7 vs 69.7 vs 70.1 years, respectively; P < .01). After adjustment for covariates, high SYNTAX I score remained a significant predictor of 90-day MACCE (hazard ratio [HR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.42-3.69; P < .01 vs low), whereas intermediate SYNTAX I score was not (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.47-1.77; P = .80 vs low). These findings persisted after adjustment for post-PCI SYNTAX I score.

Conclusions

A high SYNTAX I score was associated with higher rates of 90-day MACCE in patients who underwent Impella-assisted HRPCI. Further research is needed to understand the patient and procedural factors driving this finding.